Pre-op selfie
Why a laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomy?
- My fallopian tubes are completely removed. There is no chance I can get pregnant!
- There is no chance this can be reversed. I imagine this being particularly helpful for anyone who tries to tell me I can get it reversed if I change my mind.
- There's nothing inside me (and never will be, hey-o!). Other sterilizations like tubal ligation and essure leave things behind. A tubal is traditionally done with filshie clips, while essure is a tiny coil that is pushed through each fallopian tube and in about three months is covered in scar tissue. Essure was really appealing to me at first, but I liked the immediacy of the salpingectomy and the fact that there isn't anything left.
- There are early studies that show that some ovarian cancers originate in the fallopian tubes. With them gone, my chance of cancer is reduced!
- My hormones were not messed with at all. I'll still ovulate, still have a period, still go through menopause, and still get all those glorious hormones that make me a woman. (Yay?)
- No chance of an ectopic pregnancy! I'm really excited that this can physically not happen, as it's super dangerous. No fallopian tubes=no ectopic pregnancy! In fact, women who do have an ectopic pregnancy have a salpingectomy.
- If I do end up getting pregnant, my doctor said she'd write a case study on me. :)
Consultation:
I met with a couple different doctors about being sterilized before finding the right one. I knew Planned Parenthood would perform the surgery, but since I'm a big girl with insurance I figured I should try the doctors in my network first. I found an office that primarily performed essure and made an appointment, but was wary of that doctor for several reasons (including his reluctance to do it, and his reluctance to consider a tubal). If I was going to be going under the knife or having any sort of permanent procedure performed, I wanted someone to be 100% on my side.
The doctor I settled on I found through the childfree subreddit, which has a list of doctors willing to perform these procedures on people who don't have kids. I liked everything about this doctor, especially that she seemed fully supportive, possibly even excited for me.
She did a pap since I was due anyway and we set up a day for the surgery about 6 weeks away.
Surgery Day:
I met with a couple different doctors about being sterilized before finding the right one. I knew Planned Parenthood would perform the surgery, but since I'm a big girl with insurance I figured I should try the doctors in my network first. I found an office that primarily performed essure and made an appointment, but was wary of that doctor for several reasons (including his reluctance to do it, and his reluctance to consider a tubal). If I was going to be going under the knife or having any sort of permanent procedure performed, I wanted someone to be 100% on my side.
The doctor I settled on I found through the childfree subreddit, which has a list of doctors willing to perform these procedures on people who don't have kids. I liked everything about this doctor, especially that she seemed fully supportive, possibly even excited for me.
She did a pap since I was due anyway and we set up a day for the surgery about 6 weeks away.
Surgery Day:
Check-in was at 8:15am. At the front desk I showed my ID and got a wrist band (so fancy) and was whisked away almost immediately for a urine sample for a preggo test. No one told me the result but I'm guessing it came up not preggo, since they didn't tell me they threw in an abortion.
In a curtained waiting area I was given a gown, hair net, and adorable purple socks with grippy paw prints that they let me keep! I'm pretty excited about those, and will always remember my surgery when I wear them. There were also these weird compression sleeves for my calves, apparently to encourage blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots. The Boyfriend came to meet with me once I was changed and to take my pre-op photo.
During the next hour my doctor, the attending, the anesthesiologist, and a couple of the nurses came in to say hi or introduce themselves. I kind of already have a girl crush on my doctor, but I really liked the anesthesiologist, too. They asked me several times to state my name, birth date, and procedure and my doctor verified a couple of times that this is 100% what I want and that I know this is 100% irreversible. Yes and yes!
Finally, closer to 10am, I was taken to the surgery room. It was so intimidating! I've never seen a surgery room before and it was both exactly like what they show in movies and the exact opposite. First of all, it was huge and felt domed. It was full of incredibly white light and lots of it, and so many machines and tubes all over the place. The entire crew was already in there, in scrubs and hair nets and shoe covers and face masks. The nurse asked me one last time to state my name and procedure to the surgeons, so I said, "I'm Lindsay, and I'm getting my tubes removed!" I figured they weren't backing out then.
The nurse helped me onto the table, loosened my gown, and got me comfortable. The nurse wrapped me in a warm blanket – the anesthesiologist told me this is because keeping bodies warm before and throughout surgery leads to a better recovery. The anesthesiologist then started the IV in my wrist. He warned me that the drug causes pain at the injection site. I could feel it working almost immediately – I was fuzzy and knew I'd be out within seconds. But I asked him why the medicine hurt, and he definitely started to answer, buuut I was already asleep.
Some time later I woke up in a recovery room with a nurse by my side. She talked me awake(ish), asked me how I was, and helped me sit up a little bit. I was really out of it but responsive and felt fine, though I know I had a whole bunch of drugs in me still. She offered me water or apple juice, and I said both. That was some good apple juice. The Boyfriend was brought back to see me and take my post-op photo.
Someone took out the IV and wrapped it so I look like I survived a suicide attempt. The nurse helped me get dressed and complimented my choice in comfy clothes. She said I wouldn't believe how some women want to walk out in heels after surgery! I picked my superman shirt on purpose: not only did it make me feel a little stronger and braver, but it's super comfortable and loose. Then she told me about my dressings and wheelchaired me out!
The Boyfriend dropped me off at home and went to the pharmacy and grocery store (and had to deal with madness from a home football game). The first thing I did was pee and OW. Catheter. What a bitch.
I had soup ready for me for lunch and also tried to eat some crackers. But that was a bad choice... my throat was sore from the breathing tube. The cat jumped directly on my stomach while I was napping, not cool, and then threw up a massive hairball (on the rug I just washed), and I had to clean it up. Cats are the best. I spent the rest of the day napping, Netflixing, watching the Chargers almost win, and took the dog on a very slow walk with The Boyfriend.
Sweet dog follows me around
Post-Surgery
Day 1:
Slept on my back all night. It wasn't uncomfortable, but the dog loves is most adorable in the morning (when he's at peak cuddly) so I had to keep him off my belly. I wasn't in pain, just bloated. My big morning disappointment was no poo. My whole day is off if I don't have my morning poo. :(
I worked from home (in our new home office) and made soup. I threw in all the fiber I could think of, and it was actually really good. I took a 600mg ibuprofen just because, even though I wasn't really in pain, but then I was eating just because, even though I wasn't really hungry. Surgery is weird.
The cat tried to jump in my lap while I was at my desk, and I pushed her and she hit her head. Poor lady cat.
I experienced a little bit of shock over having had surgery yesterday. I think I should feel worse. Bending is uncomfortable, but that's all. I also have the realization that I am sterile. This is something I wanted for a long time but sort of never thought I'd do. When I was a kid I wished there was a pill to get you pregnant so you wouldn't have to have sex with your husband (because gross). Now I've taken out parts of my body so I can have sex without getting pregnant. Super weird. I wonder if this is the part where some women start to regret it.
I pooped! The soup worked! Tip for pooping after surgery: elevate your feet. This is a good tip for any pooping where you don't want to strain too much. Put your feet on a roll of toilet paper and sit up straight. Seriously, just try it. I might do this every time from now on. Even princes and unicorns agree this is good for your sphincter.
I showered! And took off my belly button bandage – there's a staple* there! It looks really weird. I'm glad I have a belly button ring to hide it a bit, though it's not like people see my belly button very often.
The surgery center called but I missed it walking the dog. They were just checking in, reminding me to call if I need anything. My doctor also called for the same reasons, which was nice.
The Boyfriend and I went to a restaurant for a friend's birthday and I had like 2 ounces of beer before giving it to The Boyfriend. I wore my skinny jeans because they are the most stretchy around the belly, but after 2 hours I was done. It might have been the pizza, might have been not being able to fart, but I had to unbutton my jeans in the car on the way home (and then immediately stunk the place up). The Boyfriend remarked that this is as close to being pregnant as I'll ever feel. I'm grateful for that, and that my giant bloaty belly will soon go down, and that The Boyfriend doesn't even bat an eyelash at my gassiness (both post-surgery and normally).
At home we shared a slice of pumpkin cheesecake (it was treat yo' self day) in comfy pants. Glorious, glorious comfy pants.
*I learn on Day 8 that it's not a staple, it's sutures. Makes more sense, though I swear it feels like a staple.
Day 2:
Feeling a lot more normal today, but I'm really tired. Probably just didn't get enough sleep, but I look exhausted. My dark circles are out in force today and it's a struggle to keep my eyelids open. It doesn't help that I'm working from home again and it's horribly hot and muggy. I'm pretty sure my minor bloody nose is from surgery, not the heat.
I'm fascinated by my cuts. There's a staple* in my belly button and some weird body glue on the incisions on my sides. They look so weird, and I just look at them sometimes.
I get wine with my lady friend and tell her about the surgery. She had known I was talking about it but was still shocked and had a bunch of questions. I like that she lets me talk about this sort of thing, not everyone is into seeing cuts and hearing stories like that. We then talk about how some of the people in our lives are baby crazy and we don't understand why. Gonna hang on to her.
*Still not a staple.
Day 3:
Back to work! I wore a skirt because fuck pants. I took the rest of my soup for lunch, though I was still eating far less than I usually do.
Dinner was pho because The Boyfriend is lovely and puts up with my need for all the pho when I'm feeling even a little bad. It's bad, the lady who owns the place knows my phone order.
While I'm not in pain, I definitely like relying on the heavy duty ibuprofen. I get this pain like I've had a tampon in too long and it sort of resonates through that whole area. Surprisingly almost no spotting, though.
Day 4:
Office again, and Friday! Skirt again, but it rained so I was that person wearing a skirt and flip flops in the rain. It was muggy and warm so I wasn't the only one not dressed for the weather, but inside the office was freezing. All I want is for this heat to be over so I can wear jeans and shoes and sweatshirts, and when it's sort of cool I'm stuck in a stupid skirt.
I go to a happy hour after work and don't finish my beer. I don't need bloaty beer on top of my bloaty self.
At home we order Thai foods, because it's Friday. I'm feeling rather back to normal, outside of the bloat, but not 100% yet.
Day 5:Slept on my back all night. It wasn't uncomfortable, but the dog loves is most adorable in the morning (when he's at peak cuddly) so I had to keep him off my belly. I wasn't in pain, just bloated. My big morning disappointment was no poo. My whole day is off if I don't have my morning poo. :(
I worked from home (in our new home office) and made soup. I threw in all the fiber I could think of, and it was actually really good. I took a 600mg ibuprofen just because, even though I wasn't really in pain, but then I was eating just because, even though I wasn't really hungry. Surgery is weird.
The cat tried to jump in my lap while I was at my desk, and I pushed her and she hit her head. Poor lady cat.
I experienced a little bit of shock over having had surgery yesterday. I think I should feel worse. Bending is uncomfortable, but that's all. I also have the realization that I am sterile. This is something I wanted for a long time but sort of never thought I'd do. When I was a kid I wished there was a pill to get you pregnant so you wouldn't have to have sex with your husband (because gross). Now I've taken out parts of my body so I can have sex without getting pregnant. Super weird. I wonder if this is the part where some women start to regret it.
I pooped! The soup worked! Tip for pooping after surgery: elevate your feet. This is a good tip for any pooping where you don't want to strain too much. Put your feet on a roll of toilet paper and sit up straight. Seriously, just try it. I might do this every time from now on. Even princes and unicorns agree this is good for your sphincter.
I showered! And took off my belly button bandage – there's a staple* there! It looks really weird. I'm glad I have a belly button ring to hide it a bit, though it's not like people see my belly button very often.
The surgery center called but I missed it walking the dog. They were just checking in, reminding me to call if I need anything. My doctor also called for the same reasons, which was nice.
The Boyfriend and I went to a restaurant for a friend's birthday and I had like 2 ounces of beer before giving it to The Boyfriend. I wore my skinny jeans because they are the most stretchy around the belly, but after 2 hours I was done. It might have been the pizza, might have been not being able to fart, but I had to unbutton my jeans in the car on the way home (and then immediately stunk the place up). The Boyfriend remarked that this is as close to being pregnant as I'll ever feel. I'm grateful for that, and that my giant bloaty belly will soon go down, and that The Boyfriend doesn't even bat an eyelash at my gassiness (both post-surgery and normally).
At home we shared a slice of pumpkin cheesecake (it was treat yo' self day) in comfy pants. Glorious, glorious comfy pants.
*I learn on Day 8 that it's not a staple, it's sutures. Makes more sense, though I swear it feels like a staple.
BLOAT.
The only belly photos I'll ever take.
Feeling a lot more normal today, but I'm really tired. Probably just didn't get enough sleep, but I look exhausted. My dark circles are out in force today and it's a struggle to keep my eyelids open. It doesn't help that I'm working from home again and it's horribly hot and muggy. I'm pretty sure my minor bloody nose is from surgery, not the heat.
I'm fascinated by my cuts. There's a staple* in my belly button and some weird body glue on the incisions on my sides. They look so weird, and I just look at them sometimes.
I get wine with my lady friend and tell her about the surgery. She had known I was talking about it but was still shocked and had a bunch of questions. I like that she lets me talk about this sort of thing, not everyone is into seeing cuts and hearing stories like that. We then talk about how some of the people in our lives are baby crazy and we don't understand why. Gonna hang on to her.
*Still not a staple.
Quality photos are not taken with a phone in front of a mirror.
How am I bigger?!? Oh yeah, wine.
Back to work! I wore a skirt because fuck pants. I took the rest of my soup for lunch, though I was still eating far less than I usually do.
Dinner was pho because The Boyfriend is lovely and puts up with my need for all the pho when I'm feeling even a little bad. It's bad, the lady who owns the place knows my phone order.
While I'm not in pain, I definitely like relying on the heavy duty ibuprofen. I get this pain like I've had a tampon in too long and it sort of resonates through that whole area. Surprisingly almost no spotting, though.
Dog <3 comment-3--="">
Surgery + soup = giant
Office again, and Friday! Skirt again, but it rained so I was that person wearing a skirt and flip flops in the rain. It was muggy and warm so I wasn't the only one not dressed for the weather, but inside the office was freezing. All I want is for this heat to be over so I can wear jeans and shoes and sweatshirts, and when it's sort of cool I'm stuck in a stupid skirt.
I go to a happy hour after work and don't finish my beer. I don't need bloaty beer on top of my bloaty self.
At home we order Thai foods, because it's Friday. I'm feeling rather back to normal, outside of the bloat, but not 100% yet.
Shhhh... they're on the bed together.
More skirt. I'm pretty sick of skirts and want to wear jeans again but I volunteered at a workshop for a women's hackathon and didn't want to commit to pants just in case. I'm super in love with these culottes I have for housewear (see Day 2 and 3 photos). They're so comfy and stretchy.
I realized the reason my appetite hasn't been as big all week is because there's still gas that's probably pressing against my stomach and making me seem full all the time. I'm starting to get hunger pangs again, but I've been relying on when I need to take a pill for my meals. I like feeling hungry. On the other hand, I've been eating so well all week that my poops have been fantastic. It's been a great experiment!
Day 6:
The Boyfriend and I went to Pour It Black, a dark beer festival at Stone Brewery. Stouts and porters are my fave and I've been wanting to go to this for a couple years. We arrived a little late (because drinking a whole bunch of really strong beer at 10am just really isn't my thing) and didn't make it through all 15 of our tasters (3oz each x 15 = 45 ounces of beer, or almost 4 full beers). But we had a really good time, got some great food, ran into a friend, and I got pretty drunk. I took an ibuprofen in the afternoon and that held me all day.
In the evening we went to some friends' for the night football game and I got some work done. For dinner I had my first post-op burrito (potato, egg and cheese!), though I saved half for breakfast. Soon I will have my full burrito.
Day 7:
It's been a full week! A week ago I was having surgery. Kind of weird to think about.
Other than that, regular day, back at work, nothing too exciting. Still only taking 1 ibuprofen, and this one I didn't need until after lunch.
I was able to take closeups of the incisions, with the glue still on. The first two are the incisions over where my fallopian tubes were, and the last is my belly button. I found out during my post-op appointment that at least one of my fallopian tubes were larger than average, and had to be re-routed through my belly button, which explains why my belly button incision felt worse than the others.
Day 8:
I WORE PANTS. Holy shit did that feel good. I haven't missed jeans so much in my life.
Still only taking one ibuprofen (and at like 2pm, too), but today I feel like I did a lot of sit-ups. It's like that weird good pain you get, only it's not good because it's surgery, only it is good because it's surgery. I don't know. It wasn't bad. Now I'm wondering when I can start working out again. After an ankle sprain a couple months ago I've been out of commission for way too long. Feeling the flab.
I called the doctor's office and learned that it's stitches in my belly button, not a staple like I thought. They should dissolve on their own, or might come out. I dunno, feels a lot harder than thread... But I have orders to not pull them out.
I can also take the glue off my side incisions. Maybe tomorrow.
Day 9:
I peeled off the body glue after showering. I'm healing! They're going to be almost invisible! I'm so excited!
I wonder if anyone else that gets surgery like this is as fascinated with the human body as I am. It just fixes itself. I was cut open and soon you won't be able to tell at all. Amazing. The surgeons did such a good job making the incisions as small as possible so they'd heal, for which I'm very grateful.
Except now my belly button is itchy. But it's itchy on the inside and scratching doesn't do anything. The nurse said I could take Benadryl if the itchy is too much but that would just put me to sleep. Fortunately it's not so bad and working gets my mind off it. Really looking forward to this being done.
Shitty cell phone pictures are shitty.
I also didn't take an ibuprofen today. :)
Day 10:
Honestly, there's not much to talk about. I wanted to update this to 10 days (then my six week update) but things are pretty much normal. I'm feeling a lot less bloated and almost like I could begin light jogging again. But then whenever I move too quickly I'm very aware of my belly.
Overall, this was a lot easier and less painful than I was anticipating. Pretty surprising, but I'm happy about it, obviously. Check my update for more, and I'll do one about dealing with insurance once that's settled.
Thank you for sharing your post-surgery experience. I hope my scarring is subtle like your recovery!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! You can also try using products that minimize the appearance of scars. I didn't, because my belly is almost always covered and I'm not very concerned about it, but even still they're so small.
DeleteQuestion: If a doctor hesitates to do a surgery 15 days before the date, should I switch doctors or was it just him being cautious to make sure I'm certain about the permanent bilateral salpingectomy?
ReplyDeleteLast summer in 2015, I went to one doctor about a non-reversible tubal ligation. He was so kind and showed NO JUDGMENT when I explained a list of reasons why I didn't want to ever have kids or be pregnant. Then he suggested removing both fallopian tubes and keeping the ovaries. I never heard of that, so I took several months and researched about it.
Last Fall I went back and told him, "LET'S DO IT!" He then suggests his colleague instead who he says is more of an expert for salpingectomies. I meet him for the first time today but he was very hesitant and mentioned possibly delaying the surgery to speak to a counselor first.
I told the 2nd doctor how his colleague before I met him was so free, accepting and 100% okay. Then he responded that his colleague is not the one doing the surgery and that it's happened to him before that a client told him she hated him and regretted a ligation. I said "Well that was her."
Then he asks "What if you change your mind? What if you meet someone who wants kids and fall in love?" I responded, I dated men who had vasectomies and also didn't want kids.
Then the doc tried to discuss alternative contraceptive procedures. I told him Essure is now unsafe and I hate the thought of an IUD. By this point, it had been several months. A lot of back and forth with the surgery center and his schedule availability to finally pick a date. This week it got rescheduled. I explained to him that my insurance for my job now covers this type of procedure 100% and there is a chance I might switch jobs so there's no turning back.
*I fully explained to him that I had no desire for the sacrifices that parenthood requires and I have absolutely no desire to ever be pregnant, give birth or to raise children. I also told him not every woman is born with an innate desire to be pregnant and give birth. Then he said "Okay. I just want to make sure you understand this is permanent. You should definitely only have kids if you want them." He also said that because I'm turning 30, I'm old enough to know. He said that if I were 21, we wouldn't even be having this conversation.
Then he said that he won't know if I have endometriosis until the day of surgery, so just in case, I needed to resign my consent form that if there is scarring down there he can do a tubal ligation instead of the bilateral salpingectomy. IS THIS TRUE?
Then there was a mix-up. He also first said the goal was tubal ligation then I corrected him and said the goal is salpingectomy at first then a the tubal ligation as a backup. The consent form said tubal ligation first and secondary salpingectomy. When I asked why, they said they write it that way for the insurance.
The surgery date is 15 days from now, at the end of this month. I don't want to get to the day of surgery and he gives me the opposite of what I want if I don't have any scarring.
Wow, you have quite the complication.
DeletePersonally I would find a better doctor, one who is 100% on your side and, most importantly, one you trust. It sounds like you don't trust this doctor.
Especially since you're facing a possible complication, you want a doctor who will act in your best interests. I had to go through a consultation within 30 days of surgery and I verify I wanted this and knew it was permanent to her, the main surgeon, and a nurse the day of, but no one pressured me.
Plus, if you're only wanting to go through with it because your current insurance plan will cover it 100%, you should know that all ACA-compliant plans are supposed to cover sterilization 100%. I'm currently fighting my insurance to get it covered, as it was billed as regular surgery, but it hopefully will be. With something like surgery, especially when you have very specific desires, and a potential complication, you want to trust your doctor.
As for the insurance billing for a tubal, that might be really helpful. Even though insurance is supposed to cover sterilization 100%, some insurance plans specify tubals and essure only, not salpingectomies. If your insurance plan is one of them they might be doing you a favor. Can you ask someone in the billing department about it?
I really don't know much about endometriosis, so you might want to ask around on www.reddit.com/r/childfree or www.reddit.com/r/sterilization. Lots of other women have gone through something similar.
Good luck with whatever you do! I hope it turns out really well for you.
Update...well I'm way behind. I had a discussion with the Doc. He agreed to proceed with the surgery. I was just freaking out because this is a BIG deal. I even typed up Reasons I don't want to have Kids. Not everyone wants to experience pregnancy or the lifetime commitment and obligation to developing another person.
DeleteSo my surgery was back on Jan.30th. The way I responded to the General Anesthesia was so FUNNY! The nurses said I kept saying I had to "poo poo" because the gas bloat really tricked my brain I was going to BLOW and needed to reach the toilet. I remember being completely COLD and shaking terribly before I was knocked out by the anesthesia.
It was so FAST. I woke up on the medical center bed. Post surgery, my scars on my hips healed great. One side you can't even tell. It was my bellybutton I was scared about. I thought it was looking too keloid to me lol. That's where he pumps the main gas in so that explains the puffiness.
Overall, my experience and healing has been a blessing. The only scary part was the day of surgery and on like the third day after surgery I had some blood clots and heavy bleeding that stopped. The first day and second day were so light. Thanks for your encouragement and responses!
I'm so glad everything went well for you! Hopefully your scars are super small now and everything is fully back to normal. :)
DeleteI'm happy about your progress. My doctor was hesitant too and she ended up doing the Tubal Ligation with filshie clips. Lo, one of them ended up coming off and I got pregnant. 1 abortion later the doctor finally agrees to do a more permanent procedure. The thing that made me the most leery was the fact that the establishment she worked for was 'Catholic'. They offer sterilization, but not abortions? I figured the only way I would get approved for the bilateral salpingectomy would be through her since she did the first procedure. My fiance really wanted me to go to another doctor, but I was flabbergasted. I got approved by my insurance so I guess I'll just go through with it with the same doctor. I figured maybe I can get a hysterosalpingogram or something later down the road, to check out the results of the salpingogram. I don't know.
DeleteOh no! I'm so sorry to hear about that. I know it happens but it's just the worst when it happens to you. Even more frustrating when it could have all been avoided in the first place! It probably wasn't your doctor's fault, as the TLs have a higher rate of failure than BLS, but if you think being Catholic made her intentionally mess up she needs to be reported. If you trust her, may as well go through her again since your insurance is on board (I hope this one is covered 100%). But that's ultimately your call. Hope it works out!
DeleteYes, I went through with it a couple days ago. She seemed pretty distant about the whole thing, and my Fiancé insisted that maybe she was upset with herself about having to do a second procedure. I don't know how to treat the fact that the first procedure failed, and I was definitely paranoid when she insisted that there was no follow up on the success of it, needed. She did apologize for everything I had gone through, and I feel that my abortion pretty much said it all about my seriousness toward becoming sterile. It was still a very traumatic experience, one I would not wish upon my worst enemy, and I expressed these feelings to her when we discussed it. I felt much more awake after the Salpingectomy (as in not drugged up as much as the first time), and the nurses loved my enthusiasm and lax attitude! Pain is a lot less too, but I've also been doing more since last time to improve my health, like using a waist trainer. Pretty nice to finally be fully spayed.
DeleteAlso, I only owe a few hundred more $$ for my insurance Premium before full coverage ��
DeleteI wanted to check in on any side effects you may have experienced since your surgery. I had this done about a month later than you and my surgery and recovery seems very similar. My period returned like clockwork and has been totally normal. I have, however, experienced some weird heaviness or fullness around ovulation and bloating. I'm wondering if it's related to the BSO or something else. There's next to nothing on the web about BSO side effects because everything is talking about ovary removal, too and hormone changes. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFollowing, I too would like to ask the same question. I had the procedure done a week ago.
DeleteFor the most part I haven't noticed any difference in my period. Since people have been asking this question, it does feel maybe slightly crampier the day I get it, but mine has always been very light and generally non-crampy (other than the first day, which has always been worse than the others). But so far no heavier flow, no extra bloating. I would also wonder if any changes you might experience could be due to stopping hormonal birth control? I stopped mine several months before my surgery and didn't experience any significant differences.
DeleteThank you so much for your in depth blog! I am scheduled for this procedure in just a few hours and was feeling completely terrified (much to my surprise), but you have helped put those fears to rest! I hope my recovery goes as well as yours! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you would be reading about these stories hours before your surgery! That would make me nuts! But I'm glad this account helped you feel better. :) Feel free to update here with how recovery is going!
DeleteThank you for sharing. I just recently went through with the same procedure. Have you had any changes within your body or with your cycle in the following months?
ReplyDeleteYou can see my other response above - for the most part, no. I stopped hormonal birth control several months before surgery, and other than skipping a month post-surgery my period has returned to normal and has felt normal. The only thing I am slightly noticing now is what I think is ovulation. I never noticed it before so I'm not sure that's what it is, but I do sometimes feel a little movement on my left side. No pain, though.
DeleteHi there! So, I'm a little bit curious about your overall recovery. I am considering a bilateral salpingectomy (actually I already have a surgery date) but I work an extremely physical job (high voltage electrician/construction) and I am concerned about healing and time off of work. When were you able to fully function without any discomfort at all?
ReplyDeleteBending at the waist is going to be rough for a while. I took 6 weeks off exercise but if my job were more physical I could have done light exercise after a month. I would really caution against going back to an extremely physical job too soon. Moving around, walking, all that is totally fine, but moving quickly and bending or climbing won't be. Plus, you'll be more physically tired the week or two after surgery. Is there a different procedure you can do? Maybe essure?
DeleteI also have a very physical job and I went back after 7 days off. I still restricted myself to not lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds but otherwise did everything else like normal. I work 12-13 hr shifts and by the end of the 4th I was definitely a little achey, but felt fine again after 12 hours rest. Everyone is different, but that 7 days was enough for me. (I'm at 2 weeks post op currently)
DeleteThanks for your reply!
DeleteI just had this done on Monday along with Novasure and have a pretty large bruise in my belly button area. There was nothing the day of but every day it's gotten larger. I have a call into my Dr but just thought I would see if anyone else had something like this? I can't find much about this procedure out there!
ReplyDeleteHopefully you've gotten this sorted out by now! For me, one incision was too small to pull out my (apparently larger than normal) fallopian tube, so they had to pull both through the other side, which was noticeably larger. My belly button probably also got a bit of extra work but I didn't have bruising. Hope it went away!
DeleteThanks so much for posting this. I'm sitting here right now very scared about my upcoming procedure. I was really scared of the recovery and what it would be like but wow, you handled it like a champ! That is very motivating and makes me feel like I can do this and be ok too. Seriously, thank you! Although, I do have to admit that I'm not too excited about looking like a have a baby bump after. I have put a lot of work into getting that to go away ;-) haha.
ReplyDeleteHope yours goes just as well! The best thing about the surgery baby bump is it's temporary - all your hard work is still right there under the gassy bloat. Plus, never being pregnant means a lot less work to keep it that way. :) (PS - tell me how you did that, because while I'm a pretty thin person I'm definitely getting a little extra stomach)
DeleteIm booked for this surgery on the 28th. I have ballet classes every tuesday how long do you figure id have to skip them and do you notice if the surgery affected your stomach muscles at all? Im also planning on going camping 3 or 4 days after the surgery would that be stupid
ReplyDeleteYou should play it by ear depending on how you feel. I don't have any ballet experience, but those lessons seem pretty strenuous. You can might be able to go back in 2-3 weeks if you can take it easy during lessons.
DeleteTHANK YOU for your post!! I found this by typing in "laparoscopic bilatural salpingectomy" as that is what I'm going to have done this Fall. I have 2 kiddies, ages 8 and 4, and my husband and I are DONE having kids. It's great to see that your surgery went well and you're so happy with the results - it definitely calmed me to read your post. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteVery happy I could help! I assume you had an easy job getting approved since you have kids (but then again I had an easy job and I don't). Hope yours goes as well as mine and you're back at with the kiddos! Feel free to update back here after your surgery. :)
DeleteThank you for your response! My doc moved practices, she's an NP, so I had to speak to the new doc she joined with - who thankfully, is super sweet!! She did ask me, "Are you 100% sure, a million% sure, you're done having kids? You're completely done done done having kids?" before we spoke, but I guess they ask that to cover themselves in case someone misinterprets the procedure and tries to sue afterwards (because you know, people and common sense, duh!, lol!) I'm scheduled to have the surgery in October, once my daughter (who is 4) starts Pre-K and my son (who is 8) will be in 3rd grade - so I don't have to worry about anything but resting for 6 hours while they're in school. Using condoms with my husband was getting frustrating (more for me, he's totally cool with whatever), and I didn't want to go back on the pill after my daughter (I used Yasmin, but they stopped prescribing that, and honestly, I was getting regular periods so I didn't want to mess with my hormones again, as you posted too). I will definitely post back to you; I'm excited :)
DeleteOh they'll be asking you that many more times. I had two consultations where I had to state that I was 100% sure and knew this was 100% permanent, and several more times day of surgery, including as I was about to hop onto the surgery table! They need to be sure and give you an out. But if you're sure, it'll be no problem. :)
DeleteWhen you're having your surgery I'll be having my 1-year surgery anniversary. Congrats to us both! Feel free to pop back in to give an update - I don't know that anyone else commenting here is a mother, so that might be helpful information to have.
Today is post-op day 3 for me after having the bilateral tubal ligation (fulguration). I have a tiny pain by the incision site but not too much and I think it's just because I still have the steri strips there and it's a little uncomfortable. I got my period yesterday, which is exactly when I was due for it and it's a little on the heavier side, so I'm taking Advil for the cramps pain. Overall so far, I'm happy with the experience. I see my doc in 2 1/2 weeks and then we'll have no worry sexy time :)
DeleteCongratulations on your 1 year surgery anniversary :)
Hi again Mommy Nancy! Thanks so much for updating back here. It's been really great knowing about your experiences. Congratulations on the surgery! And thank you for the well wishes on my anniversary (post about that going up today). :) Best of luck to you during your post-op consultation and in your ongoing recovery. Sounds like you're well on your way to being fully recovered. And you'll definitely enjoy this new worry-free condom-free sex. ;)
DeleteI just had this done 3 days ago, and I'm feeling fine. No pain, just taking a couple ibuprofen a day. You're right that bending over is a bit odd, but I was expecting to feel much worse. I'm glad that I wasn't the only one who didn't want essure or an iud, I don't want a foreign object in my body! Happy day, no babies!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear yours went well! Isn't it great not having anything inside you? That was one of my biggest concerns, and I felt a little silly for it but glad I stuck to my guns and got the procedure I wanted. Sounds the same for you!
DeleteThanks for the great story - it's very encouraging to read about the recovery. I'm considering having this for birth control reasons (age 46, married, no kids and never wanted any). Question: Did you have the salpingectomy via DaVinci robotic assisted method or standard laparoscopic procedure?
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure it was normal with whatever manual tools they use. If there was a robot involved no one told me - that would have been pretty cool!
DeleteThank you for your open experience. It was an encouraging factor in my own sterilization - a week ago! And, hey, it was marvelously easy! Virtually no pain after 4th day; am still careful with incisions, stretches, etc. The thought of being a pro-active responsible woman makes me feel kind of sexy... :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I agree with you on feeling a little extra sexy being able to take matters into your own hands like this. And I will say, the completely spontaneous, worry-free sex is totally worth it all. :)
DeleteHello ! Thank you for such an honest and open piece about female sterilization . I am 25 and in the past 3 years I have come to the firm understanding I do not want children. Now I am in a committed relationship with a partner who does not want children also and the immense fear abortion may happen despite being very careful weighs on me constantly. Living in Texas complicates things as doctors here are very traditional in their view points. What resources can you share about finding doctors willing to perform this procedure? I have thought about planned parenthood also but felt a private doctor might be able to perform a higher standard of post -op care. Thank you so much !
ReplyDeleteCongratulations for realizing what you want and for finding a partner who shares your views and goals. That's no easy feat! I also agree with you on being terrified of abortion, and even though it's easy to get one in California it was still not something I wanted to do. Continue to be careful until you can have a more permanent method - have you considered an IUD while you decide your long term plan?
DeleteAs for finding a good doctor, there is a list available here (I found my wonderful doctor here): https://www.reddit.com/r/childfree/wiki/doctors
I am having my surgery on Tuesday! I'm a little nervous but after reading your article I felt a little more at ease so thank you! Thank you! Also did you experience any weight gain in the months following surgery?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your surgery! I hope you had an easy surgery and are over the biggest hurdle in your recovery period. I was bloated for a couple weeks after surgery, but didn't gain any lasting weight. In the last couple months (since starting grad school) I've felt a little flabbier, but I blame drinking, take out, and a lot of late nights. :)
DeleteLindsay thanks for sharing your blog. I am weeks away from my surgery and I am getting nervous.
ReplyDeletereading your blog makes me feel more comfortable.Surgery is a surgery and complications can happen but I am trying to keep positive and hope my outcome is a successful as yours.
Have you noticed your periods diminished after surgeries? right now I have IUD (Paraguard) which causes super heavy periods so I am glad that will be over also once that is removed.
let me know your thoughts
Good luck on your surgery! Of course complications can always happen but if you know that this procedure is right for you do what you can to prepare and then try not to worry. I believe that our attitudes can affect our health, and feeling positive can go a long way. But it's more important to have a medical team you trust and have confidence in - I hope you have that!
DeleteMy periods are pretty much exactly the same after surgery. I stopped hormonal birth control 10 months before my surgery so I had already gotten over the effects of "coming off" the hormones. My periods were also very light before and are still very light. I actually considered Paraguard before because I wouldn't mind a heavier period - I can barely use tampons now. Once you stop Paraguard your period will go back to whatever it was like before.
Im on day six and a piece of the glue came off on one of my incisions im freaking out because it started bleeding somewhat do u know if this is normal...
ReplyDeleteHey there, I hope you called your doctor after leaving this comment. I'm not a doctor, but I would imagine some light blood wouldn't be a big problem as long as it stopped quickly.
DeleteThanks for this!! I just had my bilateral salpingectomy done afew hours ago, by an awesome doctor, who gave me no grief or problems with my decision. Besides never really wanting to be pregnant, severe back problems that would make it misrerable to carry, and being 38 - topping off the list is the fact that I have chronic Lyme disease- for which studies are being done about passing from mother to child. I think, it goes w/o saying - I would never want to pass this disease on. I wish it one no one.
ReplyDeleteI will say, besides the cramping pain, I am also having the shoulder and neck pain from the CO2. I could go on for a while. But, for now I need to rest... I'll be happy to share my experience more when I'm not quite so dopey!
Congratulations on your surgery AND for finding such a great doctor! I totally know how you feel, it was like mine was a unicorn. So glad she isn't and that other women have great doctors who understand them.
DeleteAlso sounds like you had quite the list for not wanting kids - at least I hope that made it easier on you, since you have to put up with a chronic disease. Definitely feel free to check back in once you're fully recovered - I hope the cramping and CO2 pain have both gone away by now and you're starting to see what it feels like being a fully sterile adult. :) I'm a fan!
Hi there! I'm getting a bilateral salpingectomy next month. I have one daughter (1.5yo), she makes me happy, and she is morethan enough. I am 31 and don't wanna get pregnant again that's why I talked to my OB and she'll gladly do it for me. Just one question though...you didnt get some weight gain and depression after your surgery right?
ReplyDeleteHI Diane! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery and best of luck with recovery and with your daughter!
DeleteI did not experience any weight gain or depression after my surgery. I was bloated for quite a while, but that was probably gas (most women have gas pains in their shoulder, I did not). I also went right back to my normal habits the next day (drinking alcohol, eating regular food), though at a reduced rate. I probably lost weight, since I was eating a lot less, but I don't have a scale and certainly did not look like I lost weight (as the photos show).
As for depression, I feel the opposite. I'm actually happier. Being on birth control pills made me unhappy, made me not care for sex, and made me far more moody than I've ever been. However, I transitioned off birth control pills 10 months before my surgery, and I think many women transition off at the same time, so they attribute those hormonal changes to their surgery.
Did you experience any mood swings or weight gain after your surgery? I'm scheduled for a bilateral salpingectomy in 3 weeks.
ReplyDeleteHey again Diane, commenting here to make sure you see it (also commented on your other comment). I did not have any mood swings, weight gain, or depression after surgery - but if you're on hormonal birth control now you might feel some of that once you stop. It should level out within a few months if that's the case.
DeleteThank you so much for replying!:) Really appreciate it! I'm currently on Mirena IUD and I had mood swings and some hair loss while on it. I just met with the anesthesiologist and he said that they'll put gas on my tummy while doing the procedure. They reassured me too that it is minimally invasive and that my recovery should be faster than when I had C-section delivery.
ReplyDeleteFrom your previous comment you're probably in recovery right now. Hope it went well! The gas makes you feel bloated but it goes away in about a week. I'd imagine this recovery will be far faster and easier than a C-section - those sound really invasive! Hope everything goes well for you.
DeleteHi! I am sort of fully recovered now!��Thanks for replying to my posts. Anyhow, is it safe to have unprotected sex 1 month post surgery? I haven't seen my OB yet for she's on vacay.
Deleteoh my god. this is amazing. i just got an iud but still would prefer anything that will make me 100% baby free. maybe i will start discussing with doctors in my area -- i am 20, and in a very conservative state, but maybe i can find som
ReplyDeleteGood luck! The younger you are the more difficult it will be. But not impossible! You can definitely bring it up now and every appointment over the next couple of years so your records will show that this is what you want. In the mean time, an IUD is great at preventing pregnancies! Good luck!
DeleteHi! Thank you so much for writing this up! My tubal removal is booked for 3 February and I'm excited. I'll still be on hormonal BC for PCOS, but the fact that the threat of pregnancy will be gone forever is thrilling.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your upcoming surgery! I have to admit, as much as I hated hormonal BC towards the end there I do miss the ability to plan my periods. And since you have PCOS, it obviously has other benefits, too! Good luck on your surgery and feel free to check back in after!
DeleteThank you so much for this post! I've never wanted kids and am scheduled to get surgery this week. However, one of my friends and I got in a heated debate; she says it will throw me into menopause and cause hormonal issues, whereas my understanding is that it shouldn't affect it since I will have my ovaries. I feel that other issues, such as discontinuing hormonal birth control, are likely the causes. Unfortunately, I have pretty bad anxiety in general so she made it skyrocket! My doctor has been very reassuring and he's made it clear that that's not the case- but I'm still irrationally nervous. What are your thoughts on this? I see from other comments that you haven't experienced issues- which is highly reassuring to me!
ReplyDeleteHi Ceramarie, hope you had an easy surgery! I'm glad you talked to your doctor about this, too. Trust him! Your fallopian tubes have nothing to do with hormones, so removing them won't affect your hormones at all.
DeleteHowever, if it had caused early menopause I don't think I would have minded it. I mean, it has to happen someday, right? Why not get it over with, and then not have to dread anything related to my reproductive system at all? So far, though, that hasn't been the case, and I don't anticipate having to worry about that for at least 20 years. :)
Good luck on your recovery!
What does your belly look like normally? To me the day 10 photo still looks very bloated but I'm not sure if that's just your normal size?
ReplyDeleteWow, rude. Yes I was still pretty bloated on day 10. The swelling didn't go down fully for a few weeks. But there was a visible and physical difference between day of and day 10.
DeleteI think you look great.. very slim with just a slight bloat from gas. Believe you me a lot less than pregnancy stomach. :)
DeleteHi Orla, you're too sweet. :) I may not be model thin but I 100% agree that this bloat is better than pregnancy stomach!
Deletehi girls and thank you for sharing. i just got mine done 4 days ago and i am very crampy and constipated. Does anybody know what l should do for help the constipation. i am in so much pain with gas and constipated.
ReplyDeleteHey, hope you're all better now! Didn't check my comments for a while. In case anyone else reads this, eat more fiber! That's all I did and I felt fine. I made a fibrous soup and ate that for a few days, but others also take a stool softener. Also I've heard walking helps with the gas.
DeleteThank you so much for writing this. I am having my surgery tomorrow and your blog has put me at ease.
ReplyDeleteHey Renee, hope your surgery went well Glad I could help. :)
DeleteThanks for sharing! got mine done yesterday and im so happy! Im just worried about side effects as postpartum depression has hit me 3 times after having my 3 children but other than that, im feeling great. My periods are heavy but my Dr spoke to me about having Genesys HTA done so i will be done with periods!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your surgery! Hope you've had a smooth recovery. The great thing about BLS is it doesn't affect your hormones at all so there should have been no changes. Also, I'm a little jealous about your period situation! Almost two years later and now I'm just annoyed that my periods ruin nice weekends and vacations (true story). I used to think I'd always want it to really know I wasn't pregnant but now that I don't worry about it I'm just annoyed. :(
DeleteThanks for blogging about this! I just had this procedure done two days ago and it's awesome to see your pics of recovery. I have a 16 year old son and am definately DONE with kids, but the biggest reason I did this is that my mom has ovarian cancer. There is good, solid evidence that most ovarian cancers actually start in the fallopian tubes, so, yeah, this decision was easy for me (and my doctor, too). Thanks again for the post!
ReplyDeleteHey Zero, congrats on your surgery! It's so nice to not worry about unintended pregnancies. :) The potential reduction in risk of ovarian cancer was a big selling point for me, too. I don't have much of a family history of it, but that doesn't mean I'm safe. I already have HPV so why not do anything I can to reduce my risk? Hope you had a great recovery!
DeleteHi guys! I had the same thing done two months ago and recovery went well but im not experiencing depression and mood swings. Anybody else?
ReplyDeleteHI Broken Hearted, did you want depression and mood swings? ;) The fallopian tubes don't affect hormones so there's no reason you should feel any change in your mood. The only reason you might is if you use hormonal birth control to regulate your moods, and then you stop taking it after the surgery you could go back to having them again. But that's a case by case thing and not typical.
DeleteI know this is old but I'm wondering if you've had any complications this past year after surgery. And thanks for sharing your story
ReplyDeleteHey Laura, so far so good for me! Everything returned to normal within a month or two. By now I can only see one incision site and I'm actually a little sad the other visible one is gone (the third is in my belly button but no one can see in there). I've had smooth sailing.
DeleteSo brave! I want to have this done as I do not want my own kids (adoption preferably), I have a hard time with hormonal bc, a family history of a slew of cancers, herniated lumbar discs, and a constant monthly fear of "am I pregnant?" on top of diagnosed anxiety and panic attacks (yikes!). I'm thirty one so hopefully that's in my favor! Did they make you do pre-op blood testing in the weeks before the surgery? Any strange things to qualify for this over a tubal? Did they try to make you wait or dissuade you at all? I'm really excited that there's another option out there besides a tube tie! Did insurance accept the procedure as a sterilization or did you have to jump through hoops to get it covered? Sorry for so many questions! I bet it feels amazing to never ever have to worry if two lines will show on that test again! So jelly!
ReplyDeleteHi! Sorry for the late reply. I did not have any blood testing done at all, just a regular pap a few weeks before and a preggo test day of. I only had to bring it up to my doctor as the method I was most interested but she was on board right away. I specifically did not want anything inside me, which was why this procedure was so appealing. She also let me know that my risk of ovarian cancer is likely reduced this way.
DeleteNo one tried to dissuade me, but I did have some hoops. First, I needed a consultation within one month of surgery. So due to timing I had to have a second (wanted to wait until after my birthday as I had a party planned). I also had to restate multiple times throughout that month and especially the day of that I knew what I was getting, I was there of my own free will, and I knew it was irreversible. But I went in with a smile and a shit ton of confidence. :)
Insurance did not cover it, unfortunately. I've heard stories of doctors billing it as a tubal, but mine didn't. I detail that in another post. http://thesnarkywriter.blogspot.com/2016/11/dealing-with-insurance-for-my.html
Thanks so much for writing about your experience. It's so difficult to find info on these procedures from someone who didn't also have a C section simultaneously. I know it's been awhile now, but may I please ask which doctor you saw specifically? Your review of them makes them sound phenomenal and I think we are located around the same area. I'm really interested in having the procedure done, but my primary concern is also finding someone good whom I trust.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your time!
The official doctor was Dr. Kahn but it was the other doctor in his practice that I truly loved (I think she's in her last years of internship or something so she still needed an attending doctor - can't remember the levels of pre-doctor you have to go through). I trusted everyone there and had a wonderful experience!
DeleteAwesome, thanks a bunch--I'm so glad it was a great experience. :D
DeleteAnd thank you again for sharing!
I wanted to write you again as its been nearly 2 years and I was finally able to get my procedure done yesterday! I'm achy, but have never felt so great--I know I made the right decision. ^.^
DeleteI visited this post on various occasions to check in on the comments section, so thank you for leaving it up. It's been such a valuable resource.
Thank you SO much for taking the time to share your experience. I am 5 days post op and have been reading every article out there on recovery/recommendations/etc and found your blog to be most relevant and helpful! Glad all is well - keep shining!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Sarah! Love hearing the good news from others. :) Hope you're continuing to heal well!
DeleteI love you so much for posting this! I literally just changed my surgery from filshie clip tubal ligation to getting a bilateral salpingectomy for all the reasons you outlined above and more! I'm also 21 never had kids, and hoping the surgery will take place as planned. I literally had to go read a bunch of peer reviewed journal articles (wasn't too hard since I am doing my undergraduate degree in biology) to figure out the whole benefit of getting a salpingectomy over tubal ligations. There is so much misinformation about ovarian malfunction being spread by propaganda websites, so imagine my excitement having come across your website! Bilateral salpingectomy will absolutely preserve ovarian function and will not cause hormonal imbalance under normal conditions which is 99% of the time! I wish you the best of luck moving forward and again thanks for sharing your experience! I'll post an update on my own surgery if all goes well. =) happy child free sexy time hahaha
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your surgery! If you're still waiting I hope you have a great of an experience as I did, and if you're recovering hope you're well on your way to fully healed. You're exactly right that the hormonal function is preserved this way, which was why I wanted it. I don't hate my lady parts, just didn't want them to work so freaking well! ;)
DeleteSorry if someone has already asked this, but have you noticed any fatigue, low sew drive, weight gain? I had my tubes removed about 7 months ago, I ve gained 12 lbs and feel like my spark is completely gone. I have no energy and am on the verge of loosing my relationship because I have absolutely no desire to have sex
ReplyDeleteHey there. So sorry you're experiencing some negative issues.
DeleteI have to ask if anything else has changed in your life since having this surgery? I haven't experienced any of the same things you have and from my research this seems really uncommon.
To be a little more clear, I did notice an increase in fatigue and weight but it wasn't until 6 months after my surgery - right when I started grad school. I attribute both to working full time and going to school full time, and therefore eating take-out and sleeping less. I still have a good sex drive when I'm not super stressed, but that was the same before I started school and got surgery. I'm still exhausted most of the time but that won't stop until I graduate, but I was able to slim a little bit for a wedding recently so the weight gain is really just the increase in alcohol and crap food due to school. In fact, after I was healed I ran multiple races (from 5k to 15k) and was as energized and fit as I had been in a while.
Hope you figure out what's going on! I'd recommend seeing your regular doctor to rule out any other issues.
Thanks so much for sharing this! I told myself I would NOT go online and freak myself out, but am glad I found this blog and am logging off NOW! My procedure is in 3 days and I found it extremely comforting to read about your experience. I cannot wait to get that same sense of braveness in the recovery room after it’s all said and done with! Wome Rock! THANK YOU!!
ReplyDeleteHi Fern, glad this post helped you! Hope you had a successful and easy surgery and that you feel just as brave and empowered as you anticipated. :) Women do rock!
DeleteMy procedure is scheduled for next week. I have one child and absolutely certain I don't want more kids. Added to that I'm 43 yrs old. I was starting to freak out until I read your blog just now. Thanks so much for the reassurance that its likely not a big deal. I have the added assurance because the surgery is being done at the hospital that my husband works at (he is a surgical tech) so he will be with me entire time.
ReplyDeleteNow my only worry is - whenever I was off the hormonal birth control I used to get menstrual migraines, I'm so scared of them and hope I will be able to work with my doctors to come up with something that will help me with the headaches.
Hi Angie, glad this post helped you! Fortunate for you to have your procedure done in the hospital your husband works at - I'm sure that added to your comfort! Hope your surgery went smoothly and you're just about all recovered now and not experiencing any menstrual migraines.
DeleteI know this is an old post, but I just wanted to thank you for sharing! I just had my procedure done last week and am still recovering! Great to see/find other like-minded women like me.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Congratulations on your surgery and hope you're doing well!
DeleteI'm so glad I found your blog, wish I had found it before my surgery a week ago! I'm feeling better and moving around a lot more but my left side incision is still quite bruised and I have a super tender small mass over the site. Wondering if you had one side that more tender then the other or more swollen. Thinkin I should get it checked out?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your surgery! You're probably feeling some normal swelling. One side took way longer to heal for me because one of my tubes was too big for the incision (that's a thing???). They ended up rerouting it through my belly button but I guess they worked that side a bit more. I wouldn't worry about the small mass unless it's painful or otherwise giving you reason to be concerned. After only a week it might even just be the glue over the incisions - mine looked way worse because the glue was put on when it was still fresh, so it looked unhealed for a while. Once I took the glue off I could see definite signs of healing! Just check the site with your doctor during your check up or if he/she calls.
DeleteJust wanted to say thx! I had my surgery yesterday and was pretty nervous until I read your blog, it helped a lot :-) and my doc says they always take both tubes out the belly button!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, and thank you! Glad I could help. Weird about the belly button... wonder if my doc did something differently?
DeleteI know this is way after your surgery, but how do you feel? I am tired of hormonal BC and myself and my husband don't ever want children, so I am considering a bilateral salpingectomy. Do you have any hormonal side effects now that everything has "settled?" (haha) I hope you are happy and well!
ReplyDeleteHi Victoria - I just had my 3 year surgery-versary and I feel fantastic. I started tracking my period several months before surgery (I had gone off hormonal BC about 10 months prior), so now I even know when that's coming and can still plan events around my period like I used to on pills. Nothing related to hormones are touched with this procedure, so my hormones didn't change. But again, I had already gone off hormonal BC before, so there was more than enough time for hormones to leave my system. Some women go off hormonal BC at the same time as surgery and feel the effects of it for up to 3 months later, and worry it's because of the surgery. Unless you also have something done to your ovaries or something, a salpingectomy doesn't impact your hormones one bit. If anything, the complete freedom in knowing I can't get pregnant has made sex more freeing - we're more spontaneous and I'm feeling that 30-something drive kick in. :) If you're interested speak with your doctor! Best of luck.
DeleteThank you for this! I know for sure I'm getting a uterine ablation (stops the period) but I was reading terrifying side effects of tubal ligation. I thought I would just sit that one out and just do the ablation and use BC as needed (like in a relationship even though it's hard to get pregnant after it). Then I realized I would still have the thought I could be and I don't want that. I'm glad to see your blog and all the comments that everything went well!-lauren
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren, thanks! I didn't really consider an ablation until after I'd already gone through the procedure, but I probably wouldn't have at the time anyway mostly due to insurance reasons. But it would have been great to not have a period, since now it's just annoying and in the way.
DeleteI had also read horror stories about tubal ligation mishaps (no side effects, though, since the ovaries aren't actually affected) and decided I didn't want that even if it would have been 100% covered by insurance. The salpingectomy was truly the best procedure for me at the time and 3 years later I'm so happy I don't ever have to worry about getting pregnant. Good luck with what you decide!
Thank you for sharing your story I am 29 almost 30 with 2 sons age 10 and 7 and a daughter age1 and I am beyond done with having kids so I also had a laparoscopic bilateral salpinectomy 3 days ago on July 9, 2018. It went great . I'm sore and taking it easy
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I'm sure with your stats you had an easy time convincing your doctor. :) Hope you're all healed up now.
DeleteHow are you feeling now a few years down the road? Hormones & periods still normal? No adverse affects ?
ReplyDeleteI just had my 3 year surgery-versary and everything is great. Because the fallopian tubes don't have anything to do with hormones my hormones were never affected. I went off hormonal BC 10 months before surgery, which was enough time for the hormones to leave my system completely (going off hormonal BC at the same time as surgery means you'll probably feel the effects of the hormones for up to a couple months after surgery, but it's not related to the surgery). No adverse effects whatsoever - I'm actually feeling really healthy lately and have enjoyed not worrying about pregnancy in any capacity. I can still tell where my scars are but one of them I have to really look for because it's so faded. Almost makes me sad - I liked the reminder.
DeleteLindsay, this is going to sound like a whole lot of the same thing but I wanted to THANK YOU for so honestly and humorously sharing your experience! I am on my 6th day of recovery of this surgery and your experience has helped immensely in my positive outcome. I can't tell you how great it was to be able to walk into the hospital knowing what was going to happen to me because you had taken the time to share what had happened to you. I'm surprised at how mobile I have been after this surgery. Even when I came home from the hospital 2 hours after the surgery I was able to climb up the stairs to my bedroom. My dear husband took a week off of work to be with me. I think we were both surprised by how little I needed his assistance. For the first 2 days he would walk in front of me when I climbed down the stairs and behind me when I climbed up them...just in case....but I found that after the 1st 2 days I was able to maneuver fairly easily around our multi level condo. Looking forward to full recovery in a couple of weeks. I just came back on to read your blog to find out approx when I should take the glue off of my incisions. I think I'll wait until my post-op in a week :). Thanks again! your willingness to share your experience in such detail has helped ME so much!
ReplyDeleteHi Em, thank you! I'm so glad you had a similar experience. It was so surreal to be thinking "wow, yesterday I had surgery, maybe I should be feeling worse?" I was almost annoyed at how little I needed my boyfriend to dote on me because I was hoping he would, but I really didn't need it. We don't have stairs but your husband is so sweet for acting as a buffer - had you misstepped and slipped that would have been really bad. Hope you're all recovered now and feeling great!
DeleteI am glad I came across this! Talked to my dr a week and a half ago about getting this procedure. I don't want there to be any chance of getting pregnant. My husband and I are sure we don't want kids. I have to wait a few months to get it, but I get so excited when I think about it. Of course, as anyone would, I get a little scared because it is surgery. But your story made me feel better about it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi Lynda, thank you! glad my experience made it easier for you. Have you gotten your surgery date yet? Of course any surgery runs the risk of complications and sometimes doctors won't know until they get in there, but the nice thing about a laparoscopic procedure is that the incisions are so tiny and they're moving inside you as little as possible, so there's less chance of something going wrong. Plus, it's not like if something does go wrong you'll be worried about your fertility - that's a thought that comforted me! Best of luck to you when you have it done and feel free to comment back here and let me know how it went!
DeleteHi Lindsay,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for posting this blog! I got the same procedure done yesterday. I am actually in a bit of pain. Functional pain, for sure, but pain nonetheless. How long before your bloating went away completely? From your photos, looks like day 5? I’m an avid gym goer, so it’s killing me not to be able to exercise, then on top of that, feeling like a bloated tubby lump makes it that much worse! Haha.
I was pretty fortunate that my doc was very encouraging about the whole procedure and never questioned my decision. I’m 35 and didn’t want to be on the pill any longer, so my age may have had something to do with him not asking if I was sure I wanted to do this. He did disclose that should I decide I would like to have a baby, I do have the option to have one of my own fertilized eggs inserted into my uterus, since my uterus is totally healthy. I won’t change my mind, however, may be helpful for other ladies who read this and had the same procedure!
Hi Elizabeth, hope you're healed more by now and not feeling any more pain. Everyone heals differently and responds differently to surgery, so a little pain is probably not unexpected. I was more shocked at how little pain I felt and how much of it was managed by ibuprofen alone, and not any of the hardcore drugs.
DeleteAs for the bloating, it didn't go away completely for a few weeks. I couldn't wear jeans until day 8, a full week after surgery. But I still felt... bigger... for a couple weeks. Some of that may have been because I hadn't exercised in a few months due to an injury and then the surgery, so I was feeling a little fat anyway. But as soon as I got the all clear I started running again and felt *fantastic* after! So, totally depends on what bloaty is for you, I guess.
Interesting that your doctor brought up IVF. I figured that was always a possibility but part of the reason I wanted this done was to ensure I can't change my mind. If baby fever ever hits me I guess I can always make it happen one way or another, but I just turned 33 and am feeling more set in my ways than ever. I would also never recommend this to someone who would rely on IVF as a backup, even though it's totally possible. But if your doctor said that in order to make himself feel better about not asking you if you were sure, then as long as it all worked out for you no biggie.
Hope you're doing well!
Very interesting post! Thanks for sharing your experience in regards to this!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I have a question for you--as a male, I would like to have all of my own reproductive tubing removed. Vasectomies can and sometimes do fail and thus I would like to get both my entire epididymis and my entire vas deferens surgically removed on both sides of my body. Do you have any advice for me in finding a doctor who would be willing to perform such a surgery on me?
After all, if women can get their entire reproductive tubing surgically removed, it's only fair for men to get the same option. Indeed, if abortion bans are sexist in spite of biological differences between men and women, then denying men the option to get all of their reproductive tubing surgically removed is also sexist and thus unacceptable.
I recommend speaking to a doctor who has done vasectomies and see what else is available. I didn't do any research on permanent birth control options for men since that doesn't apply to me. But you can have a similar conversation! When I made my consultation appointments, I made it clear I was looking to be sterilized and wanted to discuss a bilateral salpingectomy. This way the doctor knew what I was about before even meeting me - theoretically, if he or she was opposed to this procedure they would have cancelled (fortunately I didn't have to go through that - I met with two doctors and one wanted to do a different method of sterilization that has actually since been recalled, so I'm glad I stuck to my guns and found a new doctor who was supportive of both the sterilization and the method). Google around in your area for vasectomies and call a few places and ask if there are any methods they can do that are even more effective. Vasectomies can fail but more often than not the failure is due to the man not waiting the 3 months before having unprotected sex or not getting the scan (or whatever they do) to verify that you're sterile. If you wait 3 months and get cleared from the doctor the failure rate is so crazy low. You could always get an annual check to make sure nothing changed.
DeleteRegarding fairness, there's a whole lot that's unfair about reproductive control. I just don't think this is one of them, as vasectomies are so easy to obtain, so affordable, and so permanent that it would be lovely for women to have anything as close to a vasectomy. I don't know enough about the male reproductive tract to know whether it's even possible to remove all of the tubing without affecting anything else (such as hormones). Abortion is another subject entirely - an abortion ban is sexist because of the extreme risk pregnancy causes to a woman, which is something no male will experience. I wish you luck so that you never cause any unintended pregnancies!
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DeleteThanks for your advice, Lindsay! Anyway, I know that bilateral epididymectomies are done to relieve post-vasectomy testicular pain. Thus, in theory, they should be capable of doing done as birth control as well. Thus, I have contacted numerous doctors about getting this done in addition to getting as much of my vas deferens removed on both sides as possible. To my knowledge, the failure rate for vasectomy after the first three months is something along the lines of 1 in 2,000--which would mean that there are going to be thousands of vasectomy failures out of a population of several million vasectomized people. That's a lot! Also, unfortunately getting regular semen analyses isn't a full-proof solution either since one could become fertile and impregnate a woman before one actually discovers that one is infertile. This is why a bilateral epididymectomy is so crucial--it ensures that even if the vas deferens regenerates, the sperm that will come out of one's penis will almost certainly be immotile and thus incapable of ever fertilizing any eggs.
DeleteAlso, thank you very much for your well-wishes!
Excellent story to read. Congratulations on your sterilization! I just had mine done last Wednesday, so I am currently on day 5. I found the gas pains the first few days were worse than this other pain I'm starting to feel. To me it feels like ovulating pains, or cramp pains but more on just one side. I was surprised when my doctor actually offered the surgery. I had no idea it was such a thing because I was used to doctors trying to put me on birth control which I refused. Always knew I didn't want kids and when I found out it could be a permanent decision i was all for it. I never thought i was able to in the past and now I know for sure and I was and still am excited about my decision. I get alot of backlash from coworkers but in my opinion, my opinion is the only one that matters because it is my body and my life. So glad I found someone who also made this decision on their own for themselves.
ReplyDeleteCongrats right back! Hope you're fully healed now. I somehow missed the gas pains but it sounds like it wasn't that bad for you, at least. What an awesome doctor you found! I hope you spread her or his name around for anyone else interested in permanent birth control. :) Screw your coworkers, too - it's not their life! Go have a nice glass of wine in a nice quiet place and be happy for your decisions.
DeleteThank you so much for documenting this. There are so many sites with what can go wrong. Seeing a blog on a boringly uneventful recovery is very reassuring!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear! It can be awkward to ask questions if you don't even know what to ask so glad this has been helpful.
DeleteThanks for sharing! I've come back to this blog a few times both before and after my surgery. There's not a whole lot out there to refer back to so I appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteHave you ever had pains afterwards? I am a little more than 2 months and I know I've been getting ovarian cysts on the left, but lately I've been having really intense pains on the right and it radiates through my pelvis. It just doesn't feel like a cyst but it could be. I know if I go in they will just want to do scans which I can't afford. My friend is an NP and she basically said to go in if I get a fever or it's just too unbearable.
I was just wondering if you or anyone else have experienced this post-surgery.
Thanks!
Hi! Hope by now your pain has gone away. I don't remember feeling any pain whatsoever after my initial healing period, and even then it was so minimal. But I've also never have cysts so that could be the cause of the pain. I hope you have discussed with your doctor and gotten the care you need! It really doesn't seem like it could be related to the bi-salp.
DeleteThank you so much for posting your experience! I have been debating on getting my tubes removed and trying to find other women like you has been a struggle? Since it's been a couple of years since your surgery, have you noticed any changes because of it? Is everything still going well for you? I look forward to hearing an update!
ReplyDeleteI think this is a somewhat common (or becoming more common) procedure but I guess few people talk about it. The only changes I've noticed are I don't panic anymore thinking I've forgotten to take my BC pills, sex is more enjoyable because the hormonal pills aren't killing my sex drive and I know I don't have to worry about pregnancy, and any bodily changes are the result of my sometimes bad diet and overworking, not hormonal pills. :) It's been a pretty great few years! Good luck with your decision.
DeleteI know this is old, but I appreciate you posting your experience. Mine was not as smooth...my incisions were glued open (as in, skin not closed and wound filled with glue) and someone (my gynecologist, her resident, a student...who knows) locked forceps across my body wall on either side of my navel, causing necrosis of the skin and scarring. I had to have the glue picked out and incisions reclosed a few days after surgery.
ReplyDeleteIt’s been almost a month and the incisions aren’t 100% closed yet, and the forceps scars are very red and angry. One fallopian tube had a cyst, and the navel incision was extended to remove it. So, it was a bit of a mess. (Not to mention the two other incisions are not as low as yours, and not even).
While I wish my experience had been as smooth as yours, I am glad I was able to find someone who would do this procedure for me. Moral of the story: talk in depth with your provider about where they will place incisions and how they close them.
I'm so sorry to hear yours did not go as smoothly. As with any procedure there is always the risk of error, which is why you basically sign your life away beforehand. To me it was worth the risk, even though this was my first surgery, because it was something I really wanted and I felt I could trust in the skill of my doctor. However anything could have happened. I hope your wounds have healed by now. One of my incisions was also extended because one of my tubes was a bit too large (which is a thing?). But it's been so long now that you can't even tell I have scars - I'm sure that will be the case for you as well, even though they're a big higher. And unless you wear stomach-exposing clothing more frequently than I do it'll probably only be noticeable for a few months a year. Happy healing!
DeleteHi Lindsay, congratulation for your decision to be sterilisised and childfree ! Well done ! Youz were brave do have done it , your story is vcry helpfull, hope it will encourage more women to get sterilised, no matter if by simple Tubal-Ligation or better -like you did by taking out for fallopian Tubes completly. The Latter helps you not to change your mind later on,perfect. And you can enjoy having Sex without regrets of falling pregnant accidently ! WE are living in a world of overpopulation, thias wthe world requires more women like you, which decide to be childfree and to sterilised ! Perfect that you did it and published your story and the pics. ! I guess that now your Scars are not to be remarked again , right ? Even so, it would always be nice to see a woman showing her Sterilisation-Scars in the public, for example while wearing a Bikini or visiting a Sauna or so on ! Because it shows that you took the right decision and that your are brave ! Me i got my Vasectomy a long time ago, and I am happy to be sterilised as well, for men it is easy and quickly done within aboout 20 Minutes ! so Guys...Are you still wiht your boyfriend ?
ReplyDeleteIt's a very personal decision to be sterilized, just like it's a personal decision to have children. For me this was the right decision, and I hope that anyone considering the procedure has found benefit in my account! My scars are completely healed and even though I know where they are I have to look closely for them. So strangers and even friends cannot see them.
DeleteI am indeed still with my boyfriend. In fact, I married him about a month ago, so we're pretty legit now.
Congratulations for your Sterilisaton ! your story is very helpfull ,mostly also the pics showing the advance of healing, guess at the end nobody will recognize the scars, or ? You took the right decision to be childfree, so you can enjoy sex without riks of getting pregnant accidently. Our world is overpopulatec and i hope that your story will convince other women to get their sterilisation also, like tubal-Ligation or more sure to take out the fallopian tubes completly, more for sure. Thus nobody may convince you to change your mind...have you got new Pics showing your Scars ? would be interesting to see them...Anyhow why not to show the world that you are sterilisided and were brave...? for exampele while wairing a bikine while your Scars are to be seen...Me i got my Vasectomy a long time agom, very quick within 20 Minutes I was done ...I am also very happy about that..Thabnks a lot again for your Story and sharing your experience...Well done your decision !!
ReplyDeleteConcerning Vasectomy: I had in done in Barcelona they offer Vasectomy and Tubal-ligation there easily wiht a lot of experience at easonable cost...took me only about 20 Minutes, surgery without pain...So i had to take a semen-test after 15 ejaculations to proof that i am spermfree, they said, sometime a man needs up to 20 or 25 ejaculations to clean his sperm lines from Seed...But if the test then shows that there is no seed anymore, you will be safe for more then 99 %. Very, very unlikely that the spermlines will connect again...I took some spermtests again, and the result still was that there were no sperm inside anymore...Ejyculationvalume is a bit less, Cum in more liquid and very bright...Hope, Guys, this will help you...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for making this post! I'm having my tubes removed tomorrow and I'm a little nervous about knowing what to expect, but you went into so much detail that I feel much more prepared!
ReplyDeleteI hope your procedure went well and that you're all healed up now!
DeleteHi Lindsay!
ReplyDeleteI found your now i think almost 5 years old blog because I'm getting this procedure in about a month or so! I had a random question- i know you mentioned that you do have an idea again of when you're getting your period but do you know if there is any way to stop/skip it, say, if you have a special trip planned? I know going on the pill seems completely ridiculous after a procedure like this but one benefit of it was being able to go straight through to another pill pack and skip my period if the man and I had a really special weekend planned. Not sure if ill have that option anymore?? Thanks! -Lauren
Congratulations on your upcoming procedure! Very exciting. I use a period tracking app so I know when I'm going to get my period. Unfortunately, it's less accurate the further out you go, so planning 6+ months in advance isn't helpful. I was worried I would be on my period for my wedding, so I got a 3 month supply of birth control pills just in case. By the time it was 3 months until my wedding I knew I wouldn't need them. I figured I'd keep them in case I needed them for my honeymoon, but we couldn't go because of Covid.
DeleteIf you don't want your period at all, ask if they'll do an endometrial ablation during your bi salp. That removes part of the lining of your uterus so you won't bleed but everything else stays the same, hormonally speaking. I don't regret not doing that (didn't even know it was an option at the time) but I do kind of hate having a period now, and it would be nice to not worry about it ever.
Best of luck! And if you find another period option please let me know!
Thank you so much for sharing your story. It has helped me to feel less-lonely during my recovery of tubal ligation (the "it feels like I kept a tampon for too long" is definitely how I felt and hadn't seen anyone that mentioned it until I came across your post! Haha). I'm on day 9 now and couldn't have done all the things you did; i haven't even dared to drink wine and still don't dare to bend or walk long distances. However, I feel like my recovery is going very well and your pictures helped me see how it should develop.
ReplyDeleteHave you regretted it at some point? I doubt I will but I'm still curious.
Thanks in advance and congrats for it all!!
Congratulations on your surgery! Hope you're fully healed now and starting to get back to your regular activities.
DeleteBefore I had this surgery I wondered if I'd ever regret it. Like you, I didn't think so but you never know, right? In the almost 7 years since I haven't had so much as a second of regret. In fact, I'm more and more happy I'm sterilized the more restrictions are placed on women's rights and access to healthcare in the US. I feel safe and protected. I'm sure you'll feel the same!