Post ligation - post ablation syndrome

[Carrie911]

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!

[maribb]

I had a tubal ligation in 1988 and a Novasure in 2009.  I thought the Novasure was a complete success until two months ago when I started to have Carrie's symptoms.  On the days I should have my period, I have horrific cramping below the navel.  I was on the floor doubled over in pain when the doctor's office called Friday.  She said that it is highly unusual for the pain to come from my uterus so long after the ablation.  I know what uterine/menstrual cramps feel like, as I had them all my life.  They gave me a prescription for Vicodin, since naproxen and ibuprofen don't touch the pain.  This month I had three days of severe, nonstop cramping.  I can't go through this every month!!  I had the ablation specifically to eliminate menstrual cramps in addition to the heavy bleeding.

[silky115]

I also had a tubal ligation in 1988 and Novasure in 2006.  I've had no periods since the ablation, but about 18 months ago I have had horrible lower right abdominal cramping and pain.  It comes and goes but lately is taking over my life. I  have been to every specialist and had every scan done with no answers.  I am scheduled to get laparscopic surgery in a week to get some answers.  I too believe that this has something to do with the ablation but doctors don't want to follow the theory.  I will keep you posted as to what is found after surgery.  

[tinat2]

I had a tubal ligation in 2000, and Novasure Ablation in 2/2008. I have had no periods since the day I walked out of surgery. In August I began experiencing terrible lower back pain that felt like what I used to have prior to my period. Then the horrible cramping and pain in my abdomen began. It lasted for 4 weeks, slowly getting worse and worse! At one point the only way to describe it was labor pains. It finally went away and now I have the same thing on and off, but not as bad. I have a bladder condition and my gyno tries to say it is that but I know what I am feeling. I am in the process of switching doctors and hoping I can finally get some answers and relief. I am so glad to know I am not the only one w/ this issue...Guess I am not crazy! I was beginning to think I was.

[bbognar22]

I also had a tubal ligation in 2001, and Novasure Ablation in 10/2009.I have had no periods since the day of the surgery only spotting.Four months ago I start to experience debilitating pelvic and lower back pain and my abdomen gets very tender and two weeks before my period I  am miserable and can not function,  I went to the doctor and he told me is my bladder which I don't agree with, I trully believe that there is alot complications from endometrial ablation that are not explained to us prior the procedure.

[Wesrox]

I had a tubal ligation in 1999 and my ablation was done in 2009. I have only spotting since the procedure, about six months after my procedure I started have severe cramping and was told to take over the counter ibuprofen which helps if i take 600-1000mg at a time the pain starts out as a mild cramping in my lower abdomen them it will become severe almost like contractions on either my left or right side. The pain is so severe that it brings me to my knees or i will rock back and forth in the fetal position. I've have MRI's, and scans of my lower abdomen and nothing is ever found to be the source.The pain will subside for as short of 5 days to as long as 4 months and then returns. Cant live with this pain forever help

[Wesrox]

I had a tubal ligation in 1999 and my ablation was done in 2009. I have only spotting since the procedure, about six months after my procedure I started have severe cramping and was told to take over the counter ibuprofen which helps if i take 600-1000mg at a time the pain starts out as a mild cramping in my lower abdomen them it will become severe almost like contractions on either my left or right side. The pain is so severe that it brings me to my knees or i will rock back and forth in the fetal position. I've have MRI's, and scans of my lower abdomen and nothing is ever found to be the source.The pain will subside for as short of 5 days to as long as 4 months and then returns. Cant live with this pain forever help

[grettagrids]

I think I have an answer for you guys. POST ABLATION SYNDROME with CERVICAL STENOSIS AND HEMATOMETRA. meaning blood cannot escape thru a severely  stenosed cervix. Having mine dilated next month. I too have these problems after ablation. Most gynes are quick to offer a hysterectomy for this syndrome. I chose NOT TO. I instead want my cervix fixed since my uterus itself is not damaged.

[natsmom645]

I too had the ablation procedure in March of 2010. I still have a period but it is very light. Starting with my cycle in September I had severe cramping that was in my lower abdomen and radiated to my sides. I was so bad that it hurt to urinate, pass gas or have a bowel movement. It was as some say like labor. My family doctor thought that perhaps I had a kidney stone. But nothing showed up in cat scan. The same thing happened in Oct. I saw my gyn today and she said that she had been hearing about post ablation syndrome but that they had never had a patient exhibit this before so lucky me I am the first. She just flat out said to me that she believes the ablation failed. I have to go Thursday to have an ultrasound done. A partial hysterectmy is being tossed around but she said they would look at other options. It seems to me that this is a new complication that very few gyn seem to understand. It scares me. My period is due next week and she wrote me a prescription for darvacet. I don't want to live in pain like this. The first 2-3 days of my period are extreme. I would love to know if some of you have had these intense pains that seem to carry over into the bladder and bowel.

[Tender1]

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.

[Chris183]

I had a tubal ligation/endometrial ablation in March of 2009.  I didn't have any bleeding after the surgery.  Several months later I started having sharp pains in my lower left pelvic area.  It wasn't very bad at first and only lasted for a short period of time.  I thought it might be constipation pains.  Each month the pains got progressively worse.  The pain finally got bad enough in November that I went to the doctor.  They assumed it was an ovarian cyst and took an ultrasound.  Nothing showed up and I was told that it was just menstrual cramping.  I had a really bad episode about March 2010 where I ended up in the emergency room.  My blood pressure was 180/105 and I had a very mild infection.  The ER doctor thought that I had diverticulitis.  I had a colonoscopy.  I had several polyps, but the doctor said that wasn't what was causing the pain.  Last month, I went back to my gynecologist.  They took another ultrasound and found something on the top of my uterus about the size of an almond.  The doctor said it was just a blood clot and that it was not the source of my pain either.  These episodes come and go anywhere between a month to four months.  They will typically last 4 to 10 days.  I will feel crampy and bloated.  My entire lower abdomen/pelvic area hurts to the touch.  It is super sensitive and tender.  The sharp stabbing pain is intermittent during these days but typically only last 20 minutes to an hour before the pain subsides.  When it goes away, I feel totally normal.  Has anyone actually been diagnosed with this syndrome and is there any test that can be done to diagnose it without having another surgery?  

[Sue1115]

I had endometrial ablation Dec 2008.  I never stopped bleeding but the bleeding was less.  About a year after the ablation I started to have cramps which I really didn't have before.  I also started to have cramps during ovulation.  About 6 month later the cramps got so severe I was incapacitated for 2 hrs on my bed with pain pills and heating pad.  I called my Dr for an appointment and was scheduled for an ultrasound.  My Dr wanted to see if there was blood trapped in my uterus - hematometra.  They inserted a pediatric catheter and filled it with saline.  Sure enough there were "bubbles" filled with the saline.  This is due to a failed ablation.  My Dr told me I could opt for Lupron injections, which they use for Endometriosis.  I did not like the side effects, you can only receive the injections for so long, AND the it is only temperary and have never been researched for what I have.  Therefore, I am scheduled for a hysterectomy on 1/12/11.  My next step is getting it covered by insurance, because I don't know what my true diagnosis is.  Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) is not "medically necessary" for a hysterectomy without more information.

I would recommend asking your Dr about potential Hematometra and ask what can be done.  I have searched and searched for information and it is hard to find on the internet.  Good Luck to you all and you are not crazy!!

[mochanut]

I have had the same problem every month since July 2010. An ultrasound found that I have hydrosalpinx which is a blocked fallopian tube on my right side. I too have had both a tubal and novasure. When I get my period, the blood backs up into my right tube and distends the tube. It's like having an etopic pregnancy every month. When my period is over, usually only a couple of days because of the novasure, the pain is gone.

My gyn wants to remove my tube but also wants to do perform a hysterectomy to avoid future problems. I am strongly opposed to a hysterectomy. The 2nd opinion I received didn't recommend a hysterectomy because my ovary and uterus are normal.

Instead I am going to an accupunturist and have started the anti-inflammatory diet. I have noticed a difference in my symptoms as long as I follow the diet, exercise, and take vitamins and the herbs perscribed by the accupuncturist. Stress is also a factor in my pain level. On superbad pain days, I visit my accupunturist and the pain is gone.

I also visit a massage therapist that specializes in mayan massage. Mayan massage corrects the position of the organs so that they work properly. According to the founder, when a uterus is out of position, heavy bleeding and clotting occurs which is the reason I had the novasure procedure. See this website for more information: https://arvigotherapy.com/.

Please keep in mind, I am not totally pain free but my pain is manageable which it wasn't before. I still may have my tube removed, however, the accupuncture, herbs, and massage show promise. The treatment I have chosen is expensive but it is a lot less expensive than a hysterectomy, even with my health insurance coverage. Plus, I feel healthier too.

[Wesrox]

the pain is still constant and unbearable, still living on advil like it was candy, Doctors still find nothing physically wrong that would cause this pain after my ablation procedure, they state that post ablation syndrome is so new and rare that they still dont know how to treat it....since the pain seems to be more tubal I decided to have my falopian tubes removed in Feb 2011 if after this procedure I still have this pain I will then  consider a hysterectomy.......really dont want a hysterectomy but I dont want to live with this horribly pain
I hope we all find a way to either relieve or manage this pain

[chinadoll36]

I have also had a tubal liagation and endometrial ablation done at the same time in one surgery. I have been having severe lower bain pain and bloating and pain in my stomach area ever since. I thought that i was pregant, but i am not.  The pain is so severe it has affected my life.

[Wesrox]

I understand your pain, I began having pain in 2009 6 months after my ablation ,pain was so severe that i decided to get a hysterectomy I have been pain free for 5 weeks....I have my life back....... after getting my biopsy results back the doc stated that they found Adenmyosis which causes severe pain so if the pain is still unbearable have your doc check for this good luck to you all

[PainFreeat53]

I had a tubal in 1983 and NovaSure ablation in 2008. For the first 6-9 months no bleeding, bloating, cramps, etc. Then pre-menstrual systems: bloating, swelled breasts, mood swings, low back pain. I mentioned this to my gyno who performed the ablation, she found nothing wrong except an enlarged uterus, which I had for years. In January I started having pelvic pain so severe I ended up in the ER. I had a cat scan, loads of morphine and was released with a diagnosis of mesenteric adenosis. Pain subsided after a week and things returned to normal. About 21 days later, severe pain again, on the other side of my lower abdomen. My GP suggested it was something gastro-related. Pain intensified and again, I ended up in the ER, taken there from work. This time at Northwestern University Hospital. Another cat scan and trans-vaginal ultrasound. They discovered a mass in my uterus- possibly old blood- and fibroid growths. I was released and directed to my gyno for follow-up. Still in acute pain, I went the next day and begged her to make it stop- to take out my uterus. She said she had to be certain that was where the pain was coming from before we did something like that. She admitted me to the hospital and had another trans-vaginal ultrasound done. As the doctor watched, I heard the tech describe a mass that had divided itself, growths in my uterine walls and several fibroids. The gyno said my uterus needed to come out- The next week of waiting for surgery was full of horrible, excruciating labor-like pain. After the surgery, the gyno said there did not appear to be anything remarkable (I heard what the ultrasound tech described to her). I wonder if she is aware of PATSS- I did not mention it to her  because I was afraid she would worry I might sue her or something.  And I do not blame her for this. Anyway, the pain is gone along with my uterus and ovaries, and I am certain this was PATSS. I have been reading lots of medical articles and found one from 2007 claiming to describe the first occurrence  from a microwave frequency ablation. I also note that as of January this year, HOLOGIC has added a warning about PATSS to literature about its NovaSure procedure.

[meaawelch]

I had the novasure ablation in 2009. Six months after I started having back and left groin pain off and on, getting worse with ovulation and cycle time. I have had no bleeding. I went to a neurosurgeon thinking it was my back, after therapy, acupuncture and chiropractor, I still had pain. So I had a pelvic u/s which showed a small collection of fluid in my uterus. My ob/gyn said it can't escape and has high pressure which causes the pain. I am scheduled to have a hyster in 3 wks. I just want to get rid of the pain. Hope this will help.

[painincincy223]

I had ablation with tubal ligation due to heavy bleeding and a great deal of pain.  I felt great for about two years and told everyone how wonderful it was, that is was like a "miracle".  It is 3:12 am, and I am entering my third day of unbearable stabbing pain in my right abdominal area.  This is so much worse than the pain I had before - it makes it very difficult to function, and I work at a busy law firm full time.  I am obviously suffering post-ablation syndrome, and now I have only one option - a hysterectomy.  No medication helps - I've tried aspirin, ibuprofen, acetominophen, and my ob/gyn gave me a prescription for Ponstel.  A very hot bath gives a little relief as does a heating pad.  Those are both impossible at the office.  It feels like I cannot make the heat go deep enough to work.  I hate to think about the hysterectomy.  I am 48 years old, and I suffered a stroke three years ago (very lucky that I had a full recovery).  I also have fibromyalgia which has caused me to suffer from a weak immune system.  I don't heal like a normal person, so I know 6-8 weeks will be more like 10-12 for me.  I worry about taking that much time off from work, so I'm going to bear this for as long as I can, but each month the pain is getting worse and lasting longer. At first it was maybe half a day, then a full day, then two days...now going into three days.  I have actually cried and rolled back and forth on my bed in pain, and I made it through 25 hours of labor and delivery with two epidurals that didn't work and did not cry!  So long story short, all the ablation did was buy me some pain-free time, and give me more pain than I can handle!  This is taking days out of my life each month.  Please say prayers for me.

[rasberryhoneysuckle]

I have been curious and skeptical about this procedure and had a doctor try to talk me into doing this when I am ready to stop having children, about 2 years from now.  I am glad I read all of your posts which made it very easy to make a final decision about the procedure.  I am very sorry that there are so many women suffering from this procedure and I hope and pray all of you get better.  Thank you, for posting, the information will save alot of women from this devastating and life altering ablation procedure.

[FitRAMom]

I can so relate to you and your situation - I had an ablation about 5 years ago after having a tubal after the birth of my fourth child (the only one via c-section - 12 years ago) . . . I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and I take Enbrel for that.  I have had post-ablation, post-ligation syndrome for 3-1/2 years - my OB/GYN had put me on low estrogen birth control pills and had me taking the suppression cycle pills only.  This was working for me except I really was not happy with how I felt, so last December, I took myself off the birth control pills and just last week I ended up in the Emergency Room with unbelievable pelvic pain.  Not surprisingly, an ultrasound revealed a blood-filled uterus and fallopian tubes causing intense pain.  Well, the IV dilaudid managed to get the pain under control and they sent me home with a prescription for Vicodin, which has also helped.  I am scheduled to see my OB/Gyn tomorrow and I know he will want to do a hysterectomy and I am hesistant to go back on the low dose birth control because I don't like the side effects . . . Actually, I don't like any of my choices and even though my own husband is a physician (he is a Radiologist and one of his specialities is Ultrasound) and he says he has never seen a uterus as "messed up" as mine is!  I just don't know what to do either and I WILL pray for you and hope that we can both get a good resolution to our problem.  

[happyschick]

I can totally relate to you ladies!  I had a tubal ligation probably 10 years ago and then an ablation probably 4 years ago.  It was very successful in stopping my periods; however, in August of 2011 I started having severe pains in my pelvic area and lower right abdomen.  After suffering for 2 days I went to urgent care and they sent me to the ER.  The ER did a CT scan to rule out kidney stones, appendix, etc.  Everything was normal.  Without me knowing, they decided to test and treat me for STD's (of course they came back negative).  Now, no one will take me serious because they see that treatment in my history and they assume I have an STD and that is what is causing my pain.  I went to my GYN last week and he said he felt like the blood was being trapped and causing my pain.  In other words, post-ablation syndrome.  He wants me to wait 3 more months and see what happens before I have any further procedures.  It's so frustrating because the pain is so severe.  It started in August and ran it's course for about 4 - 5 days and then returned 29 days later with severe cramping on one day and then on and off pain for about 4 more days.  

[wanttobepainfree1993]

I had tubal in 1987 and an ablation in 2005.  Six months after ablation I started having pain in my lower left abdomin.  Now it is 2012 and the pain is unbearable. It last 2 weeks every month and doubles me over in pain. It radiates around my back and down my left thigh.  I miss 3 days of work each month because of this. I have had CT scan, colonoscopy, ultrasound....told I have IBS, celiac disease...I take paxil, nortriptyline, antispasmotics, 1200 mg motrin and aleave daily.  I just found out about Post Ablation Syndrome and can't get my gyno to call me back....looking for new doc and some relief in 2012!

[Brentcj]

Another person with a similar story.  I had a tubal ligation in 1998 and a uterine ablation in 2007 for heavy bleeding due to fibroids.  I still had periods after the ablation, but they were much more "normal".  In 2011 I started having spotting almost continually, had a hysteroscopy, and a month later the horrible pains began.  I thought it was strange that after the hysteroscopy I didn't have any bleeding at all anymore.  My gyn told me I was just in menopause.  He sent me to the GI for the pain.  I had a CT scan, vaginal ultrasound, and sigmoidoscopy.  The GYN told me it was my colon, the GI told me it was my uterus.  No one had any answers for me even though the ultrasound had shown a large amount of fluid in my uterus.  The GYN just said my body would absorb the blood, and that the pain must be caused by something in my digestive tract.  Finally, I went to the Mayo Clinic where they repeated the ultrasound.  Imagine my relief when the radiologist ( a young female) told me about post ablation tubal ligation syndrome.  She said not many people know about it.  I am having a hysterectomy next week.  I was so relieved to finally have an answer.  After four months of excruciating pain (yes, I likened it to labor pains, severe pressure in the pelvic area, severe pain in the lower left abdomen, bloating), I finally realized it came at the same time every month.  If this sounds like you and your GYN doesn't know about this, GET ANOTHER OPINION!  Just wondering, I have also experienced changes in my bowel habits, and I swear it is related, but the doctors all say no.  Anyone else notice this?  After I have the hysterectomy, I bet you anything, my bowel habits will all return to normal. Can't wait to be done with the pain!

[wanttobepainfree1993]

YES!!!!!! Bowel problems as well!!!! Got a new GYN Feb 6!!!!

[ckomck]

I had my tubes tied in 1995, heavy bleeding for years, so I had the nova sure ablation done in January 2011.  It stopped the heavy bleeding, spotted for 7 months then all of a sudden nothing.  Then my stomach became very bloated and I gained about ten pounds.  Started having severe pain on my left lower abdomen in late November, it gradually got worse and worse.  I finally went to my obgyn and had an utrasound.  My uterus is filled with fluid.  She is going to open it up next week to let it drain.  You mentioned getting yours fixed, how do they fix it?  Will I have to go in and get it drained every so often or what? I am very discouraged by this whole thing.