The SHG

This morning I had the much dreaded, much anticipated SHG which is a sonohysterogram vs the HSG which stands for I don’t know what and involves dye. Mine involved air and saline.

I made J run out with me last night to purchase some Midol. I don’t normally take ibuprofen as there is this possibility (urban legend? Not sure) it interferes with conceiving. I’m not taking any chances there. I still consume caffeine—you know the other dark meat. So this morning I was up early, before J to shower and get ready as I made my appointment for the ungodly hour of 8am. I arrived in plenty of time and filled out my paperwork. The receptionist gave me an information sheet that described the procedure in detail. Such as we will then insert a catheter through you vagina into your cervix. Lots of detail I was not necessarily keen to know because I’m squeamish. After signing my name I tucked the info sheet into the dark recesses of my purse and tried to put it out of my mind. I was the first to arrive at the office so I was hoping for a minimal wait time and within 5 minutes my name was called. The ultrasound tech explained the procedure yet again….seriously people I don’t want to know. She then told me to empty my bladder and undress from the waist down.

First up was the vaginal ultrasound or more affectionately the dildo cam. Complete with a condom. I respect Mr. Dildo Cam-he practices safe sex. The U/S tech dug around in my vagina with Mr. D.C. causing me to do my version of Lamaze/Yoga breathing. My uterus looks good, good size and shape, nothing lurking there. My right ovary was more difficult to find. Apparently I had gas. LOL. I almost asked her if she needed me to fart but thought better of it. She moved to the left and took a few pictures of my left ovary. Then back to the right. After much prodding and poking(thank god sex does not feel like that) she was able to push the gas bubble away and take a few snapshots. At the top of my cavity however she detected something not so good but reassured me the doctor would take a look.

Next the doctor came in. Why do doctors feel the need to make small talk while their head is in your crotch? I mean honestly please just get in there and do what must be done and let me get on my way. I really don’t want to hear about how you injured you elbow this weekend or the tractor trailer with the lost load of watermelon. Anyway, he talked me through the entire procedure explaining what he was doing as he went. The worst aspect for me was cleaning my cervix. That was uncomfortable. Soon the saline and air were inserted which resulted in slight cramping but the last biopsy I had was more uncomfortable. I saw the bubbles on screen and the air/water shot straight through my left tube. Same with my right so that is a relief. The baby making passages are open. :D

However, that thing the U/S tech saw at the top of my uterine cavity? There is definitely something there. It appears to be a polyp. The doctor explained there is a strong possibility of an embryo attaching to the polyp instead of my uterus meaning the embryo will not survive as it will not receive any nourishment, therefore this is a concern. However, the issue is easily rectified. The doctor mentioned a D&C to clear out the polyp. We’ll find out more from Sally tomorrow. Hopefully, we can schedule that quickly. The doctor was surprised to learn I do not have abnormal bleeding through my cycle. I told him I never have and my periods last between 5-6 days. He said that could be abnormal. I’ve never been told that is a concern before so I’m not sure what to make of that.

I called J to give him the news and he asked the question I had been wondering since I left the office. How long has that been there? My last vaginal U/S was in 1998 for a lump around my ovary which turned out to be nothing. So we have a 10 year time frame to look at. Who knows.

I hope we get more answers at tomorrow’s appointment. Yesterday J’s dad looked at me and asked, “Do you think I’ll be a grandfather next Father’s Day?” I told him I hoped so. Only time will tell.