Test Results In

I've been anxiously awaiting the results of my hormone panel.  I became impatient today, and called the office.  The secretary connected me with the lady in the lab.  She told me that she didn't know how to interpret the results, so the doctor would have to take a look at them.  I was a bit frustrated that she hadn't given the results to my doctor before this.  I want to know!

Anyway, a couple of hours later, she called back and told me that my doctor had said that everything was okay. I'm torn on the results.  On one hand, I'm glad that my results were (I assume) normal.  Perhaps that means it won't be much longer before we get to have a successful pregnancy.  On the other hand, I was a bit hopeful that something would show up as being abnormal, and that whatever was wrong could be 'fixed'.

So, we proceed on.  Today is CD 10, so hopefully ovulation will be in the next 3-4 days!

Hormones

In case you were wondering (as I was) what hormones I was tested for and why, this is what I found:

Hormone to Test	Time to Test	Normal Values	What Value Means
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)	Day 3	3-20 mIU/ml	FSH is often used as a gauge of ovarian reserve. In general, under 6 is excellent, 6-9 is good, 9-10 fair, 10-13 diminished reserve, 13+ very hard to stimulate. In PCOS testing, the LH:FSH ratio may be used in the diagnosis. The ratio is usually close to 1:1, but if the LH is higher, it is one possible indication of PCOS.

Estradiol (E2)

Day 3

25-75 pg/ml

Levels on the lower end tend to be better for stimulating. Abnormally high levels on day 3 may indicate existence of a functional cyst or diminished ovarian reserve.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Day 3

< 7 mIU/ml

A normal LH level is similar to FSH. An LH that is higher than FSH is one indication of PCOS.

Second Opinion

Today was my second opinion appointment.  Leading up to the appointment, I felt guilty...almost like I was going to 'cheat' on my doctor.  I thought my last appointment went very well, so I considered cancelling this appointment.  As I sat in the exam room waiting for the doctor, I told myself not to expect anything.  I thought he'd probably verify what my other doctor had said and send me on my way.  I was pleasantly surprised.

He asked me to go over my IF history, even though it was clear that he had gone over my chart.  He made a few notes that made me feel as though some things were missing from the chart.  He told me that since I've had two pregnancies, he didn't suspect I had an issue with my anatomy nor did he think the issue was with my husband.  I told him that I got my period on my own the last two cycles, but that the cycles were 38 and 37 days.  He told me that the general rule is that if a cycle is longer than 35 days, there is an ovulation issue.  (Which we already knew, but it verifies it yet again).  He said that Clomid was a good drug and that he would have me continue using it for the next 3 months, but wanted me to take 100 mg, rather than the 50 mg the other doctor Rx'ed.  If I am not pregnant by then, we will take a different approach.  He also had labs drawn to check my hormone levels (FSH, LH, and Estrodiol).  Luckily, my appointment was perfectly scheduled and I am on CD 3--the day that these hormones are checked.  He will have me return to check my Progesterone level after ovulation.  My other doctor only checked my Prolactin level, despite my request to do further testing.  My new doctor seemed confident that we will get to the bottom of my infertility and will end up with a healthy baby...hopefully sooner than later.

I am very pleased that I kept my appointment and will be officially changing doctors.  I felt like he is on a mission to get this resolved as much as we are.

AF is Here!

This morning, I took a pregnancy test (negative) and then immediately took my first dosage of Provera.  The next time I went to the bathroom, AF had arrived.  Talk about ask and ye shall recieve.  LOL.  My cycle this time was 37 days, which is on the longer side, but not too unmanageable.  My last cycle was 38 days.  Both were unmedicated and on a break from charting.  I will begin charting again in the morning and Clomid on CD 5.  I hope that since my body has at least partially been working on it's own, I will be able to get pregnant soon and be able to have a healthy baby.

Side note: I have an appointment today to talk to a doctor about/possibly be tested for RA.

Not At All Unexpected

I decided tonight to take a pregnancy test--my first in a few months.  I'm on CD 32, so I figured if there was a sliver of a chance, I could get a positive tonight.  Unfortunately, it was negative.  So, it looks like I will be starting Provera this weekend and then on to Clomid.

I hope this is it.  PLEASE let this be it.

Do.Not.Scratch!

Ugh.  I want to crawl out of my own skin right now.  I have eczema completely taking over the backs of my legs and more bug bites than I can count.  I woke up several times in the night, scratching like crazy.  Unfortunately, scratching my 'owies' just makes them itch more and (some of it) spread.  I have two different creams that I apply like a mad woman and will get another tomorrow.  *sigh*  One of the joys of summer.

On the TTC front, I'm still waiting for AF or waiting to take Provera.  I'm hoping for the former to show up sooner than later.

Doctor's Appointment

I had my annual exam with my OBGYN this afternoon.  I told her that we had taken a break for the past two months, and she was fine with that.  She understood the stress and disappointment that we have been through.  I told her that we were ready to start trying to get pregnant again as soon as this cycle ends.  She was supportive of that decision and said that she is willing to go as far as we'd like.  She said that they will do up to IUI's in their office.  I don't think that we will go that far, but it is good to know that it is available.  She also suggested that I may want to have an HSG done.  (They would shoot dye into my uterus and fallopian tubes and then watch it on an x-ray).

We will for sure be starting Clomid again next cycle.  I will start over at 50 mgs, which is a relief.  I filled my Rx a couple of months ago, but never took it.  She had me taking 150 mgs at that point, so I already have what I need.

I'll be getting a second opinion on July 6th.  I feel pretty good about my appointment today, but I would still like to hear from another doctor what I should do.

Not related to my reproductive tract, she gave me a Rx for my eczema.  (YAY!)  She also suspects that I may have rheumatoid arthritis.  I will be making an appointment for blood tests to determine if RA is the case.

I'm feeling excited about starting to TTC again.  I think the break has been good for me, however difficult it has been at times.