TTC - Your First Child 6+ Months

Hi Ladies,
I have been lurking on and off on this board for about a year. I just got back from the RE office and felt like I really needed to vent... so I decided to "de-lurk" and post here.

Me and DH have been TTC for over 2 years. In August we finally decided to visit an RE since my OBGYN just did not pay attention to my concerns about it taking so long. She kept saying that at my age we should not worry about it (me - 26 - DH 32). After an HSG and 2 U/S we found out that I have uterine polyps, left tube is blocked at the end, and endo. RE says that the cyst that he found on the left ovary coupled with the abnormal HSG is reason to believe I have stage III or IV endo. He wants me to go ahead and schedule a lap, which I will do but probably need to wait until January since I don't have any more time off from work.

I have to admit I am very scared and devasted by the idea that becuase of the tube blockage my only hope to get pg is IVF. Insurance doesn't cover IVF and we have limited financial resources... I know I'm being really negative right now, but I'm just having a hard time with all this. Having a child is my lifelong dream and I could not imagine never getting to be a mommy.

If any one has had a lap and is dealing with endo I would really appreciate any advice.

Sorry this was so long, and thanks for reading it.

Sandra,

Congratulations on coming out of lurkdom, and welcome to TTCYFC 6+ months!

I am sorry you are feeling so down. I do not have endo and have not had a lap but I know many current members and grads of this board have/do/will. For more info specifically on endo and laps you might want to post again under questions amd concerns with edo and lap in post title.

Anyway, I did have a fibroid which I had removed, and do know that uterine polyps can act as IUD's and are very easier to remove without causing damage to the uterus (unlike many fibroids). I think they should be able to remove them with your lap. I also know it is totally possible to get pg without IVF with one functioning tube. Now if both tubes were blocked, then you'd either need to get them unblocked or do IVF.

If worst came to worst, and you didn't get pg after a couple years of trying after the lap and wanted to try IVF, remember that your income may go up significantly as you get older. I know financially there is a huge difference between what I was making at 26 vs. 36. And you do have plenty of time to save for IVF. So not being able to afford it right now does not mean never. Also, some people have gotten help from their families to pay for IVF (we don't have any coverage either, and have gotten help from both sides). Others get loans. And one of you could get a different job, and suddenly have IVF coverage. Or move to Massachusets, where IVF coverage is manadatory. There are also clinical studies that may allow you to do IVF for a reduced cost. And there is overseas IVF, which can also be significantly cheaper. If you are determined, and especially if you have time on your side, there are ways to make it happen.

Of course, the lap may be all you need to clear the way for a natural BFP, so all this worry may be premature.

Good luck and lots of (((HUGS)))

Jenna,

Thanks for your words of encouragement. It's good to hear some positive reinforcement.

I'm a very scared about the whole thing, but I guess I'm jumping the gun and I just have to wait and see what happens after the lap.

Hi Sandra,

Welcome! I have endo and had a lap. It wasn't too bad- please feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Jenna posted everything I would have said about IVF,so I will just say good luck and if it's something you really need/want to do there's always a way to make it work. But take it one step at a time. Also your husband should definitely has a SA before you do any treatments. But if his sperm are fine, and you are ovulating a lap and maybe some IUI's (which are a fraction of the cost of IVF) will be all you'll need.