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06/22/2006
Well, that was unnecessary.
The appointment, I mean. I had at least hoped to take my pants off this time, but no dice. Doc T ’n’ B nearly gave himself a hernia leaning backwards in his chair, examining my previously taken MRI results. This after, upon greeting me, he asked, “Did you bring your MRI films?” “I sent them to you a week ago.” “Oh. Just a minute,” and scampered out of the room. I figured that the week of lead-time would give him time to send the films to radiology and have them read, but obviously that did not happen. Instead, the good Doc squinted at the films through the dim fluorescent lighting and muttered, “If I could at least figure out where your uterus was . . . oh, I think that’s your rib cage . . .”
He’s pretty sure that the former scans did not go low enough into my pelvis, but he’s going to have radiology double-check. In the mean time, I’ll have to schedule another MRI to get a better look at the shape of the outside of my uterus to finally determine whether I have a septate uterus or a bicornuate uterus.
Though I already knew the difference between the two, Doc created one of his doodlings in explanation, possibly for his own amusement. Many of us talk about the impulsive artwork that our REs create, but I was so impressed by the good Doc this time that I thought I’d share a bit with you. Here’s the difference between a septate and bicornuate uteri:
Here's his evaluation of my egg quality and Hal’s semen analysis:
A quick tutoring on ovulation induction:
And lastly, my favorite, his illustration of what happens to a bicornuate uterus during pregnancy. I love the stick-baby:
Since I still have to get my MRI to see whether or not I’ll need septum resection surgery, we’ll have at least one more cycle before any treatment begins. However, I do have the Clomid prescription sitting in my purse, waiting for that fateful day. He had prescribed Letrozole, but after explaining to him that Clomid was covered under my insurance for simply a low co-pay, he was gracious enough to swap. The prescription is for 100 mg daily, which I found a bit odd since I ovulate regularly – I thought he’d want to start me on the lowest 50 mg. dosage to see how I responded – but I’ll bring that up at my baseline day 1-2 ultrasound when the medicated cycle actually begins. I’m sure he has some sort of reason.
He also brought up the special risks that multiples pose for a woman with a bicornuate uterus. Since a fetus grows in only one uterine horn, there’s less room than usual and a high chance of premature birth. If twins are conceived, they have some chance of survival if there is one in each uterine horn. If two or more are in any one horn, we may have problems. I’ll keep you posted on further chats with the Doc.
So, once again, we wait.
I have plenty to do in the meantime. We close on our condo tomorrow. My parents are coming tonight to help paint and move into the new place – Saturday is the big day. I’ve got two more weeks at my job to try to tie things up. Cable (and HBO! Glorious, glorious HBO!) will be installed a week from today. “The Days Are Just Packed,” as Calvin and Hobbes would say.
In the meantime, I’ll keep my pants on. Maybe.
12:07 Posted in My uterus, etc. | Permalink | Comments (15) | Email this
Comments
Wow, it's always reassuring when your RE admits that he can't read MRI films! But he's a helluva artist, that's for sure. Have you considered framing his work and displaying it in your new condo? Tres avant garde, I think.
Posted by: mm | 06/22/2006
Interesting....your egg quality got a smiley face but Hal's super sperm just a check-mark?
Where do they do the MRI's? At UW? Is he thinking of doing IUI with the medicated cycle?
Posted by: EJW | 06/22/2006
Wow. I can't believe you hadn't told me about the artwork before! The stick baby (with the proportions of an adult, it seems) is my favorite.
Posted by: Natalie | 06/22/2006
I think if I heard a doctor saying he couldn't tell my uterus from my ribcage, I might just jump out of the stirups and go running down the street, even if I was wearing one of those ass-hanging-out hospital gowns!
Posted by: rockmamainwaiting | 06/22/2006
The stick baby cracked me up. Thanks for the links on Mullerian abnormalities. I always have a hard time finding info on it.
Posted by: Jenn | 06/22/2006
chuckle... my favourite was the one with the stick-baby.
How about an update on your kitty??? How's her poor leg???
Posted by: Manuela | 06/22/2006
Wow, he's quite the artist. I'd be a little nervous though that he couldn't find the uterus. Here's hoping that those MRI's are really, really high
Posted by: Krista | 06/22/2006
how bout another movie ticket to cheer you up?
Posted by: Hoping | 06/24/2006
I love it when you end on a Calvin and Hobbes quote. Makes me smile. Good luck with the move.
Posted by: Pamplemousse | 06/24/2006
I think we must have the same doctor.. mine is a closet artist too! But then, I never got the disturbing stick figure baby, just a lovely drawing of a catherter being inserted into my uterus. Fun.
Posted by: Meg | 06/24/2006
good luck w/the 2nd mri. hopefully, no surgery needed.
Posted by: waiting line | 06/26/2006
I love even more than I used to due to the Calvin and Hobbes reference. I have every. single. collection. book.
AND! Bill Waterson lives in a town about 30 minutes from my house. Not that I'm a stalker or anything...
I dearly wish I had something to say re: your RE. Let us all know what the MRI reveals.
all my love,
Lumi
Posted by: Lumi | 06/27/2006
Mine doesn't draw pictures. I feel so hard done by.
Why does his septate look just like a bicornate? I know what the difference is, but not sure that the picture helps!
Posted by: thalia | 06/27/2006
I love the pictures. They totally crack me up!
How did the move go? I hope you're settling in nicely.
Posted by: Nico | 06/28/2006
Very scientific illustrations. Also--WHY can't doctors at least glance at our charts before our appointments? Hmmm?
Anyway, I hope the move went well, and that you are enjoying your last bit of work at your old job. When will your MRI be?
Posted by: Alexa | 06/30/2006
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