You're Trying to Hard

I keep hearing "your trying to hard" or "you're too stressed, just relax and it'll happen", so me being me I decided to look more into that theory.

"Twenty years ago the rate of unexplained infertility was between 10-20%. Today we see up to 40%. Women's bodies aren't different, but their stress levels are, and combined with the ticking of teh biological clock, I believe it sets the stage for infertility. Moreover, doctors say ofter the stress of actually undergoing inferitlity treatments can be so great it can stop even the most successful procedures from working" (Source:\http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/features/infertility-stress )

Most of what I read still stated that stress would be a minor factor for infertilit, but since ours is "unknown" maybe there is some truth to it?!? But I can tell you that the acupuncture is really helping me to relax. However, I don't really think i have that much stress in my life. I have to obvious little from work, money concerns and what to make for dinner.

I think I'm just a natural worry wart - its like genetics and not my fault!!! But I'm always thinking about something, and the worst possible outcomes. 

Some suggestions I've read to help relax:

• Rethink your attitude - never realized before that I'm a pessimist, who knew
• Journaling - I think this blog is my outlet
• Be active and exercise - something I've wanted to start but just don't make time for it
• Relaxation - Acupunture (wish I could go more), crocheting, and reading

Ironically studies have also shown that stress is a byproduct of infertility, which means it can be a vicious cycle.  While relaxing is not liking to cause you to become pregnant, activities such as exercise, laughing, yoga, meditation, resting, hobbies and spending time with people you enjoy will make the journey a little easier to bear and can enhance your well-being.

So my take away is... I need a vacation, no housework and a driver from now until Baby B decides to make their presence known. ;)

Praying for Baby B!

Jacki

What is Letrozole?

During day 3-7 of my cycle I have to take a medicine called Letrozole.  Some people have asked what exactly does the medicine do and why am I taking it - well the short answer is because I was told to.

Letrozole is actually a medicine for the treatment of hormonally responsive breast cancer, however it has been used since 2001 for ovarian stimulation.  It is not currently FDA approved for the treatment of infertility, but studies have shown its effectiveness in women with ovulation problems or unexplained infertility.  Letrozole has fewer side effects than the similar drug Clomid.

I need this shirt some days, haha!!!

It works by decreasing the amount of estrogen the body makes.  When this happens the brain and pituitary gland increase the output of FSH, which is follicle stimulating hormone.  The hormone could result in producing a mature follicle in the ovary and ovulation of an egg.  For women that already ovulate, it COULD cause the possibility of multiple follicles and mulyiple eggs releasing - which just means a greater chance for Baby B!!!!

Many doctors prefer Letrozole to Clomid for many reasons.  It has fewer side effects, less chance for birth defects, does not adversly affect the uterine lining or the cervical mucus.  Letrozole is out of your system in 9 days, where as it takes Clomid as long as 8 weeks (which leads to a less chance for it to be in your system when you get pregnant).

Even with a medicarted cycle, you still only have a 1 and 4 chance of conceiving in a cycle. (Makes you wonder how there are so many "ooppss" babies doesn't it, haha!) That chance does not increase every month, it still remains 1 in 4.  I point that out because when I inititally heard those numbers I assumed "Oh I'll be pregnant in 4 months", nope not how this works.  

Just because I thought it was hilarious!!!

So we just started our 5th cycle with Letrozole.  I've read that for whatever reason (maybe your body "learns" for each cycle - I have no clue just guessing), after the 4th cycle couples seem to have more success.

I try to research and understand as much as possible when taking madicine to supplesments, just so I know what to expect and even prepare for it.  The only side effects that I've felt are mood swings, weight gain, and headaches.

Praying for Baby B!

Jacki

Another month cycle bites the dust…

Well…we found out Saturday morning that it didn’t happen this cycle.  I never really felt like I’m great at anything; yea I can crochet and I’m good at it, but I’m not great.  I could probably make a long list of things that I’m good at but not great at – but being mom wasn’t going to be on that list.  I always felt like the one thing I would be good at was being a mom. That I would finally feel like “This is it, this is what I was meant to be”.  I have an awesome mom and I’ve learned so much from her - I feel like if I was even half as awesome as her I’d also be a great mom.  Now I feel like I can’t even get that right. I know this is something beyond my control, but I almost feel like the universe is punishing me for something.  What did I do?!?!

For me, having a baby has been, and will always be, a lifelong dream.  When I was younger I always wanted to be the mommy and loved playing with dolls. My first job was a babysitter because I loved being around kids. I even thought about working at a daycare or becoming a teacher but was told “You don’t want to do that, there’s no money in it”. But now I wonder if I was taken down another path because being around kids day after day might have been unbearable – who knows.

Last week during a casual conversation I was asked that dreaded question for the millionth time and all I wanted to do was scream at the person “WE”RE TRYING!!!!!” but no you can’t do that and I don’t even know this person well enough for them to ask me something like that.  He said well you’ve been married for a while now, what are you waiting for? Really?!? I tell you that to caution you not to be that person, and I can admit before going through all this I was that person.  Now I see how inconsiderate it can be without meaning to be.

Lately it seems like I just keep hearing about people getting pregnant.  Don’t get me wrong: I am so happy that it has happened for them, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I didn’t hurt inside every time someone new announces a pregnancy or gender reveal .  How is everyone else pregnant right now?  What about me, when is it my turn?

I know God will bless us, but I just wish it was sooner than later.  Not really sure what the next step is…

Praying for Baby B!

Jacki

Over the last few weeks I’ve learned…

After a few months of trying and not becoming pregnant I started reflecting about how hard I always tried to not get pregnant and I’m wondering if that has influenced my fertility or not.  You always just assume, oh I stop taking my pill and I’ll get pregnant, but it’s not that easy. Did you know that after a prolonged period of time using the pill; it takes a lot long for you to resume a normal cycle. It can take over a year for you to resume normal ovulation. I’ve been off of the pill for almost 21 months so this shouldn’t be an issue any longer but could have played a role in the first 18 months of trying. This only plays a factor in about 10% of women, but it still plays a favor. And considering I took the pill for about 15 years, I’m thinking it might have – but who knows.

Apparently age could also be playing a factor in this, while 31 is not old – in egg years it can be. But also doctors believe that the number of eggs you have at birth determines how long you will be fertile. Did you know that smoking can also accelerate egg cell death? While I know that these factors don’t necessarily play a factor into our issue, but it was just something interesting I learned. “Around age 31, fertility starts to drop more quickly — by about 3 percent per year — until you hit 35 or so. From there, the decline accelerates. "The average 39-year-old woman has half the fertility she had at 31, and between 39 and 42, the chances of conceiving drop by half again," says Adamson. Approximately one in four women age 35 or older have trouble getting pregnant. The average woman can have a baby until age 41, but that's no guarantee.” Also, did you know men can father babies up to their 70’s, really?!?!?

 

Weight, as I spoke about in my previous post, can be a cause for conception.  Anyone with a BMI of over 29, which mine is, can have trouble conceiving. While we all know someone I’m sure that has a BMI of over 29 that have had a healthy baby, this along with several other factors could play a role. A major role has now been linked to carbs (I know I was mad about it too!!!). I’ve been asked to lower my carb intake; no soda, less breads, less pasta – more lean meat and veggies. I know low carb and high protein will also get the belly fat off, but damn I love my carbs!

 

So I have taken some steps on my own to try to increase the possibility for conceiving. I quit smoking about 21 months ago, starting going to an acupuncturist to help with stress and fertility, and I take a daily prenatal. I’m working on weight loss and trying to get out and move more.

 

Praying for Baby B!

 

Jacki

Weight Loss

So here’s a shocker, I’m fat. Thanks Doc I already knew that, but it just hasn’t been verbalized it a while.  According to some chart (that I’m sure some stick figure that only eats salads created), for my height (yea yea yea I’m vertically challenged) I should be 40 to 60 lbs lighter. And besides my terrible eating habits, the medicine that I take also causes weight gain. AWESOME! And before anyone says it, no skinny is not cute I just want to be healthy and thinner than I am now.

“Being over or underweight, however, could have an impact on your chances of conception according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine as weight issues can interfere with ovulation and may be associated with irregular cycles.”

So I decided, with the help of “My Fitness Pal” and Weight Watchers (the free way – I have my own spreadsheet that will help me track that I created) to start eating less and food that are better for me. I also set some goals for myself:

1.     Lose 5 pounds; I know it’s not much but I figure it’s a start

2.     No soda; I LOVE soda. Try to drink at least 92 oz of water daily

3.     Walk for 30 mins, a few days per week; I just felt like I need to get moving more. I like walking outside but now that the weather is meant for ducks, I might have to do something inside.

I know I will never lose the weight as fast as I put it on; unless I do something drastic like surgery or some type of unhealthy diet. I know it’ll be a slow process, but hopefully one that I can stick to. I seem to do really well during the week but not so much on the weekends.  I need to improve on my planning and preparing; when I don’t plan I look for the quick fix which normally isn’t something healthy.

I’m starting today I will update on my progress as I hopefully lose weight. If you are interested in joining me, just let me know.

Praying for Baby B!

Jacki

Did you know??

That your temperature, or basal body temperature (BBT), can also let you know that you have ovulated?  Well I didn’t, I guess I missed that part in health class.  Since the ovulation predictor kit wasn’t working for me Maureen (my acupuncturist) suggested that I chart my temperature every morning. I thought she was crazy, but what do I know.

So first thing in the morning, before you do anything else you pop a thermometer and check your temperature. If you move too much it reads at a higher temp, so you have to be very careful. If I wake up before my alarm I just take it then and then go back to sleep. My thermometer stores the temp until the next use so I don’t have to worry about seeing it then – which is really helpful. It is recommended to take it at the same time every day but I just take it when I wake up.

I use an app called Fertility Friend to track my cycles, symptoms, and everything in between. The app is actually pretty cool because of all the data it analyses for you and tells you what it could mean. The temperature spike lets you know that you did ovulate, but it tells you the day after. So basically it’s just a way to confirm that you did in fact ovulate.

So this is a screen shot of my chart and as you can see, I did ovulate for sure this month (I actually have 3 different forms of confirmation WooHoo!!!). As you can see I ovulated at day 13. After 2 cycles of not knowing I was pretty excited to see that.

Praying for Baby B!

Jacki 

Needle Time

As I began researching different ways to help with infertility I read a few articles about acupuncture, but I dismissed it because that just sounded crazy.  Then a good friend suggested it, after it helped a friend of hers. So I talked to the Dr. about it and she said that they’ve seen good results with it and it couldn’t hurt anything. So what the hell, let’s try it!

Acupuncture is safe and mostly pain-free. In treatment, they will insert 10 to 25 needles and leave them for about 30 minutes depending on the condition and the treatment required. I’ve read that most individuals feel a sense of deep relaxation; some may even feel refreshed and have prompt relief from symptoms after the treatment. I always feel relaxed when I leave. You aren’t supposed to stress your body after leaving, but that’s easier said than done. Those people must not drive in St. Louis or must not me a housewife.

I started my search on the internet and came across several licensed acupuncturist in the area.  I made several calls to talk with them and get a feel for who they were and if I liked them. I mean I’m going to let them stick me with needles, they better at least be nice. After talking with several different people I decided on Maureen Fox. She is a licensed acupuncturist who was also a registered nurse for over 25 years. I just felt like she seemed to understand my concerns and knows both eastern and western medicine.

The Cloud & one of the origami mobiles 

At my first visit we discussed everything; both past and present medical history and even other concerns besides my infertility. Then it was time to get on the table. It’s very similar to a massage table; I refer to it as the cloud. She places needles in different areas of the body for different reasons. Some points on the body tend to be slightly painful, while others you don’t feel at all. 

Some points in my ankle and some points in my thumb

Some points in my abdomen (normally people have this picture but with a beach in the background... not this girl LOL)

Some point in my ear (this is my favorite - she calls it the Super Shot of Relaxation and its amazing!!!!)

My 3rd eye

She recently also asked that I start using Moxa (or Mugwort). The ‘moxa stick’ is the most common form in which moxibustion is used to promote healing. The dried mugwort is rolled up tightly and wrapped in paper forming a cigar-like stick. The moxa stick can be held in one place, rotated in circles, or ‘pecked’ in a motion similar to a sparrow pecking at food over the area of an acupuncture point. The moxa stick is held approximately a half inch from the skin, although this may vary from patient to patient. The moxa stick is primarily used to treat a deficiency of ‘yang’ energy in the body. It is yang energy that governs movement and warmth, and a deficiency of yang results in cold symptoms. The patient may feel cold, or may complain of cold hands and feet.

I was told to hold it just above the ankle

 Question: How can Acupuncture support healthy fertility?
Answer: Acupuncture enhances circulation of blood in the pelvis, relaxes the cervix and uterus, regulates the menstrual cycle and can even dissolve small fibroids, when combined with Chinese herbal therapy. Acupuncture is also helpful in regulating hormone levels- especially low progesterone, and treating PCOS. Acupuncture is also excellent at treating stress and anxiety, which often occur with a diagnosis of infertility.

Question: Can acupuncture be complimentary treatment for medical fertility treatments?

Answer: Absolutely. In fact, fertility MD’s often recommend acupuncture treatments while a patient is undergoing IVF, as acupuncture has been clinically found to enhance success rate of IVF from 40-60%!

Question: Who is a good candidate for acupuncture specific to fertility?

Answer: I have worked successfully with patients who have a diagnosis of poor pelvic blood flow, blocked fallopian tubes, PCOS and luteal phase defect. Often, there is not a definite western medical diagnosis for the infertility, but Chinese medicine can uncover more subtle imbalances that are at the root of a patient’s infertility.(http://providencecommunityacupuncture.com/about/faq/)

Here are a few issues that acupunture has been known to help with, but is not a complete list:

·                    Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)

·                    Depression (including depressive neurosis and depression following stroke)

·                    Headache

·                    Hypertension, essential

·                    Low back pain

·                    Nausea and vomiting

·                    Neck pain

·                    Rheumatoid arthritis

·                    Acne vulgaris

·                    Alcohol dependence and detoxification

·                    Bell’s palsy

·                    Bronchial asthma

·                    Earache

·                    Female infertility

·                    Insomnia

·                    Obesity

·                    Tobacco dependence

I’ve been going for about 2 months now and I’m not sure if it’s helping anything with my issues, but I can tell you it truly helps relief my stress. I never feel as relaxed when I’m there, anywhere else. I would recommend it, as I love it!

Praying for Baby B!

Jacki

Will Missouri Become #16?

Until this affected me I never thought about insurance coverage for fertility testing, diagnosis and treatment - like I’m sure many don’t.  I always assumed if its health related, your health insurance will cover it. Boy was I naive.  In the United States ONLY 15 states currently require insurance companies to cover the cost of fertility treatments.

I also never realized how much your medical bill could be “marked up”.  For instance, when I had the HSG procedure done the cost for just the surgery (even though I didn’t have surgery), not the Dr’s fee, was $1337.  I asked them to submit the bill to insurance to see what they would say and they actually did cover $70 of the bill. So I’m thinking my portion of the bill will be the remaining $1237, but it wasn’t. When the bill came it was for only $562, the other $705 was “adjusted” by the hospital. WOW!

While doing some research about how to get the beautiful state of Missouri to cover fertility treatments I came across the Resolve website (National Infertility Association). They have so much information; including health care coverage, links to contacts and how you can help change the law. This year, a few Missouri State Representatives tried to get a bill to pass (HB 1719) that would require Missouri to have this coverage, however it was voted down. I was shocked and saddened by this so yes I did write a letter to Jay Nixon, Claire Mc Caskill, Roy Blunt and Lacy Clay ( I also emailed a few of the State Representatives as well, but didn’t want to bog you down with names). I’m sure it’ll go into the trash can but at least I made an effort right? If you are interested in sending them an email, just click on their name and send them and email telling them how you feel. Click here for a sample letter.

I case you were wondering how Missouri ranked, here is there scorecard. More info can be found here.

Infertility Awareness Ribbon Tattoo

I’m hoping that, not just for myself but for all families who have ever struggled, that this becomes standard across the board, not just in 15 states.

Praying for Baby B!

Jacki