Endometrial Ablation To Be Performed 26 March
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
March 19, 2013 4:03pm CST
What a day I've had! Fortunately, John has been around to get me through the afternoon at the hospital but it's all turned out well in the end.
Why?
Because I turned on the 'waterworks' for the doctor, that's why!
I was frustrated as I didn't know where to turn and told her that I 'just want to be normal,' then I cried. I also told her that I feel I am being punished for 'not having children.' Then I started crying again lol. She gave me some tissues then proceeded to give me my options.
Option 1: Carry on with the Mirena Coil until the 5 years is up (October 2015), then go on the Progesterone only Pill, the very Pill I've refused to take for the last 3 months. However, the fact that I'm about to go through the menopause is significant. My own doctor telling me a while back I can have 'back to back coils' is 'a waste of time in your case due to your age.'
1-0 to me then.
Option 2: An Endometrial Ablation. Basically, this is a procedure performed (in my case it will be under general anaesthetic due to my womb being looked at again in more detail) to burn away the lining of the uterus. It's the step before a hysterectomy but if the procedure does not work, I shall HAVE to have a hysterectomy.
I made the doctor laugh by telling her, 'Why don't we just cut all the stages out and go straight to the hysterectomy as I'll be one of the 22% of women it won't work with..as it's turned out with the Mirena Coil. In the good old days I could just go straight to the hysterectomy, that's it. Job done.'
She agreed with me, amazingly as the Mirena Coil has been used as a SUBSTITUTE for invasive surgery such as a hysterectomy. Nice of her to admit it. No-one else has I've spoken to in the past.
Anyway, a slot (cancellation) has become available for the ablation on 26th March, so, to me, it's fate and that's that.
When I went for the pre-op interview I was told I DO NOT HAVE ANGINA based on the treadmill test I did in April 2010. The ECG test was NORMAL. Why my own doctor TELLS ME I have mild angina and has done all this time I've no idea. What if I'd agreed to go on loads of tablets I didn't need? What are they playing at? I rang them up and was told the discharge notes mentions 'suspected angina' along with 'chest pain.' I told them they should get hold of a copy of the ECG from the hospital as it says the results are 'normal' therefore I do not have angina, 'mild' or otherwise. Then I got an apology I should have had months ago.
Even my ECG and blood pressure tested today at the hospital were normal.
I feel like running a marathon I'm that over the moon; at the fact I don't have mild angina and the fact I can have my much-needed ablation after all.
I was frustrated as I didn't know where to turn and told her that I 'just want to be normal,' then I cried. I also told her that I feel I am being punished for 'not having children.' Then I started crying again lol. She gave me some tissues then proceeded to give me my options.
Option 1: Carry on with the Mirena Coil until the 5 years is up (October 2015), then go on the Progesterone only Pill, the very Pill I've refused to take for the last 3 months. However, the fact that I'm about to go through the menopause is significant. My own doctor telling me a while back I can have 'back to back coils' is 'a waste of time in your case due to your age.'
1-0 to me then.
Option 2: An Endometrial Ablation. Basically, this is a procedure performed (in my case it will be under general anaesthetic due to my womb being looked at again in more detail) to burn away the lining of the uterus. It's the step before a hysterectomy but if the procedure does not work, I shall HAVE to have a hysterectomy.
I made the doctor laugh by telling her, 'Why don't we just cut all the stages out and go straight to the hysterectomy as I'll be one of the 22% of women it won't work with..as it's turned out with the Mirena Coil. In the good old days I could just go straight to the hysterectomy, that's it. Job done.'
She agreed with me, amazingly as the Mirena Coil has been used as a SUBSTITUTE for invasive surgery such as a hysterectomy. Nice of her to admit it. No-one else has I've spoken to in the past.
Anyway, a slot (cancellation) has become available for the ablation on 26th March, so, to me, it's fate and that's that.
When I went for the pre-op interview I was told I DO NOT HAVE ANGINA based on the treadmill test I did in April 2010. The ECG test was NORMAL. Why my own doctor TELLS ME I have mild angina and has done all this time I've no idea. What if I'd agreed to go on loads of tablets I didn't need? What are they playing at? I rang them up and was told the discharge notes mentions 'suspected angina' along with 'chest pain.' I told them they should get hold of a copy of the ECG from the hospital as it says the results are 'normal' therefore I do not have angina, 'mild' or otherwise. Then I got an apology I should have had months ago.
Even my ECG and blood pressure tested today at the hospital were normal.
I feel like running a marathon I'm that over the moon; at the fact I don't have mild angina and the fact I can have my much-needed ablation after all.4 people like this
14 responses
@ElicBxn (63638)
• United States
19 Mar 13
Finally!!!
I can't believe you have had to run through all these laps and jump through all these hoops.
I think you should've got to this lady in the FIRST PLACE!!!
And that they can get you in so quick is a clear indication that this should've been done 3 years ago!!!
2 people like this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Mar 13
Every time I go to the hospital I see someone different but, fortunately for me, this the doctor in question actually LISTENED to what I had to say..intently. She wasn't even that bothered that I'd refused to take the Pill. I'm so glad she didn't kick off like my own doctor. Mum has described HIM as a male chauvinist and I think she's right!
I was lucky about the cancellation but I see what you mean..if this had happened 3 years ago I wouldn't be in this mess now. There is also a 23% chance that this won't work either but I'm willing to take the chance as it's a good excuse to have the Coil taken out 2 and a half years early, which can't be a bad thing. If this op doesn't work I shall have a hysterectomy, that I do know.
3 people like this
@renkinjutsushi (716)
• United States
20 Mar 13
The really sad thing is that you need the excuse to get the coil out. "This isn't working for me, take it out" should be more than enough! 
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
19 Mar 13
hi janey I am glad you and your doctor finally agreed about the mirena coil. So you will have your ablation done on March 26 which is my wed just a memory of my 33 years of marriage. I do hope all goes well and you get to feeling great again .I am glad you do not really have angina as that will be a big help in feeling better too.
My best wishes go with yuo into ojr ablation. good l uck anmd Fod Bless.
2 people like this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Mar 13
Well, it was actually someone I'd never seen before..yet another doctor to add to my ever-growing list. However, she DID know what she was talking about. She was very calm and serene too which helped me enormously. I wish she could be my doctor all the time in fact, lol.
So, the 26th is your wedding anniversary? Aww, no doubt you will be thinking about your departed husband. How long ago was it he passed away? That date is two days after my birthday as well..but don't tell anybody..OK?
So, the 26th is your wedding anniversary? Aww, no doubt you will be thinking about your departed husband. How long ago was it he passed away? That date is two days after my birthday as well..but don't tell anybody..OK?2 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47611)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
19 Mar 13
Does this mean we don't have to find a sneaky way to wish you a happy birthday, Janey?
@cynthiann (18602)
• Jamaica
19 Mar 13
I am so glad that all your womanly parts are at last being sorted. You must feel so happy about it all. Best of luck and I hope that all goes well. Brilliant about not having angina too
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Mar 13
I feel like my life has been on hold because of the non-existent angina. Sometimes I wish I was an American because I'd be getting my sueing head on now lol.
1 person likes this
@francesca5 (1344)
•
20 Mar 13
That sounds like progress, you are getting what you want, at last. I can understand why they would prefer to not perform a hysterectomy if they can avoid it, because it is invasive surgery, and if it were me I would take the opposite view, I would hold on to mine whatever. But thats just a different point of view.
Not having angina is also good news, as thats a strange thing, as I recently went to the diabetes clinic at the local hospital and was told I had to high blood pressure, and then I went to the local doctors and it wasn't. But in the period when I thought there was a problem it seriously undermined my confidence in my health, and made me want to do less, it was really weird.
So now you can stop worrying about that.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Mar 13
That's exactly what's been happening with me, as far as the angina that never was, is concerned. Like you, the doctor (or nurse to be exact) reckoned I had high blood pressure and the ladies at the hospital (who took my blood pressure both sitting and standing up) said the opposite. I, too, haven't been exercising as well as I should purely due to the fact I thought I had angina.
I wish I'd not sold my bike now, especially after watching the awesome Sir Bradley Wiggins on his bike earlier. Talk about inspiring!
@francesca5 (1344)
•
21 Mar 13
Its is strange, being told there might be something wrong with my blood pressure scared me into being inactive, it didn't make me do more exercise.
You can now increase your physical activity level again.
I think its partly because there are all these people who think that they can scare us into living healthier lifestyles, by telling us how much a healthy heart matters, but things don't always work that way, sometimes the negative stories can sound so bad they are more scary then the positive things we are supposed to do.
That happened when I was young, when I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, I was told all these terrible stories about what would happen if I didn't control my blood sugar, but they were so scary it pushed me into denial, not accepting there was a problem, rather than actually trying to control my blood sugar better.
Fortunately for me all these terrible predictions have not come true, but its quite interesting how too many scare stories can have the opposite effect to that intended.
1 person likes this
@renkinjutsushi (716)
• United States
20 Mar 13
Progress! Finally!
Worst-case scenario, the coil will be out and the way will be paved for a hysterectomy. Best-case scenario, the ablation will be the end of it for you. Either way, it sounds promising! 
Is there an advisory board or similar agency you could file a complaint with about your doctor for misleading you about the angina? I think that would be the least I'd do if he was my doctor. He's been nothing but a thorn in your side through this whole thing, from what you've posted here. 
Worst-case scenario, the coil will be out and the way will be paved for a hysterectomy. Best-case scenario, the ablation will be the end of it for you. Either way, it sounds promising!
Is there an advisory board or similar agency you could file a complaint with about your doctor for misleading you about the angina? I think that would be the least I'd do if he was my doctor. He's been nothing but a thorn in your side through this whole thing, from what you've posted here. 2 people like this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Mar 13
Top be honest, I didn't help by discharging myself the second night. I was moved to a horrendous ward, I felt better and thought I'd catch something worse if I'd stayed! So I discharged myself. If I'd stayed overnight the second time I probably would've found out I'd not got angina. However, subsequent visits to my own doctor revealed that they thought I did have angina. Obviously, there has been a breakdown in communication between my doctor and the hospital i.e. my ECG results, so the fact I rang them about this yesterday will, hopefully, ensure their records are updated.
You're right about the ablation too. If it doesn't work (highly likely with my past history) the next stage will definitely be a hysterectomy..and that will DEFINITELY work.
Happy Days!
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
20 Mar 13
Good job, Janey. I hope it all goes as you wish. I am working until midnight tonight then picking my sister up at 6 am tomorrow to go to a nearby Regional Hospital for another heart cath procedure. She has carried nitro pills for at least six or seven years, probably more like ten. She does not have angina either according to this cardiologist. When a slot comes open it is time to go. Just another week, girl, for you.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Mar 13
Pass on my good wishes to your sister please. I wasn't looking forward to my hospital visit yesterday and look at the outcome? Wasn't what I expected at all..so, I shall think positive from now on, both for me and others such as your sister who aren't very well either.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
23 Mar 13
Well, he's having the day off so he can take me there (I have to be there for 8am), then he will go home, then I'll probably contact him on a phone at the hospital for him to pick me up in the afternoon.
Outwardly, he will be calm but inwardly he will worry 'cos that's what he's like.
Bless 'im!
@BarBaraPrz (47611)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
19 Mar 13
YAY!!!
Now, let's keep our fingers and toes crossed that this does the job. (I'm assuming they'll be taking out the coil?)
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Mar 13
I was told they were, yes but I shall have that clarified on the day as patients are always interviewed beforehand in order to give their consent.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Mar 13
So do I my friend. I'm feeling upbeat for once. The fact I don't have angina either has been a revelation but I promise I won't 'slack' and started eating crap lol.
1 person likes this
@yoyo1198 (3641)
• United States
20 Mar 13
Wow! Wow!! Wow!!! and then just, Wow! This has been too long coming, girl. I am so pleased for you. And I know you're just riding high. So many of us were wanting you to get that damned coil out. Espesially me after I read up about it and all of the law suits that are being brought to the courts about that thing.
We didn't used to have an ablation before hysterectomies. We just went in and had it done. I did. Wasn't any hemming and hawing on the physicians part. I gave him my symptoms, told him I was 37 and had no plans for having children and the procedure was set up for the next week. I don't even understand the reason for an ablation and I'm a registered nurse. Worked in gyn/ob clinics for over 30 years and we didn't have to do any presurgery surgeries.
True, that was a few years ago when I had my hysterectomy('81). Maybe they've cooked up more procedures to make more money before you go in for yours.
Hell, 80% of the time, I already know what's wrong with me when I get to the doctor's office and tell him what the matter.
Well, anyway, I'm happy for you and will be waiting right here in this chair until I hear your procedure is all over and that you are doing fine. Janey, I'm so glad that coil is going to be coming out. I think you deserve a party.
True, that was a few years ago when I had my hysterectomy('81). Maybe they've cooked up more procedures to make more money before you go in for yours.
Hell, 80% of the time, I already know what's wrong with me when I get to the doctor's office and tell him what the matter.
Well, anyway, I'm happy for you and will be waiting right here in this chair until I hear your procedure is all over and that you are doing fine. Janey, I'm so glad that coil is going to be coming out. I think you deserve a party.1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Mar 13
I tell you something, I was exhausted by the time we got home yesterday. We were in the hospital for what seemed like an eternity..but it was well worth it in the end.
The best part was being able to have the ablation next week rather than wait about 3 months I think it is, on average.
I believe the Mirena Coil was introduced as a contraceptive initially. Then, when doctors found out that many women were experiencing lighter periods that's when it started being used to treat heavy periods as well. Also, it's saving money isn't it? Fewer hysterectomies being performed and all the risks associated with that.
However, I'm one of the 18% of women the Mirena Coil DOESN'T work for...and 20% of ALL women in the UK have a hysterectomy, whether they've had the Coil in the past or not. Interesting statistic isn't it? Also, there is a failure of 23% of women (and you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be one of them..told the doctor as well) who have had an ablation and it hasn't worked sufficiently.
I don't normally pray but I might do so on this occasion..but there again if the ablation doesn't work I shall HAVE to have a hysterectomy as that's the next step and the only one available to me.
The best part was being able to have the ablation next week rather than wait about 3 months I think it is, on average.
I believe the Mirena Coil was introduced as a contraceptive initially. Then, when doctors found out that many women were experiencing lighter periods that's when it started being used to treat heavy periods as well. Also, it's saving money isn't it? Fewer hysterectomies being performed and all the risks associated with that.
However, I'm one of the 18% of women the Mirena Coil DOESN'T work for...and 20% of ALL women in the UK have a hysterectomy, whether they've had the Coil in the past or not. Interesting statistic isn't it? Also, there is a failure of 23% of women (and you can bet your bottom dollar I'll be one of them..told the doctor as well) who have had an ablation and it hasn't worked sufficiently.
I don't normally pray but I might do so on this occasion..but there again if the ablation doesn't work I shall HAVE to have a hysterectomy as that's the next step and the only one available to me. @wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
20 Mar 13
I'm glad that things are moving along for you. No one should have to go through so much misery before getting something that will likely remedy the problem.
Hopefully, the procedure goes smoothly on the 26th.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Mar 13
Positive vibes are in order on that day I reckon..for the whole day as I don't know exactly the time I'm going in..just have to register at the Day Surgery at around 9am I would think. At least I know what it's like in there as I've been before.
@changjiangzhibin89 (16784)
• China
20 Mar 13
I am happy for you.Knowing the fact that you didn't have angina was a load off your mind.Wish the operation being successful !
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Mar 13
Thanks very much! I wasn't expecting to have such a positive outcome, to be honest but I'm glad things are finally moving in the right direction. I can't carry on as I am, that's for sure.
@natliegleb (5175)
• India
20 Mar 13
i have not heard about such type of surgery and even the cost seems to be bit low and that is what i can make of really after the ablation
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
20 Mar 13
Yes, it's certainly cheaper for the NHS to do an ablation rather than a hysterectomy, although I might end up having that anyway if this doesn't work. In that instance my argument for going straight in with a hysterectomy begins to make sense, if that's going to be the likely outcome in the end.
