Tube removal - any advice

[wendy30]

Hello Everyone

I wonder if anyone can help me.

We have had 6 attempts at IVF (5 negative, 1 early m/c). I have severe endo and during a scan in the summer they have now discovered fluid seeping from my left tube and recommend either removing it or clipping it if we want to do anymore IVF.

However I had a laparoscopy two weeks ago where they hoped to do this but my endo has become so severe that they couldn't even see the tube, all the reproductive stuff is stuck together and to the bowel, bladder etc, a real mess.

We assumed this would be the end of road but my consultant is thinking about doing major surgery to try and deal with the tube. there are some risks and recovery time would be about 3 months. He is consulting a bowel specialist to see if they think its a good idea and for advice regarding possible damage to the bowel.

I am happy to do this, assuming they say its ok, but would really like to know 1 if anyone has ever been through something like this and 2 the thoughts of you ladies who have had your tubes removed.

thanks

Wendy

[sue e]

hI Wendy,

Although i haen't had the surgery i looked into it as at one point i was told i have a hydrosalpynx (sorry cant spell it). My tubes seem to be like yours welded to internal organs, but i was lucky my hydro.. ..... just disappeared during treatment. I went on the care website (www.carefertilityweb.co.uk) and found a number of people had had the surgery after several failed ivf's and had then become pregnant. they all seemed to say in the same position they would recommend it. Should i of needed it i would of definately gone for it.

I presume the major surgery would be a laparotomy, i had to have one of those with my ep. I was back at work after 4 weeks, i just took things a little easier for a number of weeks after.

wishing you all the best

Love

sue e xx

[DebraP]

Hi, did you see Tonya's thread called 'Question' a little further down the page? it deals with the same issue and several other people have replied with their experience.

hth
Debra.

[olina]

Hi Wendy,
I've just had laparoscopy last Friday and had my Hydro tube remove ( the left one due to an ectopic preganancy 4 years ago)
I would really look foward to the surgery in your case, 'cause if you search in pubmed.com, having a tubal problem, can be detrimental for IVF.
I did 2 cycles before the surgery and of course they ended up BFN.
Now I feel so muc better knowing that the tube is gone....
Keep in touch, I hope to read about your good surgery soon and a BFP!!
olina.

[wendy30]

Hi

Thanks for all the replies. You know what its like, my head is just swimming with things and I don't want to get too carried away hoping they will do the surgery incase they say no.

Sue, you were only off for 4 weeks after your laparotomy, thats what I would be having, that sounds far better than the 3 months I was told. Congratulations on your news.

Olina, I agree removing the tubes would be like starting afresh. How are feeling, ok?

Debra, thanks I hadn't seen the other post. Good luck for the 20th, fingers crossed for you.

Wendy x

[olina]

Hi Wendy,
Yes, I'm feeling better every day (I'm taking medication still for the pain though)
I had a Laparoscopy, they made 2 incisions only (one in the belly button and one supra pubic) that's all!!! I only took the day of the surgery which was last friday (then came the weekend, and I did go shopping for a while but not too much) and then I only took 2 days from work 'cause i felt better and didn't want to waist all my sick verified days for this 'cause you never know when you might need them ( in case I need a FET in the future)
the only thing that I really hated was the general anesthesia ( it made me feel nausea and sick) and then the Co2 that they inject in your peritoneum to distend the abdomen that causes pain in the left shoulder ( 'cause the c02 compresses your diaphragm up and as it's inervation comes from the same nerve root it hurts there) but doesn't last for too long.
well I hope everything goes well,
Big hug Olina.

[Ellie]

Hi Wendy
I too had pretty bad endo including fluid filled tubes. I had several laporotomies to clear it as they wouldn't do too much at a time. I had my last one at the end of june including the tube being removed and was pregnant by the middle of september!
So for me it worked. I would say there is no point in having another go if your endo is bad much better to get it sorted first.
Good luck

[olina]

Hi Ellie!!!
It's so good tho read about your pregnancy after a laparotomy.
I need to ask you (if you don't mind me beeing so nosy) when you've got pregnant after the surgery did you try an IVF cycle or was it naturally? And last question, how long did you have to wait until you could start ttc?
I'm asking 'cause as you can see on my signature I had the surgery last week and now after my AF comes I'm willing to try again for a few months the natural way.
Thanks,
Olina

[Ellie]

Olina
It was IVF and I had the op at the end of June and did a cycle in the Sept.Felt a bit weak as it was a pretty major op , I went away in August and back to normal by the time we stared on Sept 1st did a short protocol and was pregnant on the 24th Sept!!
I would say don't rush it for the sake of a month or two make sure you are really fit so that when you get your BFP your body is at its best for the pregnancy!