Novasure

[silver]

Zen mentioned this procedure in the hysterectomy thread and I'm looking into it now.

I'd love to get more info and others' personal experiences. What was your bike and "personal" downtime?



Wow. After reading all this I realize how lucky I was to get everything taken care of with the NovaSure procedure.

[Zen]

taking into account the fact you're in good physical condition you should be walking around right away. Not without pain, mind you. Even though the incision is small it still goes through muscle wall. I do recall having difficulty sitting down for a few days. i don't think I was cycling at the time but I do remember climbing out on the roof to clean gutters about four days post-surgery.

Considering your health going in, I don't think it will keep you off the bike for much more than a week

[btchance]

Actually, the novasure shouldn't require an incision - are you thinking of Laprascopic hys, Zen? With the novasure your uterus remains, but the lining is "burnt" where you should either not have periods anymore (the more common outcome) or very light ones. You usually can't get pregnant afterwards, but has rarely been known to happen. I'm not sure about down time, but I would estimate less than one week. For some people, they are done in the office without going to the hospital, but not all docs are doing this and not all patients can have it done in the office. Hopefully some other people will chime in here with their own experiences.

[Zen]

I've had the NovaSure, it's an endometrial cauterization.
Any laproscopic procedure still requires entry through the muscle wall for the optical instruments.
They didn't give me Darvon just for kicks :D

Mine was right around the belly button if I recall correctly. I can't even see it any more.

[btchance]

Yours was done a little differently from the ones I've seen where they do it blindly - just through the cervix (no incision at the belly button to put a camera in, although I can see why they would do it). Makes sense now.

[silver]

The way that I will have it done is WITHOUT any incision. I was confused by Zen's comment too.

I guess I'm going ahead with it. I can't seem to get any more info. Just want to get it done!! :rolleyes:

[auntiebobo]

I haven't had one but my niece did. She's not a rider but her recovery was very quick (a few days). At the time she had 4 girls 4 and under so a long recovery really wasn't an option. For her the procedure was a great relief.

And yes, as was mentioned you are not supposed to get pregnant after the procedure. Guess what! She was one of those .7% that did. More amazing she was able to carry the baby to 33 weeks which is even more rare. In fact, I couldn't even find documented statistics on successfully deliveries after an ablation. That made for a scary pregnancy. Her doctors assumed it was because the procedure hadn't been completed properly - however the doctors that delivered the baby said they were stunned that she was able to get pregnant much less deliver. And now she has a perfectly healthy adorable baby boy!

Her oldest girl (now 6) told me this weekend - why all this was possible - "I prayed for a baby brother behind Mommy's back" I think my niece is listening in on those bedtime prayers now.:p

[Zen]

Well leave it to me to be the odd woman out.
I think they were having a look around to make sure I didn't have an ovarian cyst .

[blueskies]

Hi Silver,

I had the Novasure uterine ablation done last spring, after years of heavy frequent periods, & have been very happy with the results.

Here's what I remember... before the procedure, my doctor did a uterine biopsy. Basically, it was like having a pap smear done, but he just nicked off a little bit of the uterus or lining. He did it right in his office, no drugs needed, during the appointment where we discussed the procedure. I can't remember what he said that he was checking for, but he said it was an important precaution.

Secondly, I do remember him saying that there are different causes of heavy periods, and that the uterine ablation worked better for some than for others. I think (and this is just my memory), that he said that it doesn't work as well if fibroids are the cause of the bleeding problems. I didn't have fibroids. He said that I was a good candidate for a good result. I just had heavy, long (7 day) unpredictable periods, often every 3 weeks. I was basically having heavy bleeding one-third of my days. Blech!

I had the procedure done in the out patient unit of a hospital, and was sedated while it was done. There was no incision. The recovery was quite easy, I think that I took one pain pill the night that it was done & that was all. I was told to stay off my bike & no vigorous exercise for 2 weeks. I was able to walk & do my regular activities the next day.

There was some discharge for several weeks, gradually lessening. Since then, I haven't had a period at all. Some months, I have a tiny bit of spotting for an hour or two. Not enough to even call a period. :)

It was so wonderful to be able to plan rides, trips, and now skiing, with no worries about managing an unexpected heavy period. The feeling of freedom and ease is wonderful.

OTOH, I did learn, after the fact, that the ablation placed me at risk of later developing something called "Post-ablation tubal sterilization syndrome," because I'd previously had a tubal ligation (sterilization). If you've had your tubes tied, this is something to know about. Learning about this did give me some moments of "What have I done to my poor old uterus?"

On balance, I am happy that I had it done. It improved my quality of life. Time will tell if I have to pay the piper...

[silver]

Oh, thanks for the reply. I'm trying to get all the loose ends together today to get it tomorrow. Admittedly I'm rushing, but enough already!

The only loose end now is the biopsy result which should be done by now. the nurse is trying to track it down.

I haven't had my tubes tied so hopefully that means I've escaped the syndrome.

I'm so hopeful

[silver]

Had the procedure today. no problme really except that I've teken the entire day to ge the drugs out of my system. I've slept all day and sstill feel groggy and loopy. I have had some cramping. Only thing that I've taken since I got home is some advil.

the procedure itself wasn't bad, some discomfort but not too bad.

I really hope this works.

[Blueberry]

Glad to know you made it through safely!!! Here's hoping that it works, and that you have a speedy recovery:)

[Zen]

It will work! I proclaim it so!
and you will think of it as one of the best medical procedures you ever had.

[silver]

thanks Zen, i still wouldn't know about if you hadn't mentioned it. thank you internet, once again.

BTW, the doc said that she woudl use a tinycamera to look around prior to the procedure and that the camera would be inserted vaginally. I was awake during the procedure, but just marginally.

[mudmucker]

Silver and others, I'm interested in your recent Novasure experience.

This might be a hijack but I thought maybe this should stay in the Novasure thread instead of starting a new one.

Has anyone had Novasure (or cauterization) because of polyps?

I just recently got diagnosed with endometrial polyps (EP) with my primary, and have been referred to a gynocologist. Unfortunately I don't know exactly what my options are yet because there was no gyn who could take me until May. Ugh. I did finally find one who could take me March 27 - that office is 35 miles away and takes 40 minutes to get there. I couldn't wait until May - I'm so tired of bleeding.

It is my understanding that this procedure might not be suitable for EP? Silver, it sounds like you did it not because of polyps, but just to diminish bleeding in general?

Questions. How long was the procedure? Half hour? More? Was it in the office or outpatient hospital? Sounds like you might have had general anesthesia? Fasting then? Also, if general, that means you would have to find a ride home? Or was it local anesthesia?

I expect because it's polyps they'd have to take a biopsy so I wonder if that precludes using cauterization? I also heard it might be more effective if they "cut" polyps instead of cauterize it. I also have a cyst on both ovaries (which of course these may come and go) but I wonder if that adds up to a different decision or approach as well as being 48?

Silver, it seems as if you were able to get this together quickly. Good for you. I hate this waiting because it has stopped me from exercising like I do.

[silver]

Hi, I'll try to answer. yes I put it together quickly and I understand you just want it done YESTERDAY! The gyn. doctor had a cancellation and I had to nag my primary to get it processed through. My primary is good but I literally did this with one weeks notice. I was calling everyday to get the biopsy report.

But as it turned out, the gyn would have done the biopsy prior to the procedure anyway.

It was done in her office. I got there around 7:30 and left around 9:30. The procedure was maybe 10 minutes of that. It was IV sedation. I took a valium, then had a lorodal (sp?) shot in my hip and then IV something. I drove myself there and a friend drove my home. DD picked up the van later in the day. I was very groggy all day. But not in any real pain. I did take advil but just for mild cramping that I didn't want to get any worse.

I'm going to look through my lit to see if I can answer any other questions.

So far since the procedure, my bleeding is already minimal compared to what it was before.

Bummers are can use tampons or have sex for 4 weeks.

not hijacking, we'll have lots of good information accumulated here.

I can't find any info on polyps...

I couldn't eat anything for 6 hours prior.

[Zen]

Mud, did you look at the Novasure website?

Mine was only three years ago but it's difficult to remember details. I had it done as an outpatient procedure at the hospital under general anesthetic but thats because I had laproscopic surgery.

[IFjane]

Hi Silver,

I think (and this is just my memory), that he said that it doesn't work as well if fibroids are the cause of the bleeding problems.

It was so wonderful to be able to plan rides, trips, and now skiing, with no worries about managing an unexpected heavy period. The feeling of freedom and ease is wonderful.



Exactly! I had a deeply embedded fibroid in the wall of my uterus and that is why the procedure was probably not going to work for me. I opted for a vaginal hysterectomy. No incisions. Very, very little pain.

[Flybye]

Silver, just wanted to say that I am glad that you are alive and kicking! I am eager to hear if you get the results that you want from this!
Rest. Demand lots of extra special attention. Didn't the doctor say that you couldn't vacuum for at least 8 months? And no cooking? But that it was okay to be on the bike as soon as you felt up to it? I am sure that I read that on a site somewhere................:):):D:D

[mudmucker]

Mud, did you look at the Novasure website?

Hi Zen, yes, and it said nothing of using the procedure for polyps. However I was a little confused when folks were talking about things other than what the website showed. For example, Silver was referring to biopsy and I wasn't clear. I wasn't sure if it's typical to have an endometrial biopsy taken automatically prior to the procedure anyway or if it was because of a polyp. If so then I missed the post. I know when you actually do have polyps removed they send it to pathology. And then about the procedure - you mentioned laproscopy and so it sounds like there were different variants in terms of when you might use it and what kind of anesthesia.

Also, my diagnosis, in the form of a letter, said that I had an endometrial polyp, singular not plural and loaded with them. I don't know if there are minimum conditions - the website says nothing about less complicated polyps and from what blueskies mentioned it may not be suitable. I'll find out soon enough. Well, not actually soon enough.

[blueskies]

Mudmucker, this is purely my own conjecture & I have no medical training whatsoever...

The Mayo Clinic web site says "Uterine (endometrial) polyps consist of areas in your uterus where the lining of the uterus (endometrium) becomes overgrown and forms a mass (polyp). Uterine polyps may attach to the interior of your uterus by a large base or a thin stalk and range in size from a few millimeters — the size of a sesame seed — to several centimeters — the size of a golf ball or larger."

So, I think that the polyps will need to come out, and the ablation would not be the procedure to do that.

On the other hand, if you have multiple or recurring polyps, then an ablation (after the current polyps are removed), sounds like a sensible way to prevent future recurrences. Ablation basically desroys the endometrial lining, and that would seem like it would prevent overgrowth into future polyps.

Just one person's speculation....

Silver - so glad to hear that your procedure went so smoothly. I remember having that same sense of "Can we do this tomorrow?" when I'd made the decision. :) Hope you'll get great results!

[Zen]

On the other hand, if you have multiple or recurring polyps, then an ablation (after the current polyps are removed), sounds like a sensible way to prevent future recurrences. Ablation basically desroys the endometrial lining, and that would seem like it would prevent overgrowth into future polyps.


Makes sense to me but I'm only licensed to practice medicine in certain areas of West Virginia and Kentucky.

Maybe you should print out this thread and highlight the parts you want to remember to ask about or write yourself a list.
I always forget to ask about at least one thing :o

[silver]

things are still going well for me. I had the procedure tuesday morning. I slept most of Tuesday.Did some easy chores and errands and took a nap during the day on Wednesday and then taught cycling that evening. I did take it easy though. Today i feel great. I taught cycling, ran 3 miles and swam 10 laps.

Prior to the procedure I had to use tampons every day (not my period) and have only had to use panty liners since the procedure (can't use tampons for 4 weeks)

I'm still a little tired. Of course, I was exhausted prior to the procedure assuming due to loss of blood. I'll take a nap again today.

It did sound like to me that an endemetrial biopsy is standard procedure for the doctors to do prior to the Novasure. I had mine done one week prior. I think that the basis is to rule out cancer. I would guess that cancer would be harder to diagnose after the lining is gone and I would also guess that if there was cancer, you would want to have the entire uterus removed rather than this procedure. But......you know the thing....I'm not a doctor.

Based on my limited knowledge, I would agree with what blueskies says about having the polyp out first then the ablation. but It seems like this could be done at the same time. ??

sorry we are confusing you.

I had wondered whether the vaginal hysterectomy would be a good option for me. I have an enlarged uterus. It's been that way since they started monitoring it's size. I blame this for the rounded belly that I can't get rid of with ab work. Now don't get me wrong, I'm proud of how my abs look, I can see my 6 pack, but my lower belly rounds out and nothing tightens it up. But after the tests that they did, there's no medical reason to have the uterus removed, it would just be cosmetic. So, for me, even though I'm not against cosmetic things (have implants) I'm not ready to go that route. So far it looks like the novasure will be good for me.

[Zen]

I can see my 6 pack, but my lower belly rounds out and nothing tightens it up.

Same here.
that's part of the reason I started the 'how do you wear your shorts' thread.
Learn to love it. There could be a LOT worse things...

[TriMom217]

I'm posting this before reading all the replies, so I apologize if I'm a day late, a dollar short, or just not very helpful.

I did Nova Sure on a Wednesday last June. I did a Half Ironman the Sunday before, and a Sprint tri the Saturday after. There was no down time.

And I have not had a period since. No cramps, no monthly ANYTHING. The only regret is that I didn't do it years ago.

[Zen]

I sometimes get very minor cramps and other things associated with a monthly hormonal cycle but no periods YAY NOVASURE!

[Nokomis]

A few more questions...

It sounds like many of you don't have period related symptoms any more. Does this help reduce PMS?

The website mentioned 2 week recovery time - is that the case? If that's two weeks off the bike, it'd have to be in the off season.

What (if any) difference is there when menopause hits?

I'm looking for a solution to spotting. Periods are moderately heavy when off the pill, however even on the pill I have a mid cycle bleed; sometimes lasts half the cycle. My gyn is having me take extra estrogen to see if that helps, but isn't overly hopeful that it will resolve these issues.

[silver]

A few more questions...

It sounds like many of you don't have period related symptoms any more. Does this help reduce PMS?

The website mentioned 2 week recovery time - is that the case? If that's two weeks off the bike, it'd have to be in the off season.

What (if any) difference is there when menopause hits?

I'm looking for a solution to spotting. Periods are moderately heavy when off the pill, however even on the pill I have a mid cycle bleed; sometimes lasts half the cycle. My gyn is having me take extra estrogen to see if that helps, but isn't overly hopeful that it will resolve these issues.

I only took one day off the bike. I could have ridden if I had wanted. No restrictions except "nothing in the vagina" :rolleyes: for 4 weeks.

I am doing well. I have had 2 or 3 mini periods (several hours of light flow) in the last 8 weeks. Nurse says this is normal and It may take up to 3 months to get the little to no period results. I still think it's been worth it, but I think that I need more time to be able to gauge the success.

[Zen]

It sounds like many of you don't have period related symptoms any more. Does this help reduce PMS?


No menstrual flow at all, still some monthly breast swelling and occasional minor cramping. Novasure is a cauterization of the endometrium and is primarily for extremely heavy menstrual flow. PMS is hormonal.The hormones are still raging and the endometrium is no longer responding but the brain is.
I don't think it will help you there.