19 - Hysteroscopy (June 18th, 2008)

Well, they saved the best for last (not really). The last test of the day was the hysteroscopy. This was different from the hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and the sonohysterogram because those two tests were primarily used to see if my tubes were open by filling the cavity with fluid (either saline or iodine). This test actually use a small scope to look very closely inside the uterus. Prior to this, they also did a "trial transfer". My understanding of this test is that they do it to make sure there aren't going to be any anatomy issues that may hinder a smooth embryo transfer - and if there are, this is their opportunity to figure out those issues.

This test was done by Dr. Surrey, and my husband was not allowed to go into the room. A speculum is used. VENTING MOMENT: I HATE that thing...I seriously believe it is a manifestation of the Devil. After they did the trial transfer, they needed to thread the scope through the cervix. My cervix was too small for them to do this without dilating it - so they numbed, then dilated it. The whole process took about 10 minutes. I must be honest and say that it hurt more than the other two (the HSG and the sonohysterogram), but wasn't unbearable because it was only 10 minutes long. The doctor did not give me the results from this test immediately - he will give them to me when we have our phone consultation. They then gave me a prescription for an antibiotic to take for the following 4 days (along with a coupon to get it for free - it is included in the cost of the days testing) - doxycylcine. Also, no intercourse for 5-7 days if they have to dilate your cervix. Couple that with the 5 days of abstinence prior to the semen analysis....it can be a challenging week following this ivf work-up appointment :-).

With the completion of this test, we had made it though our work-up appointments! I'll tell you - it felt like quite an accomplishment. We were in good spirits in that the first real step for us having a child was complete and successful (as far as we knew at this point). We set up another phone consultation with the doctor for July 1st and went on our way. On July 1st, Dr. Surrey will lay out his recommendation and time frame for the next step in the process.

**Near the end of our appointments, we got a nice surprise. The receptionist discovered that our insurance company, United Health Care, would actually cover 80% of the day's testing (testing only - anything after the work-up would be out of pocket). CCRM had just signed an agreement with United Health Care in May.