a reproductive endocrinologist

If you haven't figured it out already, we struggle with infertility. Brecken took 17 months to get pregnant with, and there is a reason Brecken will be at LEAST 3 1/2 before he gets a sibling. We just didn't know exactly what that reason was until this past Tuesday, when we went to visit a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE) in Fort Collins, CO.

The appointment was interesting. Josh was called a stud pretty much. :) So that ruled him out, even though a few years ago, we had been told it was his "fault" even though they never did tests on me because shortly after, we got pregnant. Apparently though, according to our RE, most doctors aren't specialized in infertility so their knowledge comes from how they were trained, and in this instance, that was a LONG LONG time ago for the doctor we had seen first! There are no REs in Wyoming. So it's worth the visit to CO to get a specialist, but too bad it's so dang far away! (3 hours one way.)

Then it was my turn. They did an internal ultrasound and found that I have a pretty large cyst inside my right ovary. Looking back, I've felt some aches there sometimes, but I couldn't tell you how long because I just assumed it was normal or gas or something! Apparently, it's not, it's the cyst. They then freaked me out by sending me to the hospital for a blood test to rule out ovarian cancer- I FREAKED all night long. I cried and cried. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long for the results because they called the next morning at 9:00 and said they aren't worried about cancer anymore. Normal ranges are between 0-21, and mine was 74, but cancer ranges are between 200-300. Phew! The raised number is pretty consistent with someone who might have endometriosis, so that's what they'll be looking for next. (They are amazed I haven'tbeen in a ton of pain- usually it's pretty painful. Like I said, mine is just achy!)

SO, I have to go back to Ft. Collins in one month so they can do another ultrasound on me and see if it's going down on it's own- if not, I'll have to have surgery to remove it. If it IS endometriosis though, it's a disease I'll have until menopause- there's not a cure for it.

In addition, I have to go back on Monday next week for an HSG test, where they put dye into your uterus and watch it go up the fallopian tubes to see if there are any blockages there. Fun, fun! After that, we'll know a little more of what we'll do as far as a game plan. So there you go- that's the issue! We certainly had everything turned upside down on us since 3 1/2 years ago- we thought it was Josh's "fault"and not mine, and as it turns out, he's been fine all along and it's ME that has the issues!! Wonder how long I've had this.

We just got back today from Lingle. I now have TWO trips to get caught up with on here. I better get cracking! :)