Seal - how are you getting on??

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Tue Aug 27, 2002 8:11 pm

Seal Are you around and if so let me know how your doing. Lucyxx

Seal · Post by **Seal** » Thu Sep 19, 2002 9:03 pm

Lucy - How are you? I have thought about you. I have been away but now I am back and due to go in for an open myomectomy with a laperoscopy and hysteroscopy on Thursday (26/10). I think I mentioned that I was going for a second opinion at the AZVUB in Brussels. They suggested that I should have a hysteroscopy before any more IVFs. I did and they found that my fibroid is impinging against the cavity of the womb. I went for 2 more opinions on this in London and both confirmed that I need open surgery because to avoid damaging the lining. The Proff in Belgium agrees. I am having it done at Hammersmith hospital because Mr Margara (the surgeon) is very experienced. Needless to say I am really scared but I would regret it if I did not have it done. It will also cost me £2600 and over and above the IVF costs! Obviously I feel really alarmed by the fact that at UCH nobody thought this was an issue (despite hysterosonogram) and tomorrow I am seeing my GP to discuss what to do about this. I thought I would intially like something in writing explaining why they failed to identify it. Anyway I think that going for a second opinion was the best thing that I could have done. The AZVUB have the best results in Europe and I would definately recommend them for a second opinion (which was free) and they are generally cheaper. Hope you are well- please let me know how things are going with you. You mentioned that you may try again? Looking forward to hear from you. [Edited by Seal on 19-Sep-02 22:08]

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Sun Sep 22, 2002 8:44 am

Hi Seal Glad to hear from you. The AZVUB seems to have at least given you a reason why IVF could be failing you. It sounds like you have the best team working for you now. I agree with you on why the hell didn't anyone pick up the fibroid problem before. I do get this feeling that hospitals just like to move you as quickly as possible to IVF because it is a easier answer and they make loads of money out of it. A little cynical I know. I had fibroids/demaroids growing on my ovaries and I had them removed before starting any treatment. My Dr said that they were not causeing much of a problem but he would like to take them out. I think they can have growth spurts which could of course affect IVF treatment. I am still on the Chinese herbs and accupuncture and they are at least making me feel better and ovulation and periods seem to have regulated for the first time. I have a big problem with circulation which is what the Chinese doctor is treating based on the fact that the blood is not healthy in the womb and that is why the embryos are not implanting. You are really going to go through it on the 26/10 but I totally agree if you don't you will never be able to rest always thinking could I have done more. We all have our own limits that we set. I am going to go ahead with one more try at IVF when my Chinese doctor thinks I am ready which will probably not be for a few more months although she is hopeful that we could actually make a baby on our own! The very very best of luck for the 26th OCtober and please keep me updated on everything. Lucyx

Seal · Post by **Seal** » Sun Sep 22, 2002 11:14 am

You sound very positive and cleary you are getting some results. I was very unsure about alternative treatments (especially as I had a very painful/wierd acupuncture experience) but this summer I had a hyteroscopy without anasthetic (this was very stupid of me as I was trying to get it done asap) and I felt an intense pain in my neck not my womb! Apparently this is a standard response as we do not feel pain in our internal organs but it can be transmitted. So clearly I saw the potential effect of acupuncture - very persuasive. I have also arranged to go the the Gateway in South London for a course of acupuncture/Chinese herbal medicine prior to my next IVF. My consultaion is scheduled for the 15th of November. I think it is great to work towards this by employing both traditional and alternative methods. Is there a chance that your fibroids etc have grown back and are therefore preventing pregnancy? Will you use the same hospital or try somewhere else next time? I will post again after the surgery when I'm feeling better.

Seal · Post by **Seal** » Tue Oct 01, 2002 9:34 am

hello Lucy - i'm back and well. the operation was a success. 5 fibroids removed (2 about 4cms inside womb - 3 outside. the cavity was very distorted. Looking forward 2 8 weeks recovery & rest. Hope you are well - keep me posted

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Tue Oct 01, 2002 7:58 pm

Hi Seal So glad to hear from you I have bee checking the site for news. Wow what alot to take out - you must be feeling bruised and battered. What ever you do take it easy. After they removed mine I went back to work to soon and I really paid for it and had to have over a month off work. Please promise to take it easy! Can you explain a little more on the cavity being distorted. Will this now sort it's self out and did the doctor have any idea on the amount this was affecting your fertility. I am glad the operation went well and I hope your well on the road to recovery. A little tip if you have pains in your neck and shoulders after the op drink peppermint tea. It helps get rid of the trapped air they fill you up with. All the very best and let me know how your feeling. Lucyx

Seal · Post by **Seal** » Tue Oct 08, 2002 9:17 am

Apparently the fibroids were pressing against the cavity and distorting it - this prohibits the possibility of implantation. I now need to wait to get my period, should be witin six weeks from today and then another bone after that in order to start again. I have been given a 20% chance of success - not great but I feel hopeful. I have some frozen embryos and I am considering doing a natural FET first - supported bt acupuncture and chinese herbal therapy. I will then go to Belgium if that fails for 2 more IVF cycles. Are you planning to try IVF again or just go natural for a while and then see?

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