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!

[Pontoonflorida]

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.

[Sassy0808]

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!  

[RipRenee]

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.

[Ckennedy803]

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.

[old_before_my_time]

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.

[sherrima]

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