Hi Ladies--I posted a portion of this in Assisted Conception and no response. I guess I kind of didn't want to consider myself LTTTC, but since I've been off my birth control since July 2010 and actively OPKing, temping, and timing since that November, I guess this is a good place for me to be. To date we've done two rounds of Clomid with timed intercourse, and one round of Clomid with IUI. We then had to move and stall treatment--but found out with IUI that DH's count not what we were originally told, and were left with comment that we'd have to go to IVF with ICSI. Three months of moving and waiting for new health insurance to kick in later, we've found an awesome doc who has already found numerous things missed by previous RE and has us on track to start IVF with ICSI as soon as I recover from surgery--hence the questions....
Found out I have to have both a laparoscopy and hysteroscopy before we move on it IVF. I have a hydrosalpinx on one tube, so it will probably be removed. We have to move on to IVF anyway because of DH's counts, so it's not a huge loss (just an emotional one-it's my girl parts, you know!). Also suspected endometriosis. In the hystersoscopy, they want to remove a uterine polyp and--most worrisome to me--a uterine septum.
Does anyone have any experience/success after any of these procedures or feedback on what kind of recovery was involved? Just need to hear from someone who has been there.
Never thought this journey would be so long. Another delay, when we were as far as ordering our meds for the first round of IVF, is so frustrating. The water ultrasound prior to IVF confirmed the need for surgery a week ago.
Basic background:
Me: Mild PCOS (on Metformin), normal weight and BMI, suspected endometriosis, hydrosalpinx on one tube, tubal blockage on other, uterine septum, uterine polyp (Pleas note--only the PCOS was caught by first RE!!! After at least 6 ultrasounds done by him! New RE caught everything after the wand had been in there approximately 30 seconds!!!
DH: Counts require IVF w/ICSI.
Thank you for the reply, Chels. It's amazing how many docs most of us go through. The good thing is I feel REALLY confident about this RE. He has a great rep and is awesome explaining things in a way without talking down to you...and tolerant of my stupid questions and the occasional "but I read on the internet...".
If I have endo, it is more or less asymptomatic--he suspects it because I have a family history, and have never had the type of infection that typically causes the type of damage that would result in the hydrosalpinx.
You're right about the anesthesia. I had surgery for a kidney stone a few years ago (not cutting surgery that would create adhesions), and I was viloently ill all night--my mom was about to take me back into the ER because I couldn't even keep water down. Luckily, I had insisted on having an anti-nausea prescription with me so I could keep my pain meds down (vicodin inevitably makes me queasy), and was finally able to keep one down long enough to avoid a return trip. That was supposedly with an anti-nausea in my IV, but I highly doubt they did. It was terrible.
Luckily, this time I will have DH with me--he's a doc and works in the hospital where I'm getting the operation, and is ready to be the IV police to ensure I get what I need.
My doc seems very optimistic about post-surgery results. Supposedly, my success rates with IVF should be the same as anyone else my age without the previous issues. Just getting impatient. Especially since I heard the surgery can delay your period quiet a bit, and I have to have one full natural cycle to heal before I can begin treatment. Did it seem to delay your cycle at all?
Thanks again for your response. I'm a big wuss when it comes to procedures, so the prospect of surgery is scary. But, at the same time, I figure between the hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, any other underlying issues should be identified....so at least I can feel confident before doing IVF that there are (hopefully) no more hidden surprise hurting our chances.
Good luck post surgery! Your sister's story is encouraging!
Hi there Ginnie! so you and I have a lot in common!
I thought I would answer this post since I have had 2 laps and 2 hysteroscopic surgeries in the past 2 years for a uterine septum, polyps and stage III endo.
SO, as you can see I might be a good guide for you
as far as the hystero goes (alone) it is really fairly easy. you go under twilight which is easy but like you I have severe nausea from anesthesia and from the trauma or surgery possibly too. (I also have a terrible reaction to Vicodin and you can tell your Dr AND the staff at the hospital that it makes you very ill and they will say it is an 'allergy' and give you something else to manage pain) but I always get a prescription filled for anti nausea meds too to take for the first 24 hrs after any surgery and they can also give you the REALLY good stuff while on the IV too. that works like a charm. (how great that your DH is a doc- I wish mine was!
my hubbie is useless...
)
the lap on the other hand is a little harder since they fill your tummy with a gas which they take out after surgery but some always remains and it will rise in your body after surgery and it ends up in your chest and shoulders and it can be really quite sore. (not to scare you but I wish someone had told me that since I thought I was having a heart attack-
it is much better to know the facts. AND it is better for some than for others too. I do know the skinnier you are in your tummy, the more gas they have to use)
but to help alleviate that pain, I got heating pads to place over my shoulders and it made a BIG difference the second time around. also, use pillows to prop you up to a position that hurts less, I slept with a pillow under my knees which helped a lot.
the incisions themselves are no big deal, they can heal quickly BUT be on stool softeners starting the day prior to surgery as you will get constipated from the surgery and the meds and straining is BAD for the wounds. I even opted to do a 'cleanse' the night before the 2nd surgery to flush everything out and it made it much MUCH better, I will do that again if I ever need another lap. (or any surgery for that matter- except hystero) you can discuss this with your DR and he can tell you what to take the night before to get it all out.
not everyone will want to do this but it was a game changer for me. (I split open one of my incisions while straining the first time and had to go back to the Dr to get it re-stitched.
it was DREADFUL. I ended up with a hematoma and it healed v. badly... if only I knew then what I know now right?)
Now, the uterine septum makes it all a little different since once they remove it they have to put a balloon in your uterus for 2 weeks post surgery. the balloon is a foley cathater which they inflate in your uterus and I have to say, this is no picnic. but again, no one REALLY explained it to me and I was left wondering if what I was feeling was 'normal'. most women will be fine with it, it just makes your uterus cramp a lot and the first 48 hrs suck but then it gets better every day. I made the mistake of trying to go for a walk after a week and for some reason it brought on contractions and I attempted to give birth to the balloon. SO, my advice is to stay doped up on the minimum amount of the meds for the 2 weeks in case you start contracting (being off the meds at that point it hurt more than it needed to) and stay as still as you can. slow movements, try to lie down as much as you can, etc.)
having said that, not all women go through this so to each their own right? but if you notice the contractions starting (you cant miss them) then lie down and take the meds and call your Dr. but try as hard as you can to keep the balloon in for the whole 2 weeks since I had mine removed after 10 weeks and it didnt heal properly and I had to have another surgery. (and do it all over again- I have actually done balloon-time 3 times now-
)
let see... what else? I was very regular starting AF after surgeries but they will have you on estrogen and progesterone and when you stop them, AF will be able to come after.
I hope I have not scared you with all of this, I remember how frightened I was before my first surgery and all I can say is, it gets easier every time. My fear was worse than the actual thing. It sounds like you are in really good hands. I wish you all the best and quick healing!
let me know if there is anything else I can answer for you.
HUGS!
