ask: How is Her Option Cryoablation recovery for post-menopausal women? For cancer prevention?

Hi mother of the bride,

Have you been searching the EmpowHer site, as you mentioned that you were unaware of recovery issues until reading "these posts". (Trying to figure out what information to send you, based on what you've already read). What recovery issues are you referring to?

I have seen many women discuss the Her Option Cryoablation for reasons primarily regarding heavy bleeding. I know you are asking for other women's stories regarding cryoablation for deterring cancer cells, and in case you do not hear from any other women by tomorrow (when your procedure is scheduled), would you like some information on this procedure from the health and medical literature? (Again, not sure if you've already poured over this information, and are now just looking for other women to talk with about their personal experience).

Please let us know how your procedure goes tomorrow, and I am happy to find some information for you if it would help.

Thank you for your help. I've read mainly about the cramping and heavy bleeding. I'm hoping that won't be such an issue with me. But in reading many of these posts, I read nothing about cryoablation for reasons other than treatment for heavy periods. My doctor didn't say this but gave me the impression that the procedure is "no big deal". The first red flag came only yesterday when he prescribed some heavy duty pain meds. I started searching on-line and found this forum. So, yes, I would love to read anything that might be relative to situations like mine. Just haven't been able to find anything thus far.

Hi, I had a uterine ablation about 8 years ago (when I was 44). It was for treatment of heavy periods. I had light bleeding for nearly 30 days after the procedure. That concerned me, but my gyno said it was nothing to worry about.
I was prescribed Vicodin for about 3 days post op, although my pain was more a discomfort, rather than pain. I had more irritation from the bladder catheter, than from the ablation.

It took about a week for me to regain my strength and feel almost normal. except for the bladder irritation - which resolved in about 15 days. Good luck with your procedure. Heal quickly!

I had Her Option on June 22, 2009 due to excessive bleeding and anemia.
The procedure was easy and painless... no need for any medications.
However, I've had watery/blood discharge for 3 weeks now. I started my first period after the procedure just yesterday and the cramps are rather intense. The bleeding doesn't seem to have diminished compared to prior to the procedure. I've had to wear the large maxipads since the procedure and change every few hours due to the discharge (I'm hoping this will cease soon... it's getting to be a nuisance).
My doctor did not give me any information on these "after effects" of the procedure, so I've decided to share my experiences with others so they may be informed. At this point, I can't say that this procedure is successful or not... I'll update this site in another few weeks.
Nancy D.

I had thid procedure on June 20,2009 I didnt need to have anything for pain except for advil before the procedure.I had a some discharge since then and cant wait for it to stop.I havent had a period yet so I dont know if it has worked either,I will update this when anything changes.

I posted earlier and am providing an update.
My procedure was on June 22... it's now August 2.
Again, the procedure was painless. The discharge lasted about 4 weeks.... be sure to buy a BIG bag of Maxi pads the day before the procedure. I think I had a period, but not sure... it was very light.
I've had no other complications, so I'm leaning toward a "yes this is a valid option to hysterectomy" vote.
Nancy D

I am 44 and just had this procedure done yesterday, Aug. 13, 2009. I took 1 vicodin 2 hrs. prior to procedure. I was given 1 xanax and a shot of Toradol at the Dr. office prior to the procedure. I experienced some cramping during the procedure which took about 20 minutes. I had some discharge yesterday afternoon and some mild cramping. I have taken no further pain medication. I went for a walk this morning and have only had a small amount of watery discharge so far today. I think the reason I have had so little discharge is that i had the prodecure done just after having my period, so my uterine wall had recently shed. I think if you have it done closer to the time you expect to start your period, you will have more discharge. I was told that for the first 3 months following the procedure I may not see much difference in my periods, but by 6 months I should see the full benefits.

Valerie

I'm 41 and had cryoablation on August 11th. I've had water/bloody discharge for 18 months. Based on my ultrasound, I have adenomyosis, which means the cells lining my uterus are growing into the muscular walls of my uterus. The only reason to treat this is the symptoms - the daily water/bloody discharge. I could have tried progesterone but I have a history of not tolerating hormones. So I chose cyroablation to stop the bleeding. The procedure: I took Ibuprofene, 600 mg every 6 hours for 24 hours prior. 90 minutes prior I took Vicodin and Xanax. There were only one or two times I was really uncomfortable - I would not call it pain. And those times only lasted a few seconds. The rest of the day I was rather loopy and sleepy. I take several other drugs - lithium, lamictal and paxil - since I'm bi-polar so I'm sure the combo added to my loopy-ness. But I had no pain or discomfort. It has taken me the rest of the week to feel myself as far as getting the drugs out of my system and feeling rested but it hasn't been bad. I am having watery/blood discharge - irony - slightly more than I was having before! I'm able to use liners and it's only the first week. My doctor told me to expect 5-6 weeks of dischange. She also said I had a 20-30% chance of no longer having periods, more realistic to expect a 2-3 day light period monthly. Hope my experience helps. Good luck to everyone. Take care of yourselves.