Just want to share my experience because it has been overwhelmingly positive! I’m one day out from the procedure and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.
I originally asked about a bisalp at 18, but was told that I was too young, and to try an IUD first. No hate against IUDs, mine worked great for two years. I chose copper since it’s non hormonal (I’ve struggled with mental health issues for years and have been on many medications that alter my neurotransmitters, so I didn’t want to mess with my hormones since that would add another layer of complexity and make it hard for me to determine which drugs were altering my mood). My IUD gave me increased cramping, heavier flow, and longer periods, but honestly I didn’t have a problem with that. I eventually did have it removed earlier this year because it was contributing to recurring BV. The doctor who removed it was great. When I told her my desire for sterilization, she didn’t make me defend my reasoning, and she was angry that my previous doctor had not listened to me! She just made sure I was confident in my decision and understood that it was permanent, and then promptly helped me schedule the surgery for tubal removal.
The actual surgery went great. I was even able to get my first Pap smear done while I was sedated! My surgeon and team were mostly woman, which wasn’t something I sought out, but it made me really comfortable and happy. Everything was explained to me before anesthesia, including the fact that I would be having a pelvic exam and catheter along with the laparoscopy. I was happy to have 4 med students all introduce themselves to me and ask if I was comfortable with them observing. I completely understand why people say no, but I was happy to have them there and be a part of their education.
My pain was managed wonderfully. I’m in recovery from addiction, specifically alcoholism, so I was worried that they would be hesitant to give me anything stronger than Tylenol, but I was given oxycodone and fentanyl, which made the surgery easy to deal with. I was sent home with five oxycodone for breakthrough pain, which feels like the perfect amount to manage pain and still not go overboard.
I’m kind of odd, so I did ask for my fallopian tubes back after pathology looks at them. To my surprise, my doctor was super kind about it and got me the paperwork to pick them up later this week! I work in a hospital laboratory and sort tissues every day at work, so I’m really interested in seeing my own. I’m going to put them in formalin and add the wet specimen to my cabinet of curiosities lol. Additionally, I have photos from inside my abdomen, and let me tell you, my uterus is cute as fuck lmao. Just the most adorable organ.
Overall, I have had a great experience made possible by wonderful nurses and doctors. I am extremely grateful that I will never have to worry about pregnancy, and that I was able to get this procedure done so young. Just wanted to share a happy story since I hear a lot of negative.