One week post surgery

In my last post, I mentioned that we had tried Clomid for the first time.

Well, it didn't really work. I did have some sort of weak ovulation, but I certainly didn't get pregnant. Instead, I grew a tennis-ball-sized cyst in my right ovary.

I had an ultrasound to confirm the cyst, and my doctor requested a laparoscopic surgery from my insurance company to remove the cyst.

I had very mixed feelings about letting him poke around on my ovaries. I have already had one high hormone reading (Day 3 FSH) which indicated that I might have issues with egg quantity or quality, and I obviously don't want to cause any damage.

I went to see another Ob/Gyn for a second opinion. She agreed with my doctor's plan of attack, so we went through with scheduling the surgery. The second opinion doctor also told me that I have a few reasons to seek out a reproductive endocrinologist (fertility specialist). 1) My elevated Day 3 FSH, and 2) bad response to Clomid. She also agreed that I probably have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) based on my ultrasound results and my super high Day 3 LH levels. This consultation was on my 30th birthday.

After a fun weekend with friends in Napa, my surgery took place last Wednesday.

C took me to the outpatient surgery center at 5:30 a.m. It's about a half hour from our house, so we got up around 4:30. Pre-op procedures were easy enough. I checked in, paid my copay and was set up with a gurney and an IV drip. C gave me a kiss, and I was wheeled into surgery. I woke up to see both C and my mom, who came to help out.

I was in some pain when I first woke up, but they gave me more pain meds and I started to feel better. My mom brought me home, but we forgot to get a housekey. C had to leave work to let us in, but I think he was kind of happy to get to be at home with us.

A couple neighbors visited that day, and I didn't feel too bad. I continued resting until Saturday, which was the day of my 30th birthday party. C booked a VIP package at a club, and about 16 of our friends and family joined us to celebrate. I was tired and not feeling 100% like my normal self, but I still had fun.

I went back to work on Monday, but have come down with a nasty cold, so I'm back at home resting. I'm sick of lying around on the couch!

Tomorrow is my post op appointment, and I'm looking forward to asking my doctor lots of questions.

1. What exactly did you do to my ovaries? From the pictures, they look like toasted marshmallows. Did you do Ovarian Drilling? If so, why do my pictures look so different from those online?

2. Can I please get a Rx for metformin? I have read so many studies that show it helps women with PCOS (even thin women like me) ovulate and conceive, that I would really like to give it a try.

3. When should I expect my next cycle to start?

4. Am I at risk of developing adhesions? I have read that these are often formed after similar surgeries.

5. Can I please have the following Day 3 tests ordered: FSH, LH, Estradiol, Prolactin, Anti Mullerian Hormone and Inhibin B?

6. What RE(s) do you recommend, and may I have a referral for a consultation?

Well, I'm just hanging out with my cats on the sofa. I've finished my library book and am sick of daytime TV!