So so much has happened since my previous post. We have completed our initial testing. There were so many tests run, I kept thinking/hoping I would update the blog but I couldn't. It's like I was waiting. Waiting until all my answers came back. Until all our ducks were in a row. Well here we are...Here are our ducks.
I posted in the last update that I had successfully ovulated. As it turns out my OB decided that although my numbers were within the range of ovulation it was not a "strong" ovulation. (Her words) She then tested me for prolactin levels.. Mine were normal.
Which lead us to the next test. Here she found that I am Insulin Resistant. Basically meaning I have PCOS. This fertility problem is something so many are struggling with. I have suspected for many years that I have had PCOS. Like many, I knew that if I was diagnosed with this problem it meant dieting and exercise. In my case it also mean being put on a medication called Glucophage (it's more commonly known by it's generic name: Metformin) this raised my eyebrows! I have a VERY limited background in pharmacology. ( I had to take maybe 2 to 3 semesters of a pharmacology class in college in order to become a dental hygienist.) so I have an extremely baseline idea of what Metformin is. Basically I know its used as a treatment for type II diabetes. Which lead me to my next question...AM I DIABETIC?
The good news: no, I am not quite there. I have a more increased chance of being diabetic when I am older but at this point I am simply insulin resistant.
Good news, definitely. Upsetting news? maybe. Many thoughts ran through my head... Basically they all cumulated into "I did this to myself" Are our fertility issues are stemming from the fact that I have gained 40+ pounds since I married my wonderful husband? That's a tough pill to swallow. I understand that it is not all my fault. But my brain has this funny way of going straight to that thought. This is your fault. Coming to accept this new problem was an easy and also a not so easy task.
Let me just tell you.. I am not a good "dieter" I love my food! In my opinion, there is not many things in this world better than a really good coca cola. I'm also not ashamed to say I absolutely love desserts! Also let me confess; I am from the south...Where ever we go, we eat. Every church event, family get together, and visit to your grandma's house involves some meal. These are not small meals either. Literally every Sunday we are eating 2 large meals (meals that rival a thanksgiving feast). To add to this dieting difficulty, I have been placed on a diet at Thanksgiving. So this girl that enjoys her food is having it offered at every turn.
Now don't think I'm complaining. This is a blessing. But it's also a hurdle. So in order to make it through these large meals I have started a slogan that I keep repeating. It's now a daily mantra.. Anytime I feel weak, or I don't want to go to the gym I just tell myself...You're "weighting" for your baby!
This new saying has gotten my booty in the gym and gotten me to turn down those chips at the mexican restaurant. I have been a cheater this week (a really bad one actually) but I know that Baby is weighting on me too. So I have not given up.
If this weren't enough, we also have another obstacle to face. As it turns out my truly amazing husband also has a few concerns. He has completed a couple of tests that have turned out to also be a small challenge. At the first analysis it was determined that all of his levels looked good with the exception of one. The forward motion was lacking. Instead of going straight a considerable amount of his contribution was veering off course. Since there was an issue with his first test my doctor sent him back to the other office to repeat. What we found was puzzling. Again all levels were looking good with the exception of one. The craziest part...It wasn't the same concern as before. This time they did swim straight but their shape was off.
Here we began talking options again. My doctor offered me many options but in the end we hoped that once I have been on Metformin a couple of months and I have lost the necessary weight my ovulation will be come "stronger" and I will begin ovulating every month. Maybe once that happens we will be able to get pregnant. If it does not happen in a couple of months (the number of months is up to William and me) We can always try a medication name Clomid (this medication basically makes me ovulate and this ovulation is almost scheduled). A major side effect of Clomid is I may become "witchy" (again my Doctor's words). Try this a couple of months and if it doesn't work, we can move on to IUI.
While discussing these options and timelines I asked the doctor, what do you think we need to do? should we skip straight to the Clomid? Or maybe even skip straight to IUI. The doctor told me she couldn't tell me what to do but we need to do what works best for us. She did say, with both of us having complications our best bet is IUI.
So here we are:
Part 3, Step1: fertility testing complete- We got answers. Although the
problems are not as easily fixed as we hoped; they are still fixable.
Part 3, Step 2: Diet and exercise while taking Metformin
If we are not pregnant by February, we will move to Part 3, Step 3: Clomid
