Nine months ago I had a uterine ablation. I first wrote about it three months post-op, and that blog post continues to be one of the most popular I’ve ever written. I’ve lost count of how many women have been in touch to ask advice and opinion and to share their own story. Today, on International Women’s Day, it seemed fitting to write a brief update about the outcome of the procedure.
By way of a quick recap, I had menorrhagia, (very heavy menstrual bleeding), for several years. I tried the contraceptive pill, (progesterone only because I was over 40), the Mirena coil and tranexamic acid. Nothing worked and for 10 days out of 24 I would bleed heavily, pass clots and feel absolutely lousy. Some nights, I had to change my bedding several times. Some days, I didn’t dare leave the house. It impacted on my general well-being, my energy levels and my self-esteem. I felt unattractive, exhausted and thoroughly fed up.
Eventually, my GP referred me to a gynaecologist who listed me for a hysteroscopy, (a camera investigation of the uterus), and biopsies. I wrote an honest account about it which also resonated with countless women. The results came back as normal- nothing sinister or life-threatening, but the findings suggested that surgical intervention in the form of uterine ablation would benefit me. I was relieved and excited in equal measures.
I had the procedure last May and it changed my life. For the first five months after the operation, I had a light to medium bleed every 24-26 days. I still had premenstrual breast-tenderness and stomach cramps, but I expected this. The procedure doesn’t alter the hormonal aspect of the menstrual cycle. It was all completely manageable and what I assume a “normal” menstrual bleed must be like. No more flooding. No more hiding away. I was completely satisfied and absolutely delighted. In fact, I felt so much better after the first few weeks that I took the steps I needed to return to work in optometric practice; something I couldn’t have contemplated prior to the op.
But…it gets even better.
I haven’t had a period for four months now. Can you imagine the joy? I don’t believe I’ve gone through a sneaky menopause because I still get very mild premenstrual symptoms. I don’t have any other signs or symptoms of menopause either. Not only that, the same thing happened to a close friend of mine. She’s a year younger than me (I’m 45), and had the same procedure followed by two or three (light) menstrual bleeds and then no more. I like to think therefore that mine is a typical final result.
The outcome of uterine ablation has surpassed everything I’d hoped for. It was straight-forward with a very quick recovery time, so if you are suffering like so many, please do consider it. Quite simply, it has changed my life.
Happy International Women’s Day,
19 comments
I am so glad to hear you have had such a great outcome from this, Lizzy.
I had one too for the same reason. In fact, I was one of the first to have it which I think was approximately about 17 years ago now. I’ve lost track but I am pleased to say too, that it completely transformed my life.
I was close to being scheduled for a hysterectomy and then my GP at the time said she just found out about this latest technique. How glad am I she did?
Happy #IWD2019 xo
Hi Sharon. Oh that’s so good to hear. I too was worried I’d need a hysterectomy so was very relieved I didn’t. I didn’t realise it was such a new procedure. Aren’t we fortunate to live in this world of modern medicine. Much love xxxx
Thank you so much for this update, Liz. I’m seriously considering this procedure, it is mostly a matter of finding a convenient time to have it done. Your experience sounds like a dream! Xxx
I know exactly what you mean. I put up with it for too long because I knew that it may end up with surgical intervention and I was concerned about the general anaesthetic, especially because I’d never had one before. I was worried something might go wrong (being a lone parent makes me even more cautious). I’d say I was out if action for three days, the first of those being the day of the procedure. I stayed in bed a little later the following morning but the day after that I went for a pub lunch with Ian and my parents!! I know how much you’ve been suffering and I can’t recommend it enough xxxxx
Hi lizzy
I’ve written to you before about ablation as I too had it when I was about 40. Same result for me – fantastic very light bleed that lasts about 1 day and I only need a panty liner! No more flooding for me. I’m always telling friends who suffer to talk to their GP. Glad it was so successful for you too. 😌
Hi Louise. Yes, I remember. You’ve had a very successful outcome too. Since I write this post yesterday another friend got in touch to say she too had the same successful outcome. She was about 40 when she had it done. It feels like a miracle doesn’t it!! Have a lovely weekend Louise xxxx
So glad it worked out for you! It could have been a sneaky menopause, though – my periods stopped suddenly at 46, the only symptoms being heavy periods beforehand (but nothing like you were suffering) – no hot flushes, sleepless nights or any other symptoms, just – poof – stopped! Am now six years on, and thinking I had a lucky escape with all my friends now going through it.
Thank you Vicky. And how brilliant that you sailed through the menopause. I suppose I’ll find out sooner or later. I’d be very happy if this is it though!! xxxx
Here here Liz, the best decision i ever made. We need not suffer. Love you 😍
It really was. I’m so glad we’ve both had such a excellent outcome xxx
I’m so overjoyed for you Liz – I know how you had to revolve your life around those heinous few days every month and what an amazing outcome with your new job and allsorts. I think it’s wonderful that you’ve written about it here, I hope it helps other women in the same position and explains a lot of things for them x
Thank you Catherine. It has been totally, totally life-changing and I honestly can’t believe the difference it’s made xxxxz
Hi, I had this done a week ago. And even the recovery cramps are nothing compared to what I experienced before. I’m so thankful for a doctor who recommended it. Excited to see what other benefits I get.
Hi Shannon,
Oh I really hope you get a successful outcome like I have. It really was life-changing. Very best wishes and have a very happy summer xxx
I am booked in for this, I have the same terrible symptoms, flooding, clots the size of my hand, periods 8 days long but it’s like a miscarriage, I ruin furniture, bedding, clothes, for 3 days a month I can’t leave the house, this month in 1 day alone I went through 8 pairs trousers!! have tried pop pill due to my age (45) tranexamic acid, combined pill…. nothing works. Have a possible polyp and small fibroid but consultant says these will not be causing my terrible bleeding. I have now been booked for this procedure and I’m terrified! Terrified of the risks of what could go wrong ( my consultant said she didn’t blame me when I told her! – not what I wanted to hear!) But I have no other options left I have my pre OP on 24th June and I’ve heard so many scary stories of sepsis etc. So glad it worked for you
Hi Victoria. Gosh, reading this brought back all of those unpleasant memories.I was told at an ultrasound that I had small fibroids too but that they weren’t responsible for the flooding and clotting. It sounds like you have been through exactly the same and you’re the same age too. I can tell you that I was worried about having a general anaesthetic because I’d never had one before, but honestly, it was fine. The few hours afterwards weren’t pleasant, but by the following day I was fine. The procedure has been absolutely life-changing. On the scale of things, it’s a routine procedure and my consultant had done thousands over her career. Sepsis is very rare, especially in a normal, healthy adult. There are no wounds that might become infected and you shouldn’t need to stay in hospital. I wish you the very best of luck and I honestly recommend it to anyone in the same boat. do keep in touch and let me know how you get on. Much love, Lizzy xxx
Hello. I found your page by accident. I had my ablation done 6 weeks ago. It seemed successful and I had minimal pain. After about a week I was diagnosed with a uti, apparently because they may have dehydrated me during the procedure. I have had anti biotics, and now I’m left concerned as I have constant pain in my lower right back and I’m not sure if I have ovulation pain or something entirely different going on. I’d been searching on the internet to find what it may be, and everything I’ve read has been all the negative side effects that can result in having an ablation. After about 15 mins and wondering whether I’ve done the right thing for my body, wondering was my bleeding, my anaemia, the flooding, the constant mess I always found myself in every month, was it really that bad, coming across your blog was such a breath of fresh air. Thank you for showing me what I may be like in 9 mths from now. I hope mine turns out to be as successful as yours has been XX
Hi Gina,
Thank you for the lovely comment and please accept my apologies for the delay in replying. You poor thing having a UTI afterwards- the last thing you needed. I have been amazed by the difference it has made. I feel like a new person and I am completely free from all previous pain, discomfort, mess and so on. I know a few other women in person who have had an ablation and they have all had the same success as me. I wish you all the very best and hope it will be as life-changing for you as it has been for me. Much love xxx
Hi Elizabeth, I am due to have this on Saturday, Aug 2021, after being on the waiting list since January 2020 and being cancelled 3 times, hopefully it will go ahead this time. Its so nice to hear a true and detailed explanation about the procedure and afterwards, I know its different for everyone but your blog at least gives me hope. Thank you.