Blocked Tubes

[NavyWife84]

Hi Ladies! I just want to warn you that I am about to throw myself a big pity party

A little about me...DH and I have been TTC since Sept. 2010. I just had an HSG on Tuesday and heard from the doc tonight. Turns out that my left tube is completely blocked and my right tube is mostly clogged. The dye didn't even really go into the left side and after two attempts, it went through the right tube very slowly. The doctor told me that I have two options but one probably won't work. The one that won't work is tracking to see when I am ovulating on my right side and making the best out of those cycles (obviously this hasn't worked so far). My only other option is IVF. DH and I are willing to do IVF, but I am just completely crushed!

I feel like my whole world has just crashed around me. I never thought that I would have trouble getting pregnant and now I know that I can't get pregnant without medical intervention. I can't stop crying and (once again) asked my dh to divorce me and marry a woman that can give him a baby. (Of course he got mad at me and told me not to say that to him. He always says all the right things.)

I have been through so many ups and downs with this damn infertility. First they though endo...great!...give me a lap and fix it! Then they thought it was PCOS...please give me Clomid (I know none of these treatments are 100%, but it was nice knowing they could be "fixed") As far as I know, blocked tubes can't be fixed. I feel like a failure and so hopeless. How do you cope knowing that you can't be fixed?

I know that IVF has come a long way and a lot of people have been successful with it, but I just can't believe I am going to have to go through it. What if it doesn't work. Everything so far has put me into such a depression (I already suffer from chronic depression and have for almost 15 years) and I don't know if I can handle another let down.

I know there is always adoption and my dh and I are both up for that if the IVF doesn't work, but I still feel so empty inside. I can't imagine never carrying my own child. It has always been a dream of mine. Why do I always get the short end of the stick? Why can't I just have something come to me without having to jump through a million hoops?

Sorry this is so negative. I usually try to be pretty positive, but this has just hit me like a ton of bricks. It also doesn't help actually seeing the disappointment in dh's face and seeing him cry. He is usually very strong and doesn't let me know when he is upset because he is too busy trying to be strong for me.

If you've made it this far, thanks for listening.

 

[wonderstars]

Please don't be sorry about the negativity. That's a lot to digest.

I know this is stupid right now because nothing looks positive but don't look beyond IVF yet. IVF was meant for women with blocked tubes so you have such a great chance at getting pregnant with IVF.

 

[moonstar2013]

I am so sorry you're feeling so down. IVF has come along way and I hope it works for you and that you get that soon. sending you many hugs

 

[Armywife84]

They can't unblock them thru surgery?? I wonder what is it that is even blocking your tubes.

On a teensy bright note, you have your answers as to what is wrong. I'm so sorry that it came down to that, it's really very unfair. Life tends to deal you a shitty hand at times...especially those of us dealing with infertility that can't really be fixed.

 

[Snowglobe21]

So sorry to hear that Navywife84. Don't feel bad about throwing a pity party. That's what these forums are here for besides gathering info and meeting similar people. I know its difficult and we are all going through the same thing, heck millions of people are so realize that your not alone. Also, I try to always think it could be worse even though sometimes its tough to make that argument. Just found out a friend who has been dating a trashy 18/19 year old (not sure) got her pregnant tonight or hes lying about it. Not sure at this point, but that wrecked my night. Anyways, there are always things that get us down but tomorrows a new day ok!

 

[cooch]

Research tubal cateterization in your area. It unblocks tubes. I'm finding it difficult to find someone in Scotland to do it as its not something ever offered on NHS so the docs don't seem to be trained in it.

Suppose the follicle tracking could be a good idea as it would show which is your good side. But definitely look into getting it unblocked. The procedure does exist. xx

 

[a1b2c3]

Sorry you got that crap news NavyWife.

I have heard though that tubes can be unblocked. Please don't give up hope. Keep thinking positively.

Even though it isn't 'great' news, it's still informative. You know what you are dealing with. So, try to get as much info as possible and then put together a plan going forward.

I'm sure you will get your little miracle. x

 

[wonderstars]

Research tubal cateterization in your area. It unblocks tubes. I'm finding it difficult to find someone in Scotland to do it as its not something ever offered on NHS so the docs don't seem to be trained in it.

Suppose the follicle tracking could be a good idea as it would show which is your good side. But definitely look into getting it unblocked. The procedure does exist. xx

The tubal cannulation is what was done to unblock my right tube. According to my radiologist it's not done often because of extra training and the expense (which here in Canada it's not a problem).

I agree with cooch, look into it. It helps with blockages that occur just next to the uterus (unfortunately not the ones further into the tube).

Good luck hon. There's so many other options that you can't 'not' believe you won't be able to carry your own baby.

 

[Shareena]

I am sorry to hear your bad news Navywife but hsg is not 100% accurate. I got mine done twice and they said my left tube was blocked but my fs did the Saline and said it was open. I also had lap and OD and they found my tubes were fine.

But like Cooch said you should try to find someone who can unblock it just in case. I was wondering if you can get the salinehsg done if possible.

It's really hard for women to deal with this whole IF thing. Its meant to happen to naturally but unfortunately we are the unlucky ones. But on the bright side atleast we have more technology to help us right.

Its not like you can never have babies but like all of us here you will also need some help that's all. Think about the women who can never have babies because of the medical conditions they have.

Good luck Navywife!!!

 

[Ame]

I am very sorry to hear your bad news. My tubes are also blocked and we have been told IVF is are only option. We have been trying for almost 3 years now and I have gotten pregnant 3 times although they have ended in mc I still try to focus on the fact that even though I was told it wouldn't happen I got pregnant. IVF success rates are much higher now and your chances are great. As hard as it is right now try to be positive. It takes a while to sink in but it will get better. Good luck!!

 

[StorkStalker]

Dear NavyWife84.. I´m sorry that you had to receive this kind of news.. I understand how you may be feeling... I know infertility battles are real tough.. I wish I was good with words like dear Armywife84... I just want to you and maybe say that now you know what´s going on, and although that hardly is uplifting, now you now something more and maybe begin walking on the direction that will hopefully give you your baby... As some here have said, I have also heard about tube drilling, and if not, then you still have the two options you mentioned.. I know right now you are just trying to cope with the news, and I so wish you wouldn´t have to go through any of this... You are a very gentle and kind woman, and very strong...

 

[NavyWife84]

Research tubal cateterization in your area. It unblocks tubes. I'm finding it difficult to find someone in Scotland to do it as its not something ever offered on NHS so the docs don't seem to be trained in it.

Suppose the follicle tracking could be a good idea as it would show which is your good side. But definitely look into getting it unblocked. The procedure does exist. xx

The tubal cannulation is what was done to unblock my right tube. According to my radiologist it's not done often because of extra training and the expense (which here in Canada it's not a problem).

I agree with cooch, look into it. It helps with blockages that occur just next to the uterus (unfortunately not the ones further into the tube).

Good luck hon. There's so many other options that you can't 'not' believe you won't be able to carry your own baby.

Apparently the blockage on my left side is close to the uterus because the dye didn't even really go in at all. So this gives me a little hope. I already emailed the person at my work to find out about getting insurance that will cover a fertility specialist. Now it is just another waiting game. Thanks for your info...when I saw you're siggy, I was going to pm you and ask you about it!

 

[NavyWife84]

I am sorry to hear your bad news Navywife but hsg is not 100% accurate. I got mine done twice and they said my left tube was blocked but my fs did the Saline and said it was open. I also had lap and OD and they found my tubes were fine.

But like Cooch said you should try to find someone who can unblock it just in case. I was wondering if you can get the salinehsg done if possible.

It's really hard for women to deal with this whole IF thing. Its meant to happen to naturally but unfortunately we are the unlucky ones. But on the bright side atleast we have more technology to help us right.

Its not like you can never have babies but like all of us here you will also need some help that's all. Think about the women who can never have babies because of the medical conditions they have.

Good luck Navywife!!!

Thanks for your response. I am pretty sure it was the saline hsg My doc didn't say anything about having a lap, but I am hoping that when I go to the fs they will suggest that. The very first doctor I saw originally suspected endo, so who knows? I figure that going to the fs would be my best bet now that I have the referral. We are just trying to figure out things with insurance because I am currently on my husband's insurance, which doesn't pay for fs because it isn't "necessary"...not necessary my a$$!

 

[NavyWife84]

Thanks ladies for your kind words, encouragement, and advice! I am just waiting to get this insurance issue squared away and then I will be looking forward to seeing a fs. I still have a very empty feeling and I am on the verge of tears at every moment (actually stood in a longer line at Walmart this morning because I couldn't bear standing behind a woman with an infant!...didn't want to break down right there in the store). I know that with time, I will start to feel better. I am really trying to not let this completely ruin my holidays, but I already knew they were going to be hard even before this news. I am trying to focus on the fact that we have a better idea of what is going on and I am finally going to be able to see a fs.
You ladies are so wonderful. I hope you all get your bfps very soon...you all are so deserving of it!

 

[littleblonde]

I dont no if my story will make you feel better. But i will tell you anyway just so that deep down you can hold on to a little bit of hope. I dont belong in here but saw the title while browsing down and i have been where you are. I hope you dont mind. I had a miscarriage in January 2007. it was an early loss. We where not trying but i was devastated . I always had a feeling i couldnt have kids. We didnt ttc agagin as my oh wasnt ready. i had very irregular periods and eventually convinced my dr to refer me to a gynee dr to find out what was going on. I had a scan 1st of the area and told that i had pcos and what looked like a blockage in both tubes. I was deverstated. i then went on to have a lap and dye test. if you dont no what that is . Its like a hcg where they out dye in your tubes but instead of an xray they put you to sleep and then put a camera in through your belly button to have a good look around. I can round from the op to be told that i did have pcos. Also that both my tubes where blocked. No dye went through at all on either side. I was told my only hope was ivf. I was deverstaed. this was december 08. I went through christmas in a daze and cryed a lot. My dr refeared me for ivf which i was meant to have my 1st appt in march. But just before i received another blow and my appt was put back to september. I was deverstaed agagin. i started to track periods and me and my oh continued not to use any protection. Then in around may 09 i had a really long cycle and just gave up on my messed up body. July came around and i started to feel different. I just had this feeling i was pregnant. I was on my way to work and called into my local supermarket brought a test and went and did it. I almost passed out when i got the line. I had an early scan to check she was in the right place. And fast forward and here i am 3 years after that horrible diagnosis with 2 babys both conceived naturally. Sorry that was so long but i just wanted to let you have hope and anyone else that happens to read this. Dr are wrong sometimes. good luck for the future x

 

[NavyWife84]

I dont no if my story will make you feel better. But i will tell you anyway just so that deep down you can hold on to a little bit of hope. I dont belong in here but saw the title while browsing down and i have been where you are. I hope you dont mind. I had a miscarriage in January 2007. it was an early loss. We where not trying but i was devastated . I always had a feeling i couldnt have kids. We didnt ttc agagin as my oh wasnt ready. i had very irregular periods and eventually convinced my dr to refer me to a gynee dr to find out what was going on. I had a scan 1st of the area and told that i had pcos and what looked like a blockage in both tubes. I was deverstated. i then went on to have a lap and dye test. if you dont no what that is . Its like a hcg where they out dye in your tubes but instead of an xray they put you to sleep and then put a camera in through your belly button to have a good look around. I can round from the op to be told that i did have pcos. Also that both my tubes where blocked. No dye went through at all on either side. I was told my only hope was ivf. I was deverstaed. this was december 08. I went through christmas in a daze and cryed a lot. My dr refeared me for ivf which i was meant to have my 1st appt in march. But just before i received another blow and my appt was put back to september. I was deverstaed agagin. i started to track periods and me and my oh continued not to use any protection. Then in around may 09 i had a really long cycle and just gave up on my messed up body. July came around and i started to feel different. I just had this feeling i was pregnant. I was on my way to work and called into my local supermarket brought a test and went and did it. I almost passed out when i got the line. I had an early scan to check she was in the right place. And fast forward and here i am 3 years after that horrible diagnosis with 2 babys both conceived naturally. Sorry that was so long but i just wanted to let you have hope and anyone else that happens to read this. Dr are wrong sometimes. good luck for the future x

Thank you for your uplifting story. In my heart of hearts, I am still hoping for that miracle, but know not to keep my hopes up too high. I will continue to try naturally with my dh, but I know that it probably won't happen. If nothing else, I am giving up on my crazy body (like you did). I would like to get life back to normal (as much as it can be) until we go to take the next steps. Hopefully, I will be as blessed as you and won't need the IVF! Thanks again for your uplifting story.

 

[Sophe]

IVF rates are very good for ladies with blocked tubes because this is the only problem, if you can work around the tubes then you have a good chance.. I researched this before I had my HSG i was 100% sure blocked tubes must be my problem so looked in to it long and hard, in the end blocked tubes are not my problem and i still do not know what is... but this outcome isn't fun either belive me..

I did google the cathertisation and it does seem possible, but might be hard to find someone who can do it... if not as I said before you've got a good shot at IVF..

I hope you will be ok navywife, I have depression also and am scared to do IVF as I know it could start me off if it fails.. make sure you get support for the depression sooner rather than later... feel free to meesage me any time as someone who has had depression for the last 20 years on and off I know what its like.

(hugs)

ps i know IVF is a big shock and I am not trying to say its ok theres still IVF... but just want you see that as far as IVF goes your in a pretty good place for it to work...

 

[Sophe]

I dont no if my story will make you feel better. But i will tell you anyway just so that deep down you can hold on to a little bit of hope. I dont belong in here but saw the title while browsing down and i have been where you are. I hope you dont mind. I had a miscarriage in January 2007. it was an early loss. We where not trying but i was devastated . I always had a feeling i couldnt have kids. We didnt ttc agagin as my oh wasnt ready. i had very irregular periods and eventually convinced my dr to refer me to a gynee dr to find out what was going on. I had a scan 1st of the area and told that i had pcos and what looked like a blockage in both tubes. I was deverstated. i then went on to have a lap and dye test. if you dont no what that is . Its like a hcg where they out dye in your tubes but instead of an xray they put you to sleep and then put a camera in through your belly button to have a good look around. I can round from the op to be told that i did have pcos. Also that both my tubes where blocked. No dye went through at all on either side. I was told my only hope was ivf. I was deverstaed. this was december 08. I went through christmas in a daze and cryed a lot. My dr refeared me for ivf which i was meant to have my 1st appt in march. But just before i received another blow and my appt was put back to september. I was deverstaed agagin. i started to track periods and me and my oh continued not to use any protection. Then in around may 09 i had a really long cycle and just gave up on my messed up body. July came around and i started to feel different. I just had this feeling i was pregnant. I was on my way to work and called into my local supermarket brought a test and went and did it. I almost passed out when i got the line. I had an early scan to check she was in the right place. And fast forward and here i am 3 years after that horrible diagnosis with 2 babys both conceived naturally. Sorry that was so long but i just wanted to let you have hope and anyone else that happens to read this. Dr are wrong sometimes. good luck for the future x

what an awful thing you've been through, thank goodness the Dr's were wrong, just goes to show they do not always know everything

 

[wonderstars]

Research tubal cateterization in your area. It unblocks tubes. I'm finding it difficult to find someone in Scotland to do it as its not something ever offered on NHS so the docs don't seem to be trained in it.

Suppose the follicle tracking could be a good idea as it would show which is your good side. But definitely look into getting it unblocked. The procedure does exist. xx

The tubal cannulation is what was done to unblock my right tube. According to my radiologist it's not done often because of extra training and the expense (which here in Canada it's not a problem).

I agree with cooch, look into it. It helps with blockages that occur just next to the uterus (unfortunately not the ones further into the tube).

Good luck hon. There's so many other options that you can't 'not' believe you won't be able to carry your own baby.

Apparently the blockage on my left side is close to the uterus because the dye didn't even really go in at all. So this gives me a little hope. I already emailed the person at my work to find out about getting insurance that will cover a fertility specialist. Now it is just another waiting game. Thanks for your info...when I saw you're siggy, I was going to pm you and ask you about it!

Sounds like what they found on my right tube! He managed to put the catheter in and clean it out. They did put me under sedation for the procedure - enough to answer questions but also enough to numb the pain. It's done at a similar timeline to the HSG. The procedure also differs in that the catheter is put right next to the fallopian tube openings so that the dye goes more forcefully through. This might help your other tube too!