<p>Had the ablation about 10 years ago. Best. Decision. Ever. Done with all that stuff, no need for the plumbing. Things are so much better now. Already told D - when you are done with it, if it’s giving you grief just get it shut off!</p>
<p>What a miracle!</p>
<p>LOL! This discussion reminds of Connie Willis’ short story, “Even the Queen”</p>
<p>[Even</a> the Queen - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia](<a href=“http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Even_the_Queen]Even”>Even the Queen - Wikipedia)</p>
<p>I had it done when I was 35 after suffering through a period that lasted 6 months. Literally. My hubby was ready to either kill or divorce me. 
It was the best decision I have ever made.</p>
<p>Then 6 years later I started having cramps from hell, no bleeding due to the ablation, but I went through a Mega bottle of motrin in every month just to take the edge off the pain. After 6 months of this, I had a hysterectomy. Another good decision.</p>
<p>I had this done when I was 48. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner! Easy procedure, easy recovery.</p>
<p>I had a Novasure ablation last February due to extremely heavy periods and flooding. I initially had some complications afterward due to fibroids (bleeding and cramping starting ten days post op.) This required me to have a D&C and myomectomy a few weeks after the ablation. I have had no problems since and only minor spotting for my period. The anesthesia and recovery was easier than I expected, needing only prescription strength ibuprofen (3X the normal dosage of ibuprofen.)</p>
<p>I was contemplating an ablation for a while because I was having bleeding and kept having to see on/gym to check. Finally had menopause and its now moot. My understanding was that it was very safe and would have been our next step.</p>
<p>I’m in this group too. I am opposed to surgery for myself. I used BCP’s nonstop for a couple of years - then I turned 50 and my doctor said I couldn’t use those any more. He sent me to a surgeon and right off the bat I told her I didn’t want surgery. She prescribed tranexamic acid. It controls the heavy bleeding. When I first started using it I would still consider my bleeding to be heavy - but more of a normal heavy then 2 tampons and 3 pads all at one time that only lasted an hour - after the first two months of using it I was down to very normal flow and now I only take it for about 2 days and only 2 doses a day instead of three. It has been a relief to be “normal.” Believe me I understand wanting to get the plumbing out and get this process over with but I just did not want to go through that. For me - and I emphasize for me - the medication has been what I needed to get to the end of the natural process - at least so far.</p>
<p>Thank you, photo op, for the alternative view. I am naturally very, very conservative in my healthcare, and like most would like to avoid surgery if it is possible. This gives me more to talk to the doctor about. Again, thank you for sharing!</p>
<p>You might also ask about uterine fibroid embolization which was recommended to me for all the same symptoms. I did it at the age of 46 and it eliminated my fibroid pain (which put me to bed a couple of times a month) as well as my ghastly heavy periods which occurred every 20-22 days. I can’t remember why it was recommended over ablation, but I’m happy I chose that route. My life changed drastically for the better.</p>
<p>(Of course, this works only if you have fibroids–just saw your post #20)</p>
<p>After periods that lasted 2-3 weeks where an OB pad plus super tampon were flooded within an hour, I had a D&C with Novasure ablation. Best thing ever. Easy easy recovery. No more periods.</p>
<p>PhotoOp, an ablation does not remove the “plumbing”- it essentially cauterize a/destroys the lining of the uterus.</p>
<p>Phone call from GYN…So it looks like I am a good candidate for the ablation. Yay! But, she did mention my pap was unclear. ASC-US. Abnormal squamous cells of unknown significance. Coupled with a negative HPV test, it means I don’t do anything but get another pap next year. I know the ASC-US result can be triggered by other benign reasons, but the words squamous cells just feel worrisome. This getting older thing is kinda not fun! ;-)</p>