New member

[Guest guest]

dana,

Funny you should ask this, I joined in 9/00 and my hubby and can't figure

out how I found it!! whenever we do a search on ectopic it doesnt come

up!! I am really interested in the answer too!!

T.T.F.N.

[Guest guest]

dana,

Funny you should ask this, I joined in 9/00 and my hubby and can't figure

out how I found it!! whenever we do a search on ectopic it doesnt come

up!! I am really interested in the answer too!!

T.T.F.N.

[Guest guest]

dana,

Funny you should ask this, I joined in 9/00 and my hubby and can't figure

out how I found it!! whenever we do a search on ectopic it doesnt come

up!! I am really interested in the answer too!!

T.T.F.N.

[Guest guest]

Dana,

Krista gave me the info., but I would recommend going directly to the

egroups sign in window. There is a box to register for membership.

maria

Re: New Member

> Ok,

>

> This may sound completely crazy, but I joined this group in July '00 and I

> can't remember how I joined. There is a lady that I've met from a

fertility

> message board who has recently gone through a EP, and could really use

this

> group for support/information, but I don't know how to tell her to join.

> Please let me know how to explain this to her.

>

> Dana

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Corinna,

Thank you for your reply. I am going to try an a list

doctor in NYC. I live very nearby. I also have an

appointment with an RE that my OB referred me to. In

short, my story: I had a d and c on Jan. 2. I was 8

weeks pg. No period after 12 weeks. I tried prog-no

period. I tried estrogen/prog-no period. I had a

diagnostic HSG. They could not get through the

cervix, it was closed. I had a surical HSG two weeks

ago, and had a post op Tuesday. I am now in more pain

after the post op exam than I was one week ago. The

surgery was said to be successful, but that is what

they said after the d and c.

Thanks for your support,

--- " Corinna M. Dartenne "

wrote:

> , welcome here though the fact that you need to

> be here is sad by

> itself, of course.

> Have you had a look at our A-list? We have a member

> in the NY area, she

> will probably answer soon.

> Could you tell us about your story and we might then

> be able to answer many

> other questions you might have.

> We have all gone (or are still going) through the

> troubles of treating AS.

> Corinna (Germany)

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Corinna,

Thank you for your reply. I am going to try an a list

doctor in NYC. I live very nearby. I also have an

appointment with an RE that my OB referred me to. In

short, my story: I had a d and c on Jan. 2. I was 8

weeks pg. No period after 12 weeks. I tried prog-no

period. I tried estrogen/prog-no period. I had a

diagnostic HSG. They could not get through the

cervix, it was closed. I had a surical HSG two weeks

ago, and had a post op Tuesday. I am now in more pain

after the post op exam than I was one week ago. The

surgery was said to be successful, but that is what

they said after the d and c.

Thanks for your support,

--- " Corinna M. Dartenne "

wrote:

> , welcome here though the fact that you need to

> be here is sad by

> itself, of course.

> Have you had a look at our A-list? We have a member

> in the NY area, she

> will probably answer soon.

> Could you tell us about your story and we might then

> be able to answer many

> other questions you might have.

> We have all gone (or are still going) through the

> troubles of treating AS.

> Corinna (Germany)

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Corinna,

Thank you for your reply. I am going to try an a list

doctor in NYC. I live very nearby. I also have an

appointment with an RE that my OB referred me to. In

short, my story: I had a d and c on Jan. 2. I was 8

weeks pg. No period after 12 weeks. I tried prog-no

period. I tried estrogen/prog-no period. I had a

diagnostic HSG. They could not get through the

cervix, it was closed. I had a surical HSG two weeks

ago, and had a post op Tuesday. I am now in more pain

after the post op exam than I was one week ago. The

surgery was said to be successful, but that is what

they said after the d and c.

Thanks for your support,

--- " Corinna M. Dartenne "

wrote:

> , welcome here though the fact that you need to

> be here is sad by

> itself, of course.

> Have you had a look at our A-list? We have a member

> in the NY area, she

> will probably answer soon.

> Could you tell us about your story and we might then

> be able to answer many

> other questions you might have.

> We have all gone (or are still going) through the

> troubles of treating AS.

> Corinna (Germany)

>

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Welcome , may we call you K because we have another in the group with the same spelling.

With regards you helping out with the group, thank you for your interest at such an early stage of joining. We have had a few doctors interested in this group already and Dr Valle has said in the past that he wanted to write a medical paper on Ashermans with the help of this group. We also have a ProfASHelp sub group to this group where currently, Dr Palter and Dr March are members. We use this group to ask medical questions. You don't get to be a member automatically unless you tell me you would like to join this group.

Let me know when you have any thoughts for helping out this group to raise some awareness in the medical community.

Poly

[Guest guest]

Welcome , may we call you K because we have another in the group with the same spelling.

With regards you helping out with the group, thank you for your interest at such an early stage of joining. We have had a few doctors interested in this group already and Dr Valle has said in the past that he wanted to write a medical paper on Ashermans with the help of this group. We also have a ProfASHelp sub group to this group where currently, Dr Palter and Dr March are members. We use this group to ask medical questions. You don't get to be a member automatically unless you tell me you would like to join this group.

Let me know when you have any thoughts for helping out this group to raise some awareness in the medical community.

Poly

[Guest guest]

Welcome , may we call you K because we have another in the group with the same spelling.

With regards you helping out with the group, thank you for your interest at such an early stage of joining. We have had a few doctors interested in this group already and Dr Valle has said in the past that he wanted to write a medical paper on Ashermans with the help of this group. We also have a ProfASHelp sub group to this group where currently, Dr Palter and Dr March are members. We use this group to ask medical questions. You don't get to be a member automatically unless you tell me you would like to join this group.

Let me know when you have any thoughts for helping out this group to raise some awareness in the medical community.

Poly

[Guest guest]

Poly,

I would be happy to answer their medical questions. I

hope that someone having ashermans 10 years from now

will not have to face it the same way we did. Yes,

you may call me K.

K

--- Poly Spyrou wrote:

> Welcome , may we call you K because we

> have another in the group with the same

> spelling.

>

> With regards you helping out with the group, thank

> you for your interest at such an early stage of

> joining. We have had a few doctors interested in

> this group already and Dr Valle has said in the past

> that he wanted to write a medical paper on Ashermans

> with the help of this group. We also have a

> ProfASHelp sub group to this group where currently,

> Dr Palter and Dr March are members. We use this

> group to ask medical questions. You don't get to be

> a member automatically unless you tell me you would

> like to join this group.

>

> Let me know when you have any thoughts for helping

> out this group to raise some awareness in the

> medical community.

>

> Poly

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Poly,

I would be happy to answer their medical questions. I

hope that someone having ashermans 10 years from now

will not have to face it the same way we did. Yes,

you may call me K.

K

--- Poly Spyrou wrote:

> Welcome , may we call you K because we

> have another in the group with the same

> spelling.

>

> With regards you helping out with the group, thank

> you for your interest at such an early stage of

> joining. We have had a few doctors interested in

> this group already and Dr Valle has said in the past

> that he wanted to write a medical paper on Ashermans

> with the help of this group. We also have a

> ProfASHelp sub group to this group where currently,

> Dr Palter and Dr March are members. We use this

> group to ask medical questions. You don't get to be

> a member automatically unless you tell me you would

> like to join this group.

>

> Let me know when you have any thoughts for helping

> out this group to raise some awareness in the

> medical community.

>

> Poly

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Poly,

I would be happy to answer their medical questions. I

hope that someone having ashermans 10 years from now

will not have to face it the same way we did. Yes,

you may call me K.

K

--- Poly Spyrou wrote:

> Welcome , may we call you K because we

> have another in the group with the same

> spelling.

>

> With regards you helping out with the group, thank

> you for your interest at such an early stage of

> joining. We have had a few doctors interested in

> this group already and Dr Valle has said in the past

> that he wanted to write a medical paper on Ashermans

> with the help of this group. We also have a

> ProfASHelp sub group to this group where currently,

> Dr Palter and Dr March are members. We use this

> group to ask medical questions. You don't get to be

> a member automatically unless you tell me you would

> like to join this group.

>

> Let me know when you have any thoughts for helping

> out this group to raise some awareness in the

> medical community.

>

> Poly

>

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Silvina,

Welcome to the group and I know you will find many answers to all of

your questions from the wonderful women that make this site the

supportive and informative place that it is.

First, please read the database section from the main page of the

site and check out frequently asked questions and the primer

document. Also, on the files section, you will find A & B lists of

doctors who have been referred to our group by our members or other

practicing specialists on the board.

Finding this group will be a big help for you in getting research and

information about Ashermans. You will know more than almost any

doctor about AS, except those A-List doctors, who are miracle workers

in almost everyones' opinions. Please look up the A-List doctor that

is closest to you and contact their office asap. Many of these

doctors will set up phone consults, will read emails or will refer

you to their own unique program for getting you answers FAST.

Start getting copies of all your medical records now so you will have

them ready when you do decide on a doctor. The new doc will need

your medical file, blood tests, HSG results, US results or videos or

pictures if available, etc. Since you are aware of the time factor

(as most of us are), try to stay focused and realize that the faster

you get yourself fixed, repaired and healthy again, the quicker you

will be given the go ahead to TTC. Good luck and our thoughts are

with you during this difficult period of discovery.

W.

[Guest guest]

Silvina,

Welcome to the group and I know you will find many answers to all of

your questions from the wonderful women that make this site the

supportive and informative place that it is.

First, please read the database section from the main page of the

site and check out frequently asked questions and the primer

document. Also, on the files section, you will find A & B lists of

doctors who have been referred to our group by our members or other

practicing specialists on the board.

Finding this group will be a big help for you in getting research and

information about Ashermans. You will know more than almost any

doctor about AS, except those A-List doctors, who are miracle workers

in almost everyones' opinions. Please look up the A-List doctor that

is closest to you and contact their office asap. Many of these

doctors will set up phone consults, will read emails or will refer

you to their own unique program for getting you answers FAST.

Start getting copies of all your medical records now so you will have

them ready when you do decide on a doctor. The new doc will need

your medical file, blood tests, HSG results, US results or videos or

pictures if available, etc. Since you are aware of the time factor

(as most of us are), try to stay focused and realize that the faster

you get yourself fixed, repaired and healthy again, the quicker you

will be given the go ahead to TTC. Good luck and our thoughts are

with you during this difficult period of discovery.

W.

[Guest guest]

Silvina,

Welcome to the group and I know you will find many answers to all of

your questions from the wonderful women that make this site the

supportive and informative place that it is.

First, please read the database section from the main page of the

site and check out frequently asked questions and the primer

document. Also, on the files section, you will find A & B lists of

doctors who have been referred to our group by our members or other

practicing specialists on the board.

Finding this group will be a big help for you in getting research and

information about Ashermans. You will know more than almost any

doctor about AS, except those A-List doctors, who are miracle workers

in almost everyones' opinions. Please look up the A-List doctor that

is closest to you and contact their office asap. Many of these

doctors will set up phone consults, will read emails or will refer

you to their own unique program for getting you answers FAST.

Start getting copies of all your medical records now so you will have

them ready when you do decide on a doctor. The new doc will need

your medical file, blood tests, HSG results, US results or videos or

pictures if available, etc. Since you are aware of the time factor

(as most of us are), try to stay focused and realize that the faster

you get yourself fixed, repaired and healthy again, the quicker you

will be given the go ahead to TTC. Good luck and our thoughts are

with you during this difficult period of discovery.

W.

[Guest guest]

Corinna,

I must have mistyped. I'm having an operative hysteroscopy on the

16th - not a hysterectomy. Thank you for your concern. I will

contact my doctor tomorrow to find out how many of these procedures

he has performed. I consider the list of questions for doctors in

the database a tremendous help!

[Guest guest]

Corinna,

I must have mistyped. I'm having an operative hysteroscopy on the

16th - not a hysterectomy. Thank you for your concern. I will

contact my doctor tomorrow to find out how many of these procedures

he has performed. I consider the list of questions for doctors in

the database a tremendous help!

[Guest guest]

Corinna,

I must have mistyped. I'm having an operative hysteroscopy on the

16th - not a hysterectomy. Thank you for your concern. I will

contact my doctor tomorrow to find out how many of these procedures

he has performed. I consider the list of questions for doctors in

the database a tremendous help!

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to this wonderful group of women who all understand exactly

what you are going through. It is terrible that you find yourself

with Ashermans, but lucky to have found this group so early in your

search and diagnosis.

I will attempt to answer a few of your questions, but I do have a few

words of advice for you. Since you have been reading the posts for a

few days, you have probably checked out the entire site. Just in

case you haven't, please read the primer and Frequently asked

questions in the database and files section. There are many great

articles in the bookmarks section as well.

I have not had my lap/hyst done yet, so I can not answer your

questions about what to expect, pain, healing, etc. I do know that I

talked in depth about this with Dr Palter, who is treating me from

afar, and his technique is to use microscissors to cut away the

adhesions and scarring. The trick is that the surgeon needs to get

all of the scar tissue without cutting into the delicate

endometrium. Once the scar tissue is removed, if your endometrium is

healthy and thick, you are more likely to have a better chance at

conceiving. This is one of the key reasons you see everyone talking

about the A-List doctors. These doctors are performing this surgery

many times a week so they have felt their way around many scarred

uterus before. I would ask your doctor about her method of treatment

and consider talking to another doctor to make sure this is the

doctor you want performing the most important surgery of your life

(at this point anyway).

Some people do need two or even three surgeries to get all of the

scar tissue removed. See the surgeons would rather take a bit too

little and leave the endometrium (because this can not be replaced)

alone completely, than to over-estimate the scar tissue and remove

too much which could possibly damage your endometrium. Other women

only have one surgery and they are scar free. It really depends on

your individual case and your doctor.

Most doctors perform the surgery, then put you on estrogen therapy

for either 30 or 60 days. After your hormones, you hopefully have a

period. Once this has occurred, most doctors recommend having

another HSG to determine if all or the majority of the scar tissue

was removed during the surgery. If all looks clear and your test

comes out showing a scar free uterus, then usually the green light is

given to TTC. I hope you realize that this can be a up and down

journey. Many women go on to have healthy babies and others have

different fertility issues, such as lining problems from the AS, age

related issues, etc etc. Our goal here as a group is to try to

educate and support the women going through this process. We do hope

as well to get the word out that D & C's postpartum are the major

reason most of us have Ashermans.

Remember that you are a Mommy and to be that again to another child,

you will make it through to the other side of this difficult

situation. My thoughts are with you. '

W

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome to this wonderful group of women who all understand exactly

what you are going through. It is terrible that you find yourself

with Ashermans, but lucky to have found this group so early in your

search and diagnosis.

I will attempt to answer a few of your questions, but I do have a few

words of advice for you. Since you have been reading the posts for a

few days, you have probably checked out the entire site. Just in

case you haven't, please read the primer and Frequently asked

questions in the database and files section. There are many great

articles in the bookmarks section as well.

I have not had my lap/hyst done yet, so I can not answer your

questions about what to expect, pain, healing, etc. I do know that I

talked in depth about this with Dr Palter, who is treating me from

afar, and his technique is to use microscissors to cut away the

adhesions and scarring. The trick is that the surgeon needs to get

all of the scar tissue without cutting into the delicate

endometrium. Once the scar tissue is removed, if your endometrium is

healthy and thick, you are more likely to have a better chance at

conceiving. This is one of the key reasons you see everyone talking

about the A-List doctors. These doctors are performing this surgery

many times a week so they have felt their way around many scarred

uterus before. I would ask your doctor about her method of treatment

and consider talking to another doctor to make sure this is the

doctor you want performing the most important surgery of your life

(at this point anyway).

Some people do need two or even three surgeries to get all of the

scar tissue removed. See the surgeons would rather take a bit too

little and leave the endometrium (because this can not be replaced)

alone completely, than to over-estimate the scar tissue and remove

too much which could possibly damage your endometrium. Other women

only have one surgery and they are scar free. It really depends on

your individual case and your doctor.

Most doctors perform the surgery, then put you on estrogen therapy

for either 30 or 60 days. After your hormones, you hopefully have a

period. Once this has occurred, most doctors recommend having

another HSG to determine if all or the majority of the scar tissue

was removed during the surgery. If all looks clear and your test

comes out showing a scar free uterus, then usually the green light is

given to TTC. I hope you realize that this can be a up and down

journey. Many women go on to have healthy babies and others have

different fertility issues, such as lining problems from the AS, age

related issues, etc etc. Our goal here as a group is to try to

educate and support the women going through this process. We do hope

as well to get the word out that D & C's postpartum are the major

reason most of us have Ashermans.

Remember that you are a Mommy and to be that again to another child,

you will make it through to the other side of this difficult

situation. My thoughts are with you. '

W

[Guest guest]

,

The first thing I need to ask is how much experience does your doctor have in treating Asherman's. If the answer is a few a year, that is not enough. It has to be so many cases in a year, that they couldn't even count! The most important key to success is the proper doctor. I know you asked about the hysteroscopy. I have only had one, and it will need to be done again. This is because I waisted my time with an inexperienced doctor. The recovery time is short if they are not also doing a laproscopic procedure. Is this the case? (Other members please advise if this is the best route) You will know if it is a success by an HSG. It is true, that many people take up to three surguries to get a final result. This is basically how most of the members get an all clear to conceive again. As far as the baby talk, many members already have babies like you. I am not sure how they feel. As for someone like me with no children, it is not easy. I have now purchased my tenth newborn baby gift since April 15th! Not exactly an easy past time for me under the circumstances, but one day I will have a child of my own.(Perhaps not the traditional way)

, I am glad you found the group. Welcome. Please ask away!!!

Kunin

and Stone wrote:

[Guest guest]

,

I am sorry about your loss and that you actually had to find our site

becuase you too have been diagnosed with Asherman's. This is a great

site and you will hopefully find out all the information that you need

to make decisions about your on-going care. I will try to answer some

of your questions based on the experienc that I have had...it is kind

of long so bare with me.

I am glad that you were proactive enough to ask questions about your

initial feelings regarding the scar tissue and got out of the care of

you OB/GYN and into better hands. We also have a database of A and B

list doctors who specialize in Asherman's and treat several member on

this list that I would recommend checking out.

I have had 3 operative hysteroscopies (12/01, 4/02 & 6/02). The

procedure was under general anesthesia so I was groggy coming out of

it, and usually had cramping the first 1-2 days, but relatively not a

painful procedure...the first hysteroscopy they performed on me

however was also performed with a laperoscopy and that was more

painful because of the incision/stitches and the gas that they pump

into you. After each hysteroscopy they inserted a balloon into my

uterus to help prevent scar tissue from coming back. The balloon does

not hurt, but is not the prettiest thing in the world, since 2 of the

times it also included a drainage bag strapped to my leg (wearing

clothes was a challenge). They say that the balloon may fall out and

the last time I had it in, it did come out.

The doctor gave me antibiotics after the surgery to prevent

infection...I was also treated with estrogen then progesterone to make

me bleed. After each surgery and after my 1st bleed, my doctor would

perform an HSG to see what the results of my surgery were. Since I

have had 3 surgeries you can conclude that I had scar tissue come back

each time. Scar tissue reoccurance happens in some, but do not get

depressed about it...each person is different and it might not happen

to you. I go for my next hysteroscopy next week to determine how my

surgery went in June.

Remaining positive is hard sometimes. Especially for those of us that

have yet to have a first child like you. Each person is different,

but I have been told by my doctors that I am very positive. I do this

by learning as much as I can about my problem but also understanding

that I can not change the past. I have so much to focus on for the

future that I can not let my past 4 miscarriages get me down...can't

wallow in the past. Need to focus on the future...but also need to

realize that I may never be able to have children...it is hard to

swallow, but I need to keep it in mind and not completely ignore it.

As I said though each person is different and deals with things in

different ways.

You seem to be on the right track, but I would definitely ask your

doctor how much experience she has had with Asherman's. Do your

homework and do not hesitate to get other opinions. As I said, there

are good doctors in our database and you may want to get consultations

with them before having your surgery so that you know you are doing

the best thing for your body in hope of conceiving again.

Cortney

[Guest guest]

,

I am sorry about your loss and that you actually had to find our site

becuase you too have been diagnosed with Asherman's. This is a great

site and you will hopefully find out all the information that you need

to make decisions about your on-going care. I will try to answer some

of your questions based on the experienc that I have had...it is kind

of long so bare with me.

I am glad that you were proactive enough to ask questions about your

initial feelings regarding the scar tissue and got out of the care of

you OB/GYN and into better hands. We also have a database of A and B

list doctors who specialize in Asherman's and treat several member on

this list that I would recommend checking out.

I have had 3 operative hysteroscopies (12/01, 4/02 & 6/02). The

procedure was under general anesthesia so I was groggy coming out of

it, and usually had cramping the first 1-2 days, but relatively not a

painful procedure...the first hysteroscopy they performed on me

however was also performed with a laperoscopy and that was more

painful because of the incision/stitches and the gas that they pump

into you. After each hysteroscopy they inserted a balloon into my

uterus to help prevent scar tissue from coming back. The balloon does

not hurt, but is not the prettiest thing in the world, since 2 of the

times it also included a drainage bag strapped to my leg (wearing

clothes was a challenge). They say that the balloon may fall out and

the last time I had it in, it did come out.

The doctor gave me antibiotics after the surgery to prevent

infection...I was also treated with estrogen then progesterone to make

me bleed. After each surgery and after my 1st bleed, my doctor would

perform an HSG to see what the results of my surgery were. Since I

have had 3 surgeries you can conclude that I had scar tissue come back

each time. Scar tissue reoccurance happens in some, but do not get

depressed about it...each person is different and it might not happen

to you. I go for my next hysteroscopy next week to determine how my

surgery went in June.

Remaining positive is hard sometimes. Especially for those of us that

have yet to have a first child like you. Each person is different,

but I have been told by my doctors that I am very positive. I do this

by learning as much as I can about my problem but also understanding

that I can not change the past. I have so much to focus on for the

future that I can not let my past 4 miscarriages get me down...can't

wallow in the past. Need to focus on the future...but also need to

realize that I may never be able to have children...it is hard to

swallow, but I need to keep it in mind and not completely ignore it.

As I said though each person is different and deals with things in

different ways.

You seem to be on the right track, but I would definitely ask your

doctor how much experience she has had with Asherman's. Do your

homework and do not hesitate to get other opinions. As I said, there

are good doctors in our database and you may want to get consultations

with them before having your surgery so that you know you are doing

the best thing for your body in hope of conceiving again.

Cortney

[Guest guest]

: Welcome to the group, although I am so sorry you have reason

to be here. I hope you will find that this group helps you to feel

less isolated and helps you to manage your anger and saddness. It

has helped me immeasurably since I found it two years ago!

I have a 4 year old and was not diagnosed with Asherman's until she

was about 2.75 years old myself. My placenta would not detach

(placenta adherens) and had to be manually removed (which was very

painful) resulting in retained placenta that wasn't found until more

than 10 weeks post-partum for me. I had a D & C which resulted in my

entire uterine cavity being " obliterated " . I was entirely filled with

scar tissue and had no opening left at all.

After 3 surgical treatments by a " non-A-list " doctor he gave up on me

and told me I would never have a period and never have another

child. I believed him and was devastated. Well, 6 weeks later I had

a 3-day long period and was shocked. At the urging of this group I

got a second opinion from an Asherman's specialist who was able to

return my uterus to a normal shape and size in two additional

surgeries. (The second surgery was very short and took less than a

half and hour just to remove a small band of adhesions that was not

removed in the first surgery.)

Since getting the " all clear " to try for our second child back in

August of 2001, I have been pregnant 3 times and have had 3

miscarriages, one of them a missed abortion like yours. And empty

sac with no fetal pole, no heartbeat...but also a " suspiciously

large " cyst on my ovary leading them to worry that I had an ovarian

ectopic. So I went through the use of methotrexate and zydatek to

force a miscarriage which was very uncomfortable and very emotional.

Although I am still not sure why I have been miscarrying, I have

tested " high " twice for APLA, antiphopholipid antibodies which

essentially means that I have built-up antibodies to pregnancy and my

body is attacking each pregnancy....I have an appointment with a new

reproductive endocrinologist on August 1st to see where to go from

here.

You should be PROUD of yourself for pushing to have that HSG and get

the diagnosis you needed. Excellent work! That's one thing that this

whole experience has really taught me,....that I have to be my own

best advocate for getting the health care I need!

I am also glad you are not letting your OB do your hysteroscopy.

Ginsburg? She sounds familiar - I believe we may have at least one

other member who is being treated by her....anyone? Am I right?!

About the surgery, don't be petrified. It's really not that bad. Do

you know if you will be having a HYST only or a LAP/HYST (with a

laporoscopy)? The preferred method is to have a LAP as well to

help " guide " the surgery and prevent uterine puncture. BUT, for mild

cases (which it sounds like yours is) the LAP may be overkill.

You will be under general anesthetic, have you been under general

before? You have already had a diagnostic HYST so you know what that

is like, not too bad. The only difference is that this time the

surgeon will use microscissors (or at least that is what she SHOULD

be using) to cut away the scar tissue. After the scar tissue has

been cleared, she will most likely place a uterine balloon inside to

help keep the walls of your uterus apart while they heal after

surgery. It will be left in place for roughly a week.

You will have some bleeding after surgery for a few days...and will

feel a bit sore, but that is really the worst of it. If you have a

LAP you will probably be a bit more uncomfortable as they use gas

to " inflate " your abdomen which can leave you feeling crampy and

bloated, and you will have a couple of stitches in your belly as well

(they go through the bellybutton) so that will increase your

discomfort a bit but not too much.

For each of my surgeries I was back to work 2 or 3 days later and

doing fine. A bit tired, but otherwise okay. They will give you

pain medication which I used the first night...but after that, I

really didn't need.

Can the scarring reform after surgery? Yes, it can. But that is

unlikely if you a balloon is used AND, even more important, if you

are given high-dose estrogen for a few weeks after surgery to

help " protect " your endometrium during the healing process and

prevent formation of new scarring.

After you have had a few weeks to heal and finished the estrogen and

progesterone the doctor has given you (or should be giving you) after

surgery, you will have a period. AFter that period you should have a

hysterosalpingogram (where they use a catheter to run dye up into

your uterus during an xray to check to make sure the scarring is

gone.) This procedure is very quick and may cause some cramping, but

if your scarring is all gone will not be painful.

Also, as for multiple surgeries. Women who have multiple surgeries

usually fall into two categories, those that started out with doctors

who didn't know what they were doing, or at least were not

experienced in operating on Asherman's cases AND/OR those who have

SEVERE scarring like me where close to 100% of their uterus is filled

with scar tissue.

There are a number of women who have had relatively minor scarring

like you who have been entirely cured after one surgery and are now

pregnant! I think Carol Swanson falls into that category don't you?!

One surgery with Indman and now she's pregnant! YIPEE!

SOOOO, when you have your consult with your doctor you should ask:

1. Will she be performing a LAP or just a HYST and why?

2. Will she be using a uterine balloon afterwards and if not, why?

3. What kinds of estrogen/progesterone will she be prescribing for

you afterwards, how long will you take it?

4. When will she perform a follow-up HSG after surgery to be sure the

scarring is gone?

5. What will she do if she runs into scarring that she is unable to

remove (the correct answer is STOP surgery and refer you to an

Asherman's specialist)

And this should get you started. Please ask any more questions you

have about surgery....many of us are old pros at surgery now

unfortunately!!

Again, welcome and don't get too overwhelmed...I know this is a lot

of information to handle all at once...but you'll get through it, and

it sounds like you have an excellent prognosis having mild scarring

that has been caught relatively quickly!

Gwen