Waiting for an Open Window Part 1

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In 2013, my husband and I stopped having fertility treatments. Not only was it expensive, it was emotionally exhausting. After taking several rounds of Clomid, follicle monitoring sessions, taking an HSG, two IUIs, a year of acupuncture, tons of Chinese herbal tea, we decided that it was enough for us now. Whew!

We put our plans on hold to have a baby. I resigned from a stable employment to stay at home and start doing freelance work. Most of our income was put into doctors' fees, laboratory fees, medicines, and transportation costs. We're thankful that God gave us the resources to pursue treatments which we thought would help us conceive.

Not this time (again)

Many say chances of conception rise after an HSG procedure. Since the liquid dye from the procedure "cleans" the fallopian tubes, it's much easier for the sperm and egg to meet.

We were very hopeful after I had the HSG and learned that there was no blockage in my tubes. I thought we would be able to conceive that cycle. But, Aunt Flo came on the dot. :(

The first time I took Clomid two years ago, we were very excited, learning that couples get pregnant after taking the ovulation inducing drug. After Clomid, having a shot of Pregnyl helps the egg to rupture and be released to the fallopian tubes. We were more hopeful that time. Then the HSG. We were looking forward to getting pregnant. Even Dra. Aguilar prescribed 100 tablets of folic acid since she said I would get pregnant. Still, we weren't able to conceive.

What's the problem? It just frustrates me sometimes.

I can't help but think that maybe we are experiencing difficulty getting pregnant because we are busy with several things. We weren't able to sit down, relax and just enjoy the journey towards conception.

After the HSG

We were happy with the result of the HSG. Knowing that my fallopian tubes are patent felt like a burden was lifted off my chest. I immediately texted my friend, L, and my mother about the result. They were happy as well.

Five days after the HSG, I had a bleeding. It started as red spotting in the morning. My heart raced as the spotting turned to bleeding. I put on a sanitary pad just in case the bleeding would continue for the rest of the day. It did. It was like a first day of menstruation bleeding. What's happening?!?!

I searched on the Internet about bleeding after the HSG. Most talked about the spotting, which was expected after having the procedure. None said about bleeding. I was scared. Maybe I had an infection? I did not have a fever. Good thing, the bleeding stopped the next day.

I visited Dra. Aguilar and told her about the bleeding. She said it was normal. Sometimes it happens to those who had HSG. The body wasn't able to expel all of the liquid dye and it would only be expelled a few days after the procedure. Whew!

My HSG Experience

My period was four days late. Just when I was waiting for it so I could text Dra. Aguilar. On the second cycle day, I texted Dra. so she could reply when I would have my HSG. She scheduled my HSG on cycle day 8.

Day of HSG
I was nervous and anxious. I got mixed reviews from other women who underwent the same procedure. Some say HSG was very painful, some had mild discomfort, etc.  I just wanted to have the HSG and end my mixed feelings of having the procedure. My friend who had an HSG last year told me to relax. There would be pain, but not unbearable. I told myself, if the simple procedure would put make me a nervous wreck just because of the pain it would elicit, I have no business getting pregnant since giving birth is way more painful than having the HSG.

We weren't able to arrive 30 minutes before the procedure, as Dra. instructed, but luckily, Dra. Aguilar was still attending to several patients so we were able to rest and freshen up first.

I quickly signed two forms before the procedure and off we went to the Radiology room. Hubby was left in the waiting room.

I changed to a hospital gown (open section at the back) and removed clothing from the waist down. Dra. Aguilar and two medical interns prepared for the procedure. At that time, I was calming myself and kept reminding myself that this procedure is way less painful than giving birth. Articles on the internet say an HSG lasts for 15 minutes. I can handle it.

I laid down on the X-ray table while Dra. Aguilar positioned the X-ray machine above my pelvic area. There was a red cross mark light from the machine so my pelvic area could be positioned perfectly. Hands under the head to prevent covering my private parts in case the procedure becomes painful. I breathed in. I breathed out.

I could hear the sounds of speculum, cannula and other medical stuff for the HSG as they were prepared for the procedure. Clink-clink-clink! I tried to think about things other than the HSG so I wouldn't get nervous.

Dra. Aguilar told me to put my feet in the stirrups, as if I'm having a pap smear. 

The HSG procedure lasted for about 5 minutes or so. It was quick! The preparation for the HSG took longer than the procedure itself. There were four x-ray pictures taken. Like my friend said, the pain was bearable. For me, it was just like having a pap smear in five minutes. For those who would be having an HSG, don't worry about the pain. You can handle it!

HSG Result: Both tubes are patent (no blockages)!!!

Before my HSG

A few days before my period, I visited Dra. Aguilar in her clinic at Friendlycare. I wanted to inform her that I want to have the HSG procedure. It is the next step in my infertility treatment. HSG or hysterosalpingogram is not a treatment but a procedure to test if a woman's fallopian tubes are patent (without blockage) or blocked.

Dra. Aguilar gave me two prescriptions, one was for the text format to inform her that I had my period and would be having an HSG. She has this text format so texting would be easier for her and the patient. No beating around the bush. Below the text format were the following reminders:

1. Bring companion
2. Arrive 30 minutes before scheduled appointment
3. Bring sanitary napkin

Number 1 made me anxious.

Another prescription was for the medicines to take before, on the day, and after the procedure. She prescribed and antibiotics for 10 days and some pain relievers.

I bought the meds (costs P1,326) and waited for my period.