Day 9: "Looks Good"

Two words to describe today's procedures: uneventful & uncomfortable.

I was instructed to have a full bladder before arriving at the clinic. When I checked in they asked me if my bladder was full. Despite the 2 glasses of water I drank before I arrived, I made the mistake of wavering in my answer so they handed me a bottle of water and instructed me to drink more. In the 20 minutes we were waiting I drank the entire bottle of water and quickly went from having a feeling of fullness to feeling pretty uncomfortable. Now with what I'd describe as overly full bladder it was time for the procedure. I undress, waist down, hop up on the table and they begin the trial transfer procedure. The reason they ask for a full bladder is that it straightens out the cervix which makes the entry into the uterus easier. To do the trial transfer they use an ultrasound monitor on your tummy (to see the uterus) and then insert a long plastic catheter watching it enter the uterus on the ultrasound. The pressure on the full bladder from both the top and inside was pretty painful. The good news is that the long catheter slipped right through and the Dr. exclaimed "that was easy" and was done.

Next up was the SHG, which is a test they do using saline and ultrasound guidance (vaginal this time) to take 3D images of the uterus. Lots pushing on the bladder and of cramping during this one, but thankfully the Dr. was kind enough to stop mid-way through and let me empty my bladder. Maybe my clenched fist and distorted face was indication enough that I was miserable. He finished up the procedure and didn't see anything unsual. Everything looked good.

Now I've been having mix feelings about our Dr. since we've first started working with him a few months ago. I have no doubt that he is a very smart, very experienced Dr. In fact, he just got elected as a 2009-2010 Best Doctor in America for his contributions in the field of reproductive medicine. So no doubt, he is one of the best. And one of the best is exactly what we want.

Problem is that he is a bit too reserved for me. During these tests (and others we've done before) he sits quietly (I'd like to think he is REALLY concentrating) and completes the procedure, looking at the monitor, taking measurements, taking screenshots. Then at the end of it all he might say something like, "looks good." Really?!? That is all the info I get? I wish he'd throw me a bone like "wow, this uterus looks amazing" or "these ovaries are wonderful." But no, I get 10-15 minutes of relative silence and then I get "Looks good." I clamor for more information and follow-up with questions, but his answers are just as brief. I always leave the clinic wanting more, information that is.

Anyway, bottom line is that the trial transfer went smoothly and my uterus "looks good" which is great news. I am feeling crampy, bloated and uncomfortable which isn't good, but I know this feeling will pass and left behind will be the reassurance that everything "looks good" as we head deeper into our IVF process.