Sterilisation - does it hurt?

[MadameCastafiore]

Have decided that rather than wait for DH to look into getting the snip I am going to be sterilised. Boobs hurt constantly and can't shift weight around middle and think maybe is hormonal contraception.
So does it hurt?
Do I just ask doctor to refer me?
How much does it cost?
How long will I need off of work?
Do you sort of feel sad afterwards that you can't have anymore kids, even if you don't want more?
Many thanks

Hi - i had it done a few months ago. GP referred me and a date was set very quickly - within months. Didn't hurt too badly, nothing a few painkillers wouldn't sort out. Wear comfy clothes afterwards though as I found the buttons on my trousers were right where the bellybutton cut was made, especially when you sit down.

I was told people need between 1-2 weeks off work (im SAHM). I had the op wed, had to stay in as i felt a but rubbish with the theatre drugs and anasthetic (sp) took things slow for a few days and by the sun/mon was much better. Got nicely looked after by DH who took the kids out the way for days out etc so worth it for that

No sadness - too many reasons to list why i can't have anymore and the relief is amazing. I've felt soooo much better off the pill too, happier, less grumpy, improved skin etc.

I'd recommend it..

Thanks Mrs Moody Pants - I don't want anymore children - have had surgery which would mean I would need a ceasarian and I am terrified of the thought - I am also 37 and feel that I can't go through the young baby thing again - was so tired with DS and our family is pretty sorted now - DD 12 and DS nearly 8 and we have just moved house and my job is cool and well everything is good.

Just thought that maybe you got sad thinking that there was absolutely no chance of having another baby - even if you really didn't want one.

Think I will go to the doctors tomorrow and see if he can refer me - will try and time it for october half term if I can and then slum about the house in baggy clothes.

My circumstances were a bit unusual when I had my remaining tube removed so can't really comment on the referral process or pain. However I can tell you that I didn't feel any sadness just an enormous sense of relief

I too did not feel sadness, just relief.
I found the operation much more difficult to recover from than moodypants.
I had 2 cs's before. This was quick, the actual op, and i was out the same day and i only had a very small cut where they had gone in. BUT, I felt like someone had been rumbling around in my insides. And I had the same painkillers as I had had for my 2 cs's. And i was truely shocked how similar to a cs the recovery was. Initially, it felt not disimilar. After a few days , I felt much better. So the inital was the same as cs. But I recovered much more quickly. Still a week , to 2 weeks of being very gentle though. I had not expected this.
But it was so worth it. Best things. Never to gaev to worry about it again. Great.

I had it done when dc3 was 6 months old and found it really straightforward. I went in at lunchtime, had the op at 2, was back on the ward at 3 & went home at 6. I felt really tired for a couple of days but dh was at home so it was all ok. I agree about wearing comfy clothes - the zip of my jeans irritated where the bikini line incision was and the jeans button irritated the belly button incision.

I didnt feel sad afterwards - our family is def complete. I just felt a huge sense of relief at not having to worry about getting pregnant whenever we had sex (dc3 was concieved despite using contraception!!).

Thanks guys, is nice to know won't be too horrific. Dr was a bit odd though, asked why DH could not have the snip instead. He told me I would get my periods back and they could be heavier and I would get mood swings etc. like I don't know it. He said he ciuldn't remember doing a referral for the op that it is so unusual now.

He did say would refer me though which was at least positive, but said I would have to take DH with me to the appointment, what incase he wanted 20 more kids!!!

Totally bizarre!

It isnt that unusual but glad he referred you. I think my periods are a bit heavier but they're also more irregular - who knows maybe I'm a bit peri-menopausal since I'm nearly 40 or maybe its to do with sterilisation. Not sure there's research to back his statement up.
Good luck for when your op comes round.