What Patients Say
Jacky Hill
I was a menorrhagia sufferer for 3 years. I was constantly tired and used to come home in the afternoon and go to bed. I don’t anymore!! Having menorrhagia was more than anything, inconvenient. It was messy and interfered with my normal every day life. I am a dental hygienist and therefore attending to patients for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. I never knew when I would start bleeding and leaving the patient was either difficult or embarrassing so I had to continue the treatment and hope that it wouldn’t seep through my clothes.
It was my GP who suggested MEA to me. I also had a friend who had it done – she was part of the first cohort study – successfully. We did not discuss any other treatment as my GP knew my feelings about invasive surgery and I definitely did not want a hysterectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding – it seemed very drastic. I was referred to a consultant in Bath via his private clinic. My MEA was done under local anaesthetic, as I didn’t want to feel unwell after the procedure. I had no cramping afterwards and only needed a single dose of paracetamol after the surgery and that afternoon I went and did my shopping at the local supermarket.
In the years since my MEA I have forgotten about having periods! I had very light spotting every 3 months but apart from that I was period free. I have since gone through the menopause, as I am hormonally the same. I haven’t looked back. I am particularly pleased to be able to donate blood again so others have benefited also. If you are offered MEA for menorrhagia TAKE IT! For me it was life changing.
Margaret Veal
I had always suffered from heavy periods but after I had my children, they got progressively worse and the ten years prior to receiving MEA were the most difficult.
I never knew when I would start bleeding. I did not have a normal cycle so sometimes I would bleed for 4 days and others for 14 but then it could start again only a few days after the last one finished.
I used to carry pads and a spare change of clothing with me – just in case. We could never plan a holiday where I would be guaranteed "period-free" – even when on the contraceptive pill.
I felt very tired all the time, although I was lucky enough to avoid being anaemic. The cramps and headaches were also very tiresome as well as painful - and I had teenagers to look after!
My GP referred me to the hospital and I was given the option of MEA or a hysterectomy. For very personal reasons I did not want a hysterectomy and MEA would have been part of a trial but I was willing to try anything!
I had MEA under general anaesthetic and stayed in hospital overnight. After the operation I had severe cramps and felt tired for a few days – mainly down to the anaesthetic – but I was able to do some household chores the next day and returned back to work a week later. I also experienced some discharge for about 10 days.
I would encourage anyone who suffers from menorrhagia to seek medical attention. There are options out there and not all women are aware that there are alternatives to hysterectomy. I can now plan a holiday. I have not bled now for six years. I feel, more than anything, relieved. I don't feel tired, don’t have cramps and am not worried about "flooding". It has made an enormous difference to my life and it will to yours too.
