Post here if you've battled Asherman's/uterine scarring

[Anonymous]

I'm amazed by how little there is on this board or elsewhere about this issue, and I feel utterly alone. If you've BTDT chime in so we can all support each other. I was recently diagnosed and had a lap/hysteroscopy last week. RE was amazed by the extent of the scarring and is only "cautiously optimistic." I feel so overwhelmed. I had a c-section a few years ago though they insist that's not the cause; don't know what else it could possibly be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm amazed by how little there is on this board or elsewhere about this issue, and I feel utterly alone. If you've BTDT chime in so we can all support each other. I was recently diagnosed and had a lap/hysteroscopy last week. RE was amazed by the extent of the scarring and is only "cautiously optimistic." I feel so overwhelmed. I had a c-section a few years ago though they insist that's not the cause; don't know what else it could possibly be.

Did you try that yahoo group that I posted on the other thread? A friend of mine (not from DC area) had extensive scarring and found that to be a good resource a few years ago. She did go on to successfully carry a baby. Also, IVF Connections was a great resource back at that time, but that is gone now (well someone took over the domain name so there is something there now, but it's not the same). I also know a few other friends who had a bit of scar tissue after a c/s or d&c but not extensive scarring. They all went on to carry babies successfully after it was removed.

My own personal experience was having some scar tissue after a D&C. My RE first suspected it after a saline sono, then removed it during a hysteroscopy. I got pg ~4 months later.

What are your next steps - take off a cycle before trying again?

Good luck, OP. We are pulling for you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm amazed by how little there is on this board or elsewhere about this issue, and I feel utterly alone. If you've BTDT chime in so we can all support each other. I was recently diagnosed and had a lap/hysteroscopy last week. RE was amazed by the extent of the scarring and is only "cautiously optimistic." I feel so overwhelmed. I had a c-section a few years ago though they insist that's not the cause; don't know what else it could possibly be.

Did you try that yahoo group that I posted on the other thread? A friend of mine (not from DC area) had extensive scarring and found that to be a good resource a few years ago. She did go on to successfully carry a baby. Also, IVF Connections was a great resource back at that time, but that is gone now (well someone took over the domain name so there is something there now, but it's not the same). I also know a few other friends who had a bit of scar tissue after a c/s or d&c but not extensive scarring. They all went on to carry babies successfully after it was removed.

My own personal experience was having some scar tissue after a D&C. My RE first suspected it after a saline sono, then removed it during a hysteroscopy. I got pg ~4 months later.

What are your next steps - take off a cycle before trying again?

Good luck, OP. We are pulling for you!

I did try the Yahoo group (thank you) but still haven't been approved nearly a week later. It's good to hear about your friend with the serious scarring; thanks for sharing that. I am currently on estrogen therapy after the surgery; will go on progesterone to force a period and then do another HSG to see if the uterine cavity and tubes are clear/can be imaged. Will probably have to have a second hysteroscopy in late August/early September; then more estrogen therapy and testing. It makes me tired thinking about it. Meanwhile our first child is getting older, we are getting older and if we can't get PG ever again it's a long road to decide if GC or adoption are even something we want to consider, not to mention the long time frame to try and achieve either of those things. I feel defeated and as though, if I can't ever get PG again, I just want to embrace having one child and move on rather than put ourselves (and our child) through a long, emotional process whatever it may be. Of course, DH doesn't agree. It'd just be so nice to hear from some folks who faced similar decisions and how they made it through. Thanks for your kind words.

[Anonymous]

Bummer - maybe that group isn't as active as it was before.

I'm sorry that you're going through this, OP. It sucks big time. Hope that everything is clear at your next HSG/hyst and you aren't stuck in waiting mode for too long. And hope that you have that second baby in your arms soon - whatever route you take!!

[Anonymous]

I had severe scarring and had a lap/hys. Both of my Fallopian tubes were blocked. Had another one and everything looks good. I went to a surgeon, not a RE.

[Anonymous]

I had extensive scarring after a d&c. It took 2 surgeries and several years before I got pg. (I ended up using a GC before that, and was shocked to get pg a year later after being told there was no hope!). I belonged to the yahoo group and found it very helpful. I think it's still active but am no longer a member. If your lap/hys is not successful then I would recommend seeing a surgeon that specializes in ashermans. I did for my 2nd surgery and wish I had done so initially. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Hi. I'm dealing with a probable diagnosis I learned of yesterday. My Asherman's is unsurprising in hindsight - I had a c-section, then a D&C for a miscarriage, then a very traumatic pre-term birth with placenta accreta - so likely tons of scarring. I just wish someone had warned me about this when I chose to do the first D&C. If I'd known, I could have chosen to wait it out for the miscarriage to happen naturally. May have had the same result, but at least I could have minimized the risk.

I'm looking for a GYN who can do the hysteroscopy. I'm having monthly pain but no period. From my internet research, it seems you can still be having your period, but if the cervix is blocked, the blood can back up into your fallopian tubes and cause problems. Yuk.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Hi, 6:05. Sorry to hear that. It does seem that docs/surgeons do not do enough to warn women about the risk of uterine scarring from certain procedures. It makes me angry. Best of luck in finding a great doctor who can help you heal.

[Anonymous]

06:05, who are you seeing. I highly recommend Dr. Robinson at GW. He did my hysteroscopy, first to diagnose the Asherman's then again (under anesthesia) to remove the scarring. My case was much less severe--I still had periods, just lasted longer with slower flow and weird cramps. But after not getting good answers for what was going on with me, he was like a breath of fresh air. Not only did he treat me (and allow me to get pregnant with my next IVF), he made me feel both vindicated and calm. He's got a great bedside manner, and inspires confidence. Even if you opt to have surgery out of town, I recommend consulting with him to get a proper diagnosis and learn your options.

[Anonymous]

I was diagnosed after i stopped getting my period after a d&c gone terribly wrong. Two hysteroscopies later i got the green light to conceive. Found out last week the pregnancy isnt viable so d&c scheduled for next week and doc will try to remove any leftover scar tissue if he can. This process has been exhausting on many level bur i will keep trying. Pps you are not alone! Wishing you all much success in your journies

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was diagnosed after i stopped getting my period after a d&c gone terribly wrong. Two hysteroscopies later i got the green light to conceive. Found out last week the pregnancy isnt viable so d&c scheduled for next week and doc will try to remove any leftover scar tissue if he can. This process has been exhausting on many level bur i will keep trying. Pps you are not alone! Wishing you all much success in your journies

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Just FYi, the scar tissue is often caused by D&C (even ones that had no issues). It used to be believed that scarring post-D&C was due to the practitioner "scraping too hard", but that's no longer the current thinking. Current thinking is that scar tissue just forms post D&C for some women. Since you've had scarring from D&C before, it could happen again. This is not to discourage your from choosing the best option for you in your current situation, just something to be aware of as you heal. I asked my RE to check for scar tissue post-D&C after a failed IVF, but he only did HSG. It was 3 failed cycles later that another RE did a hysteroscopy which diagnosed my Asherman's. Given your history, I strongly encourage you to proactively ask your doctor for a hysteroscopy a few months after this D&C to ensure there is no further scarring.

[Anonymous]

Re will do follow up beta and saline sono and test tissue for chromosomal abnormality. That is his hope to rule out my crappy uterus being the cause for this loss. Thank you pp for your advice Nd best of luck to all!

[Anonymous]

20:59 thanks for the Dr. recommendation. I'm not seeing anyone right now, so that's a great tip. Would love to try to repair uterus, but I'm almost 42 and don't feel I have the time. Just want to get it fixed for blood flow reasons and try a gestational carrier.

[Anonymous]

I had a c-section 3.5 years ago. We got pregnant with our son the first month of trying. After a year of trying for the 2nd, I knew there was a problem. After all the initial testing, my specialist found adhesions all along the bottom of my uterus (although I was told from the beginning there was very little chance of scar tissue causing my infertility from a c-section). I had them removed last Halloween. Tried a few more months without success. Tried acupuncture as a last resort before begging my Dr for clomid and I got pregnant! 28 weeks along and doing great! There is hope!

[Anonymous]

Hi All,

How is Asherman's officially dx? I had a dnc after a loss in 07, then a c-section in 10, then another loss, then another c-section in 12. With my last pregnancy, placenta attached to some scar tissue and I had a big bleed at 30 weeks that put me in the hospital. While in the hospital, got a bladder infection that led to my baby being delivered early. The Dr said I had so much scar tissue in there that she recommends that I do not have another baby (we wanted one more). For other reasons I am no longer with her and don't totally trust her medical advice. She never mentioned Asherman's but said the scarring was pretty bad. If safe and possible, I would like to get pregnant again in another two years but need a Dr that has experience in this kind of thing.