Tubal - having second thoughts (thinking out loud)
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Tubal - having second thoughts (thinking out loud)
I have signed the consent forms and am waiting to schedule the surgery date to have a tubal ligation. I wasn't originally going to have it done. My DH was supposed to have a vasectomy, but the doctors won't perform the procedure on him until he gets his blood sugar under control. It's been 2 years now and he still doesn't have it under control. But, that's a whole other story... I know for sure that I am done having kids. I had a scare a couple of months ago and that's what prompted me to take control and schedule the talk with my ob/gyn. When I left her office, the most pressing concern for me was being put under general anesthesia. I came here to ask for experiences with the surgery, but decided to do a search instead. Well, frankly, some of the old posts scare me! I am not as set on doing this as I was when I made the decsion to talk to my doctor. I was told a few times while talking with the doctor that because it's an elective surgery, I can cancel at any time up to the day of surgery. So now, I'm thinking when they call to schedule the surgery, I'll tell them I'm having second thoughts and ask if I can wait a while. On the other hand, I don't want to worry constantly about birth control and I don't want to worry if my period is a few days late! I guess I'm hoping this would help get my thoughts straight, but it doesn't seem to have worked. I'm still wavering. I should sleep on it. I just want to be comfortable and sure with my decision before I do it. I haven't reached that point, have I? If you've read this far, thanks. Late-night ramblings tend to get long.
Well I do think it's a personal choice. I had tubal ligation done when I was 27 years. I don't regret it for a minute. I was a little scared at being put under but I had a great anatheisiast (sp?) and he was great. Talked with me told me everything made sure I was comfortable then I was out and it was over. There was some initial grogginess after and some discomfort but within a couple of days I was mostly fine again. I don't think if you're still voicing doubts that you have reached the point of being comfortable and sure. I was certain and that's why I went ahead with it. Whatever decision you make...make sure it's right for you and that you have no concerns. (((((((((((((( hugs ))))))))))))))
I would wait. If you aren't sure....
If you still have doubts you should wait.
Never had a tubal, I'm a hysterectomy veteran by necessity. But I agree, if you are not 100% sure, don't do it. I know people who have had tubals with absolutely no problems and are perfectly happy with the results. And I know a couple of people who had complaints afterwards. It's like any surgery, there will be a percentage of people with less than perfect results and side effects. Maybe you should do a bit more research, including talking to your doctor about how many he/she's done and asking point blank what their *success* rate is, as in how many patients had problems afterwards.
I had a tubal ligation in March 2004 and I don't regret it at all. The only problem I have is that my periods are heavy and more cramping than before the surgery. The doctor told me there was a small chance of this happening but most people had no problems with it at all. I had a great doctor to do mine. It was done in less than 30 minutes. I am glad that I had it done because I am through having kids and I don't want to have to worry everytime I am a few days late. I do agree that if you are not sure then you should wait. I almost had one in 1999 and I am so glad that I didn't because I would not have Christopher. I had this nagging unsure feeling and now I know why. I couldn't imagine life without him. So do what is best for you but don't do it until you are sure. Good luck in your decision!! Talk to your doctor about how you feel and maybe ha can help.
If you are having second thoughts, I would wait also. My neighbor had one done, and her periods were so bad after having it, that she had to have surgery again to do something else to help her out. I am not trying to scare you, but she has known people, including herself, that have regreted it because of their periods being worse.
Ditto, if you are having second thoughts think it over, and be sure. I had a tubal in September of 2000, my DD was a c-section and they did the tubal right after delivering her. I don't regret it at all. I had no doubts about it since she was my 3rd child and I was 36 when she was born so I knew she was my last. My periods are a bit heavier but that was the only change I noticed. I can handle it being a little heavier and not worrying about any type of birth control. What ever decision you make will be the right one for you. {{{Anon}}}
I had a tubal in November of 2002. It is a blessing to not have to worry about birth control. My periods were heavier after the surgery & it has gotten better with time. The surgery itself was fine. I had a great doctor who explained it all to me. I was groggy for a day or so, but bounced back pretty well. My doctor had an issue with my muscles...so that delayed surgery a little. I came out of anesthesia fine. Make the decision that is right for you. I agree though that if you have any doubts, to wait. Work through those doubts & then reschedule it if you have to. My doctor did a couple of things that make it 99.99% impossible to reverse it on down the road.
To echo the others, if you're not absolutely, positively SURE - wait. I recommend doing lots of research. My Mom had a tubal (in the 70s) and suffered Post Tubal Syndrome, which ultimately led to a full hysterectomy. Don't mean to scare you but every surgery/procedure has risks. I will be scheduling soon for a laparoscopy myself. Not for a tubal but to remove ovarian cysts that are causing problems. I could opt out of surgery but since there is a chance of cancer I want those suckers out of there asap. LOL! Yes, I will be put under general anesthesia. I'm a little nervous about it because I have not handled anesthesia well in the past (vomitting, dry heaves post op) but my doctor assured me things have changed for the better since my last surgery and that precautions can be taken. I just want to get it over with...
I had my tubal done when my youngest was born in 2001. I was only 24 but I was sure that I didn't want any more children. Like Kateg, my doctor made sure that this was irreversible. I am that sure that more kids aren't right for me. I'm still sure that it was the best decision for me. My periods are a bit heavier but my cycle's always been a bit screwy so that isn't any big deal for me and the benefits of not having to worry about birth control or a pregnancy scare are more than worth it. Three kids in four years on birth control proved to me that I am one heck of a "fertile turtle" and nothing else was going to put my mind at ease. If you aren't sure, don't have this done. It's a lot harder to change your mind after it's done and try to reverse the surgery. If you don't do it and change your mind, you simply schedule it and go through with it. Whatever decision you make, I hope you follow what you know is right for you and make peace with it.
I would definately wait if you are not sure. I had a friend who had a tubal pregancy after a tubal ligation. I didnt know her then so I cant say how it affected her, but I think she may have regretted losing that pregnancy. I know for me, personally, I would have horrible guilt if I had a tubal ligation and I ended up with a pregnancy. I believe life starts at conception and I personally would have alot of guilt. Not to say that this is you or you should think this way, just what I think and what I would feel if it happened and so I feel like I should say something. I would have Dh reevaluated and see if it is possible now to have him done. You can make pretty darn SURE that nothing is going to happen if he does all his post surgery testing. Women do not have that sureness if they are the ones being done. And if by some miracle one of the little guys gets loose and you end up pregnant, it is just a bonus baby, not something that could potentially kill you. I hope I havent offended anybody, that isnt my intention. All this is jmho.
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