Where We Are...Right Now

Since our failed IVF (in vitro fertilization) attempt in November, we have been in limbo as to what to do next.  Last month we had an appointment with our reproductive specialist.  He was very optimistic as he discussed what to do next.  We though, have limitations to what we can and even want to do. 

The doctor first discussed another surgery to see what was going on inside.  I have Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) which has wreaked havoc on my insides.  PID has caused adhesions on my fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries and liver.  I also have issues with cysts, polyps and endometriosis.  Because of all these issues, I may not be able to get pregnant naturally.  Surgery gives a clear picture of what is going on in there and enables him to fix anything that has popped up since last surgery.  I though, quickly shot down another surgery.  I am not ready for that again.  The surgery is painful and recovery isn't fun.  I need a break from pain and no fun.  :)

Another attempt at IVF was also mentioned.  That for us isn't an option right now either.  Physically and mentally we are not ready…financially we aren’t ready too (IVF is expensive).  When going through IVF, they put you on meds that make it so your body produces lots and lots of eggs.  Some women hyperstimulate and it causes other problems.  I hyperstimulated causing fluid to leak into my belly and chest and gained 15 lbs in like 2 days. This put so much pressure on my lungs making it hard to breathe.  I basically moved into my doctor’s office to be put on IV meds to get me to drain the fluid.  During those days I was cursing IVF and saying that, "I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy."  Then, there is the mental part of IVF.  The rollercoaster of emotions is a lot to bear.  You start so optimistic, there is no other way, and then reality starts to set in that this may not work.  The medicines make you feel unstable and on edge.  They also make you excited because you know they are the key to making this work.  Often you go in for ultrasounds to measure your egg sizes.  So, you are up early and at the clinic worried about what they will find.  If it is a good ultrasound, it makes for a good day.  Then there is the day they say your eggs are "smaller" than they'd like to see and your world crumbles.  We were lucky and had lots of mature eggs, had our hopes up that it was going to go well.  Then on the transfer table, we were given some bleak news.  Then you are given pictures of your "babies" all nice in the uterus and you are back up and excited and then for us, 6 days later, we knew we had failed.  I told the doctor I wasn't ready to talk IVF again, yet.

We talked to our doctor about what we are willing to do...

So, we decided, we would do chromosomal testing on Randy.  There is a 2-5% chance that his sperm have issues that would make conception more difficult.  Not impossible, but difficult.  This was an easy blood test, well; he is a man so he did complain and showed me the pin prick in his arm...oh, poor baby.  I have track marks on my arms from having blood taken so many times, but back to the test, something we are willing to do at this time.  Easy and covered by our insurance.  Double plus!

We also decided to do another hysterosalpingogram (HSG) to get a picture of my uterus and fallopian tubes.  This isn't a horrible procedure, just uncomfortable.  They push a dye into your uterus and up through your fallopian tubes while doing an x-ray.  If the dye pushes through the tubes and spills out, your tubes are open. If it doesn't spill out, your tubes are blocked.  My first HSG showed 100% blockage in both tubes, fingers crossed for a better outcome this time.  The HSG has to be done on certain days of your cycle.  So, I had to wait until my period started to set it up.  Well, today was that lovely day, so tomorrow I will be on the phone to the doctor getting that appointment.  I am excited because my RE (reproductive endocrinologist) is doing the test himself this time.  Last time I was sent to a lab and some doctor I never met did the test.  I love both my RE's, so I am happy about that. 

These two tests will likely lead us to what we will do next.  We have a "let's talk" appointment with our doctor February 22nd.  By then we will have the results of Randy's chromosomal testing and know whether or not my tubes are blocked.   Until then, it is a waiting game and you know what they say...waiting is the hardest part.