Fast forward to today, the day we met with Dr. Swanson to discuss the future of our gametes and their potential to bring us a baby!!!!
Of course the snow and traffic were horrible this morning, making my commute 2 hours long. It's a good thing I was going to make it to this appointment come hell or high water! After checking in and waiting for my husband to arrive, we're called back and all my vitals are taken. We have a brief awkward moment to discuss the chairs we're sitting in before we are called in to meet with the doctor. You called it, a little bit of nervous tension. ;)
The doctor runs through our previous test results with us and explains how a natural conception occurs. He continues on to explain the three major items that are looked at/tested when a couple is trying to conceive. Sperm analysis (normal), internal functions (normal), and ovarian reserve (normal).
Now, there are a total of four tests/hormones that can be examined to determine your ovarian reserve/egg quality. Two of which I have had preformed (CD21 testing preformed in January). The other two are done on CD3 (same time that my follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and pituitary gland, among other things, were checked last year). This time around they'll be looking at the resting state of my follicles to quantify my egg quality. How it all works, I don't really know. I am just keeping the faith in these smart people!
After he ran through further testing options for me, he discussed the option of having some genetic testing (cystic fibrosis, fragile x, and spinal muscular atrophy) and preconception testing (checking cbc, antibodies, std's, and blood type) done for the both of us. We were able to have our genetic testing preformed today, results to come. And, I called our insurance to make sure those 10+ preconception tests were covered by our insurance before we schedule our appointments. We're almost done with all foreseen testing! Well, at least those that have been discussed. :)
Dr. Swanson continued on, describing how we are one of the 10-15% of couples who fall in to the 'unexplained infertility' category. And, that our best option moving forward would be IUI with Clomid. I almost jumped out of my seat!
You read right! We're not stuck at a road block! We've got more options to explore AND we don't have to wait months to try. OR redo testing!
Now, for those of you who don't understand, this will take all of the guessing (well, most of it) work right out of the equation!! Clomid is an ovulatory stimulant. Not only does it encourage ovulation but it has the potential to iron out any other issues that might impede a pregnancy. An IUI (intrauterine insemination) is just what it sounds like, washed sperm is sent through a catheter into the uterus to increase the amount of sperm that make it to the fallopian tubes. Thus, giving you a 10-15% success rate. Which is better than our current 1/14 success rate!
One last adjustment that I have to make in my daily routine, figure out what new prenatal vitamins I want to be on. My current prenatals are 200-300 micrograms short on follic acid and lack DHA. One more trial and error series to see which vitamin upsets my stomach the least!
(You're welcome for the complete blur of an image.)
And that's where I leave you good people. :) One step closer to a baby!!
Oh, and if you're wondering about my upset tummy/nausea...I haven't had any since our doctors appointment today. I think I was way more stressed about the appointment than I led on!!
Alrighty, I am thoroughly exhausted (pardon any grammar, spelling, etc mistakes) from all of the goodness and new excitement today. I wanted to spread the cheer ASAP (sans husband's edits)!! We've got more options!!! Goodnight, friends.
:)
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