Ruptured appendix and surgery affected fertility?
Apologies in advance for the long post... here goes....
Came off contraception and began ttc dec 2017, fell after 1 cycle and mis at 6wks. Then fell two cycles later and mis at 6wks again. Suffered with a lot of cramping, pain during sex, pelvic pain since coming off the pill so was referred to gyn and assessed/scanned. Identified cysts on both ovaries. One 7cm and one 5cm. Was recommended surgery due to the pain I was in and suspected endometriosis. Had the laparoscopy on 23rd Oct 2018. During surgery one cyst was drained on left ovary and tube showed clear with dye test. The right side however was another matter. I had extensive omental and small bowel adhesions over the uterus and bladder obliterating the pelvis and view of the uterus which were divided during the surgery. I also had small bowel adhesions to anterior abdominal and pelvic side wall which were divided. My right tube and ovary were not located due to being engulfed in the adhesions and still couldn’t be identified after the dye test. I was in the surgery for 3 hours. They found no endometriosis. The surgeon concluded that these adhesions etc were likely due to damage caused by a previous ruptured appendix which I had emergency surgery for when I was 5. Three days after the surgery I contracted a terrible infection and was admitted to hospital for 3 days for IV antibiotics and fluids. Whilst in hospital I had a CT scan and they found a ‘hydrosalphinx’ fluid filled tube on my right side. They said this may be the cause of the infection but it also may have been there before the surgery. I went for follow up ultrasound 2 weeks later and this fluid was seen on the scan, still there. Everything else seems fine now. I still have some pain but it has subsided a little bit. Had all the blood tests, urine tests under the sun but I still get pain during sex sometimes and I get a really achy stomach afterwards. Saw the gyn consultant again last week and he thinks I need further surgery as the exact nature of the fluid is unknown and he thinks it needs to be investigated further. However, he advised I have a baby first as it could pose a high risk to my fertility. He told me to ‘grin and bear’ the pain until I fall pregnant and once I’ve had a baby they will review the situation. I also have to have some more blood tests on day 21 to check I’m producing eggs. My periods are pretty regular, we are actively ttc where possible due to pain.
Had anyone else had isssues like this? I have always been concerned that my ruptured appendix may cause me problems as this was mentioned when it happened..... but, I conceived so quickly when we started trying so now I am concerned the surgery may have ruined me??
So sorry for the long post!!
Let’s Glow
Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy
Glow helps you navigate your fertility journey with smart tools, personalized insights, and guidance from medical experts who understand what matters most.
25+ million
Users
4.8 stars
200k+ app ratings
20+
Medical advisors