Pregnant After Reverse Tubal Ligation

Mommyagain2006, a member of the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center Message Board, is thrilled to announce that she is finally pregnant after her procedure to untie tubes performed by Dr. Berger in July of 2005. She achieved the pregnancy this time by undergoing IUI, which stands for intrauterine insemination, and is performed by inserting a thin catheter through the cervix and injecting sperm directly into the uterus. Mommyagain2006 is congratulated by other message board members who also want a child after tubal ligation and who are inspired by her story about pregnancy after tubes tied.

This is topic Keep the Faith in forum After Tubal Reversal at Tubal Reversal Message Board.

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Posted by mommyagain2006 (Member # 8087) on April 24, 2008 04:05 PM:

Well ladies...I have not been on the boards much with our ups and downs of TTCing. I had my TR July 22, 2005. We just went through our first IUI on April 12th and today I got this:

I was in total shock.

Don't give up. I am proof it can happen!

Best of luck to everyone!!!

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Posted by Amy1234 (Member # 5192) on April 24, 2008 04:07 PM:

Congratulations!!! What an inspiring story, Good luck to you!!!

Amy

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Posted by albmdb (Member # 12062) on April 24, 2008 04:07 PM:

Congrats to you.Keep us all updated. Best of luck.

leann sc tr 4/7/08

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Posted by Mornahh (Member # 12265) on April 24, 2008 04:07 PM:

Congratulations
you must be thrilled,
There is hope for us all
Morna xx

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Posted by Sweetpea (Member # 2742) on April 24, 2008 04:11 PM:

Congratulations!!!!

We will be trying IUI next cycle....
Do you mind me asking you your age?

Thanks for sharing your story. You have given me hope too!!

Veronica

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Posted by lori4 (Member # 11661) on April 24, 2008 04:25 PM:

YIPPPEE!!!!
Lori
C-section 6-20-08

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Posted by mommyagain2006 (Member # 8087) on April 24, 2008 04:37 PM:

I am 36...37 in June & DH is 40.

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Posted by mommyagain2006 (Member # 8087) on April 24, 2008 04:37 PM:

I forgot...my EDD is January 2, 2009!

I can finally post that! I am so excited!

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Posted by Jam777 (Member # 11990) on April 24, 2008 06:08 PM:

Congrats to you and your husband [Big Grin] So happy for you.Keep us posted [Smile]

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Posted by Myrna (Member # 11121) on April 25, 2008 11:14 AM:

Congratulations and best Wishes for a healthy nine months.

Myrna
CHSC

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Posted by hope2webb (Member # 5492) on April 25, 2008 11:20 AM:

Many congratulations!! You deserve it!

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Posted by poohbear_bear (Member # 9211) on April 25, 2008 01:44 PM:

Congrats mommy. May I ask your tube lengths?

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Posted by Lisa D. (Member # 11010) on April 25, 2008 01:59 PM:

Woohoo!!!! Great news.

Celebrating for you.

Lisa

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Posted by angelsbaby629 (Member # 1996) on April 25, 2008 02:32 PM:

Here's to a happy and healthy 9 months!!! Congrats to you and yours!!!!

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Posted by jenn5 (Member # 7976) on April 26, 2008 10:04 AM:

Congrats to you!!!

Jenni

Why Is It Important to take Folic Acid Before and After Tubal Reversal Surgery?

Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center message board members discuss the correct dose of folic acid and are advised by Dr. Berger that all women who are planning or attempting to become pregnant should take a prenatal vitamin that includes folic acid, beginning well before they start trying to conceive.

The appropriate dose is 0.4 mg to 1 mg a day. Folic acid aids in the prevention of neural tube defects, which are abnormalities in the development of the spinal cord and brain. Dr. Berger recommends that women starting taking folic acid even before trying to conceive, because it is important to have a sufficient amount stored in the body prior to conception.

This is topic Folic Acid Question? in forum New Message Board Members at Tubal Reversal Message Board.

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Posted by sjr (Member # 9566) on April 21, 2008 08:55 PM:

Can you ever take too much Folic acid? My pre-nat.has 400 mcg and then one extra at 1mg?
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Posted by MS_LICIA (Member # 9456) on April 21, 2008 10:40 PM:

Not at all, that's exactly what i'm taking. My doc recommendz it.
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Posted by sjr (Member # 9566) on April 22, 2008 06:59 AM:

Thank you. Do you take them together or seperate?
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Posted by Gary S Berger MD (Member # 3) on April 22, 2008 07:16 AM:

For most people, 400 micrograms (0.4 milligrams)is recommended. This has been shown to decrease the risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect. Women who have had a baby with a neural tube defect may be prescribed a higher dose. Recent research also suggests that folic acid supplementation started prior to pregnancy or very early in pregnancy also reduces the risk of preterm delivery. Interestly, new research shows that folic acid and zinc supplementation for men helps boost sperm counts.
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Posted by MS_LICIA (Member # 9456) on April 22, 2008 12:56 PM:

I guess I should have asked you what exactly did u mean by taking too much.I asked my Dr. the same thing & was told to just take 1/day. I did read somewhere what happens if too much is ingested, I'll post it as soon as I find it again. But I too, am taking 400mg FA. The minimum needed is 300 per day. That's why I answered the way I did. Sorry I misundertstood & if I misled you, I apologize for that too !!
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Posted by Webmaster (Member # 1) on April 23, 2008 07:08 PM:

Folic acid and folate (the anion form) are forms of the water-soluble Vitamin B9. These occur naturally in food and can also be taken as supplements. Folate gets its name from the Latin word folium ("leaf"). Our bodies use it to make new cells. Everyone needs folic acid. For women who are pregnant it can help prevent major birth defects of her baby’s brain and spine. These birth defects are neural tube defects or NTDs. Women need to take folic acid every day, starting before they are pregnant to help prevent NTDs.

Leafy vegetables such as spinach, turnip greens, lettuces, dried beans and peas, fortified cereal products, sunflower seeds and certain other fruits and vegetables are rich sources of folate. Some breakfast cereals are fortified with for folic acid. Folate is also found in Vegemite, with an average serving (5gm) containing 100μg. The established tolerable upper intake level (UL) for folate is 1 mg for adult men and women, and a UL of 800 µg for pregnant and lactating (breast-feeding) women less than 18 years of age.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folate#Health_risk_of_too_much_folic_acid

The U.S. Public Health Service urges every woman who could become pregnant to take 400 micrograms (400 mcg) of synthetic folic acid every day and whilst it is unlikely that women will be hurt from taking too much folic acid supplements, unless their doctor advises them to take more, most women should limit the amount they take to 1,000 mcg a day.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/overview.htm

Information about "folic acid" from Dr. Berger's tubal reversal web site.

Dr Monteith Joins Dr Berger as a Tubal Reversal Surgeon

Dr. Charles Monteith recalls his first day of training as a tubal reversal specialist at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.

Dr. Charles Monteith is currently training with Dr. Berger to become a tubal reversal specialist. In his personal blog, Dr. Monteith describes his first day working alongside Dr. Berger at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. He talks about the four patients that he met that day, as well as how it made him feel to know that Dr. Berger had helped all four women achieve their dreams of tubal ligation reversal and had given them the chance to correct mistakes made in the past.

My First Day at Nourishing Hopes and Dreams

My first day as a tubal ligation reversal specialist will always be remembered. I began my training with Dr. Berger during the first week of January 2008. We started the day off by meeting the patients who would be undergoing tubal ligation reversal at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.

I met four patients of different ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities . They were all very different people who all desired the same thing: reversal of their tubal ligation.

• The first patient was in her forties, she had emigrated from Ethiopia, her last child was more than twelve years ago, and she desired a chance to have another child.
• The second patient was in her thirties and her previous husband had died unexpectedly. She had children but her fiancé did not have any children. Together, they desired a child.
• The third patient,in her late twenties, had two children and a tubal ligation. Several years later she subsequently found a new partner and he desired a child with her. So while he was deployed overseas, she came for a tubal ligation and a chance for a new future when he returned from his military deployment.
• The fourth patient was in her late twenties and had several children. When she and her partner were in their early twenties they were financially maxed out and she had her tubes tied as an act of desperation. Several years later, she and her husband subsequently became financially stable and they wanted another child. They considered IVF but decided that a reversal was a better option for them. We also learned of an extremely sad story from this patient. She had a friend who had a tubal ligation. This friend had all of her four children die overnight in a house fire. This friend desperately has hope for a future reversal of her tubal ligation and was hoping to obtain a tubal reversal in the future.

All of the tubal reversal surgeries went well that day. The patients all did well and had technically excellent tubotubal reanastamosis (tubal ligation reversal) procedures. They all recovered well and went home to pursue their quest to add to their families.

For as long as a live, I will never be able to forget these women, their partners and the stories they told. I can never forget their quest to add children to their lives. For them I hope they attain what they desire.

My first lesson as a Tubal Reversal Specialist was that no one can predict the future, but if you always look hard enough you can always find a way - and someone to help- to correct prior mistakes.

More about Charles Monteith, MD

Pregnancy Following Tubal Reversal Surgery

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(Tubal Reversal News - April 15th 2008) Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center reports pregnancies as soon as a month after tubal reversal surgery as well as a year or more after surgery.

Tubal reversal surgery enables women to conceive naturally and has a higher pregnancy rate and a higher birth rate than IVF. For most women desiring another child after tubal sterilization, tubal reversal is the best treatment. Most people are not aware that tubal ligation - usually considered a permanent method of birth control - can be reversed through low cost, one hour outpatient surgery. Even many doctors think mistakenly that treatment by in vitro fertilization (IVF) is needed for women who want another baby after having a tubal ligation. Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center reports pregnancies as soon as a month after tubal reversal surgery as well as a year or more after surgery. The results from a study that Dr. Berger conducted demonstrates clearly that tubal reversal is more successful than IVF for most women wanting their fertility restored after having their tubes tied.

This is from the Tubal Reversal Message Board.
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Posted by Pennylane (Member # 12121) on March 14, 2008 12:45 PM:

I am currently 32 years old and I'm scheduling my reversal for this July and I'll be 33. I was just wondering if there was anyone out there who is my age and had TR with a pregnancy right away?
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Posted by Sally, RN (Member # 7389) on March 14, 2008 02:23 PM:

Pennylane--I am sure there are many women who are your age, had their TR and became pregnant right away. I hope they will chime in to let you know. We will look forward to meeting you in July.
Sally,RN
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Posted by mom4ever (Member # 11204) on March 14, 2008 03:08 PM:

Hi Pennylane - I had my reversal last July and I am 33 years old. I also became pregnant the same month and am now expecting my son in the next couple of weeks!

Good luck to you.
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Posted by mamasoup8 (Member # 11212) on March 14, 2008 05:52 PM:

Hi Pennylane, I'm 34 years old, had my surgery in November, and am now due in October. Good luck!
-Traci
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Posted by Pennylane (Member # 12121) on March 14, 2008 10:15 PM:

Thank you for your replies, it really makes me feel good! I am hopefull that I will get pregnant right away. Please keep your fingers crossed for me.
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Posted by debjim (Member # 8607) on March 15, 2008 07:19 AM:

I am 36 had mine in 2006. Had Tr baby #1 at 35 just found out we are expecting #2, I will be 37 when he/she is born.
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Posted by Raddmd (Member # 11476) on March 15, 2008 08:38 AM:

Pennylane,
I had my TR 8/27/07 and I was 36,I am now 37.I had my TL 12/19/91.Good luck to you,you will love Dr Berger and his staff!They are wonderful!

Donna

DH 33
DD 18
DS 17
DS 16
18
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Posted by Crecia (Member # 6023) on March 15, 2008 10:36 PM:

I was 32 when I had my TR last year on 4/10/07 and became pregnant in June and found out I was pregnant with my son on my 33rd birthday in July. Just gave birth to my son on 3/12/08. Hope this help.

Crecia
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Posted by shoegirl (Member # 9481) on March 16, 2008 01:29 PM:

Pennylane: I was 32 when I had my TR, I got pg 4 months later. I was 33 when I had my son. I got pg again when he was 4 months old only to mc at 14 weeks. Us 30 somethings arent shriveled up yet!! Good Luck to you!
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Posted by busymom4 (Member # 12267) on April 08, 2008 10:52 AM:

Pennylane,
I am 33 and considering TR. It is encouraging to here everyone's experience with positvie pregnancies. Did any of you have ectopics or mis. before you got pregnant? The odds seem very high? I have never had any trouble getting pregnant but am scared about losing a baby.
Thanks
Tammy
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Posted by HopesAndDreams (Member # 11754) on April 08, 2008 11:37 AM:

Hi Tammy,
I just wanted to let you know that I too am 33 and I go for my TR on Friday. I will be 34 in July. My first pregnancy when I was 19 was an ectopic. It was tucked away in the tube and I had to have "hip to hip" surgery to have it removed. My OB/GYN did an excellent job and saved the tube and it healed just fine. But to answer your question, having a TR only slightly increases your risk of EP. I was a very healthy 19 year old girl and still ended up with an EP. You will find that it "seems" like there is an increase in MC on here because women are on here looking for support during their hard times. Many, many go on to have full term births. Stats show that the average woman has miscarriages that go undetected because the average woman does not test until she has missed AF. After TR women test earlier to avoid a ruptured EP. Sorry so long, but I hope this helps...
Dawn
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Posted by PaulnJenn (Member # 10984) on April 08, 2008 12:41 PM:

Here are the stats on on going births, ectopic and m/c.....

http://news.tubal-reversal.net/pregnancy-study-2007-pregnancy_outcomes.htm

Jenn
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Posted by PaulnJenn (Member # 10984) on April 08, 2008 12:50 PM:

I had my TR done in November of 07. I am 34. I have NEVER had any complications before TL. Never had a MC or ectopic. Since November, I have had two losses.

I have said it many times that I do not regret my TR. The chance is there to have another baby but most important to give my DH his first child. I am not sure why I had the losses. Sometimes I chalk it up to being older than 18. Other times, the early testing. Getting TR is a very personal decision and it is a very difficult journey once down this path. I do know that I have hope that my difficult journey will be rewarded eventually.

Good Luck to you all!
Jenn
TR-11/19/07
Metho-01/14/08
Chemical-03/23/08
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Posted by ojzmom (Member # 12208) on April 13, 2008 09:59 AM:

Pennylane I wonder the same thing. I just had my TR done 4/1/08 and am 32yrs old. My tube lenghts are short. 3.0, 3.75 and I am hoping I get pregnant right away. I mean the short tubes scares me and the longer it takes the older I get!
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Posted by sillypuddha (Member # 11649) on April 13, 2008 01:33 PM:

Pennylane--I just wanted to say congrats on your upcoming TR. I can't say enough wonderful things about Dr. B and his amazing staff!! The whole TR experience was incredible. I was so nervous, but everyone at CH are so great! I am 32 now, will be 33 in July. I had my TR on 11/29/07 (R 3.5, L 5.0), got my first BFP on 1/18/08, and am currently 16 weeks today, and due on 9/28/08! It is all so surreal, and such a miracle to me. The pregnancy is going great--had a few rough spots in the beginning, but all is wonderful now. Good luck to you, and rest assured that you are in the best of care! Lots of sticky babydust to you! BTW--the recovery is pretty quick, and no more PTLS symptoms for me instantly!!
Krys
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Posted by Rhonda Brown, RN (Member # 9485) on April 13, 2008 08:18 PM:

Dear Pennylane,
As you can see many different women have many different stories to offer with all different types of situation. This message board offers lots of support and information to women. The staff at Dr. Berger's office is available to answer any questions that you have. We also have lots of information on the website in regards to what to expect before, during and after surgery. There is also information on pregnancy statistics based on age, type of ligation and tubal length remaining after surgery. Please let me know if you have any other questions or if I can assist you with anything. I look forward to meeting you in July.
Rhonda

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Posted by Karen M (Member # 11869) on April 14, 2008 02:51 PM:

Hi Penny, although I am a little bit younger I am 27 and I had my tubal reversal surgery in January and became pregnant on my 2nd cycle in March. I was nervous and scared as well, but the surgery went very well and recovery is not bad at all. You will be in the best hands possible when you are at Chapil Hill, and you will have the most support you could ever imagine through this journey of yours. I know one thing that helped me in becoming pregnant so fast is I bought the ClearBlue Easy fertility monitor. It is a bit pricey, and you can get it on Ebay for a fraction of the cost, but its well worth it.
Best wishes and good luck!!!

Karen M
TL 2002
TR Jan 10, 2008
EDD December 10, 2008

What To Expect Following Tubal Reversal Surgery

A member of the Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center message board posts that she had tubal reversal surgery with Dr. Berger 1/31/08 and she is questioning what she should expect now? Other message board members and Chapel Hill staff members offer their stories and support. Many patients often wonder what is next after tubal reversal surgery? The message board offers an avenue of support and information for patients. Dr. Berger's staff also provides follow up after surgery and they are available 24/7 for questions. The next step for most patients after surgery is to begin trying to conceive.

Dr. Berger recommends that patients use ovulation predictor kits to help determine the most fertile time n their cycle. This allows patients to be n tune with what is going on with their body and hopefully giving them information on the best time for them to try and conceive.


This is topic New TR Patients from 1/31/08 in forum New Message Board Members at Tubal Reversal Message Board.

Posted by MOM2B (Member # 12074) on February 19, 2008 07:13 PM:

Hi! I had my TR 1/31/08 and was wondering if anyone could give the ups on what to expect from this point on

Posted by christbride (Member # 10665) on February 19, 2008 07:23 PM:

Hello, mom2b. come and join the other jan08 girls. have you had a full cycle since your tr? different people have different experiences as far as pain. the 2ww is the worse when you start to ttc.

Posted by MOM2B (Member # 12074) on February 21, 2008 06:56 PM:

Yes AF started a day before valentines day BUMMER, and not only that it seems that it lasted forever. now im waiting to O which is suppose to be 14 days after my last af

Posted by christbride (Member # 10665) on February 22, 2008 09:54 AM:

You are on cd 10. so i will update you on our january 08 girls thread. you should come in an join us. these are all of the ladies that had their tr in the month of jan.

Posted by ricshe08 (Member # 12123) on March 02, 2008 09:46 AM:

Hi! I had my tr on 1/18/08, and I have been following the forum since then. I having a hard time understanding all of the abbreviations, but will try the best I can.

Posted by Rhonda Brown, RN (Member # 9485) on March 02, 2008 10:01 AM:

Dear MOM2B,
I know that you will find lots of support here on the board. I hope that you will use your OPK to help to determine your most fertile time of the cycle. I wish you much success in cycles to come. Let us know how things go for you.
Rhonda

Posted by ricshe08 (Member # 12123) on March 02, 2008 01:23 PM:

Can anyone tell me if the on line O calculation are accurate. If so, I am approx 8DPO and questioning when should I take HPT?

Posted by berta8133 (Member # 11188) on March 02, 2008 05:18 PM:

Rics....12 dpo would be a good time to use hpt. anything before may lead to frustration because it is early for most to see the bfp, and will usually get the bfn.

Posted by ricshe08 (Member # 12123) on March 02, 2008 06:33 PM:

Thanks, berta for responding to my concern. I am very anxious, but it is worth the wait.

Posted by christbride (Member # 10665) on March 02, 2008 08:22 PM:

hi richs,
as a jan 08 girl you should join us on the jan 08 girls thread. welcome to the board. i concur with berth with the 12dpo, unless you have those internet cheapes and have a lot of sticks to test on. they do have somethat detect hcg as low as 10 hcg.

Posted by ricshe08 (Member # 12123) on March 02, 2008 10:19 PM:

Thanks christbride, this is going to be a wonderful experience to share with the you guys. Thanks for you invitation and support.

More Information on What to Expect After a Tubal Reversal

Dr. Monteith is Joining Dr. Berger as a Tubal Reversal Surgeon

Dr. Monteith is joining Dr. Berger as a tubal reversal surgeon at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. Dr. Charles Monteith graduated Summa Cum Laude from Xavier University and received his Medical Degree from the University of California at San Francisco. Following a Howard Hughes Research Fellowship in molecular biology, he completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2001. Since then he has been a Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina Medical School. Dr. Monteith is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and has extensive experience in laparoscopic surgery and high risk obstetrics.

Explaining his decision to join Dr. Berger in practice, Dr. Monteith says, “My interest in tubal ligation reversal comes from my love of outpatient surgery and the desire to learn skills which are becoming a dying art. My hope is to be able to continue to practice tubal reversal surgery and to keep it as an option for patients who have had prior tubal ligation and desire to become pregnant.”

Like all of Dr. Berger's staff Dr. Monteith can be contacted via the tubal reversal message board. Here you can read Dr. Monteith's most recent posts

As this thread from the Tubal Reversal Message Board shows Dr. Monteith as well as being an excellent surgeon also has quite a sense of humor:

Posted by Dr. Monteith (Member # 11996) on February 04, 2008 09:00 AM:

I answered your questions under the threads of scheduling and posting with Dr. Montieth

Posted by sweeet_mommie (Member # 11471) on February 04, 2008 06:50 PM:

Dr.Monteith thank you so much for responding to my questions and your responces were very helpful. We are very happy to know that there is hope for us. We never thought that we would want another child considering we have 5, 4boys 11,10,8 and 6 and 1girl 6. We were very scared when they told us twins and that is why we had my tubes tied, well that was a mistakeand at the time my Doctor didnt think it was a good idea but went along with it considering I was only 23 years old in 2001. Tell me something how likely (is it if there are twins on both sides of the family), are we likely to have twins again? Thank you for you help and another thing the most thing I am afaid of is getting surgery, in 2006 when I lost my right tube I was so scared of be put to sleep. any suggestions?
thanks again
luquesua

I am considering getting my TR maybe late spring.

Posted by Dr. Monteith (Member # 11996) on February 04, 2008 09:08 PM:

Twins do run higher in some races of people. Certain tribes from Africa have very high twin rates- can be as high as 1 in 50 pregnancies. In general, the chances of having a twin pregnancy is about 1 out of 200 pregnancies.

If you and your husband are Nigerian then I would be worried you would have a higher chance of a twin pregnancy- for the most part I have not been impressed that twin rates have been higher when patients come to me in the USA and say twins run in both families. I would say your risk of twin pregnancy would be about 1 out fo 200. If you have to take clomid about 10 out of 200 and if you have IVF about 1 out of 3!

General anesthesia is very safe when it is done in a low risk patient in a controlled situation. The only problems I have seen is in emergency surgery when everyone is rushing and the patient is high risk- say 300lbs, poor airway, heart disease, trauma, etc.

Posted by sweeet_mommie (Member # 11471) on February 05, 2008 05:46 PM:

Dr.Monteith another question I have is the TR is it done vaginal? How long after surgery can we try to conceive?

Posted by Dr. Monteith (Member # 11996) on February 05, 2008 11:04 PM:

The reversal is done through a small incision- about 4 inches- just above your pubic hair line. We ask that you wait until you leave the office before you try to conceive! (the real answer is when you feel up to it- about 2-4 weeks).

Posted by mommyof4wantingmore (Member # 11914) on February 06, 2008 04:06 AM:

What a great sense of humor Dr. Monteith! I read almost all of the posts on here, but that has to be the best reply of the day!! LOL Sorry if I butted in on the thread but that was GREAT!!
-Donielle

DH-34
Me-32
DS-14
DD-6
DS-5 (soon)
DS-2
TL-7/05
TR-Goal is Summer 2008!

Posted by sweeet_mommie (Member # 11471) on February 06, 2008 07:10 AM:

thanks Dr. that information was very helpful, we will be scheduling my appointment for April wil you be there assisting Dr. Berger?

Posted by in-Gods-hands (Member # 11795) on February 06, 2008 08:17 AM:

I am with Donielle that was the best one yet. I liked that. Miranda

More Information on Dr. Monteith

The Importance of Early Pregnancy Monitoring

The importance of early pregnancy monitoring cannot be stressed enough. All women have a chance of ectopic pregnancy, but after tubal reversal surgery, the chance is slightly higher. For this reason, Dr. Berger recommends all patients at Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center work closely with their home physicians to follow the course of pregnancy as soon as conception is detected. Once a tubal reversal patients gets a positive pregnancy test, she should get her first HCG blood level drawn. After this, her doctor should be drawing the blood for HCG at least twice week. When the HCG level reaches 1500, the pregnancy can be detected by ultrasound. A vaginal ultrasound should be performed to determine the location of the implantation. This greatly reduces the chance of tubal rupture should the pregnancy prove to be ectopic. Dr. Berger should be notified as soon as you are pregnant so that he can ensure you are receiving timely early pregnancy care.

The following is from the Tubal Reversal Message Board:

Posted by Kristy Isett (Member # 8861) on February 05, 2008 05:58 PM:

Hi Dr B, I just found out on 1/24/08 that I was PG again after taking 200 mg clomid. My LMP was on 12/30/05 Since then, I've had 5 hcg betas drawn. My concern is the last two I had.
My first 3 betas were
1/24/08= 19.45 Progesterone= 27.1
1/26/08= 48.64
1/28/08= 104.22
Thursday 01/31/08
hCG was 371 progesterone was 45.2 (on suppositories)
Monday 02/04/2008
hCG was 576Why the small rise?? I mean I figured it should have been closer to the 1400-1500 level.
My blood tests were done at two different labs, but I honestly don't think that there would be that much of a difference between them. I go again tomorrow for another beta.
I had an internal exam yesterday 2/4/08 and dr said there was no sign of bleeding, cervix was closed and long. He felt my uterus and said it felt normal. I then went for a vaginal u/s and the tech was unable to see anything at that point. Dr called me and told me that there was a bit of free fluid??? in my uterus but not enough to have him concerned at this point. I don't know what to think at this point. Thanks in advance!
Kris
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Posted by lori4 (Member # 11661) on February 05, 2008 06:48 PM:

Kristy, Can't answer any of your questions, but I'm praying for you girl
Lori
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Posted by Gary S Berger MD (Member # 3) on February 05, 2008 06:58 PM:

Hi Kris -Using our HCG doubling time calculator, I entered your first HCG level of 19 and the last one of 576 taken 11 days apart. The calculator shows a doubling time of 53.6 hours, or doubling every 1.36 days. This is normal. At this rate, your HCG level should reach 1500 by Friday or Saturday, and when it does, a vaginal US exam should be performed to look for the gestational sac.
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Posted by Kristy Isett (Member # 8861) on February 05, 2008 07:24 PM:

Thanks Dr. Berger, but shouldn't I be concerned with the fact that it didn't double from Thursday 1/31/08 to Monday 02/04/08??? The doubling rate from those two beta's is like every 6.30 days or every 111 hours I think.Thanks again!
Kris
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Posted by Noelle DiBernardo (Member # 8906) on February 05, 2008 10:47 PM:

Kris,
Did you have another draw today, (Tuesday)If you see this...I emailed you the information you asked for...sorry it took so long!noelle
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Posted by Gary S Berger MD (Member # 3) on February 06, 2008 04:56 AM:

Kristy - Let's wait and see what your next HCG level is.
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Posted by Kristy Isett (Member # 8861) on February 06, 2008 08:23 AM:

Dr. Berger, thanks. I go this morning for my next draw. I know it'll tell me more. I'll let you know.
Noelle~ Yeah I got your email, thanks so much my computer died yesterday, I couldn't get on for anything all day until after DH got home from work to fix it!Love,
~Kris~
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Posted by jami (Member # 9521) on February 06, 2008 08:33 AM:

kris, i love you and your little bean(s)!!! i'm waiting to see what today's labs say....
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Posted by Kristy Isett (Member # 8861) on February 06, 2008 12:05 PM:

Dr B. Ok, today my levels are 746.... what do you think is going on??I'm so confused, I thought these hCG levels were to double every 2-3 days....mine are totally not doing that.I'm so worried that this is another ectopic and I'm going to lose my only tube I have left.I'll check back later to see what you think.
Thanks again,
Kris
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Posted by mamasoup8 (Member # 11212) on February 06, 2008 12:19 PM:

Krys- I don't have any answers for you, just wanted you to know you and your lil bean are in my prayers!-Traci
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Posted by Meridith4321 (Member # 11469) on February 06, 2008 12:29 PM:

Kristy - I would call and try to get an ultrasound - I know 700 is too small to see a sac but sometimes they can see a bulge in the tube or fluid in the uterus. There are other symptoms!!! maybe I would go to the ER. One tube is just too precious to lose, not to even mention that you life is at risk here. Does your Dr. know the protocol? I have heard to tubes bursting at 700 - just to be on the safe side I would try to get an ultrasound - fake pain if you have to!!!! Talk to Berta - I know she is on some of the lists and recently posted about losses on the main page - she can tell you what her number was when her tube burst.Good luck - we are all pulling for you!!!
Meridith
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Posted by Noelle DiBernardo (Member # 8906) on February 06, 2008 01:01 PM:

I am thinking of you Kris.
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Posted by berta8133 (Member # 11188) on February 06, 2008 01:12 PM:

Kristy....Personally if it were me...I would go to the ER. It could be several things. Some need for concern, others - everything could be just fine.Numbers sometimes become stagnet (for lack of a better word)...even though raising a bit...)I think for piece of mind....get to ER for an u/s, tell them you are high risk for e/p due to TR and tell them your last number, and also that you are having pain..tell them- it's kinda tender (pick a side) and that the pain feels like it comes from the back and moves to the front.They should be able to see 'something'...whether a shadow, fluid or swollen tube...etc etc... if they can't see anything yet...then all could be fine and nothing to worry over.There was a sister on our july thread....she no longer posts, but her number never got higher than like 300, and become stagnet, dr did nothing, and she ended up rupturing and losing the tube.My numbers were higher at time of rupture.....a week before rupture they were about 6700 or so... HOWEVER there are those that rupture with a small number due to the tube becoming swollen etc etc....Get it checked. Better safe than sorry down the road. I'd rather worry about something and it turn out to be nothing, than not to worry at all and it become something that can't be fixed.Thoughts are with you and I surely do hope all is okay. Just get it checked--ok??Berta
TR 7/23/07
E/P 0/25/07
M/C 12/8/07TTC our little Z
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Posted by pumpkin_powers (Member # 9198) on February 06, 2008 01:36 PM:

Krys,
Please go to the ER. You're right that those numbers aren't doubling right and it may be just a slow starter or possibly an ectopic. It's better to be safe than to lose your only tube. I went through two ectopics last year, and with the second my numbers were right around doubling for the first couple draws then they started slowing down like yours are doing. With that pregnancy the baby ended up implanted near my bladder and if I hadn't had early monitoring it would definitely have been life threatening. Please take care, and I'll be saying prayers for you and your little bean.Lots of Love
Staci
TR 3-7-06
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Posted by Gary S Berger MD (Member # 3) on February 06, 2008 04:12 PM:

Kristy - I agree that based on today's result your HCG rise is no longer rising normally. When HCG ceases to double within 3 days on more than one occasion, I recommend ending the pregnancy with Methotrexate and continuing to follow the serum HCG until it is back to non-pregnant levels (less than 10). At your current HCG level, it is still too early for an ultrasound examination to be diagnostic about whether it is in the uterus or outside of the uterus. But when a pregnancy is no longer progressing normally, it should not be continued.
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Posted by berta8133 (Member # 11188) on February 06, 2008 04:54 PM:

Kristy, please let us know how you are doing.Berta
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Posted by Melissa In NC (Member # 8796) on February 06, 2008 11:06 PM:

Kris- just wanted to let you know that i am thinking about you & praying
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Posted by brlracer (Member # 11897) on February 07, 2008 12:56 PM:

Any news on Kris? I will keep you in my prayers!
Trish
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Posted by Kristy Isett (Member # 8861) on February 07, 2008 02:58 PM:

Dr. Berger~ I just wanted to update you on what happened, I did in fact have an ectopic. There was a 4.7 CM buldge in my tube, the Dr told me that she would do everything possible to save my tube, but after surgery she told me that there was no way to save it even though it wasn't ruptured, she felt that the tube itself was too "stretched out" she said it looked unhealthy. So, that ends my journey in TTC for now, hopefully we'll find a way to do IVF sometime in the future. Heck, I'm not getting any younger! LOL! Thanks for all of the advice and thanks for everything!Kris
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Posted by brlracer (Member # 11897) on February 07, 2008 03:10 PM:

Kris, I am so sorry for this, I just don't know what to say
Trish K.
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Posted by Amy1234 (Member # 5192) on February 07, 2008 03:17 PM:

I am very, very sorry Kris!
Amy
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Posted by lori4 (Member # 11661) on February 07, 2008 04:45 PM:

Kris, that sucks! I was really pulling for you girl. I'll keep you in my prayers. I hope one day God blesses you with a baby if it is in his plan for you.
Lori
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Posted by JulesnKev (Member # 7375) on February 07, 2008 05:54 PM:

Kris, I am so sorry you are having to go through this heart rending experience. You mentioned IVF, so when you are ready to talk about it you can e-mail me at trulyjulee1967@msn dot com. I have some information you may find interesting. Take time to heal and take care of yourself.
Hugs,
Julia
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Posted by pumpkin_powers (Member # 9198) on February 07, 2008 05:55 PM:

Kris, I'm so sorry that this has happened. Please take care of yourself. This part of the journey is so hard. I hope that you are able to persue IVF in the future. I ended my ttc journey this dec after my second ectopic within a 6month period. I just couldn't take it anymore emotionally or physically. I hope that things get back to normal for you quickly. Please take care.
Lots of Love
Staci
TR3-7-06
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Posted by berta8133 (Member # 11188) on February 07, 2008 06:03 PM:

Oh Krys....I'm soooo very sorry this has happened. Thoughts are with you definitely! I pray you will be successful in your IVF journey.Good luck always,
Berta