I have since talked to a couple different people who have had the procedure and they are glad they did. However, both said they didn't notice the other symptoms lighten up. :-( I am not sure about having the procedure done now. Like I mentioned before, I am so used to the heavy bleeding, that wasn't the initial reason for the visit. I want my sanity back.
((sigh)) Wondering what else and other options there might be.
The only problem that occurred was they couldn't get my spinal in, so they just knocked me out. Quick and easy. I was informed about all the "what could bes" but decided it was worth the shot, if things didn't go right I would have a hysterectomy which was my next step if this didn't work anyway. I had no discomfort afterwards. A little cramping if I over exerted myself for a few weeks. I did have a discharge for a number of weeks afterwards, probably close to 6 weeks, which I did have to wear a panty liner continuously.
I have cycled 2X since the surgery and I have had 2 days each cycle that after using the restroom I would wipe and there would be blood "period".
but nothing more then that. As far a PMS or Cramping during. I use to gain approx 5-7lbs ever month around my cycle. I have not noticed anymore then a 2-3lbs weight gain (because I do still crave sweets and carbs) But this is minimal compared to before. I was very very emotional and just a mean,and a rude person the week before my cycle, I have noticed that I am not as tense, my manner has changed, i am no longer mean or rude. I am still emotional but I must have to chalk that up to genetics now, being I have a emotional family. I did read somewhere on one of these chats that a women had the feeling of pulling or kind of cramping after the surgery her Dr. said not to worry. I as well have that pulling feeling occasionally, just when moving around or over exerting myself. I figure it is scare tissue, an not really concerned to much about the issue. It is not causing me any real problems.
My cycle has come and gone for 2 months now without barely any notice. The mental state is much more calm, the physical state is not bloated and out of control, and the bleeding is 100% tolerable. This was somethiing that worked wonderfully for me and I wouldn't have changed a thing. I understand it doesn't work for everyone, I was told of all the risks, and Dr. did tell me all the steps that would be taken. He in dept explained the machine and how it works. And what would happen if it punctured through my utereun wall. He said I still had a chance on still heavy bleeding, But that was a totally different diagonsis and would end up with totall removal of uterus. I as well educated myself on all the pros and cons. I knew what to expect and expected the worst. I didn't walk into this blind and my fingured crossed that I would walk of there 100% cured.
Anyone thinking of doing this my advice is educate and find a Dr. that is informational and knows what he/she is doing. Not one that went to the seminar and read a flyer and THINKS they know what they are doing. Find out your dr. Track record on this procedure. My Dr. had only done this 80 other times ( small town) but his track record was 79/1. I have had him for many years, he really cares for his patients.
Good luck to you and your journey in finding "Freedom" I do pray it goes as well for whomever may be considering this. Hope you find my experience informational.
Guest wrote:
Hello. I had a hysteroscopy, d & c, polypectomy & novasure done this past Thursday, Aud 23, '07.
Here's my story: After about 2 years of increased heavy bleeding and longer menstrual periods, I began to soak through 2 pads every hour for several hours during my periods. The first time it happened, I ended up in the ER, getting 2 ultrasounds-- one from the outside, and then one vaginally. I discovered at that point that I had 2 intramuscular fibroids in my uterus approx. the size of almonds; and ovarian cysts in both ovaries. Nothing life-threatening, and, not really the cause of the heavier bleeding.
I went to a gynecologist for the first time since the birth of my last child-- 14 years ago. She did the pap smear, and then also an endometrial biopsy. The biopsy revealed a polyp, which was more likely the cause of the really heavy bleeding. After 2 months of phone tag & appt reschedules, that is, 2 more months of heavier (and scary!) bleeding, I made the decision to go ahead with the hysteroscopy & d & c. I had forgotten about the novasure procedure, which my Dr was kind enough to remind me of.
I would not recommend the procedure for anyone who is still considering having more children. The procedure burns the outer most lining of the uterus, the place where babies implant when you conceive, and so in order to carry the baby to almost term-- you will have a preemie-- bedrest the whole time you're pregnant. As I said earlier, my last baby was born 14 years ago. I'm 43; I'm done bearing children. Just sent #2 off to college.
How was the procedure? The aenesthesiologist & his nurse were very nice. I don't remember a thing. The last thing I do remember is them telling me they were ready to wheel me into the OR, hugging my husband & 2 daughters. The next thing I know, I'm waking up, and the nurse is asking me how I feel. I didn't have nausea; I wanted to go pee as soon as I woke, and I was out of the hospital by 10:30-- 2 hrs after my surgery.
Afterwards: Serious burning pains when you urinate on the first day. Some light colored discharge, also. Days 2 & 3-- discharge has more blood in it, but just pink. SOme cramps, but nothing like I'd been experiencing. Watery bowel movements. But hey, at least I've had them. They want you to have them by the 3rd day after surgery, or you have to call them. So far, so good. I don't have to go back to work until Monday, so I'm taking it easy. I would've had my period this coming week, but I think she cleaned me out good. We'll see. I do wonder what my periods will be like now. I surfed the internet to find out all I could, and even though I've had testimonials-- a nurse in my ob/gyn office had it done 3 years ago, and said it was the best thing she could've done for herself. The jury's still out for me.
I can't take my periods anymore and have been suffering for as long as I can remember. I have severe pain (to the point of vomiting), clots and I guess heavy (don't have anything to compare it to). I get migraines now and it basically rules my life. I have about 1 week a month where I feel okay. I was considering a hysterectomy, but thought this would be less invasive.
Your advice would be helpful. Thanks!
The procedure went really well. I insisted on staying awake with no general anesthesia and no Versed so I would remember everything. Just had some light drugs. My doctor looked around first during a hysteroscopy and didn't see any fibroids. Did a D&C and measured my uterus and it was a perfect size. I was the perfect candidate. Didn't hurt at all, just felt very warm. I went into the OR at 11:00 a.m. and was home in my kitchen making a sandwich for lunch less than two hours later. No complications, the usual discharge for about a month.
Then a few months later I kept having severe pain in my lower left side. I thought I might have endometriosis or even diverticulitis as one friend suggested. I was not having any bleeding at all, so didn't really suspect my uterus. I have had pain in my left side for years anyway with my periods.
To make a long story short, eventually we found out that I had a bicornuate, or heart-shaped, uterus. Novasure will not work in that situation. The upper left "horn" of my uterus still had endometrium and was bleeding. My cervix and rest of the uterus was scarred over and there was no way out for the blood except out my left fallopian tube. Some months weren't too bad, but some months left me with up to two weeks of excruciating pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Blood is a big irritant in the abdominal cavity and some months it would leak out there and I would have hip pain, too.
Once they could see all this on an ultrasound - the shape of my uterus and the inflammation in my tube - my choices were to try to repeat the procedure or have a hysterectomy. I was never in this whole ordeal for major surgery and at age 51 should be close to menopause so chose to see if they could get through my cervix and try the hydro therm ablation technique instead, which is what I should have had in the first place.
I went back to surgery (this was almost a year later), still insisting on very little anesthesia. This time it was quite painful, but that was my silly decision! The surgery failed - the doctor wasn't able to get through my scarred cervix and ended up perforating my uterus. No problems or complications with that - I just had to stay a couple of hours to make sure I wasn't bleeding. I felt fine and walked out on my own later not feeling like I had anything done at all.
Now I am still waiting for menopause and don't want major surgery when I should be so close to having my periods stop altogether. I have stumbled onto a way to cope with the pain other than a ton of Advil. One month, about a week before my "internal" period, I was coming down with a cold and used zinc lozenges. I had read a study where zinc can get rid of cramps and wondered what it would do for me. Just like magic, I found out that using the zinc a week before my period gets me through it with using Advil only 3 or 4 times.
I know this sounds loony, but it really works for me. In months that I would forget to use enough zinc or not get started early enough, I would have a horrendous time. When I did remember to use it, I got through without much pain at all. Now I am using 30mg zinc tablets which is much easier than the lozenges you use for colds. I take 3 a day a week before my period (I am very regular at 26-27 days).
No bleeding at all, I have the pain under control. I think I will make it to menopause soon. I have been through a lot, though. The really rough months exhausted me and left me in tears many times. I could still participate in all my outdoor activities though since I wasn't bleeding externally.
I can only say - ASK YOUR DOCTOR TO MAKE SURE YOU DON'T HAVE A "HEART-SHAPED" UTERUS!!! It is not standard practice to screen for this since it only affects one woman out of about a thousand. I wish I had known! Some women know because it can make it difficult to get pregnant or carry to full term. I got pregnant easily and carried my son to within two days of my due date.
Good luck to all those considering this procedure. My doctor's wife had a really easy go of it with no problems. I would have, too, if not for the goofy defective uterus I was born with!
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Scroll down to the link about "Zinc Treatment Prevents Dysmenorrhea"
**edited by moderator** **web addresses are not allowed**
Has anyone else had similar experience and does it go away soon?
But for me, here is the worst part of my regret; I have always had lots of natural lubrication, even when I wouldn't be sexually stimulated, I was always moist. I had so much natural lubrication that is was a source of pride for me in the bedroom! But ever since I had the Novasure procedure done, I have DRIED up. DRY. I can assure you that this is a direct result because this happened as soon as the 5 or 6 weeks of post op bleeding stopped. I now have to use over the counter lube and I am pissed.
To make matters worse, the yeast infections are miserable. Because I do not have natural lube to help move it along while I treat them, they just stay. To complicate it more, my acne is worse since this procedure, and I've been taking antibiotics for the acne, and we know what happens when we take antibiotics, don't we? More yeast infections.
I have to admit, I am bitter about being talked in to this procedure by my doctor. I think my procedure just added numbers to her resume, and she put her interest before mine. I have only traded problems, and if I'd known what I was in for, I would have picked the heavy periods.
Please, ladies, buyer beware. I would not recommend Novasure to anyone.