Had laser laparoscopy surgery yesterday morning and diagnosis is Stage 3 endometriosis. But mostly it's stage 3, the doctor said, because there were many 'teensy' (yes, he used that word) instances. Nothing big and nothing physically blocking anything. Apparently the persistent cyst (we've been seeing since August) was 'clear.' (Does that mean it wasn't an endometrioma - I wasn't quite clear myself).
So, do we know more now? I guess so, although it doesn't seem to met that it really changes any plans. Dr.R, who did the lap, said that the research says that removing endometriosis can mean a better chance of getting pregnant on our own, but it's inconclusive about whether I will respond to IVF stim meds with more eggs after the lap. Conclusion: yet again, the doctors don't have a clue.....so frustrating.
(Meanwhile my husband was at NIH yesterday for an annual check-in on his very own 'idiopathic' syndrome (which causes no symptoms, and for which he's not being treated). Idiopathic meaning we don't have a freakin' clue. (and in his case, this from a world-renowned researcher in that area)
So, what next? Gotta call the fertility clinic and tell them where we are. Mr.Right and I had said we'd roll right into an IVF cycle after this lap, but maybe we should try on our own for a few months? (of course, trying to pinpoint ovulation for me is verging on the ridiculous) Dr.R who did the lap said he'd tell us to give it a try by ourselves for a few months, although he doubted that's what Dr.Dry at the fertility clinic would recommend.
So, crazy cycles where I can pinpoint ovulation + we're still in a hurry - only 2 short months to the big 4-0 birthday = starting IVF#4 in a few weeks (perhaps even as early as as the end of next week if I have another 17 or 20 day cycle.)
Otherwise, the weather is beautiful and my mom is here planting pansies for me in front of the house! And I just got a phone call with an old friend who lives in Denver and is turning 40 tomorrow.
Mike got a job and other updates
6 years ago
Congrats on getting the lap done! Was it painful? I'd love to hear about your experience. So endemetriosis - huh? Crazy how it doesn't really change much. But quick question - I had a friend who had endo and her doctor said that immunology issues are common with endo - basically your body attacks embryos and kills them before they have a chance to implant, or even later so it increases the chance of miscarriage. It may be worth asking your RE about testing for immunology issues...
ReplyDeleteIf it were me, I would push hard for the immunology testing, and then move forward with an IVF, as I think there are things they can give you to suppress that part of your immune system. Just my thoughts...
And enjoy that beautiful weather!!!
Ugh, I'm so sorry. I'm not going to sugar-coat it--endo really sucks. There are so many other problems that can go along with this diagnosis, and many of them are controversial or poorly understood (which means they can also be difficult to get treated). Please, please, please find a doctor that will test you for immune issues before spending money on another IVF cycle. I've seen too many women throw away thousands of dollars on IVF attempts that were doomed to failure because they had untreated immune problems. This is one of the major reasons I started my blog--to get the word out.
ReplyDeleteFYI, there's a book I highly recommend that really goes into depth on these issues. It's called, "Is Your Body Baby Friendly?" by Dr. Alan Beer and it's available on Amazon. One of the things he talks about is the fact that women with endometriosis (particularly milder cases) are highly at risk. Blighted ovums can also be a symptom.
In addition, you might think about requesting a Beta-3 Integrin test. For whatever reason, women with endo also seem to be disproportionately prone to Beta-3 Integrin deficiencies. CCRM has been researching this issue over the last few years and, last I heard, they were requiring this test for many (all?) of their patients.
Sorry to be such a downer. If you need additional information about any of this, please feel free to ask. I hope I'm wrong, but I just have a really bad feeling that you and I are in the same boat on the immune issue.
Only a bit of endo is good news! I wouldn't be waiting though, I'd get straight into the next IVF cycle. I wish we hadn't wasted so much time!
ReplyDeleteGood luck.