professor_chameleon

Good question. I think a part of me feels inadequate now because of my infertility. There is always the option to have IVF later on down the line, but it's costly and I'm not even in a relationship. I have a daughter (9), and am grateful that I at least had the opportunity to have her. But yes, I am grieving the loss of my fertility--not the embryo itself.

Though I can completely empathize with you, it wouldn’t be fair of me to do so, having been able to have one of my own already. Believe me when I say that I feel an immense amount of grief for women who never even get the opportunity. I never really realized how much value society places in pieces of femininity, like hair or fertility. I have friend that was diagnosed with breast cancer recently and just underwent her double mastectomy. My issue seems so insignificant in comparison to the loss of her breasts, and your total infertility. I guess the silver lining is that there are always options available, whether it’s through IVF, surrogacy, or even adoption. No words I can say will make it any easier for you, but just know that you’re definitely not alone in it.

Funny you should ask. This is the second IUD I've ever had, and the second ectopic I've dealt with. In December of 2015, I had had Paragard for about 8 months before I ended up with that ectopic. However, a single round of chemo took care of it, and I went on Nexplanon. In October of 2017, the VA suggested I give this new IUD (Skyla) a try, after I had complained about Nexplanon side effects, and so I did. It didn't end well for me and I should have just went with my instincts. I had a somewhat normal menses, given that Skyla causes irregular bleeding, in January of 2018 which lasted about three days. I didn't have any spotting or bleeding in February, which is why they suggested I take a home pregnancy test. I had also noticed my breasts beginning to get really hard and sore.

Thank you, that means a lot actually. I know once my hormones level out I’ll feel much better about everything.

Yes, the gas is quite painful! They provided me with 600mg ibuprofen and some oxycodone. I don't use opioids, so I've been making the most of my heating pad and ibuprofen.

Pain is gradually getting better. My belly button incision is still pretty sore, and standing up straight or stretching isn't pleasant. After all of the contraception I've used in my life, the progesterone only pill was probably my favorite, however, it's not entirely effective and remembering to take it at the same time every day is a hassle.

On the bright side, I don't have to worry about contraception anymore.