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Bearsgirl, Sorry for the lack of support from your GYN. CHTRC only performs tubal reversals and therefore we are very supportive of women desiring tubal reversal. I imagine that anyone else will try to talk you out of TR. Dr. Berger and Dr. Monteith will be the most supportive and helpful to you regarding this procedure. They have repaired over 7000 women and have incredible experience. They are able to do repairs when many other doctors would not try. Please call and discuss the exact amount of refund and other questions.
posted
I went to a reproductive specialist that my plan covers. He is going to do the lap for "diagnostic" purposes, so that I have a better idea. You could try that route?
Hopefully it works out, I have read and heard that CHTRC refunds a 'significant' amount, but have never actually seens how much that is?
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I'm not even sure what Dr. to go to in this area to ask about this at this point The Dr. who did my tubal (who used to be my OB/GYN) just thinks it's funny that I am even asking about how much was left. It makes me depressed that there may be no hope
posted
I would definitely try to find out before hand what type of lengths you have. While CH will refund a large part of your surgery fee if it turns out that you don't have adequate lengths that doesn't take in to account the cost of travel and hotel stay which you can't get back. Not to mention the disappointment of finding out after you're already there that you don't have enough length left to repair. I know that both doctors are great at what they do but that should only be one factor in your decision. HTH and good luck!
posted
Thanks for all the input everyone. I want to get this procedure done before the end of the year and just want to take all the right steps to ensure a smooth procedure the best I can.
posted
BearsGirl, if you have a good GYN and have insurance, you could talk to him/her about doing a lap and they will check for scar tissue, remove any if necessary and check the length and condition of your tubes as well, and insurance would probably cover this under your surgical agreement. Its worth checking into. Then you will have your answers, scar tissue cleaned out and ready to schedule TR. Just a though. Good luck!
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If you are trying to decide between choosing the screening laparoscopy or hysterosalpingogram (HSG or "dye test") as a way to help determine candidacy for tubal reversal surgery, then the laparoscopy is the way to go in almost all cases. Unfortunately, HSG testing is not very helpful in determining the outcome of the reversal procedure, except in situations where the sterilization technique has been fimbriectomy. HSG can be helpful in determining whether tubes are open or blocked -- but then we know that your tubes are blocked since you have had a sterilization procedure.
When the dye is injected through the tubes during the HSG, it can only travel as far as the location of the sterilization (where your tubes were tied, burned or clipped). Since the tubes will be blocked at that location, the dye does not go any further. Thus, we obtain NO information about the amount of tube remaining on the other side of the sterilization site. Although we know how much proximal tube may be remaining, we do not know how much (if any) distal tube remains.
With screening laparoscopy, we go in with a small scope and camera and look at the tubes. If good lengths remain, the doctor will go directly to the repair. If the tubes have been extremely damaged, he stops the procedure and you will receive half the total surgical fee in refund. Fortunately, Dr. Berger and Dr. Monteith are able to repair the tubes in 98% of cases.
posted
An HSG is not the best way to find out if you have adequate lengths for repair. Many factors can affect the outcome. With screening laparoscopy, we perform the procedure just prior to the reversal. That way you do not have to undergo anesthesia and surgery twice. We look in with the laparoscope and, if good tubal lengths remain, go directly to tubal repair. You will discuss your wishes regarding all of this with Drs. Berger or Monteith during your initial consultation so that he will be very familiar with how you might want to proceed before we begin surgery. Although there is an additional charge of $1000 to add the screening laparoscopy, with this option you will receive a significant portion of the total surgery fee in refund should we stop the procedure following the screening laparoscopy. Lori RN
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I am not sure how it works, but I have heard some ladies talking about getting a HSG. They watch to see how much the dye can get to and get an idea that way. Have to ask a doctor to be sure. I wish you all the best.
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My operative report from my TL does not specify how much of my tube was burned. My OB/GYN is telling me all I have are stubs left and I cannot get a reversal. I sent in my report to this center and it was suggested that I get the package that costs $1,000 to determine tube lengths before surgery. Is there any way I can find this out before scheduling surgery somehow perhaps with an XRAY?
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
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The Dr. who did my tubal (who used to be my OB/GYN) just thinks it's funny that I am even asking about how much was left. It makes me depressed that there may be no hope ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
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