Hysteroscopy + Let’s Get This Party Started!
Ok, so last we chatted on the subject of my {in}fertility, we were waiting for some testing to be done. If you aren’t already familiar, IVF comes with wait after wait after wait. It’s a game of waiting, folks. And yet again, I’m sorry all I’m talking about is IVF. It won’t last forever – I promise! But today there’s some stuff I want to share, so here we go.
You may remember that about 2 1/2 years ago I had an HSG. Well, I mentioned in my last post that I was lined up to have a hysteroscopy. The doctor didn’t play it up very much – just take a few IBProfein and I’d be good. Since the HSG was pretty breezy, I sort of expected the same thing with this.
Well again, I was wrong. Boy have I been wrong a lot lately. 😉
Oh my goodness. SO much more uncomfortable. When I got into the room, there was a hazardous material bag tied under where I’d be laying – a bad sign. Ha! The nurse pointed out the monitor where they’d be looking at the inside on my uterus and mentioned I could watch if I wanted. I was all, “Yea! I want to see it! Cool!”
Well they apparently numbed my cervix, but it felt like I could feel everything – like there was a lot of scraping and overall invasion of my lady space. But still, as it got started I was all, “Ok, not terrible, just uncomfortable”.
Then they stuck in the scope – the long rod with the camera on the end. At first I was still fine. I watched the monitor as they took pictures of where my fallopian tubes drop into my uterus (crazy to be able to look at, btw) and then it got worse. The cramping was bad. And there was a lot of pressure. I feel like my body was screaming, “What is this thing!? GET OUT!” And it was angry. And I felt the anger. I just laid as still as I could.
Labor is often described to me as very intense pressure, more than pain. This feeling reminded me of that so I started focusing on just breathing like people in labor seem to do – ha! But it worked!
Once they took the scope out, the saline solution had to…drain. There was more scraping. It was still uncomfortable but the pain subsided a bit. More than anything I laid there feeling super violated and literally thought, “Women who don’t have to do these things to get pregnant are so lucky.”
When it was done, the doctor left the room and the nurse told me she usually sees a lot of tears during the procedure. I made it through without any tears, but I was close. Focusing on continuing to breathe helped.
That was easily my least favorite diagnostic test in this process so far. For a while afterwards I was just kind of shocked by the intensity of it. Take all the blood you want, just keep that scope away from my uterus.
Sooooo basically if you ever have to do this, expect lot’s of fun. Only the opposite. 🙂
A few days later we had the follow up with the doctor. Again, she was very encouraging. Two of the most important numbers as far as test results (and ones I was most nervous/hopeful about) are the AMH and FSH. The AMH number basically gives an indication of egg quantity. As we age, we lose eggs every cycle. Some people lose them faster than others. A low AMH means it can be hard to stimulate enough eggs to develop during the IVF process. Fortunately, mine was good. A range of 1-3.5 is ideal, mine was 6. *jazz hands*
As for the FSH, that indicates egg quality. We want to get plenty of eggs but we also want them to be of high quality. Low quality eggs may not develop as well and have more trouble during fertilization and could lead to miscarriage if you do get pregnant. I’m sure there’s more to this too, but that’s my understanding of it. You want this number to be less than 10. Mine was 7.3. *more jazz hands*
It was such a relief to hear that those numbers were still good since the last time I had them tested (about a year and a half ago). As I said, the doctor said everything looks good. The hubs’ sperm test came back great again too. We are in the clear to move forward and the outlook is sunny.
We also had the financial conversation. The cost is something people often ask about and are surprised by, so I’ll break it down just a bit for you. It seems like most offices do it a little differently, but ultimately everything seems to work out to about the same amount. The only difference really is if someone has insurance that’s helpful. Insurance often seems to pay for diagnostic testing (everything we’ve done up until now), but nothing else. That’s the case with ours.
So the main few things that were priced out separately for us were (1) the costs related to the appointments and things that the doctor’s office does – that’s the bulk of the cost. Next is the (2) genetic testing of the blastocysts/embryos, should you choose to do that. The other part is the (3) transfer of the embryo to the uterus. That cost includes one transfer, so if you have additional embryos and it doesn’t work the first time, there’s a fee for additional transfers. The remainder is the (4) medication costs, which you are paying to a pharmacy.
All in all, the doctor’s office + genetic testing is around $15k. The genetic testing is included in that number because the cost of that really does seem to vary. The embryo transfer is about $4,500. Again, that differs a good bit by doctor’s office and is paid with every embryo transfer. Then the medications range from $3k to $8k. Where you end up in that range depends on what the doctor prescribes. Certain brands cost more and depending on your particular situation, you might just need more or less medication to make things happen.
That puts the total cost between $23k and $28k. While it can vary a bit and certain line items can vary, from what I can tell it all ultimately adds up to being between those two total numbers. For something that is free to most people (getting pregnant), that’s a hefty fee. Most options people have if they don’t have insurance to cover it includes low interest (or 0%) credit cards, personal loans or even just paying it outright if you can. Or even some mix of those options. The doctor’s office offers information on companies that specialize in these types of loans as well. Not an ideal situation for hopefully soon-to-be new parents, but a reality for many.
So now we are just waiting until cycle day 1 of my next cycle, which should be the beginning of next week. I talked in my last post about the process, if you want to check it out. First up will be birth control for 10-14 days. I already have the prescription ready to go. Also, because of my borderline PCOS (she doesn’t totally think I have it, but maybe a little bit), I’m on a low dose of Metformin. I will call the doctor’s office on Day 1 of my cycle and schedule all the appointments and order meds and such. I actually think I’m anticipating Aunt Flow (day 1 of my cycle) more than ever this month. I’m ready to get this party started and see what happens!
It’s going to be a crazy and emotional next few months as we go through the highs and lows (but hopefully mostly highs) of this process. If at any point, I seem hormonal, that’s because I am. Literally shot full of them. 😉
And in the interest of not constantly annoying your inbox with updates, I think I’ll start chronicling the day to day parts of the retrieval on my Insta-stories (on the lifestyle instagram account – so if you follow the food one already, check out the lifestyle one). If you are into following along, check that occasionally for the latest update. I feel like this is going to be the most intense part of the process to some degree. Especially the week after the retrieval when I wait and see how many eggs make it to blastocyst. Once the retrieval is over, I’ll give another update here. Then I’ll know how it went and how successful it was.
Wish me luck! 🙂
Good luck to you Lindsay! It is a very exciting time. You’re emotions will rollercoaster around a bit but if you have a down day, take the time to be down. Cry if you need to and let it all out. Then pick yourself back up and move on. The process can be incredibly draining, but make sure you take care of you (emotionally and physically)! It will all be worth it… I wish you nothing but success!
BTW… I don’t find it annoying at all that you post about this stuff! It is great to make people aware!
Thanks Katrina! Glad it’s not annoying. 🙂
I second Katrina’s post…there is absolutely nothing annoying about these posts. It is a very selfless service to write about your personal experiences so that other women who may be experiencing this or something similar don’t feel isolated and/or alone.
We will keep you in our prayers and sincerely wish the very best of luck to you. You are an inspiration!
God Bless!! 🙂
Thank you so much Christine! Glad to know it’s not annoying. 🙂 Thank you for the prayers!
OOOHHH…I forgot to say….I LOVE LOVE LOVE your “Simply Beautiful Homemade Cakes” book…it is prominently placed on my kitchen bookshelf….pages bookmarked all over the place and every single recipe is a home run!!
Thank you for this most excellent addition to my collection! 🙂
Wonderful to hear! Really – so glad you enjoy it! 🙂
As someone who has been down that rugged infertility road, my heart goes out to you. I wish you all the luck in the world and I’ll send up a prayer as well. ❤
Thank you Sara!
Jazz hands indeed. Praying for you!
Thank you Dena!
Praying for you. Don’t be discouraged by what you have been through, the best is yet to come. Look forward to your post giving us a due date. Cheering for you 2🎉
Thank you so much Isabella! I look forward to that too. 🙂
My daughter is going through the very same thing right now. If todays ultrasound shows she is ready she will go for retrieval on Saturday. Good luck and praying for both of you!
Ahh! I hope the ultra sound went well! I had a friend who had a retrieval a couple weeks ago and I know the wait and appointments just before can seem like forever. Praying for a successful retrieval and fertilization for her!
Having been through all of this, I can only say keep your chin up. It’s part of the process to feel overwhelmed, emotional, and sort of like you’re alone in all of this. I promise, even though it doesn’t feel like it now, down the road when you have your baby, this will all feel like a distant memory. xoxoxoxo I’ll be following along on your journey! (Oh – and I LOVE your cooking blog, too. You truly are an artist.
Thank you Katie! 🙂
And glad to hear you to enjoy the recipes!
I have a ton of lady problems and need to get a lot of testing and biopsies done and I feel like they always try to downplay the pain associated with these tests. The cramping is the worst. It’s like our bodies are throwing temper tantrums and all we can do is try to stay calm, haha. I’m not trying to get pregnant but they tested my AMH and mine is .04 so you have me majorly beat, haha. I of course now like to talk about how I have the eggs of an old lady because even my doctor was a little stunned. I also deal with all things via humor so laughing at the eggs is the best I can muster up, haha. I hope this process gets easier and I wish you the best of luck! Also, thank you for talking about infertility. I find it sad that a lot of women won’t open up and talk about what’s going on. It’s important for people to know they are not alone.
Describing it like our bodies throwing temper tantrums is perfect. My uterus totally did that. 🙂 I’m sorry to hear about the low AMH. I have a very close friend going through this as well and hers was very low – I know it’s tough.
I definitely wish more people would open up about it so others felt like they could, but I also know some people have their reasons. I do my best to be open to be a support. 🙂 Thanks Brandy!
My favorite expression I used when explaining PCOS and the IVF process “most women are like a fine boutique for eggs…I’m more like a sweatshop!”
This is a tough process emotionally and financially and puts everything into perspective. I wish you much success and strength in your journey!
Hi Lindsay,
Reading all about the IVF process, and the testing and such, makes me think about my daughter, who is 34 weeks pregnant through IVF. She and her husband have been married for 7 years, and started to try and have a family immediately after they married. She never got pregnant and began to see a fertility specialist and had 11 procedures done (IUI), resulting in 6 pregnancies and 6 losses. They then began the IVF process and all that goes with it. They transferred 2 embryos and the one took, that will be our little grand-daughter Ryen!!! Such a miracle, and so very blessed that God has allowed us mere mortals to have such medical knowledge to help people have a family. I will pray the same result for you and your husband Lindsay. Ryen will be our first grand-baby and we are so grateful and excited. God is good! Blessings…oh and by the way, you’ve got some rockin recipes, I’ve made several!!
Thanks so much Patti! I’m so glad to hear things worked out for your daughter – congratulations!
Y’all are in my prayers always!!!
Thanks Tina!
Praying for you guys!!!
Thanks Jaren!
Major jazz hands from the west coast. Also if you need to call and bitch because you’re crazy emotional, you know where to find me.
Lindsay, I just adore you. You are going to make an amazing mother. I know this process SUCKS, but you are doing so amazing. Much love to you, friend.
Thanks so much friend! ❤️❤️
Sending prayers your way! My husband and I have been struggling for over 3 years- I have endometriosis and uterine fibroids. It’s been an emotional journey. We are actually going to an infertility doctor in Mexico. He was highly recommended from our U.S. Gynecologist and the cost is 1/4 of what we’d have to pay in the U.S.. $5kish…At first I was hesitant but these doctors speak clear English and really know their stuff! Waiting for my next cycle to see what’s going on in my uterus. Good luck to you and your hubs! PS- I came across your page when I saw your berry marscapone cake!! Yum!
Thank you for the prayers Kristy! I will be praying for you as well. I’m sorry to hear you are struggling with this too, but I’m glad you’ve found a doctor you are happy with. I hope it go well!
I just recently started following your blog (I’m a good blogger myself!) and had no idea about your infertility journey. My husband and I have been battling it for almost 5 years now. We actually just started our Invocell cycle! Literally started birth control pills today. It’s not identical to IVF but almost the same. Just thought it was a crazy coincedince that I started following you and turns out we’re on the same journey. Best of luck to you and your husband!!
I had never heard of Invocell and just googled – so interesting!! I have a million questions, haha! 🙂 I would be so curious about your experience and how it turns out! Are you sharing it anywhere?
Best of luck to you both as well! I hope it’s successful!
I am so happy I found your instagram and then saw your post about IVF on your blog. My husband and I are going on 2 years of everything you have been going through, the procedures, medications, waiting for day 1 calling the doctor taking medications day 5-9, all that fun stuff! We feel like regulars at our doctors office and if we don’t get pregnant within the next 3 months with me on femara and doing IUI then they said IVF is next. I’m very scared, nervous, I have had two sisters get preganant on their first tries and one of sisters actually is having her second and she timed it when she wanted her child and boom it happened! Both my sisters timed their pregnancies so they knew exactly what month they wanted them in, crazy! On top of that they are both in their 30’s and I am 28! What the heck! Sorry to vent a little but I’ll pray for you and wish you the best in your journey and I will be keeping an eye out for more post ☀
Thanks Melissa! Glad you found me too. 🙂 I’m sorry to hear you’ve been going through the same thing – it’s so not fun. Hopefully seeing what I’m doing with IVF will help it seem less intimidating if you guys end up going that route. I know I very badly didn’t want to through everything it entails, but I’ll say that going through it now, it was much worse in my head than in reality. I’ll be praying for you as well – good luck!
I came looking for pretty mouth watering cakes (which I taunt my sisters with) and stumbled upon this! Reading this brought back all the memories of this process. I recall asking my male fertility dr if the scope was painful as it looks ginormous and his words “I wouldn’t know never had one used for me before” 🙂 very dry humor
Praying all works as expected and soon you are holding your baba (or babas) as they tend to call babies here in South Africa
I’m 9 weeks pregnant with my third IVF baby. It looks like the process has been going a bit by now for you. Mag d close to retrieval now? I hope it’s been smooth!
I’m super impressed you did the hysteroscopy in office. I always have mine done under general after a failed miserable try in office. Total grit there!!
Sending so much love while you ride the roller coaster!
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