HSG poss shows one tube blocked? Anyone got good news on getting PG with this?!

[pindots234]

Hi there, regular MNer, normally post under another name but felt like time for a new start.

After 15 mths TTC had an HSG today. Was pretty uncomfortable and the radiographer had a hard time getting the dye through the tubes. Eventually it popped through one, but it wouldn't go through the other. I panicked, but the radiographer said it could be a tubal spasm, and doesn't necessarily mean it's blocked. I'll probably now have to have a laparoscopy to be sure.

My questions are: (1) anyone else had a result that looked blocked but turned out to be fine (i.e. a spasm); (2) anyone managed to conceive naturally, with only one functioning tube, or had successful surgery to open it?

I've come away in a bit of a state - now don't know if there is a problem or not, have to wait weeks for the consultant to write to me about the results, and not looking forward to a possible lap...

hello - just saw this - don't know if too late to respond but I am in the same position as you. I had an HSG at end of Sep and one of the tubes didn't fill all the way and spill out. I am having a Lap and dye on monday as a result. The consultant wasn't convinced it was blocked saying it could be either a spasm or to do with the speed my other tube filled and spilled. Apparently, that can affect the pressure of the dye getting up the other tube.

In any case, because I had an emergency c-section when DS was born and an EPRC for a mmc 12 months ago, he needs to check that I haven't had an infection that left scarring. I have no symptoms of infection but they can be symptomless, which is slightly terrifying. I am fearing the worse, as I haven't conceived since the EPRC, which was in Nov 2010.

Have you heard anymore about your HSG results, wanderlust?

Hi

You have my full symapthies. I had a HSG today too and started another thread earlier today. I have had the exact same fears and concerns as mine did not go well.

I found it to be agony. But I don't think that is typical and if anyone else is having one this isn't normally the case. Therefore I didn't get to watch on the screen. The radiologist gave me a brief summary and said there are problems as scarring noted on the right tube and generally limitations to the tubes were found. She wouldn't say any more, I have to wait to speak to the gynae. Appointment not until late Feb which I feel is too long to wait.

I have 20 months of TTC behind me with one early miscarriage just before that (natural mangement). No children.

Like you I am wondering what the next step is. I guess I may have a lap too. I have heard and read about the spasm thing - I think this may be the case if the dye didn't even begin to tip in to the first part of the tube but I'm no expert.

I haven't had any pelvic infections / STD's / strange cycles etc so I was very suprised to learn there are problems with the tubes. Expected it to be a ruling out exercise. Feeling very scared and anxious.

I will watch to see how you get on.

hello and thanks for posting Sarlat.

Sorry to hear about your hsg. It is a bit shocking isn't it? I am such a worrier and was really petrified about all the other hormone tests I had done but was always pretty sure that my tubes would be ok. And then they weren't.

As mentioned before, my consultant still seems quite laid back (he is very laid back in general) and though i had read on the internet about spasms causing no dye to go in at all, he still suggested spasms as a reason, even though I had dye going some of the way up the tube. I guess he is the expert. (I am skeptical however.)

I am surprised that your radiologist could tell you about scarring on the tubes. One of the reasons for a lap is to have a look and see what is causing blockages. From what I can gather you can't see this from an HSG - you can get an indication that there might be a blockage but not what the blockage is. Although, I might be wrong.

The worrying thing is that some pelvic infections are syptomless and tubal problems are without symptoms too - so you can still have regular periods, etc.

I would suggest that you try and get a cancellation and bring your appointment forward, as waiting till Feb seems quite long. Or try speaking to your consultant 's secretary, she might be able to give you some info. I did that but to be honest, she only told me what I already knew - which was one tube may be blocked.

Anyway, I am very scared about Monday - not least about the GA but also about what they might find in there.

Hope you manage to relax a little over the weekend. It is hard and I feel for you and share your concerns.

Will update in the week.

Thank you Beanery

You are brave and I am sure going for the lap and dye will keep moving you towards a solution. Funny how we can all see this clearly from the outside looking in but when it's you that is facing a procedure it's hard to stay positive and open minded.

I had a GA a few years a go. It's a straight forward experience especially when compared to the fertility tests we end up having. You will literally just feel tired, go to sleep and then wake up again. But it's still a strange concept I know. Hopefully they can 'treat' any problems whilst thay are looking around on Monday. Sorry to hear about your MMC.

Yes - it's interesting that my radiologist did give me that info right away. She also mentioned there didn't appear to be any dilation (which I think suggests a different type of blockage). I frantically looked up images of HSG's and scarring on Dr Google straight after the hsg and they seemed to suggest that pooling due to scarring was fairly easy to spot. But I guess most Dr's don't want to hint at the problem until they have a chance to review the images properly.

In any case I don't have firm facts so won't know anything until my appointment. I would be inclined to belive your Dr for now about his spasm theory as if they have reviewed you HSG image, I think (again not sure) that they could say if scarring / swelling / total blockage was more likely.

The Nurse has said she will contact me if she finds a magic way to get me in earlier. She agreed my appointment time is too far away.

I will do my best to relax this weekend. Thank you for your wise words and I have everything crossed for you for Monday.

Hi op
Different circs in my case, but I only have one tube (the other was removed following an ectopic pregnancy) and I conceived with just one. It's completely doable, even if you ovulate on the other side.
So, hopfully your tube is fine, but if not it is not the end of the world. Good luck!

Thanks for that Rancer
Good to know of success stories in thses situations. I need to see little bits of hope.

Hi Sarlat - a quick update - I had the lap and dye today. I feel fine apart from slightly groggy (in a nice way) and a bit tender at the wound points, especially when the cat jumps on my belly!

It seems that I don't actually have a right ovary or right fallopian tube. (apart from a 2cm stump.) Hence, dye not going up the tube because there isn't one. Very unusual and most likely congential and something I was born with, as there is no trace of there every having been a tube/ovary there.

They want me to have an ultra sound at some point to confirm that the right ovary is def not there but in the meantime, I will continue taking clomid (have been for a couple of cycles) and see what happens, as left tube perfectly healthy and working fine.

I ovulate every month, so I am guessing must only ever be on the left! I never get ovulation pains on the right and now i know why. It's quite wierd, that despite numerous scans in the past, a whole missing tube hasn't been spotted!

I hope you are feeling a little less anxious Sarlat. It's the not knowing for sure what is going on in there that I found so difficult to cope with. I was a complete crying wreck over the weekend.

Let me know if you get an earlier appointment with your Doc and keep me posted on developments.

Another one to give you some hope. I too had a tube removed following an ectopic, and concieved naturally. It did take 2 years for our second dc to come along though, so please don't give up hope.

Agree with the hope given in respect of the one tube. I had my right ovary and tube removed last year as part of cancer treatment. I have seen a fertility specialist (pre-chemo egg harvesting), a 'regular' gynae, a gynae surgeon and a super-top oncological consultant, and not one of them has ever mentioned having one tube as likely to pose any sort of problem when it comes to conceiving. As far as they're concerned, I shouldn't have any issues at all.

I have only got one working ovary. Fell pregnant on 4th cycle with DS, bf'd for c. 7 months, when DS was 9 months found I was unexpectedly pg with DD. She arrived 6 months ago. I know it's not quite the same problem, but thought I'd share. Best of luck!

Beanery - well done you for having the lap. Glad it wasn't too awful. Lots of chocolate and lounging around watching DVD's are in order.

Must have been a bit of a shock to learn about the mssing right tube and ovary. But you are 100% right that 1 good tube is all that is needed. Ovulation every month is a great sign which shows how well the human body can adapt and carry on.

beanery - do you mind me asking why you are taking clomid? - just wondering if it something that can help most women who are struggling to conceive or is it specific to your own results?

I have been feeling a little better, thank you. Had a nice day out today and just generally not as upset / anxious. I may be able to get a private consulation in less than 2 weeks which is also good news.

Thank you Bellie for your story. I will try not to give up hope. I think I have been in shock because I always thought they would uncover an immunology issue for my fertility difficutlies. I didn't suspect this so I think I have reacted with more shock and upset than if I was half suspecting it.

All these stories are so inspirational. I don't know how woman coped with all this before the advent of the internet and forums as usually your own circle of friends will not have direct experince.

Thank you.xx

Thank you Amber and Nodada - both amazing stories and I wish you lots of luck.

sure Sarlat, don't mind you asking about clomid. The consultant prescribed it almost as soon as I went to see him.

I thought it was a bit wierd that I was prescribed it, as it is meant to induce ovulation and my hormones showed that I ovulate fine already.

But the Doc said it might help give me an extra boost, like a super ovulation, to give more chance of egg and sperm meeting. Small chance of multiples as well, I think.

It might be because of my age (i am 35). I think they crack open the clomid a bit quicker once you hit 35, as it can just get things going.

So far it's not been succesful and makes me feel like I have pmt all month long but will give it ago for a few more months.

Hope you got that private appointment?