ICLW time again!

Welcome ICLWers! Just a quick snippet of my blog:

I'm 29 and I have stage IV endometriosis.

It was an interesting battle to get diagnosed, but, I had my first laparoscopy in Feb 2008. After a course of Lu.pron for treatment, I was back to square 1 by Dec of the same year.

I had my 2nd lap for my endo in Mar 2009, and a hysteroscopy in Apr 2009 to remove polyps.

We've been TTC since Apr 2007. We went through our first cycle of IVF in April/May 2009. My right ovary wasn't much help (it didn't produce any viable eggs)-my endometrioma came back 6 weeks post-op. Fortunately it was relatively easy to drain during my egg retrieval, and, it hasn't grown much since then. But, it's lurking; we are racing against time to get pregnant before it causes another surgery.

Our first round unfortunately ended in a miscarriage. Our 2nd round of IVF is coming up, beginning the supression meds July 8th, and, hopefully with a very successful and sustaining BFP around August 10th. We are VERY eager to get started!!!!

Thanks for visiting and I look forward to reading your blogs!!!

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(Just in case you're not familiar)
What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a painful, chronic disease. It occurs when tissue like that which lines the uterus (tissue called the endometrium) is found outside the uterus -- usually in the abdomen on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and ligaments that support the uterus; the area between the vagina and rectum; the outer surface of the uterus; and the lining of the pelvic cavity. Other sites for these endometrial growths may include the bladder, bowel, vagina, cervix, vulva, and in abdominal surgical scars. Less commonly they are found in the lung, arm, thigh, and other locations.

This misplaced tissue develops into growths or lesions which respond to the menstrual cycle in the same way that the tissue of the uterine lining does: each month the tissue builds up, breaks down, and sheds. Menstrual blood flows from the uterus and out of the body through the vagina, but the blood and tissue shed from endometrial growths has no way of leaving the body. This results in internal bleeding, breakdown of the blood and tissue from the lesions, and inflammation -- and can cause pain, infertility, scar tissue formation, adhesions, and bowel problems.

Diagnosis is considered uncertain until proven by laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure done under anesthesia. A laparoscopy usually shows the location, size, and extent of the growths. This helps the doctor and patient make better treatment choices. The average time to diagnosis is about 8-10 years!!!!