Take two

DSCF1434, originally uploaded by Kodamakitty.

Literally - this will be our second attempt to get pregnant using Clomid, and I'm starting a double dose, 100 mg, tonight. I am trying to keep on schedule with working out a tiny bit each day. Today was an exception since I had to be out to Southfield before 8:15 am for an ultrasound.

The next step will be having an SIS (Saline Infusion Sonogram) or Sonohysterography this upcoming Monday. Essentially, they want to see if the fallopian tubes are, well, open for business.

Here's the explanation from University Women's Healthcare.com:


Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS)
The saline infusion sonogram (SIS), also call sonohysterography, is an ultrasound test done after a saline solution has been infused into the uterus. The saline solution distends the uterus and acts as a contrast to the internal structure. This procedure provides more detail than a conventional ultrasound.

The Procedure
The SIS is performed early in the menstrual cycle, preferably between days 4 and 9, when the menstrual period has stopped or almost stopped but before ovulation occurs.

A patient who has had an infection in the uterus or fallopian tubes (sometimes called Pill, pelvic inflammatory disease, or salpingitis) at any time in the past should take antibiotic pills before the test is done. Most women will feel more comfortable during the procedure if they take about 600 mg of ibuprofen (3 Advil 200mg tablets) about 30 minutes before this ultrasound is done.

The patient lies on her back with her feet in stirrups (as on a gynecology examining table). A speculum is placed in the vagina and a small tube is used to insert a saline solution into the uterus. A vaginal ultrasound probe is used to make images of the saline filling the endometrial cavity. An evaluation of the cul de sac (open abdominal space behind the uterus) is done with the vaginal ultrasound probe still in place. If either fallopian tube is open, some of the saline should be seen in this space.

Reasons for SIS
SIS is used to evaluate the inner cavity of the uterus (endometrial cavity). It can also be used to discover whether either of the fallopian tubes is open. This test does not reveal any abnormalities on the outside of the uterus or on the ovaries, such as adhesions or endometriosis.

Recovery
The test may cause some discomfort, such as pelvic or lower abdominal cramping. Most women can drive and return to work within two hours after the SIS. There are no specific restrictions on activity after the SIS has been done.

Contact the nursing staff or a physician after the procedure if any of the following symptoms develop:
• Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficult or painful urination
• Temperature over 100 degrees

Sounds like more fun than you can shake a stick at, huh? Well, it should at least give us more information about how to best optimize our chances of getting pregnant with this round of treatment.

Speaking of treatment, thank you to everyone who has stopped to ask how I've been, or to express positive thoughts and prayers for our success. Geoffrey and I are very lucky to have such supportive family and friends, and when we do have a little one, he or she will be loved beyond measure not just by us, but by the amazing people in our lives.

Onward!