Sunday, February 18, 2007

Too many

...doctor's appointments. And since I have another one next week, I thought this would be a good time to look back on where I am and what we are trying to do.

I have a medical condition that runs in my family and I have always known having children may be difficult, but I didn’t really think it would be that hard—I know lots of people with this condition that had children with relative ease. But after 3 years of trying, it’s not happening for us. Last summer we finally decided to take a more aggressive approach—time, money and health is eventually going to run out on us. So I made an appointment and the earliest time that was available was November 17--the day I was invited to go to New York and see Clay on Regis and Kelly, of course—and waited.

Friday, November 10: Bloodwork and tests for the appointment on Nov. 17—6 vials! I felt like I should have eaten a whole cow to replenish myself after that, but I didn’t.

Friday, November 17: Internist appointment, and guess what—I had a migraine. So no progesterone shot like planned, but she did read the bloodwork and more referrals were needed. I also went on labetalol for the migraines, as I was having them too frequently.

Tuesday, November 21: Met with nutritionist to discuss food plans, decided to try cutting out white stuff, with the occasional indulgence.

Friday, December 15: A progesterone shot to get me started. But there will be no more—I had a very bad reaction, and almost missed my vacation in Michigan the next week.

Wednesday, December 27: First endocrinologist appointment. She pescribed 2000mg of glucophage for PCOS.

Thursday, December 28: Internist and fasting bloodwork for the endo. No migraines in a month and I’ve lost 5 pounds.

Wednesday, January 3: Started doing 30 minutes yoga and 15 minutes of hand weights each day.

Tuesday, January 9: Test results: no diabetes or thyroid problems. But yes to insulin resistance and APLS, which I knew, but they wanted to see for themselves. Glucophage will help with the IR and the labetalol may help with the APLS, but we will treat that when I get pregnant.

Thursday, February 1: First fertility specialist appointment. She took a very detailed history including height (I grew an inch since high school!) and weight, talked for a long time about all the options and wants to be conservative. She is not concerned about my age or history, that weight loss along with the glucophage will be the best chance of a successful pregnancy. If we are not pregnant by July, then more aggressive intervention will be discussed. Also did a full pelvic exam—OUCH!

Friday, February 2: Started back on exercise bike 60 minutes a day. Will alternate with the treadmill at work when I can.

Friday, February 9: Test results: no ovarian, cervical or uterine cancer—THAT'S GOOD! Also a personal trainer came to the house and gave me advice based on the equipment we have here and at work. The plan is 60 minutes on treadmill 3 days a week, 60 minutes on bike 2 days a week, 30 minutes on 4 alternate days of yoga or balance ball, and hand weights anytime I am watching TV.

Wednesday is a follow-up with the endocrinologist, I’m sure there will blood taken and lots of questions, but basically it is to make sure the gluco is doing what it needs to be doing.

Overall, I am very happy with the plans—the weight can’t come of quick enough and July can’t get here soon enough, but I need to practice patience, I guess.

Off to visit the bike!

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