Women explain why they decided to go to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center to have their tubes repaired.
An active topic on the Tubal Reversal Message board was started by 'WIMom27' who asked other women why they decided to go to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center to have their tubes repaired. She gets a lot of responses such as these from 'tammyfromWI' who posts, "I was actually directed to CHTRC thru the UW-Madison's Infertility Clinic. They told me that it was well know all over the U.S and throughout the world. I could have had it done at the UW's clinic but they told me it would cost around $20,000 and have to do an inpatient stay. I talked to them for about five more minutes, came home, researched the website, and then made the call to CHTRC. I scheduled my surgery for 3/24/10. We decided to wait a couple months to TTC and in June started. We did end up with a BFP. It was a keeper. I'm currently 19 weeks pregnant and so happy with my decision to go with them. They do this everyday and know what they are doing." 'Yumenut' writes, "I flew to NC from Moscow Russia to have my surgery at CHTRC on 10/14/10. I don't regret one dime that we spent on the trip or the surgery. You can tell from the message boards and the information on this website that the entire staff cares about every patient." 'ChrisNbrian' follows up with, "I choose Chapel Hill ultimately because that is where my doctor recommended. He said that one of his associates does the TR but Dr Berger is less expensive and has a higher success rate. I just kept hearing my doctors words in my head telling me that reversals are all that CH does and Dr Berger is the best in the business!" In short, if you want the best chance of becoming pregnant after tubal ligation, go to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center.
Posted by WIMom27 (Member # 14187) on November 01, 2010 02:43 PM :
A couple of years ago when I first found CHTRC and started doing my research on TR, I might have already asked this question.... but, I am back to doing my research AGAIN and trying to really get all the info I can to make an informed decision! I am torn between deciding between 2 different TR facilities and just want to know how others made their decision to use CHTRC? How do you feel about your decision? What factors helped you make that decision? I just want to be absolutely sure I am making the right decision, because I cannot afford the time or money to do this more than once!
Posted by michellela (Member # 14794) on November 01, 2010 02:54 PM :
It would be to my surprise if you were able to find "1" person who didn't have the most upmost respect for the doctors and staff at CHTRC. You will not find any better care at any other facility. If you read on this message board, you will see the amazing stories that have taken place in many of our lives from the moment we left CHTRC a new woman, with the chance to conceive again. Every member of their staff truly cares about your well being and gives you the highest level of care. As you can see, I am a huge fan.
Posted by jtcrazynluv (Member # 11201) on November 01, 2010 02:57 PM :
WImom, I am in the same position as you and I think we're trying to decide between the same places lol!
Posted by faithhopelove3 (Member # 14930) on November 01, 2010 02:58 PM :
WImom27~ the question is~ This other doctor that you found, does he/she only do this surgery every day or do they do other things??? I know I would only want the best doing this surgery and in my opinion CH is the best!!!! I had my surgery on Thursday and feel great!!!! You will not be disappointed by going to CH!!! They really do care!!!
Posted by eneitge (Member # 14887) on November 01, 2010 03:00 PM :
I chose CHTRC because I liked the statistics I saw for success on the site, everything you wanted to know was laid out right there for you, even the hotel and transportation to and from it, no stressful navigating in a foreign land, risking being late or anything else. If you have any questions, the staff are all super friendly, and if they don't have the answer, they get it for you and get back to you that day or the next day. I also like that they use out of office responses on e-mail, so if it's going to take some time to get back to you, you know what day that person will be back. I liked that the doctors' experience in the field was explained on the site, and that the doctors are accessable to the patients, it's not "Please contact my nurse who will talk to me for you." I liked that the payment options were affordable and easy to arrange. Everything you needed to know about before, during, and after was easy to understand, everything they needed was easy to get to them. I have not regretted our decision at all, I have had a few surgeries in my life, all the others locally, and this was, by far, the easiest, and it was done by people I'd never met, in a place I'd never been!! Hope this helps, good luck on making your decision and for a successful procedure!! ~Liz
Posted by NJgirlinWI (Member # 12872) on November 01, 2010 03:17 PM :
I also live in WI, in Weston (just south of Wausau). We debated because NC was the farthest of the places that we researched but for many reasons, they seemed to be the best choice. My best friend is also a nurse so I asked her opinion. She was so impressed with the details, statistics, pictures, message board and care that was put into the website that she agreed that we should go to CHTRC. TR surgery is ALL that they do there and in my opinion, they have it perfected! After we sent our money, I kept thinking that it was too good to be true. On our drive I thought, what if we get there and it's a vacant lot?! Sure enough it was as wonderful as everyone says. You will not regret it...
Posted by eneitge (Member # 14887) on November 01, 2010 03:57 PM :
Wow...lots of us WI girls on here!! LOL I'm just north of Eau Claire
Posted by Tanya from VA (Member # 9507) on November 01, 2010 07:18 PM :
I liked so much about CH but it just had the right feel. It came down to CH and a place in Georgia and frankly, CH just felt right. After coming to CH, having my TR and having so much history on the boards - I would tell anyone that this place is second to none.
Posted by chrisNbrian (Member # 12818) on November 01, 2010 09:29 PM :
I'm from Wisconsin too! (Appleton) I choose CH ultimately because that is where my doctor recommended. He said that one of his associates does the TR but Dr Berger is less expensive and has a higher success rate. I did lots of research looking at other places but kept coming back to CH. I just kept hearing my doctors words in my head telling me that reversals are all that CH does and Dr Berger is the best in the business! NJgirlinWI, my husband and I thought what if we show up and there is just this dumpy old run down building with a "doctor" standing at the door waiting to do the surgery. We actually kept joking about it the 2 days before surgery. (we arrived on Saturday and surgery was Monday) Everytime the shuttle took us anywhere or when we went out for a walk we tried to find the trashiest place and say to the other one "yep, that's CH, step right up". I guess we have a weird sense of humor but I really think the joking part kept me from getting too nervous. Once we arrived at the real CHTRC we couldn't have been more pleased. The place was spotless and everyone was super nice.
Posted by tammyfrmWI (Member # 14506) on November 01, 2010 09:58 PM :
I was actually directed to CHTRC thru the UW-Madison's Infertility Clinic. They told me that it was well know all over the U.S and throughout the world. I could have had it done at the UW's clinic but they told me it would cost around $20,000 and have to do an inpatient stay. I talked to them for about five more minutes, came home, researched the website, and then made the call to CHTRC. I scheduled my surgery for 3/24/10. We decided to wait a couple months to TTC and in June started. We did end up with a BFP. It was a keeper. I'm currently 19 weeks pregnant and so happy with my decision to go with them. They do this everyday and know what they are doing. They make you feel at peace with your decision up until you close your eyes for surgery. I understand that everyone goes into this journey with the "what if" questions. I did. That's normal. Not everyone is gonna have the same outcomes. There are negatives along with many positives to it. That's why it's called a journey. I can promise you one thing. You will walk away from CHTRC and be very happy that you did it. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decide to do!!
Posted by WIMom27 (Member # 14187) on November 01, 2010 11:23 PM :
NJgirlinWI.... WOW... we are practically neighbors! I live only about 35-40 mins. from you, near Shawano! Thank you everyone for your responses. The issue I am having in deciding is that both places I am deciding between are "state of the art" facilities with TR specialists that ONLY perform TR surgeries and have both been doing it for over 30 years! Both places have support groups... but CH's website is definitely more informative and more supportive! I have just been afraid of choosing based solely on a good website..... Thank you for your feedback on your experiences.
Posted by yumenut (Member # 15030) on November 02, 2010 01:50 AM :
WIMom27, I flew to NC from Moscow Russia to have my surgery at CHTRC on 10/14/10. I don't regret one dime that we spent on the trip or the surgery. You can tell from the message boards and the information on this website that the entire staff cares about every patient. They think of everything!!! I love the fact that they require you to stay at a certain hotel, which is fantastic, so a nurse can come check on you. If you decide on CHTRC, you won't be disappointed!
Posted by NJgirlinWI (Member # 12872) on November 02, 2010 09:32 AM :
I forgot to mention that in my last post. As you are in the waiting area just before it's "your turn", there are 2 huge maps on the wall. One map is the US and one is the world, seriously! You put your pin into the map indicating where you are from. We were amazed at how far women come to have CHTRC do their surgery. My husband stayed at the hotel with our kiddo's and my mom drove up from SC to accompany me. She was skeptical at first but when she saw those maps, her eyes got big and her jaw dropped. For once, my darling (and very opinionated) mother was speechless!! It truly is impressive to see all of those colored pins on those maps. It made me realize just how many families have trusted Dr Berger (and now Dr M) to give them another chance...
Posted by laurie,CST (Member # 14932) on November 02, 2010 09:53 AM :
This is so true. CHTRC is the only place that specializes in tubal-reversal. So many people come all over the world to get their tubes reversed. Dr. Berger and Dr. Monteith have follow-up statistics on the outcomes of their surgeries and publish them for everyone to see. No other doctor does this or even has this information! The center keeps in touch with each patient over the long term. CHTRC is the most dedicated tubal-reversal in the world. If you want the best results, this is the place you should come to.
Posted by NJgirlinWI (Member # 12872) on November 02, 2010 01:05 PM :
WIMom27 be sure and keep us posted as to what you decide! Too bad we didn't find eachother sooner, we live so close to eachother that we could have carpooled to CHTRC
Posted by Megan, RN (Member # 14922) on November 03, 2010 09:33 AM :
Dr. Berger and Dr. Monteith are the only physicians in the country with a practice that is specifically limited to tubal reversal surgery. Reversal surgery is the only procedure we perform here with each doctor performing 2 - 4 reversals daily. We have a high staff/patient ratio with one or two nurses devoted specifically to your care while you are here. All of our nurses have advanced certification in cardiac life support (ACLS) and our anesthesiologists are MD's with board certification in anesthesia. The anesthesiologists are employees here and not anesthesia staff from another hospital or anesthesia service. So everyone here has expertise in caring for and performing reversal surgery. While you are here, you will only be with other women and couples who are here specifically for the same purpose. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions or concerns while making your decision. Megan, RN
Posted by Tarajo (Member # 15087) on November 03, 2010 01:25 PM :
WIMom27 CHTRC was the 1st center I cam across when I began thinking about a reversal. And at the time didn't think I wanted to travel from Iowa to NC. Then something in me changed. At that point...I have to tell you that I researched, visited, and had phone contact with more then 25 fertility/tubal reversal specialists across the country. At the time we started our search each of those centers/specialist advised me that the cost of the procedure would be $12000-$20000. My husband and I thought to ourselves, if that was the price we were going to have to pay to have another child, then so-be-it. Each of the offices received my surgical reports, took my $150 consultation fee, either scheduled an appointment or called me on the phone. And each one of them crushed my dreams by telling me that since my tubes were burned I really didn\'t't have a chance at conception even after a reversal and that I should go the IVF route. At that point I was very close to having my mind made up on a center in WI, but something in me told me to give CHTRC a call. So I did...and I think from the second I was greeted over the phone my mind was made up. Each time I have called with an issue, my questions and concerns have all been address by the most friendly, knowledgeable, and caring staff in which I have ever encountered. I send over my surgical report and other information, and within an hour received confirmation that regardless of having my tubes burned during the ligation, they saw no reason why I would not have a very successful chance of conception. The very next day I scheduled my surgery and am now exactly 30 days from my surgery date. I am not only anxious for my surgery, but feel like I have already been made a part of a big CHTRC family and can't wait to meet everyone that has contacted me via phone and email. So if I can tell you anything to help you make your decision it is to call and speak with staff as much as you need to before making your desicion. As woman you know what is best for you and will ultimately make the right choice for you and only you!
~Best Wishes~
Posted by Megan, RN (Member # 14922) on November 03, 2010 03:09 PM :
Another Iowan!! Yay! I just moved from Des Moines in August and came to work at CHTRC. I absolutely think you are making the best decision by coming here. The staff and physicians actually care about their patients and have the most knowledge and experience of anyone in the tubal reversal business! Megan, RN
Posted by WIMom27 (Member # 14187) on November 03, 2010 10:05 PM :
Thank you for all of your comments everyone... I honestly feel that I have made my decision final to have my TR at CHTRC! I keep hearing from the other center I was looking at about how wonderful their after care is, etc.... but I have yet to see any of their staff participate in their support board like CHTRC does. Not only do the nurses and other staff join in on discussions but I have seen several posts by Dr. M on here as well, which has really impressed me. I think the longer it takes for me to get the money together and get this going the more doubts I tend to have.... then I get those doubts under control.... then start wondering about things again. I do appreciate all of the support on this board and I haven't even scheduled my surgery yet! Hoping that I can at least send in my deposit to open my account within the next couple of weeks!
Posted by Koah's mom (Member # 15041) on November 03, 2010 10:30 PM :
WImom, i wish you all the best! I'm in CA and having the hardest time trying to decide on TR and where to go?! I'm almost 41, need to lose 15 pounds, and need to make my decision by Jan 2011, time is ticking away. I love coming onto this site and feeling all of the moms on here, going through the same stuggles as myself!
Posted by Koah's mom (Member # 15041) on November 03, 2010 10:30 PM :
WImom, i wish you all the best! I'm in CA and having the hardest time trying to decide on TR and where to go?! I'm almost 41, need to lose 15 pounds, and need to make my decision by Jan 2011, time is ticking away. I love coming onto this site and feeling all of the moms on here, going through the same stuggles as myself!
Posted by Julie B., RN (Member # 14875) on November 04, 2010 09:58 AM :
Hi, ladies! I'm so glad to see you all exchanging thoughts and supporting each other as you make the decision to have tubal reversal surgery. As someone who gets to be with the surgeons every day in surgery, I can tell you that you will be in excellent hands if you choose to come to Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center. The expertise of the surgeons and staff is absolutely unparalleled. I'm very proud to be a part of such a special place. Julie B., RN
Posted by ALLtiedUP (Member # 13201) on November 04, 2010 10:28 AM :
WImom27, You will not regret having your surgery at CHTRC! I too researched just about every place there was and I just kept coming back to CH. No other place could compare to the statistics and like you said, the support and care shows here on the message board, but just WAIT until you see how you are cared for in person! I don't know which TR center you are talking about and I am not sure what I am allowed to say here, but I considered one b/c it looked so fabulous on their website...at first..and they had a message board yes. But I decided to steer clear of that place. I decided that a lot of effort made to make comparison charts to other TR centers and promises to re-reverse tubes if they become blocked is not a good way to try to reel in business, when CHTRC just has facts and REAL numbers that show their success without having to make cheap shots like that. Does that make sense? That was just how I felt about it. I am pretty sure I know which center you are talking about I hope this helps! Jill
TR 7-19-10
L-8
R-6.5
No regrets!! (tubes are OPEN b/c PTLS is GONE!)
Posted by WIMom27 (Member # 14187) on November 04, 2010 06:16 PM :
alltiedup.... I'm pretty sure we are talking about the same other TR center.... and the things you mentioned are part of my reasons for not being sure about that one.... I have kept coming back to CH for several years, because of the support board, the wonderful information, the support from the staff, and the statistics, etc. I think I need to stop 2nd guessing and just go with my gut on this one! Thanks for all the support everyone! Now, if I can just pull together the money... we will be in business!
Posted by Tammylee (Member # 14383) on November 05, 2010 10:59 AM :
Another Wisconsin girl here (Ashland). I was referred to a University Minnesota hospital to do my surgery, for a starting price of $12,000. I had a feeling that it did not cover lab fees, consultations and so forth. Turns out I was right when I called and talked to their financial representative. That made me start looking on the web for alternatives. The thing I was immediately aware of was that I would have to travel across country no matter which place I choose, being that the quiet of northern Wisconsin is quiet for a reason. The reason I chose Chapel Hill Tubal Reversal Center was there commitment to their cause. We are what they do. They listen and respond. Right from initial phone questions to panic attacks before surgery, they are there with a gentle hand on your back.
The surgery was simple, the flight back to Minneapolis uneventful. My biggest concern was the 4 hour ride home from airport the day after surgery but with a few pain pills that too was a piece of cake. My baby making skills are not working for me yet, but I am not 25 anymore. There are days when I want to quit(usually CD2, when depression hits) but then by CD10 I am ready to try again.
The only advice I have is to live your life when going through this. Buy those jeans that are on sale, take that little trip, laugh when you can and hold as many babies that are offered to you. Tammy
Posted by Koah's mom (Member # 15041) on November 05, 2010 11:23 AM :
Wow Tammy, what wise words!!! I'm pre TR and so, so, so, worried that it is going to consume my entire soul, as it already has started, even before i've made my final decisionl! I need to remember to LIVE while i am trying to create another life. Thank you!!!
Source: http://www.tubal-reversal.net/forum-topic-tubal_reversal-1t003718.htm
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