Conference turris::womannotes-v2

    I've had one.  The doctor had me take Advil for a few days beforehand
    to help with the cramps, but I found that it didn't do much.  The
    procedure is done in radiology and is fairly quick, though it can
    be a bit uncomfortable.  The doctor inserts a balloon-type thing
    that has the dye in it, then squeezes it to release the dye. That
    part just felt cold and a little uncomfortable.  They take x-rays
    after they insert the dye that will show if your tubes are clear.
     They showed me the x-rays, which I thought was kind of neat, and
    showed me how they could tell everything was clear.  There was some
    minor cramping, similar to menstrual cramps, but nothing that lasted.
     They may have you wait a while after the test is done while the
    doctor checks the x-rays to be sure they have all the information
    they need.  I found I needed that time to sit still while the
    tenderness went away.  I drove myself, and didn't have too much
    trouble driving home.
    
    Good luck.
    Cathy

    
    Just curious...what is this test for? I understand what you said
    about "making sure your tubes are clear", but, is this because you
    are having trouble having a child???
    
    Please explain.
    
    Lisa

    ......I'm sorry, I just entered that note (.2) & reread it & just
    realized that I asked a *very* personal question.  I'm just curious.
    I would understand if you would rather not answer this.
    
    Thanks.
    Lisa
    

       I used to assist in this when I worked in X-ray. Mostly it's done
       to diagnoss infertility. These were not real common and I only
       remember about 5 or 6 but of the ones I saw over half had the
       obstruction cleared by the procedure! There is pain along the
       lines of what you get when you have cramps with your period.
       (x-ray techs are famous for "fixing" dislocations while trying to
       get pictures too). liesl

.2
    
    No you did not ask a question that was "too personal" question.
    My husband and I have been trying to have a child for a while. 
    My doctor is trying to find out why I am inable to conceive.  So
    far he has determined through blood tests and an ultrasound that
    I am not ovulating.  This next test is just a precaution before
    he prescribes a mild fertility pill.
    
    Thanks so much for the advice and concern.
    Bethany
    

    Bethany:
    
    Just a couple of questions (maybe kind of dumb...but...) My husband
    & I are trying to have a child also & this whole subject interests
    me (panicing before it's necessary I suppose...) Did you ever try
    one of those "home" ovulation test kits? If you did, what were the
    results? (I mean, did it show a negative result each time - or were
    they inaccurately showing ovulation?) Are you having regular periods?
    Were you ever on birth control pills?  If yes, does your doctor
    think this may have a connection to you not ovulating?  How long
    have you been trying to conceive?  How long did it take for your
    doctor to figure out you were not ovulating?
    
    I would sure appreciate your answers.
    
    Thanks,
    Lisa

    Hope the HSG works for you -- it did for me. Marissa is now 21 mnths
    old. The doctor explained that in more than 50% of cases, this "test"
    rectifies the problem. They believe that it not only clears the
    tubes, but even when they weren't blocked, it enlarges them for
    a couple of months, thereby increasing your chances.
    
    My husband insists that the reason I got pregnant was becuase the
    tests the doctor was describing sounded so humiliating . . .
    
    Maryan
    

    Thanks to all of you for your replies.  Being the curious patient
    that I am, I did not want to go into this test blind.  I like to
    know everything that is going to happen.
    
    The test went fine.  The doctor gave me a shot of Demoral to relax
    me and proceded with the test.  Yes it hurt but the assistant was
    there to hold my hand and to tell me how to breathe during the pain.
    Also the doctor had the TV screen turned towards me so that I could
    watch what was going on inside of me.  That was real interesting.
    
    .7  I was unaware that this test can open the tubes more.  I thought
    it was just a test to see if they were blocked and then if they
    were an operation was performed.  
    
    Well the outcome was that my insides are fine and the doctor is
    going to start me on Fertility Pills in a couple of weeks.  
    
    NOW THE FUN BEGINS!
    
    Thanks again you have all been a big comfort and a big help.
    
    Hugs,
    Bethany
    

I know that this is a little late but, 16 years ago my wife went through
this same procedure. We had been trying for some time to have chidren
with no success. We went throught all the other tests with no results. 
She was told that there would be a little pain. She blacked out from
the pain. The doctor doesn't understand want happened nor did anyone
else, but they said her tubes were clear. We think that the pain was
from the test opening the tubes up, because  9 months latter my son
was born and 15 months after that my daughter was born.

By the way good luck.

dave

    Dave,
    
    Thank you so much for sharing that bit of info.  The test was really
    not that bad, but yes their was pain.  I have been reading books
    on infertility and they have stated that this test can sometimes
    solve the problem.
    
    I am glad to see that there could be a light at the end of the tunnel.
    My doctor just started me on a fertility pill.  He is almost certain
    that it will work.
    
    You never know?
    Bethany