Hi, Hoovermoose and welcome to the board. You know, you have a point about the people who have problems being the ones who post, and most who had a great experience just don't come back here.

Pain is really an individual thing. I have a pretty low pain threshold, but I told the doctor about that upfront and they prescribed some Tylenol 3 and naproxen for me to take home with me, and gave me a shot of percocet in the recovery room. The pain I had post ablation was about the same as my worst period cramps. They were pretty intense for two days, but I took a few days off work and rested up as much as I could. No bending, no lifting and I was back at my office job three days later.

I am very glad I had this done, and just wish that I had known about it three years earlier. I could have saved myslef a fortune in pads, tampons and underwear. Seriously, my periods were lasting fifteen days where I would soak through a super tampon and overnight pad in 45 minutes. Two days, usually the first weekend, I would be afraid to leave the house due to sudden flooding. I also experienced clots the size of eggs, and forget being able to sleep through the night. I would be up two or three times to change tampons and pads, and sometimes a complete change of clothing as well. I was so tired that when I got home from my office job, I would fall asleep at the dinner table. I had thought this was just a normal part of getting older, until I started doing some research and found this site. When I got referred to a gynecologist I almost cried with relief when he suggested the thermal balloon ablation as a possibility. He told me that he felt I could reasonably expect a 50% reduction in bleeding. After six weeks of almost continual discharge including two periods, I started getting my life back again. The first few periods were lighter than they had been, but still a bit heavier than I expected. Thanks to the ladies here, I was aware that it could take up to six months to settle down. Within those six months, my periods were reduced to five days, with no more clots. There was two days of spotting, one or two days of light to medium bleeding and one or two days of spotting. This has changed my life, I feel like a human being again. During the four years I was struggling with the heavy bleeding I would be afraid to visit friends in case I leaked through. I was on the verge of becoming a social recluse.

Please remember that many women who get great results just go away, while those who have had problems vent about it. I feel that I owe it to all the ladies who were so supportive of me to be here for the newbies, and offer a balanced opinion. Make sure that your doctor answers all your questions so that you are comfortable before deciding to go through with this. I hope for the best results, if you do get it done make sure that you take it easy for two or three days afterwards, drink lots of fluids and stay ahead of the pain by taking your meds at the first twinge. Don't let it develop further.

Jeri, Age 47
Ablation Oct 27, 2008