Thursday, November 26, 2009

Taking it a day at a time-

First a short summary of what we know:
- Completely Anovluatory on my own (since I was 21, before that I was extremely irregular)
- Started trying to concieve shortly after turning 22... I'm turning 25 in January
- PCOS; with a 2:1 LH:FSH ratio
- Ovaries are classic PCOS cystic
- All ultrasounds have revealed nothing to be concerned about in uterus
- High Testosterone and DHEA-S
- Glucose Tolerance Test was higher than normal, but should be controlled with Metformin
- Have tried on own, with Clomid, with FSH injectable medications and Dexamethasone
- Had issues with luteal phase while on injectables, started using progesterone
- Gotten pregnant three times, resulted in early miscarriages
- HSG was clear
- Karotyping was normal
- Tested negative for most clotting disorders, but have PAI-1 4g/5g (started low-dose aspirin after second miscarriage)

So, we decided to test for three clotting disorders which are not usually tested for at all, and are not common.

We're going to get some other stuff underway, but it's all going to be spaced out over a few months because I just have too much going on. I am graduating in three weeks, the holidays are obviously upon us, and then in January I have to renew my license, plates etc... because unfortunately, I am getting older again.

I agreed to a saline ultrasound of my uterus, just in case we missed something. I will probably go ahead and get that done next month.

I agreed to a laproscopy to check for endometriosis and anything else that might be going on, and I have also gave her the green light to go ahead just perform the ovarian drilling while in there...

I will probably not get this done until January or February though... it really depends on how my consult goes with the carpal tunnel doc... and when I can get in for surgery (hoping to have both arms done and over with at once... probably not going to happen, but who knows). Yeah. The new year is going to have quite the excitement going on.

As for if I unexpectedly find myself pregnant again, whether not trying or trying... I am to call them immediately. I will continue using low-dose aspirin and metformin. I get to use progesterone too, and she said I could continue the dexamethasone if I really want to. She also let me know that she wouldn't normally do this, but given my history and my sister's history, she is okay with putting me on Lovenox in pregnancy as well. There are of course major risks with using a blood thinner, but I am willing to take on those risks. So, if I do somehow find myself pregnant, I will begin shooting up again in a different way.

Speaking of shooting up... I decided we will not try injectables again for sure. Not given the massive dose of meds I require and our lack of success- I am not wanting to spend much more money trying to get pregnant at this point. If I do try to get pregnant again, it will be after the ovarian drilling and possibly with Clomid and Dexamethasone- but nothing more extensive than that. I'd rather put the money towards adoption savings, you know? And we may eventually try embryo adoption, but I am just not sure I want to do that now. I just don't want to invest the money into it while we don't know for sure why I keep miscarrying... I just don't know. I need more time to think about it.

And that's what I have now, time. A few months to just piddle around and get testing done, research, rest up, and think about where we're going.

The holiday today is kicking my butt. It's hard, but at least I am safe at work (no pun intended on that one, as I stare at our security cameras and buzz people in and out of the locked doors of the shelter) Safe as in, I am not seeing my in-laws today. And due to a time conflict with my mom, I will not be able to make it to her get together either. Fine by me.

My husband bought me part of my x-mas gift early, Bea.tles R.oc.kband. Rock on. That kept me entertained all night. And then tonight, after I make some turkey dinner for myself and my husband, I'm going to see a movie. Tomorrow I am having my three best friends over for my Thanksgiving vegetarian lasagna- my little brother will be there too. So, all my favoritest people will be under one roof with me- and for that, I am thankful.

9 comments:

LitterOf2 said...

I think that your plan of action is a really good one. I was just wondering, though... my medical history is almost EXACTLY like yours. NOTHING worked for 7 years... the ONLY thing that works was Femara. The very FIRST cycle of Femara I ovulated, conceived, and it worked. Is it an option for you???

Celia said...

You know, I just want to remind you ( gently) that I am a decade older than you. Who knows what kind of new treatments will come about in the next decade? Even if you are on a break now, even if they don't know why your babies die now, it does not have to mean never. I know that "wait" is the biggest four letter word in infertility treatments. But you have so much time. Time to heal, time to see what can happen. Am I thrilled to be an older mother? Frankly, no. But I am thrilled that we are getting the chance. Just remember that you have something money cannot buy, and that is time.

Bluebird said...

I so admire your outlook and thankfulness. I know it isn't easy, and is so much more than anyone should have to persevere through - but stay strong, honey.

You absolutely need more time. Take that time. Take care of yourself and figure out what you need to figure out as you move forward. ((Hugs))

Michelle said...

It sounds like a great plan to me! I hope you are able to get some answers and hope you find peace during this holiday season!

The Steadfast Warrior said...

Hope you enjoy your dinner today, you deserve it. What a few months you have coming up. I think you've got a great attitude about it and seem somewhat at ease about your decisions. Enjoy your early Christmas gift- sounds like fun to me!! :)

..al said...

Well, I am glad that you have GOOD company for the holidays....I just hope that there is some positive breakthrough in Jan-Feb....


Good Luck and Take Care!

Anonymous said...

I hope that the next few months bring some answers. It's just not fair.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. It sounds like the next few months will be very busy for you.

The high cost of injectables is indeed ridiculous and frustrating. I hope that Clomid or Femara or the ovarian drilling will induce ovulation at a much lower cost for you.

I hope that your work day yesterday was at least not too stressful. Beatles Rockband is great! I hope you have a lot of fun playing it this holiday season. That vegetarian lasagna sound yummy! I hope you have a good weekend with those favorite people around you.

MrsSpock said...

This action plan looks good. I know several women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage, negative clotting factor labs, and who had their first successful pregnancy via Lovenox.

Flying Monkeys said...

I mentally checked out and missed a lot. I'm so sorry. About the crappy things people say to you, about the inlaw disinterest, about the chemical about all of it. Holy crap! I hope you're still having fun with Rockband.
I think you have a great plan. OD has worked for several friends and so have blood thinners.
Thinking good thoughts your way.