Just been told my tubes are blocked but given no other info! :(

[vicky2209]

Hello Everyone

Just joined this forum as I had Laparoscopy and dye test yesterday, and after the op they just said both my tubes are blocked but they don't know why - there was no mention of 'Endo' so don't know what that is, they just said our only option now is IVF - I've now been frantically reading up on IVF to try and know as much about it as possible, but does anyone know the approx. waiting time for this (I live in Yorkshire/humber area if this helps?) I just don't want my husband to get his hopes up that we'll be moving onto next step soon when that could not be the case?

I'm basically just very confused at moment, as I said I only had the op yesterday and my husband wasn't allowed to be with me, so they gave me the results when I was extremely out of it on pain killers and anaesthetic! the only thing is says on my discharge notes is I have bilateral tube blockage, and from what they were saying they don't know what's caused it, and they haven't decided if they want to remove them both yet! I don't get a follow up appointment for 4-6wks so im left feeling rather confused with no answers

Thanks for any help you can give me!

xxxx

[kerryp82]

Hi. I had a laparoscopy and dye test last year. Like you, the doctor told me my results when I was still half out of it on drugs. I can't read what they wrote on my discharge sheet because I can't understand their writing. The doctors didn't say anything to me about endo either but I spoke to a friend and she told me that she had to go in to hospital a few times before they diagnosed her endo. I still think I have endo coz I still can't conceive. Anyway, good luck and hope u get the answers soon x

[vicky2209 in reply to kerryp82]

Thanks hun - it is a very confusing time, it's just impossible to get the answers we need when we want them, its the waiting game which is the worst thanks for the support tho, and I hope you get some good luck soon too!! xx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi vicky2209.Sorry to hear that you have come away without any further explanation as to what might have caused your tubes to be blocked. Sometimes they can be blocked by some past infection that has not been noticed. Previous surgery in that area can sometimes be responsible for adhesions forming, which can block tubes. Another reason which makes me wonder if it what you have, is through hydrosalpinx. This condition called which when translated simply means water in the tube! Fallopian tubes have a natural lubrication in them to allow sperm to swim and the egg to travel down. Occasionally, the end of the tube(s) called “fimbriae” stick together. This then blocks the “exit” for excess fluid to escape. There is then only one way out for this fluid and that is through the womb end of the tube. Many consultants now believe that this excess of fluid can prevent implantation of a developing embryo, as it can be “washed” out. As your consultant has mentioned the possibility of removing your tubes, it could be due to this – I don’t know. Your consultant/doctor will explain which option he/she feels would be best for you. I hope you soon get a full explanation as to what has been found Diane

[Miwa]

Hi Vicky,

So sorry to hear you story. I too was diagnosed with both my tubes blocked, but they were not sure if it was caused by endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. I was given two options, either to have them removed or have them clipped as leaving them as they were would mean the IVF chances were less than 10% of working. Because I had pelvic pain from endometriosis I choose to have them removed as they said that blocked tubes can be a cause of pelvic pain as well. From what I gathered it can be quite difficult for doctors to find out the root cause of tubal blockage.

I live in West Yorkshire and we only get 1 free IVF on NHS, whereas if you are in East Yorkshire it is 3 free NHS attempts. Unfortunately my first IVF chance was wasted as when they came to put the embryos back in the consultant stated both my tubes were inflamed and blocked and the IVF was unlikely to work. Needless to say it didn't work. I had both tubes removed and I am now 34 weeks pregnant after our third IVF attempt. There is hope that you can conceive.

Regarding waiting lists it varies on hospital to hospital and throughout the year. When I had my NHS attempt the waiting list was 18 months, at the moment it is only 6 months. It just depends on how many people are being referred in or choosing to pay privately.

Miwa xx