Newbie

[Rhea_UK]

Hi All,

I am new to this Forum.

I have recently been diagnosed with Primary infertility as both of my Fallopian tubes are blocked and my only chance for having children would be via IVF treatment.

I am absolutely clueless about IVF & i have been trying to educate myself via the net.

Any tips or do' & don't's?

I am feeling a bit anxious reading peoples comments about the lengthy process...

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[NDE1987]

Hi there! I am currently waiting for my funding to be approved aswell to start ivf. Although my tubes are fine I have tried iui and it hasn't worked I have started eating healthy and started accupunture to get my body ready. I also have started drinking lots of water and eating Brazil nuts. Have you been for your blood tests and scans etc? I originally went to my doctors last year April and 2015 to ask for help. I was then sent for bloods to see if I was ovulating in June 2015 and then was referred to a ferility specialist in October 2015 and I had my second lap which showed I had a cysts, my tubes were fine but also my ovary was stuck to my uterus and my adhesions were removed. I was given 3 months to start trying naturally and it never worked. Feb 2016 I had my first iui and I got a negative. May 2016 second iui again a negative. I was due to start my third iui in June but my period has not come it's been a week and a half and have got negative results. This whole process will play with your mind but please try and stay stress free and healthy x

[Rhea_UK in reply to NDE1987]

Hey,

Thanks for your advice. I am still waiting for my funding form to come through, so I guess I have a long waiting period yet.

I have previously suffered from endomotriosis (was diagnosed around 10 years ago) but a recent laparascopy gave me the all clear on that. However, I do experience a lot of abdominal cramping on a daily basis.

But I need to motivate myself to get fit again, esp if i want to give IVF my best chance.

Wishing you all the success with your treatment..xoxo

[NDE1987 in reply to Rhea_UK]

Thank you! I have endromestosis aswell. I was diagnosed back in 2013 when I had an operation. I am in the same position as you, in that I also get daily cramping and my legs ache. This journey is not nice and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. Just makes me sad that still after a year of hospital appointments etc we haven't got anywhere. Just have to keep positive. Xx

[Rhea_UK in reply to NDE1987]

It sure is tough dealing with the pain. I do feel like a whinger sometimes about abdominal pain. A hot water bottle really helps with cramping 🙂

Hopefully, we can see this whole process through.

Goodluck for your treatment. Wishing you all the success!

xoxo

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Rhea_UK. I am sure you will find loads of support here as you go through treatment. You may find that you may need some treatment on your Fallopian tubes before commencing IVF. The reason being, is that the natural lubrication in the tubes can build up because the excess can't escape through the open end. Because of this the only way for it to go is through the womb end. This is now widely believed to interfere with implantation of a developing embryo, so best to speak to your specialist about this when you eventually do get to have your next consultation. Yes, it is a long process, but once you get under way, it will soon get hectic. Obviously I wish you well with it all and for success. Diane

[Rhea_UK in reply to DianeArnold]

Hi Diane,

Thanks for ur support. I wasn't aware of the lubrication in the fallopian tubes. My specialist gynae also didn't mention this.

Would this also be the case if your tubes are blocked due to infection or endometriosis?

He just advised, that if they became to problematic then as the very last option - they would look to having them removed.

But thank you for making me aware of this. I will definitely question my specialist about this on my next visit to ensure this doesn't cause any further delay to the treatment.

Xxx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to Rhea_UK]

Hi Rhea_UK. Infection, scarring, and sometimes endometriosis can cause a condition called "hydrosalpinx". When translated, simply means water in the tube! Fallopian tubes have a natural lubrication in them to allow sperm to swim up to the egg, and the egg to travel down. Occasionally, the end of the tube(s) called “fimbriae” can stick together. This then blocks the “exit” for excess fluid to escape. There is then only one way out for any excess fluid and that is through the womb end of the tube. Many consultants now believe that this excess fluid can prevent implantation of a developing embryo, as it can be “washed” out. Because of this the tube is often dealt with by either removal or "clipping" before proceeding with IVF/ICSI to give you the best chance of success. That's my medical explanation, and hope it doesn't confuse you further. Have a chat with your specialist when you go back, so that you have a clear, informed picture of what he/she found. He/she will give you correct information before anything is done. Should your tubes be blocked from the endo growing on the outside, then hopefully it can just be lasered away before commencing IVF, and you get to keep your tubes. Sorry if this all sounds a bit blunt, but just trying to explain things as simply as possible, and make sure you are well informed before going back. Diane

[Rhea_UK in reply to DianeArnold]

Hi Diane,

Thanks for the information above. I wasn't aware how complex the situ can be.

Thanks for making me aware of all the possible issues which may need addressing.

I really appreciate your help & support.

I will discuss this with my specialist when i go back at the end of July.

xxx

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK in reply to Rhea_UK]

Hi Rhea_UK. My pleasure and good luck with it all. Diane