All of my loyal man-readers.. stop here. You were warned.
My period showed up just after office hours on the last day of the work week. AKA Friday at 7:00pm. If you remember, I was supposed to call the office right when I get my period and schedule an ultrasound for no more than 3 days after the start of my period. Of course, I will be going in Monday morning. Might just show up! Only problem being, while on this awful birth control I have had really heavy 3 day periods. I did however stop my BC pills, but it wasn't more than 5 days ago--so if this is a 3 day period, might not be here Monday!! Grr. I assume this 'while you're menstrating transvaginal ultrasound' BS is somewhat of an important step in this whole process of creating children.. so I will be a little ticked off if we have to start over next month. I think this is the one time in my life I'm hoping for a long, heavy period that lasts through the weekend. Ha!
Keep you posted after the ultrasound Monday.
About Me
- fallon judith
- I'm happily married to my best friend. As you can see in my 'interests' I'm an outdoorsy kind of girl. I'd rather go camping than stay at a fancy hotel. I love to fish but haven't been in years. I've found I love to blog, too. It's both an outlet for my own personal sanity, plus if it can help even one woman cope with their PCOS--I'm thrilled!
10.23.2010
10.19.2010
She'll let me make payments!
So! Day one of no BC. I'm already getting cramps. So weird how fast it works on me. Anywho, we were trying to think of ways to come up with the $800 for this cycle, and we're great with saving money in general but we had very little time to come up with darn near $1000. $800 may as well be $1000 in my book. I think I had my last appointment and pap about a week ago. Actually.. exactly a week ago today. So I essentially had to come up with $780.00 in a week, if I get my period tomorrow or Thursday. Knowing it's only been a week actually makes me feel a bit better about being stressed on where this money is coming from. I called the office and talked to someone in billing. I got them (the Dr had mentioned they'd made slight payment arrangements for people in the past) to take two payments of $390. One the first day or second day of my period/ultra sound and the next payment the day of the IUI. Seems fair. It's hard for them to take payments because if someone defaults on their payments, they are left with zero money since insurance doesn't cover fertility procedures. If someone were to default in the OBGYN sense, at least they'd have something from billing the insurance. Apparently, when she used to just bill you for her fertility services, people would get pregnant and then just find another OB so they didn't have to pay. How awful! So I understand.. and we'll be able to swing it. Fingers crossed it works this cycle though, as I mentioned the next is $980, but includes the injectable meds. Still, not incredibly easy to come up with for us these days, but I'm sure we'll figure it out and cross that bridge if/when we get there.
Kind of random but the people I work with/for also have fertility problems. She doesn't have PCOS, she has unexplained infertility.. which personally, I think is even more frustrating. When I was originally diagnosed with NOT having PCOS a year ago, I was so incredibly frustrated. I didn't want it or any other real problem of course, but not knowing what the problem is, well that's just an awful feeling. You can't explore homeopathic remedies, you can't take meds that you know will benefit you. The poor thing. They've done cycle after cycle of IVF with no success. No miscarriages either, which is actually disheartening because at least with a miscarriage, you know you're able to get pregnant. I think they have just a few embryos left and are trying to figure out what to do with them. She's just over 40 now I think, so her eggs that she has now are most likely not viable. Her embryos are from when she was 38, I believe (and they are healthy). I've suggested (nicely) maybe trying surrogacy, as her eggs are great, the embryos they have ready to go are perfect.. and they so desperately want a child. I think she's actually thinking about it. Either way it's really nice having someone who understands what you're going through, and if I ever need to run to the Dr, it's never a big deal at all. So that's nice. :)
Okay kiddies. Talk soon. Oh. And if we conceive this cycle, our estimated due date would fall on about July 28th. Yay for being pregnant during the summer!! Oy vey.. ;)
Kind of random but the people I work with/for also have fertility problems. She doesn't have PCOS, she has unexplained infertility.. which personally, I think is even more frustrating. When I was originally diagnosed with NOT having PCOS a year ago, I was so incredibly frustrated. I didn't want it or any other real problem of course, but not knowing what the problem is, well that's just an awful feeling. You can't explore homeopathic remedies, you can't take meds that you know will benefit you. The poor thing. They've done cycle after cycle of IVF with no success. No miscarriages either, which is actually disheartening because at least with a miscarriage, you know you're able to get pregnant. I think they have just a few embryos left and are trying to figure out what to do with them. She's just over 40 now I think, so her eggs that she has now are most likely not viable. Her embryos are from when she was 38, I believe (and they are healthy). I've suggested (nicely) maybe trying surrogacy, as her eggs are great, the embryos they have ready to go are perfect.. and they so desperately want a child. I think she's actually thinking about it. Either way it's really nice having someone who understands what you're going through, and if I ever need to run to the Dr, it's never a big deal at all. So that's nice. :)
Okay kiddies. Talk soon. Oh. And if we conceive this cycle, our estimated due date would fall on about July 28th. Yay for being pregnant during the summer!! Oy vey.. ;)
10.17.2010
2 Days left of Birth Control pills! :D
*EDIT*[Rather than go back through and adjust.. I made a mistake! Today (Monday) is my last day on BC pills. Took the last pill this morning. So I expect my cycle to start Wednesday, which will still put me at Thursday or Friday for my first ultrasound!]
Typically, I always seem to update after a procedure or a Dr visit when things are still fresh in my head--but I thought I'd switch it up a bit and just update all two of my followers (love you guys!!) on what's swimming around in my head! So, I have 5 'active' BC pills left, my Dr told me I could skip the last three if I wanted (I want, I want!) and just go off of it then. So that leaves, what? Monday and Tuesday! And then the waiting game for the period. Which, I skipped ONE day previously and started very lightly spotting, breast tenderness, etc etc.. all the normal period woes. So I'm expecting that wait to be less than 2 days. Which means, first ultrasound in about 4 days! Thursday or Friday, I'm guessing. I forget the reason, something to do with follicles, why I have to have a transvaginal ultrasound while on my period. Other than to make me feel completely uncomfortable! You'd figure by now it wouldn't be an issue. But, it sounds terrible. The ultrasound isn't bad at all, I had one my first visit to diagnose the PCOS. Oh well. As a friend would say, we're doing this for our little miracle(s)! I'll keep you updated, as I'm sure you're just dying to know when I start my period. Ciao!
Typically, I always seem to update after a procedure or a Dr visit when things are still fresh in my head--but I thought I'd switch it up a bit and just update all two of my followers (love you guys!!) on what's swimming around in my head! So, I have 5 'active' BC pills left, my Dr told me I could skip the last three if I wanted (I want, I want!) and just go off of it then. So that leaves, what? Monday and Tuesday! And then the waiting game for the period. Which, I skipped ONE day previously and started very lightly spotting, breast tenderness, etc etc.. all the normal period woes. So I'm expecting that wait to be less than 2 days. Which means, first ultrasound in about 4 days! Thursday or Friday, I'm guessing. I forget the reason, something to do with follicles, why I have to have a transvaginal ultrasound while on my period. Other than to make me feel completely uncomfortable! You'd figure by now it wouldn't be an issue. But, it sounds terrible. The ultrasound isn't bad at all, I had one my first visit to diagnose the PCOS. Oh well. As a friend would say, we're doing this for our little miracle(s)! I'll keep you updated, as I'm sure you're just dying to know when I start my period. Ciao!
10.12.2010
Follow-up w/Dr Chen
Today I went in to see Dr Chen to go over my HSG results (and, to throw in a papsmear). I already knew that they were normal (HSG) as the Doctor that performed the test informed me of such right after! But it was nice to see the written report and to hear it from her, and to be able to spend a little more time talking about it. No tumors, both tubes were clear, no defects, no abnormalities involving the uterus or endometrial cavity. Yay? Yay!
Finally got copies of mine and hubby's blood work results. We knew everything was alright, but again.. nice to go over in detail and to receive copies for our medical files here at home. No STDs, no AIDS, I'm not a cystic fibrosis carrier, blood sugar is great, immune to chicken pox, I'm type O-Positive (thought it was negative all these years), insulin of course was 25.3 which is high on account of my PCOS. Hubby just had a 'infertility ID screen'--which isn't as in depth as mine was so there isn't too much to report on, but semen analysis and STD/HIV panel was all perfect. So we've been COMPLETELY cleared to get crackin'. We're totally healthy!
So, remember how I had thought that I was going to have to finish out my BC pills? Well, she said just to do it for another week.. which means, our first cycle of TTC (trying to conceive) is in ..... deeeep breath... 2 and a half weeks there abouts. AHH! I'm so excited/nervous/scared/and more excited than anything.
The technical mumbo jumbo is as follows. Well, infertility isn't considered a 'medical necessity' so 99% of insurances (and all insurances in the state of CA) do not cover any fertility treatments. I love my RE (reproductive endocrinologist), and her prices are in the normal range. It will cost us about $800.00 per cycle, at least the first cycle (month 1) because we will be using Clomid (cheaper than other options) to induce ovulation. Not cheap, but not as bad as it could be.. I suppose. This includes multiple ultrasounds/office visits--doesn't include the Clomid, though it's cheap @ Walmart pharmacy--and one IUI (intrauterine insemination). Dr Chen's goal, as well as our goal, is to get this knocked out (and me knocked up!) as quickly as possible; the less cycles the better. A couple few at MOST. We're really praying/hoping this will work on the first cycle. The odds aren't really against us, but they aren't exactly cheering us along and showing us the way, either. About 25% of the time, Clomid does not work. It's not a small percentage, but it isn't too discouraging. Some women, most actually, their Drs put them on cycle after cycle of Clomid. Dr Chen and I agreed wholeheartedly that the longer something like this drags out when a medicine clearly isn't working with your body, the harder and more discouraging this will be on you, your husband, your job, your life in general and even your marriage. An oxymoron, seeing as how you are creating a life and preparing for the happiest time of your lives together.
If the Clomid doesn't work in the first cycle, we will keep everything else the same (multiple ultrasounds/visits, IUI), but instead of the Clomid we will use an injectable ovulation medication: a trigger shot. On both cycles, we will be doing the IUI as well as the ol' fashioned way because Clomid and fertility drugs in general tend to thicken cervical mucus apparently, and makes it harder for sperm to find it's way. With the IUI, obviously, it has no problem getting to the uterus. We might be successful with or without the IUIs, but in an effort to give ourselves the best odds, we've opted for doing that right from the start. The trigger shot 'package' is just about $1000.00 per cycle, $200 more than the Clomid package. This is the total cost per cycle, so you can see where this could get expensive...REALLY expensive if you weren't aggressive with it and just did cycle after cycle after cycle.
Oh, and since I've met my deductible with our HealthNet PPO/Insurance.. my prescriptions have been free for the last 3 months. I was using Nature Made prenatal multi's + DHA (200mg of DHA in the vitamin), which were typically $18.99 a bottle. For a months supply. Not too bad, but hey.. if I can get pharmaceutical grade vitamins for free.. why not?! So I asked for a prescription and she said sure, wrote me one, and added that they didn't previously make (in the pharmacy) a prenatal with DHA in it. The ones she prescribed are called CitraNatal90DHA. They come in blister packs in the box and you take two gels a day, that look different so I assume this one doesn't have the DHA in the vitamin, it's separate. I was just reading the box to get the name and noticed '..Gentle calcium citrate and dual iron, plus a stool softener...' Niiiiice.
I'll keep you updated! Next post will be how great or how not-so-great the new vitamins are. Not thrilled with the 'stool softening' bit on account of my taking Metformin 2x a day. G'head. Google Metformin side effects. You'll figure it out. Apparently, the new vits are amazing, according to Dr Chen and my pharmacist. So we'll see! The post after that one will be.... about... TTC, Cycle 1! Besos!
Finally got copies of mine and hubby's blood work results. We knew everything was alright, but again.. nice to go over in detail and to receive copies for our medical files here at home. No STDs, no AIDS, I'm not a cystic fibrosis carrier, blood sugar is great, immune to chicken pox, I'm type O-Positive (thought it was negative all these years), insulin of course was 25.3 which is high on account of my PCOS. Hubby just had a 'infertility ID screen'--which isn't as in depth as mine was so there isn't too much to report on, but semen analysis and STD/HIV panel was all perfect. So we've been COMPLETELY cleared to get crackin'. We're totally healthy!
So, remember how I had thought that I was going to have to finish out my BC pills? Well, she said just to do it for another week.. which means, our first cycle of TTC (trying to conceive) is in ..... deeeep breath... 2 and a half weeks there abouts. AHH! I'm so excited/nervous/scared/and more excited than anything.
The technical mumbo jumbo is as follows. Well, infertility isn't considered a 'medical necessity' so 99% of insurances (and all insurances in the state of CA) do not cover any fertility treatments. I love my RE (reproductive endocrinologist), and her prices are in the normal range. It will cost us about $800.00 per cycle, at least the first cycle (month 1) because we will be using Clomid (cheaper than other options) to induce ovulation. Not cheap, but not as bad as it could be.. I suppose. This includes multiple ultrasounds/office visits--doesn't include the Clomid, though it's cheap @ Walmart pharmacy--and one IUI (intrauterine insemination). Dr Chen's goal, as well as our goal, is to get this knocked out (and me knocked up!) as quickly as possible; the less cycles the better. A couple few at MOST. We're really praying/hoping this will work on the first cycle. The odds aren't really against us, but they aren't exactly cheering us along and showing us the way, either. About 25% of the time, Clomid does not work. It's not a small percentage, but it isn't too discouraging. Some women, most actually, their Drs put them on cycle after cycle of Clomid. Dr Chen and I agreed wholeheartedly that the longer something like this drags out when a medicine clearly isn't working with your body, the harder and more discouraging this will be on you, your husband, your job, your life in general and even your marriage. An oxymoron, seeing as how you are creating a life and preparing for the happiest time of your lives together.
If the Clomid doesn't work in the first cycle, we will keep everything else the same (multiple ultrasounds/visits, IUI), but instead of the Clomid we will use an injectable ovulation medication: a trigger shot. On both cycles, we will be doing the IUI as well as the ol' fashioned way because Clomid and fertility drugs in general tend to thicken cervical mucus apparently, and makes it harder for sperm to find it's way. With the IUI, obviously, it has no problem getting to the uterus. We might be successful with or without the IUIs, but in an effort to give ourselves the best odds, we've opted for doing that right from the start. The trigger shot 'package' is just about $1000.00 per cycle, $200 more than the Clomid package. This is the total cost per cycle, so you can see where this could get expensive...REALLY expensive if you weren't aggressive with it and just did cycle after cycle after cycle.
Oh, and since I've met my deductible with our HealthNet PPO/Insurance.. my prescriptions have been free for the last 3 months. I was using Nature Made prenatal multi's + DHA (200mg of DHA in the vitamin), which were typically $18.99 a bottle. For a months supply. Not too bad, but hey.. if I can get pharmaceutical grade vitamins for free.. why not?! So I asked for a prescription and she said sure, wrote me one, and added that they didn't previously make (in the pharmacy) a prenatal with DHA in it. The ones she prescribed are called CitraNatal90DHA. They come in blister packs in the box and you take two gels a day, that look different so I assume this one doesn't have the DHA in the vitamin, it's separate. I was just reading the box to get the name and noticed '..Gentle calcium citrate and dual iron, plus a stool softener...' Niiiiice.
10.05.2010
Mission HSG COMPLETE!
So! The dreaded HSG... not so bad!! What a sigh of relief! I had myself worked up over something that turned out to be much less painful than I ever anticipated.
I had this nerve testing done once, I had made the mistake of looking online and seeing others reactions to the test: ALL negative. In fact, just like the HSG, the most common response, and I quote, was: I WILL NEVER, EVER have this test done again! And, I wholeheartedly agreed with that statement for the nerve testing. I was in tears. Not sobbing, just tears flowing freely down my face. It was terrible, terrible pain.
When I 'researched' the HSG, I went online and watched hours of youtube videos of women, also in tears, saying just how terrible the HSG was. I almost cried watching!! I knew I had to do it, but man.. did I want to? HECK no, I didn't. A friend of mine said "Just remember what you're doing this FOR. Don't lose sight of that." And, honestly.. that's the only thing that got me in there. I have terrible anxiety, and I worked myself into a frenzy over this thing.
I do have a high tolerance for pain. But, it wasn't painful at all. It was uncomfortable. At times, pretty uncomfortable. That second statement is only true because apparently my uterus isn't tilted, but it's hard to get ahold of. It's aimed slightly backward. Dang uterus. So it was the searching for my uterus that was the most uncomfortable, not the filling of it.
I did it! It's done. I have an appointment to see Dr. Chen next Tuesday. I have been on birth control pills to regulate my absent period for 1 month, just started the first week of my second pack. I believe I have 1 or two refills left on it, but I'm not entirely sure how long she wants me on them. Who knows! I could start Clomid and injections next week! Wishful thinking, I'm sure.. but.. :)
I had this nerve testing done once, I had made the mistake of looking online and seeing others reactions to the test: ALL negative. In fact, just like the HSG, the most common response, and I quote, was: I WILL NEVER, EVER have this test done again! And, I wholeheartedly agreed with that statement for the nerve testing. I was in tears. Not sobbing, just tears flowing freely down my face. It was terrible, terrible pain.
When I 'researched' the HSG, I went online and watched hours of youtube videos of women, also in tears, saying just how terrible the HSG was. I almost cried watching!! I knew I had to do it, but man.. did I want to? HECK no, I didn't. A friend of mine said "Just remember what you're doing this FOR. Don't lose sight of that." And, honestly.. that's the only thing that got me in there. I have terrible anxiety, and I worked myself into a frenzy over this thing.
I do have a high tolerance for pain. But, it wasn't painful at all. It was uncomfortable. At times, pretty uncomfortable. That second statement is only true because apparently my uterus isn't tilted, but it's hard to get ahold of. It's aimed slightly backward. Dang uterus. So it was the searching for my uterus that was the most uncomfortable, not the filling of it.
I did it! It's done. I have an appointment to see Dr. Chen next Tuesday. I have been on birth control pills to regulate my absent period for 1 month, just started the first week of my second pack. I believe I have 1 or two refills left on it, but I'm not entirely sure how long she wants me on them. Who knows! I could start Clomid and injections next week! Wishful thinking, I'm sure.. but.. :)
9.12.2010
HSG ... TBD.
So! It's been a couple few days and I forgot to update on my HSG. I took my antibiotics for two days. At noon, I came home from watching a friend's babies and went to the bathroom. On the way home, I noticed I was getting some strange cramping but thought nothing of it as it was a little less than a week after my period and I had been taking BC pills for almost a week.
Sorry for the TMI--but I wiped and WTHeck?! Full blown period! I was half-bummed, but I would be lying if I said I was truly upset. I called Arcadia Radiology and told them about the strange period super-flow. They said it was up to me and my Dr if I wanted to do the test still. I said I'd really rather not have this awful test for one, and especially not if I'm bleeding profusely. She said she completely understood and to call back when the bleeding had stopped to reschedule. A sigh--a huge sigh of relief. Meanwhile, I continued looking online for other women's experiences on their HSGs, just to further torture myself and work up the gall to reschedule. Then, I began to question just how much I really needed this test. Hear me out before you decide I'm just a big, fat chicken.
I know the HSGs fun side effect is to increase a woman's fertility. The actual need for it is completely diagnostic, but they've found that after performing the HSG a woman's fertility was measurably increased. From what I've read, this is usually in reference to IUI and IVF. As of now, we'll cross the IVF bridge when we get there so in that regard, there's no need for increased fertility in the IVF department as it's something we won't be doing for at least a year from now. IUI isn't covered under our insurance (most insurances), so monetarily that's something that's not in our immediate future, either. Bottom line, my Dr doesn't expect any tubal problems or uterine problems (as seen on the transvaginal ultrasound)--she was merely using this as a fertility enhancement.
I think I will call the office Monday morning, or perhaps tonight and leave a message. It would be ideal to try the Clomid and see what happens from there. If it gets to the point of several unsuccessful cycles of Clomid and Metformin, then I think it will be easier to work up the gall to want the HSG. Right now it feels kind of like jumping the gun when I'd really rather not fill my uterus with contrast material. And of course, there is risk of infections (pelvic infections), scarring (which on its own can lead to infertility) and damage to the uterus and fallopian tubes. Granted, I think all these risks are low, but they are still there and I feel for my body, the less I have to do to it the better. I have enough obstacles in my way, as is.
Sorry for the TMI--but I wiped and WTHeck?! Full blown period! I was half-bummed, but I would be lying if I said I was truly upset. I called Arcadia Radiology and told them about the strange period super-flow. They said it was up to me and my Dr if I wanted to do the test still. I said I'd really rather not have this awful test for one, and especially not if I'm bleeding profusely. She said she completely understood and to call back when the bleeding had stopped to reschedule. A sigh--a huge sigh of relief. Meanwhile, I continued looking online for other women's experiences on their HSGs, just to further torture myself and work up the gall to reschedule. Then, I began to question just how much I really needed this test. Hear me out before you decide I'm just a big, fat chicken.
I know the HSGs fun side effect is to increase a woman's fertility. The actual need for it is completely diagnostic, but they've found that after performing the HSG a woman's fertility was measurably increased. From what I've read, this is usually in reference to IUI and IVF. As of now, we'll cross the IVF bridge when we get there so in that regard, there's no need for increased fertility in the IVF department as it's something we won't be doing for at least a year from now. IUI isn't covered under our insurance (most insurances), so monetarily that's something that's not in our immediate future, either. Bottom line, my Dr doesn't expect any tubal problems or uterine problems (as seen on the transvaginal ultrasound)--she was merely using this as a fertility enhancement.
I think I will call the office Monday morning, or perhaps tonight and leave a message. It would be ideal to try the Clomid and see what happens from there. If it gets to the point of several unsuccessful cycles of Clomid and Metformin, then I think it will be easier to work up the gall to want the HSG. Right now it feels kind of like jumping the gun when I'd really rather not fill my uterus with contrast material. And of course, there is risk of infections (pelvic infections), scarring (which on its own can lead to infertility) and damage to the uterus and fallopian tubes. Granted, I think all these risks are low, but they are still there and I feel for my body, the less I have to do to it the better. I have enough obstacles in my way, as is.
9.05.2010
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.
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.
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 |
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.
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