Feb 9, 2011

my surprise hysteroscopy (there are better types of surprises)

As predicted, AF came right on time yesterday. I went in this morning, expecting to just find out my dosages and instructions for IUI #5 and then be on my merry way, but IF World (it reminds me of this giant toy store "Child World" that we had near us growing up) had other plans for me today. Back when we started doing monitored cycles, the ultrasound technician told me I had a myoma. Since the ultrasound technicians regularly measure it, I knew that it had been growing slowly. However, a few months ago when I asked RE 1 about it, he said not to worry about it.

Today RE 2 decided we should do a hysteroscopy to see whether the myoma had penetrated through the uterine wall. The hysteroscopy itself wasn't so bad (and I was shocked they squeezed me in right away, as well as grateful since it gave me less time to be anxious), but it was just slightly awkward given 1) I am bleeding because I am, you know, in the middle of my period and 2) the crowd of 4 that convened around the circus attraction that is my uterus. RE #2 felt the compulsion to make casual conversation with the resident and med student who had assembled around him about my famous PhD advisor (also in the same medical school as the teaching hospital where the fertility clinic is located) lest I retain any anonymity.

The grand conclusion was that they could in fact see the myoma on the inside of the uterine cavity meaning that it had invaded through the wall, but only minimally. RE 2 said that it probably needs to come out eventually, but that I can wait until a failed IVF or successful pregnancy (whichever comes first) before surgery.

I expressed my disappointment about only having one lousy follicle last cycle, but he recommended that we stay with same (low) dose of FSH for this cycle, since from my experience with Clomid he knows I am very easy to over-stimulate. I am feeling pretty sad and despondent in general lately. I guess by IUI #5 I feel like I am hanging around in IUI purgatory biding my time this cycle and next until our health fund will fully cover IVF, if that makes any sense. Obviously it would be amazing if I got pregnant in the meantime, but I don't know how realistic it is, especially since they aren't willing to get any more aggressive with the FSH until we move on to IVF.

I have a lot more to say, but I think I have already gone on at too great length, so I will continue these thoughts soon...In the meantime, lots of congratulations and good vibes for a sticky baby and a happy & healthy 9 months to those who recently got good news, and many thoughts and prayers to everyone who is struggling and waiting.

9 comments:

  1. Hmm, how big is it? Not to upset you but what do you think of getting a second opinion? My RE refused to move onto IVF before the fibroid I had because it was impinging on the uterine cavity. I know it sucks to even think about more delays but it might be worth checking it out & seeing what another set of eyes has to say. However, if the had a look from the inside & still think that you should go forward than that is that! Just my two cents :) what a fast lap! Glad you had no time to anticipate it.

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  2. Im sorry they wont be more aggressive. How many iuis do you plan on doing? My re will not do more than 3. Then its on to ivf, but we cannot afford to go that route. Good Luck hope u get your bfp soon.

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  3. gurlee - They did have a look on the inside so I think I am just going to go with the flow. How long a break did you need to take after having it removed?

    Travica - We plan on doing 6 IUIs before moving to IVF (this current cycle will be our 5th). Thanks - I hope you get your bfp soon, too!

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  4. What an awful surprise at such a difficult time... second opinions are always good - maybe at least to put your mind at rest that everything is on the right track but agree that I would probably want to go with the flow too xo

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  5. Crazy surprise procedure! This sucks, but I hope it all works out just fine. Fingers crossed!

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  6. Oh god, I read your title as 'my surprise hysterectomy' and so was actually relieved to read your bad news because, well, it wasn't a hysterectomy.

    I'm sorry they're keeping you on the low dose for this cycle. Still keeping fingers crossed that this one will be the one that works and you don't have to resort to IVF after all.

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  7. My hat to you for going through a hysteroscopy awake! it sounds bloody painful to me. I told them to give me all the drugs in the house when I had to do it.

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  8. Well, that's fun. I'm supposed to do a hysteroscopy next month as well. My RE says it's much easier than an HSG so he's having me do that first. He's also going to try to convince our insurance that IVF is better than waiting through lots of medicated IUIs so he's trying to fill my file out with some test results. Good luck with this coming cycle, hopefully you will not have to get to IVF but it's hard not to assume that the IUIs are just biding time. I feel the same way.

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  9. I'm sorry they aren't getting aggressive with you. It's frustrating sometimes, because it seems like they always want to be conservative. I hope you get more follies! Fingers crossed!

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