ASK

I had Her Option done September 26th. My period last month wasn't as bad as they have been in the past, but this month is horrible. No clots, but heavy bleeding and some pretty bad cramps and nausea. Please tell me there's a chance that next month will be better.

I was surprised at how much pain I was in immediately following the procedure. If I didn't know I wasn't pregnant, I would have thought I was in labor. The pain was severe, just like a hard contraction. And I hadn't even left the office yet! And the nausea... I didn't feel I was warned about that at all. I had major nausea the entire night and next day until I finally vomited. The DR. called me in an anti-nausea med and once I took that, I felt much better. The worst part after that was the bloating... couldn't get my pants buttoned hardly! I am still having discharge 8 days later (had the procedure Oct. 17), but I was told to expect it for several weeks. Anyone planning to have this procedure done, I would ask for an anti-nausea prescription just in case.

Honestly, my experience for the actual procedure wasn't too bad. I followed the doc's instructions to the letter, even setting my alarm if I needed to in order to take the medication on time. The first day, I definately needed my husband's help. It is a major procedure so of course you aren't going to feel perfect within a few hours. Everyone is different and reacts differently. Listen to your body.

This is a great option. You must FIRST know if you have submucous fibroids or polyps in the uterine interior or an unusually shaped uterus. This was easily done with a saline ultrasound. Just had it done today with an endometrial sampling.

From how I understand it, once you are cleared of these problems and you are tired of using hormones or being told hysterectomy is the only answer, you can consider the heroption. I will do it in the office next month. have all my preop meds and a great understanding of what I can expect.

AdvancedGynSolutions.com and Dr. Rabin should be consulted if you are in Atlanta.

Hi, thank you for your comment and questions.

Obviously the only one to make this decision is you but many women here have had a pretty good experience with this procedure. Like all procedures, there are benefits and risks and women experience one or the other - or both.

My advice is to weigh the pros and cons with your doctor and see if this procedure might work for you - or even if it's right for you.

Please keep us posted on your decision!

My doctor went over this procedure as a possible solution to my heavy periods. I only brought it up to him because I've had very light periods lasting 1-2 days my whole life and in the past year or so they have been much heavier w/cramping for 2-3 days sometimes. I am also bleeding between periods which is a new experience. I'm 44 so I thought this was just a precursor to menopause. In reading these comments the side effects seem to be much worse than I thought. Maybe only those with bad experiences have posted? My problem is not so severe that I'm willing to go through some of the problems I'm reading here. Anyone here think it would be worth it for me considering my periods are not yet that severe?

I had the procedure done back in July 08. I have not had any problems since the procedure. I suffered from cycles that would last months and would be very heavy. Since my procedure I have had what might be considered normal cycles. I was wishing for none, but I'm thankful that I'm not bleeding like there's no tomorrow anymore!! My cycle now last about 3 day and it's a average flow. My only concern now is becoming pregnant since I haven't gotten my tubes tied as of today. My doctor did tell me that you can become pregnant and it could be dangerous.

Just had this done three days ago. I was surprised that I really did not experience much pain at all. The biggest negative that I am experiencing is that I am very bloated. I have a hard time buttoning my pants and I am SO ready for this to go away. I've pretty much stayed off my feet all weekend. Only had to take pain meds the first day. I'm hoping that the rest goes just as well. Of course, the discharge is not so great but for the most part I'm doing great.

I had cryo ablation done oct.3,2008. I was back to work the following monday however; the watery discharge is annoying. its been over a week and i keep soaking pads. Does anyone know what this water is. Any suggestions on how to make it stop. I do not even want to be near anyone because it has a slight odor. I do not think its an infection. my doc gave me antibiotics after procedure no greenisg discharge or fever. I really want this water to stop.

I had the Her Option Oct 2nd - not too much discomfort here at 6 days post procedure so thats good. Had heavy bleeding the first day following only because of the locals doc shot into my cervix- his words. The watery discharge is heavy and reading the after procedures "what to call your doctor about", it says if the watery discharge is greenish in color and has odor then call. My discharge is not greenish in color but definately a distinct odor - anyone else know if this is normal or should I be worried?? I don't suspect infection because no fever, no color etc. Looking forward to sexual relations with my boyfriend soon so hope it ends sooner than the "up to a month" I've been seeing.

Im having cryo ablation done on Friday 10/3....my doc says its not a big deal and he says it will end my periods...this may sound corny, but i guess the biggest fear i have is vomiting!! He says i should be fine and i totally trust him but after reading the posts im beginning to wonder again...any more suggestions? i had a c section and a tubal ligation done at the same time 6 1/2 ys ago and the only pain med i took was regular strength tylenol and was able to deal with the pain. Please tell me that this is not as bad as that!!
thanks for your input!
lori-upstate ny

I went for my follow-up last week (exactly three weeks after the procedure). I had the gushing of clear liquid at week two and that lasted for five days. Then it became minor discharge. At my appointment, everything looked good and my doctor did say when I get my period it may be heavier. She was not kidding!! My period started yesterday and I am wearing overnight pads that have to be changed every two hours. I really hope the next period is not like this because it's horrible. I guess my experience with cryoablation is not the norm since I've had so many issues.

Wow. How old is she, if you don't mind saying? That is the first thing my doctor asked me. I was only 33 and he wanted to make sure that I was completly sure I was done having children (I have three). He even asked me if something happened to my husband and I would I still have this done.

I can't believe the doctor didn't tell her that this procedure destroys the lining. I seem to remember the doctor saying something about the chance you can get pregnant but because my husband had a vasectomy, I didn't pay attention.

I hope she is alright after finding out this news.

Wow. How old is she, if you don't mind saying? That is the first thing my doctor asked me. I was only 33 and he wanted to make sure that I was completly sure I was done having children (I have three). He even asked me if something happened to my husband and I would I still have this done.

I can't believe the doctor didn't tell her that this procedure destroys the lining. I seem to remember the doctor saying something about the chance you can get pregnant but because my husband had a vasectomy, I didn't pay attention.

I hope she is alright after finding out this news.

Wow. How old is she, if you don't mind saying? That is the first thing my doctor asked me. I was only 33 and he wanted to make sure that I was completly sure I was done having children (I have three). He even asked me if something happened to my husband and I would I still have this done.

I can't believe the doctor didn't tell her that this procedure destroys the lining. I seem to remember the doctor saying something about the chance you can get pregnant but because my husband had a vasectomy, I didn't pay attention.

I hope she is alright after finding out this news.

I just spoke with a friend who had the procedure a year ago and she was never told that it would affect her ability to have a baby. Am I correct in telling her that it should only be done if you no longer want to have a baby? I was shocked that she just thought it was temporary and the lining would grow back and be normal again eventually. We just all need to be advised correctly on the condition of our bodies after this. She was worrying about getting pregnant! Any comments?

I'm sorry you started bleeding after intercourse. Well, I had my procedure on Sept. 5th, had the watery discharge for 3 weeks and now here it is Mon., Sept. 29th and the discharge has completely stopped. My husband and I had sex this weekend and we were both scared of what might happen. It's been 1 day and so far the watery discharge has even stopped completely. I've been told to expect my 1st period, after the procedure, to be very heavy. My bleeding was so excessive and the length of period was so long, I don't even know when to expect a normal period. So when I have my next real period, I will share the results of my flow. My doctor was very thorough in explaining everything about the cryo from pre-op to post-op....and everything has been right on. So it really sounds like you are experiencing your first real period. My doctor did tell me to log everytime I saw blood, whether it was heavy or light, to report to him at my next visit at the end of the 3 month Promitrium intake. I hope my experience slowed down the urge to panic. Just keep a log and if it comes long and excessive, you should call your doctor.

Lady DD

Thanks for your question!

I can definitely see why you are ready to get back to normal, since you are 2.5 weeks past the procedure.

When was your last period? Are you due now? The bleeding may be your period.

If not, I would call your doctor's office, as very heavy bleeding with bright blood like this is not a 'standard' side effect of the cryo procedure, especially 2.5 weeks post-procedure.

Please keep us posted -

I had the procedure Sept. 9. about a week after I had heavy watery discharge, soaking through pads every 2 hours. I thought it finally stopped after 2 weeks 3 days, and finally had sex, only to wake up bleeding bright red blood (heavy)! Is this normal? It is Saturday, and that's why I'm looking on line. I'm really tired of this, 3 weeks will be Tuesday, and I just want to be normal again!

I am planning on having the cryoablation and I have a very thick lining. I have had the endometrial biopsy which was negative and then had a sonohysterogram which shows I have 4 polyps approx 1 cm in size each. Doesn't it seem like I should have these removed via D & C before I have the cryo? So that my lining is actually destroyed and not all the junk on top of the lining? Has anyone had this issue and if so, did it still work for you?

So far so good! I had mine done on July 22. I had a period in August (during vacation) and so far that has been it. I am a bit on pins and needles thinking it will come when I least expect it and be as bad as it was. Keeping my fingers crossed!

My key to a good recovery was taking the medications on time, every time. I set my alarm to wake up to take them. Once they were gone, I felt fine. Again, not lifting things is a MUST.

I also have had the procedure in August. After 3 c-sections and heavy bleeding this was perfect solution. I did have a period as scheduled a week after the procedure. And I am still waiting on my next one or maybe I will be one of the blessed to have no future bleeding. I will say I too have one of the best doctors in Atlanta he explained everything I would feel and everything I would need to recover in great detail. He is the best doctor I have ever seen throughout my life time. I simply feel blessed to have him as my gynecologist and the doctor who delivered my beautiful babies. Check out Dr. Scott with Marietta OBGYN

Just need to tout my fav GYN ever in Atlanta. Very experienced, does the HerOptions and occasionally Novasure in the office, has been teaching other physicians how to do three of the endometrial ablation techniques. If you need a socond opinion or want to find a doc who really listens to you and your goals, and then explains all of your options in language you will understand go to the website and see if it feels like a match for you. Sorry to blab on, just hoping I can help someone avoid getting stuck with a knife-happy, egotistic self-centered gyn like I had; afraid to leave her because I had some loyalty to her assistant (friend of mine).

Get a good pre-op diagnosis, ultrasound (saline enhanced if polyp or fibroid is suspected- to map it out) and endometrial biopsy if needed. Then you will know that this is a reasonable optoins rather than hyst as a first step. look at the testimonials to see what i mean. www.DoctorRabin.com

thanks for the forum. Gloria (been there, done that!)

I'm glad you are doing so well.

The day (Day 1) after a c-section or appendectomy is pretty good, in my experience. Bless those meds! It's day 2 and beyond that's the problem!

I hope things continue to go well for you and thanks for sharing your experience. Her Option is always a hot topic on Empowher and the more women who tell their story, the better!

Thank you for your post. I hope you continue to recover, it sounds like you're doing pretty well so far.

Please do let us know how you get along in the next few weeks and hopefully you'll have a positive story to tell!

It does seem that the downside of this procedure is discomfort and watery discharge for a few weeks after and then the results seem pretty good - so keep us posted!

This is excellent information and glad to hear things went well. Thanks for helping other women manage expectations in terms of the post-procedure. And for those unfamiliar with Fifths Disease, it is a rash that is accompanied by a fever, headache and and mild cold-like symptoms.

A friend of mine had it done over a year ago and she had one light light light period a year almost to the day of her procedure.

Hers was the heat one though, so I don't know if that makes a difference.

Hi Hattie and thank you for your question - I'm glad the Her Option procedure went well for you!

According to most sources, a water discharge may be experienced for up to two weeks after the procedure.

St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Texas is one of many hospitals who provide a question and answer section regarding the Her Option procedure, and their Q & A is very similar to others I checked into in order to help answer your question.

You can find the information here:

http://www.sleh.com/sleh/Section004/index.cfm?PageName=SurgeryTechnology...

I hope this helps - please be assured that this watery discharge is common. If it continues past two weeks, you may want to mention it to your doctor at your post-op check-up.

Please keep us updated!

I had Her Option performed on Tuesday, two days after my period had stopped. I had light bleeding the first night and have not had any bleeding since. I thought the procedure itself went well and would recommend it to anyone who has had problems with heavy periods. The cramping is manageable with pain meds and I resumed normal activity the following day. I do feel like I am constantly wetting my pants due to the watery discharge... any comments on how long that lasts???

I just had it done on Tuesday, July 22. The procedure wasn't too bad. I drank too much water so it was a bit more painful on the bladder. That day, I had some cramping, a bit of vomiting, but rest and taking my medicine on time helped.
Wednesday I felt like someone had been poking around in there and since they were, I didn't think it strange. :)
I flew on Thursday, attended a wedding on Saturday and flew again on Monday. That went fine. I felt more like I had a baby, sore. Also, not lifting heavy things is a MUST.
It has been a week, I haven't had any bleeding. The worst was the "loose bowels" from the antibiotic. That doesn't help you feel any better there. UGH!
Overall, it has been good so far.

I am so glad to have found this site. I needed some different viewpoints! Women are GREAT!

I had my procedure on June 12, 2008. Cramping was minimual. Lasted into the afternoon. Doc said first period would be heavier than normal and it was. He said it could take six months for full affect. However, 6 days after the procedure, I landed in the ER with a pulmanary embolism. My doc said he had never heard of anything like that happening and I have not read anything indicating blood clots as a side effect of this procedure. A tiny clot was found in my lower left leg but I had no indications that it was there, leg pain, swelling etc. So far tests have not revealed any reason for the clot and doctors have pretty much blamed it on the birth control pills that I was taking. I am on blood thinners now for the next 6 months. I dont smoke, no history of clots on either side of my family, and I'm active and athletic. Anyone else have this problem?

i had the cryo done 2 days after my period ended & the dr said the lining is very thin at that time. i had cramps and spotting for about 2 days & then the leaking started that lasted 2 1/2 weeks. now i have my period early & it has been really light so far.

I had the Her Option done exactly 2 weeks ago today. I started my period about 4 days after I had the cryoblation done which was a very heavy flow that lasted 5 days. Since then I have been spotting light to medium. Seems to depend on what I do or don't do,, I think. It seems as if I am on my feet alot I bleed more. Today has been a pretty good day just spotting very lightly. But I am tired of wearing pads every day. Wish I could wear a tampon..I think that would make it so much more comfortable. I see the dr on July 29 for a check up. I know a woman at work that had this same procedure done about 5 months ago and she said it was the best thing she ever did. Hasn't had a period since. So I guess everyone is different.

I had the procedure done on July 10 and i have had some cramping type pains everyday since. The procedure went well but afterwards was a nightmare. I was in severe pain and was very sick to my stomach. I have had some light leakage but that is all. I can't seem to control my bladder. I hope this works! I wish you all the best of luck!

Sherri

I had it partially done on the 9th, my Dr. couldnt see well enough to get the whole procedure done so I will have to go back and have a different one done wich requires me to be put to sleep. I immediately started bleeding and lost a chunk the size of my palm when he pulled the instruments out. I bled heavy that day and spotted the next and am now bleeding through super tampons and the huge pads about every 2 hours. I am having horrible random cramps and am trying to patiently wait until my surgery is scheduled. I was assured cramping and bleeding were normal. I would rather have opted now in hindsight for the partial hysterectomy.

I am thinking of having this procedure. In the process of researching. It is for Cryoablation. Unfortunatly I am finding difficulties locating anyone that has had this procedure done. I am ready about the one where they burn but not the freezing. My doctor told me this was my only option. I tend to bleed 8-10 days and spot for another 5-7 days. It seems the longer I wait the less "free" days I have. Any help would be appreciated.