April 08, 2003
HSG
The hysterosalpingogram was a lot faster and a lot more painful than I expected. After they inserted the catheter into my cervix, a small balloon was inflated to hold it in place. As the tech was doing that part, I first started to get that full feeling right before a cramp hits, but then the pressure just kept building. I couldn't help it and gasped out, "that really hurts," and tears started to squeeze out of my eyes. It hurt so bad, I couldn't breathe.
The tech deflated the balloon slightly as her assistant gently rubbed my arm and softly told me to breathe. As the balloon deflated, the pain went away, although it still felt awkward.
After I was prepped, the doctor came in and began injecting the dye. Despite my discomfort and nerves, it was pretty neat to see my uterus and fallopian tubes magically appear on the monitor. I'd always assumed that my reproductive organs would appear as neat and symmetrical as textbook drawings. Instead I saw that my uterus was very small and flattened-looking, and my fallopian tubes were weird squiggly lines shooting off either side. One curved up and the other down.
I thought the whole setup looked very strange, but after it was over, the doctor said that from his initial view (via the monitor), my uterus and tubes looked fine. No scar tissue or other blockages. He said he'd still have to look at the x-rays, but he was pretty sure everything was fine. I'd get the full results at my next appointment at TFC.
I'd been warned that I might experience cramping and spotting after the procedure, and I did, but not even as bad as a usual cycle. I just wished for a heating pad to put over my belly.