A little Soy?

Recently I came across an infertility blog of another 'anovulation' diagnosis. She talked about using S.oy I.soflavones in lieu of Cl.omid. It was linked to an article on twoweekwait.com and I didn't see what it could hurt. So, I'm taking it on days 5-9 this cycle. Wouldn't it be something if a $6 supplement from W.al Mart could do what $5000+ of meds and treatments have not done?

Another step closer...

Several things on my mind! First, vacation was wonderful. It was busy
(hint, hint) but it was a much different kind of get-away-from-everything-and-have-fun type of busy. I was content just soaking in the warm temps, people-watching, and holding PC's hand... good food and thrill rides and fireworks were just icing on the cake! When we got back, I had 3 days to complete a 400 page reading log (I did have about half of it done before we left) and a 15 page research paper so the rest of the vacation was spent right here, although a million miles away from blogging!

SO- today was back to routine, but anything but normal. I had my first acupuncture appointment & that's what I really couldn't wait to share! I've had some experience with Eastern medicine and herbs and really enjoyed the book, The Infertility Cure. My mind/heart have gone back and forth-- some things make sense, some seem better left for Western medicine or, even better, Celestial medicine. But today's appointment was convincing and actually more encouraging than most of my IF adventures. The things that this acupuncturist said today just fit with my total state of health. Western medicine diagnosis is anovulation... Eastern medicine diagnosis is poor Spleen Qi. Here's the interesting part of that-- he thinks my reproductive system is right on track (this is a first)-- but the problems have come from my digestive system! That seems like a crazy thought but it really felt like this experience added more pieces to the IF puzzle and is getting me closer to egg + sperm:] More than half of the symptoms of Spleen Qi problems are a definition of me right down to the cold hands and feet. Oh yeah, this explains why I can't remember a thing and my mind never slows down but my body can't catch up (finally, the ultimate excuse). Some may be interested to know about the needles... my tension and fear of the unknown (I think) made the sensation a bit more than it should have been but I would not call it painful. A few slight stings here and there but deeper into the treatment I started to relax and I would compare it to the feeling after a good massage. I do plan on doing it again and following some herbal/diet recommendations. All in all, a positive experience in the depressing world of IF!

Infertility Vent 1

This was an especially long and hard week in the infertile world.
First, not ovulating can have different effects on different people. Some may not have cycles at all, some may skip cycles and then (lucky me to be in this category) some have cycles that seem to never end. So, here I am still being visited by AF on day 13, yuck.
I led a meeting with a group of colleagues on Monday and asked if anyone had anything to add to the discussion... and a pregnancy is announced. Of course, I plaster a smile on my face and chime in on the congratulations. What makes this announcement more difficult is that she was married 8 weeks after me and PC. I have moved into the stage of IF where it feels like expectant mothers (the waitress, the nurse, the cashier) are everywhere I turn. Everywhere but in the mirror. I think it's perfectly acceptable to say what I feel during these times- this stinks!

MAC and PC enter blogworld

Where have I been? I've heard the term 'blog' but never gave it much thought until my never-ending quest to find one more fertility fact led me to another world that I enjoy weaving into my schedule. We are MAC- that's me...and PC- yes, he's Prince Charming, but our names also represent many discussions about who owns the better technological companion. Let's sum up the past four years. Met PC, married within a year and didn't waste any time trying to conceive. As it turns out, my ovaries have decided they will waste all the time they choose... three years without ovulating on my own.
In getting to this diagnosis- here's my checklist for those interested: Laparoscopy, check. Clomid, check. Femara, check. Post coital, check. HSG, check. Bloodwork, check. IUI with meds, check. IUI with meds again, check. Herbs, check. Insurance to cover any of this, unfortunately not. And now? Getting second opinions... looking for someone who will say "Let's find out WHY your body doesn't do what it's supposed to!"
And PC... Bloodwork, check. Semen analysis, check. Totally supportive and adorable, check!
This could be another infertility blog, but I choose instead to make it my online get-away to discuss anything that's on my mind and close to my heart. That may be infertility, but then again- it may not be. To be continued...