02 February 2011
When I got my surgical info package, it read that I need to go to the clinic 24 hours before for a laminaria insertion. What's a laminaria I wondered? I Googled it and kept getting seaweed coming up?!?! Then found out it is a type of seaweed that expands slowly to several times it's size when it gets wet. Hmmm... still not so sure what that has to do with gynecological surgery. Narrow the search a bit further and I discover the seaweed is used to dilate the cervix! Who knew! AND who figured that one out in the first place? This whole experience just gets weirder and weirder!
I've looked over the menu of services at my clinic many times and never seen this one listed. My clinic pals group here had never heard of it, even the women who've had operative hysteroscopies.
When I asked my RE about it he explained that he wants to use a larger than usual instrument for my hysteroscopy, and he does not want to risk damaging my cervix in the process. He told me that the expanding seaweed can be "a bit uncomfortable" but often can be managed with Advil. I need to stay in Victoria that night and they will give me an emergency number to call in the event that it becomes unbearable and the big green tampon needs to be removed. Joyous! Why do I get myself into these sorts of situations? It's got to be better than a surprise D&C in the office though. That's not listed on the standard VFC menu either I've noticed.
My clinic pals are really jealous of this special treatment that I seem to get. I have promised to ask the nurse to save a little bit of seaweed to make a mask for Beansprout's eyes, as she will be nearing her retrieval that day. Mud masks all around ladies!
To try to trick myself into believing that I'm really making a trip to Victoria for a relaxing spa service, DH and I booked a fancy hotel that had an inexpensive winter special rate advertised. I can lounge around and pretend I'm getting the pampering of a lifetime, except the usual pleasures of baths, food, wine, and sex will all be off limits.
So, soon it's off to the VFC spa I go for my seaweed spa treatment. Maybe I'll pack some tea light candles and fill my i-pod with soft music to help create a mood in the exam room.
Hopefully all this will help me to get back onto the standard menu selections of IVF again.
Silly SD I thought for sure you were treating yourself to some well deserved relaxation! Hope everything goes well with you green experience. I will think of you on Saturday when my 3 BFF's and I go to the Korean Bathhouse. Come with me in spirit?? lol..
ReplyDeletetmariederm, 02 February 2011 - 07:37 PM
Oh, I feel for you. Just reading your blog made my 'you know what' hurt. (I'll uncross my legs now.) I hope the 'spa' goes better than anticipated. I've always wondered why they don't just throw in a massage and a mani pedi at the clinics while we're having ER and all those other fun things. Personally, I'd find that much more relaxing than a clown.
impatient, 02 February 2011 - 07:44 PM
It's going to be so much fun! Tmarie, are you sure you don't want to join me instead of your BFF's? Maybe the clinics should add some spa services to their offerings? New business opportunity for the economic recession?
silverdollar, 02 February 2011 - 07:51 PM
I'm glad February is here and you can get this procedure done with. You will have to let us know how the "seaweed spa treatment" treats you! All the best SD.
LMC, 02 February 2011 - 07:53 PM
Oh my goodness SD, I've never heard of this before! I hope the procedure goes well. I'm sure that you will be glad to have it over with. You should ask your doctor to perform a mani-pedi as well! :)
leigh14, 02 February 2011 - 08:12 PM
Wow, that's interesting... cool to see a doctor using something natural! I can tell you with Cytotec, the cramping I felt was just like having to do #2 and not much worse than that, altho I had taken Tylenol before and it helped. Good luck!
RainbowsPromise, 02 February 2011 - 08:55 PM
LOL! I had this done once SD, and the pain is like period cramps when your cervix is dilating, but not bad at all. But it does feel like you've got a full tampon that's hanging half way out. Super annoying! I think mine slipped all the way out before doc removed it. After all you've been thru, this will be a piece of cake! :)
Tulips55, 02 February 2011 - 09:39 PM
I was also jealous by your title, but once I read it, not so much so! Good luck with everything!
LesleyM, 02 February 2011 - 09:47 PM
I'm sure it will be a most enjoyable lovely time. My Dr. tells me it's just like early labour pains when the cervix is dilating. Hmmm... not a great comparison for someone who's never been pregnant.
silverdollar, 03 February 2011 - 07:34 AM
Your take on the situation is hilarious! Good luck and best wishes!
Akristyn, 03 February 2011 - 07:54 AM
Love it as always SD!!You better be careful not to let the spas know about this, otherwise they'll put it in with their ear candling, threading nose hairs and cleaning your chakra package.All the best on Tuesday - I've been thinking of you b/c you knew the date so far in advance, and it's my birthday!!Can you ask the RE to have a look during his lookie - loo and see if he can find one if my rings in there? I lost it some time in the last few years and have looked everywhere else.I have often thought that my RE is the person who has most looked at my bits other than my husband, but your RE will be pulling ahead in the competition b/c of the green tampon category - brilliant. What's DH to do to keep up?-kj
ReplyDeletekjbabies, 03 February 2011 - 09:16 AM
Yes, I will be looking for my seaweed mask come next week. LOL! We may cross in passing at the clinic next week. I'm sure my retrieval will be Thursdayish which means Monday will mean daily wandings and blood donation :) Which hotel did you get reservations for?
BeanSprout, 03 February 2011 - 12:07 PM
I know a few women who did this prior to embryo transfer, to widen the cervix, mostly in the states.Good luck with the hysteroscopy.
Duck, 03 February 2011 - 12:11 PM
:) "Pampering of a lifetime" -- that is a great example of positive thinking from a go-getter. Good for you! I hope your getaway is nice, depsite so many of life's pleasures being off-limits, and one of life's inconveniences (cramps) looming. At least you can truthfully tell your nosy co-workers that you are escaping for a seaweed treatment, and they will think they are in the know :)
rhubarb, 03 February 2011 - 01:04 PM
Ouch, that made certain parts "cringe". I've never heard of this, but I'm glad you're staying at a hotel and treating yourself. Might as well book a manicure, pedicure and overload on chocolate :Emoticons09710: Best of luck! I hope this leads is the path to a successful IVF cycle! I love your blog and always wish you all the best!
sheba, 03 February 2011 - 06:12 PM
Oh my goodness, between infertility t-shirts and spa treatments, one could make a fortune! Heh. I chuckled several times at your blog and the comments that followed. Excited for you to get this under your belt (har har har)!
conky, 03 February 2011 - 07:23 PM
kjbabies, on 03 February 2011 - 09:16 AM, said:
Can you ask the RE to have a look during his lookie - loo and see if he can find one if my rings in there? I lost it some time in the last few years and have looked everywhere else.
OMG! I think this must be what's causing my unexplained lining issue and ultimately my difficulty conceiving. I've been storing kj's lost ring in there! Who needs an RE when we've got each other to help sort these mysteries out!
silverdollar, 03 February 2011 - 08:29 PM
I just want to know who first discovered this treatment and, ahem, how? Good luck!
Kiwi, 03 February 2011 - 11:44 PM
SD - I'll never be able to have a seaweed treatment again without thinking of your v-jay!!! :Emoticons09710: Thanks!
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