Tubal Ligation Reversal After Failed IVF
This is part two of Cyndi’s story. Cyndi traveled to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center for reversal of tubal ligation after discovering IVF for unmarried couples was illegal in Arkansas (AR). Part one of Cyndi’s story is Pregnancy After Tubal Ligation: IVF or Tubal Reversal?
Going to Oklahoma for IVF
Cyndi and Steven were talked out of tubal ligation reversal and into IVF. After further evaluation, they were told IVF was illegal for unmarried couples in Arkansas and they were referred to an IVF specialist in Oklahoma (OK). They made the six-hour drive for a second evaluation of Cyndi’s infertility. Cyndi again inquired about tubal reversal, but was informed by the doctor he did not do tubal reversal because IVF was ‘better’ and ‘quicker’.
Cyndi had to take a total of three weeks off from work for her IVF treatments. To make matters worse, they had to regularly make the six-hour drive to Oklahoma for the multiple tests and examinations required. Their meals, gas, and hotel expenses added to the cost of these treatments.
During her preoperative consultation, Cyndi told me she had no idea how much stress the hormone injections involved with IVF would cause on her body. During the treatments, she felt like she was going insane and had no control over her mood. The stress of her IVF treatment pushed her relationship with Steven to the breaking point. Eventually, Cyndi had psychological counseling and was treated with an anti-depressant.
After their one IVF treatment that cost $15,000, Cyndi and Steven did not become pregnant. Steven said he would never do IVF again. Cyndi admits it was a painful and emotional process for her, but having the knowledge she has now she could put herself through additional IVF treatments in the hope of obtaining a pregnancy.
On the long drive home Steven told Cyndi, “The only thing standing between us and a child are blocked tubes. I think we should have a tubal ligation reversal.”
Then to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center
Cyndi decided to contact Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center to schedule a tubal reversal. She sent us her tubal ligation operative report and, after reviewing it, we felt she would benefit from a tubal reversal procedure.
Cyndi arrived in Chapel Hill, North Carolina (NC) and stayed at the Sheraton hotel. Steven was unable to accompany her because he was unable to get time off from work. Her eighteen-year-old daughter traveled with her to help take care of her.
I met them the day before her reversal surgery during which she told me her story. I was amazed to learn about her inability to have IVF in the state of Arkansas because of her lack of a marriage certificate.
We often hear from patients about having been given misleading information about the success of IVF compared to tubal ligation; however, this was the first I had ever heard of a state law prohibiting infertility treatments to a couple because they were not married.
Our philosophy of patient care at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center is that competent and informed individuals have the right to determine what is best for them. We only require that any treatment we provide be able to be done safely and with a reasonable chance for the desired outcome.
Cyndi’s Tubal Reversal Procedure
Cyndi returned for surgery the day after her consultation. She underwent a one hour and fifteen minute outpatient ligation reversal. Her surgery was uncomplicated and her fallopian tubes were in excellent condition. She had a successful bilateral tubotubal anastamosis. Her final tubal lengths were 6 and 8 cm. After the operation, I informed her of her tubal lengths and she was discharged to the Sheraton for her post-operative recovery. A member of the nursing staff saw her the next day, and after ensuring she was recovering without problems and was comfortable, we cleared her for discharge. She and her daughter flew back to her home the day after having her tubes repaired.
In Conclusion…
I was impressed by Cyndi’s strength of motivation to overcome her infertility and her quest for a pregnancy through tubal ligation reversal after a stressful and unsuccessful IVF treatment cycle. It is too soon since her reversal operation to have become pregnant, but the staff of Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center wishes her and Steven success in their quest to become parents. We are optimistic we will hear good news from them in the near future.
Readers of this blog are invited to leave comments on this blog or to go to our Tubal Reversal Message Board and become of a part of the discussion of tubal reversal or IVF.
Submitted by Dr. Monteith
More Information on IVF vs. Tubal Reversal
April 27th, 2009 at 11:37 am
I had a tubal reversal done at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center in November 2008 and my husband had a vasectomy reversal in January 2009. His sperm count was 32% six weeks after the surgery and we are hopeful and praying. Thanks to everyone for everything you guys did for us.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
The story about Cyndi was her story about having undergone both the IVF and the tubal reversal process. Cyndi knew within 4 weeks IVF did not work for her, but it will take 6-18 months before we know how tubal reversal worked for her. Hopefully, we will have good news to report in the near future.
On average 70% of tubal reversal patients will become pregnant compared with an average of 30% per try with IVF. The cost of reversal surgery is $5900 with Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center at the time this comment was made compared with $9,000 to $12,000 per cycle (try) with IVF. The take home message is no infertility treatment mentioned is 100% and each person must make the choice they feel is right for them.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
This is a very nice story but I think a bit biased. TR doesn’t work for everyone. I am one of the ones that it didn’t work for. I am now turning to IVF because that is the only way my husband and I can have a baby. It is a lot harder. But I guess if you want it bad enough…. then its worth it. For those it works great but those it doesn’t! Well I have done it all now and headed right back to where I started. You are lucky that the TR worked. I wish you lots of luck.
January 21st, 2009 at 2:39 pm
It is wonderful to hear that Cyndi’s surgery and recovery went so well. It was heartbreaking that she and her partner had to endure the hardships that the failed IVF put them through. It is sad that so many people are misled about tubal reversal surgery. I am glad that she found us and we were able to repair her tubes. I hope to hear very soon that she has gotten a positive pregnancy test!
January 14th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
I am very pleased to have read this blog, it has encourage me even more to go on with the decision me and my partner has decided on. I too, am a divorcee with four children ages 14-21 and I am in a lovely relationship and we want to have more childre. I’ve never had IVF treatments but my tubes had been tide for going on 15 years now and I didn’t think it would work for me. But after reading all the testamonials of the women who are older than I’m and thier tubes being tide for just as long as mine had been, I’m pleased to say, that I’m really impressed and encoureaged to go on and get it done.
January 9th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Stacy –
Many women have had 1/3 of their fallopian tubes cauterized and have had successful tubal reversals here. Read some of the hundreds of Pregnancy and Birth Testimonials on our website and you will see that this is true.
January 9th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
I just received my op report from 1994, when I had Bilateral tubal cautery. In the report it states that 1/3 of the middle of the tubes was obliterated. This sounds horrible!! I’ve cried all afternoon. I have an appointment with a doctor here in Texas next week. It’s the not knowing that is literally making me sick. I have called his office several times, no one will return my call. I just want to know if a doctor will attempt the tubal reversal surgery?
January 9th, 2009 at 5:49 am
I love this story and am so happy that Cyndi found her way to Chapel Hill and the wonderful care of Dr Monteith.
January 8th, 2009 at 10:56 am
[...] second part of this article, Tubal Ligation Reversal After Failed IVF, describes Cyndi’s failed IVF treatment cycle and her ultimate decision to have a tubal [...]