Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Soundtrack from a Mock Transfer

Welcome if you are here from ICLW week. We are currently gearing up for our IVF cycle. You can read our back story on how we got here by clicking on my crib notes.
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Today was my mock transfer. That sounds a lot more exciting than it actually was. Basically, they were just trying to make sure the catheter would be able to get in without any problems. So it was kind of like an IUI, but without an potential.

Far more interesting was the back and forth between Dr. O and her new nurse. Apparently,  my ultrasound time was used to help train the nurse on how to use the ultrasound machine (which is fine by me. If Dr. O can get my pregnant, she can broadcast my vag cam shots in Times Square). However, here is a sampling of the *oh-so-encouraging* dialog going back-and-forth:

Whoa - check out those PCO ovaries!

She has an amazingly retroverted uterus. Look at where my wand is? See how it's almost straight up and down?

Oh yeah, this one also has a weird uterus. It's T-shaped.

That's [the machine is] saying it's a fibroid. Is that a fibroid? 
                 No - don't worry her. She has enough going on!

Where's her ovary? I can't find her right ovary. (a back-and-forth passing of the wand ensured here)

 That's where you would measure the endometrium? I would measure it there... Where'd it go? Now I can't find it.

How can you tell the follicles from the gas bubbles? How do you know which one is which?
 

So, yeah, maybe not so encouraging. I'm trying not to be disconcerted because I really do like my doctor and the new clinic. Instead, I've decided what I can take away from this is (a) I apparently clearly fall into the "multiple factors for infertility camp" and (b) at least they take the time to do training for their new staff.




 
 

17 comments:

  1. This visit may not have left you with much potential, but it is certainly progress! As I was reading the dialogue between the dr. and nurse above, I couldn't help but cringe. I hope they weren't moving that wand around too much. Eouch!

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    1. Definitely progress...and again, if she can make this baby happen, she is welcome to any conversation she wants to have!

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  2. Hi from ICLW! Oh my, that dialogue is too much. I would have been like "Hi! I'm in the room!" Haha. It sounds like they were having a private conversation. You're right though, none of it matters if she can get the job done.
    Best of luck to you this cycle! :)

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    1. Thanks for the well wishes! That's exactly what it was like - almost as if they forgot I was actually in the room (or that I could hear them). While it was disconcerting, in some ways it was a little like a comedy routine. Whatever gets the job done!

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  3. Hello from ICLW! So sorry to hear about that appointment. Must have been so uncomfortable. Wishing you the best on this cycle and praying it brings you a take home baby!

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  4. I can only imagine the discomfort from the wand being moved all over the place. And while the conversation wasn't the best, as you said they are training the new person and for new person(s) to become great doctors/nurses, they do need training and practice. That's why I always let the students be in the room when they ask.

    I hope this mock transfer is exactly what was needed. Good luck!

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    1. I completely agree. Being a teacher, I am all about people getting learning opportunities. As they were going over my "reproductive flaws" I just thought to myself, "my, it is good my ego left the building about a million scans ago!"

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  5. Hi from ICLW...you are way to nice...I would have said something...I know that people need to be trained in using the machine but they also need to be trained on how to deal with patients and what to say & not say to them. wishing you lots of luck!!!

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    1. ha, thanks. I did not even think to get upset at the time. It was more surreal than anything else. As long as they know what to do on transfer and retrieval days, it is okay by me!

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  6. Wow - how bizarre! I always wonder what they'd see if they looked at the average non-infertile person...I doubt there are many people that fit into the textbook image for reproductive organs. :)

    ~ICLW
    http://triedandtrying.wordpress.com

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  7. Hi from ICLW. Did they ask you if they could have a trainee attend your appointment? I have been asked, and I have said no :P but Good luck on your IVF cycle!!

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    1. They did not ask, but I didn't mind. I figure they have to learn somehow (and this was low stakes...same kind of questions when the "real deal" comes and I would be a lot more nervous!). Thanks!!

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  8. Wow, I can't believe they said that in front of you. Being a nurse myself, I would NEVER talk like that in front of a patient. That is for "debriefing" after the procedure is done and the patient has left the room! Crazy! Oh well, hopefully this mock transfer is the first step in a very successful cycle!

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  9. OMG.

    "How can you tell the follicles from the gas bubbles? How do you know which one is which?"

    I am completely mortified by this statement for some reason. I don't want my Dr/nurse to see any "gas bubbles" during my u/s! They see enough as it is! Ugh, another ugly face of IF.

    But at the same time, I can't help laughing about this. ; )

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  10. Ha- it's funny that you comment on that, because sadly that is what bothered me the most. Say my reproductive organs are faulty (or missing), but don't comment on my GAS. Besides the fact that I did not even realize I had any!

    Sigh - I guess I left dignity at the door a long time ago :)

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