While my baby isn't here yet (I'm 16 weeks pregnant) - all our tests show he's completely healthy...and I'll be 41 when he's born. It took us about 18 months for the first BFP, but we've had 4 pregnancies since then. We had one ectopic, 3 miscarriages and now this successful pregnancy with virtually no hiccups at all. In our case, age affected pregnancy viability more than my fertility itself.
I know you're looking for live births to encourage you, but I'm confident that in June (at 41 years old), you'll be reading about my third son's arrival (my other two sons are 19 years old and will be 17 years old at the time my next son is born).
Although the natural fertility rate does decline as we age, it is still possible to become pregnant following tubal reversal surgery. In our patient population, 34% of women in your age group had a live birth following their TR with Dr. Berger.
What the consulting doctor probably did not mention, is that most IVF clinics will not accept women over age 40, unless they agree to use donor eggs. So, TR surgery definitely provides the best opportunity for having a baby after a previous TL.
I do not regret my decision even a little bit. We followed our hearts and here we are. That is all you need to do. Make sure you are making the right decision for YOU. If you want the chance, no guarantee, but the chance, then go for it. If you feel that you will regret the tubal reversal (if you are unable to conceive), then don't do it. At least that is what I based my decision on. I know that I want a baby, but I also know that me and my DF are so happy together than a baby will just increase it, but it will not decrease our happiness if we can't. There are many trials that women our age (especially) may have to go through. The ectopic is a scary one, but we made it through that and we will try again. Good luck to both of you!!!
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Hi Jill and Virginia, Sorry-I had my tr 9/14/05. I dont think you are being unrealistic at all. There are so many women on this board getting pregnant all the time. There is a thread for ladies over 40 and they have a lot of knowledge. Women are starting their families later in life and technology is making so much more possible. It took me five years to decide to have the tr and I will never regret it. Chapel Hill is the best. I think Dr. B does 20 surgeries a week which makes him the very experienced. Practice makes perfect. This is an individual choice and if you want my advice follow your heart. I have one open tube-3.5cm and I have gotten pregnant twice. I am making my own statistics. Good luck and I hope all your dreams come true. Renee -
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I am just beginning the whole TR process. This is so completely overwhelming. I am 41 and I, like Jill am wondering if I am being unrealistic. I have my DD(14) and my DS(11) who along with my DH are very supportive of my decision to do the TR. Ladies please give some honest advice and input. Thanks, Virginia
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Thank you Carla and Renee, I am realizing that I need to believe in what is right in my heart and to have hope. I also am very new to researching all of this and any information is very helpful. I didn't know about the clomid challenge. Many terms people are using on the message board are foreign to me. Thanks for your help.
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Hi Jill, You can do a clomid challenge to check your egg reserve. I am in the middle of that right now. You have blood drawn on cd2, take 100mg of clomid on cd5-cd9 and have blood drawn again on cd10. I had my tr 9/14/06 and have had two BFP's. 4/06 and 8/06 but sadly I lost both to m/c due to progesterone issues. My RE told me that she does not worry till 45yrs old but after 35 being aggressive is best. I believe in my heart that we are given a another chance for a reason. I wish you all the best and good luck with whatever you choose. Renee
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Forgot to respond to part of your post. I don't know much about assessing the amount or quality of our eggs. My FSH was rather high compared to everyone else on here. At least those that have said what their FSH was. But I did succeed in getting pregnant and there are those who have very low numbers who don't get pregnant. I don't really know what to think of it at all.
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Hi Jill. Your welcome. I had my surgery on 9-21-06. I got a BFP (positive) on 11-25-06, lost the baby (ectopic) on 12-12-06. It is very trying on the couples. It was on us. But like the nurse said, at least we have a CHANCE now. Not as good as a 30 year old, but at least a chance. If you are considering the surgery, make sure it is Dr. Berger who does it. He does so many of them, and there are so many great results, that I would not trust anyone else to do it. I did an enormous amount of research before I decided to go to Chapel Hill. We went to a reproductive specialist in Akron, and he was pushing IVF with donor eggs. But that kind of defeated the purpose of having a baby that is OURS. You know? Anyway, it is exciting just knowing that I could have a baby.
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Jill--keep in mind that after tubal reversal you at least will have the chance of becoming pregnant and having a healthy baby. This is something that you don't have now. You are right when you say that this can be a stressful time for any couple. So my advice for you is to remain realistic and yet hopeful. You are wise to do your research so you can make an educated decision regarding tubal reversal. Best wishes to you. Please let us know if we can help. Sally, RN CHSC
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Carla, Thanks for responding so quickly.When did you have your surgery? Do you know if there is a way to assess number or other things about our eggs? I guess I just need to take the chance and have faith, but I am well aware of what toll the month-to-month waiting has on people and their relationships. Take good care, Jill
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Hi Jill. I would also be interested to know that. Their statistics are decent for women our age. Better than 5%. There are quite a few variables. I am also 42. I got pregnant almost immediately, but lost the baby. I know that the quality of our eggs have deteriorated due to our age. At this point, if it is God's will, we will have a baby. I know that there is one lady that is 40 on the over 40 message board whose pregnancy is progressing splendidly. USMCMP Wife, Heidi. Dr. Berger is the best in the field. He is a very skilled surgeon. An unskilled surgeon is one of the things that would reduce your chance to conceive and carry and a child. All the best. Carla
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I was very ready to sign up for the TR until I had another local consult. I am almost 42 and was told that "normally" women my age have a 10% chance of having a baby, and with a TR only 5% chance. It seems to me I have been reading about pregnancies from women on the message board, and I want to know how many babies women have had over 40? Not pregnancies. I want to remain hopeful, but also be realistic. Thanks.
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