slightly good news?

**man readers, stop here**


I can't be sure, but I think the good ol' miscarriage is happening naturally.  And sooner than suspected, too. I am supposed to go in tomorrow and Wednesday to do the HCG level blood work to make sure my levels are dropping and return to pre-pregnancy levels.  This would mean my body recognized that it was a 'faulty' pregnancy and would take care of it on its own.  So much better than getting the methotrexate injections, IMO.  I'd rather not get injections of chemotherapy drugs, not to mention the fact that one is generally not enough--even though they are at low doses, I'd really rather not have 'em!  My doctor said to call her if I get my period, so I'm going to call in the morning so that I'm sure it's a real period and not just spotting or anything; I'm pretty sure it's heavier than spotting already though.  I know she wanted to put me back on BC pills for another 2-3 months because she didn't want to do another cycle so close to a miscarriage.  I totally agree.  Emotionally and physically, it's definitely better to wait.  I think I'm going to shoot a little closer to our next cycle being in about 6 months or so.  If this whole store purchasing thing goes though (and I REALLY hope it does), even though I could make it work it would be so much less stressful if I wasn't pregnant right off the bat.  Plus, I'm at a somewhat healthy weight currently, but I would really like to work on myself a little bit more so that the pregnancy would be a bit easier on me with all my back problems.

It seems bittersweet to say I'm relieved that this miscarriage is happening.  I'm so, so thankful that it didn't drag on for weeks and weeks as I was warned it might.  And it was still early.  Almost 7 weeks to the day.  The way Sebastian and I look at it, our little guy (yes, we know it will be a boy.. even in the future) was just making a dry run to get warmed up for the real show.  Practice makes perfect!  Let's pray that he only needed one practice round. ;)

On a side note: It's freaking pouring.  And I freaking love the rain.  Yes, yes.. I can say that because I live in Southern CA and it doesn't rain everyday or even heavily every year but it is really nice to listen to.  Also a great excuse to cuddle up on the couch and eat soup for dinner.  Which, we of course did.  Oh! I also trained Sebastian a bit at the store so he can know what to do when/if we buy it.  Dang! I mean, I knew he'd have no problem catching on but he really caught on--and then some! He's even remembering client's names and asking them how they are doing.  I was very impressed.  We're going to make a great team when it comes to working together at the store.  We're already a great team in every other aspect of our relationship! Now I see why he's been moved up so many times at his work, and why it's been so fast, too.  Because he's amazing! And very smart. How lucky am I? I love you honey!!

The Dreaded HSG

Hysterosalpingogram, fondly referred to as an HSG. 


A little back tracking. I'm not sure that I've mentioned this, but DH [dear husband] and I have decided to try for children. I know I mentioned the idea previously, but months back we actually decided to try 100%. Dr Chen started me on a 10 day course of Provera which is used to initiate a period, in my case, to freshen up my uterus and get it ready for baby. I started my period 6 days ago.  She also started me on Metformin [850mg, 2x daily]. I started birth control [Apri] on the 5th day of my period [yesterday]. I will be on BC pills for 2-3 months, as most women continue to have semi-regular periods for 1-3 months after stopping BC pills while the medication gets out of their system. This is our hope for me. That my body will continue to work somewhat normally after discontinuing the pills. In addition, I will be starting on Clomid, though I'm not sure the time or the dosage. Clomid is used to induce ovulation.  

L-R:Antibiotic, BC pills, Metformin, Prenatals w/DHA for brain function/development for baby

The Metformin is to my understanding, something I will be taking from here on out in general.  It's also been suggested by many medical journals that it helps in early term miscarriage. Well, helps in lowering the chance of them. Dr Chen said after she heard a heartbeat into my pregnancy, that we'd discontinue the Metformin as it's also unclear if the medication causes a higher rate of birth defects. Oh, and did I mention that Clomid raises the chance of multiple births? Maan.. I'm not going to say I don't want twins because I just want my baby(s) to be healthy, but it would be just my luck that I'd be blessed with two little monsters.


On to the HSG. An HSG needs to be preformed within 6 days (the earlier the better) of your last period. Reason being, they want to make sure you aren't pregnant as I suppose it couldn't be good for the fetus. When Dr prescribed the test, I didn't think too much of it--until she explained it to me.  Essentially, they use a speculum to open your vagina, insert a tube through your vagina and into your cervix. Then, they proceed to fill your uterus with contrast material until the contrast flows out your fallopian tubes.  It's used to get a better picture (many x-rays are taken during this procedure) of your uterus and to clear out your tubes. It's been noticed that a woman who has this test (though it is technically used for diagnostic purposes) have better luck with fertility treatments. 


My uncertainty stemmed from the prescription of antibiotics Dr gave me, and the 800mg of Motrin she told me to take an hour before the test. Apparently, you can get strong contractions (much like birth, I'm told), and a good amount of pain from this test. Oh, great. Then, of course I made the mistake of researching other women's testimonies after their HSG tests. The most common statement I read was, and I quote 'I will NEVER have this test again! NEVER!' end quote. Super!


Well, wish me luck, pray for me, keep me in your thoughts--I'll take what I can get, as my test is this Tuesday.