Okay, here is my first attempt at blogging. I had an inspiring visit with a patient today and wanted to share what she had to say with other CARE patients trying to lose weight. This patient is a young, African American woman diagnosed with PCOS two years ago. She was told that obesity is a factor in the development of PCOS, and was instructed by her physician to lose weight if she wanted to increase her ability to become pregnant. To date, she has lost 80 lbs., has no more cysts on her ovaries, and has normal menstrual cycles. She is so happy with her weight loss, and with the news that she can move forward with her plan to have a baby. I congratulated her, but also picked her brain about how she managed to be so successful with her weight loss efforts. Here is what she had to say: 1. She did not go on a “diet.” She just started making small changes that had a huge impact. For example, she gave up soft drinks and started drinking more water. 2. She started moving — playing Guitar Hero and Dance Revolution and took the long way to carry out the trash. 3. She started eating more vegetables and fruit and less candy and junk food. 4. She switched from white to whole wheat bread and pasta. More fiber fills you up and “keeps things moving.” 5. She stayed motivated by seeing the pounds melt off. 6. She viewed her new eating habits and exercise approach as a permanent lifestyle change, not a temporary starvation diet that you “stop” down the road. 7. The exercise and healthy eating had unanticipated benefits — she developed more self-confidence. 8. Her partner lost 60 pounds along with her! 9. She feels confident in her ability to eat healthy and manage her weight during pregnancy. 10. Do not give up! You can eat well and still lose weight. Deprivation is not part of the equation. I think the most important message here is that losing weight does not have to feel like a chore. This person had phenomenal success with a good attitude and reasonable dietary changes. No marathons, no weight lifting, no eating only grapefruit or cabbage soup. And she developed a healthy relationship with food along the way. Great job! Dr. McBride CARE Psychologist
I went to the Dr. and she became very concerned because my cervix was shorter than it should be at this point. She has put me on bed rest for a few days and wants me to come back so she can measure again. She said it either is naturally short or it has already started thinning for delivery. She explained that if it has already started shortening, she will perform a cerclage. So, I will go back in a few days with my fingers crossed that everything is okay but for now, I’m on bed rest.
…one of each! How lucky we are to experience the best of both worlds.
I had an episode of bright red bleeding, something that I never expected. I called my OB immediately and she told me to come to the office. She put me on bed rest for a week. The bleeding subsided after a few hours, but she says that all we can do is cross our fingers.
I’ve had another sonogram and can’t believe how fast they are growing. I was also able to finally stop the IM progesterone injections after having to continue an extra two weeks because my level wasn’t high enough. It is such a relief that my level finally went up. My husband and I are so excited and feel so fortunate. I would never have imagined when we started this whole process that it would take us almost a year to get to this point, but I’m glad we finally made it. It was well worth the effort.
We had our first sonogram and imagine our surprise when Dr. Nackley said we are having twins!!! We knew it was a possibility, but I never imagined we would be that lucky. After getting over the initial shock, we are both very excited.
After my IVF cycle resulted in a biochemical pregnancy, I didn’t think it would ever happen for me. I was surprised when my repeat pregnancy test went up just the way it was supposed to! I am shocked and still don’t quite believe it. We are both very excited but don’t want to get carried away until my first sonogram next week. I think seeing something will make it seem more real.
My pregnancy test came back positive! My husband and I are both excited, but considering what happened last time, we are very cautious.
With the exception of being longer than an IVF cycle, this FET cycle has been so much easier that I can hardly believe it. My transfer was the same as the IVF cycle. I have continued the progesterone injections with a few incidents. The nurse recommended that after the injection I move around for about 20 minutes. Twice I have not followed this advice and lived to regret it. When I don’t move around, I get a hard lump that feels very sore and lasts for 4-5 days. The nurse recommended a heating pad which I have been using every night and it has really helped, even when I stay active after the injection. I have also had a few that have bled and created dark bruises. They don’t hurt, but look quite garish. I decided to be brave one night and try injecting into my thigh. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be and has given me two more injection sites to rotate. And a few times, some of the progesterone has leaked out after the injection. The nurse has assured me this is normal. My pregnancy test is this week and I am anxious to get the result, but I am not cheating this time. I learned my lesson last time.
My husband and I met with Dr. Nackley after our biochemical pregnancy and decided to proceed with an FET. I was surprised to learn that an FET calender is 1.5 months. I thought it would be the same as an IVF cycle, about 3 weeks. I have been on Lupron and Estrace and it’s been the same as it was with my IVF cycle. I have a huge needle phobia and have been counting the days until I needed to start IM progesterone. Last night was my first progesterone injection. I expected excruciating pain. I followed the online instruction video and the injection was no worse than any others. The progesterone stings a little, but not as bad as I thought it would. The nurse recommended that after I give myself the injection, I move around for about 20 minutes to help the oil disperse through the muscle. The injection site feels a little bruised, but I’ve had no other reaction. I never thought I would be able to do something like this. Maybe it’s beginners luck, but I feel very optimistic.
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