My Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome Story

I have been going back and forth for about a month now deciding if I should share my experience of getting my tubal ligation done. It isn't easy to share such personal information, but I feel like I need to inform all mothers who are considering tubal ligation.

     After giving birth to Rose at 24 years old via c-section (my fourth) I had asked my doctor to tie my tubes. They never said for medical reasons they suggest it or anything like that. Matt and I just feel so blessed to have four healthy babies and were nervous to get pregnant for a fifth time and risk another high risk pregnancy and c-section. This form of birth control made the most sense and seemed like the easiest and safest. After the surgery I felt great, since it was my fourth I knew what to expect. I actually asked to leave the day after my surgery because I missed my boys. Fast forward 16 months to when I started the processes of weaning Rose from breastfeeding and my cycle returned--I felt terrible. I knew my first period would stink, but it was HORRIBLE! As the month continued, I was having more and more awful symptoms-- the biggest ones being headaches, lower back pain, dizziness, mood swings. One night after putting the kids to sleep (Matt was working late) I was folding the laundry when I felt the sharpest, cramping, intense pain around my left ovary. I was bent over in pain which continued like this for hours. I took Tylenol to try to fall asleep, but still woke up a bunch of times. After researching and talking to my doctor about my symptoms we thought it may have been an ovarian cyst that burst during ovulation. I thought this was weird because I have never had a history of cysts (later I found out cysts are another symptom caused by the TL.) The symptoms kept coming as the month continued-- vivid dreams, night sweats, fatigue etc. I actually started thinking something was seriously wrong with me. I had to take a break from Pure Barre, which if you know me, is a big part of my life.

     I did some more research and found I have identical symptoms as many other woman who have had their tubes tied. As many as 50% of woman who have had this surgery experience these symptoms and guess what the only way to feel relief is? Getting another surgery to get it reversed! Why do so many woman have these symptoms from a surgery that is supposed to have little to no risks? The biggest risk being ectopic pregnancy, but with a success rate of 99.99% you don't need to worry about that really according to doctors. When you get your tubes tied you are cutting off the normal blood flow to your ovaries which causes a hormonal imbalance and is the reason many woman have these symptoms. What I don't understand is why this form of birth control is still happening. I regret not doing any research before getting them tied. I have read so many horror stories of mothers resulting in them going on birth control to stop ovulation to help mask some of their symptoms. I just can't imagine after doing something so drastic to myself to ensure no more babies to then have to get on birth control and for how long? Until menopause in 25+ years?

   Some woman have been lucky enough to find a surgeon to do a reversal. It is a very high risk procedure that is about three hours long and takes about two weeks to recover from. Also, comes at a price of around $7,000 just for the surgery, that's not including the anesthesia or the appointments and tests leading up to the surgery. Not only are you putting yourself at risk getting the reversal that has only a 60%-80% success rate it is NOT covered by insurance. Tubal ligation is covered because it means no more babies that the insurance company will have to pay for. Makes sense that they don't want to cover it, but when you are having these symptoms every single day from a surgery that is supposed to have little to no risks that they did cover it's hard not to be upset. The last option is a hysterectomy and at 26 years old, I just feel I can not do this. My body has been through so much I am not ready to put it into early menopause like that. Though many woman who can't afford the tubal reversal have no other choice to relieve themselves of the pain their tubal ligation has brought them because a hysterectomy is covered by insurance since once again, it means no more babies. The medical industry makes money off of woman who get tubal ligations and then they get even MORE money when they end up needing to get a hysterectomy because of the pain their tubal ligations give them! It is SO disturbing!

   I am writing this post to warn mothers of the risks of getting your tubes tied. There ARE risks! Do not let what has happened to me, happen to you. I am so blessed to have a supportive husband and parents who are helping Matt and I afford the surgery so I can have my life back and be here for my children. I will be getting my tubal reversal next week. I am so nervous and wish more than anything I didn't have to, but I am not myself and I just wish I didn't do it to begin with. I was lucky to be able to get pregnant and carry healthy babies and not all woman can say that. I can't help but feel like this is what I deserve for doing this, for messing with my body and the way it is supposed to work. As I am sure many of you are wondering if we will be having more children in the future since I am getting the reversal. Right now we are just focused on my health-- if we are to have another baby we will feel blessed and welcome them with open arms, but it is not something we are planning at the moment. Also, I have met a lot of sweet mothers while doing my research. There are actually over 3,000 mothers in a Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome Facebook group. I came across Rebekah's Tubal Ligation story on her blog and it really stood out to me please feel free to read it here.

If you have any questions or would like to tell me your story feel free to email me, comment below or message me on Instagram- @melissaaworthington

Full list of Post Tubal Ligation Syndrome here