WDYT?

DoublePortion · December 2012

This morning I've been thinking about my TTC future, which isn't always a good thing. I googled "stage IV endometriosis getting pregnant" to try and find success stories. Most of what I came across were stories of how women got PG a few months after having a lap.

My laparoscopy turned laparotomy was in 2009 and I was advised not to try for a few months (during the time most women are encouraged to try after a laparoscopy) since it was major surgery and my body needed time to heal. So my thinking is that I missed that window of opportunity and then proceeded to feed my endo with Clomid and other fertility meds so now I am probably eaten up with the junk. When I talked to my OBGYN in August he said he would only do another laparoscopy on me as a last resort because he is afraid he would end up having to remove my ovaries and whatever else is being affected by the endo. When I first met with my RE he said he would not do surgery on me and that after reading the surgical report from my OBGYN he feels that an amazing job was done and that I am "lucky to have ovarian function at all". I trust my drs but then I read about how these women went to this or that specialist and they were PG within 3 months. I'm scared of going to a different dr that might be "surgery happy" or underestimate my situation and end up creating a disaster.

Also, I've read in places how endo doesn't affect the outcome of IVF because it bypasses it. Then I read somewhere else how endo does affect implantation because it excretes toxins. Arg! I wish there was a clear cut understanding of endo!

As you can probably tell, from this post and previous ones, I vacillate between feeling all gung-ho about TTC naturally since I've felt less of the endo symptoms while on BCP to worrying that it's not enough and surgery's not an option and IVF is such a big gamble. I'm sorry this is long and jumbled. If nothing else I appreciate your T&Ps.

rockpaperlove · December 2012

I don't have insight on this topic, but you are in my thoughts and I hope you get some informative feedback from the other ladies. Hugs and luck!

liz4paws · December 2012

DP, I wish I knew more about endo but I don't. However, I do know how hard it is to make some of these big decisions with lots of conflicting information. It sucks so bad, and is such a horrible part of the world of IF. I hope you get some information that you feel good about and can pick a path that you're comfortable with! Big huge hugs to you!!!!

DoublePortion · December 2012

Thanks ladies! I just hate not having a plan and feeling like I don't have enough info to make one.

PrettyAccountant · December 2012

Hey Double, honestly I have no experience with endo and I don't know what I would do in your shoes. I would probably be as torn as you are. I pray that you find the right path that leads to your happiness and gets you your take home baby. Reading your post breaks my heart because you want this with all your heart and are willing to risk your life to achieve it - just not fair and totally heartbreaking.

My prayers are always with you and I pray that all our prayers get answered.

Super hugs.

DoublePortion · December 2012

PrettyAccountant:
Hey Double, honestly I have no experience with endo and I don't know what I would do in your shoes. I would probably be as torn as you are. I pray that you find the right path that leads to your happiness and gets you your take home baby. Reading your post breaks my heart because you want this with all your heart and are willing to risk your life to achieve it - just not fair and totally heartbreaking.
My prayers are always with you and I pray that all our prayers get answered.
Super hugs.

Thank you! I truly appreciate your prayers. Hugs and prayers being sent to/for you too!!

Mrs.McIrish · December 2012

No experience myself but a similar question was asked on https://www.network54.com/Forum/53068/

it was more for DOR and banking eggs but the suggestion was made to get the eggs, fertilitize them and freeze. Then treat endo and do an FET. Maybe you could do something like that? Get a ton of eggs even with a couple of ER's and then so another lap to clean out the endo(knowing you may lose the ovary). You don't need the ovary to do the FET.

I'm on iPad and can't make link clicky.

Scoop77 · December 2012

I think you're really smart to avoid excess surgeries. If someone makes a mistake in there, it might not be a solvable one.

The idea of doing embryo-banking is interesting, though. I'm sure it would be super-expensive, but that might be a way to sort of go nuts with stockpiling the embryos, as the PP said, and then treat the endo (either with BCPs or lap or both).

I'm thinking of you, sending you all my best wishes, while you figure this out.

DoublePortion · December 2012

Thanks Scoop and McIrish! I am afraid banking would not be an option with DH. The financial aspect of it all is really hard for him to digest. While reading posts on the link I saw LIFE clinic mentioned and I've never heard of it before. I looked at their website for a minute and will go back later and read up on their approach to IVF.

Trippleb · December 2012

I can so feel your pain on this. I've done three laps and tried immediately afterwards with medicated TI and IVF and still never got a bfp. My IF is also AMA related but being that so many family members conceived later in life, I can't help but think at least initially it was all endo related.

I think the odds are very likely that our bodies are rejecting anything that tries to implant. I've read that being on very high doses of progesterone helps. We are also more suspectable to LUFS. My Gyn who works primarily with infertility patients believes that endo is an auto-immune disorder. I am taking a low dose naltrexone to combat the immune issues. No luck so far but I do believe it's help keep the adhesions and symptoms related to endo from returning as quickly.

DoublePortion · December 2012

Trippleb:
I can so feel your pain on this. I've done three laps and tried immediately afterwards with medicated TI and IVF and still never got a bfp. My IF is also AMA related but being that so many family members conceived later in life, I can't help but think at least initially it was all endo related.

I think the odds are very likely that our bodies are rejecting anything that tries to implant. I've read that being on very high doses of progesterone helps. We are also more suspectable to LUFS. My Gyn who works primarily with infertility patients believes that endo is an auto-immune disorder. I am taking a low dose naltrexone to combat the immune issues. No luck so far but I do believe it's help keep the adhesions and symptoms related to endo from returning as quickly.

I believe this as well. I've done some reading about the possiblilty of it being an auto-immune disorder but it seems like I'm being treated as if there is nothing that can be done about it and it just has to be worked around. That's just not logical to me. If there is a problem, it needs to be dealt with! Earlier today I noticed on my RE's website that they are doing a donor egg study and those who are qualified to participate could receive a reduced cycle or the donor eggs for free. I called and left a message to see if I qualify. If my body is indeed rejecting implantation then I'd like to not spend a lot more $$ to figure that out!

BzeetyD · December 2012

Have you thought about doing IVF with a gestational surrogate? Maybe not, and I'd understand the reasoning for not thinking about it.

Or I like McIrish's idea of banking eggs (even doing mini IVFs) and then doing an FET after surgery or at a time when your endo is less severe.

I always feel like an unmoored ship when we don't have a plan in front of us. I hope you can find something that feels right and gives you comfort for the future.

WDYT?

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