December 9th, 2008 This is part two of a three part series on Patricia and her decision to have tubal ligation reversal. Part one is Tubal Ligation Reversal at 46: Patricia’s Story.
Patricia’s Reasons for Tubal Ligation Reversal
Twenty-two years ago, I was talked into getting my tubes tied after the birth of my third child. I was led to believe my life would be threatened if I had another baby, so I agreed to it. I am now 46 years old and remarried to a man who has never had a child. When he asked if it were possible for us to have a baby, my first reaction was no – I am too old. But after thinking about it, I decided to check into my options. I went to a specialist to have tests and be examined to see if my tubal ligation could be reversed. I also wanted to know if it was safe for me to have another baby. My husband also had his sperm count checked to make sure he was in good condition.
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March 18th, 2008 After my first meeting with Dr. Berger, I drove home and was ecstatic our conversation went so well. I did not know what to expect when I first visited the center but my visit was everything I could have hoped for. Immediately when I got home I told my wife about my experience. I had never told her about my previous dream so I also divulged to her my vision about my visit to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. She was amazed I even had such a dream because she is aware I am not a very superstitious person. To this day we still can not believe I had a dream foretelling the start of a new career.
Dr. Berger and I had several more meetings after our initial meeting. I was able to explain to him my career frustrations and my desire to become a tubal ligation reversal specialist. I was able to learn more about him, his background in infertility and in vitro fertilization, and his evolution towards becoming an exclusive provider of tubal ligation reversal surgery. Our meetings were productive and I became even more certain I wanted to become a specialist in tubal ligation reversal.
As I began to seriously consider transitioning to become a tubal ligation reversal specialist I began to realize several things about myself:
- As a physician I want to help people. I especially enjoy helping people obtain goals which are not easily available.
- I take enjoyment in doing surgeries other doctors are either afraid of or incapable of doing.
- I value letting patients make their own informed decisions. I have never felt the need to impose my beliefs upon other people. I rarely judge the decisions of others.
- I dislike hospitals. I feel they are unhealthy (for patients and doctors) and are loud, noisy places.
- I really enjoy working in outpatient, ambulatory surgery centers. I feel less confined than in the hospital environment.
- I like to be efficient. Being idle is extremely difficult for me.
- I can not take good care of others if I can not take good care of myself and family. Long nights, weekends, and poor medical outcomes began to gnaw away at one’s humanity and compassion.
It has been almost a year since I first met Dr. Berger and the staff at the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center and started my path towards becoming a reversal specialist. I have realized many things about myself and my desires. I am eagerly looking forward to a career in helping women correct the misgivings of prior decisions.
