Conference moira::parenting_v3

    
    Hi,
    
    I had one of these last year.  My doctor said it was to determine if 
    the uterine lining was growing properly enough to support the
    attachment of fertilized egg.  Improper "enrichment" (in terms of 
    thickness I think) is a cause of early miscarriages.  They sent the 
    sample off to a lab where the actual cell structure was analyzed.
    
    Other than some pain during the procedure, there were no side effects 
    for me.  My doctor said that some spotting is to be expected though.
    
    Also, I don't want to frighten you, but the procedure was a bit painful
    for me.  You might want to check with your doctor to see if you should
    take something prior to the test to keep you relaxed.

    
    I had it done 8 weeks ago at the same time as the laporascopy and the
    tubogram.  I was under general anesthesia so I did not feel any paine
    either during or after the procedure.
    
    The biopsy also determines if you ovulate and the day of the
    theoretical day of your ovulation based on the first day of your
    previous month's or your next month's menstruation.
    
    Good luck.

I've had 2 of them.  The test is basically as .1 describes and looks to see if
your uterus lining is developing as it should be.  If, for example, your cycle
is short, it may mean that your uterine lining is not lush enough to support
a pregnancy.  This is called a luteal phase defect, and can lead to early
miscarriage.  Typically, the doctor will prescribe progesterone for the first
trimester if you have one of these and get pregnant as a way to make the lining
more lush, and provide the progesterone that your body is not making.  I've
got one of these, and now that I'm pregnant (through GIFT if anyone wants 
details on that), I will be on the progesterone til the end of the year just to
help me not miscarry.

I did find that the first test was very painful.  That was because the local
anesthesia did not take, so I got to feel everything.  I had a very difficult
time driving home, and consequently had my husband drive me to the second one.
The second one, however, was a piece of cake.  I only had some minor cramping
during the actual procedure which is quite quick, and some spotting afterwards.

I'm not sure what happens if the test shows that you have a longer cycle than
usual, but I'm sure that it can also be treated.  To treat my short cycles, I
took Clomid which regulates ovulation.  And the second biopsy was to make
sure that the Clomid was actually making my cycles longer and more in line with
what is normal.

    I had one within the past year, without anesthesia, and it was bad
    cramps...but didn't last long.  Most doctors (mine did) strongly
    suggest you take a couple of Advil a little while before you go in.  
    For me, anyway, the cramping wasn't bad enough to make me cry.  But,
    knowing that the procedure is *very* quick and the cramps don't last
    long should put your mind at ease.  The best thing is not to worry
    about it.  I'm sure delivering is a heck of lot worse!  ;-)
    
    -d

    My Dr. didn't say anything at all about doing it with anesthesia - none
    of the books I have read mentioned it either.  I know they put you under
    for the laparascopy(?).  I am just trying to determine if I should take
    the afternoon off from work or not.  I am having in done in my Dr's office
    , Dr. Bender in Concord, at 1:30.  Also I was wondering if I should bring
    my husband with me in case it turns out that I can't drive home.
    
    Thanks for the replies.

    Hi, 
    
    I never heard of having it with anesthesia either (unless of course
    you are having some other procedure done).  The idea of taking 
    a couple advil, tylenol or even a valium (doctor permitting - in 
    fact mine said that they occasionally give them in advance) is a good
    one.
    
    I didn't have anything and wish I did.  It took me about 15 minutes
    to get over cramping.  But once it was over, I was perfectly fine.
    Didn't need any assistance from anyone else and came right into work.
    
    (Also, I had heard it could be painful and actually didn't want my
    husband there - I figured we were both pretty anxious anyway and didn;t
    want to make it worse for him.)
    
    A previous noter said not to be too concerned and I agree, whatever
    discomfort there is is short.
    

    I have had three of them and have found all three to be painful but it
    was only painful while it was being done.  After that no pain, however,
    there was spotting afterwards. 
    
    All three times I brought my husband with me just incase I had a
    different reaction and didn't feel like driving home.  I was fine, but
    it was nice knowing he was there.
    
    

    I've had several biopsies and learned over the course of them that the
    variables were two:  the technique of the doctor and what the
    instrument of choice is.  If your doctor is using something called a
    "pipelle" or "pipette", essentially a small suctioning device, it
    doesn't hurt much -- a small twinge.  If the doctor is still back in
    the horse and buggy days and uses a scraper, it is a VERY LARGE twinge,
    to say the least.  I suspect the cramping etc. are personal, but
    overall, it's not a bad procedure.  Just breathe deeply and take the
    Advil.  It'll probably be a non-event after all your preparation.  

    
    I'm inclined to agree with .8.  The procedure was almost nothing - a
    very small twinge and some slight spotting.  I had the procedure done
    at 7:30 am and went straight to work.  My doctor performed the test to
    "date" my uterine lining also.  He prescribed CLOMID after determining
    that I had a short luteal phase.  
    
    Honestly the procedure was less that 1 minute total.
    
    Rochelle