December 16th - HSG day!

So today was the big HSG test.  I was so unbelievably nervous as I have heard women say it hurt so bad they screamed and some women say it was no biggie. 

My test was scheduled for noon but I arrived at 11:00 because I was nervous.  I ended up going alone because David just has a hard time realizing when I need support.  In his mind, if I couldn't drive myself home, he was in the hospital and could come get me.  We discussed it but it never quite got to him that I was scared.  Oh well.  I know he can't experience everything I am but I want him to be more of a partner in crime for these kinds of things.

The test itself was not bad (for me).  I was called back to the room with 2 other ladies.  We were instructed to change out of our clothes and just put on hospital robes.  We were then told to meet in a waiting area.  While we waited we talked.  One woman was there and in the very beginning of her journey, while the other had her tubes tied (and then untied) and was there to make sure everything was ok.

I got to go first.  YEA ME!  I went in the room with a nurse and the Dr. was waiting.  Dr. Attaran did my HSG.  She is another RE for the Clinic.  She was very nice and explained to me everything she was doing before she did it.  In total, it took about 10 minutes.  I was so happy when she said - "They are clear and beautiful".  The computer did hiccup and no pics ended up being taken but I was just happen they were open and clear.

I did let the ladies know waiting that I was out.  I explained it didn't hurt me too bad and was just painful for 2 minutes.   I explained it as uncomfortable pressure.

My AMH blood test also came back at 1.1 so I guess we are good there too.

December 13th - When to ask for more testing.

Well today I called my RE - Dr. Falcone.  I have been looking at different blogs and Facebook pages and I am becoming concerned.  Everyone seems to be starting off with a test called an HSG.  It is to make sure your fallopian tubes are open.  I have NEVER had this test.  Most people do this before they are even given any kind of medicine.

I spoke to Dr. Falcone's nurse because he was out of town.  She said she would email him and see what his thoughts were on ordering some tests.  He got back to us super fast (like 2 hours) and agreed that we should go ahead with the test.

It is scheduled for Monday!!  I am a bit nervous and feel bad that I will need Monday off but my hear just needs to know we don't have any more obstacles.

December 12th - BFN

Well this cycle was a bust.  I had been testing since 10DPO so it wasn't a shock with AF showed up.  I wasn't super sad because I thought this cycle was a bust since the beginning.  We were sick most of the month and we had stair step medications.

Off to next month!

11/27 Ultrasound

So I have to say I really expected nothing today.  In the last week, I have not felt a twinge, tickle or pinch in my girlie parts.  I have been sick as a dog with a sinus infection and have cared more about breathing than if I was growing a follicle LOL.

I live in Cleveland, OH and they were expecting a huge snow storm last night.  Our area was looking at getting 4-8 inches of snow over night.  All last night I would look out the window and it didn't look to bad but I was skeptical.  My U/S was scheduled for 7am again and if the roads were bad I wasn't even sure I would bother. 

When I woke up I was surprised to see less than 3 inches had actually fallen.  I hadn't slept well so I more or less don't remember any details of getting ready.  The roads weren't too bad either so I ended up getting there around 6:45 am.  I was surprised that the place was pretty empty.  Normally the fertility clinic is bumping at this hour.  I usually walk in to about 10 other women waiting.  Today it was just me.  They called me back right away and I was in the U/S exam room within 3 minutes.  I have to say I am still at this point completely uninterested.  All I could think was "please don't have to cough while that woman is violating you".  I can't even imagine what would happen if I had! LOL

So the girl came in and I got in the position (feet in the stirups, ass in the wind) and I didn't even really look at the monitor at first as she went through and said my lining looked OK.  Then I heard her say:

"Wow, on the left side it looks like we have a 27mm one."

Umm.  Excuse me.  27mm!  Less than a week ago my largest was a 13-14mm. 

I literally shot up so I could see the monitor and low and behold I saw the big black spot right there on the monitor clear as day.  I have to say I teared up for a minute because I really was counting myself out all week.

She continued looking at the left side and I noticed she kept flipping through my chart at the same time.  I was getting a little nervous and then she finally said, "Ok, that is all we have on that side."

Umm.  Excuse me one more time.  I had 25 follicles on that side 7 days ago.  I did question it and she said that was what she was checking.  She said she realized she was the one who did my last one too and she could see in her own handwriting that there had been more last time.  All she could say was she had no idea and all she could see were maybe 10 that were unmeasurable.

Ok.  On to the righty.  Righty had about 15 last week.  Today she had nothing measurable.  There were maybe 10 that she couldn't even measure.  She couldn't explain it, I couldn't explain it so I got dressed and went back to the waiting room to talk to the CNP.

The CNP didn't really have an answer either but she was happy we had the 1.  I was over the moon for the one we had but hmmmm.  I did question if the 27mm could be a cyst but she said she didn't think so but the doctor would look again this afternoon.

Well noon came and the Dr. called.  He said it is a go ahead and for me to go ahead and trigger tonight. 

Hey, I am not complaining.  I didn't even want to go and I ended up getting the best news of the month!!!

Things to be Thankful For

I have so many amazing things happening in my life even if getting a BFP hasn't been one yet.  I decided to make a list so when I am having the worst day I have something to read and remember what I do have to be happy about:

1.  My husband - David has to be the best thing that has ever happened to me.  We met almost 7 years ago and I don't remember how I was without him.  We met online and I was so sure he was going to be a dud.  When he asked to call me I was sure he would have a squeaky voice and I just didn't want to waste my time.  I had lost my mom to breast cancer only 6 months before I met him and I was just in a place where maybe I was better off alone for awhile.  When he called it was like it all clicked.  His voice was deep and he was so intelligent.  Our first date was to a Bodies Exhibit and then to dinner.  We ended up closing the restaurant down and were asked to leave.  It is amazing how life can change so fast.  Ever since the day we met my life has felt complete.

2.  My amazing family - I have a great family.  As I mentioned in #1 I lost my mom to breast cancer at the age of 49.  She fought for over 10 years and it was only the last 6 months she ever looked sick.  I took care of her during her last months and the amount of love I saw in her eyes and in my family's still brings tears to my eyes.  I have one sister and she is pretty awesome too.  She also has the same BRCA II gene my mom had (I don't have it).  At the age of 30 (on her birthday), she elected to have a double mastectomy so she would lower her risk of breast cancer.  She didn't even have cancer but the thought of waiting on it was too much.  She was so strong during it all.  She did it for her babies (my niece and nephew) and her other family.  She didn't want to leave her kids too soon like my mom had to.  I also have an aunt who has stepped up the plate and become a pseudo mom and grandma.  She took me to my D&C last year and made sure I was okay afterwards.  She laughs with us, cries with us and helps us preserve the memories we have.  My cousins, Adam and Jesi, are like my siblings.  We grew up together and I could never be more proud of them.  My dad is great and loves us more than I can imagine.  My brother, who is blind, is heading off to college next year.  I mean come on!  I am so lucky!!!

3.  My friends - I have a great support system for every part of my life.  I have friends who I have known since I was 8 and some I met last year.  I know if I am having a bad day I can go to them if needed.  Facebook has helped me reconnect with so many people and I love to see how everyone ended up.  It shows we were raised right.  All through my life my mom has said that I keep a small group and I am loyal to no end.  I agree with her but I wouldn't have it any other way.

4.  A home to stay warm in
5.  Money to buy food and other necessities
6.  A job where I am accepted and loved

Ultrasound 3 - November 18th

So the RE decided that we would try one more time!  I went in on Monday morning and I had no follicle growth at all.  I didn't cry but I was pretty upset.  I had a sinus infection and felt like crap but I drug my butt out of bed because I had hope.

The CNP wasn't sure what the RE would want but they said they would call me that afternoon.

SoOOO

New plan:

Letrozole 5mg CD 3-7  (we didn't want for my AF to come, we just pretended the following day was CD 3)

Ultrasound scheduled for 11/27 @ 7am.

November 14th - Ultrasound 2

Ultrasound 2 was also done at Beachwood.  I had been cramping all week so I had high hopes that I would have a follicle measuring at least 16-18mm. 

These were the results:
Right side:  largest follicle is 11mm, 9mm and several 8mm (total follicles was near 25)
Left side:  largest follicle is 12mm, several 9mm (total follicles were over 25)

I was devastated.  I cried right on the U/S table.  I couldn't believe in four days I hadn't seen any real growth.  Also, I couldn't believe how many tiny ones there were!

I waited to speak to the CNP to see what my options were now.  When she came to get me I had finally gotten myself together and just wanted to move forward.  She said that she wasn't sure what the Dr. would want to do.  There were a few options: 

1.  End cycle and wait for AF
2.  Schedule another U/S and see if we got any more growth
3.  Schedule the U/S but if too many follies grew we would need to move to another cycle to avoid multiples.

November 11th - first Ultrasound

Ultrasound #1 was today.  I went to the Beachwood Family Health Center - Fertility Clinic at 7:00 am for my test.

So far:

Several on the right ovary with the largest follicles being:  8mm, 8mm, 7mm
Several on the left ovary with the largest being: 9mm, 8mm, 7mm

Looking good!  :)

October 31st - RE appointment

DH and I have decided that our best route is to go back to the RE.  The first time we went to him he was very knowledgeable but we were busy and weren't putting our 100% into it.  This time we are ready!

My appt. was scheduled for 10/31/2013 at 4:15pm.  They ended up calling me around 2 and said if I was interested I could come early.  Of course I was interested!  All day I had butterflies in my stomach.  We were trying again and I was scared, excited and all around nervous.

One thing different from last time is I have an actual diagnosis.  Dr. Falcone (RE) and my OB/GYN (Dr. Mehta) agreed I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).  I was also diagnosed with anovulation (not ovulating).  I probably had both of these back in 2007 - present but it was the first time I could say I knew I had it.  With my PCOS, I am insulin-resistant and was diagnosed T2 diabetic in July 2013.  I also have some fun other side effects but the major being the anovulation and the insulin-resistance.

Also, last year I had a D&C performed by my OB/GYN.  I had my period for almost 65 days straight and she thought maybe I had a uterine build up.  She did the D&C to clear everything out and see if it helped.  It did!  She also put me on birth control and within 2 days the period stopped.  Also my menstrual cycles have been regular since then which is a first for me.

I went in feeling like I was on the right path this time.  I had my menstrual cycle back in order (33-34 days in length) and I felt like it was a good time in our life to try again.

Once again, Dr. Falcone was awesome.  He did have a resident with him so I felt like I had lots of attention for our appointment.  He was surprised I had been MIA for 2 years but I explained ultrasounds are expensive and we needed to sort my other issues out too.  He agreed and came up with our new plan:

Letrozole 2.5mg  CD 3-7
Ultrasound 1 - November 11th
Once I have follicles large enough - Ovidrel Trigger Shot
One week after shot - Progesterone Test
If test showed I ovulated them Progesterone suppositories for 1 week

Also, I need to take Prenatal vitamins and Vitamin D.

We have a plan - now to get started!

Abbreviations

This is a list of commonly used abbreviations in trying to conceive:

 

2WW = 2-Week Wait
AF = Aunt Flo (menstruation)
AO = Anovulation
BBT = Basal Body Temperature
BCP = Birth Control Pills
BD = Baby Dance (sex)
BFN = Big Fat Negative
BFP = Big Fat Positive
BW, b/w = Bloodwork
CD = Cycle Day
D&C = Dilation & Curettage
D&E = Dilation & Evacuation
DE = Donor Eggs
DI = Donor Insemination
DPO = Days Post-Ovulation
DPR = Days Post-Retrieval
DPT = Days Post-Transfer
DP3DT = Days Post 3-Day Transfer
DP3DT = Days Post 5-Day Transfer
Dx = Diagnosis  

E2 = Estradiol
EDD = Estimated Due Date
ENDO = Endometriosis
EPT = Early Pregnancy Test
ET = Embryo Transfer
FET = Frozen Embryo Transfer
FSH = Follicle Stimulating Hormone
FV = Fertile Vibes
HPT = Home Pregnancy Test
HSC = Hysteroscopy
IF = Infertility
IR = Insulin Resistant
IUI = Intra-uterine Insemination
IVF = In Vitro Fertilization
LMP = Last Menstrual Period (start date)
MC, m/c, misc. = Miscarriage
MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

NP = Nurse Practitioner
OB/GYN = Obstetrician/Gynecologist
OPK Ovulation Predictor Kit
OPT = Ovulation Predictor Test
OTC = Over The Counter
PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
PCP = Primary Care Physician
PG = Pregnant
PI = Primary Infertility
PMS = Pre-menstrual Syndrome
PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
RE = Reproductive Endocrinologist
Rx = Prescription
SA = Semen Analysis
T2 = Type II Diabetic -- Insulin Resistant, Adult Onset
TSH = Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
TTC = Trying to Conceive
US, u/s = Ultrasound

 

Introduction

Hello!  My name is Michelle and I am 34 years old.  I am married to an amazing man, David.  We currently have two fur babies, Cheerio and Bowler. 


My husband and I have been trying to conceive since 10/31/2007.  This blog is keep track of my appointments, my feelings and most of all the information I have learned and received from great sources.

A little about our past:  We have been actively trying to get pregnant for six years now.  We started with just my normal OB/GYN.  He started me on Clomid 50mg; however, no ultrasounds or follow up was done.  All he did was give me a progesterone test and I never had one show I had ever ovulated.  At this point we decided to see other options.  We knew very little about anything.

In May of 2008, we moved to Cleveland, OH so my husband could start residency at the Cleveland Clinic.  I was working from home and under a lot of stress.  I was lonely, in a new place and just not in a good place.  I finally stopped working from home and got a job at the Cleveland Clinic also.  I went from full-time to part-time in an effort to lessen my stress.

On September 22, 2009 I finally met me Reproductive Endocrinologist - Dr. Falcone.  He is the Chairman of the Reproductive Endocrinology Dept. and a really nice guy.  At my first appointment, I was very scared.  I was worried he would just tell me to lose weight and brush me off.  He did the exact opposite.  He told me weight is an issue but the more important issue was why was I having issues getting pregnant.  We discussed my life, health issues, and anything else he could think to ask me.  He ordered a ton of blood work and gave me our first plan.

Our first plan was Clomid 50mg cycle days 3-7.  After this, he would have me come in for ultrasounds to see if I had follicle growth and if I got follicles large enough I would inject myself with Ovidrel to make myself ovulate.

Our first cycle happened right at Thanksgiving.  We had family in from Georgia, Florida and also my family from Pennsylvania.  We have it at my house and it's hectic.  I love it, but its a lot of work.  I took my meds before any company had arrived and also had my first two ultrasounds.  Both ultrasounds showed follicle growth and I was able to trigger (Ovidrel injection) two days before company.  My husband I tried our best to BD (baby dance) but its a lot of pressure to get things done exactly like you are suppose to when you have a house full of guests.  This cycle ended in a BFN (big fat negative home pregnancy test).  I was disappointed BUT I had ovulated and I had no idea when I had actually last ovulated in my life. 

Our second cycle kind of went the same way.  My husband was very busy at the hospital and I wasn't explaining what I needed from him very well.  I just figured he knew what we had to do.  He didn't.  All he knew was I was horribly emotional and he didn't know how to make things better for me.  After our second BFN we took a break and just went back to trying to lose weight, exercising and seeing what happened.

This blog is what happens starting in October 2013.  I should of done this before but since I didn't I just need to start from here.  So buckle up kids - HERE WE GO!!