And now for the much, much longer Lap update

Monday was Lap day and I wasn't nervous or scared or anything (completely unlike me).  I guess part of me hoped that by having the surgery, it would mean that maybe, just maybe, this road of IF would get a little easier for Hubby and I for the next few months.  I figured that Dr. M would go in, remove any and all possible spots of what she thought was Endo, and then bam!  Magic fairy dust would sprinkle over Hubs and I and in a few months we'd have our much-waited for BFP.

Yeah...completely different story.

The facility where I had my surgery was completely across town and our GPS didn't quite get us there.  She (our GPS) got confused or something.  Of course it didn't help that the office was on the opposite side of another office building.  Nevertheless, we got there on time and got registered and all that good stuff.  I won't go on and on about the office, but I must say that that is probably one of the best patient-oriented staff that I have ever encountered.  If I have to have surgery again, I'd definitely choose that place.

As for the surgery, I don't remember a dang thing.  Which is good.  I'd hate to have woken up in the middle of it!  Recovery was shaky.  I don't do well with anesthesia.  I had bouts of pretty bad shaking and nausea.  All I wanted to do was sleep.  Once we got home, that's about all I did.  I crashed on the couch and slept the day away.  (I had to stay up for House though...can't miss my show!  haha)  That night, I wasn't in too much pain, so I didn't take any pain pills.  I didn't sleep that well because the gas "bubbles" decided to make me achy.

Yesterday was better.  I took a couple of pain pills, but they don't really help with gas pains, which is the majority of my aches at the moment.  I was up and walking around and trying to eat a little here and there.  Overall, not too bad of a day.  Last night, I slept pretty good too, despite the fact that the gas pains were seriously horrible right before I went to bed.

As for surgery prelim results...Dr. M came out and talked to Hubby and let him know what she discovered during surgery.  He somewhat filled me in, but I know he's not the best when it comes to medical terms, especially when it pertains to the female body.  He did mention that the pictures she took and showed him were pretty cool.

She did give me a call yesterday to see how I was doing.  She also filled me in on what she discovered, and I'll do a somewhat bulleted version:

• Pre-surgery HSG showed the left tube blocked for some reason, and the right tube was spilling fast.
• During surgery - 
• Left tube appears normal.  She thinks it could be blocked at the distal end (by the ovary), but since during my first HSG they got the dye through the tube with no problem, she's not quite sure why it would appear to be blocked during surgery though.
• Right tube had some adhesions on it.  She removed those as best as she could.
• Based on what she saw, she thinks my tubes may be diseased, which she said is usually caused by an STD or PID.  Since I've had neither and she didn't see any inflammation, it's pretty skeptical that either could be the reason for my tube issues.
• She didn't notice any endo or any obvious lesions, which is a good thing I guess.
• She saw lots of good healthy eggs just waiting to be fertilized.
• The final diagnosis:  Tubal IF

So what does that mean?  Well, basically my tubes are the cause of our IF problems.  One doesn't work, and one could possibly have blockage issues.  Dr. M said that IVF would probably be our best route.  She said we're young and my eggs and his sperm are excellent.  They just aren't joining together.  She is also afraid that if we were to get pregnant on our own, and it just so happened to come from the right tube, it would most likely result in an ectopic pregnancy.  She did give us some comforting news though...apparently there are some military bases that do IVF (kinda surprising since the military insurance doesn't cover such procedures).  The cost issue is drastically reduced by going through a military facility.  The downside - the closest one is 14 hours away.  The upside - they have about a 65% success rate with people my age with tubal IF.

But she's leaving the final decision up to us.  She said if we want to try Let.ro.zole (Fe.mar.a) for awhile, then that's okay too.  We'll discuss it more at my post-op appointment.  I'm kinda leaning towards just doing the IVF route, especially if she knows a doctor at the base.  I know it's going to be a wait before we can get an appointment down there, but maybe in the meantime, we could try Fe.mar.a for a few months and see how that goes.  I'm not sure.  We'll get Dr. M's honest opinion and thoughts about it all and make an informed decision.

Plus, that will give us time to figure out how we're going to still keep this from our families.  That alone is going to be a task in and of itself.

Quick Lap update

I survived my lap yesterday and I'm a little achy today.  My abdomen has 3 nice little incisions in it and it's bruised in some areas too (not sure if it's normal or not...my guess is that it is).  The gas pains in my shoulders/neck are bearable, but I think I may have to take some pain meds to help with them.  Overall though, I'm doing pretty good I think!

The Lap revealed some stuff that I'll post more about later.  Of course we won't know full details until we have the post-op appointment in a few weeks.  For now though, I just thought I'd let ya know that everything went smoothly and now I'm in super-lazy recovery mode!

Why did I bother even telling her?

My mother and I weren't really all that close when I was growing up.  As time continues on, our relationship has strengthened (I think it's cuz I'm the only normal kid in my family!  haha).  But anyways, I decided I should probably tell her about my upcoming Lap.  I know she'd be mad if she found out afterwards, so I chose to share it.  However, none of our families know we are TTC, so she only knows part of the story.  Basically, I told her that I had to have surgery because my doctor thinks I have endo (part true).  I told her it was based on my irregular, heavy cycles and painful periods (part true as well).  She knows nothing about the real true IF reason for me having the Lap.

Ever since I told her that last Tuesday, she's called a few times to ask us if we need her to come out and help after my surgery.  Her main concern is me taking care of our two fur-babies.  I've informed her that I'll most likely be out only a couple of days and we really won't need her help too much.  I told her that most likely the worst pain will be the gas pains in my shoulder (moreso than normal since I'm such a tiny person).  I've also told her that Hubby will be home during that time and will be able to help out.  We'll be fine without her.  Not to mention that her spending gas money and driving 12 hours one way just to come help out with a few minor things doesn't make a lot of sense.  Besides, my dogs spend most of their days sprawled out on the floor sleeping the day away (they're pretty lazy).  So I think now the count is up to at least 3-4 times that I've assured her we'll be fine and she doesn't need to come out to help.  It's an outpatient procedure and I'll be doped up on Darvocet.  Hubby and I will be fine.  He has a few days off (perfect work schedule timing) and we will manage.  I love her to death and appreciate her willingness to come out and help, but I don't see the point in spending over $100 in gas (they have a gas guzzler) just to come help for a day.  Not to mention, she'd have to make arrangements for her jobs, and they could really use that money.

Now I'm wishing I didn't even mention a thing to her.  Hubby's family doesn't know about the surgery, and I'm thinking maybe we'll keep it that way.  His sister is a nurse and also thinking (if not currently) about TTC soon.  I'm fairly certain that she could put 2 and 2 together and our secret wouldn't be a secret much longer.

As for other stuff, the HSG really messed up my already messed up cycles.  My last two (since the HSG) have been 18 and 19 days, respectfully.  I'm hoping the Lap helps to straighten things out a little.  Short cycles = no O = no chance at a BFP = super discouraged/frustrated gabsy.

But I'm all set for Monday.  I've got my "pharmacy" stocked with pain meds and other goodies to hopefully help me heal quickly and with no problems.  I've contacted the surgery center and answered a bunch of questions for the anesthesiologist and feel like I'm mentally prepared for it as well.  Hubby's ready for it too.  Last night, he was preparing his lunch for work today and he said, "Guess what?  Tomorrow's Saturday!  Do you know what that means?"  I replied, "Only 2 more days until my surgery!"  to which he responded, "And that means that our chances of fertility go through the roof!"

I love my Hubby.

For all my fellow Grey's fans...

I'm sending virtual kleenexes!!

Thoughts on the season opener anyone?

Pre-op sum-up

Yesterday was my pre-op.  Basically I went in, discussed the surgery and possible risks/complications, signed the papers, peed in a cup, and was on my way!  Short and simple.  The nurse gave me another list of post-surgery do's and do not's.  I noticed that one very important thing was different compared to the list I received in the mail from the surgery center.  The one from the surgery center said nothing in the vagina for 6 weeks (including tampons).  The one my doctor's office gave me said 2 weeks.  Knowing my Hubby's dissappointment with the 6 week guideline, I questioned Dr. M about it all.  She informed me that it was only 2 weeks since they won't be doing anything to my cervix.  She also went on to say that she wants me to have sex!  (Umm...insert a look of shock on my face.  I never pictured her to be one to say stuff like that!)  She told me that she wants me to get pregnant, and you have to have sex in order for that to be a possibility.  I just laughed.  I truly like my doctor.  Her attitude and personality make this whole IF thing a little bit easier.  Plus, she's such a go-get-em person and doesn't want to waste any time with treatments and whatnot.

Now I'm one step closer.  I have to get my pain med prescription filled and pick up a few things from Wal-Mart, but other than that, I'm all ready to go!  Let the countdown begin!  A little over 4 days to go!

Updates: Long post...

I've been so crazy busy lately, I've completely neglected blog-world!!  So here's another bulleted update list from gabsy:

• The HSG was a breeze and shortly after, AF came for another visit.  It was completely unexpected, but that's okay.

• I have my Lap scheduled for next Monday!  Tomorrow I go for my pre-op and I have no idea what (if any) questions to ask.  Maybe I should think about that some...

• Not temping is driving me bonkers.  I'm such a control freak at times, and not knowing what my body is or isn't doing is making me go mad.  I know Hubby likes it better when I don't temp, but since my cycles are so erratic and unpredictable, temping makes me feel a little more in control.  *sigh*  decisions...decisions...

• Hubby was supposed to go out of town for a few weeks for his job.  We had to buy him almost completely new wardrobe.  So, about $700 later, he was all set to go.  He had his bags packed and everything.  Two days before he was supposed to leave (actually, it was less than 36 hours), he was informed that he didn't have to go anymore.  Boy was I not happy.  I can think of a heck of a lot more ways to spend $700 than on clothes for my hubby.  Granted, we shouldn't have to get him any clothes for a long time, but still...with having only a single income at the moment, $700 is a lot.

• My sister and her new boyfriend (of 3 months) came out to visit us.  We enjoyed Sev.en F.alls and the Den.ver Zoo while they were here.  The weather was crappy, icky, rainy, cold, but we all survived somehow.  We surprised my sister with a birthday cake too.  She's now the big 2-8!  Her boyfriend is something...I'm not quite sure what to say.  Ideally, he's not the kind of guy I can see her with, but apparently, they've already discussed possibly getting married and whatnot.  Talk about moving fast!!  Jeepers!!  Not to mention, he's fresh out of a divorce, and the custody situation isn't even finalized yet.  It's her life, I keep having to tell myself.  Personally, he's not my #1 pick by any means.

• Farm.Ville on Face.book has become my new addiction.  Thanks to Hubby, I'm so obsessed, it's ridiculous!  I plant crops according to what my schedule will be for the day, and I'll wait until a certain time to do something because I have to harvest a crop!  I think there should be a support group.

• I've started to check up less and less on the Web.MD boards.  I used to be super addicted to that too.  Lately though, there's so many new people on there.  It's sometimes hard to keep up with what everyone is going through, and I just lost a little bit of interest.  Plus, I feel that I'm in a little different place than some of them, so it just feel awkward at times.  

• I had a job interview a couple weeks ago.  Since I hadn't heard anything back on it as of yet, I emailed the lady.  Come to find out, they're still waiting for the requisition for the position.  She's hoping to hear something in the next week or two.  Realisitically, it may take a bit longer than that.

• The bad neighbors are finally on their way out.  Last week, they had a moving truck at their place, and I see their trash heap is growing by the hour.  Yee-haw!!

• For those who watch UFC, this new season of the Ultimate Fighter is going to be amazing!  I just know it.  Plus, one of the contestants went to the same school as me, so he's definitely my pick for this year.  He needs some work on his stand-up, but his ground game is pretty decent.  Guess that will happen when you've been wrestling from a very young age.

• Yesterday, we took Hubby's car in to have an oil change, tire rotation, brake check, and check out the check engine light that has been on for a few days.  Our appointment was at 2:00.  At 3:00, the car was still sitting in the parking lot, waiting to be serviced.  Around 4:45, the guy said we were done, and he was reviewing the charges with us.  He didn't mention an oil change at all, so we asked him about it.  He seemed a little shocked and said he'd get the car back right away and do that quick for us.  Shortly before 5:00, the car was finally done.  (Yeah...3 hours at an auto service place is not a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon...).  He took $20 off the total since it was such a long wait.  I was less than impressed.  Especially since we also found out that a stupid squirrel chewed through one of the connections for the oxygen sensor (hence the check engine light), and now that needs to be replaced.  Also to add to that list, the brake rotors need to be replaced and the rack and pinion is leaking.  The car is only 4 years old and the list of things to be fixed on it are horrible!  It seems like every time we take it in for a simple oil change, our bill also includes some pretty expensive other fixes.  Needless to say, we will most likely be getting a different vehicle towards the end of the year.  At least our vehicles are paid off right now...

I think that's about all for now.  I'll try to post an update tomorrow after my pre-op with Dr. M.

I told you this was a long one!!  :)

major reno

So I got sick of the other picture/layout, so I'm in the process of remodeling around here.  Hopefully I will be able to get it all done soon so it will be easier to read!

I'll also post some updates/news from gabsy's life sometime too.  Can't quite say for sure when though...

Another doc appointment....

Yesterday I met with Dr. M again to go over all the results from the lab work, repeat SA, and my HSG. Hubby decided to join me this time so he could see how his swimmers were. I kinda wanted him there so we could meet with the doc and discuss the next steps in our treatment.

Once we got there and got called back to a room, the nurse started to ask me what results we were going to be following up on. Come to find out, only Hubby's SA results were faxed to my doctor's office. My lab work was never sent to them nor was my HSG report. I did the lab work at the hospital where my GYN's office is, so it was easy for them to get the results. My HSG report...well, since I had to do that at the military base, I called them to have them fax it ASAP (like it should have been done) and questioned why it wasn't done earlier. The person I spoke to said she would get to it later that night if she had a chance. But she was the only one there and blah blah blah. I wasn't impressed. Apparently my doctor wasn't either because she called the office too. Supposedly it was faxed like 2-3 times and for some odd reason, my doctor's office never received it. But we went on with the appointment anyways.

Dr. M told me that our labs were superb. She also asked me if I was told anything from the HSG. I mentioned my dilated right tube. We began to discuss that, and we came to the conclusion that a Lap is next on the to-do list. She kept mentioning endo, but I'm not so sure it's that. I don't have the pain or heavy bleeding that is usually associated with it. Aside from the fact that occasionally I put up with AF for far too long, my AF visits are usually very tolerable. But she seemed pretty sure about it all. Without the HSG report though, it's a little hard to tell for sure what the HSG showed as far as my dilated tube goes. But anyways...next to do is a Lap to figure out what exactly is going on in there. They're going to push things through my insurance and hopefully, my doctor will be able to do the surgery. If not, I'll have to deal with a doctor at the military base. Dr. M recommended someone whom she said is really good if in fact I do have to go there. I'm leary about going there because I personally haven't had too many good experiences dealing with people there. But if she says they're good, I'll take her word for it. She hasn't steered me wrong yet.

So next up is the Lap. The nurse is supposed to call me sometime this next week and we'll schedule surgery then. Once that's done, Dr. M wants to get aggressive with the treatments right away. She said that a couple weeks after the Lap, I will be able to start the Letrozole and take advantage of the 6 month fertility-increased window that the Lap will hopefully provide. Only time and surgery will tell what we're up against.

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For non-TTC news... I had yet another interview this past Monday. The job is a front office position, and actually came recommended to me by the former employeer who held that position. She recommended me to her boss and the ball started rolling. I think the interview went really well, but I'm still waiting to hear back from them. I was told that it would be either Friday (yesterday) or Monday at the latest. Since I didn't hear anything yesterday, I guess I'll have to wait until next week. With Monday being a holiday though, I'm thinking (and hoping!) that I'll hear something Tuesday.