Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Being Open

I know it's very different for a woman in my position to be so open about everything. It's not often that you will encounter someone who is willing and eager to talk about her reproductive system on the internet with friends and even complete strangers. But I feel that it's important for me to do it.

Infertility is such a taboo topic. And I understand why, since it's such a private and personal thing, and many times it can be embarrassing. A friend shared this video, and I liked it so much that I decided to share it, too. It has some good points showing the difference between being completely private about infertility versus being open.

http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=56&sid=22789147

Also, tested negative today. Looks like I'll most likely be doing the progesterone at 8 days past ovulation next month. I'm hoping for low numbers! That would be such an easy solution.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Plan for the Near Future

I just had a lengthy visit with a new OB/GYN today to ask about options after having three miscarriages, and we have a new plan.

First, some exciting news. During my annual exam, we found out that I ovulated yesterday or today. YAY! That is such a relief because with the first miscarriage, I was completely out of whack, my body stopped ovulating, and was just a mess. But this time it looks like everything should be staying normal. I'm remaining hopeful.

So, we have some plans.

Plan A: In case by some weird cosmic, voodoo magic, God-sent miracle I get pregnant the third month in a row (wouldn't that just be so unexpected??), I have a lab order to go have a beta-HCG and progesterone level check immediately (progesterone typically needs to be at or above a 20 to have a viable pregnancy). It's possible that I have been miscarrying because of low progesterone. If the levels are low, she already sent in a prescription to my pharmacy for Prometrium to combat the low levels. If the hormone levels look good, then we'll just pray for a healthy pregnancy!

Plan B: If I'm not pregnant and have a period, I will test with an OPK again to find out when I ovulate. Then, 8 days after I get a positive, I will go have a progesterone level test. Progesterone is somewhere between 10-20 in the days after ovulation. If that level is low, I will take the Prometrium every month after ovulation to create a welcoming environment for eggs to implant and grow.

Plan C: If I am not pregnant and discover that my progesterone level is good and not low, the next step is to visit a specialist. She gave me a referral already for a fertility clinic in a city not too far away that has a great doctor. They can help with other tests, like ones looking for immunologic and chromosomal disorders.

I'm hoping that in the next few weeks my diagnosis of unexplained infertility can change to a real diagnosis! I don't want to have to visit the specialist!

Also, we finally have our Disneyland trip planned! We're going this coming Monday-Wednesday. This is definitely the best thing I can do for my mental and emotional health right now! I can't wait.