Part 5: PCOS - The Final Test
**Thank you for following our journey! If you're new to the blog, check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 so that you're up to speed on where we're at!
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Yowza! It has been a couple months since I've posted, but as the old saying goes... no news is good news. I haven't posted because I haven't had any updates. We went on vacation to Texas and then decided to take a break from the testing to just RELAX. The break was much needed, mentally.
**I'd classify this post as TMI! If you're a male or you really don't care to know specific details about the HSG/FemVue test, skip right on over this post. You're welcome for the heads up!**
If you've been following along our journey, you know that the next step in the testing process for us was the FemVue (Sono HSG) test. You might be wondering why I didn't have the hysterosalpingogram (HSG) test, which is a lot more common and often the test the most women undergo.
Let's break it down in case you have no idea what I'm talking about:
- What is an HSG test? A hysterosalpingogram, or HSG, involves transferring an iodine dye via the cervix into the uterus and fallopian tubes. Then, a radiologist takes x-ray pictures.
- What is FemVue? FemVue delivers a consistent pattern of saline and air, appearing as bubbles under ultrasound, to evaluate tubal patency (whether open or blocked) as well as detect abnormalities of the uterus.
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't scared or nervous. I was mentally preparing myself for bad news when I made the doctor appointment. In fact, I was even hesitant about making the appointment in the first place and then I realized that I needed to. I needed to know more answers and I wasn't going to let fear or another obstacle prevent me from moving forward. I, of course, did a lot of research online to see what the FemVue test would entail, whether or not it hurt, and the results. When I made the appointment, I was prescribed an antibiotic to take twice a day for 3 days, starting the morning of my appointment (10/22/18).
The Wait
Is there anything worse than waiting at the doctors office? The nurse brought me in the room right away, briefly explained the procedure, and then... I waited. I found myself surrounded by all of the equipment and just started praying. I prayed that the procedure went smoothly and prayed that the doctor wouldn't find any abnormalities or issues. I found myself at the doctor being evaluated for infertility while my sister-in-law laid in an Arizona hospital awaiting the arrival of her baby after battling infertility for years, kind of ironic. The doctor eventually came in and explained the procedure. He warned me that the procedure would feel like "slight cramping" and that it would be somewhat painful. He even said "Tell your husband he owes you dinner for this. Doctors orders!" haha. [All of my research mentioned that it'd feel like "slight cramping".]
FemVue Procedure
A Sono HSG begins like the first part of a pap smear, with a vaginal speculum gently inserted into the vagina to visualize the cervix. The cervix is then cleansed with antiseptic solution to decrease the risk of infection. A thin flexible balloon catheter is inserted through the opening of the cervix, so that the catheter lies within the uterine cavity. A balloon at the tip of the catheter is slowly inflated – this is necessary to stop fluid from leaking back out through the cervix during the test. The vaginal speculum is then removed, with the catheter remaining inside the uterus. A transvaginal ultrasound probe is inserted to conduct the internal scan through the vagina.
When the uterine cavity is being evaluated, sterile saline is introduced into the uterus through the catheter, distending the cavity and allowing the contour and shape to be assessed under ultrasound. The doctor will be looking for problems and uterine abnormalities.
When the fallopian tubes are being evaluated, the FemVue device is used to introduce a saline and air mixture through the catheter, allowing the tubes to be evaluated for patency (whether open). The transvaginal ultrasound probe and catheter are then removed at the end of the procedure.
If you have more specific questions or would like more information - go here!
Did it hurt?
When the doctor inflated the balloon, I said something along the lines of "HOLY FUCK!!" because it hurt THAT bad. Slight cramping??? If that's what "slight cramping" feels like then I somehow got lucky with the very very very slight cramping that I normally experience once a month. For real. I have a high pain tolerance level and oh my lanta... that HURT. It was a sharp, constant pain and I instantly felt like I wanted to vomit (I didn't, thankfully). When the test was over with, I had uncomfortable cramping the rest of the day.
The Results
Drum roll, please... NO BLOCKAGE! NO ABNORMALITIES! But... polycystic ovaries (aka PCOS), which was no surprise. So very thankful that there was no blockage or any abnormalities. The doctor said everything looks healthy and believes that my issue is that my brain is not sending the right signals to make my reproductive system work like it should (i.e. I'm not releasing the egg). This can be treated with fertility medications, hopefully.
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| My ovaries. Black dots are all of the cysts. |
My doctor mentioned putting me on birth control for a month or two so that the cysts on my ovaries have a chance to resolve themselves. When the ovaries become enlarged and develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles/cysts), they fail to regularly release eggs. If we can eliminate the cysts, we have a better chance of getting my ovaries to function properly. If they still do not function properly, we can try different fertility medications (Clomid or Letrozole) or the "trigger shot". If that doesn't work, we can go the IUI route. Basically, we have a couple options that we can try.
**Please pray that one of these options works for us!**
Kudos
I did have to mention this because it's equally as important, especially with PCOS. Losing weight with PCOS can be ridiculously hard due to insulin resistance and a host of other technicalities. When I was diagnosed with PCOS, my heart sank and it felt like someone had just punched me in the stomach. I had no idea what PCOS was and the more I read about it online, the more discouraged I became. After my diagnosis, I vowed to make my health a priority. My doctor gave me major kudos at my appointment yesterday for the hard work that I've been putting in because I'm making progress. He asked what my secret was and I told him that I've been working out 4 days a week for 30-40 minutes per day - his response? KEEP DOING IT, IT'S WORKING!
Some people use PCOS as an excuse, I choose to use it as motivation. I am not going to sit around and throw myself a pity party, I am going to bust my ass and make a change! What's my secret? I signed up for a 12 month Beachbody on Demand subscription so that I could do my workouts at home. Working out at the gym was intimidating to me and I'd never actually go. Heck, some days I would drive there, swipe my card for insurance credit, and then I'd leave. You guys, these at-home workouts have SAVED me both mentally and physically. I was extremely skeptical of these workouts at first, but I've been doing them for nearly 2 years now and I absolutely love them!
If you have PCOS or Endometriosis and you're "stuck" when it comes to your health and fitness... email me right now at firewifefitness.kfair@gmail.com. As a Coach, I can help you! I will give you every single tool that I have used to achieve success and see results thus far in my journey. I am nowhere near where I want to be, meaning that I'm a work in progress too. I'll be doing workouts right along with you. We can share successes, struggles, and everything in between. I know what it feels like to be stuck, lost, or even lonely; I've been there. I am so very thankful that I found Beachbody and the incredible community! Hard work + consistency = success
xoxo, Krystal
Check out Part 6 of our story at The Next Steps.
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