Welcome to the board, Jamie.  Add 10 years to your age and you have exactly my story!  There's just one thing you didn't mention...  have you had any testing done?

I wasn't really concerned about my bleeding because I figured it was just menopause coming on and that's what women's bodies do.  But based on my symptoms (increasingly frequent periods, lasting longer and longer) the doctor sent me for an ultrasound.  That showed abnormal endometrial thickness and I was sent for a biopsy and the ablation was recommended.  I wasn't anemic, and I wasn't particularly worried about my symptoms-- they were annoying but not debilitating.  But two doctors told me I would have to do something about the abnormally thick endometrium or it might become cancerous.

So I went for the ablation, which in my case turned out to be a complete disaster.  And afterward, nothing really changed except that the total volume of blood loss was less (which is really the intent of ablation, so I guess you'd call it a success.)  I still bled at irregular intervals, sometimes as few as 10 days start to start.  I still had prolonged periods, lasting up to 16 days (though again, with very little actual bleeding-- just enough to require protection.)  And  those symptoms went on for another year and a half until Mother Nature was finished with her little practical joke.  (At least, I hope she's finished.  I'm 53 now and ready for this to be over.  I haven't had a period since November, so I'm hopeful.)  My gyn said he'd never met a woman whose ovaries were as strong as mine (though given the choice, I'd have chosen strong biceps instead.) 

My first instinct when I read your intro was to scream "DON'T DO IT!" but for every one like me, there are hundreds who would say "GO FOR IT!"  The thing is, there are risks involved and only you can decide if you're willing to take the risks.  Just know that there's no guarantee that you won't continue to have periods, despite what the doctor may say.  (Mine told me I'd never bleed again.  Boy was he wrong!!!)  Ablation is meant to give you lighter, more manageable periods.  It's not meant to stop them completely, and if your body is determined that you're going to have a period no matter what, then you'll have a period, no matter what!

And now let me introduce my friend Jackie, who has had the opposite experience...  (as if life weren't confusing enough!Smiliesmile)  Jackie?  You there???

Deb
2 adult children (so they tell me)
TCRE  06/15/09
(Not the best decision for me image )
Last Edited By: dmor Apr 17 11 12:32 AM. Edited 1 times.