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Post ligation - post ablation syndrome

In June of 2009 I had a Nova Sure ablation with great results.  I have no bleeding at all now and have had little to no pain.  In December I suddenly had severe lower abdominal pain that originated just below the belly button and radiated to both sides and around my back.  This pain was very sharp, brought me to a fetal position and induced vomiting.  The severe pain lasted about 1 1/2 hrs and then eased up leaving me with a constant aching pain in my lower abdomen.   I had severe bloating with my lower abdomen sore to the touch.  Within two days...all pain was gone only to return again 27 days later.  I can't get any doctor to take me seriously.  I've been given pain medications and told "some women have bad periods".  In a desperate search for answers, I found information regarding "The post-ligation post-ablation syndrome".  I had a tubal ligation 10 yrs ago.  I would love to hear from anyone that has experienced this or who might have more information.  I worry that this will continue to happen every month.  Help!
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Avatar universal
I had the ablation in 2014. Pain started 6 weeks ago, like labor pain. This past week, I am mostly bed ridden with a heating pad and narcotics because the pain is so severe.  The hemotemetra I now have is not removable except through a hysterectomy. I get this at the end of this week. Ablation is a  BAD idea! I've had 3 kids, naturally, and this beats that pain.    
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Had my ablation about 8 years ago. My pain started 6 months ago and is getting worse. Also have a hematotera and the gym said last week the only option is a hysterectomy. Waiting for a surgery date. Have to say labor was easier than this pain.
Avatar universal
I can't believe what I am reading..... it's like all of my symptoms to the "T" .... I had my ablation about 7 years ago and was told that there would be NO complications... if it didn't work then my period would just come back... but be lighter than before.  3 days ago I thought I was in labor... doubled over with severe cramps to the abdomen that wrapped abound my back. (I NEVER HAD CRAMPS BEFORE THIS WITH MY PERIOD ....... EVER)  Then about 2 hours later I start trying to vomit /dry heaving all night.....because I was nauseous, then all night I had chills then sweats, chills then sweats.... I really thought I was going into LABOR!!
the only way to describe it was 10 times worse than child birth.  The next day I was extremely sore to the touch under my belly button and lower back.
thank God I have a good OBGYN... when I told her my symptoms she told me to Google Post Ablation Syndrome.  She was not the Dr. that did the Ablation but I am curious to know WHY it was done in the first place and the complications were never brought to my attention when I was told to have the Ablation to begin with.
it seams that I am now going to have to have a Hysterectomy at age 46....... which I am okay with if it means I don't have to go through child birth every month before my period.
does anyone know if a class action suit has been brought out because of the Ablation and side effects that it has created to a lot of women??
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Laborpains, I'm sorry you're going through this. I recall some women posting on WebMD awhile back that some supplements helped with their post ablation syndrome pain but don't recall the details. Unfortunately, hysterectomy has its own set of problems for which there is no fix. But if this pain continues then you may not have an option. I wish you the best.
Avatar universal
I too am having all the same issues. As of 4/4/16 I was told by the gyno that this "pain" I am experiencing does not normally go to the "left" side, it's normally all right sided. Well let me tell you I know where my pain is, where it starts and where it is most of the time. Yes I have felt it literally move from left to right but mostly stays to to the left. They want to keep doing std tests and pelvic exams but #1 I highly doubt it's an std and the 1st 2 pelvic exams didn't show you anything another isn't gonna either. Mine don't have any pattern to them, they come every now and aga in but this latest one is going on 3 weeks long. Some days doubling me over and others I can deal with. Now I have to wait a week so the gyno can consult my family Dr. Because the gyno thinks it's and endo issue.  So this is what we have to deal with because we all wanted period relief. Ugh! I sure hope someone can update as to if and how they got relief. I prefer NOT to have a partial or even full hysterectomy if it can be avoided.
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Hi, had my procedure done in September 2014. I've been having all the same problems since then! Drs.have been playing the guessing game not sure of what to do or recommend. I pray someone can help us all soon!!
Avatar universal
I had a tubal in Aug., 2007. In Aug., 2015 I had the NovaSure ablation done because of heavy periods/clots that would last 7-10 days twice a month. Since the ablation I've only had spotting on the first day of what should be my period, other than that I have no bleeding. Starting in Oct., 2015 I started having constant nausea, bloating, diarrhea/constipation, and weight gain. I never contacted my gyno about this bc I just figured it would go away with time. Well on March 2, 2016, I started having mild abdominal cramping that went away with 600mg Motrin. On March 3, 2016, the pain was so severe I ended up in the ER with an IV and morphine for the pain! They did a CT scan that didn't show anything except a fatty liver. I told the Dr none of my pain was up by my liver, it was ALL in my ovaries. They dismissed me with instructions to see my gyno, which I did. He did a pelvic exam and said I had a cyst on my ovary that ruptured and he wanted to monitor me. Well here it is April 2, 2016, and my pain is severe again!! It's worse than any of my labor! I had to take 1200mg of Motrin to get any relief. That was about 5-6 hrs ago and I'm starting to have pain again. I work at an elementary school so I can't afford to miss days bc of pain that I've never had before. I'm calling my gyno first thing Monday morning bc I know a trip to the ER will get me no where. Even as a teenager I never had period cramps like this!!!
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I had ablation about 5 years ago and the past year has been on and off severe lower right side cramping. Each time it lasts longer in duration than before. The first severe episode was October and the hospital couldn't find anything wrong. My gyn said it is fibroids and is scheduling a robotic hysterectomy but not till September. That has been fine until this weekend when I've been suffering for two days with major cramps.
my Dr said from what she understands the pain gets worse every month and will only go away with a Hesterectomy
Avatar universal
I had my procedure done in August 2015 for 2 months now I've expirienced severe pelvic pain :(
I thought it was my sciatica nerve acting up but now I see that what you described is exactly my side effects.
The burning pelvic pain that goes toward my back and run down my legs more so the left leg.
It's been very painful.  I will be going in to the doctor asap will keep you posted!
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Avatar universal
I had an ablation don't in Aug 2014. I never had a period after the ablation. In September 2015 I began to have severe pelvic pain. My pain felt like I was in labor. I found out through a ct scan and ultra sound that there was a tumor inside my uterus. On December 3, 2015 I had to have a robotic hysterectomy. They removed my tubes, uterus, cervix.  The hysterectomy has so far been a blessing. Pathology repot came back and basically after having the ablation done (which is a horrible idea for anyone to have done) my body was still trying to have a period because not all of the endometrial lining was removed like it was supposed to be. My uterus basically filled up over the last year with period blood which was causing all of the pain. Please, please, please ladies. Look at other options before you decide to have an ablation done. The obgyn doctors only tell you the good about it which doesn't last long and ends up horribly bad!!
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Avatar universal
I am so happy to have found this information. I had a tubal done in 2003 after the birth of my son and started having pain in my lower right abdomen, so in dec 2011 my gyn suggested novasure, it was ok for a while but now the pain will put me down for a week or longer.  I honestly feel like something inside me flips over on the right side and flips back, then the pain starts.  I have been to the er several times, they told my husband i was addicted to pain pills, which he laughed at them because i am allergic to the majority of the pain pills on the market and to my gyn, who told me its scar tissue under my right lung causing the pain in my lower right side, no where near my lung!!  For years now i have been living with this pain and honestly thought i was going crazy, and i know my mom and sisters think its all in my head too. But after reading this, i finally feel confident that its not in my head.  Thank you all for sharing and for letting those of us living with this pain know we arent alone!!
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Avatar universal
I had a D&C Ablation and tubal ligation back in Sept. 2015 .. didnt have the best of luck with it... had to have it done because of months and months of bleeding and pain.. well now for the past few days i have had nothing but pain on my left side and around my back ... after having some test done i had found out that i have a bad infection and lots of stuff in my urine that isnt suppose to be there... i had some ultrasounds done today and will find out results Monday.. but did find out that i have fluid in my uterus and cyst on my ovaries that were not there before... .. im just so tired of pain and test but hopefully my doc will find out what all this is and i can get some results soon.. i will let you guys know. best of luck to all!!!
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Avatar universal
I had a tubal ligation in august 2002 after a c-section which caused very heavy periods for 13 years my obgyn talked me into the novasure wand procedure,so far so good had an easy recovery, mild ordor and no periods until today i started with a very light period pinkish tinge no cramping or discomfort its been 6 weeks i had the ablation sept 14th hopefully i dont turn out to have the same issues as all these woman, fingers crossed if any major changes happen ill be back, GL all!
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Avatar universal
I'm having very bad cramps since my ablation that was done in April 2014. I was not having cramps prior my endometrial ablation, Now 6 months later I'm having cramps so badly that it feels like lots of pressure in my rectum. My lt side lower abdomen has been hurting constantly all day long, worst in the morning..since Tuesday of this week Oct 29, 2015. I have a future doctors appointment Monday to see what are my options. Thanks for everyones input.
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Avatar universal
Wow, my symptoms are so similar to all of the others here.  I hit puberty at age 10, and my periods have always been painful and heavy.  I had my tubes tied in 2005 and the ablation in October of 2011 (age 39). I opted for the Nova Sure ablation after my GYN at The Vancouver Clinic talked me into taking that route instead of a partial hysterectomy.   Although my periods never stopped -- they were much, much lighter for about a year after the ablation.
  
In February of 2014, about two and a quarter years post ablation, I was doubled over all of a sudden in horrible contraction-like pain.  It was a pain I had not felt since I had my last child in 2000.  This pain hits every month now, and it lasts several days without fail.   The pain is predictable in the way it plays out.  It starts three to four days into my period, feels like labor contractions that can be timed on a watch/clock, and medications do not alleviate the pain.  I have also noticed the contractions are more painful if I have been moving around a lot (running, exercise class, weight lifting, or even when I get really busy at work as a preschool teacher).  This pain seems to target my left side more than the midsection or right side, but the location of the pain is not always predictable.  I bet I could point to the exact spot that is hurting inside if I cut myself open.

In July of 2014, I went to the ER due to this monthly contraction-like pain getting worse. After a CT scan and pelvic exam (no ultrasound), they found nothing to be abnormal...other than my pain.  (The ER doctors made me feel like I was a liar or exaggerating my level of pain.  It was very frustrating.  Plus, the pain meds they gave me through an IV made me barf everywhere for hours on end.)  The docs thought this could be kidney stones or an ovarian cyst because I told them the pain begins radiating from the lower left quadrant and then fills my entire pelvic cavity.  It seemed to be a huge waste of expensive co-pay.  :(

Anyway, I found myself a new GYN here in Vancouver, WA.  She scheduled a pelvic ultrasound, which was inconclusive because the walls of my uterus fused together due to the ablation.  She did a uterine biopsy, which was terribly painful compared to biopsies I had prior to the ablation.  The little biopsy tube had to punch through my cervix and then up into the uterus which is no longer open.  That procedure was never comfortable before, but this time around, it left me in pain for over a week.
I am scheduled to have a (vaginal) partial hysterectomy  June 29, 2015.  This monthly, contraction-like pain has ruined my life, and I feel as though it is directly related to the ablation.  I would rather deal with the lack of a uterus than what I have dealt with the past couple of years.  I wish I had never had the ablation.

I will write back within the next year to give an update.  That is what I was searching for on this site, and I really did not find what I was looking for other than finding women suffering in very similar (if not exact) ways I have for the past couple of years.  Thanks for sharing your stories!
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Avatar universal
I have a lot of the same problems but the dr. could not get the small tube in to my uterus to see what the problem is and the insurance says that they are denying the hysterectomy.  my chart says that I have strong pains because the opening of my uterus is closed.  so i was wondering what your dr. put down to get you approved.
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Avatar universal
I had a tubal 35 yrs ago and the Endo Ablation about 12 yrs ago. I continued each month to get the moodiness, bloating and other PMS symptoms every 28 days, but no period. But last yr, post menopause, at 62, I began to have severe cramping on about an 18 day cycle. It worsened with each month. A Fl gyno  did a D &C, which did nothing to correct this. I saw my Mi  gyno 6 months later,  who said to simply take PMS  and pain pills. Ultra sounds showed no concerns and one ovary did not show at all. Now these monthly cycles are becoming like labor and putting me in bed for a couple of days. No med nor pain pill helps. So I am at a loss as to what to do. Thx to everyone on this forum for supporting each other when our gyno doctors look at us as though we are crazy. I am likewise posting this for those whose ablations were quite some time ago, and who are dealing with the same symptoms.
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Avatar universal
I had an ablation and ligation about 3 years ago and in the past 6 months have had severe lower left sided pain radiating to the back.  Today was the worst yet.  Fetal position with severe pain.  I'm glad I just googled and read all of this.  I had no idea so many women have had so many problems after these procedures.  Making an OB appt tomorrow!  
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Avatar universal
I had an ablation in 2008.  Everything was great for the first couple of years, then I started to bleed heavier again.  I also have very irregular periods now.  Could go a couple months or it could be two weeks apart.  Even if I don't actually bleed I have horrible cramping and low back pain along with a bloated and heaviness feeling.  I've had a couple of ultrasounds just to be told nothing major is going on.  A small functioning cyst on my ovary.  When returning to the gyn that did the procedure I was told its my age (early 40s) and said I should go on the pill.  So I've been suffering for a few years.  Just putting up with it.  Until this week.  I had 3 days of continuous cramping and low back pain.  It feels like labor pain and nothing helps to relieve the pain.  So back to another doctor I go.  Had another ultrasound today.  We'll see what happens this time.  I'm just so tired of dealing with the pain.
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Avatar universal
I am so happy to find this. I been telling my family and doctors about my symptoms and they been looking at me like I'm crazy. I told a male Gyn last year how I was feeling he brushed it off. 2weeks ago my daughters had to rush me to urgent care. Pain had me on my knees and in tears. The Dr did a full CT of my midsection. He was looking for ulcers and other things. He came back told me I had a UTI and a small fibroid on my uterus. Gave me antibiotics and a pain medication.Then he advised me to see my Gyn. Went to the gyn more pain meds and zoloft was given to me. She ordered a pelvic ultrasound I have to get this Friday. God please help me I'm so sick of hurting and being bloated.
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Avatar universal
Oh yes, thanks for the reminder, sherrima. Ablation can also cause fluid or blood to back up into the Fallopian tubes (hydrosalpinx or retrograde menstruation).

A 2007 study addresses the "Long-term complications of endometrial ablation: cause, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention." There are additional studies about the long-term effects of ablation. Although ablation as sold as a hysterectomy alternative, it actually increases the risk for hysterectomy due to its long-term complications. A 2008 study puts that risk at 40% in women who had an ablation before age 40. And unfortunately, the ablation complications can manifest years after the ablation and worsen as time goes on so the risk for hysterectomy increases for at least 8 years (the follow-up period of the study). Bottom line - Ablation is turning out to be more of a hysterectomy trap than alternative.

I did not have an ablation but did have a hysterectomy and it has its own set of long-term and permanent adverse effects.
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Avatar universal
Have them check your Fallopian tubes it's called post ablation hydrosalpinx causes fluid build up in ur tubes.  That's why I've been getting horrible cramps.  Going to see gyn soon had ultrasound CT scans and MRI. All say same thing. Not uncommon I guess
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Avatar universal
They found on me that I have blocked Fallopian tubes from the novasure ablation.  I had tubal ligation also back in 2002. My white blood cell count has been high for a whwhile I had ablation 2 1/2 yrs ago now they think that's why.  So far the option to fix it is to remove the affected tube or in my case both tubes. They don't know what kind of damage that does to the ovary though.  Think there's gonna be a lawsuit against novasure
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Avatar universal
Unfortunately, ablation can cause pain years after the procedure especially if it is done years before menopause. One woman was told by her doctor that it should not be done on women under age 50. He was disgusted to see so many young women undergoing the procedure.

The hormonal action of the ovaries tells the lining to continue to build. But the scarring from the ablation causes the blood to get trapped behind the scarring which can cause pain. So the intended result of the procedure (lighter or no periods) is a double-edged sword. Another mechanism is that the cervix can become stenotic from the procedure so any blood that is not stuck behind scarring cannot escape. Some women have their cervix stented open periodically to allow the trapped blood to escape thereby relieving their pain. This may be worth a try for those of you with a stenotic cervix.

As far as hysterectomy, it has its own set of permanent adverse effects. I had one 8 years ago and regret it every day. It has changed every aspect of my life and body. I now have the altered figure that is inevitable after they cut the pelvis' support structures (uterine ligaments). Not only does this make for a boxy figure, it also causes chronic back, hip, and rib cage pain. Thankfully, I have not had the typical post-hysterectomy weight gain. My bowels have been screwed up ever since. My sex life is dismal because I no longer have libido and orgasms are absent or disappointing. I also aged horrifyingly fast.

With the gross overuse of hysterectomy and all its permanent and progressive problems, please be sure to do your research about the lifelong functions of the female organs.
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Avatar universal
I had a tubal in 2002 and ablation in 2012.  I was fine at first, no periods or pain, 2 months ago I started having what felt like period cramps.  2 weeks later, the cramps felt like contractions.  I go to the OBGYN and he does his ultra sound and exam....uterin cysts and a fibroid cyst on my uteris, that would not cause the pain I was having on my lower left side.  He sends me to the Internist who does a colonoscopy and an endo.  I polyp removed, stomach fine.  He sends me back to a different OBGYN.  I have an appt on Dec. 17.  I am ready to have everything taken out, I can not handle the pain anymore.  Due to taking Naproxin so much, the internist found inflammation in my colon so I can not take anything but Tylenol.
I also have been bloated and the pain is worse at night.  I go to the gym 5 days a week in the early morning and no pain until after lunch.  I also would take laxatives thinking that was the problem, with no relief.  Did anyone have a hysterectomy and did it take the pain away?  How about your sex life?
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Avatar universal
I am glad I found this! I had an ablation and tubal in 2006. I haven't had any periods since no cramping nothing... I was relieved because I was having periods months at a time. But in the last couple months I have had a clumpy discharge which I thought was a yeast infection dr checked me said no infection or anything like that just a normal discharge.... In the last few days I suddenly started cramping like I was going to get my period but nothing... My lower abdomen feels bloated and the lower back pain is just like the beginning of labor!!!! I went to the ER where the checked for uti and nothing. They said I had a "pain issue" I'm beyond pissed because I feel like they thought I was making it up. My lower back is killing me, I can't get comfortable I feel like I need to push or something I even took laxative thinking I might be constipated or something and still no relief!!!! I haven't done anything to cause back pain and it all started with cramping! Could it be from my ablation 8 years ago?????
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Avatar universal
i am having the same , after 5 yrs now spotting for 3 days a week non stop every week, i feel hot all the time,i have been in the er with spinning and vertigo, i feel like i have a infection in my body somewhere my ear dr was the only one who would listen, he gave me antibiotics no bleeding for 20 days then it started all over again. my obgyn who did the procedure doesnt seem to care alls he says is maybe i just  need a hysterectomy im 48 and this is not an option as long as i can help it. i have started gaining weight since this started 10 lbs in 2 mo. all my labs are perfect the ultrasound came back normal but i still know my body there is something having to do with novisure procedure. does anyone know if there is a lawsuit started for this?    
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Avatar universal
I am a nurse.  IN 1999 I had a tubal ligation.  Then I began to have very heavy periods years later.  My uterine lining measured thick and my GYN's answer was the Nova Sure Oblation.  That was done in Janaury of 2012.  About a year later I started to experience cramping with some slight discharge.  I was told not to worry, take Advil my uterus was just "stubborn".  Those were the GYN's exact words.  In July I experenced pain that about brought me to my knees.  It was moments really but I was working in my ED and ignored it.  This past week while taking PALS with my colleagues I again started experiencing pain to the point I almost passed out.  My co- workers insisted I go to the ER and get checked out.   I was in fact experencing post oblation syndrome and had to have an emergency hysterectomy.  No joking I was so close to being septic.   Do not ignore or let a doctor ignore this pain, see someone and if they don't respond see someone else.   A hysterectomy may be life saving!!
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