New and need some TTC support :)

wanderlust508

Hi ladies,

I'm looking forward to reading through some posts and getting to know some of your TTC stories.  I wanted to share mine and ask for some support!  

I got married in August 2011 (hence my username "eastbaybride" from theknot - that somehow this site won't allow you to change!).  My 2 year wedding anniversary is coming up 8/20!  I turned 33 in May of this year and have been TTC since January of this year.  It's a really frustrating process ...an emotional roller-coaster to say the least!  It doesn't help when other people seem to be getting pregnant left and right with (seemingly) no trouble!  My husband's twin sister got pregnant in January in her 1st month of trying!  I have a lot of anxiety that this will be a difficult road for me.  I have a couple issues that I knew could pose a problem coming into this: 1) At the age of 18 I had to undergo emergency surgery to remove my left ovary and fallopian tube d/t a huge cyst and 2) Shortly before my wedding about 2 years ago, I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids.  I have been told that I should be fine because I still have one perfectly healthy functioning ovary and the fibroids I have don't extend into the uterine cavity (last they checked).  I also have virtually no symptoms from the fibroids (just some bloating around my period - which I had before anyways).  

What I am doing to try to help the whole process: I take a daily prenatal vitamin, B complex every 2-3 days, calcium supplement and fish oil supplement.  I go for acupuncture every 3 weeks or so (I strongly believe in the power of Chinese medicine to alter the physiodynamics of the body - whether it will work for me is debatable of course).  And I've tried to make small dietary changes that I've been told can help.  I gave up coffee and stick with green tea when I need it (I've been told by a Chinese medicine/holistic practitioner I know that coffee is one of the worst things for women with fibroids).  I try to eat only organic produce (doesn't always happen but I try!).  And I chart my daily basal body temps.  In the last few cycles my LP's (luteal phase; important for implantation) has been about 12-13 days which is promising!  From what I've been told 10 days or less is worrisome.  I use OPK's but they don't seem to work well for me ....whenever they detect my LH surge I find that I don't actually ovulate until 3-4 days later (based on basal temps).  All in all I feel like I am doing most everything in my power to make this happen.  Giving up alcohol is not something I've been able to do though!  I do like my evening glass of wine (2-3 times/week).  As much as I want a baby, I don't want to give up everything that makes me happy!  I try to just enjoy it in moderation.  LOL

I'm seeing a REI (reproductive endocrinologist) in early October - he was highly recommended to me by a colleague at work.  I'm hoping he'll be able to help us pinpoint any issues and decide what the best step is moving forward.  I understand that even without my "issues" women (especially of my age) can take quite a while to achieve conception.  But I still can't help but worry.  I'm really anxious to find out if he feels we should proceed with something drastic like IVF (or hold off on this).  Or if he will find other issues that could explain why we're not getting pregnant.  Anyways, thanks for listening and it's great to join this community! 

wanderlust508

Thanks for your advice!  I know I should relax and not get so stressed out about it so it helped to be reminded.  I appreciate your response!  

chickyclg

Welcome, and sorry you have to be here. Seeing a RE is always good. I have a blocked tube, and IVF was recommended for us, and he said we could try IUI if we really wanted. But if you look at my sig we also have several other issues that contributed to everything. I think once you get all of your testing done you'll have a definite plan. Good luck!!!