Anemia - Ablation Procedure

Hi all, for those I've chatted with recently you've probably heard me mention being anemic - badly anemic and taking iron is only helping a little with the problem.

So, during my annual visit yesterday and at the urging of another doctor, asked about having an ablation procedure performed.

My question to the group is - has anyone had this done and was it successful in stopping your monthly blood loss issues?

Queen of anemia here......I have severe anemia. I suffered from anemia (mild) all my life, but after wls - it got severe. I also have bleeding ulcers and have had two episodes of massive internal bleeding - which scared the crap out of me. (And landed me once in the hospital for 6 days and the other time for 4 days!)
I take iron and it really does not help either.
I have explored the ablation procedure all ready with my doctor and ob/gyn. Ablation will help if you also have endometriosis, but generally nof if you have fibroids. Since it normally ends your monthly period - it also helps w/ the anemia. My doctor suggested a hysterectomy and I declined. (Personal reasons)
I have an appointment next week w/ a hematologist to explore options.

Anne

 I had it done (before I decided on a hysterectomy) and it stopped my monthly periods for exactly 2 months.  Like the previous person said, it works great for other things but if you have fibroids it is a temporary measure at best. 

I had several large fibroids and also PCOS so my decision to have a hysterectomy was made with careful consideration and consultation with 2 different gyns.  It turned out to be the best decision for me.  My suggestion is to research everything you can about your particular condition, and ablations,  and any other treatment you may be thinking of.   Ask lots and lots of questions until you are satisfied with the answers and if you aren't getting answers, move on to another do****il you do get them.  I bled heavily for 150 days straight and nearly lost my life, so it is important, especially after WLS, to solve whatever issue you may be having. 

Good luck with your research and decision.  

Toni

I had a cryoablation done about 1 month prior to WLS.   It was crazy for a while with the hormones raging from weight loss -  but after 3 months - I know only bleed for about 2-3 days - much lighter than I ever have -  and for some unknown reason - that coupled with the weight loss - has made me much more regular.................I was hoping to stop the periods - but it didn't....I guess I can't have everything that I want - huh?

Good Luck !!

I've suffered from various forms of anemia for the past 10 years. 2 years ago I became severely anemic and required weekly &  monthly iron IV infusions.  I had two doctors recommend that I have the ablation procedure to slow down or stop my periods. Wish I had done this procedure a decade ago!

For the first 4 months after the procedure I had no period then it returned but it was so light that it was not a big deal at all.  Last year I had one iron IV infusion.

I had another infusion right after my gastric bypass in May but that was due to severe blood loss during surgery.

 I've never had fibroids or PCOS so I can't comment on that aspect. But I would do the ablation again in a heartbeat. The after pain was less than the cramps I had with regular periods.

The day of surgery I went home, crawled into bed and took a pain pill. The next day I had one more pain pill and that was it. That night I went to an all night Girl's Card game and felt fine.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery regardless of your choices. You are doing the right thing in asking questions and doing the research on what is best for you!

Cheers, Tee

 

Lisa,

I have had anemia for decades thanks to my PCOS. After WLS it's just gotten worse. First recommendation of course is hysterectomy but I just don't want major surgery again, yet.

So my endocrinologist/PCP has me on Seasonique BC pills, which is 3 months of pills, then one week off for a cycle. BUT, she has me skipping the week off.  She says if I cycle once a year, at my age, I am fine. It seems to help with the exhaustion and anemia somewhat.  I am still very thin skinned (literally) and just a bump or scratch and I have instant bruising and excessive bleeding.

Anyway, it has certainly helped with the hormone trouble until I can get the time off to have surgery.

Thanks for the advise all!

I don't have PCOS, fibroids or other complications, just trying to stop the bleeding.  I've been anemic for well over a year now and it's reached dangerous levels...

On top of that, I can't take BC pills to help control the bleeding.  So, this seems to be my best solution.   If it doesn't work out, then I'll have to look at other options later.

Again, thanks for weighing in on the topic - as always, appreciate the advise, opinions and support.  Take care all!

I was also anemic due to heavy periods for years.  Even though my tubes have been tied for 18 years.  My ob/gyn suggested the Merina IUD.  Since I am 49 and going through menopause this has worked out great.  I have had it for 18 mts and only spot on occassion.  It will last for 5 years and my ob/gyn thinks I will be done with menopause during that time.  It took about 5 mts before my blood count came back up but it was worth it.  No iron pills, no iron infusions and no periods!

I had the Novasure procedure 2-3 years ago and I highly recommend it!  My periods are much lighter and more manageable! 

I had no history of other problems, just heavy bleeding as I got older.  I was told it would probably last a year or so but I've already gotten several years of relief.  If this hadn't worked, I'd have been looking at a hysterectomy so I'm thrilled!

Best of luck to you!
Laina
 

I had the ablasion 6 years ago.  I haven't had a menstrual cycle since then. 

As for recovery, basically I felt like I had given birth to a 24 lbs turkey.....but that passed after a couple of days.