But, naturally, I spent the days before, researching everything about the HSG, and I was so scared.
I read horrifying stories on the internet about how painful it was and how some women passed out from it. (yes, I believe it, because there were smelling salts taped to the wall in the procedure room when I went). I was even watching as the 2 women before me, came out after theirs, and the one woman looked very uncomfortable and a little disheveled even. By the time I got back to the changing area, to undress, my cheeks were all flush and I had a nice little rash on my chest, from worrying myself sick. Even though the nurse explained it well and told me it would take only about 2 minutes, tops, I was still terrified. I even read that it was more painful than an endometrial biopsy.. (which I had some years back and thought I was going to scream!)
But, I am not kidding, or even exaggerating, when I say that the HSG was nothing like I had seen or heard. As with almost every procedure, each person is different and their pain tolerance is not the same of another person, but if I can comfort even ONE person who reads this before her HSG, I'm glad to do so.
I really liked the doctor who performed the HSG on me - Dr. V was really sweet, and had great bedside manner. He even talked through it as he went; telling me what he was doing, when he was doing it, what I might feel. This was a plus for me, because Doc made me feel like a person, not just another patient on the table. In this kind of procedure, you're already in an emotionally fragile state, (infertility does that).
It really was as quick as the nurse had implied. You only undress from the waist down and put the sheet over, as if you're preparing for a regular check up. (pap smear) Dr. V inserted the speculum and then very gently cleansed the cervix with some antiseptic (iodine solution).. (I felt very little, but definitely some 'sensation' with this, not a painful kind)
Then the very thin catheter was inserted (a little more pressure) and the dye was slowly injected.
I didn't really feel anything, but pressure, at times. When Doc couldn't see any dye flowing into the right tube (the only one I have left), he decided to try more dye. (this was what I had read could be one of the pain triggers)...So I was doing my breathing exercises. But it wasn't painful.
Just a little more pressure, and then, at Dr' V's instruction, I was turning onto my right side, then my left side, and then flat on my back again. Then, he had me watch the screen while he explained where the dye was and what it was showing, or not showing. After a minute or so, he concluded his study, and sat me up, (slowly), to go over the images and discuss the results. (you should sit up slowly, and not spring up, when the doctor says it's all done. I read that some women experience dizziness, so be careful to ease yourself into a sitting position and not jump off the table) I really couldn't believe how quick a procedure this is... So, even if you do feel pain, it's for such a brief time, it seems like a fair trade. I know it's easy for me to say that, but it was kind of the mindset I had, going in.
As for the results: unfortunately, he did note that my right Fallopian tube is not open.. (he could see what remained of the left one). He showed me an area on the X-ray, where there seemed to be some scar tissue, around the right Fallopian tube, that he feels could be hampering the tube from being functional and thus causing the dye to not flow freely through and out of it. I had no idea why I would have scar tissue there, unless it was from the ectopic rupture and surgery from that. (because my right small bowel had been affected by that) But he suggested it could have been endometriosis, that was never detected, and had left that behind. I held it together, emotionally, for as long as I could, and then just lost it. I was so disappointed & crushed. I had such high hopes going into this. If that tube had been clear, I would have been able to try Clomid again, and I probably could have gotten pregnant, again.
But, I am not kidding, or even exaggerating, when I say that the HSG was nothing like I had seen or heard. As with almost every procedure, each person is different and their pain tolerance is not the same of another person, but if I can comfort even ONE person who reads this before her HSG, I'm glad to do so.
I really liked the doctor who performed the HSG on me - Dr. V was really sweet, and had great bedside manner. He even talked through it as he went; telling me what he was doing, when he was doing it, what I might feel. This was a plus for me, because Doc made me feel like a person, not just another patient on the table. In this kind of procedure, you're already in an emotionally fragile state, (infertility does that).
It really was as quick as the nurse had implied. You only undress from the waist down and put the sheet over, as if you're preparing for a regular check up. (pap smear) Dr. V inserted the speculum and then very gently cleansed the cervix with some antiseptic (iodine solution).. (I felt very little, but definitely some 'sensation' with this, not a painful kind)
Then the very thin catheter was inserted (a little more pressure) and the dye was slowly injected.
I didn't really feel anything, but pressure, at times. When Doc couldn't see any dye flowing into the right tube (the only one I have left), he decided to try more dye. (this was what I had read could be one of the pain triggers)...So I was doing my breathing exercises. But it wasn't painful.
Just a little more pressure, and then, at Dr' V's instruction, I was turning onto my right side, then my left side, and then flat on my back again. Then, he had me watch the screen while he explained where the dye was and what it was showing, or not showing. After a minute or so, he concluded his study, and sat me up, (slowly), to go over the images and discuss the results. (you should sit up slowly, and not spring up, when the doctor says it's all done. I read that some women experience dizziness, so be careful to ease yourself into a sitting position and not jump off the table) I really couldn't believe how quick a procedure this is... So, even if you do feel pain, it's for such a brief time, it seems like a fair trade. I know it's easy for me to say that, but it was kind of the mindset I had, going in.
As for the results: unfortunately, he did note that my right Fallopian tube is not open.. (he could see what remained of the left one). He showed me an area on the X-ray, where there seemed to be some scar tissue, around the right Fallopian tube, that he feels could be hampering the tube from being functional and thus causing the dye to not flow freely through and out of it. I had no idea why I would have scar tissue there, unless it was from the ectopic rupture and surgery from that. (because my right small bowel had been affected by that) But he suggested it could have been endometriosis, that was never detected, and had left that behind. I held it together, emotionally, for as long as I could, and then just lost it. I was so disappointed & crushed. I had such high hopes going into this. If that tube had been clear, I would have been able to try Clomid again, and I probably could have gotten pregnant, again.
Just when things felt like they were moving at a steady pace, it all came to an abrupt halt. Dr. V suggested I make an appt, for a consult, and see if maybe surgery would be an option to remove the scar tissue and possibly free up that tube. If that's what is obsstructing it. He also indicated that IVF is an option we'll be offered. But, IVF is not something I can consider. My insurance does not cover it; Pennsylvania is not a mandated state, YET. (I hope to see that change)... but, besides that I don't think I could put us through that. I know how emotionally, and physically taxing it can be. Not from experience, but from others who have gone through it. So, that's where I stand right now, and my consult appointment is on the 23rd of this month. Stay tuned!
