Life, Love & Persuit of our Fairytale...: July 2010

Saturday, July 24, 2010

RE Follow Up...I have a PLAN

Hello Bloggie Friends!

What's new with me? Well, this week I had my long awaited follow up visit with my RE, Dr. Fix It. To be quite honest, I was beyond anxious as I anticipated the drive and long walk into his clinic. Questions flooded my head and I couldn't help but wonder if he would be able to help me. There are so many things that enter your thought process when you are facing the unknown. And I had no idea what my blood work or SHG would reveal. However, thanks to my precious friend Nan, many of my fears were calmed as she talked to me as I drove to the clinic and up until I entered the elevator to Dr. Fix It's office.

As usual, Dr. Fix It and his staff were kind and professional, yet I was anxious and it probably showed. Dr. FIx It and I chatted a bit about the incredibly hot weather and then it was down to business. He started by reviewing my chart to refresh himself with my case and then he stated that my SHG revealed a beautiful uterus with no polyps, no fibroids and nice, smooth lining. Instantly I started to feel a little more perky, as a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. The blood work also came back in good order with the exception of my Rubella level being low, to which I've already been immunized. One other concern was that my cervical swab revealed urea plasma, which is a tiny bacteria. Dr. Fix It reminded me that most women carry this bacteria and it is not anything bad, but he doesn't like for it to be near the cervix. Thus, I was prescribed antibiotics for treatment, which I have already completed taking.

Next, we discussed my FSH and AMH levels, which he was not concerned with. My FSH came in at 10.6, which he says is borderline, not low and not high. And my AMH was 1.2, which he said was a "little low", but not concerning, as it was normal for someone 37 years of age. Also, he discussed that he was very pleased with the number of follicles that I had, which came in at 22.

Then, it was time to talk about options, and I have to admit I was a little "giddy" to learn there were options, as I have spent the past 6 months terrified that I would not have any options. Dr. Fix It layed things out for me and presented the following options:

1) Do 3 cycles of back to back IUI's using Clomid + Ovidrel
2) Go straight to IVF

His recommendation was that I give Clomid a try with IUI and see how things progress. I feel very confident in this option and am ever so grateful to have the opportunity to do this. I will begin taking Clomid (50 mg) on days 5-9 of my cycle, then go in for an ultrasound to review the stimulation of the ovaries, looking for a good strong follicle, and then trigger with the ovidrel. The IUI will be repeated back to back.

It's official...I HAVE A PLAN! And it feels so good....a burden lifted, my mind cleared and suddenly I am scared all over again. But, I am looking forward to starting this new chapter. I know the risks, I know there will be emotional ups and downs, but at least I have some answers and options. I'm reminded how blessed I am and look forward to the future.

Please let me know your thoughts (positive ones please) if you are doing/have done Clomid + Ovidrel with IUI. I know there are side effects such as hot flashes, feeling of full ovaries and some other discomforts, but I'm willing to give it a try :)

Praying that each of you has a good week and sending love and continued well wishes to all....

Today's Quote: I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship. ~Louisa May Alcott

Today's Verse:

For I, the Lord your God,

hold your right hand;

it is I who say to you, “Fear not,

I am the one who helps you.”

—Isaiah 41:10,13

Friday, July 16, 2010

Flying SOLO

Why do I often feel as if I am "flying SOLO" on this journey?

SOLO, it not a word that I like to equate with this bumpy road that I travel, but it often seems very fitting.

I'm responsible for charting

I'm responsible for peeing on sticks

I'm responsible for setting an ovulation predictor

I'm responsible for taking pre natal vitamins

I'm responsible for making sure the pre natal vitamins are refilled

I'm responsible for making certain I've gotten the necessary immunizations as advised by my RE

I'm responsible for preparing for testing...SHG, Blood work and more blood work, etc...

I'm responsible for "the dance dates"

I'm responsible for checking the calendar to see if hubby's work calendar coincides with our TTC

I'm responsible for setting RE appointments, which are next to impossible to get!

I'm responsible for all of the follow up appointments...

I'm responsible for being an advocate for myself, asking questions and being prepared

I'm responsible for my emotions and trying my best to just keep it all together!

I am carrying the burden, as my hubby goes on about LIFE as usual, happy smile, regular old routine and nothing more....his life seems so easy. I remember when mine was the same.

I'm ANGRY! The burden is all mine and I feel as if I am flying SOLO the majority of the time. Not to mention my flight pattern these days is that of a holding pattern. Grrrr! Damn! Shucks! Crap! Darn it!

I'm praying this storm passes and the storm of happiness shows its face soon....

How do you deal with feeling as if you are FLYING SOLO? I'd love to hear what you have to say...advice please :) Venting is allowed as well, so don't hold back, be honest, be real and be well.

Today's Quote:

Frustration, although quite painful at times, is a very positive and essential part of success.

Bo Bennett