The decision to use donor sperm had been made, and a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. But my relief was short-lived, as I learned what lay ahead of me. First, as mentioned in a previous post, the doctor performed a D&C with a hysteroscopy. The doctor removed polyps, which I never knew I had and which cause infertility. Unfortunately, my fibroids were too numerous and too big to be removed by this surgery. The doctor thought I might need a more painful, extensive surgery, known as a myomectomy. I knew the painful and extensive six-week recovery period this type of surgery required, as I had one in 2002. I hoped and prayed I would not need this surgery.
To determine whether a myomectomy was necessary, my gynecologist referred me to a fertility specialist, Reproductive Endocrinologist ("RE"). The RE would also perform tests to determine whether my age would interfere with my ability to get pregnant. Although the thought of seeing the fertility specialist was daunting, I held out hope. You see, women get pregnant all the time with fibroids. Heck, my mom had four children and she had fibroids. Maybe, just maybe, I could get pregnant.
The day arrived for the appointment with the RE. I was scared, nervous and excited all at the same time. I didn't really know what to expect, but I had a painstakingly prepared list of questions to ask the RE. I WAS READY!! Or so I thought! The RE asked me to tell him about myself. I explained that I was 40, looking to get pregnant by donor insemination (as I was single) and that I had fibroids which has caused my uterus to be the size of a 16 weeks pregnancy. Well, the doctor proceeded to pontificate on the difficulties and improbabilities of my being able to get pregnant at my age: I was 40. My eggs probably weren't that good. My chances of getting pregnant was less than 2%. I really shouldn't do IUI, but should go straight to IVF. But, if I decided to do IUI, then I would have to go straight to injectable drugs. And if I wanted to take my chances with timed IUI and have a chance of less than 2% of getting pregnant, then that was my choice. Also, it seemed as if I bothered him with my questions!!! Now, I wonder why I even bothered to ask any questions.
I left there in tears. I couldn't believe it. He said all of this without conducting one test on me. Needless to say, I knew I would not go back there. His negativity and lack of respect for me as a prospective patient and a person was too much!!!!! So, I called another practice, used by a friend of mine. She got pregnant there with IUI.
I went even more nervous and scared than at the meeting with the first RE. Well, I needn't have been. This doctor handled things much differently and much more professionally. After I told him (in great detail) about my experience with the first RE, he explained that he would never make suggestions regarding the appropriate treatment without first conducting all relevant tests. He assured me that until the testing showed differently, he would not treat me like a lost cause. That day, he conducted a series of blood tests, which included, my estradiol levels, FSH, etc. He also performed a baseline ultrasound. From those tests, it was discovered, I had normal estradiol levels, a 9.6 FSH (below 10), which was good and six antral follicles. Of course, the RE would like to see more, but that's still good. Further testing required that I give so much blood that the phlebotomist suggested I ate something afterwards. But, it was worth it because the tests revealed I had normal progesterone levels, had no sexually transmitted diseases, no commonly known genetic diseases.
Next, I had to have an SIS and an HSG. With the SIS, they inject a saline solution into the uterus to see if it is normal. I passed with flying colors. The next day, I had an HSG, this tests looks at the uterus and the fallopian tubes to make sure there is no blockage. This test--I did not pass. Unfortunately, the fibroids had blocked not just one, but both of my fallopian tubes. I could not get pregnant without having the myomectomy. I was crushed, devastated. I cried for a few days. But, eventually, I scheduled the date for the surgery. Through my faith in God, my hope was renewed and I chose to see the surgery as simply one more step toward achieving my dream of having a baby.
I will share more about my surgery next time.
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