OT: Having my tubes tied

[dbmarie]

I wonder why its so hard for people to understand that? I have the right to step up to the plate too.

I'm sorry but you really should consider discussing this with your DH. I don't want to start a debate but honestly you have carried the child for 9 months and given birth I think you did your part. A thing to consider is that a non surgical reverse vasectomy is on the horizon.

 

[LisaNJ25]

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).

I agree.. after having 4 kids hubby could do his part. He had his vasectomy while I was pregnant with #4. He was on his motorcycle the next day. I had 3 c-sections and still didnt want it done.

OP best of luck and take it easy during your recovery.

 

[nessz79]

I don't disagree that it is not 'major' surgery, however, talk to your doctor - a TL still has WAY more risk (although the risk still remains low) than a vascectomy. That is why doctors push the V's more. Less risk = less risk of complication for their patient.

We're on the same page
If my Dh and I had been more educated on the vasectomy and he had agreed to do it, I certainly would have opted for that route.

 

[bouncycat]

My dh wouldn't go thru the vasectemy, so I went thru the tubal. I actually had a good experience with it, had it done on a friday, was back to work on monday. I was even up and doing laundry that sunday! I do NOT have a high threashold for pain, so it was pretty easy for me. I think it's all in the dr you have too, on how well they do the procedure. I now only have a very small scar in my belly button, nothing major!! Good luck!

 

[amynorth]

I just had my done on 2/26. I had a very good expirirence. I have not taken any pain meds since day of surgery. No gas pains... yet... I was VERY scared about the entire situation, but it was really easy. My worst pain was from my back immediatly following the surgery, but that is from disc problems. My DH would not go under the knife Good luck to you, everyone is different.

 

[homemaker]

I had my tubes tied back in July. It was the day after I had dd (9lbs, 7oz) and I was already in pain. I too was afraid of being put under, so they did a spinal instead.

 

[brymolmom]

It is so weird that this thread is going on right now - that TV show The Doctors was on while I was working out this morning and this topic came up. All of the doctors (if you don't watch - they have an OB/GYN, 'general' practioner, heart guy and cosmetic surgeon all on the show - at least I THINK those are their specialties) agreed across the board that the vasectomy was the wisest choice in any situation where both partners are of average health with no special concerns.

I think most husbands would choose the V over the alternative of abstainance as the form of BC.

 

[LisaNJ25]

It is so weird that this thread is going on right now - that TV show The Doctors was on while I was working out this morning and this topic came up. All of the doctors (if you don't watch - they have an OB/GYN, 'general' practioner, heart guy and cosmetic surgeon all on the show - at least I THINK those are their specialties) agreed across the board that the vasectomy was the wisest choice in any situation where both partners are of average health with no special concerns.

I think most husbands would choose the V over the alternative of abstainance as the form of BC.

Oh yeah lolol that would of been my husbands options if he didnt want to have one. It amazing me the amount of husbands who refuse to have them because they are not going to have a Dr mess with his "man hood". I could not put up with that.

 

[Bradensmom06]

Have you thought about having the Essure put in instead?

I had this done 6 months ago, it was easy with minimal discomfort and I didn't have any 'recovery time'

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I had my tubes tied 13 years ago. I also "stepped up to the plate". My doctor warned DH and I about the complications of surgery and what may happen later in life. I chose not to listen to him. I just want you to know while the surgery may not be considered "major" to many here on the boards, the effects I have in my life are definetely major. You may want to look up the effects of tubal ligation later on in life and during change of life. Another "littlle" side effect (and yes I am being sarcastic) is PTS or post tubal syndrome or Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome. I highly recommend that you google it. Whatever your choice is, I wish you well. Diane

 

[twinmomplus2new]

had mine done during a planned C-Section delivery of babies number 3 and 4.
Not sure about recovery since I was recovering from the C-section as well.


However after my Aunt reminding me that cousin aged 22 was after 12 years earlier having a tubal

hubby went in for the big. V.
he was perfectly fine the next day, and honestly its simple to me no tickey no laundry. The V was his ticket.

 

[LSUmom4kids]

Eight years ago, when my son was 4 months old, I had my tubes tied. He was born in July 2000 and I wanted to be able to use the same medical insurance deductible, so in November of that year, I had my "belly button" tubal done on a Thursday and I was back at work on Monday morning. I moved a little slow, but no one really noticed.

I took the pain medicines and SLEPT a lot that weekend. DH took care of the family (4 kids) downstairs, while I recuperated upstairs. I had no side effects from anesthesia and didn't get sick. (But then again, I never had any morning sickness either! My mother was a nurse and we weren't raised to be able to take "sick days" - we took our medicine and went to school!)

I did hate throwing away my pumped breast milk (i.e. liquid gold!). For me, my periods are a little heavier now as the years go on and a little more painful. But all in all, it was a good experience to have the procedure done.

DH was a little "wimpy" about the whole vasectomy issue and I didn't want to argue and waste my "deductible" for 2000, so I just went ahead with the procedure. No regrets.

If you are strong and tell yourself that you will be back at work on Monday morning, you can do it; especially if you do the "belly button" procedure.

Good luck!

 

[RMulieri]

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.

They do that because it is much less invasive for a male to get a vasectomy.Males also have a much shorter recovery time and less risks assoc with it.With tubal ligation complications could be a lot worse.Any type of abdominal surgery( even Lap) can have worse consequences.So Drs will always try to push away from that. My Dh had his vasectomy on Fri and back to work Monday.

 

[Tammy296]

Hi. I was in your shoes exactly a year ago.

First I want to ask this -- Are you sure this is what YOU want? (not just your husband)?

I had the same thing done and for the first 6 -9 months I really felt "old" and "dried up" and just not worth a darn all because of my mentality that I could no longer "pro-create". Well here it is a year later and I have now "accepted it". It's fine now.

It really is a cinch to have done though. You'll be ok and don't worry so much about pain. If you have pain they'll give you something for it. I was up and walking around the same day.

Good Luck!

-T

 

[MiMi2Three]

The major issue in recovering will be if it is done with a laparoscope, they fill your abdominal cavity with air and this causes gas pains for most people. These can be normal cramp type pains as well as sharp pain in your shoulder blades. The best way to relieve these pains are to lay flat on your back, no pillow, and they will subside. I have had a couple of abdominal laparoscopic surgeries and this was the best recovery advice I received. These pains normally go away by the 2nd day. You also have voiced concerns about the anesthesia and all I can say is thankfully we now have that option, I really wouldn't want to be awake while it was being done(really these meds are now safer than they have ever been and you should go to sleep very quickly as well as wake up quickly, not groggy like years ago.)As for all the other advice you have received, it is true that most women suffer much heavier periods and cramping after having a tubal, some go on to having hysterectomies(maybe they would have needed anyway?). Also it is much easier for a man to have a vasectomy, however it is rarely ever easier to get them to agree to having it done. Good Luck

 

[Minnie Melissa]

I also had mine done during my c-section. My experience was I hurt more afterwards then I did with my two previous c-sections. I believe it was due to being open for so long. The gas pains were soooo painful and lasted for about 5 days.

 

[letsgoagainsoon]

I had my tubes tied 13 years ago. I also "stepped up to the plate". My doctor warned DH and I about the complications of surgery and what may happen later in life. I chose not to listen to him. I just want you to know while the surgery may not be considered "major" to many here on the boards, the effects I have in my life are definetely major. You may want to look up the effects of tubal ligation later on in life and during change of life. Another "littlle" side effect (and yes I am being sarcastic) is PTS or post tubal syndrome or Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome. I highly recommend that you google it. Whatever your choice is, I wish you well. Diane

Ok I googled this. Why aren't doctors giving better warnings about possible side effects? The only side effect my doc told me about was ectopic pregnancy and said that was very very rare.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Ok I googled this. Why aren't doctors giving better warnings about possible side effects? The only side effect my doc told me about was ectopic pregnancy and said that was very very rare.

My opinion is because they make more money. I just want every woman to be informed properly before making up their mind. I have paid dearly for not being aggressive enough to tell DH to have his procedure done. I am sure he is kicking himself now because of the complications I have had.

 

[wtpntigger2]

I am another one who had the Essure procedure almost 2 years ago. It's considered "surgery" but there is no cutting involved and minimal to no recovery. I had the procedure done at 7 am and I was out of the facility by 9am. Many drs even do it in their office as for most people all that is needed is local anesthesia if that.

If you are really hesitant about the tubal and you and your dh have decided that you are "going to take one for the team", then you should seriously look into Essure.

http://www.essure.com

 

[The Moonk's Mom]

I had my tubes tied 13 years ago. I also "stepped up to the plate". My doctor warned DH and I about the complications of surgery and what may happen later in life. I chose not to listen to him. I just want you to know while the surgery may not be considered "major" to many here on the boards, the effects I have in my life are definetely major. You may want to look up the effects of tubal ligation later on in life and during change of life. Another "littlle" side effect (and yes I am being sarcastic) is PTS or post tubal syndrome or Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome. I highly recommend that you google it. Whatever your choice is, I wish you well. Diane

Holy cow! I have never heard of this before...but it is my mother to a T!!!! It explains so many things about her from when I was younger! Thank you for this info!

I have to say, I was prepared for a tubal, but DH said he would do the big V...I told him no? Why I am not sure...but when I went to my DR and talked to him...he had one thing to say and that was it made no sense at all for me to do it...he asked why do you think men have it on the outside? And then he begged me to let DH have the V...I said okay, DH said okay. He had it done and the next day he was fine. I am so glad now we went that route!