Cycle Day 1

Information:

Last night was a bitch. I have this good sized cyst on my right ovary that decided to fight back yesterday. I seriously thought I was gonna end up in the ER again. I managed to tough through it. I found some pain killers and that took the edge off allowing me to get some sleep. So, yay me.

Today is CD1. I called into the clinic like a good little patient to let them know. Told the nurse about my night and she said I didn't do anything bad by taking the drugs because they haven't started anything yet.

We are gonna stick to the original schedule. I will just start the birth control pills early. The even better news is, I only have to make one trip up there to get the blood tests, prescriptions and appointment. Woot!

I gave the nurse the number to the old clinic to talk to their medical records person. Apparently the virology and blood work wasn't in the stuff he sent. It was dumb for me to play he said she said, so I said, you two talk to each other.

I am also gonna bring the pictures of my hysteroscopy in hopes I don't have to do another one. Seems pointless to me. Just had one in March and it was clean. ( I can post those pictures if anyone is interested.) I am also hoping to get out of the orientation and injection training. Been there done that. Still have a tummy that looks like a pin cushion.

They also prescribed an "anti-rejection" drug which the other clinic didn't. I'm really hopeful that will help. Some women on some boards I was reading seemed to have good luck with it. Lot's of BFP's! (Big Fat Positives)

So, I thought I'd also include some helpful information, advice and tips in the blog. The first thing I thought I'd post is an article I found on line.

What One Should and Should Not Say To an Infertile Couple...

By Victoria R. Sweet, R.N.
Legal Nurse Consultant

&

Craig R. Sweet, M.D.
Reproductive Endocrinologist

(Reprinted from Florida Parenting News, February, 1994, and revised September, 1999.)

Introduction:

Infertility affects nearly one in six couples. Approximately 40% of the time, the problem is related to the female partner, another 40% is related to male difficulties and 20% of the time both partners will have medical problems. Many times, infertility is a symptom of an underlying disease process, a disease process the couples have no control over. To these couples, infertility can be a crisis of the deepest kind. Every menstrual cycle represents a failure and is a time of grief for the potential child that never came to be.

The infertile couple will often express their feelings through anger, frustration, feelings of inadequacy, depression and guilt. Relationships with family members with children can suffer, marriages are strained and well-meaning friends and family can overload the couple with advice and pressure. Family and social gatherings become a reminder of infertility. Baby showers can be a traumatic experience. Mother's and Father's Day are often very difficult.

We want to offer some tips that provide support to couples who have not yet had the blessing of a beautiful child to love. With your assistance, most couples going though the process of trying to conceive can maintain a positive attitude.

What Not To Say...

Don't ask a childless person when they are going to have a child. They may be going through the process of trying to conceive but have not yet achieved success. Asking them only reminds them of their problem. They need no extra reminders.

Don't relate stories of your fertility to them. Hearing "my husband just has to look at me and I get pregnant" is very annoying. While well-meaning, the statement is insensitive.

Don't give advice such as "just relax," "you are trying too hard" or "take a cruise." All of these very common comments imply that the couple have control of their fertility. Most of the time, these couples have absolutely no control over their fertility. Implying control leads to feelings of failure and guilt when this advice doesn't work.

I mean honestly. We all know they mean well, but how will a vacation unblock tubes?


Don't offer advice such as sexual timing, position, herbal medications or other totally unproven therapies. There are literally hundreds of old-wife's-tails that, when followed, can drive an infertile patient nearly crazy. Their physician will have covered those natural aspects of their care that may maximize their chances for conception. Once again, please to not imply that they have a sense of control.

My favorite response to this is to ask people how often they masterbate. When they look all shocked and shaken, I say, "Right. It's none of my business. Just like my sex life is none of yours."


Don't express your derogatory personal opinions regarding insemination procedures, test-tube babies or adoption. Sometimes, these are their only hope for having a child. These are your opinions and uninvited advice is rarely desired nor constructive. You are absolutely entitled to your opinion, simply keep it your own. If they ask for your advice, then feel free to state your opinions, but do so in a kind and considerate manner.

OK, I read this and thought, OMG, who would do this?


Don't place blame by accusing the couple of exercising too much, eating the wrong foods or drinking alcohol. These couples may already be blaming themselves. Their physician will have already covered the medical and reproductive consequences of obesity, smoking, alcohol and recreation drugs. Support them in the cessation of these activities and minimize the guilt associated with their consumption. The guilt rarely leads to cessation but often moves the individual to increased consumption.

Yeah, unless they have a medical degree...

What You Can Say and Do...

Do provide couples with plenty of emotional support by saying "It must be difficult to go through this" and "I'm here to listen if you need to talk."

This is the best advice!

Do remember that men can be just as emotional about the problem, sometimes even more so. They may feel their masculinity is at risk.

Do understand the couple's need for privacy.

Do try to understand that if they are your employees, frequent doctor's appointments may be necessary during business hours. Please try to accommodate them as much as possible. Not doing so may also be construed as a form of discrimination and place you at legal risk.

Umm...ya...

Do understand why they may not make it to a baby shower or a holiday event. These frequent events can become overwhelming for an infertile couple.

Do tell the infertile couple that there is hope.

We live on hope.

Conclusions:

Please remember that the vast majority of infertile couples have minimal control of the diseases that causes their infertility. Giving them emotional support during this trying time is a wonderful way to assist them. Giving them subtle hints that they have control plants the seeds of failure in the minds of the infertile patient.

Please be kind, thoughtful and always supportive.

Well, that's all for today. See ya!