Appointments, Appointments, Appointments

I called today and made the appointments, holy batman there are a lot of appointments.

This Friday 11-30 will be the SHG procedure. This will be at my normal fertility clinic performed by Dr. O.

Information about the SHG (sonohysterogram):

• Evaluates my uterine cavity (my uterus has a cavity!)
• The procedure will introduce a small volume of saline into my uterus while looking at my pelvic organs via an ultrasound. They will image my cervix, uterine cavity and ovaries.
• Must be performed in the first half of my cycle because they want my uterine lining thin.
• It will take 45 minutes to an hour for the whole she-bang, including walking into the doors.
• They insert a speculum (similar to a pap) and and "clean my cervix" with betadine - they insert a catheter into the cervic/uterus and inflate a small balloon to keep it in place (there will be a balloon in my cooch!)
• Saline is then flushed into the uterus and an ultrasound captures 3d images of my pelvic organs.
• "This is usually painless." (I love how they use the term "usually".) (As in, if it's painful, you're a chump.)

Then, on Monday December 3rd, I have to go to the hospital for the next procedure, called HSG (Hysterosalpingogram). I must admit, this is the procedure I am dreading. This is the one they keep saying things like "This one may hurt", "Take 3 Ib Profens before you come in", "It may pinch a little."

Note: Any time a doctor tells me something may be "uncomfortable" or "may pinch" - I know not to screw around.

More about this HSG procedure:

• HSG is an x-ray examination used to determine whether the fallopian tubes are open and if the inside of the uterus is normal.
• They insert a small tube through the cervix so that dye can be pushed into the uterus.
• This must be done on cycle days 5-12.
• They recommend taking at least 800mg of IB profen (say what) as "this procedure may be uncomfortable". (uh -huh)
• They say that M won't be able to come with me during the procedure because they don't want others exposed to the radiation. (um, whattaboutme)

Trial Transfer

• This will be the same procedure done the day they transfer the embryos - but without the little embryos. They do this to make sure there are no problems getting the catheter into my uterus and to make sure there are no unforseen issues.
• An "empty" (embryo-less) catheter will be inserted into my uterine cavity. They use a transabdominal ultrasound to help guide the catheter through the cervix.
• This will be done in the fertility clinic and not the hospital and hopefully by Dr. O.
• The shit part of it all is I have to have a FULL BLADDER for them to do this procedure. For those of you who have had to go through the hellish process of drinking tons of water for this type of thing know that this is SOOOOO uncomfortable! I remember doing this with my hernia and I had to pee so bad I was willing to pee in my pants just to let it all out. I hopped off the table and told them I needed to "let out just a little or I'd go everywhere". I never forgot that day. :-) But yeah, I do that here too.
• They want me to drink 24 ounces or more of water a half an hour before the transfer.
• This process takes only a couple of minutes and is "usually painless" (I love that!)

Next Steps:

• Schedule appointment for the Trial Transfer in between Dec 10-20th. (will do tomorrow)
• Schedule appointment (hopefully the same day for bob's sakes) for a consult with Dr. O to go over the HSG and SHG results and blood work.

I keep telling myself this will be all be worth it, and I know it will be. This is only the beginning and only the onset of appointments and chaos. I'm taking it in stride and although I'm balancing full time school and work, the outcome will make it all worth it.

I decided to keep a journal to bring in with me to appointments to document what is said, what procedures are done when, the timelines associated to all of it - yes I am a Type A control freak, whatttyagonna do about it?

Summary for the next week:

• Acupuncture Appointment on 11-28
• SHG Appointment on 11-30
• HSG Procedure on 12-3
• Acupuncture Appointment on 12-3
• Trial Transfer/Consult 12-10-20
• Acupuncture Appointment on 12-14