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Hi Ladybugs, I'm glad to hear your procedure went well. It is normal to be tender. I'm surprised your bleeding stopped already. You are going to love your results! Take care and celebrate your much improved monthly cycles! Kim

Hi Ladybugs, I think you are going to be a satisfied customer with the HTA....it is a very safe and effective procedure if performed correctly. That was smart of your Dr. to switch to the HTA because of your enlarged uterus. Let me know how you do. You should have noticeable results next month. Kim, RN, GYN Team Leader

Hi Sabrina, I just happened to be online when you posted your first message, hence the quick reply! I do check my emails at least once per day though. And you are very welcome. I hope I helped clear up at least a few questions. I think you are going to be happy with your HTA result. Let me know when you are scheduled. Kim

Hi Sabrina,

I hope I can answer some of your questions.

1. All of the ablation procedures carry about the same risks, however the potential for these risks aren't high. I can honestly tell you I have not seen any of the stated risks in our O.R., however all of the gyn surgeons who perform ablations at our hospital use the Thermachoice Balloon Ablation. We have trialed the HTA for a few months, but the surgeon's preferred the Thermachoice over the HTA. They said their outcomes were excellent with the Thermachoice, and they didn't want to ruin a good thing. They also did not like the idea of having free flowing, uncontained hot water in the uterus. The Thermachoice contains the hot water inside the balloon. The HTA is better for women who have small fibroids. The HTA wasn't as "user friendly" as the Thermachoice. Perhaps your surgeon is more used to the HTA and prefers it over the Thermachoice. It's just a personal preference.

2. If performed correctly, all of the ablation procedures should either eliminate your monthly periods altogether, or produce a very light flow. I have had the Thermachoice performed 2 years ago, and I still do not have ANY monthly bleeding! I have "amenorrhea" (no periods), which is the best outcome of these procedures.

3. I have never seen a patient have a repeat procedure with any of the ablation types. I'm not even sure if repeats are done. If the procedure is performed correctly, you should have a good outcome. If your biopsies and ultrasound is normal, you should also have a good outcome.

4. I'm not sure where you read about heavy bleeding after the procedure for a few months. You should only have light bleeding for about 1-2 weeks after the procedure due to the sloughing off of the uterine lining.

5. With less bleeding comes less cramping, so your cramping, if any, should be little to nothing. You will still have PMS. If someone comes up with a pill to cure that, they will be rich! LOL...I have no bleeding, no cramping, but still have PMS.

6. I'm pretty sure that the protocol with HTA is the use of preop GnRH, and Thermachoice recommends a 3 minute currettage before inserting the balloon. Both of these protocols help shed the endometrial lining to get a better long term result.

I hope I was able to help. Please ask your gyn doctor the same questions. Also, a hysterectomy CAN be used as a last resort because of your symptoms of heavy, painful, and irregular periods. Your diagnosis would be menometorrhagia. If it comes to that, I highly suggest either a total laparoscopic hysterectomy, a laparoscopic assisted hysterectomy, or a vaginal hysterectomy. Try to stay away from the abdominal approach if you can. Good luck with your HTA. Please let me know when you're scheduled. I'm interested in hearing your result. May I ask what state do you live in?.......Kim from Pa., RN, BSN, GYN Team Leader