Day 3

Well, here I am on day 3 of the Femara. So far, I've not had any side effects other than being extremely tired. I have read that it is not uncommon. Part of it is, I'm not sleeping well at night either. I'm not sure, it's just a pervasive ickiness!

Yesterday Patrick and I met with the Nurse to go over the details of this whole process. Holy CATS are there a lot of stipulations. If it's a Friday and you think it's going to be on a Saturday Call. If it's Friday and you think you're kit will indicate ovulation on Sunday, Call. It's a bit confusing, so hopefully the two of us can figure out WHEN to call...ha ha. The other thing is, I have to not only use the ClearBlue monitor, I have to use the predictor kit as well. Apparently the expensive monitor isn't good? Ack...who knows...I thought it all tested the same darn thing. So here's to peeing on more sticks and more temperature taking.

Tonight is a friend's wedding. I'm looking forward to it, but I'm hoping I can stay awake....I'm still wiped even though I took a nap...go figure. I may need to stop and get caffiene, especially since I'm the DD. ;)

Big Step for a Baby

Today was our appointment with the Dr. She met with us for about 30 minutes. She explained the medical interventions that we would have to look at at the first tier of infertility. Dr. discussed the differences between Chlomid and Femera. We chose to go with the Femera for several reasons:

1) It only stays in the body for 48 hrs, thus lessening the side effects and decreasing any birth defect risks
2) It does not effect the uterine lining
3) It does not effect the cervical mucus
4) It has about a 40% success rate for pregnancy with IUI
5) It has a lower miscarriage rate

So, I guess it was God talking, because tomorrow is Day 3 of my cycle, and well, that's when you are supposed to start taking the medication. The Dr was suggesting we wait until September, but because school is starting then, I asked if we could start now. After all was said and done, I walked out with a script and an appointment to meet with the nurse on Thursday.

I guess I'm feeling more excited and nervous than anything. I want this to work, because I don't want to know what the next level of treatment is. Maybe I'll be pregnant by the end of the month? Keep says prayers!

On a side note: I went to yoga yesterday and practices for the "blues". We did all kinds of gentle back bends to lift our spirits out of depression. It felt so good and it was so calming. I have to thank my mom for calling me and asking me to go to class! Then, today I was at CVS picking up my prescription and there was a woman crying in front of the pregnancy monitors. I don't know what was causing her pain, but I did say a little prayer and sent happy thoughts her way. I wanted to tell her it would be OK, and if she was pregnant, how lucky she really is. Ironic in a way...

There any many baby steps to take on this journey.

Sunshine and hope

We are back from our lovely vacation! When the above view is your view everyday, and you can walk the shoreline hand in hand with the one you love, nothing gets better than that! It was a much needed escape from the everyday realities. My problems seemed to melt away! Spending time with the love of your life, and your two best friends is great medicine for the soul!!

Now that we are back, I started my period. It seems like it does that after flying. We thought this was going to be the week, but it's ok, because we are back to the beginning again. We go on Tuesday to Dr. to find out the next steps.

It is amazing, because as I write this, I've heard of more stories over the past few weeks of friends and family struggling to conceive. I feel that if we can be open about our journey, it will help break the silence that this journey is easy for everyone, or least it appears easy. I think the support and love that we have gotten from those we have shared our new journey with has been overwhelmingly positive, and for that we are forever grateful. Here are to the baby steps we will learn about on Tuesday...

Sun and Sand

Patrick and I have both gone through our preliminary tests. The good news is we have both checked out OK! So, the trying continues. We do have a consultation with the doctor to explore our next steps. I'm guessing from what I have personally discussed with the Dr., she will recommend the Chlomid and IUI. I'm hoping that we don't have to get there, and God will grant us a baby before that; however, we will do what it takes to start our family! Baby steps...

On top of this we have been dealing with stress with our second home. The renters left it a mess...but call it fate, Patrick called a dumpster company and the guy was 2 miles from the house with a dumpster and gave it to us for $100 less! So, since fate spoke, we spent the day cleaning up and pitching out their crap. New paint and some tile in the basement will spruce it back up to it's original state! :)

Now it is time to relax, on a beach, and have our worries melt away in the sun! :)

Our Journey Begins

It looks as if Patrick and I are beginning down a new road to have a baby. When I was a sweet and innocent 13 year old, I knew that I most likely had endometriosis. I started with one of the best gynecologists in the area. She has watched me grow and monitored my health. At 18, I decided it was time for a laproscopy. So, over my senior year spring break, I underwent surgery. By the grace of God and the angels around me, the doctor removed the endometriosis, as well as saved my right ovary that was intertwined with my appendix. No wonder why I was in so much pain! I started taking birth control continuously and that helped me for almost 6 years. I elected to have surgery again in January of 2005. The endometriosis was not as invasive and the course of treatment was helping keep the endometriosis under control. The best news: I could still have children!

Last August, we began trying to start our family. The doctor said to go off my medication, and wait for my cycles to regulate. To my surprise, it regulated, almost on schedule! However, with all the kits, temperature taking, etc, we have been unsuccessful. Luckily, it was time for my yearly appointment. So Thursday, we started our journey. Today I had my sonohysterogram. Good News! My uterus and tubes look open and good. I had some soreness on my right side, but that is probably due to scar tissue. I do have some endometriosis on my uterus, but nothing to cause immediate surgery! Yay!

So, Patrick and I begin the new journey. We knew it may come to this, but together we can do anything. I know that with the support of friends and family, anything is possible. And at the end, there will be a baby. Until then, we continue to take baby steps. :)