[mariainmass]

Hello,

My name is Maria, I'm 41, and I met my husband on a Catholic Singles website. We were married on June 16th, 2007. We both really, REALLY want children BUT we have been unable to concieve. Now we know why. On Feb. 12th 2008 I had surgery to drain two ovarian cysts. They were supposed to do the minor surgery (going through the belly button), but couldn't due to a lot of adhesians. I had to have the major stomach opening surgery. Anyway the two cysts were chocolate cysts, I was diagnosed with severe endometriosis, adhesians, and told the chances are I will have a difficult time getting pregnant. I was told it's possible I'm infertile. My doctor wants to send me to a high risk fertility doctor.

I am very thankful to God that the surgery went well and it's endometriosis and not anything worse. However I am having a difficult time being told I could be infertile. I love children so much, I have been a teacher at two daycares since I was twenty two, and I always saw myself with children. Most of all, my husband really wants children too. The other day we went over to visit my almost three year old nephew and nine month old twin neices. My husband was so good with my nephew and played with him the whole time. At the end of our visit my nephew was giving my husband hugs and kisses. My husband would be an excellent Dad. I feel sad that we might never be parents and he might never have the chance to be a Dad.

Also I am not sure what to do about the endometriosis. Does diet and exercise help? My doctor did not try to get rid of any of the endometriosis or adhesians as far as I know. All my doctor did was get rid of the cysts. I am not sure what to do next.

I really do not want to take birth control, Lupron, or any of those drugs. Even thouh I admit I have been crying over the fact that I might be infertile and not able to have children, I am trying to remain hopeful and trust in God. He took good care of me during the surgery and in the hospital. He will help me and get me through this.

I really thought though that after the cysts were removed, this would be the end of the trial and we would be able to concieve shortly. I never suspected or knew I had endometriosis. The doctor said it looks like I had this for a long time. Also looking back, I did have many of the symptons - heavy and painful periods with many clots, painful bms, frequent urination, ect.

By the way, my time of the month came the day after surgery and I've had it for five days now. Is this normal after surgery?

I hope to hear from others with endometriosis. I'd also LOVE to hear from others who are trying to have babies or who were able to have babies with endometriosis. Maybe we can pray for one another?

My God Bless you all.
Maria

[Jacklyn]

Hello Maria
Welcome to this forum!!

From your post it seems that you might need to visit an infertility specialist. Almost all of us in this forum have had to do that. Is there one in your area that you can go to or that your current doctor can refer you to? It will certainly help to get a second opinion.

The infertility journey is a really painful one. I truly hope that things work out for you. Keep the faith.
Hugs to you

[Tabitha]

Hi Maria, I also have stage IV endo, and I recently got pregnant through IVF. This was my second IVF cycle, and between the two cycles I had my tubes cut because endo had spread into the tubes which was causing bleeding. I was sent to a specialist (Reproductive Endocrinologist - RE) by my obgyn and I think that is probably the best way to go. Endo does not always mean that you can't get pregnant, but it might take a little medical intervention. It all seems overwhelming, but if you find a good RE that you are comfortable with, it will make the process much easier. Good luck to you!!

[elizwhite]

Dear Maria, We TTC for a few years before we found out that my husband has a low sperm count and I have endo that has completely blocked both of my tubes. I was 37 and told that the only way I could get pregnant was through IVF. I had no idea that I had endo or that I couldn't conceive "naturally". After that news, I went straight to the fertility clinic and maxed out the credit cards. I didn't even take the time to grieve my infertility. I wish you luck in your journey. My great - gran was 42 when she had my gran, my gran was 38 when she had my mom, my father in law's mom was 42 when she had him and my husband's mom was 42 when she had his brother. Good luck!

[Jillson]

besides our ages you sound like exactly like me. See below. Same thing happened to me 2/13/07. If you have any other questions that I might be able to answer let me know. There will be hope for us. Good luck.

[Bri01]

Maria- I was told that due to my endo, I would not be able to conceive naturally and after adopting my dd at age 24 we went through IVF with the agreement being that we'd only do it once. Half way through the stim cycle...I started bleeding and was told that this cycle would probably not turn out with a pregnancy. As you can see from my signature, they were wrong. Doctors do not know everything....but they do have to be realistic and not get our hopes up to high. I had 4 surgeries...
09/99- Laproscopy to diagnose the pproblem
11/99- Laparotomy to remove the endo from my bladder all the way up to my liver...Not sure what stage I am considered
12/01 Lost left tube and ovary due to a 6 x7 cm hemorrging cyst.
12/03- Had same type of cyst removed off of the right ovary.

If you have any questions please free to e-mail. Good Luck!

[Kellileanne]

I was diagnosed with endo a few years ago (2003) and was told to have kids then. Well, I wasn't in a position to have kids so when I finally did marry we started ttc immediately, although I was terrified I wouldn't be able to concieve. It took us a year to get pregnant but we did.

Good Luck, it is possible!!!!!!