A Journey of Advocacy: My Experience with Tubal Ligation and the Importance of Self-Advocacy
In 2005, after having twin boys and a beautiful little girl, I made the decision to have a tubal ligation due to heart issues and pregnancy complications. Given that I am allergic to latex and birth control made me incredibly ill, it seemed like the best choice at the time.
At the time, I believed the procedure involved simply cutting, tying, or burning the fallopian tubes. I was never informed about any implants or devices being used. Fast forward to early 2017, when my health started to rapidly decline. I began experiencing stomach issues, unexplainable weight loss, a variety of deficiencies, and ongoing heart problems. I was frequently visiting the ER due to severe episodes of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and had an x-ray done for stomach pain. As usual, I was sent home with no answers and was told it was just anxiety.
Being the advocate that I am, I always make it a point to request my medical records after a hospital visit. I gathered my reports, lab results, and notes, then sat in my car to go over everything. I’ve learned that this is often the quickest way to get answers, instead of waiting weeks or months for follow-up calls. It also allows me to see any important details that may be left out by healthcare providers.
One detail I found in my radiology report, which had not been mentioned to me by any doctor, was that my right tubal clip had dislodged and was now located on the right side of my pericolic gutter. I was shocked and frustrated — no one had informed me about this. Had I not checked my report, I would still be unaware of this issue. While many of my health problems were likely unrelated — considering my long history of heart issues and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome — it certainly couldn’t have been healthy to have a metal clip lodged in multiple organs.
I immediately made an appointment with a new gynecologist, as I was no longer seeing the doctor who had performed the tubal ligation. The doctor who placed my clips was the high-risk obstetrician who had delivered my daughter. My new doctor took on the challenge of locating the dislodged clip, which at one point had even been lodged in my bladder, and safely removing both clips.
I’m sharing this story because it highlights how important it is for women to ask questions, do their own research, and educate themselves about their health. This experience is just one of many that underscores why it is crucial to advocate for yourself and to be your own health advocate. You can never be too informed, and sometimes, it takes digging deeper to find answers that can make all the difference.