Azalea, despite what many doctors try to tell us, ablation does not always stop bleeding entirely. It is not like a magic switch that suddenly we stop having periods the next day. Some women will experience up to six weeks of discharge (which I for one did). The first couple of Post Ablation Periods (PAPS) were while not quite as heavy as before the ablation, still pretty significant. I used maxi pads for six weeks after the ablation, having read on this board that I could get discharge for those six weeks. Within six months of the ablation, however, I was having what I consider very light periods. I would have two days of spotting, two days of light to medium bleeding, and one or two more days of spotting. My gynecologist told me that I could expect to get a 50% reduction in bleeding, and I figure I have had at least an 80% reduction.

For the first few months, you may find that you want to carry a maxi pad with you in case of heavier bleeding. Don't let it get you down, it doesn't necessarily mean that the ablation was a failure.

Good luck.

Jeri, Age 47
Ablation Oct 27, 2008