Sunday, February 7, 2010

Tubal Adhesions

My intuition always told me that my previous c-section was a contributing factor in our inability to conceive again.

When DH and I started TTC #2 over 3.5 years ago we had no idea what our journey would
entail. After having Logan via emergency c-section in December 2004, we anticipated that we would be adding to our family in no time. After several months of TTC #2 we went to a fertility clinic, did some IUIs, went to two more fertility clinics and did some IVFs. At each of the three fertility clinics we went to we asked each RE if my previous c-section could be a factor or the reason for our difficulty in TTC again. The collective response from all three REs was, "No", my previous c-section would not be a reason for the difficulty we were having in TTC.

By this time, we had figured out that my DH had low sperm counts and morphology and by doing IVF we were bypassing the thought that my previous c-section would be a factor in TTC because my embryos were being placed directly into my uterus. But what about that scar tissue from my c-section? And with my good response to stims with IUIs and IVF cycles that created lots of little good quality eggs, why were we still having difficulty conceiving?

After my c-section with Caden and Colton my OB told me that she found adhesions on my tubes. She "cleaned them up" for me and made sure that everything else looked okay before she stitched me back up. After learning of the adhesions I asked her, "Where could I have gotten them from? Could they have come from my previous c-section". She said that she didn't know for sure, but that she would guess that they did indeed come from my previous c-section.

Now, I am not saying that my inability to conceive again solely lies on the fact that I had tubal adhesions. We did have sperm issues and I had implantation issues with our previous four IVF transfers. BUT, my intuition all along told me that my previous c-section was somehow connected to our IF.

The question that I wonder is this: if I didn't have the adhesions on my tubes, could we have saved ourselves years of IF (and all of the blood, sweat and tears that go along with IF)? If I had known that I had adhesions could I have had them removed and then conceived with the help of stims and IUI (due to the sperm issues)? Oh, the What Ifs!

One thing is for certain: The 3.5 years that it took for me to hold Caden and Colton in my arms was worth it. As much as I would like to change the IF path/journey we traveled, there is no way in hell I would trade my boys for anything.

2 comments:

A said...

Its so hard not to think about the "what ifs" in any situation. Im right there with you, girl. Hold those precious boys and trying not to think about it if you can. I know I know- Easier said than done :)

Jill M. said...

A woman's intuition is usally right on. I know it's frustrating to look back now and think about the what if's, but don't be hard on yourself, it's not like you had the option to cut yourself open and take a peek. You were at the mercy of the doctors advice.

When are we going to get some new pics of the boys? =)