September 15, 2004
What we've been through so far
Dave set this journal up for me to detail our adventures in infertility. We both feel it's important to put our experiences out there for a couple of reasons. It's not something a lot of people talk about, but 1 in 6 couples experience infertility. If we can help one person feel less alone in the journey, we've done something positive with it. Also, it's consuming our lives.
So here's where our adventures began. About a year ago we decided we would be wanting children soon. I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) so we knew it may be a bit more difficult than normal. PCOS causes mulitple tiny cysts on the ovary each month instead of one good follicle. It makes ovulation irregular or absent and can cause long irregular cycles and insulin resistance. Other equally pleasant effects of PCOS are weight gain around the abdomen, acne, and hirsutism (excess hair, oh boy!). It also puts you at risk for endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease. A good FAQ site for it is http://www.inciid.org/faq/pcos.html A few years ago I also had a cyst around one of my fallopian tubes, so we also weren't sure if my tube had any damage to it.
I started with my regular GYN. She suggested I see an endocrinologist for my PCOS and a perinatologist (a doctor that follows high risk pregnancies) since I have high blood pressure and a stong family history of diabetes putting me at risk for eclampsia and gestational diabetes. The endocrinologist started me on Glucophage (also called Metformin, I use the two names interchangeably). This was in hope of regulating my insulin levels and hopefully regulate ovulation. She also tested me for insulin resistance, which I have. The perinatologist changed my blood pressure medication to ones I could take while pregnant and put me on a prenatal vitamin (PNV) with extra folic acid. This was all in October 2003.
Towards the end of November 2003 my blood pressure was stable on the new medicine. I was tolerating the Glucophage and had been taking the vitamin for awhile. Everything was fine, the doctor's gave us the go ahead when we were ready. Right before Thanksgiving my uncle died of liver cancer. He also left behind three small girls. It made us realize how short life was and how much we wanted to start our family. I stopped taking my birth control pills then. My first cycle off them was a fairly normal length. When that cycle ended unsuccessfully, I started charting my basal body temperature (BBT). I do this online at Fertility Friend. My chart is there if anyone is interested. It showed that I was ovulating, just irregularly and later than most people. This means I have a chance to get pregnant less frequently than most people.
In April 2004 with still no success it was time to see if there where some other problems going on. Dave had a semen analysis done. He said there was actually a sign in the "collection room" that asked him not to take the videos or they will be unable to continue to provide that service. I guess this must have been a problem in the past or they wouldn't have that sign up. :) I also had an hysterosalpingogram (HSG). This is a test where they inject dye into my uterus and watch to see if it spills out the fallopian tubes. It checks the shape of the uterus and the patency of the tubes. At first my right tube (the one that had the cyst) was blocked, but the radiologist was able to open it up by forcing some extra dye in. Then she told me everything looked fine and that for the next three months my tubes would be wide open and to practice, practice, practice.
I called my GYN to get the results of Dave's semen analysis (SA). He passed with flying colors. Then she told me that my HSG wasn't as good as I thought. The tubes were ok, but it showed that I had a bicornuate uterus. The uterus should like kinda like an upside down triangle. Mine looked like a Y. The top half was split. From what I was told then I would have trouble carrying a pregnancy to term because the uterus would run out of room before the baby was finished growing. I was referred to an RE (reproductive endocrinologist).
In May 2004 I saw the first RE. He said that the bicornuate uterus was not that bad and I shouldn't worry about it. He did a pelvic exam and let Dave have an upclose and personal view. I was not to happy about that. Very embarrassing. Basically he wanted told us to wait another 3 months before coming back for treatment of any kind. He also wanted to see my previous medical records. While I was getting them together I noticed an ultrasound report from around the time I had the tubal cyst. The ultrasound showed a septated uterus. This is similar to a bicornuate uterus, but on the outside the uterus will look normal. On the inside though the uterus is divided down the middle which again puts me at high risk for miscarriage and preterm labor. I called the RE to let him know about this, and was told that he was sure it was fine but to get a second opinion if I wanted.
In July 2004 we went to a different fertility clinic for a second opinion. There we saw another RE who was wonderful. She developed a treatment plan to start on my next cycle. The plan was to start Clomid. Clomid is an oral medication to stimulate ovulation. The hope was that it would make me ovulate earlier in my cycle and give me more opportunities to get pregnant. She also said that if the current cycle went on too long to call and they would give me a medication to jump start it.
On 08/02/04 I got tired of waiting and called for the medication. Before they will prescribe it they have to do a pregnancy test and check progestrone levels. My pregnancy test was negative and my progesterone was 0.5 which showed I hadn't ovulated yet. I started taking Provera. It was one of the worst medications I've ever taken. It made me feel stupid, like I was trying to think with a head full of cotton. It also majorly upset my GI tract. From feeling so sick I started having panic attacks and felt like I couldn't breathe. This led to a trip to Patient First. I stopped taking the Provera after seven days even though I was supposed to take it for ten days. Four days after I stopped the next cycle started.
On 08/13/04 I started cycle #8, 10 months of trying desperately to have a baby and 10 months of heartwrenching disappointment. I didn't realize how much time and emotional effort was going to be needed for our first treatment cycle. They assign "homework" (which is their way of saying sex) on certain days. Here's what happened this cycle:
08/13/04: Called in the RE office to let them know the cycle started
08/16/04: Went in for blood work at 7am. Called back at 1pm for results and instructions. They called in a prescription for Clomid after my blood work looked ok
08/17/04-08/21/04: Took the Clomid. It made me overly emotional and have the worst hot flashes. I think the term hot flash is a misnomer. Flash implies something over and done with quickly. These lasted for days. I was always hot.
08/24/04: Had to go in for a transvaginal ultrasound to check to see if I was developing follicles. When follicles are mature they release an egg. I had one follicle measuring at 17. Not big enough. Homework assigned for the 25th between 8:45pm and 4:45 am so they could do a post coital test. This is where they take a sample of the semen off the cervix and see if it can get through the cervical mucous (gross I know).
08/26/04: Went in for another ultrasound. The follicle now measured 20. Still not big enough. Post coital test was done, everything looked good. More homework for the 27th.
08/28/04: Yet another ultrasound. Follicle measured 23. Now it's big enough. They gave me the option of getting a shot of HCG to make me ovulate or wait another two days to see if I could do it on my own. I opted to wait. Homework assigned for the 29th.
08/30/04: You guessed it, another ultrasound. I had ovulated on my own! No shot. More homework that night.
09/03/04: More bloodwork at 7am. Called back at 1pm for results. My progesterone level was low at 14.1. I needed a supplement. Then they told me the supplement was in the form of a vaginal suppository. Can this get any more fun? I called two pharmacies to find it. Finally I found one and got the prescription to them. Then the dreaded wait. I had to wait until 09/13/04 to see if either I got my period or was pregnant.
09/08/04: Had some spotting. I figured I was going to either get my period early, or it was implantation spotting. Once an egg is fertilized it implants in the uterus 7-10 days later; this was 9 days after I ovulated, so right on time for implantation.
09/10/04: We went to Ocean City to try to relax. I've decided to take about 2 weeks off work to try to destress. The stress from the medications and treatments was making me sick. Between worrying about all this and how to pay for it (our insurance doesn't cover a whole lot, and doesn't cover medication at all) I needed a break.
09/11/04: I took a home pregnancy test and got a very faint second line. I've never had this before. I was so excited I took another and the same thing happened.
09/12/04: I took another test, this one was negative. I had no idea what was going on.
09/13/04: I went in for a blood HCG (that's the hormone you make when you are pregnant, it's what they test for in pregnancy tests) test and a progesterone test that morning. I called back at 1pm for the results. It was positive, but just barely. Anything less than 5 is considered negative. Mine was 5.2. And my progesterone also dropped to 3.8. I was pregnant, but they said it wouldn't last with numbers so low. I was to come in in two days to recheck my levels and to keep taking the progesterone supplement. I cried and cried. Here I was pregnant, but couldn't be happy about it because I was going to lose it.
09/14/04: Cried all day again. Just sitting around waiting until they can recheck my levels or until I start to actually miscarry. That night I got up twice because I was sure I had started bleeding. The cramps I had been having for two weeks intensified and I started having back pain. I was up all night. No bleeding though
09/15/04: On my chart my temperature dropped, a sign that I may start bleeding soon. Went in at 7am to have my levels drawn. I won't have the results till this afternoon. The nurse said they actually want to see my levels fall since that means it's going away. She said there was something wrong with the pregnancy and it's best for it to end quickly. If my levels go up they will have to keep monitoring me to see what happens. At 11am I got a call from the nurse's there saying there was an accident in the lab and my blood sample from this morning got dropped. I had to go back in to have it redrawn. I should know something by this afternoon. The waiting is killing me though.
Posted by jlraynes at September 15, 2004 08:03 AM
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Comments
I have read your update as of Sep15,03....sounds so similiar to my experiences, I actually had surgery to correct my septate uterus. This if Feb 19, so....are you pregnant? I was left hanging!
Let me know....Kimi in TX
Posted by: kimberly at February 19, 2005 11:10 AM #
Hope everything works out for you. I have been using Clomid now for about 8 months with no success. I have been trying to conceive for 8 years now. I have had 2 micro-surgical procedures done to "fix" damaged fallopian tubes and 2 1/2 years after the second surgery I became pregnant. It turned out to be ectopic. I was crushed, but tried to look on the positive side. At least I knew that I could become pregnant, and it was caught so early that hardly any damage was done to my tube. However, it is blocked and so I've only got one tube left to work with and it's not in the best of shape. It wasn't until after I had an ectopic pregnancy that we even found out that I don't ovulate every month. I assumed because I menstruated each month, that meant I was ovulating. I was wrong. After all those years and 2 surgical procedures, plus an ectopic pregnancy, I found out that there was no way I was releasing a viable egg. Even my first 2 months on the Clomid I didn't ovulate. It took 3 cycles for me to ovulate. It's been hard. I keep hearing that most doctors won't keep someone on Clomid for longer then 6 cycles. I spoke with my doctor about that. He seems to think that it may take longer for me because I've only got 1 tube, and of course stress is also a factor. I'm already 34 years old! Of course I'm stressed and I'm also scared to death that it will be tubal again. I had my tubal pregnancy removed the day after Christmas of 2004, only 3 days after finding out that I was pregnant. It was horrible. For those 3 days I was on cloud 9 only to have it taken away so suddenly. It could have been worse I suppose. Anyway I'm still taking my Clomid and trying "not to think about it" (yeah right). It helps to talk to someone who has been through it. Good luck.
Posted by: Francine Bookwalter at March 1, 2005 09:19 PM #
So anything? I too am trying to get pregnant. My experience has never been anything as heart wretching as yours. I am sorry to hear about all that you have been through. I have had one miscarriage myself so I know that joy and pain of wanting a baby then, loosing one. I do have one child and currently trying for the second. I had implantation (so I think) spotting, which I didn't have with my first child. It started 4 days before my period was due. I waited to test until day 33 which is just a day late for me. It was negative, but no period. I am hoping that all is fine and on day 35 my test will be positive, if not I am going to make an appointment to find out if something is wrong with me.
Posted by: adb at March 14, 2005 11:03 AM #
Well I cant say I have been through as much as you jave but I have been through quite a bit. I beleive I have PCOS as I have a symptom or two. The most embarassing one of hair growth of course. my acne only flares up at time of menstruation. Any way, we have been trying for three years with no luck. Why is this so expensive and out of reach for people? My husband is at his wits end with the situation and I am extremly depressed with thoughts of suicide. I wish I had a better support system but I dont. Does anyone understand the fear, anxiety etc.....
Posted by: Laura H at March 16, 2005 07:15 PM #
Well I cant say I have been through as much as you jave but I have been through quite a bit. I beleive I have PCOS as I have a symptom or two. The most embarassing one of hair growth of course. my acne only flares up at time of menstruation. Any way, we have been trying for three years with no luck. Why is this so expensive and out of reach for people? My husband is at his wits end with the situation and I am extremly depressed with thoughts of suicide. I wish I had a better support system but I dont. Does anyone understand the fear, anxiety etc.....
Posted by: Laura H at March 16, 2005 07:15 PM #
i would like to talk to someone about damaged fallopian tubes i surgey in 2002 and the docter told me she could'nt help me because my bowels was very swolling and she didn't want to hit any major orgens i think i could be helped.and she did not do her best because medicad was paying for it
Posted by: mrs ricks at April 1, 2005 01:12 PM #
i would like to talk to someone about damaged fallopian tubes i surgey in 2002 and the docter told me she could'nt help me because my bowels was very swolling and she didn't want to hit any major orgens i think i could be helped.and she did not do her best because medicad was paying for it
Posted by: mrs ricks at April 1, 2005 01:12 PM #
Hello... I just want to thank you so much for sharing your stories with me. I have just sat in front of the computer reading from day one through to your most recent entry. I too have felt everything you speak about except for me it has been almost 4 years of trying and 2 miscarriages. I live in Canada and things work a little differently up here but so far none of the insurance I have has covered anything! So I fight with the same dilemna as you when is enough enough? I throughly enjoyed reading your take on things I wish that more people could understand what we are going through...and by the way I too cannot stand it when the doctor tells me just how perfect my husbands sperm count is I just feel like telling him to go to hell every time!!! Thank you again for sharing this story with me it's nice to know I'm not alone and will definately continue to watch your story! Sincerely Robin
Posted by: Robin Bolton at May 4, 2005 08:16 PM #
Thank you for your story.I had my tubes untied a year ago.I got ppregnant very soon after the tubal reversal surgery but lost the baby at 4 months.I had a d&c in November of last year and haven't been able to get pregnant since.I had an HSG a week ago and they said I have one blocked tube.I am 36 and just want God to bless my husband and I with a child.I am a strong believer but I find myself questioning God so the whole thing is depressing.Laura
Posted by: laura flaws at May 22, 2005 04:22 PM #
It feels really good to hear everyone else's stories. Well I stopped taking the pill in November 2003. It has been a year and a half and nothing. I just saw a fertility specialist yesterday and she give me a schedule of what to expect. My husband will have his blood work and semen analysis done on Juen 6th. I will call them on my first day of my period and on the third day do blood work. On my fifth day I will start Clomid. I am kind of scared about the side effects but I am going to try and stay positive. I am 29 years old and I know I still time but I feel like something is really wrong. I had and HSG done and everything came back fine - no blockage. That was a relief. My parents always told me that sometimes you don't realize your mistakes until you get older. When I was 19 I had an abortion and now more than ever I feel so bad about it. I know I did for the right reasons but now I feel like I am being punished. Sometimes I even feel that I don't deserve child because of the decision I made back then. I wish everyone the best and thanks so much for sharing your stories. Laura - Houston, TX
Posted by: Laura at May 24, 2005 09:39 PM #
It feels really good to hear everyone else's stories. Well I stopped taking the pill in November 2003. It has been a year and a half and nothing. I just saw a fertility specialist yesterday and she give me a schedule of what to expect. My husband will have his blood work and semen analysis done on Juen 6th. I will call them on my first day of my period and on the third day do blood work. On my fifth day I will start Clomid. I am kind of scared about the side effects but I am going to try and stay positive. I am 29 years old and I know I still time but I feel like something is really wrong. I had and HSG done and everything came back fine - no blockage. That was a relief. My parents always told me that sometimes you don't realize your mistakes until you get older. When I was 19 I had an abortion and now more than ever I feel so bad about it. I know I did for the right reasons but now I feel like I am being punished. Sometimes I even feel that I don't deserve child because of the decision I made back then. I wish everyone the best and thanks so much for sharing your stories. Laura - Houston, TX
Posted by: Laura at May 24, 2005 09:43 PM #
Hi,
My story sounds similar - PCOS, diabetic (on loads of Metformin) HSG showed either bicornuate or spetum - turned out to be septum - had surgery a year ago - went through multiple IVF cycles - currently 8 weeks pregnant (Whew!!) But.... I have some spotting (which no one can figure out why) and I am scared that whatever caused the septum could have caused other abnormalities. Do any of you know of further complications after the septum has been resected? Since its a twin pregnancy - I suppose all common risks are doubled, I am additionally concerned about anything to do with the had-been septated uterus and IVF-ICSI combination. Any information will help. Thanks... Meera.
Posted by: Meera at December 9, 2005 04:10 PM #
Hi, I have gone through similar experiences, I had a preemie which when he was born premature (26 weeks, 2.2 pounds) the doctors realized it was because I had a septated uterus. During my pregnancy with him I had contractions, spotting etc. Luckily he is a very healthy seven year old boy now. After him I had the septum removed surgically, then I got pregnant again and had a miscarriage because it was an anembryonic pregnancy. I still wanted to try again and I couldn't get pregnant and had to take fertility drugs. I finally got pregnant after one year and had my second baby boy at 33 weeks which was not as premature as the first but still not to term....he is also healthy. It has been very difficult but very worth it. Just have faith!
Posted by: Alex at January 20, 2006 12:34 AM #
I never even knew they could fix a septum. I have a septated uterus and no one has ever even mentioned this possibility to me. I have been told that the septum is not the main cause for my problems. I have PCOS and that is my main problem. At least at the moment.
Posted by: Tonya at February 24, 2006 07:42 PM #
I hope all goes well for you and everything.... I had an "hsg" procedure done a week ago and the radiologist stated that he the dye would not go into my right tube and that my left tube is normal... Have not figured out what all that meant yet..... Hope I can get pregnant one day soon.... Thought I would share this with you... Thank you for letting me post this and getting this out.. Aimee
Posted by: aimee taylor at February 27, 2006 10:39 PM #
Well I just had my 4th miscarriage. My doctor is talking about starting me on glucophage and then progesterone. Has anyone had to take these medications? And did they work?
Posted by: Tonya at March 5, 2006 11:25 AM #
thank u for sharing ur stories..seeing other people out there going through similar struggles helps me deal with what im going through..You have been throught a lot and i admire and respect your strength..i 19 and not ready to have children but in 5 years or so i am wanting to have lots of childre. its painful to be very maternal at a young age and know of what pain i have to endure when i get older. Knowing that many other women out there can get through this shows me that i will be able to get through it all.. thank u so much for ur stories and god bless you
Posted by: stacey reginald at May 12, 2006 10:01 AM #