Bi-Salp Experience

FINALLY. I did it. When I tell you guys that I have never felt more like myself; Crazy to feel so complete after having parts of myself removed. I got my bilateral salpingectomy last Friday, today makes my third complete day of healing. I received a good amount of peace of mind from other people sharing their experience so it's only right I share a bit of mine.

I'm a 27 year old female, I live in western Kentucky. I found my doctor through a few recommendations around town, and I don't believe I saw him listed on the child free reddit list, however if you live in the western KY region I can confirm that Baptist Health in Paducah, KY's OBGYN office was phenomenal in helping me receive this procedure. My doctor gave me no pushback, was very pro-my choice. I never could have dreamed for the process to be as smooth as it was, a big part of my putting this off was because of the difficulty I thought I'd face in the attempt to pursue it. I believe with the times and gravity of our situation as women, my voice was heard a little clearer. I went for my initial consultation at the start of December (the 2nd), was scheduled for one pre-op appointment for bloodwork and to ensure I hadn't had a change of heart on the 19th, and my surgery was scheduled for January 10th. Leading up to surgery I decreased my alcohol consumption and marijuana consumption. I've had issues with the interacting with the anesthesia in the past, so I was extra wary of this. Even with being cautious, I smoked up until 48 hours before the surgery. I know that information may not be relevant to some, but for my fellow flower enthusiasts do not worry. I was very honest with my doctor and anesthesiologist about my smoking habits, I will mention that I do not smoke any cigarettes or vapes, strictly weed. Also in leading up to surgery I spent a good amount of time cleaning my house and preparing to recover, it made a world of difference.

The night before surgery I had to wash with a sterilized soap wash, I washed with it again the morning of surgery. Slept on clean sheets and put on clean clothes. The morning of surgery I had to be there at 7:30am; Upon checking in I was given a buzzer to wait for a room which happened relatively fast. The worst part of my surgery was the waiting. After being admitted into a room, I changed into my fancy hospital gown and gave the nurse a pee sample to ensure I wasn't pregnant. They installed my IV and left me to chill until anesthesia was ready for me. I waited for roughly 5 hours before making it upstairs to the next step. From there, everything moved very quickly, I was given something to relax and wheeled into the surgery room. The nurses told me to think of the beach and next thing I know, I was waking up with a new nurse offering me a sip of water. I remember an intense pain in my belly button and she offered me something for the discomfort, then I was wheeled to outpatient once more. They gave me my property to get changed, I changed on my own with a relative ease, and was escorted out in a wheelchair to go home. SO surreal, SO fast.

My first night home wasn't awful, I was shockingly awake for how exhausted I should have been. Ate some soup, some mashed potatoes, walked around a good bit, probably squatted more than I should have, and eventually went to bed. I propped myself up in sleeping with multiple pillows both behind me and alongside of me because I know of my tendency to toss and turn. Laying down truly hurts, so I highly recommend having a sleeping area set up that's comfortable enough for you to sit in a fairly elevated position. Now, day two (Saturday) was rough. A lot more discomfort, I was much more stiff. I woke up in the middle of night one and took one of the prescription pain pills my doctor prescribed. Other than that medicine, I used ibuprofen to mitigate the pain and it was very effective. Ate some soup, drank some coffee, had sushi for dinner a the restaurant which was slightly uncomfortable but perfectly manageable...though I would maybe not recommend as the car is not a comfy place to be. I learned on this day also that laughing is AWFUL. Laughing hurts so bad, so be extra careful of the company you have around hahahaha. The worst pain I have felt in recovery is from laughing so hard that I couldn't stop, it was torturous. Sunday things mostly just feel weird. Less achy, ouchy pain and more just super unnerving weird sensations. I felt/still feel like I could feel my insides folding in on theirselves, or my ribs moving. After some of that gas has exited, I just feel like I can feel some extra space with my insides just jiggling around. Today is Monday, I returned to work because I am a maniac and I can't afford to miss a day on my paycheck. I'd say that today everything still just feels weird, though I am hurting more today than yesterday. It could just be the environment, but also could be discomfort in my chair or clothes. Regardless, I am managing okay so far. I still have some pain medication left, but I do feel I have been managing my pain with my marijuana consumption as well.

Anyways, that's all I can think to share! I'm more than happy to answer any questions about my experience, and I am so stoked to say that I'm a part of the land of infertility. Good luck to all of you in your on pursuit! <3 If you are thinking about having this operation, 10/10 highly recommend. I was very nervous as I had never had surgery before, but everything has been beyond worth the trouble.

Game-changers:

Hysterectomy Recovery Pillow, my friend bought us each one of these pillows as they were having the same operation, I genuinely could not have made it through these first days without it.

Drinks & Snacks, I was truly so thirsty and so hungry but never hungry enough for a full meal. Kept drinks with electrolytes nearby, drank plenty of water, and ate lots of popsicles. I know this seems like something that should just be a given with surgery, but I would hate for it to be forgotten.

Gas-X & stool softener, the gas pain is real. The constipation is real. I took both of these as soon as I got home and still didn't have a bowel movement for over 24 hours.

Massage gun. huge deal. Helped a ton with shifting the gas pain around in both my back and shoulders. Also helped with some of the blood flow issues in my legs.