Last night when I got home, I told Michael I was feeling a little down. He said, "No kidding - I read your blog. Really uplifting."
I sometimes forget that people actually read this. It was how I was feeling. It felt good to get it out. So, I'm not going to apologize for a depressing post. But I didn't want you all to be worried that I was ready to hurl myself off the nearest bridge. I'm not.
I'm just sad that we don't have children, sad that I'm not pregnant (started the good ol' period early today - could explain the mood), and sad that Michael is leaving. That's all.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
The Year in Review
I truly can't believe 2007 is coming to an end. It seemed to go by so fast, but when I think back to where I was at this time last year, it seems like a different lifetime. And yet I am in the same place I was back then. Childless.
Well, not exactly the same place. Last year at this time, I was hopeful. SO hopeful. 2007 was our year to have a baby. Our first RE appointment was coming up in January. He would surely help us figure out what was "wrong" once and for all and we could set about to start fixing it. And we'd have a baby. I even thought I was being realistic when I thought "Maybe we won't have a baby by next Christmas, but I'll at least be pregnant."
We spent the ENTIRE year working on that. I feel like it was a wasted year. We still don't know why I can't seem to get pregnant. I feel like we tried everything this year - testing, clomid, IUI, injections, acupuncture, herbs, vitamins, diet changes, and finally - IVF. We did all that in a year. Yet still, here I am. We didn't even really take or plan any vacations because we thought - what if I'm pregnant then? Ha.
I'm not being entirely fair to myself. As a result of all this IF crap, I think I've grown more as a person. Not exactly the path I would have chosen, but hey. Michael and I have grown closer. I've discovered a lot about myself. I've learned what things I can handle and what situations I need to gracefully avoid - or find a quick spot for a good cry. I've learned that I can handle sticking a needle in my stomach. (Repeatedly.) I've learned that I can talk about my IF without shame. I've learned how to deal with ridiculous suggestions (although "just relax" still makes steam shoot from my ears). I've learned that my IF doesn't define me - who I am as a person. It's just something I have - like a damn virus that won't go away. I've learned that this isn't my fault and that there really isn't much I can do to control it (though LORD do I try!).
So realistically, I KNOW the year hasn't been a waste, but I can't help but feel that way when I think back to where I was in December 2006 and the end result of 2007. I may be in the same place, but I sure don't feel the same way.
Looking forward to 2008, I wish I could muster some of that hope from last year. But I'm not hopeful. I'm sort of... resigned. 2008 is just a year I need to get through. That is a terrible New Year's attitude. I know. I guess I've never really been one for New Year's anyway. Maybe I need to plan some vacations...
Well, not exactly the same place. Last year at this time, I was hopeful. SO hopeful. 2007 was our year to have a baby. Our first RE appointment was coming up in January. He would surely help us figure out what was "wrong" once and for all and we could set about to start fixing it. And we'd have a baby. I even thought I was being realistic when I thought "Maybe we won't have a baby by next Christmas, but I'll at least be pregnant."
We spent the ENTIRE year working on that. I feel like it was a wasted year. We still don't know why I can't seem to get pregnant. I feel like we tried everything this year - testing, clomid, IUI, injections, acupuncture, herbs, vitamins, diet changes, and finally - IVF. We did all that in a year. Yet still, here I am. We didn't even really take or plan any vacations because we thought - what if I'm pregnant then? Ha.
I'm not being entirely fair to myself. As a result of all this IF crap, I think I've grown more as a person. Not exactly the path I would have chosen, but hey. Michael and I have grown closer. I've discovered a lot about myself. I've learned what things I can handle and what situations I need to gracefully avoid - or find a quick spot for a good cry. I've learned that I can handle sticking a needle in my stomach. (Repeatedly.) I've learned that I can talk about my IF without shame. I've learned how to deal with ridiculous suggestions (although "just relax" still makes steam shoot from my ears). I've learned that my IF doesn't define me - who I am as a person. It's just something I have - like a damn virus that won't go away. I've learned that this isn't my fault and that there really isn't much I can do to control it (though LORD do I try!).
So realistically, I KNOW the year hasn't been a waste, but I can't help but feel that way when I think back to where I was in December 2006 and the end result of 2007. I may be in the same place, but I sure don't feel the same way.
Looking forward to 2008, I wish I could muster some of that hope from last year. But I'm not hopeful. I'm sort of... resigned. 2008 is just a year I need to get through. That is a terrible New Year's attitude. I know. I guess I've never really been one for New Year's anyway. Maybe I need to plan some vacations...
Monday, December 17, 2007
Sad Day
Somehow, I knew it was going to be a sad day. I don't know why or how to explain it. My friend lost her baby today. She is a fellow infertile and was pregnant after going through the ringer with her first IVF. I don't know what to say. I literally started crying at my desk when I read the news. (She has a blog too.)
But I knew something was wrong today. You know when you have that ominous feeling? Coming back from lunch, I got off the elevator and this woman was leaning over a chair in our lobby. I didn't pay much attention to what she was doing until I heard the little-newborn-baby-wail sound that they make. It knocked the wind out of me. I looked over and had to fight back the tears. That never happens to me anymore. Well, at least not when I'm not on any added doses of hormones. It was like I knew I needed to be sad, but I didn't know why.
Now I do - and I am just profoundly sad for my friend.
But I knew something was wrong today. You know when you have that ominous feeling? Coming back from lunch, I got off the elevator and this woman was leaning over a chair in our lobby. I didn't pay much attention to what she was doing until I heard the little-newborn-baby-wail sound that they make. It knocked the wind out of me. I looked over and had to fight back the tears. That never happens to me anymore. Well, at least not when I'm not on any added doses of hormones. It was like I knew I needed to be sad, but I didn't know why.
Now I do - and I am just profoundly sad for my friend.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Necking
Saw the endocrinologist today. He greeted me by shaking my hand and then promptly putting his hands around my neck - ummmm yikes! I said "wow - that's quite a greeting" and he said, "you know what we were just doing? Necking." Groan. Great - bad neck jokes. I was worried. Aside from the lame jokes, he was quite good. And I really liked the Physician's Assistant, which is who we spent most of the time with. She was very thorough. They ordered more bloodwork, but eased my concern that something besides the Hashimoto's was going on. They also echoed my fertility doctor that they don't think the thyroid is what is keeping me from getting pregnant. I have to admit - that was kind of a bummer. I'd really like to have SOME sort of a reason. But it was good to have my fertility doctor's opinions validated for me.
They would like my thyroid levels to stay stable for a few months before trying IVF again. So - that is in line with what we were thinking anyway. They did tell me to start taking my prenatal vitamins at night so they don't interfere with the synthroid. They also told me to avoid generic synthroid. That was news! Apparently, they can have varying absorption rates - or something.
We'll see what they have to say after they get the bloodwork results. I have another appointment to see them in March. Maybe an IVF then? I won't get too tied up about it. Go with the flow, Allison. Go with the flow.
They would like my thyroid levels to stay stable for a few months before trying IVF again. So - that is in line with what we were thinking anyway. They did tell me to start taking my prenatal vitamins at night so they don't interfere with the synthroid. They also told me to avoid generic synthroid. That was news! Apparently, they can have varying absorption rates - or something.
We'll see what they have to say after they get the bloodwork results. I have another appointment to see them in March. Maybe an IVF then? I won't get too tied up about it. Go with the flow, Allison. Go with the flow.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Finally!
(I know that word is a dangerous one in the world of infertility, but no worries, I'm not using it in reference to being pregnant...)
I'm just FINALLY able to post about something that Michael and I have been thinking about, praying on, discussing, overanalyzing, etc. since Thanksgiving. It's been killing me not to post! While we were down in Alabama, Michael happened upon an opportunity to run a Congressional campaign. Which is really cool! Long-term, the idea is that if/once the candidate is elected, Michael will be in a great position to join his staff in a senior role up here on the Hill. (We also have several back-up plans if his candidate doesn't win.) That is the good news. The bad news is that he had to quit his existing job (rather than taking a leave of absence like we were originally thinking) and he will have to be in Alabama from January through the election in November. Kind of puts a damper on the fertility thing, huh?
The thing is, we will still be able to do IVF. So it really doesn't put a damper on it. He'll be able to come home for a few days each month - so we'll just arrange for that during egg retrieval in the month we do IVF. My nurse told me I can come into the office and she can give me my progesterone shots. (Which is good news for Abby, who kindly offered to take on that fun and exciting responsibility.)
All that said, I guess there is still part of me that was holding out for a spontaneous pregnancy - you know, the good old fashioned way. This eliminates any chance for that. I know I've said previously here that I've accepted we will need IVF to get pregnant, but that obviously wasn't totally true. Maybe I'm more of an optimist than I thought. The doctor has said we have a 1% chance of getting pregnant on our own at this point. Guess I held on to that 1% - because it was still a CHANCE.
Another big thing - we've decided to hold off on the January IVF. I'm seeing the endocrinologist next week about my thyroid, but as my step-mom pointed out - it's not like things will be figured out and resolved in that one meeting. It will take time. So, we decided that it was better to wait and figure out the thyroid than to "waste" one of my remaining 2 IVF cycles. One of the things that was driving me towards the January IVF is that age 35 is rapidly hurtling in my direction. The IVF success rates drop dramatically once you turn 35 (from about 45% to 30%). Michael aptly noted that it wasn't some alarm that goes off on your birthday, so there was really no point in trying to sneak one in under the wire - which is exactly what I was trying to do.
So I'm having mixed emotions. My life, yet once again, is not happening according to plan. You'd think I'd get used to that! I don't necessarily LIKE the decisions we are making, yet I think they are the right ones 100% (well, maybe 99%). I don't LIKE putting off IVF until we figure out my thyroid (heck, I wanted to be pregnant 2 1/2 years ago!), but it's the logical thing to do. I don't LIKE that I will have to be 800 miles away from my husband for 11 months, but I believe that the end game is worth it. I think the word "finally" will have a whole new meaning for me once this is all over and he is home for good.
I'm just FINALLY able to post about something that Michael and I have been thinking about, praying on, discussing, overanalyzing, etc. since Thanksgiving. It's been killing me not to post! While we were down in Alabama, Michael happened upon an opportunity to run a Congressional campaign. Which is really cool! Long-term, the idea is that if/once the candidate is elected, Michael will be in a great position to join his staff in a senior role up here on the Hill. (We also have several back-up plans if his candidate doesn't win.) That is the good news. The bad news is that he had to quit his existing job (rather than taking a leave of absence like we were originally thinking) and he will have to be in Alabama from January through the election in November. Kind of puts a damper on the fertility thing, huh?
The thing is, we will still be able to do IVF. So it really doesn't put a damper on it. He'll be able to come home for a few days each month - so we'll just arrange for that during egg retrieval in the month we do IVF. My nurse told me I can come into the office and she can give me my progesterone shots. (Which is good news for Abby, who kindly offered to take on that fun and exciting responsibility.)
All that said, I guess there is still part of me that was holding out for a spontaneous pregnancy - you know, the good old fashioned way. This eliminates any chance for that. I know I've said previously here that I've accepted we will need IVF to get pregnant, but that obviously wasn't totally true. Maybe I'm more of an optimist than I thought. The doctor has said we have a 1% chance of getting pregnant on our own at this point. Guess I held on to that 1% - because it was still a CHANCE.
Another big thing - we've decided to hold off on the January IVF. I'm seeing the endocrinologist next week about my thyroid, but as my step-mom pointed out - it's not like things will be figured out and resolved in that one meeting. It will take time. So, we decided that it was better to wait and figure out the thyroid than to "waste" one of my remaining 2 IVF cycles. One of the things that was driving me towards the January IVF is that age 35 is rapidly hurtling in my direction. The IVF success rates drop dramatically once you turn 35 (from about 45% to 30%). Michael aptly noted that it wasn't some alarm that goes off on your birthday, so there was really no point in trying to sneak one in under the wire - which is exactly what I was trying to do.
So I'm having mixed emotions. My life, yet once again, is not happening according to plan. You'd think I'd get used to that! I don't necessarily LIKE the decisions we are making, yet I think they are the right ones 100% (well, maybe 99%). I don't LIKE putting off IVF until we figure out my thyroid (heck, I wanted to be pregnant 2 1/2 years ago!), but it's the logical thing to do. I don't LIKE that I will have to be 800 miles away from my husband for 11 months, but I believe that the end game is worth it. I think the word "finally" will have a whole new meaning for me once this is all over and he is home for good.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Eye Bone Connected to the...
Ovary bone? Apparently.
I have not been able to wear my contacts for the past year and a half. They gave me some drops and told me to stay out of the contacts for about 3 months while doing the drops. I stayed out of my contacts for an entire year (except for a few weddings - really the only time I'm that vain). Plus, I was seeing enough doctors anyway - I didn't need to worry about yet another visit. Anyway, I tried to start wearing them again in October figuring that I'd certainly given my eyes enough time to heal. They were good for awhile, but one day - they just started driving me crazy. I decided I should probably go back to the specialist. Plus, we're on a break, so I've been having doctor withdrawal. Okay - not really. But, on a side note - it felt so odd to go to a doctor's office and not have to take off my clothes! Is that a bad sign?
Anyway, to the point. The doctor said my eyes were incredibly dry and was surprised I wasn't complaining about it. (I hadn't noticed.) He said that there is usually a "reservoir of tears" between the eyeball and the bottom lid - and I had none. Contacts tend to dry your eyes out even more, so that is likely why I was having problems. I asked what could be causing this and he said environment (i.e. worse in the winter when the air is dry) and - GET THIS - hormone fluctuations. He said the dryness is related to inflammation and hormonal shifts can cause or exacerbate inflammation. I told him about the infertility treatments and he said this was absolutely related. Who knew?! So, the treatment is to use Restasis (different drops) for 3 months and then come back to see him. He said he usually starts people with Evening Primrose Oil which is a more natural solution, but it affects your hormones, so he didn't want to do that with the fertility situation. Restasis doesn't mess with your hormones and isn't detected in the bloodstream, so he felt like that was a better solution for me.
I never in a million years would have thought that problems with my contacts were related to my infertility. Crazy. I have no idea if it's also related to Hashimoto's, but I'm definitely going to mention it to the endocrinologist next week!
Speaking of which - I had blood drawn for the thyroid stuff this morning and they couldn't find a vein. The nurse had to go get a lab tech and he said very dramatically - "oh NO, I can't find anything. This is horrible. Guess I'll just have to find a vein in your neck." I nearly fainted. He was just torturing me. At least he got me to laugh!
I have not been able to wear my contacts for the past year and a half. They gave me some drops and told me to stay out of the contacts for about 3 months while doing the drops. I stayed out of my contacts for an entire year (except for a few weddings - really the only time I'm that vain). Plus, I was seeing enough doctors anyway - I didn't need to worry about yet another visit. Anyway, I tried to start wearing them again in October figuring that I'd certainly given my eyes enough time to heal. They were good for awhile, but one day - they just started driving me crazy. I decided I should probably go back to the specialist. Plus, we're on a break, so I've been having doctor withdrawal. Okay - not really. But, on a side note - it felt so odd to go to a doctor's office and not have to take off my clothes! Is that a bad sign?
Anyway, to the point. The doctor said my eyes were incredibly dry and was surprised I wasn't complaining about it. (I hadn't noticed.) He said that there is usually a "reservoir of tears" between the eyeball and the bottom lid - and I had none. Contacts tend to dry your eyes out even more, so that is likely why I was having problems. I asked what could be causing this and he said environment (i.e. worse in the winter when the air is dry) and - GET THIS - hormone fluctuations. He said the dryness is related to inflammation and hormonal shifts can cause or exacerbate inflammation. I told him about the infertility treatments and he said this was absolutely related. Who knew?! So, the treatment is to use Restasis (different drops) for 3 months and then come back to see him. He said he usually starts people with Evening Primrose Oil which is a more natural solution, but it affects your hormones, so he didn't want to do that with the fertility situation. Restasis doesn't mess with your hormones and isn't detected in the bloodstream, so he felt like that was a better solution for me.
I never in a million years would have thought that problems with my contacts were related to my infertility. Crazy. I have no idea if it's also related to Hashimoto's, but I'm definitely going to mention it to the endocrinologist next week!
Speaking of which - I had blood drawn for the thyroid stuff this morning and they couldn't find a vein. The nurse had to go get a lab tech and he said very dramatically - "oh NO, I can't find anything. This is horrible. Guess I'll just have to find a vein in your neck." I nearly fainted. He was just torturing me. At least he got me to laugh!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Thanksgiving
What to post after all this time? I seem to be really bad about posting during breaks, huh? Sorry about that. Hopefully, some of you are still checking.
Michael and I had a great trip to Alabama and Florida for Thanksgiving. The time flew by. Being with my nephew made me both happy and sad. Don't get me wrong, I was never sad to be with him. He's awesome. But late at night, thinking of never having a little person in my house asking me to play Hi Ho Cherry-O every 5 minutes made me sad. Seeing the world through a child's eyes sounds so cliche, but my heart swelled every time Carson would see something and yell "Hey guys, LOOK - it's the MOON!" I never look at the moon with wonder anymore. It's nice to be reminded. I'm thankful for every moment with him.
I think the sadness comes from the fact that I am still having a hard time accepting that I may never be a mother. I guess part of me has to remain hopeful since we are doing another IVF cycle. I have to think it's going to turn out well - but history isn't exactly on my side. If IVF doesn't work, that's it. We're done. have to be hopeful, but realistic. That's a tough balance.
I'm going to an endocrinologist on 12/12 to see about all this thyroid stuff. Cindy (my step-mom) is coming with me. She has all kinds of crazy theories, so I figure I'll just unleash her on the doc. ;-) No, it will be helpful to have another set of ears - and she'll probably think of tons of questions that I would have meant to ask, but didn't. In preparation for this appointment, I've been trying to get my medical records (past thyroid tests) to take with me and in doing so, I found out that VA is not a "right to know" state - meaning I have no right to get my own freaking medical records. Can you believe that? They'll send them to another doctor, but not directly to YOU. Unreal.
Michael and I had a great trip to Alabama and Florida for Thanksgiving. The time flew by. Being with my nephew made me both happy and sad. Don't get me wrong, I was never sad to be with him. He's awesome. But late at night, thinking of never having a little person in my house asking me to play Hi Ho Cherry-O every 5 minutes made me sad. Seeing the world through a child's eyes sounds so cliche, but my heart swelled every time Carson would see something and yell "Hey guys, LOOK - it's the MOON!" I never look at the moon with wonder anymore. It's nice to be reminded. I'm thankful for every moment with him.
I think the sadness comes from the fact that I am still having a hard time accepting that I may never be a mother. I guess part of me has to remain hopeful since we are doing another IVF cycle. I have to think it's going to turn out well - but history isn't exactly on my side. If IVF doesn't work, that's it. We're done. have to be hopeful, but realistic. That's a tough balance.
I'm going to an endocrinologist on 12/12 to see about all this thyroid stuff. Cindy (my step-mom) is coming with me. She has all kinds of crazy theories, so I figure I'll just unleash her on the doc. ;-) No, it will be helpful to have another set of ears - and she'll probably think of tons of questions that I would have meant to ask, but didn't. In preparation for this appointment, I've been trying to get my medical records (past thyroid tests) to take with me and in doing so, I found out that VA is not a "right to know" state - meaning I have no right to get my own freaking medical records. Can you believe that? They'll send them to another doctor, but not directly to YOU. Unreal.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Love Those Stirrups
So I had my annual Ladies Exam today. I had asked my fertility doctor if he could do it since I was there all the time anyway. I was hoping to avoid assuming the position for yet another doctor. No dice.
I kind of forgot where I was going. An OB office. Every woman in the place was pregnant. And not just pregnant. They were all rubbing-their-big-bellies-looking-blissful pregnant. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long.
The nurse who weighed me and took my blood pressue asked me what form of birth control I was using. I just looked at her, not exactly knowing what to say. She looked at my chart and said - "oh, you're STILL trying to conceive?". Yeah. Thanks. (Okay, so maybe her "still" wasn't that emphasized, but that is what my infertile ears heard...)
So my doctor was pretty cute. He asked how long I'd been seeing the fertility doctor and when I told him January - he said "what the heck have they been doing all this time?!" I told him everything we've been through. He was shocked I wasn't pregnant yet. After the exam (during which he told me all about an elephant retirement home in Tennessee - he's a wee bit random), he said - "I'll be looking forward to seeing you in March" and winked. March would be when I would transition from the fertility doctor back to my OB if January's IVF works. It took me a minute to catch on. One can only hope.
I kind of forgot where I was going. An OB office. Every woman in the place was pregnant. And not just pregnant. They were all rubbing-their-big-bellies-looking-blissful pregnant. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long.
The nurse who weighed me and took my blood pressue asked me what form of birth control I was using. I just looked at her, not exactly knowing what to say. She looked at my chart and said - "oh, you're STILL trying to conceive?". Yeah. Thanks. (Okay, so maybe her "still" wasn't that emphasized, but that is what my infertile ears heard...)
So my doctor was pretty cute. He asked how long I'd been seeing the fertility doctor and when I told him January - he said "what the heck have they been doing all this time?!" I told him everything we've been through. He was shocked I wasn't pregnant yet. After the exam (during which he told me all about an elephant retirement home in Tennessee - he's a wee bit random), he said - "I'll be looking forward to seeing you in March" and winked. March would be when I would transition from the fertility doctor back to my OB if January's IVF works. It took me a minute to catch on. One can only hope.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Do it
(Read that with the Starsky & Hutch movie voice)
I'm talking about voting. I know not everyone has elections today, but if you do, please take advantage of our right to vote. I know it's not a national election - but state and local government actually has the potential to impact your daily life more than the federal government does. (Spoken like a true local government employee, huh?) It's your opportunity to have a say in your community.
Michael and I went to the polls together this morning. (Once again, I got to see Ms. Borden, my 10th Grade English teacher who works the polls every election. Believe it or not, she remembers me after all this time.) Even though Michael and I cancel each other out, it is still the point of exercising our right and freedom to vote for whomever we choose. I always vote simply because I am thankful that I live in a place where I can.
So get out there and vote! Do it.
I'm talking about voting. I know not everyone has elections today, but if you do, please take advantage of our right to vote. I know it's not a national election - but state and local government actually has the potential to impact your daily life more than the federal government does. (Spoken like a true local government employee, huh?) It's your opportunity to have a say in your community.
Michael and I went to the polls together this morning. (Once again, I got to see Ms. Borden, my 10th Grade English teacher who works the polls every election. Believe it or not, she remembers me after all this time.) Even though Michael and I cancel each other out, it is still the point of exercising our right and freedom to vote for whomever we choose. I always vote simply because I am thankful that I live in a place where I can.
So get out there and vote! Do it.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Weighty Issues
Man. It was definitely water weight. I gained 2 of those 5 pounds back! I did cheat a little - a couple of pieces of the dreaded Halloween candy and a few beers this weekend. But even that shouldn't constitute 2 lbs! I'm still starting Phase 2 of South Beach - which basically means I can have fruit and whole grains again. That should help "get things moving" - if you know what I mean. (Hey - maybe THAT'S my 2 lbs...) Okay, sorry - that was gross. Sometimes the Beavis in me just slips out unannounced.
Christian (my brother-in-law) came back from Iraq on Friday. Hooray! They fly into Andrews AFB, so Michael got to go pick him up and he stayed with us while he worked his travel out to get home to Florida. I'm happy to report he's home safe and sound with Korie and Carson - who have been paitently awaiting his return. We're all hoping this means he'll be home for the holidays this year. I think having Christian home was reason enough for us to have a couple of celebratory beers - diet or not!
So - we're still plugging away with South Beach. Michael has done better than I have (as usual). I think he's down 7 or 8 lbs so far. I'm going out tonight for our Monthly Girls Dinner, but this diet is pretty easy to stick to at restaurants - I just need to avoid the bread basket and I should be fine. Oh yeah - I forgot the best part about Phase 2 - I get to have a glass of wine! Woo hoo!
I totally forgot to post my TSH results - sorry about that! (I actually got them the very next day - gotta love my new primary care doc. AND they don't just leave a message with "everything is fine" like my last doctor. They make you call back and talk to a live human nurse who can tell you the actual numbers on your test results. Novel concept.) Anyway - my TSH was .932, which the nurse said was higher than they'd like, but that they'd keep me on this level of synthroid until the next check in 3 months and see how that looked. I have my first appointment with the endocrinologist on December 12, so I'll have more bloodwork done then anyway. BUT - .932 is the lowest it's ever been and I feel great. It makes me realize what a fog I was in before. I can actually pay attention in meetings! (Okay - maybe that's not a benefit...) I'm just hopeful that we can get this regulated and figured out by IVF #2 in January.
In other thyroid news, my sister told her primary care that I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's, so he tested her TSH and it came back high (5 point something). Some say that it can be genetic, but the physician's assistant she saw today told her that just because I have it doesn't mean she definitely has it. It would just increase the likelihood. They did another blood test - and included antibodies this time, so we'll see. I don't think either of my parents has it, so it would be kind of odd if both Ashley and I do. Luckily, she doesn't have any symptoms.
Christian (my brother-in-law) came back from Iraq on Friday. Hooray! They fly into Andrews AFB, so Michael got to go pick him up and he stayed with us while he worked his travel out to get home to Florida. I'm happy to report he's home safe and sound with Korie and Carson - who have been paitently awaiting his return. We're all hoping this means he'll be home for the holidays this year. I think having Christian home was reason enough for us to have a couple of celebratory beers - diet or not!
So - we're still plugging away with South Beach. Michael has done better than I have (as usual). I think he's down 7 or 8 lbs so far. I'm going out tonight for our Monthly Girls Dinner, but this diet is pretty easy to stick to at restaurants - I just need to avoid the bread basket and I should be fine. Oh yeah - I forgot the best part about Phase 2 - I get to have a glass of wine! Woo hoo!
I totally forgot to post my TSH results - sorry about that! (I actually got them the very next day - gotta love my new primary care doc. AND they don't just leave a message with "everything is fine" like my last doctor. They make you call back and talk to a live human nurse who can tell you the actual numbers on your test results. Novel concept.) Anyway - my TSH was .932, which the nurse said was higher than they'd like, but that they'd keep me on this level of synthroid until the next check in 3 months and see how that looked. I have my first appointment with the endocrinologist on December 12, so I'll have more bloodwork done then anyway. BUT - .932 is the lowest it's ever been and I feel great. It makes me realize what a fog I was in before. I can actually pay attention in meetings! (Okay - maybe that's not a benefit...) I'm just hopeful that we can get this regulated and figured out by IVF #2 in January.
In other thyroid news, my sister told her primary care that I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's, so he tested her TSH and it came back high (5 point something). Some say that it can be genetic, but the physician's assistant she saw today told her that just because I have it doesn't mean she definitely has it. It would just increase the likelihood. They did another blood test - and included antibodies this time, so we'll see. I don't think either of my parents has it, so it would be kind of odd if both Ashley and I do. Luckily, she doesn't have any symptoms.
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