In bowling, they call three strikes in a row a turkey. Coincidentally, I’ve had three strike-out days in a row, just in time for turkeyday. When it rains, it pours.

Last Friday, I had a hysteropingogram to see any obstructions or holes in my tubes and uterus. Overall, the hysteropingogram was not as bad as I was expecting. It was a little uncomfortable but I didn’t experience any pain outside of what would be a “normal” menstrual cycle for me. It was actually very interesting to see how my uterus and tubes so closely resemble a martini glass with smoke coming out from behind. (That’s true.)  I spent the weekend relaxing, sleeping and letting my body heal itself.

This is one of those things that I hope my struggles can help anyone else… I would recommend doing the hysteropingogram as soon as you realize there may be any type of infertility in your future. This test should be done before you begin any meds or do any procedures. Unfortunately, my usual OB never once mentioned this test to me. She started me on three months of Clomid which led to seeing an out of town specialist for two rounds of IUI and starting meds for my IVF. My infertility specialist insisted I get this test, which was the first time I heard about it. The beginning of this process was so new to me and I didn’t know what questions to ask or what type of research applied to me.

But trust me on this one, do this test in the beginning while you’re still figuring things out before you’re at the point where you think it’s figured out and then you find yourself, figuratively speaking, throwing ‘sketti on the wall to see what sticks.  I still do not understand why any doctor would begin a patient on medicines to get pregnant if there is any uncertainty about the status of the uterus.

Turns out, the results were in line of every test result we’ve received thus far: not good. I have polyps on my uterus and will now be replacing what would be our “Education Day” for IVF to having a hysteroscopy to remove the polyps.

Polyps in the uterus make it difficult or impossible for implantation to occur and could lead to miscarriages. So while we have my ovulation and John’s issues, we have now added more mountains to cross before we get back on the wagon for IVF. 

As of now, our December 17 appointment for egg retrieval has been canceled. We hope to get everything all lined up (again) to begin in January or February.

I suppose it’s days like today that when I’m at a breaking point, I can only hope my pain and struggle will be of any help to anyone going through this. You can betcha darn tootin’ that when we get that positive pregnancy test, we’re going to throw a party that will put Kimye’s wedding to shame. It will resemble Oprah’s giveaway days of diaper cream for you! and you! Nipples and butt paste! for you! and you!  diapers and baby wipes, formula and swaddle blankets, noise machines and knitted hats with matching mittens for you! and you! aaaanddd!!! you!!! So there’s something to look forward to.

With that being said, it’s so important to stay positive through everything, but it’s days like today (and yesterday.. and the day before) that it’s okay to cry.  I’m frustrated, I’m sad, I feel like we can’t catch a break and I want to look God in the face and say, “please, throw us a stinkin’ bone?” I’m thankful that I can see the rainbows because I have sure gone through the storms.

So here’s to Thanksgiving.. giving thanks for a strong marriage, doctors, friends, family, support and the ongoing opportunities we have to grow closer to Christ all while learning the patience, acceptance and selflessness we’ll need to know once we’re blessed with a baby, or babies.