Friday, September 18, 2009

Infertility Sucks

I know, not a real classy title, but it really does say it all.

I'm pretty darn sure that I'm out for another month, which means beginning our 11th cycle of TTC. If I had it my way, I'd probably just take a break until the beginning of next year, get through the holidays, etc. But my doctor highly recommends that we take advantage of the HSG and the increased fertility rates within the first three months of the procedure. So, it's on to Femara CD3-7 and a consult with a reproductive endocrinologist at Carolina Conceptions (which I'm really looking forward to - NOT!) I mean, I know that there are wonderful doctors and intervention for people who need help with infertility; I just never thought I'd be one of those people who needed it.

I hit some real lows this cycle. I hate the roller coaster of emotions that I go through every month. The hormones, the anticipation and the disappointment. It can really start to wear on you (and on everyone around you!)

I'm ready for a miracle.

Friday, September 4, 2009

All Systems Clear!

I finally had my HSG procedure on Monday and besides the long wait before the test, it went very well.

Here's what my morning entailed... I was asked to remove all clothing change into a gown and booties. I had to lay on a very cold table and scoot down like I was having a Pap, but no stirrups. The x-ray tech first took an initial shot of my anatomy and then asked basic questions, including my fertility history (in a nutshell), mostly to see if I'd had any infections that I knew of in the past. Next, the doctor came in to administer the HSG. She inserted a catheter into my uterus and up to where my fallopian tubes are (it was wild and a little creepy to watch it all happening on the x-ray screen). She "ballooned" the catheter slightly and then pushed dye through the catheter. It flowed up into my uterus and through the fallopian tubes. It then spilled out through the fallopian tubes, showing that I have no blockage, which is VERY good news! It did take a little longer to spill on my left side and I had more cramping on this side, but other than that, it was a fairly simple procedure. The dr. took several shots of everything and went over all the photos with Bob and I after she was done. The test was considered normal.

I had some cramping that afternoon and into the evening and discharge, but nothing that couldn't be helped with a few Motrin and a heating pad.

The good news is that for those who have no blockage, there are very good pregnancy rates after an HSG. It may be enough to just "clear the cobwebs," hopefully making conditions more favorable for pregnancy. I'm still holding out hope that September is our month.