TTC: Remembering Hopefulness

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I wish I still saw TTC with the same optimism I did a year and a half ago.

Recently I had a friend tell me that they are going to start trying to have a baby and she was so excited. It was like you could see her drift off into “Mommyland”, envisioning her, her husband and their new baby. I remember those feelings of hopefulness. Every cycle when my period would come I would shrug it off, it was not big deal. We could always try again next cycle. But these days, even the thought of getting my period can bring on tears and major junk food fests.

How do I get those hopeful feelings back?

Well, we have decided to seek help! We have an appointment with a Reproductive Endocrinologist next moth. Also, I have been working out 3-5 days a week. I forgot how much working out can give you the confidence back that TTC has taken away.

Last Day to Vote!

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Today is the last day to vote at The Bump for Best Fertility Blog.

If you have a few minutes, can you please head over to The Bump. Please let them know you would like to vote for The Domestic Princess (http://www.domesticprncs.com/) an why you love me so much.

I can give you a few reasons if that would make it easier?:

1. Lots of good fertility information (How to Use Opk's, Charting)

2. Spotlighting couples having problems conceiving (Spotlight On Infertility)

3. My TTC Stories (TTC)

4. Blog for other TTC Blogs (Conceive Online)

Please, Please, Please VOTE!

{Months TTC versus Age}

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Fertility Friend has a great little section of their site where they analyze the data that is entered by their members. The most recent analyzation they did was Months TTC vs Age. I immediately clicked on the study. So many sites have tried to do this study but I knew Fertility Friend has access to real live data.  

It appears for a women 25-30, the average time to get pregnant is about 8 months.



 

What did you think about the study?

{Stuck in the middle with you}

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Lately, I've been feeling stuck in the middle of Infertilityland.

For the last few months I did a lot of avoiding of my feelings of Infertility. I just didn't want to talk baby at all. I ran across this chart: The Cycle of Grief and couldn't believe how much it described what I've been going through lately.

Since we are saving for IVF but yet still exploring other options to see if we can naturally conceive. It feels like we're stuck. Nothing is moving forward. We're not exploring treatment. We're just kinda here.

In this crazy blog world, I've always found my place with all the TTC Girls then I moved on to the Infertility Girls but now where do I fit in? Ok, yeah we're TTC and Infertile but I can't relate to anything any of the blogs I follow are going through right now. I can't be the only infertile girl saving for treatment, right?

Spotlight on Infertility: Lauren and Brian

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 Welcome Lauren and Brian. Lauren is another special lady to me so please give her a nice big welcome. 

 
1. You and your significant others names:  Lauren and Brian

2. How long have you been trying to conceive?  We've been trying to conceive for 10.5 months and it's been a struggle since day one.  We originally planned on waiting until September of 2010, but upon finding out that I had potential PCOS in December that time line got pushed way up.

3. What stage of Infertility are you in (Natural, Clomid, IUI, IVF)?  We've moved on to IVF.  We had 3 natural cycles, 1 with Clomid, and 1 with Clomid/IUI.  Then we pulled out the big guns.  We were losing Brian's insurance coverage, which covered infertility treatments 100%, so our RE gave us the choice...move on to IVF or try another IUI.  After hearing the pro's and con's of each one more time, we took our RE's advice and went with IVF.

4. What procedures have you gone through to diagnose you and your significant other?  In December I had my annual appointment with my OB/GYN.  I told her I'd been off birth control pills since June and my cycles still weren't regular.  We talked about a few other issues (acne, dry scalp, oily skin) and she thought it may be PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), so I went for an ultrasound.  During the ultrasound they found what they thought was a tumor the size of a baseball on one of my ovaries.  In early February I went for a laparascopy to remove it.  Turns out it wasn't a tumor at all.  It was a giant endometrioma.  When I woke up, Brian had to tell me what they found.  I struggled to understand what he was saying...because he couldn't say Endometriosis.  That's right they found Stage III Endometriosis.  There are 4 stages of Endo, they only reason I hadn't been classified as a stage 4 was because I hadn't had any form of scarring yet...but I wasn't far off.  Later testing by my RE would confirm the presence of PCOS.

While my testing was ultra-invasive my husbands testing was as simple as being handed a cup for a little one-on-one time.  It took 2 tests of his semen to tell us he had low motility and low count.  His numbers were on the lower end of normal, but it was still a shock.  I kept asking myself, how could we both be broken?

 
5. If you have been diagnosed, would you please share?  Oops I combined 4 and 5.

6. Are you seeing an Ob/Gyn or a RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist)  I'm seeing an RE at this time. 

7. What supplements are you taking (PNV, Fertile Aid, Etc.)?  I currently just take a PNV.  Brian takes nothing.

8. Are you charting/using ovulation predictors/fertility monitor? If you are charting, would you want to post your chart link?  I gave up charting for a few months.  It got to be too much.  I'm trying to enjoy our "break" time without thinking about our issues and TTC every minute of the day.

9. Have you ever been pregnant before?  IVF #1 was a success.  I was pregnant for 6 weeks before we lost our baby.  It was the most difficult time in my life.

10. What are your plans for your future (infertility treatments, adoption, working with children)?  We will continue with our IVF treatments as soon as Brian's insurance coverage returns in January.  I've given myself 3 more tries.  If it don't have a baby after 4 rounds of treatment I am ready to adopt.  Brian isn't quite there yet.  He feels that treatment will work and won't think past that.  I'm not sure that he will ever be ready for adoption, which honestly scares me.  Not having children is not an option for me.  Brian knows this but as the constant optimist in our relationship, he truly believes we will have a child through IVF.
 
11. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about you?  This last year has been rough.  In one year we have both been diagnosed as infertiles, I've had surgery, I've been poked with more needles than I care to count, and I've lost a baby.  However, through it all Brian has been by my side.  He's been my rock, my shoulder to cry on, and has shared in my excitement/disappointment every step of the way.  TTC is a journey, ours just has a few bigger hills to overcome.  Infertility can cause problems in any strong relationship, but I am thankful ours is the other way around.  Brian and I are closer than ever.  I can't wait to one day be able to tell him that we have a baby on the way.  One that we will actually get to meet after 9 months.  Until then, we keep on going.  One day at a time.

12. Do you have a blog/website where you talk about your journey? If so, please link here:  I do not.  Some days I wish I did, but not yet.

Lauren and Brian thank you so much for sharing with us. I can't wait to hear that you guys got to take home a baby soon.

TTC: First Cycle of Clomid

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I'm taking Clomid on days 3-7 of my cycle. I've kept a log of my feeling and emotions most days this cycle.

Day 3 (May 11): I'm super anxious but yet excited at the possibilities that in less then a month we could be pregnant. Tonight I take my first of 5 pills. I've read so many things about Clomid but I'm just going to put those to the back of my mind and be positive about the 'unknown.' My Mom told me she put in a call to Grandpa Kenny, who is no longer with us, so I hope he's up there working his magic.

Day 4 (May 12): Got an email from my cousin this morning, letting me know she was thinking of me. It made my day. The only side effect that I have experienced is I'm super thirsty. I can't get enough water today.

Day 5 (May 13): Still super thirsty today. I had my first melt down last night. Crying, angry, happy all in about 30 minutes. I think Chris would be ready to check me into a 'facility' if he didn't understand all of the side effects of the Clomid.

Day 6 (May 14): Feeling pretty normal today. We have a cookout tonight with our friends and I'm really looking forward to it.

Day 7 (May 15): Today I woke up with two giant zits on my face. Awesome! I'm glad we're just working in the yard today. Hopefully, they are gone by Monday

Day 8 (May 16): I've been very emotional today w/ a slight headache. Uggg...

Day 9 (May 17): Feeling much better this morning. The zits are gone and so is the emotional roller coaster that was yesterday. I'm hoping to concentrate on work and having fun with Christopher. 18 days until vacation...

Day 10 (May 19): We got some news today about Christopher's seman analysis. I'm not totally ready to share yet but I'm feeling very helpless. It looks like both of us have problems in the reproductive area and this may be a lot longer of a journey than we thought. Where's the cupcakes?

Day 13 (May 21) Went in for my follicle scan this morning and eveything is great. I'm on Day 13 and have one very large follicle (34 mm) and one ok size follicle (15 mm), also my lining increased to 10 mm from the last time I had a follicle scan it was only 4 mm. This is just the kinda news I needed today. I'm a dork and tried to read the techs sheet as we were walking out...I thought it said 3 mm. I cried all the way home.

Day 17 (May 25) Today I'm feeling pretty hopeless. Eventhough we got a great report on Friday about my follicles, I still have yet to ovulate. A typical Clomid cycle would force you to ovulate 5-10 days after you take your last pill. That should be today. I will probably call the doctor tomorrow or Thursday.

Day 18 (May 26) Feeling better this morning after a talk with Christopher. We have decided to not continue with the Clomid for right now. Christopher has a vericocele and needs to have surgery. We had decided to wait until the end of summer but after a long talk last night we will be moving up the surgery to July. This mean at least a 3 month hold on TTC. I think we're both ready for the break.

Day 19 (May 27) Today I woke up to a postive ovulation predictor...Ok, body, let's do what we are supposed to now.

Day 23 (May 31) We had a great Memorial Day weekend. I'm only 4 days past ovulation and not feeling any symptoms. We're just getting ready for vacation. We leave on Friday.

Day 26 (June 3) I got up early this morning to make it to the lab when they opened to get my 7 days past ovulation progesterone blood draw. This test will confirm that ovulation happened. My progesterone level is supposed to be over 15 for a medicated cycle. I hope to hear back from the doctor soon. We leave tomorrow for vacation...so excited!

Day 35 (June 12) We had a great vacation but 'my friend' came the day we left. So onward and upward. I cried, I got angry, I got jealous and I moved on. Christopher will have his surgery in July.

TTC: Clomid

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Here's to all of you lovely pill popping, temperature taking, peeing in cup ladies....I'm joining the club!

Giveaway Alert: TTC Products

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Ready To Be A Mom is having a heck of a giveaway if your trying to get pregnant:

12 Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com OPK test strips +instructions

4 Early-Pregnancy-Tests.com HPT test strips + instructions

4 ClearBlue Easy Digital OPK tests & reader + instructions

1 First Response Early Result HPT + instructions

1 sample pack of Pre-Seed fertility-friendly intimate moisturizer

1 sample pack of Pre' sperm-friendly lubricant

A coupon for 10% off purchase of FertilAid fertility supplements

Special surprise good luck charms, just for fun

Go register for her giveaway and wish her luck on her inpending IVF.

TTC: Cleared for Takeoff

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My HSG was all clear! Yay!

This was a huge relief for me. I'm not going to lie, it hurt like hell but only for 2 minutes. After that it was done and I was able to finish everything I needed to get done the rest of the day.

TTC: Vericocele Surgery

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This morning my wonderful husband will be having surgery to correct his Vericocele.

Please pray for the surgeon's hands and I will update you next week.

TTC: Old Wives Tales

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Recently, I went to a Bridal Shower for a good friend of mine. I'm so excited for her and her fiance. We just love to hang out with them. But gatherings of too many women always means some kind of old wives tale about having children is sure to be spit out of someones mouth and this day was no exception. 

As my friend was opening up her presents, an older lady shouts, "For every ribbon you break, that's how many kids you will have." It got me thinking, how many ribbons did I break at my shower? ...continued on Conceive Online

TTC: Jealousy!

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It's something I have not felt in a long time but it seems I'm faced with it every day now.

I remember in middle school feeling so jealous of the girls who had the newest designer clothes and shoes. I always wanted to be like them. As I went in to high school, I seem to come into my whole skin a little and yes, I still had to have the designer clothes but was cool with who I was. It made high school a little easier.

So imagine my surprise, as I'm walking through a store and see a woman wearing the best accessory of all: a baby belly. All the emotions of middle school wash over me again. I'm so incredibly jealous of these women. I try to remind myself that, she too, may have struggled to have that baby but some days it just doesn't work and today is one of them.

Here is my affirmation to make myself feel better:

1. I will get pregnant

2. I will have a child

3. I'm learning patients through this process

4. We will be parents

TTC: Diagnosis PCOS

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I went to the doctor a few weeks ago due to having long cycles (40+ days) and she ordered a ton of blood tests to rule out any problems.

I went back to the doctor last week to get the results. The doctor told me I had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS. In short this is a condition in which there are small cysts on my ovaries. After reading about the symptoms, it was scary to see how many I have.

I have been trying to wrap my head around this diagnosis for the last week. Though Christopher and I have not started trying for our family yet, this diagnosis could potentially make our journey a little longer than we thought. I am thankful that my women's intuition (and charting) helped us get an early diagnosis.

So, what do we do from here? We get a plan and move forward, is what we do!

So here it is, here's our plan:

1. Lose some weight: My doctor says I'm 10 pounds overweight and would like to see me loose that first.
2. Progesterone Supplements: I will be on progesterone for the last 14 days of my cycle every month. Women with PCOS often don't have enough progesterone to sustain a pregnancy.
3. B6 Supplements - B6 will be used to shorten my cycle length. Here is a great article about B6.
4. Green Tea Extract - The green tea extract will be to produce a nice environment for a baby. To see more details, here is a great page with facts about green tea.
5. Prenatal Vitamins - It's a good idea to be on prenatal vitamins before trying to conceive so that the vitamins are in your system before getting pregnant.
6. Clomid: My doctor would like to see me go on Clomid also but Christopher and I have opted out of this option right now. I go back to the doctor in August and we figured we would discuss it then.

I debated about sharing here about all of this news but I'm hoping that by sharing what we are experiencing that I can meet other people going through the same or who have gone through similar situations. So, tell me your story, I'd love to hear it!

TTC: How to save money on tests

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Are you spending way too much money on Ovulation Predictor's and Pregnancy Tests?

I've got some tips that might help you save some money and ensure you're getting the most accurate tests. The first thing to know about buying pregnancy tests is that they are not all created equal. All tests measure at different amounts of mIU/mL (million International Units). Simply stated: It's the measurement of how much hormone (HCG) is in the urine. Here is a chart that shows what the average hcg is based on days past ovulation.

So you would think that the most expensive would be the most accurate, right? Unfortunatly, that's not totally correct. Pee On A Stick has listed a great breakdown of the most common tests available to buy. First Reponse Early Result is the most accurate available and will run you about $15 at Walmart for three tests but Save On Tests gives you 20 tests for $12 or the Dollar Tree gives you 1 test for $1. Both, Save on Tests and the Dollar Tree, are some of the most accurate test available.

Dollar Tree and Save on Tests both offer Ovulation Tests at the same great price. Ovulation Tests are looking for the LH (lutenized hormone) that is produced right before ovulation.

I hope this helps all of you!

TTC: We're back in the Game

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We had a doctors appointment a few weeks ago with Chris's urologist and he is healing great. We were kinda bummed because his urologist doesn't want to do a follow up semen analysis for 6 months. This means that we won't get a follow up until December. Ugg!

But for the good news, I'm on chart day 5 and we're keeping our fingers crossed that my cycles stay on track. Ever since I took the Clomid a few months ago I've had completely normal cycles. I received some Clear Blue Easy Ovulation Predictor's from one of my online friends who got pregnant. I'm hoping her good luck rubs off on me.

So here's hoping for a baby bump:

Guest Blogger: Trying_to_Conceive.com

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Tania from Trying-To-Conceive.com contacted me and wanted to write an article for my readers about recent technology in TTC:

Technology is Not Only Helping You get Pregnant: But Raises Your Child Too

"Are you familiar with the story about iPhone, there was a couple who was struggling to conceive for more than four years, the woman was even considering IVF treatment? After downloading and using an iPhone application for about two months, the couple’s dream came true and the woman became pregnant. The application in question works by entering the woman’s body temperature and then calculates the female’s ovulation days which are highlighted in pink, and she receives notification when it is the best time to have intercourse, thus increasing the chances of conception.

There is nothing new about female fertility cycle applications or ovulation calendars, and with some minor html and php experience, the calendars are actually quite easy to make. The basic data user has to enter in the beginning date of last menstrual cycle, the length of menstrual cycle, and the length of a woman’s luteal phase. Usually, ovulation calendars use default values (28-days for the menstrual cycle, which is also the statistical average for healthy menstrual cycles; and default value of 14-days for a healthy luteal phase), but the user must enter her own data in order to get personalized predictions.

There is a trick, however: the woman needs to measure her basal body temperature in order to know the length of her luteal phase; therefore, absolute automation is not possible. With the information given above, it is very easy to calculate ovulation days (the next ovulation date) and the best time for intercourse, if the goal is to conceive a baby. The formula is outlined as follows: “number of days of menstrual cycle – number of days of luteal phase = ovulation day”, which is how ovulation calendars work.

At this point, it is important to realize applications like these are not a solution for women who have irregular menstrual cycles or for those that have a shorter than average luteal phase. Women in these cases are advised to seek help from fertility specialists and should not rely on technology alone. However, for those women who have entered the journey of trying to conceive a baby and have a healthy menstrual cycle, an application like this can be a very beneficial option. For those couples trying to conceive, it is worth checking out these types of applications in order to improve the odds of conception and pregnancy.

Additionally, last year was quite revolutionary; the Baby Cry Translator was launched by Biloop Technologic (and later by iPhone). Baby Cry Translator is an application that helps new moms and dads detect why the baby is crying. The application works by identifying five emotional stages of stress or need; hunger, stress, fatigue, annoyance and boredom. Spanish researches note there is a great amount of studies supporting the notion that babies who are responded to consistently and appropriately will cry less and develop stronger social and cognitive skills. The application translated baby’s cry into emotional needs within 10-seconds and then provided parents a set of tips to help calm the child. The application works regardless cultural or lingual barriers, and the company claims it is more than 95% accurate, which helps many parents take the guess work out of why their newborn is crying."

Thank you Tania for the great information about the different technology that is out there. What do you think of Tania's article?

TTC: Vericocele Surgery

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I had mentioned in my Clomid post that Christopher has some issues that require surgery. Well, I think we are finally ready to totally share.

Christopher has what is called a Vericocele.

Definition:
"Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the vein that is in the scrotum draining the testicles. The testicular blood vessels originate in the abdomen and course down through the inguinal canal as part of the spermatic cord on their way to the testis. Upward flow of blood in the veins is ensured by small one-way valves that prevent backflow. Defective valves, or compression of the vein by a nearby structure, can cause dilatation of the veins near the testis, leading to the formation of a varicocele."

This is what we think is causing the low sperm results that we got back in his sperm analysis.

Christopher went to a Urologist last month, after we got the results back of the low sperm analysis. The Urologist found this right away. It's something that we would have never known about if it weren't for us trying to have a baby. Usually, the Vericocele will cause pain for the man and they are found that way but for Chris he never had any symptoms from it. His Urologist thinks that by having the surgery his sperm count will increase. Ofcourse, he can't make any promises.

Christopher will have the surgery on July 23 and will have to take it easy for the next three days. He is not allowed to lift anything for two weeks after surgery. I've heard lots of stories from couples who have gone through this surgery and the results are mixed. Some say that recovery was easy, other say it took a while.

We are very optimistic for this surgery but also saddened this whole journey has lead us to this.

Wish us luck and pray for the surgeon's hands!

TTC: Follicle Scan Results

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I got the results of my Follicle Scan and my doctor thinks everything looks great. My uterine lining was not as thick as she would have liked. So, I have started drinking 8 oz of Pomegranate juice per day which is supposed to increase the uterine lining naturally. This cycle has been extremely hard on my patience. I started having really long cycles (50+ days). It's very hard for me, at times, knowing my body isn't doing what it's supposed to.

Christopher got the results of his tests back also. His testosterone was really low, so every two weeks I have to give him a shot. This is hopefully going to jump start his body so he will start making it on his own. But his doctor referred him to a urologist just to double check everything.

We have talked a lot about going on Clomid. No final decisions have been made but more than likely we will start Clomid in July. With all these factors against us, we feel like this may help us get pregnant.

Just a quick little update on my empty uterus!

TTC: Saint Anne Necklace

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I just had to share this. I got home from work on Wednesday evening to find this pendant with a necklace from my Mom.

Here is a little bit of history behind it: "According to the apocryphal Gospel of James, Anne and her husband Joachim, after years of childlessness, were visited by an angel who told them that they would conceive a child. Anne promised to dedicate the child to God's service. Joachim and Anne are believed to have given Mary to the service of the Second Temple when the girl was three years old.[1] Anne is the patron saint of Quebec, Brittany, the Mi'kmaq peoples, childless couples, women in labor, and miners." .

Thank you, Mom, for all the support you have given Christopher and I through this crazy journey. We love you!

 

Spotlight on Infertility: Betsy and Gerry

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  I'm so happy to bring you another one of my friends from an online chat board. She is so sweet and so supportive of other girls going through the same thing. 

1. You and your significant others names
Betsy and Gerry

 2. How long have you been trying to conceive? 11 months

 3. What stage of Infertility are you in (Natural, Clomid, IUI, IVF)?

We are moving on to IUI with Femara and a trigger shot. I did three rounds of Clomid with timed intercourse and one round of Femara with timed intercourse. I got pregnant on the second round of Clomid but miscarried very early on.

4. What procedures have you gone through to diagnose you and your significant other?

My husband had a semen analysis, which came back within normal ranges, although the count was at the lower end of the normal range. I had tons of blood work, a 2-hour glucose tolerance test and an internal ultrasound. Because I had a natural, uncomplicated miscarriage, my doctor has not made me do an HSG yet.

5. If you have been diagnosed, would you please share?

I have been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with insulin resistance. I was not regularly ovulating on my own. I take metformin for the insulin resistance.

6. Are you seeing an Ob/Gyn or a RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist)

I started off seeing my Ob/Gyn, but I am now seeing an RE.

 7. What supplements are you taking (PNV, Fertile Aid, Etc.)?

I take a prenatal vitamin every day, and I am drinking POM juice. DH takes a variety of vitamins and also drinks POM juice.

8. Are you charting/using ovulation predictors/fertility monitor? If you are charting, would you want to post your chart link?

I charted for quite a while, but since I am now monitored by ultrasound, I've stopped. And ovulation predictors are not necessary when I'll be using a trigger shot.

 9. Have you ever been pregnant before?

Yes, I had a miscarriage at the beginning of August after my second round of Clomid.

 10. What are your plans for your future (infertility treatments, adoption, working with children)?

We plan to keep trying with fertility treatments, and hope we don't have to move on to IVF. If we do, we will try as many times as we can financially handle. My family is extremely supportive, and they will help us as much as they can if the cost of treatment becomes too much for us. If we exhaust all avenues of having our own children, we will move on to adoption. We have both always wanted children, and we can't imagine our future lives without kids. We will make it happen one way or another.

11. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about you?

Our family includes our 15-month-old mutt puppy, Zehavah. She is a big goof, and she brings much-needed comedy relief to our lives!

12. Do you have a blog/website where you talk about your journey? If so, please link here: I don't currently have one.

Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Betsy and Gerry.

Update: After 11 months of TTC, five medicated cycles (three on Clomid, two on Femara) and a miscarriage, I got BFP again. Right now everything looks good, and right now we are cautiously optimistic that this will be our take-home baby. We are hoping and praying that this baby sticks!

If you would like to be featured on the Spotlight on Infertility please email me at domesticprncs@gmail.com.