OT: Having my tubes tied

[disney_me]

Ok, so my husband and I have agreed that we do not want anymore kids and I am having my tubes tied at the end of March. I know I will have to be put under for the surgery. I am a bit scared of that but what I really want to know is will I have much pain and for how long?

Surgery is schedule for a Thursday and I will be able to go back to work on Monday.

Thanks
Donna

 

[brymolmom]

I just want to say good luck. I'm SURE you and dh have discussed this extensively, but did you know that there is brand new developments in vasectomies (even new since my dh had his 2 years ago) that make it even faster, more pain-free, and just as effective? Just want to make sure you've talked about this option. I hate hearing about women going under such significant surgery when the procedure for a man doesn't amount to much more than having a sliver removed (OK - my husband was in some pain for about 2 days though, but the procedure itself was nothing).

 

[mom2maggie]

Have you thought about having the Essure put in instead?

 

[mjkacmom]

I had it done with my c/s (or else DH definitely would've been the one), so I was dealing with that pain, but my gf was out of commission for a week! Any reason why your DH doesn't just have a more simple, less painful procedure?

 

[momoftriplets]

You should be fine. Just be sure to use your time before returning to work to REST.

Take it easy for the next week or so also. I found that I got tired very easily even a week after the procedure.

Good Luck!

 

[2disneyboys]

It hurt!! I had it done when ds # 2 was 8 weeks old - back in 2003... things may have changed since then, but I hurt worse after that then I did for the labor & delivery... which I did all natural and ended up tearing some (4 stiches) ouch ouch ouch.(I only added that part to emphize that I am not a pain baby, I tolerate it pretty well)
I felt woozy after the procedure and then that day I felt "ok" other then wasteful since I had to pump & dump breastmilk) the following morning and for the next two days it was terrible. after that, I was tender for a few days, but ok. if I could go back & change it, DH would have to get the big V or just "not get any" since that hurt and I've had several surgical procedures and didn't hurt that badly from any of them. He'd also owe me a major major treat. it's a lot more invasive for a woman than a man.

if you do get it, have the dr give you some good pain meds and TAKE THEM even if you don't think you need it... the good pain meds work best when they stay consistent in your system (per my sister the nurse)

 

[mossy1]

I'm SURE you and dh have discussed this extensively, but did you know that there is brand new developments in vasectomies (even new since my dh had his 2 years ago) that make it even faster, more pain-free, and just as effective?

This is what we did after we decided not to have any more children. I would have to say it is much easier for your DH (but also agree there is some pain involved--well more soreness then pain). I will admit though, I had them knock me out for the procedure. It is usually done with just a local, but I wasn't comfortable with the Doc chasing me all over the table--lol. Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[nessz79]

I had a pretty good experience, especially after seeing the last post! Hugs to you, 2Disneyboys!

The surgery was very non-invasive...they went through my belly button with a small incision. This was in 2004, by the way, and my youngest was 3 months old. After the surgery, I went home and slept the rest of the night. The next day, I had pain from the incision, but also quite a bit of pain in my shoulders. You see, they will put this gas in your abdomen so it will inflate some and they can see what they are doing. That gas works its way out of your body over the next few days. However, when you stand up, it goes up to your shoulders and that will cause some pain.

Mostly, I felt tired. I agree with the other poster who said she was tired easily up to a week after surgery. On the 3rd day after surgery, I went to the mall and had to sit a lot and we wound up going home early. By a week I was feeling back to normal.

I was given pain meds, but I hate taking narcotics so I didn't use them. I used OTC meds for the first few days and nothing after that.

I hope you have a good experience. I still wish my DH had done the vasectomy but we decided on the TL in the end.

 

[nessz79]

By the way, my Dr. told me I could go back to work after 3 days, though some people feel better 24 hours post-op. I was on maternity leave at the time, and couldn't imagine going back to work after only 24 hours. I would take off at least 3 full working days post-op if you work.

 

[3boymthr]

I second PP. Unless there is a physical or financial reason for you having your Tubes tied research having DH have a vasectomy. My DH was opposed, but doesn't mind now. He only missed 1/2 day of work. Procedure was done on a friday PM and he was back to work on Monday. He wasn't put out at all. Only problem he had was Dr forgot to call in his Rxs.

As for your surgery; Truly, the only people I know who have their tubes tied are those who have it done when they have a scheduled c-section. Are they doing the surgery laproscopically or full incision as that will affect the length of time of your recovery. Laproscopic surgery has a much shorter recovery period and is much safer overall. I had full blown full incision surgery on my ovaries and the recovery was 6 weeks (I have not had my tubes tied). I was up and walking in a day, but couldn't drive, lift things, etc. for 6 weeks and I was in a lot of pain for a long time.

 

[GoofyFairie]

The first 24 hr are the worst. I felt a whole lot better after I stopped taking the narcotics and just used Tylenol. The hard part for me was not overdoing it, it is hard for me to sit around for very long. Good luck!

 

[Mickey001]

I had mine tied a few years ago. Just a warning the pressure for your husband to have surgery instead will not stop here. I was being prepped and they were telling my dh (who I hadn't even married yet) that he should be doing it instead!!

While I was in surgery they found a cyst the size of a grapefruit so they really did a "second" surgery. Even so I was only out for about 4 days. Just take that weekend to relax and listen to your body on Monday morning.

 

[Sav&Seb]

Have your dh get the vasectomy!!!!! Mine had one a few months ago and it was such a minor procedure. As women, we already go through so much with labor, menstrual cycles, breastfeeding, etc. After two great kids, dh decided he would "take one for the team"!

Good luck in whatever you decide and hope you have a nice recovery.

 

[mychicks]

Hi Donna,

I had my tubes tied 3 years ago, while having an ovarian cyst removed as well. Had it done laproscopically. Honestly, the worst pain was about 5 days later when I had the worst gas pains ever. Seriously, they felt like labor pains (I have three dds) I only took the pain meds for about 3 days and I was up and around within 2 days.

Marion

 

[BiancaBernard&Penny]

Have you thought about having the Essure put in instead?

I did that and highly recommend it. I can't believe how well kept a secret it is!

 

[tam626]

I agree with pp, the first 24 hours are the worst. I took 800mg of Ibuprofin for pain for a few days. By Monday, you should be just a little sore. As long as you don't lift much at work, you should be good.

 

[brymolmom]

I had mine tied a few years ago. Just a warning the pressure for your husband to have surgery instead will not stop here. I was being prepped and they were telling my dh (who I hadn't even married yet) that he should be doing it instead!!

That's because it is a doctor's responsibility to do what is best for his/her patient's health and when it comes to eliminating pregnancy - a man's vasectomy is a MUCH less invasive, much less chance of complications option.

I honestly don't understand why married women would do it (unless the docs had to be in there for another reason anyway). Actually, I honestly don't understand why a married man would LET his wife take this type of risk when there is another option so much less risky. Unless he has some sort of medical issue that would make a V just as risky for him.

 

[disney_me]

Thank you all for your input.

DH and I DID talk about this in great detail. Males in DH side of the family has had alot of trouble with that kind of surgery. So I said I would do it. I really don't mind having it done. I have been on Birth Control since I was 17 so I'm done with all that stuff.

I already to my DH that it could take up to a week before I feel back to normal!! I am soooo going to milk this for all I can!!!

Thanks

 

[WantToGoNow]

I had mine done on Friday and went back to work on Monday. We went shopping on Saturday for a new bed - I did have trouble climbing up on the king beds to try them out. All of the extra walking did make it a bit sore but not bad. I never even had my pain med script filled.

 

[nessz79]

That's because it is a doctor's responsibility to do what is best for his/her patient's health and when it comes to eliminating pregnancy - a man's vasectomy is a MUCH less invasive, much less chance of complications option.

I honestly don't understand why married women would do it (unless the docs had to be in there for another reason anyway). Actually, I honestly don't understand why a married man would LET his wife take this type of risk when there is another option so much less risky. Unless he has some sort of medical issue that would make a V just as risky for him.

To each their own. I had mine done laproscopically (spelling, sorry) and it was no big deal. A couple days recovery.

Do I wish my DH did a vasectomy? Yes. Do I think he was a little selfish for not? Yes, perhaps. However, I don't think a tubal ligation is as risky as some may think. It is minimally invasive- it's outpatient surgery. The worst part is the anesthesia, I guess.