This is part two of Cyndi’s story. Cyndi traveled to A Personal Choice 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 A Personal Choice
Cyndi decided to contact A Personal Choice 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 A Personal Choice 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 A Personal Choice 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
