conception update

[percival]

No, I'm not pregnant. I just don't GET pregnant. I don't need to use contraception, me.

I've decided to rebrand the infertility updates as "conception updates": I'm trying to think positive again, and not in terms of barrenness, infertility and dysfunctioning uterus / tubes.

The appointment at the clinic was uneventful. Yes, I do ovulate. No mention of the duration of my luteal phase though, which is crucial for implantation of the embryo.

Also, I asked them to check me for a scarred uterus. They will not do that, because there is no evidence of any infections that might have had that side effect.

The next test is scheduled in seven months (waiting list) and will involve checking whether my tubes are open.

This will be the last test they will do on me, of a sum total of two: just tubes and piss. Thorough, eh? But I am young and healthy. We do not waste our resources on determining causes of infertility in young and healthy women, who will get pregnant anyway.

After that, we have a choice between NHS-sponsored IVF, waiting some more, and a research study of unexplained infertility, where we will be randomly allocated to
a) advice on timing (probably useless)
b) intrauterine insemination
c) something else that I can't remember

The NHS sponsored IVF is looking really good right now, especially since duration of an Asian adoption in Britain is 2.5 years, and the cost is £10K, something we cannot really afford right now. Adopting British children means that you get a kid of 2 or 3.

I mentioned to the doctor that I have been feeling a tugging in my lower abdomen in the last week / two weeks before my period. No comment.

I am incredibly frustrated. I'm now going to see a herbalist for the tugging, because it might be normal premenstrual syndromes of not having conceived / potential placenta fighting off implanting fertilised egg. Or it might be something else.

Why go see a doctor, they know s*** all anyway.

Comments

[pinkfinity.livejournal.com]

They're taking that long to check your tubes? That is ridiculous, IMHO, because ONE blocked tube means you reduce your chance to conceive by a half, and TWO cuts it down to nothing, and it's a very simple test (according to my sister) and sometimes the test itself unblocks the tube! But I am sure you know all about this anyway, and I'm preaching to the choir here. Is there any way that you can speed the plough on getting that test?

[perceval.livejournal.com]

By paying for it at a London hospital? Or by flying to the States and having it done there.

But they are suspecting no damage, anyway, because I never had chlamydia. As if chlamydia were the only cause of blocked tubes ...

[shellebelle93.livejournal.com]

:-(

*hugs*

I am praying for you. On my honor. *raises right hand*

*hugs again*

[poconell.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry you're going through this. I can only imagine how frustrating it is. ::Hugs::

[stereo-m.livejournal.com]

Yay, positive thinking! I will keep my fingers crossed for you.

[aome.livejournal.com]

We do not waste our resources on determining causes of infertility in young and healthy women, who will get pregnant anyway.

Uh, at what age *do* they take infertility seriously? Grrr.

If you ask a question again and they don't comment. Ask again. And again. Make them answer you. And yes, for the most part, I hate the medical community too, which is why I avoided this route. (I like my primary doctor, but he's the only one, ever, and I've only had him about 3 years.) I wonder why it takes a year longer for you to adopt from Asia than it does for us?

You're in my thoughts.

[perceval.livejournal.com]

Well, this was a single woman who's been through it twice. I guess more bureaucracy and stricter vetting.

Also, I am finding it very tempting to go down the IVF route ...

[angelofthenorth.livejournal.com]

hugs and prayers.

[soupytwist.livejournal.com]

Good luck with the positive thinking. I'm sending good thoughts your way.

*hugs*

And as much as I love the fact we have an NHS, it could do with reform, that's for damn sure. *sighs, smites*

[angua9.livejournal.com]

I say go for the IVF. I have three wonderful nephews conceived that way. And the younger you do it, the dramatically higher the odds for success are.

Good luck!

[perceval.livejournal.com]

Hmmm - I do have an issue, being anti-abortion, with the frozen embryos though.

That said, the Edinburg clinic is among the best Reproductive Biology facilities in the country.

sigh...

[cerise-noir.livejournal.com]

this is one of those situations where there is just not much to say. you are in my prayers. however something that may help you is to inform yourself. just research the hell outta the possibilities. and when anybody tells you no ask why not and inform yourself. acquaint yourself with your rights, and look at alternatives. Cuba, Jamica etc. My personal gyn is the leading research in invitro ferti, in the caribbean and our governments are building a facility here to deal with it. so just keep yourself informed and your options open. come on vacation i hear miracles do happen when you're relaxed and having fun and enjoying yourself. bless you and your husband keep the faith and be open to all things. the buddhist way.

[dandelionsummer.livejournal.com]

Good for you for thinking positive. Stops you going nuts in the meantime.

Might it be worth pestering consultant/relevant doc for a cancellation appointment so at least you can get the testing over with quickly? People cancel appointments, and even as last minute dash over has to beat the long wait.

Take care. Love from all of us here.

[piperx.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

What a let down. You waited such a long time for that appointment. I'm sorry the doctor wasn't more helpful.

If you really want to know about your luteal phase, the Ovulation Predictor Tests are usually extremely reliable, easy to use and provide instant results (at least they did for me). You can do it as often as you like to narrow down your luteal phase duration.

BTW, my cousin had some of her eggs implanted and it appears two of them took root (or whatever they do). I know it's a lot of work (of course having a baby always is) but if it's not costly, IVF could be a good thing for you to check out.

Good luck and more hugs

[perceval.livejournal.com]

I think I'll do that. And yes, IVF is beginning to look mighty tempting.

[b4zookajules.livejournal.com]

I don't know if I've ever said this to you before, but I was a test-tube baby. I don't know any details or facts that might help you, but I do know that my parents had to try for a long time until I came along. So... just don't give up hope :)

I don't know all the facts of what's happening to you, so sorry if I've missed the mark. I just wanted to wish you luck in everything, and hope it starts going better :) *hugs*

-Jules. xxx

[in-the-blue.livejournal.com]

Hmm.

You can do the very non-scientific hormone test yourself by taking your temperature every morning before you even get out of bed and recording it, of course. That will let you know about hormonal fluctuations and the luteal phase to a degree.

Seven months is a long time to wait for the test, and of course intrauterine insemination is useless before that.

The tugging could just be ovlulation and resultant uterine lining with that timing, but I'm no doctor.

I know it's incredibly frustrating -- at least the whole process was for me, and I didn't have to wait seven months for my tests. In the meantime, here's a virtual hand-hold across the oceans for you, lots of hugs, and lots of Reiki.

[perceval.livejournal.com]

*hugs BAX*

actually, taking the temperature would not work for me, because I get up at vastly different times each day (varying from 4.15am to 7.30am).

I am thinking of the following course of action:
- take part in research study after October (another 6 months); I want to help others in the same situation by being a subject
- if nothing, then pursue IVF
- start adoption proceedings in January 2005, crucially NOT telling them about the IVF.

If both adoption and IVF succeed, then we would have two kids. :P

[hildigunnur.livejournal.com]

I say like Katie, good luck with the positive thinking.

I totally understand your frustration with the doctors and how the system works. I wish things could be so much less stressful for you.

I hope everything will turn out for the best for you because you deserve nothing less.

[themorningstarr.livejournal.com]

I, like just about everyone else, will be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping for the best.

*hugs*

[chrysantza.livejournal.com]

I'm not a doctor, and can't presume to diagnose anything, but I hope you can go both the traditional and alternative medical routes. I've had success with acupuncture (not for infertility, for allergies, fatigue and nervousness) and if you can get a good acupuncturist s/he is a treasure.

Sending good thoughts and prayers your way!

[perceval.livejournal.com]

I'm having Shiatsu (acupressure related), which is working nicely

[brightfame.livejournal.com]

Hullo, dear

Sorry for this off-topic comment, but I got your email, only my overzealous mail programme stripped all trace of your email address from it. Could you mail your address to me in the message body, please?

Very glad you drew my attention to what's going on. We'll rally round. Bless you.