Sunday, June 21, 2009

Walking it off


Zookie glamour shots, originally uploaded by Kodamakitty.

Well, the SIS (see last entry below) looked good, but the Clomid did not appear to be making my ovaries develop any faster than usual, despite the double dose. So, rather than having an ultrasound on cycle day 11, I went in on day 13. Still no major developments. To me, the most ominous phrase must be, "I'll talk with the doctor and call you to let you know what to do next."

The verdict is that Geoffrey and I will need to purchase an over the counter ovulation predictor kit. The kit comes with test strips to try and identify a surge in LH, which tells you that ovulation is imminent in the next 72 hours. Unlike a pregnancy test, you have to take the test in the afternoon, preferably around 2 pm (that should be fun at work) and it takes about 10 minutes. Once there's a surge, then we are supposed to have intercourse three days in a row in order to try and intercept the egg.

As my coworker Craig observed, "normally the most fun thing about having kids is making them, but that doesn't sound like the case here." LOL! It's true - this feels a bit more like a science experiment than anything else. Thank goodness Geoffrey and I have a long history with each other, I am quite sure that is helping reduce some of the awkwardness that could come from having sex on schedule. We're both fairly silly and playful, and that definitely helps to alleviate some of the tension.

In the meantime, with the nicer weather and cool mornings, I've been trying to take my girl Zookie (see picture above) out for more walks. I don't mind the treadmill, but it gets a bit boring. Early in the morning the day is fresh, there aren't as many distractions and Zookie is a joy to walk (unless there's a squirrel, then all bets are off. She's getting better). I don't sweat as obviously as I do on the treadmill, but I've been taking longer and longer walks, so hopefully that compensates a bit. I would much rather walk outside - winter will be here soon enough and force me on there every day.

If Geoffrey and I do not get pregnant this month, then I'm back on the Clomid at 150 mgs. I am quite sure that at that level I am bound to have to suffer through more of the side effects I mentioned in an earlier post (dizziness, bloating, etc. ). Thankfully, my eight week spring classes will be over and it should be relatively easier to call in, if necessary.

That's the scoop. I'm trying not to get too stressed out about it, and to be honest, I'm actually too tired at the moment (work, classes, home, unbalanced checkbook, daily performances for Orientation Wednesday - Thursday) to be too jittery. I just have to keep walking it off!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Take two


DSCF1434, originally uploaded by Kodamakitty.

Literally - this will be our second attempt to get pregnant using Clomid, and I'm starting a double dose, 100 mg, tonight. I am trying to keep on schedule with working out a tiny bit each day. Today was an exception since I had to be out to Southfield before 8:15 am for an ultrasound.

The next step will be having an SIS (Saline Infusion Sonogram) or Sonohysterography this upcoming Monday. Essentially, they want to see if the fallopian tubes are, well, open for business.

Here's the explanation from University Women's Healthcare.com:


Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS)
The saline infusion sonogram (SIS), also call sonohysterography, is an ultrasound test done after a saline solution has been infused into the uterus. The saline solution distends the uterus and acts as a contrast to the internal structure. This procedure provides more detail than a conventional ultrasound.

The Procedure
The SIS is performed early in the menstrual cycle, preferably between days 4 and 9, when the menstrual period has stopped or almost stopped but before ovulation occurs.

A patient who has had an infection in the uterus or fallopian tubes (sometimes called Pill, pelvic inflammatory disease, or salpingitis) at any time in the past should take antibiotic pills before the test is done. Most women will feel more comfortable during the procedure if they take about 600 mg of ibuprofen (3 Advil 200mg tablets) about 30 minutes before this ultrasound is done.

The patient lies on her back with her feet in stirrups (as on a gynecology examining table). A speculum is placed in the vagina and a small tube is used to insert a saline solution into the uterus. A vaginal ultrasound probe is used to make images of the saline filling the endometrial cavity. An evaluation of the cul de sac (open abdominal space behind the uterus) is done with the vaginal ultrasound probe still in place. If either fallopian tube is open, some of the saline should be seen in this space.

Reasons for SIS
SIS is used to evaluate the inner cavity of the uterus (endometrial cavity). It can also be used to discover whether either of the fallopian tubes is open. This test does not reveal any abnormalities on the outside of the uterus or on the ovaries, such as adhesions or endometriosis.

Recovery
The test may cause some discomfort, such as pelvic or lower abdominal cramping. Most women can drive and return to work within two hours after the SIS. There are no specific restrictions on activity after the SIS has been done.

Contact the nursing staff or a physician after the procedure if any of the following symptoms develop:
• Persistent pelvic or abdominal pain
• Difficult or painful urination
• Temperature over 100 degrees


Sounds like more fun than you can shake a stick at, huh? Well, it should at least give us more information about how to best optimize our chances of getting pregnant with this round of treatment.

Speaking of treatment, thank you to everyone who has stopped to ask how I've been, or to express positive thoughts and prayers for our success. Geoffrey and I are very lucky to have such supportive family and friends, and when we do have a little one, he or she will be loved beyond measure not just by us, but by the amazing people in our lives.

Onward!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Bleeding Heart


Bleeding Heart, originally uploaded by Kodamakitty.

Bleeding me. Sorry to be graphic, but that's the update. Last night my period started, meaning that the Provera-Clomid-IUI procedure from two weeks ago did not take and I am not pregnant.

I had a good cry last night and poor Geoffrey was his reassuring best. I can't deny that I'm disappointed, even though the probability of having everything work out perfectly was relatively small (about 10 - 20%). And, to be fair, I have not had the majority of the terrible side effects many women have to suffer through to be able to conceive.

My initial thought was, "Oh God, I don't want to do this again," but after a good night's sleep, beignets and coffee this morning, and sitting down after a long absence from the blog, my guess is I'll be getting back in line and back on the roller coaster for another round trip. My guess is that my Ob/Gyn will up the Clomid dosage. My commitment is to actually get on the treadmill at least 5 days a week in order to start dropping more weight (I've been holding steady at 10 pounds lost since this journey began - time to push off the plateau).

Anyway, that's the update. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I will try to update more often and to keep moving forward.