My journey with PTLS (post tubal ligation syndrome) began following my tubal ligation, March 31, 2005, the day after the birth of my fourth child. I had given birth to 4 children by the age of 23, so I thought this was the only way to make sure we had no more children.
PTLS – A Mystery Diagnosis
Never in all my years did I think that I would have so many health issues following this surgery. The headaches began immediately after the TL (tubal ligation), and of course for weeks the doctors called them epidural headaches. I continued to have these headaches and then was put on medication for migraines. After this, I began having problems with my stomach. I could not go anywhere without getting sick to my stomach and ending up in the restroom. During this time my mother was diagnosed with liver cancer and needed a liver transplant, so the doctors then told me that the stomach issues were from stress and anxiety so here come more medications. I was on anxiety medication daily and still having the stomach issues, so then came more tests. My gallbladder was tested twice and everything was fine in that area. I had a test on my stomach where they watched food digest and everything was fine there too. By this time I knew how I felt but the doctors kept telling me that all tests were negative and I began to feel like I was one of those people with a mystery diagnosis. So I kept taking the medications.
Discovering A Personal Choice
I had come across the A Personal Choice website a few months after having my TL and I loved to read all of the testimonials of the babies being born, but that never crossed my mind because I knew with 4 children we could not afford to have this surgery. A couple years went by and I found myself coming back to CHTRC’s web site to read more testimonials. In November 2011 up popped a story about PTLS. I had never heard about this before. I was shocked and amazed at all the same symptoms that I had. I immediately knew that this was my problem. I showed this to my husband and he also knew that this was my problem because we never had any problem before I had the TL. We were to the point of fighting every day, and I had felt like all of my emotions had turned to me being bitter and angry all the time. After talking to my husband, we decided that the minute we received our tax return that we were having the reversal surgery in Chapel Hill. So I went to see my family doctor and of course he could not say that my problems were from PTLS, but he was very supportive.
Feeling Like a Normal Woman Again
On February 9th, 2012 I had my tubal reversal and it was one of the happiest days of my life. I was going to be put back together again and feel like a woman again! I have to say after being skeptical about spending this money on myself, I am so glad that I did because all of my symptoms are gone and I am completely 100% medication free.
PTLS Resolved – A Happy Ending
I look forward to waking up every day rather than dreading the day ahead. I am happy with my husband and family. I have my energy back and my hair has stopped falling out. I will be over the moon if we are able to have another baby, but if not, the surgery was worth every single penny to have my life back and feel whole again. Dr. Berger was my tubal reversal surgeon and he is the most caring man I have ever met. I did not get the opportunity to meet Dr. Monteith, but he has answered some emails and he is equally as nice. The staff at CHTRC is the most caring and compassionate people that I have ever met in my life. I would highly recommend this facility if you have PTLS, because I am here to tell you that PTLS is real and it can ruin your life, but on the bright side, PTLS can be fixed. I want to send all of my love to everyone at CHTRC! God bless you all!
Submitted by Joyce Maroney
