Even the Fish are F'in Fertile

I am due to go in to hospital in a few weeks for an ovarian diathermy (lap & dye ovarian drilling) and try as I might I can't find any detailed information on what to expect post operation. So, I decided to write this blog for anyone out there who finds themselves in my position and wants to know a bit more than the usual, "had the op, it was fine and yes I am pregnant or no I'm not". As this is my first blog and I'm not exactly known for my Internet know-how (I had no idea what Tumblr was half an hour ago), please bear with me as I embark on this journey into the new and wonderful (I wonder how long it will take me to break this). And on that note I best get started. Enjoy!

[efaff-blog]

Whoop Whoop! I am with Child!

So it worked! Got pregnant from that first ovulation and I'm now 30 weeks in to what has been the most scary up and down time of my life. It's taken me this long just to convince myself things aren't going to go wrong. Now every kick from junior is like a warm hug from the inside and a shout, "hey mummy, I'm still here". Bless the Dr and her magic holes.

[efaff-blog]

Ovulated!

Well it only took 24 days, but I have ovulated. Had a smiley on the OPK on day 23 and fertility friends charting confirmed ovulation as day 24. So fingers crossed now that sperm meets egg and nature does it's thing.

It will be surprising if it works in the first cycle post operation but I'm ever hopeful. I just need to distract myself so I don't get into that head f**k mentality for the next few weeks only to have my hopes trampled.

Also, quite interesting that ovulation only happened on cycle day 24. I was expecting a 28 day cycle, but this a implies a cycle anywhere from 36 to 42 days. Worked out on the basis of a luteal phase of 12 to 18 days. The luteal phase being the number of days from ovulation to menstruation.

Oh yeah, in case anyone is wondering, the fish are all still alive and thriving and no doubt getting it on too.

[efaff-blog]

Nothing's happening

I'm charting and peeing on an ovulation test stick (OPK) every day, but so far nothing has indicated that I have ovulated or that I am about to.

My temperature readings remain low, cervical mucus remains creamy and although it's position seems to be fairly high, it is not noticeably soft or open. The OPK have been negative every time.

I will continue to chart and pee on a stick, but I suspect what I thought was my first period wasn't really. Alternatively, I may just have a longer than 28day cycle and as today is CD14, it may be too early.

[efaff-blog]

Yuck

Looks like I've picked up an infection on the main wound site. It's oozing the white stuff. Great, off to the quacks to get it sorted. 

And yes, the can't remember what specie, but I call em freaky mickey fish have multiplied yet again. However, with one male and three members of his harem, I am not surprised. We now have about 20 babies and 11 nippers, in a tank that already has 2 shrimp, 4 harlequins and 7 mini cat fish.

I wonder if you can fry the little buggers. Don't worry, I am not about to commit mass fishy murder. If they start disappearing, my money is on the shrimp, who surprisingly don't seem to be interested in food time. I'm guessing that's because they are already full.

And no I didn't sneak the shrimp into the tank, the whole set-up is my husbands idea of a hobby. Personally, I prefer wallowing in self pity and focusing on why my darn ovaries hate me so much.

[efaff-blog]

Is this my first period?

Since the operation, I have been bleeding. It started off as spotting on the operation day but increased dramatically on day 2 and 3. Today is day 5 and it has slowed down to spotting again. I hope it was my first period, but can't be sure until the next one. 

I have started charting using the fertility friends website, but keep forgetting to take my temperament when I wake up.

I have also cut down on the codeine as it is keeping me drowsy. So far today, I haven't taken any.

My dressings can come off today. I have three small holes on my belly, one of which is caked in dried blood. I am itching to take it off but was told to have a bath and soak the bandages first. So, it will have to wait until tonight.

Oh yes, and two of the bloody fish are pregnant again. I swear they are laughing at me.

[efaff-blog]

Op day!

So, I'm checking in a bit late for which I apologise profusely. I have been doped up on pain killers and feeling the effects of the general anaesthetic, and so I figured no one would be interested in the ramblings that combination would have created. 

The operation went well. I arrived at 8am and almost immediately saw the consultant. She talked me through the procedure and answered my questions. I wanted to know if a period would start straight away and if my cycles would be shorter and regular. She could not guarantee anything but said that she expected the answer was yes to the latter questions and that a period would either come straight away or fairly soon. After this, I signed the consent form.

Then the anaesthetist came and took a medical history asking the usual allergy/reaction type questions.

I won't go through the nurse bit except to say I had a pregnancy test done, which came back negative and was given 2 paracetamol with the smallest amount of water.

I was second on the list so went in to Theatre about 10am and was back on the ward by 1pm. The pain was considerable but after a couple of shots of an opiate pain killer and codeine, it was manageable.

So what did they find? My Uterus and tubes were fine and clear. The drilling was done on my ovaries successfully and my liver, kidneys and bowels were all checked and appeared healthy. She did find stage 2 endometriosis which is considered to be mild, the pictures looked anything but mild, but she successfully diathermised it all off with the laser.

So I am in peak condition for the next three months, at which point I believe things start to revert back to type. My consultant has therefore, given me an appointment in three months to see how things are going. If I am not pregnant by then she will write a prescription for Clomid.

In the mean time I am to document my cycles and any other relevant information and of course try and make a baby.

Let the shagging begin.

[efaff-blog]

One day to go, still no period. Please body don't fail me now.

[efaff-blog]

Call back

The secretary has just called back. My consultant says to just leave it and come in next week as normal. She will decide on that day whether to go ahead or not based on whether or not I have a period and how heavy it is. I am willing my period to start now. Hubby has suggested star jumps to get things started :-)

She wanted to know if I've had unprotected sex since my last period. Well yes, I am trying to get pregnant and no one said not to. In fact I was told by the registrar back in November to carry on in the hope that I did get pregnant without needing the surgery. So, this further complicates things in that I may be pregnant. I'm not. POAS says so (now I'm just being childish). 

She suggested the nurse will have me do a pregnancy test on the morning of surgery. My advise to anyone booked in for this surgery in the future is; 

Make sure it doesn't fall during your period and if it does, make sure you let your consultant know in enough time to have him/her give you a prescription.

Don't have unprotected sex in the last cycle before surgery.

Two key points I wish I'd known weeks ago.

[efaff-blog]

Just had my pre-op, now excuse me while I lose it completely and colour the air blue

The appointment itself went well (sort of). I arrived at 8:55am and was seen more or less immediately. I filled out a form on my past medical history and one on my ethnicity, then saw the nurse. She took my urine sample, weighed, measured and BMI'd me and then did a couple of MRSA swabs (one up my nose and the other in my groin crease).

Back to the waiting room for 5 mins and then saw another nurse who talked me through what will happen on the day and gave me two forms to take to the blood clinic. One for blood group and one for sickle cell anaemia. I don't have sickle cell but both my grandparents on my dads side were carriers so every time I go into hospital for anything they insist on yet another test. I don't mind but I do wonder why it is not something they can just check up on their computers. Especially as Sickle cell is not something you can develop, you are either born with it or not.

Then it was my turn to ask questions, so I asked about my period. If it starts next week, is it a problem? And the answer was no, not at all. So off hubby and I went to get the bloods done.

This is were things started to go wrong. I now have four, yes FOUR, blooming holes in my arms and each one was accompanied by a rotating of the needle in the hope that it will just bump into a vein. I'm not surprised my veins are rubbish given the ill treatment they receive every time I have to have a blood test. Both arms now ache like mad and I can see the bruises forming already. 

Then I was told I needed to go back to the ward as they'd rung up asking me if I could come back. When we got there the nurse explained he'd rung the consultant just to make sure about my period question and her secretary had informed him that if I did have a period the operation would be extremely painful, so they may decide not to go ahead. He asked me to ring the secretary and speak to her myself which I did. 

Apparently, the consultant would normally prescribe something to stop my period but I would need to take this a whole week before the operation day (my op is 6 days away from today). She may decide to go ahead or she may decide not to on the day itself. Today is day 44 of my cycle and operation day will be day 50, so it is likely it will start soon, but I cannot guarantee it.

I am currently waiting for the secretary to ring me at home with a decision. She is going to discuss it with my consultant first.

I am just so angry and worried that having waited so long the operation will get cancelled. I also can't understand why, given my history they did not foresee this.

All round a rubbish day.

[efaff-blog]

I've been googling again

I decided to read up on my upcoming surgery. What can I say, I like to torture myself. Here's a breakdown of what I found a la google.

Hysteroscopy - Telescope up my erm vagina (I hate that word) to have a good look at my uterus and make sure it is in mint condition. 

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hysteroscopy/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Laparoscopy - Key hole surgery in which a tube with a camera and light is inserted into my belly. I believe this is accompanied by a second tube which pumps gas in to allow easy access. And possibly a third with a laser, unless the laser goes in with the camera. This is how the diathermy and dye test will be done. 

So far, I've at least two holes in the belly, a fairly rigid looking glue gun stuck up my vag (picture attached for your humour) and a belly full of gas. Can this get any better?

Dye test - Dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus via the laparoscope and then the surgeon checks to see if it comes out of the end of the fallopian tubes. They are looking for blockages. I've also heard this is a good way of washing out ones tubes and can help with conception.               

http://www.privatehealth.co.uk/private-operations/gynaecology/laparoscopy-and-dye-test-hydrotubation/

Ovarian diathermy - Ahh the fun bit! I watched a you tube video on this. At the end of it I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. I'm not squeamish, but even I thought it was a bit vomit worthy. Basically, one's ovary is grabbed by a a pair of tongs and 3-4 holes are burned (yes I said burned) into it using a laser. The placement of the holes looked rather random to me. I am hoping my surgeon will take a bit more care than the guy on you tube. I kept expecting him to  detach the whole ovary with the way he was manhandling it. Lesson to self, in future stay clear of you tube surgery videos.

http://women.webmd.com/laparoscopic-ovarian-drilling-ovarian-diathermy-for-pcos

+/- treatment to Endometriosis - +/- as we don't know if I have a problem here or not. Endometriosis is womb tissue found outside of the womb. If there is any, the surgeon will use the laser in the laparoscope to burn it off. Great more burning, I shall be smoldering inside for weeks.

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Endometriosis/Pages/Treatment.aspx

So after all of that, I am really looking forward to surgery. NOT!

[efaff-blog]

Changed the view as I got fed up of straining my eyes to read the grey text. Hope you like it.

[efaff-blog]

Where art thou oh period?

Hmm, my period is overdue, somewhat laughable in my case given I never know when the darn thing will show up. I had a positive on an OPK (ovulation pee kit) 18 days ago. Now I know that all that shows is an LH surge and is no actual sign of ovulation occuring but fool that I am, I was expecting a period 4 days ago. 

So do I torture myself and try a pregnancy test (might as well wee on a tenner) or do I face up to the fact that it will probably come in two weeks when I am booked in for the operation? Life has a way of laughing at me sometimes.

If it does start in two weeks, what do I do about the operation? Tampax or pad? I'm guessing pad, but will have to add that to my list of questions to ask at my pre-op appointment next week. That and what if I'm pregnant and don't know it? I feel yet another Mind f'k is on it's way.

[efaff-blog]

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting

Since that appointment in November, I haven't done much. My operation was set for the 5th of March. 3 1/2 months of waiting. I am not good at waiting. I hate waiting. I want everything done yesterday. Well everything except, housework, that can always wait.

To fill the time, I rejoined one of the well know chat groups on conception and started going to the gym. 

The gym has been great. Although my husband will disagree and tell you all how I scoff all his biscuits and chocolate and rid the house of coke at an alarming rate, I have managed to bring my BMI down from 27 to 25, a loss of about 7kgs. This has brought me onto the normal/overweight line. And at 5 foot 10 inches, I think I can carry it off [rolls eyes at own vanity].

And of course, I started this blog, which not enough of you fine people are reading yet. Why aren't you reading it? Am I destined to talk to myself? oh well, it wouldn't be the first time. I am known as a nutter for chatting to my work pc. This is obviously just an extension of that :-).

[efaff-blog]

My Diagnosis

By the time the appointment with the fertility specialist came round, I was well and truly fed up. I had convinced myself that I would be told to go home and have more sex and the whole thing was a waste of time.

I couldn't understand why I was even going to a fertility clinic. Of course I wasn't pregnant, I'd only had 3 periods in 8 months and hubby and I were not exactly the "every other night, at it like rabbits" kind of couple (not like those damn fish whose babies keep appearing from under the tank foliage). And although my periods were few, the gap between then seemed to be heading in the right direction going from 81 to 42 days. I even considered cancelling the appointment but my Mother insisted I keep it (Hooray for mothers everywhere. They do know best).

Anyway, we went along and saw a lovely doctor (specialist registrar) who listened to us and suggested I have a scan straight away as he suspected I had Poly Cystic Ovaries. He informed me that I certainly wasn't ovulating given my cycle pattern and the scan confirmed this. Here is an extract from his letter to my GP which about sums things up.

"We scanned X today which revealed a normal uterus with an endometrial thickness corresponding with the stage of her cycle. Both ovaries were easily accessible and classically polycystic with more than 12 follicles in each. Based on her symptoms and scan findings, I have booked her in for a hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, dye test, ovarian diathermy and +/- treatment to endometriosis. We are hoping that the ovarian drilling will reduce her ovarian volume and improve her hormonal imbalance. If she fails to conceive within the first three months after the procedure then we will give a trial of Clomiphene Citrate".

I walked out of that appointment feeling shocked but mainly relieved and a little bit excited. I had know for years that something was not quite right and had seen various doctors in the past from as early as 17yrs for too heavy, too light, too frequent, too infrequent periods. Getting that diagnosis was like receiving a very special yet slightly scary gift.

Oh yeah, plus the dr said I was fit and healthy, bless him! 

[efaff-blog]

Getting an appointment

I was first referred to the Fertility clinic in July, but what with all the blood tests and the ones I had to repeat, my appointment with the fertility specialist did not happen until the middle of November.

Anyone going through this should be prepared to wait, and wait and wait some more.

I took home one of those book yourself passwords from my initial GP appointment in July. Hurried home and booked the next available date (beginning of September), but then when the letter came through requesting, we fill out a questionnaire and do further blood tests and a semen test for my husband, it made clear that my appointment was only a temporary one and a new date would be allocated once I filled in and returned the questionnaire and blood and semen test results.

I returned the forms as soon as was possible and we were allocated the middle of November [sigh]. I fully understand the limited resources the NHS has for this kind or treatment, but boy was the waiting hard. 

[efaff-blog]

Getting a diagnosis - Bloods

By July 2011, I had been trying to conceive for about 7 months but had only had two periods. Both of them where extremely heavy and clotty (the tampax, pad and folded up towel if you value your furniture kind). For obvious reasons I had spent a fortune on pregnancy tests and kept imagining all these early pregnancy symptoms. It was a complete and utter mind f'k and eventually I had enough and packed myself off to the doctors for some answers.

The GP I saw was extremely nice, she was visiting the surgery to cover someone on leave, and asked me if I wanted to wait a few more months to see if things settled or be referred. No prizes for guessing which option I took.

My referral letter came with a Fertility Questionnaire, a list of blood tests I needed to do on certain days of my cycle and a semen sample request for my husband. Straight away the bloods were a problem, most of them needed to be done on cycle days 1-5 (well at the rate I was going that could see me waiting a good 3 months), but one needed to be done 7 days before the start of my next period (I'd need a crystal ball to know that one). As a result and on advice from the consultants secretary, I ended up doing the days 1-5 tests and just assuming a 28 day cycle for the Progesterone one. 

The blood tests were fun. I am very good with blood being taken, I watch, however my body has different ideas and always holds on to my blood, so I end up with 3 or 4 holes, a very apologetic often mortified nurse and me trying hard to pretend I am used to this and don't mind. This time she went and got the doctor after attempt number three which was good as I was past the point of trying to make her feel good and was ready to cry.

So what were they,

Progesterone test (7 days before your next period). This tells the doctor if I'm ovulating and as mine couldn't be done on the right date, the result was inconclusive.

Hormone tests (Days 1-5). To test the levels of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and Luteinising hormone and prolactin.

Chlamydia test (STI)

TSH - Thyroid Function test

F - ferritin (Protein for red blood cell production)

FBC - Full Blood Count

LFT - Liver Function test

eGFR - Kidney Function test

GLF - Fasting Plasma Glucose

Apart from the progesterone test, all the others came back fine, as did husbands semen test.

ooh Top Gear's on. Back in a bit :-)

[efaff-blog]

A bit about me

I'm 34, married and have a three year old daughter, so this has worked before, twice actually, before my stupid body decided to forget how to make a baby. I am pretty healthy although I could do with losing a few pounds round my middle, but then who wouldn't.

Both of my previous pregnancies happened really easily. I got pregnant within two months of our decision to stop contraception. The first pregnancy went well and I had my daughter, but I lost the second at about 12 weeks. I started trying again as soon as my body healed but 13 months later and still no luck.

In November last year, I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovaries and was immediately offered surgery in the form of a Laparoscopic and Dye Ovarian Drilling. From what I've read this surgery is usually offered to patients after they have tried 6-12 cycles on the fertility drug Clomiphene Citrate or Clomid, but I was never offered this or any other drug (I'll post more about why I think this is later). I am due to have the surgery in the first week of March. The doctor will also be investigating for endometriosis.

As to the name of my blog, well hubby came home with four new fish for the tank yesterday and we woke up this morning to find about 20 babies. I have tried asking them what the secret is but they just sit there and look all knowing and superior, bloody fish!