“Husbands, love
your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for
her…” Ephesians 5:25-29
HSG is
the abbreviation for Hysterosalpingography.
Based on
the recommendations of Prof, Justina had to go for the HSG test (see Episode 7
Season 1). As was my usual practice, I did some research in order to fully
understand the procedure. Below is a summary of what I learnt concerning HSG…
A
hysterosalpingogram or HSG is an x-ray procedure used to see whether the
fallopian tubes are patent (open) and if the inside of the uterus (uterine
cavity) is normal. HSG is an outpatient procedure that usually takes less than
5 minutes to perform. It is usually done after the menstrual period ends but
before ovulation.
How
is a hysterosalpingogram done?
A
woman is positioned under a fluoroscope (a x-ray imager that can take pictures
during the study) on a table. The gynecologist or radiologist then examines the
patient’s uterus and places a speculum in her vagina. Her cervix is cleaned,
and a device (cannula) is placed into the opening of the cervix. The doctor
gently fills the uterus with a liquid containing iodine (a fluid that can be
seen by x-ray) through the cannula. The contrast will be seen as white on the
image and can show the contour of the uterus as the liquid travels from the
cannula, into the uterus, and through the fallopian tubes. As the contrast
enters the tubes, it outlines the length of the tubes and spills out their ends
if they are open. Abnormalities inside the uterine cavity may also be detected
by the doctor observing the x-ray images when the fluid movement is disrupted
by the abnormality. The HSG procedure is not designed to evaluate the ovaries
or to diagnose endometriosis, nor can it identify fibroids that are outside of
the endometrial cavity, either in the muscular part of the uterus, or on the
outside of the uterus. Often, side views of the uterus and tubes are obtained
by having the woman change her position on the table. After the HSG, a woman
can immediately return to normal activities, although some doctors ask that she
refrain from intercourse for a few days.
Is
it uncomfortable?
An
HSG usually causes mild or moderate uterine cramping for about 5-10 minutes.
However, some women may experience cramps for several hours. These symptoms can
be greatly reduced by taking medications used for menstrual cramps before the
procedure or when they occur. Women should be prepared to have a family member
or friend drive them home after the procedure in the event that they are
experiencing cramping.
(Culled from http://www.reproductivefacts.org/FACTSHEET_Hysterosalpingogram/)
Justina
had discussed with a friend who had undergone the procedure and her friend
recommended that she used Echo Scan Services Limited located at Opebi Road,
Lagos State. The test costs
At about
4pm on that day, the procedure was over, Justina sounded really tired and in
pains when I spoke to her over the phone. Unfortunately she had driven herself to
Echo Scan Services Limited so she had to drive back home. With hindsight, maybe
I should have been present on that day, at least to drive her home and comfort
her.
At about
5pm, same day, Justina had to procure some recommended drugs including Ciprotab
and painkillers. At this time, she sounded much better on phone. She would
later explain to me that the excruciating pain was short-lived and it vanished
rather abruptly. What remained was the slight discomfort around her navel
region.
I
returned to Lagos on the 4th July 2015. Now I am what you may call a
neat freak. Seeing things untidy could unsettle me greatly. When I returned
home that day, the housekeeper was cleaning up our apartment (she came every
Saturday to clean up the apartment and do the laundry) however, she had failed
to properly mop the floor after scrubbing and the feeling of wet ground irritated
me. Justina laid in the living room watching African Magic.
My
demeanour changed. As was my usual pattern when I was upset, I wore a frown and
I was cold towards her. I drew her attention to the haphazard job the
housekeeper was doing and she barely managed to get herself up to go supervise
the chores. Now I felt Justina was no longer in severe pains so there could be
no excuse for this laxity. In less than five minutes, I left the house to go
buy bulbs. It was all I could do to prevent an outburst.
On my
drive to the supermarket to pick up the bulbs, God started dealing with me…
Was I in
Justina’s shoes to understand how she was feeling? My wife had just undergone
an invasive procedure and instead of me to shower her with kindness and
compassion, I was bothered about wet floors? Where is the love?
“Be kindly
affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to
one another” Romans 12:10
I
repented.
On
getting home, I dashed into the kitchen and made a quick meal of noodles, plantain
and eggs for the both of us. When we were done eating, I told her to narrate
the procedure to me.
The
explanation made me cringe. It made me appreciate women more, it made me
appreciate Justina more. I love her with all my heart.
"Love suffers
long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade
itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own,
is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but
rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all
things, endures all things". 1 Corinthians
13:4-7
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