| 26-March-08 At my last appointment with my Ob/Gyn, she observed through my charting and bloodwork that though my cycle appears to be very near normal, I'm still not ovulating. Since we desire to become pregnant, she said that Clomid was a good option. This year I feel good about that. As soon as I start my period, I'll contact her and she'll call in the prescription for Clomid to the pharmacy. I will start it on Day 5 of my cycle. Then she will have blood drawn on Day 21 to determine whether ovulation occurred. We are very excited about the possibilities! The difference between considering Clomid this year and last year, is that last year my cycles were in such a total mess, that I felt taking Clomid might just cover up the problem, but not solve anything. This year, we have addressed the problems with my other hormones and things have gotten much better, so Clomid would be part of the solution to helping my body to function normally. We pray that God will have His way in us and with us and that in whatever He chooses for us, we would continue to praise and glorify Him. 21-May-08 Before I update on where I am in my therapies, I'd like to share some information on PCOS. PCOS, as I've stated before, stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is unrelated to CF and increasingly common among otherwise healthy women. PCOS is a genetic disorder. "In most cases in the menstrual cycle, only enough follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is made for one follicle. In a normal ovary, one follicle matures and an egg is released each month. In a polycystic ovary, there are many follicles but they do not mature and an egg is not released. Because the eggs are not released, progesterone levels are too low and androgen and estrogen are too high. This may cause irregular periods and other symptoms of PCOS. "Many women with PCOS produce too much insulin or the insulin they produce doesn't work as it should...They also have an increased risk of diabetes. Insulin interrupts the normal growth of the follicle in the ovaries. The ovaries slowly become enlarged because of the number of the eggs they contain. "Signs and Symptoms: In some women with PCOS, hormone changes may begin as early as the very first menstrual cycle. In other women with PCOS, changes occur over time. Signs and symptoms vary in women with PCOS and may include: Excess hair on the face and body (known as hirsutism), acne, darkened color and change intexture fo the skin along the neck and armpits and on the groin and inner thighs, obesity, irregular menstrual periods or no periods, trouble getting pregnant, vaginal yeast infections, and hair loss. "To diagnose PCOS, your doctor with ask you questions about your health, your menstrual cycle, and your family history. He or she will do a complete exam that may include blood tests to check levels of insulin, other hormones, and blood glucose. A[n]...ultrasound may be done to look at the ovaries. It can also be used to check the lining of the uterus to see if it is thickened. "PCOS is a lifelong condidtion, but it can be treated in a number of ways. Treatment depends on your symptoms and whether you want to become pregnant. Long-term treatment may be needed if other medical problems arise." from ACOG Patient Education pamphlet "Polycystic Ovary Syndrome" by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 409 12th Street, SW, PO Box 96920, Washington, DC 20090-9620 I am in the middle of my second cycle on Clomid. Last month I took Clomid (clomiphene citrate) once daily on Days 5-9. The blood draw on Day 21 of my cycle showed that ovulation did indeed occur. Because of this, we kept the same dose and schedule for this cycle. I will have blood drawn again on Day 21 to make sure that ovulation occurred, if so, I won't continue to have blood drawn on Day 21. Even if we do not become pregnant , though, of course, we hope we will, we are both very encouraged with the results so far. In just 7 weeks time, I have been able to wean myself off my anti-depressant (in preparation for pregnancy) and am doing well without it. I have tried to get off it in the past, but have not been able to cope without it. Also, in that short amount of time I've been able to get off the rest of my sleep aids. I have been off Melatonin almost completely for about 6 months, but now I am also no longer needing Valerian. In addition to this, most remarkably and unexpectedly, the texture of my skin has completely changed. It has regained its former softness and smoothness and my acne has cleared up considerably, though not completely. I am constantly amazed at the roles and effects of hormones on our bodies! We are very hopeful for successful ovulation and conception, but are always mindful that God is the one and only Giver of Life. I am hoping and praying for twins! My body has been empty for SO long; I am ready to really fill it up! I get giddy at the thought of growing, carrying and nursing babies again! |
| Back to my Fertility Journal, pg. 2 |
| Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who has called barren. For with God nothing will be impossible. Luke 1:36-37 |