We are waiting for pre-auths, surgery approvals, and other random paperwork to be completed before we get a surgery date. I wanted to post a couple of sites around Myomectomy (surgery to remove the fibroid) & the Laparotomy (the method used).
Myomectomy types (as mentioned we have to go the Laparotomy route):
http://women.webmd.com/uterine-fibroids/myomectomy-17717
Surgery description with pictures and video!!! (disregard the parts about Laparoscopy - my fibroid is too large to treat with laparoscopy)
http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/abdom_lapar_myomectomy.htm
Take care and we'll pass on any info as we get it in.
Love,
Cel & Ed
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
the Hysteroscopy appointment, 9/23/2008
The appointment was today. I am still groggy from the medications given to help me relax so this blog entry might be a little loopy.
Medications given: valium (for relaxation), vicodin (for pain), tetracycline (antibiotic), and an ibuprofen shot. The combination of all made me less anxious although the procedure was still painful (about a level 7 of 10 in regards to pain).
Procedure: The doctor inserted the speculum then inserted a catheter of a saline solution (some will use carbon dioxide; inflates the uterus for visibility) then the scope. On the monitor we were able to see my fallopian tubes but could not tell what was blocking them since the tubes are really, really small. The blockage is in the tubes versus the entry point from the uterus to the tubes. The fibroid, on the other hand, is pretty large (it's funny to note that my obgyn thought the fibroid was "small" and today it was upgraded to "quite large").
Conclusion: This test was to tell the doctor how to treat the fibroid. We know the fibroid is only pushing into my uterus however it's important to see if there are any fibroids in my uterine cavity. There are none, thankfully. However, the fibroid will need to be removed using a surgical procedure called laparotomy (see http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/surgery-for-chronic-pelvic-pain for a brief description). I haven't started researching it and only know it'll require a bikini line incision and a 3-4 night hospital stay. The doctors will want to do this pretty quickly however I have no other details yet.
Ed will have the results of today's semen analysis later today.
More details as I have them.
Love,
Cel.
Medications given: valium (for relaxation), vicodin (for pain), tetracycline (antibiotic), and an ibuprofen shot. The combination of all made me less anxious although the procedure was still painful (about a level 7 of 10 in regards to pain).
Procedure: The doctor inserted the speculum then inserted a catheter of a saline solution (some will use carbon dioxide; inflates the uterus for visibility) then the scope. On the monitor we were able to see my fallopian tubes but could not tell what was blocking them since the tubes are really, really small. The blockage is in the tubes versus the entry point from the uterus to the tubes. The fibroid, on the other hand, is pretty large (it's funny to note that my obgyn thought the fibroid was "small" and today it was upgraded to "quite large").
Conclusion: This test was to tell the doctor how to treat the fibroid. We know the fibroid is only pushing into my uterus however it's important to see if there are any fibroids in my uterine cavity. There are none, thankfully. However, the fibroid will need to be removed using a surgical procedure called laparotomy (see http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/surgery-for-chronic-pelvic-pain for a brief description). I haven't started researching it and only know it'll require a bikini line incision and a 3-4 night hospital stay. The doctors will want to do this pretty quickly however I have no other details yet.
Ed will have the results of today's semen analysis later today.
More details as I have them.
Love,
Cel.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
the Hysteroscopy appointment is scheduled for 9/23/2008
The hysteroscopy appointment has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 23. In this procedure the doctor will inflate my uterus with carbon dioxide then insert a scope into my uterus allowing my doctor a complete view of my uterus. There will be monitors in the room what will display the images from the scope.
I am happy that I will be under some sedation that will help me relax but will not put me completely out - so I will be able to watch the monitors to see what is going on inside of me. Ed will also be able to be there too - yippie.
The main purpose of this procedure is to take a look at the fibroid and of the fallopian tube blockages. I am excited to see what the results will be.
I am happy that I will be under some sedation that will help me relax but will not put me completely out - so I will be able to watch the monitors to see what is going on inside of me. Ed will also be able to be there too - yippie.
The main purpose of this procedure is to take a look at the fibroid and of the fallopian tube blockages. I am excited to see what the results will be.
our Blood work, 9/16/2008
Today Ed and I had blood drawn for numerous tests ordered by the fertility doctor. We had an awesome technician and barely felt the prick of the needle. The most painful was the anticipation in waiting for our turn at the lab. Results to come...
Monday, September 15, 2008
Fertility Center consultation, 9/11/2008
I've told people I am close to that I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach that IVF was probably going to be the recommendation for our infertility. As I walked into the center that morning, the idea of IVF loomed in the back of my brain and approximately one hour later, after a check of my vitals and a complete review of my medical history IVF became our reality.
I am not against IVF and I wasn't against it walking in there that morning. However when we found out it was like a ton of bricks fell on us and all of a sudden everything started to happen so quickly. This feeling was enhanced by the documentation given to us to start reading the concepts behind IVF: ovulation stimulation, egg retrieval, insemination, fertilization, embryo culture, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation.
The doctor also performed a transvaginal ultrasound to analyze my uterus, ovaries, and fibroid. The fibroid is a little large compared to the overall size of my uterus - 3cm fibroid in my 7cm uterus. Next up is a hysteroscopy to take another look at the blockage and the fibroid to help determine if it should be removed before IVF.
I am not against IVF and I wasn't against it walking in there that morning. However when we found out it was like a ton of bricks fell on us and all of a sudden everything started to happen so quickly. This feeling was enhanced by the documentation given to us to start reading the concepts behind IVF: ovulation stimulation, egg retrieval, insemination, fertilization, embryo culture, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation.
The doctor also performed a transvaginal ultrasound to analyze my uterus, ovaries, and fibroid. The fibroid is a little large compared to the overall size of my uterus - 3cm fibroid in my 7cm uterus. Next up is a hysteroscopy to take another look at the blockage and the fibroid to help determine if it should be removed before IVF.
Semen analysis & poor guy
First of all I have to say that as horrible as the HSG test was, there is probably nothing more mortifying to a man than to take the dreaded walk to the lab counter to drop off a semen sample. For this reason, I have to thank Ed.
The sample wasn't as great as we hoped it'd be however we're in the process of taking it over again... updates to come.
The sample wasn't as great as we hoped it'd be however we're in the process of taking it over again... updates to come.
the Ultrasound, 8/8/2008
Because my test results showed blockages in the proximal area of the fallopian tubes, my doctor ordered an ultrasound to look for fibroids. We were confident that treatable fibroids would be the answer to our infertility woes and while one was located in my uterus its location was not found to be the cause of the blockage.
At this point... we are referred to Northern California Fertility Center.
At this point... we are referred to Northern California Fertility Center.
the Hysterosalpingogram, 8/4/2008
Quite simply, this procedure is humbling. If you are going to get this done, google the procedure name and use the advanced fertility sit and webmd site. The advanced fertility website will give a good idea of what to look for during the procedure. I studied the images before my appointment which gave me the knowledge to identify on my own that my fallopian tubes were clogged. The webmd site is excellent for describing the procedure. The most important thing is to take a vicodin or a strong dose of advil to help you and your body relax.
After the procedure I cramped pretty severely and had some spotting for a couple of hours. It took a couple of days for my body to recover from being so tense during the procedure. It's important to note that the radiologist expects all symptoms to get better and if they get worse through the day then the office should be called or visit the emergency room.
There is an art to scheduling the appointment which is described on the webmd site but it's crucial to make it after your cycle ends but before you ovulate. They will not perform the procedure if you have any spotting as the tissue can possibly get stuck in the fallopian tubes causing endometrosis - this I know because my first appointment was cancelled due to spotting.
My best advice is to be brave and know the data you receive from the test will outweigh the procedure's invasiveness.
After the procedure I cramped pretty severely and had some spotting for a couple of hours. It took a couple of days for my body to recover from being so tense during the procedure. It's important to note that the radiologist expects all symptoms to get better and if they get worse through the day then the office should be called or visit the emergency room.
There is an art to scheduling the appointment which is described on the webmd site but it's crucial to make it after your cycle ends but before you ovulate. They will not perform the procedure if you have any spotting as the tissue can possibly get stuck in the fallopian tubes causing endometrosis - this I know because my first appointment was cancelled due to spotting.
My best advice is to be brave and know the data you receive from the test will outweigh the procedure's invasiveness.
one year later
After one year of trying to conceive, Ed and I return to my OB/GYN in June 2008. Citing our age (I am 34 and Ed is 37) the doctor immediately orders:
- a Hysterosalpingogram for me
- a Semen analysis for Ed
We have been using the OVWatch for a few months to collect ovulation data so the doctor is confident that I am able ovulate and does not order up any additional tests.
about us
My name is Celia. I am married to an amazing man, Ed, and we have been married 12 years and waiting for the perfect time to start a family. Over the years we've been focused on getting prepared for a family - buying houses, upgrading jobs, setting up our life insurance policies and 401k's plus all that other "responsible" stuff one does before having a kid.
We decided over a year ago to start trying although I have been off all birth control for years. Like most everything else in our life that was controllable, we figured getting pregnant would just happen with a snap of the fingers... nothing could be further from the truth.
I decided to start this blog for a couple of reasons: keep our friends and family informed in our progress and to the many hopeful couples out there walking through the same journey.
We decided over a year ago to start trying although I have been off all birth control for years. Like most everything else in our life that was controllable, we figured getting pregnant would just happen with a snap of the fingers... nothing could be further from the truth.
I decided to start this blog for a couple of reasons: keep our friends and family informed in our progress and to the many hopeful couples out there walking through the same journey.
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