I have been reading infertility blogs for some time now. I decided I am going to give it a shot. Writing is not my talent, but I feel so drawn to share my experiences too.
My PCOS journey….
Diagnosed in high school – but didn’t really do anything about it.
Married 2 years ago – trying to concieve since marriage – no dice.
Started Metformin within last year.
Was going to GP – whom I really like. Changed insurance companies. Went to seminar at fertility clinic – decided to be more agressive in our reproductive therapy.
I started seeing a new RE in July. I have completed the full workup and am scheduled to go back for the post workup visit September 5th.
IF has been very tough on my husband and I – no surprise there. We have seen three family pregnancies and what seems like dozens of friends become parents since we started TTC. Luckily our relationship is very strong. We have enjoyed this kidless time immensly and our bond has only become stronger.
My REs workup:
1. Ultrasound – showed ‘string of pearls’ cysts
2. Three hour GTT and a bunch of other bloodwork – later asked to re-test DHEA-S and 17 OH-Progesterone levels due to being high on first check.
3. Cycle Day Three bloodwork – not sure what it was checking.
4. HSG – This SUCKED. My RE couldn’t keep the speculum in – and she had to insert the Catheter 4 times. My stomach muscles clenched so hard they hurt for two days. Good thing though – I got the all clear sign on they tubes – so if there is ever actually an egg produced – there is a clear path for it to follow to my lovely uterus.
5. Semen analysis – I told husband that his test was WAY better than mine.
When go back in early September I am hoping that the next steps will be to take some ovulation stimulators (NOT CLOMID). I guess I have a higher percentage for pregnancy for the next three months because of the HSG flush.
So we finally got our first bills. I never understand how a blood test can cost so much money. I am curious what the insurance company is going to say. I know I have a deductable – but then they should pay the covered cost after that. We figured we might as well get started because the cost is going to be there -regardless.
Also, I have totally re-vamped my lifestyle recently. I try to keep to a low carb diet (but I occasionally take a ‘carb day’). I also began working out on a regular basis including cardio and weight training. I feel great – and I am very hopeful that all of this will benefit my life and my fertility status. I quit smoking in March. I have lost 21 pounds so far. I feel better than I have for the past 5 years.
I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will be plus baby within the next year – but not getting too set cbd products it. I know it is a journey….
Welcome Beth! Sending many good thoughts that it’s a short journey with the RE towards parenthood.
Welcome to the blogosphere! I stopped by because I’m a fellow PCOS-er, too.
Just curious–why are you against Clomid? Is it the mood swings? The chance for multiples? Do you know what ovulation inductors you plan on taking? If not, I highly recommend Letrozole/Femara (if you click on my blog’s link, you’ll find that I had bad luck with Clomid, but just recently got pregnant on Femara). This drug doesn’t really cause bad mood swings. Also, if you’re looking for support on the annovulation end of things, I’m right there with ya!
Welcome – ALso a Fellow Blogger PCOS’er good luck to you
Quoting my RE’s website – “Clomiphene functions by preventing the pituitary from seeing the estradiol that is present. It does the same thing to the cells that produce the cervical mucus and to the cells that line the uterus if they don’t see the estradiol, the cells of the cervix won’t produce the mucus, or the cells lining the uterus won’t develop to an extent adequate to allow implantation.”
So for the same reason that it helps to ovulate – it can also prevent implantation.
I am not against trying clomid (I guess that came off a little harsh in the blog…I know it works for a lot of people and maybe it will for me :)). I have been told Letrozole is easier to recover from than Clomid. I think the goal is to try it out (clomid) since it is much less expensive and covered by insurance. If it doesn’t work after a few months – try something different.
Welcome. Fellow PCOSer and Low Carber.
Carb days are perfectly okay–although if you’re trying to lose weight you may want to limit them.
M
Definition of Islets of Langerhans
Islets of Langerhans: Known as the insulin-producing tissue, the islets of Langerhans do more than that. They are groups of specialized cells in the pancreas that make and secrete hormones. Named after the German pathologist Paul Langerhans (1847-1888), who discovered them in 1869, these cells sit in groups that Langerhans likened to little islands in the pancreas. There are five types of cells in an islet: alpha cells that make glucagon, which raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood; beta cells that make insulin; delta cells that make somatostatin which inhibits the release of numerous other hormones in the body; and PP cells and D1 cells, about which little is known. Degeneration of the insulin-producing beta cells is the main cause of type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus.