Post-op appointment and surgery pics...

I met with Dr. Griffin today for my post-op appointment. He is just so kind and caring. I really like him and feel like he really truly cares about our case. He takes all the time in the world with me, and tolerates my many questions. I haven't, either time meeting with him, felt rushed or like he was in a hurry. Today, my appointment was at 3:30. I was taken back at 3:23 and he came into the room at 3:29. Talk about prompt. I spent about 40 minutes with him.

 

He checked my incision sites and said that they look wonderful. He even told me I heal beautifully! (I've never been told this. I typically develop keloid scars while healing, and doctors are always surprised when it happens even when I tell them it will.) He asked if my belly button area was still bothering me and he asked how long the gas pain in my shoulders lasted. He clearly paid attention when I talked to him on the phone the day after surgery and remembered what I said. I don't know why this shocks me when as far as I'm concerned, this should be the norm among medical professionals. Sadly, in my experience, it isn't.

 

We talked about moving forward with an IVF. If we do, it would not be until April. The doctors in the clinic take turns doing IVF each month. He is currently managing IVF patients in January, and will be again during April. I expressed how important it was to me to have no one other than him manage my cycle if we move forward. He assured me that he would time everything so that he would be managing my cycle. He even would time it so our retrieval/transfer would occur the week he is on call through the weekend too (just to play it safe that I wouldn't have a different doctor for either). He is putting us on the schedule to ensure we will be all set if my husband and I agree to move forward. My mind is made up, now I have to convince my husband. (Oh, and there is the little issue of coming up with more money. If only money grew on trees.) 

 

OK, you are probably dying to see my pictures, so without further ado...

 

 

 

The biopsy of the tube came back indicating healed chronic salpingitis and focal hydrosalpinx. Dr. Griffin said this tube was a breeding ground for ectopic pregnancies!

Right now, I feel optimistic and OK.  This can change hour to hour, so I can't guarantee what will happen ten minutes from now.

In the meantime, I plan to get my ass back on track with my weight loss. Ideally, if we cycle in April, I have 3 full months to get moving. I could lose 30 more pounds. That would make me VERY happy and put us in an even better position for success with an IVF cycle. And it all starts right now!!

And then there were none....

This Thursday, I will be having surgery to remove my remaining tube. While deep down I think I knew this day would come eventually, I was not entirely prepared for that day to be today. Dr. G scheduled the surgery while I was sitting in his office. I have what is known as hydrosalpinx. This basically means that my tube is grossly enlarged and filled with fluid. This fluid can be toxic to an embryo, which may explain our failed IVF. Regardless, if we are to move forward with treatment, the tube has to go.

I am relieved to think I will no longer have my tubes that have caused me nothing but heartache. However, the thought that I will NEVER, EVER conceive without IVF causes me much sadness and heartache. Even in the face of infertility, I think every woman holds on to some hope each month that pregnancy *could* happen. I feel as if I am being robbed of my fertility. This is a very difficult situation to swallow. Thursday will surely be a very difficult day. I hope I wake up from surgery with a renewed sense of hope, and not just sadness at what I am losing.

I really liked Dr. G. It was clear to me that he studied our chart and knew our case prior to me walking through the door. His bedside manner was phenomenal. I look forward to what the future with him as our doctor may bring.