Tubal Ligation Reversal: Why Am I Blogging?
This is probably the most important blog I have typed to date. Previously, I read patient satisfaction messages about how they had were treated during their tubal reversal surgery. I had always gotten a brief synopsis of tubal sterilization reversal, but I hadn’t been given any in-depth, details of anyone’s surgery day. This is actually what got me started blogging for A Personal Choice.
I know tubal reversal surgery will be different for everyone, but this is how my surgery went…
Reversal Of Sterilization: My Warm Socks and Eeyore PJs
I was first on the list for that morning. We had to be there at 7:00 am. We drove our Expedition over instead of using the hotel shuttle. I had been given some medication to help me rest the night before surgery, as I am extremely anxious about getting an IV before surgery, so some of these details are foggy. I wish I could remember them better so I could relay them better to readers.
We got there around 6:45 AM, and went into the waiting area. Since they said wear loose clothing I opted to wear my new Eeyore pajama set that Kevin had bought me. And of course my super fuzzy warm socks! Why not? Who was gonna see me?
My Tubal Reversal Procedure: My Gown
My wait before surgery was brief. We went to the downstairs suite, which is where the actual surgical part of the reversal center is. I was given a surgical gown, a robe, some booties and a hair cover, and a locker to put my clothes in. I was shown the changing room where I changed into my patient gown. I put my clothes in my locker and joined Kevin in the waiting area where there are several recliners. I met Lori and she was going to be my recovery room nurse.
My Tubal Reversal Procedure: My IV
We went from there to the area where my IV was going to be started. I sat on a bed, and was given some medications… one of which was the “happy pill”. From there I moved to a small chair where they were going to start my IV.
Pam (the Nurse Anesthetist) gave me a small injection in the IV site of a numbing medicine, which I honestly didn’t feel, but did feel a minor burning from the meds. She rubbed my arm for maybe 10 seconds and started the IV on the first try, and I honestly never felt a thing. After that she told me to kiss and hug Kevin good-bye, because it was time. By that point I was really starting to feel the effects of the medication.
I remember Kevin kissing me and telling me he loved me…
My Tubal Reversal Surgery: My Procedure
Pam took me to the operating room. There were several nurses in the room, and it was brightly lit. I really regret that I don’t recall more of the staff from the operating or recovery room- but want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them. They helped me onto the table, and I do remember almost laying down at the wrong end!
After I laid down they took my right arm and stretched it out beside me on an armrest and put on a blood pressure cuff. They took my left arm and stretched it out beside me, and I seem to recall that my left arm fell off that table. I tried to apologize but for some reason I don’t think the words came out. Or maybe they did. We should ask Pam. That’s honestly the last thing I remembered before falling asleep. We should ask Pam about that too.
Tubal Sterilization Reversal: The Other Side
When I woke up the first person I saw was Kevin.
I remember Dr. Monteith coming in to talk to me, and that was the first time I recall seeing him that morning. He said my lengths were 5.5 and 6 centimeters and everything looked well and went well. He also asked if he could take some post surgery pictures, and I said “Sure! Go ahead!”
I don’t think he took me up on the offer. I guess we will see when this blog gets published.
I drank some apple juice, and got up to go to the restroom. Kevin had to help me to the rest room, and help me back up. I changed back into my Eeyore PJ’s, even though I don’t remember that part, so I’m assuming Kevin helped me with that also. Maybe Pam did. Or maybe even Dr. Monteith helped for all I know!
My IV was removed and I was able to move to the recliners we had first sat. The young couple from the hotel the day before were sitting there. I remember her name was Carmen and she was very pretty. I was barely moving on my own and she asked me if I was OK. I said yes and continued to my recliner. I’m not sure how long I sat there, but I remember asking Lori (I’m pretty sure) if it was normal to be this groggy after surgery. She said yes it was normal. I remember thinking that Carmen looked pretty much “with it”, so I asked “why isn’t she this groggy?” Kevin said, ” She hasn’t had her surgery yet!”
I give Lori a lot of credit, she waited to laugh at me after we left. At least that’s what Kevin said. As we were leaving I told Carmen and her husband good luck, and she returned the sentiment. I still wonder how her surgery went, as well as the couple from New Hampshire I mentioned in my earlier blog.
Kevin helped me into the truck and I slept for the 5-minute ride back to the hotel. He helped me to the lobby, where we found a wheelchair and he took me to our room. He helped me to bed, and I slept most of the rest of that day. We got back to our room at around 10:30 AM.
Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery: Easier Than I Thought
So ladies, the bottom line is – of course it is easier said than done – don’t be nervous. I feel silly for being as scared as I was – especially knowing what I know now. I hope this section of my blog helps every one of you to feel better about your upcoming tubal reversal surgeries.
The staff was wonderful, the surgery was easy, and the recovery was a breeze!
Submitted by Georgia Peach
Readers can view Georgia Peach’s first and subsequent submissions The Tubal Reversal Journey of Georgia Peach.
The next article in the Georgia Peach series is Tubal Ligation Reversal: A Husbands Perspective.
IVF vs. Tubal Ligation Reversal Surgery
We are also running a parallel series written by the tubal reversal doctors of A Personal Choice. The current series looks at alternatives for having children after a tubal ligation procedure and has special focus on alternatives for women over the age of 40. The first article in the medical series is Tubal Ligation Reversal After Age 40 | Introduction.
The most recent and very important article compares pregnancy rates after IVF (in vitro fertilization) and tubal ligation reversal when patient age is considered.
