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Suzanne, I just had my TT on Oct. 9th. I had been researching and reading this board and website for over a year before I was able to save up enough, but I knew that Dr. B's experience was what did it for me, well that and the extremely patient and wonderful care that is provided every step of the way from everyone at Chapel Hill. I came all the way from Az and there were plenty of docs that would do it in Az but when I combined all of their TR experience it still didn't come close to Dr. B's. and the price was twice as much and most wanted you to stay in the hospital and do more invasive surgery that would have required a SIX week recovery. So once all the facts were in front of me, it was an easy choice. Jo
Welcome to the message board! I know there will be many factors you'll want to weigh in your decision. Let me offer a few suggestions. As you can see from the posted replies, many patients feel we give the best, most complete and compassionate care, and as a nurse I can tell you it's true! This is a calm, cheerful, upbeat place to be a patient or a nurse.
Dr. Berger has the most experience and is the only surgeon who maintains detailed statistics about all his TRs: age, tubal lengths, method of TL, and everything about pregnancy including pregnancy rates, miscarriages, ectopics and live births. He updates this data regularly and posts everything on the website - the bad and the good. It's accurate because we follow up with all patients at 6 months and 1 year after surgery (if we haven't heard from them first!). Other surgeons may tell you they're "the best," but where is their data? Are their statistics based on THEIR patients, or what?
The follow-up is unheard of anywhere else. Once you're our patient, you're always our patient. We have ladies with fertility issues who call or e-mail Dr. Berger for advice even years after their TR - and get a thorough response - often by e-mail at night. We also offer this website which contains an enormous amount of information, plus the message board which allows our patients to continue getting advice from the staff, and to support each other.
I wish you all the best, and hope to see you soon as a patient.
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Dr. B is the Guru of Tubal Reversals! That's what he does. He performs 4 TRs a day everyday! You won't find a more experienced doctor than that! He has extensive training and education (you can find all his credentials on this web site.) He has made it his life mission to make a difference in the lives of women who, for one reason or another, had a TL and lived to regret it. He could charge a fortune for what he does but he doesn't because he geniunely cares. HIs heart is solid gold. However, all the less experienced doctors will charge you a fortune and unfortunately, they really don't know what they are doing. Their experience fails miserably in comparison to Dr. B. All the staff at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center take pride in what they do. The nurses are phenomonal, Dr. B is incredible and the gift/talent that this man possesses will forever change your life. There's no doubt about it. If you plan to have a TR, this is the place to be. I promise you will never regret it. Best of luck to you! You're definitely heading in the right direction by being here!
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There were so many things that helped me with my decision.... This message board played a major role, just being able to read some of his patients experiences,(and their not paid to say them trust me or I would be rich!! LOL) their super quick response to me after I sent in my report. (I called another place and still have not gotten a return call) Dr. Berger is an incredible Dr. His staff is exceptional. They almost seem like they are not real. You will simply be amazed by their compassion in their work. Yes, Obviously you can tell he is not just in it for the $$$ because he could charge soooo much more for his incredible work. The Drs. in my area wanted like $20,000. You know the saying you get what you pay for..... well it works the opposite in this case although the price is low, the care you receive is amazing. You will not be sorry if you choose CH. I would put $$ on that!! Besides it is a beautiful place to visit! I wish you the best of luck!!
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I had my TL on 9-7-06 and one of the many reasons we chose Dr. B was simply the wonderful things so many people had to say about him!
His staff are all so helpful and kind, they go out of their way to answer questions and address your concerns. The whole experience once we got to Chapel Hill was top-notch. The secretaries, nurses and Dr. Berger himself - well I just can't say ANYTHING remotely negative about the whole experience.
Plus Dr. B has years of experience and proven statistics. He does this 4 times a day, 5 days a week. I would encourage you to get the CD of the actual surgury and spend some time reading the posts here.
ITA with Kay about financial aspect as well. Cost isn't the deciding factor but his rate was so reasonable compared to so many other doctors that perform this surgury. My local doctor wanted a two day hosptial stay and let's face it - most insurance companies don't cover this procedure! Given his experience and knowledge, plus the cost and his reputation I thought and still believe anyone choosing Dr. Berger is getting the BEST of the BEST!
Personally, I researched TR docs for nearly 3 yrs and kept coming back to Dr B's website, and we ended up chosing him to do our TR.
First reason, his knowledge/technique - he does this operation exclusively! My ob/gyn at the time did TRs, but she had only done "maybe a dozen" in five years. It seemed to me, that someone who does this operation four times a day for years, has probably seen everything and would have better experience on how to get things right. Also, his technique - while other docs do an HSG (dye test) right after the surgery, if the test shows a tube blocked at that time, its just too bad. Dr B uses a stint (a tiny wire) to line up the tube segments, then he sews the tube together around the stint, thus ensuring that at the time of surgery it is open: he's not accidentally sewn one closed.
Second, his prompt reply to any and all questions. He and his staff are busy, but always take/make the time to talk with patients, answer questions, give advice. Other docs pretty much brush you off once you have scheduled or have had your surgery. Also, there was this message board, how many other doctors encourage you to talk to their other patients so openly??
Third, and I know, this shouldnt be a factor, the chance to have another baby IS priceless, but his cost did matter to me. There are doctors who charge thousands more, with lower success rates, and others who charge a bit less, but do not have the experience.
I hope this helps you. My only regret is that I waited so long to have my mistake corrected - it was nearly 13 yrs from the time of my TL until my TR. Good luck making your decision!
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My name is Suzanne Paulette and I am new to the board. I have been married to dh for 8 years and have two wonderful daughters McKayla 5 and Alyssa 2. I have my TL in December of 2003 after a c-sect with my second daughter (we thought we didn't want any more children at the age of 24)! I have regretted it ever since. We have decided to have a TR but are trying to find the best Dr. to do the procedure. What qaulities did you find exceptional of Dr. Berger's practice that tipped the scales to choose this clinic. Thank you and I look forward to getting to know all of you!
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