SHG test

Yesterday, I took the afternoon off from work to take an SHG test, as part of our fertility exams. The objective of the test is to check if I have blocked (partially or completely) fallopian tubes. Blocked tubes hinder fertility because the sperm cannot go up the tubes to meet the egg. From my research, this is one fo the toughest obstacles to get pregnant. So naturally I was nervous going into the doc's office yesterday.

I was also nervous because I didn't know what to expect. I know what the mechanics are from a technical standpoint but didn't know what to expect in terms of having it actually performed on me. Also, I knew there was some cramping to be expected. So big fat NERVES.

The procedure took about 10 minutes and when the catether was inserted, I cried out in pain! WTF! Then the water was slowly injected and the cramps started. What made the whole thing better were the ff:
1. The fact that Dennis was there and I could focus on his face whenever I felt pain
2. Our doctor was so patient and kept on talking, updating me about what he was doing or about to do and what he was seeing on the monitor
3. There were plenty of framed photos of babies in the treatment room. This helped me focus on our goal and remember, through the WTF moments of pain, why I was doing this and why this momentary bouts of pain will be worth it in the end.

And then the results. My tubes were okay! Big fat WHEW this time. The doc said that since the water they inserted stayed inside my uterus and did not spill to the outside portions meant that the tubes directed the water correctly and hence didn't have any problems. He also praised me for my high tolerance for pain, to which Dennis proudly said, "yes doc, veteran na yan dyan!"

The next step now is to do follicle observation, so I have another ultrasound on Friday. We'll do this for 3 months, according to the doc, and then we'll see what happens. Because so far, it seems that we should be able to conceive naturally. Though he did say that given the results so far, and given my history with dysmennorhea, he's a bit inclined to suspect mild endometriosis. From his tone, I didn't feel there was any reason to freak out. And he did seem very optimistic we can get this done soon. I really really hope and pray so.

He then prescribed antibiotics to me to take for the next 3 days to minimize the risk of infection and sent us on our way. We then went home to have dinner. I still felt some pressure on my abdomen and some cramping. But this turned out to be an "ant bite" compared to what happened later on that night.

Starting about 2 hours after the procedure, the cramping I felt was accompanied by spasms in my abdomen and uterine areas. OMG. It was so strange because it felt a bit like dysmennorhea (but obviously I didn't have my period) and it also felt like ulcer. It was so strange! Moving was painful and it was tough to find a position I was least in pain in. I also felt nauseous and at times out of breath. I also started shivering and my teeth would chatter, even if I didn't feel cold at all. Again, really strange.

Dennis stayed next to me the whole time and kept making suggestions on how to make me feel more comfortable. He also suggested I take the pain killers that doc prescribed but I stubbornly insisted I will bear it the natural way. I will really try to stand by my resolution NOT to take any unnecessary pain meds, unless I get to the "exorcism" stage - incidentally, this was a term coined by my youngest brother when he would witness before my bouts with dysmennorhea. He said I looked like I was being exorcized :p

I feel much better now. Though there's still some spasming and cramping, it's really nothing I cannot handle. I'm so grateful to have a husband who takes such good care of me and refuses to leave my side until I felt better. I cannot tell you how comforting it is to have someone so dedicated and devoted to your wellbeing. I know that NOT all husbands act this way but mine does and I'm so thankful for him.

That's pretty much it. That was my journey through SHG. Definitely not something I want to do again. Hehe.

Hope we hit the jackpot soon :)