Information overload (aka In it to win it)

If you ever want to be inundated with information, go to a fertility specialist.

Just this week my calendar went from having 1 thing on it this month to literally every day filled (except Sunday and Saturday) with doctor appointments, some of which extend into April and one in May. We're now entering the "in it to win it" stage.

My week started last Friday the 12th when I went to a new chiropractor at the advice of one of my friends who read this blog and happens to work for them. I really didn't want to start another doctor but I went to check it out and see what she could do. Dr. Shelly also does acupuncture which I was/am very skeptical about and she knows that. So I went. I had some x-rays and found out that my back is screwed up and hips are misaligned which could be part of what's going on. She also did some pressing on acupuncture points (no needles!) and I could feel kind of a buzz like when you start feeling your alcohol or what I assumed feels like when you get a nicotine buzz. So I will be continuing with this pretty much 3 times a week for the rest of March.

On Tuesday the 16th, DH and I went to see Dr. Keith at Hospital S (the other hospital in town) who is the fertility specialist highly recommended by my OBGYN and a couple friends. This is where the information overload comes in. Luckily DH didn't need another semen analysis. Not that it's a difficult test, but a little awkward and I didn't want to scare him away. I'll describe that experience later for those of you facing that day. However, I did have to have another ultrasound to make sure this are where they're supposed to be.

Dr. Keith told us with the family history I need to get checked out for diabetes and because of my non-specific pleurisy, I need to go to a pulmonary (respiratory) doctor. I also need to have an ultrasound on my liver and see a dermatologist. These 3 doctors were scheduled for me so I kinda didn't really have a say (because they know I never would have done it myself).

At the visit with Dr. Keith we talked to a genetisist who pretty much gave us a brochure of testing that should or could be done but no body does it because insurance won't cover it. Also the baby will be tested for cystic fibrosis anyways so what's the point? A lot of info that won't change our mind.

So I still need more tests which I have to schedule. To accomplish most of these they need to draw a pint of blood. No prob I donate that involuntarily each month! At this point DH said there's no way he could handle being a woman. The tests are as follows:
(these are for screenings) Factor V leiden; CBC; HIV1/2 Aby; RPR; Hepatitis B SAg; Rubella IgG (quant); ABO Rh & Antibody; Chlamidia Trac IgG, m, A; (and these for PCOS) Testosterone; DHEA-S; 17OH Progesterone; LH, FSH; Prolactin; IGF-1; 2 hour glucose tolerence test; lipid panel; insulin; comprehensive metabolic panel; 24 hour urine sample for cortisol


So far we found out I'm likely borderline PCOS. He prescribed glucophage (metformin) and 1 last dose of clomid. He did say the acupuncture should actually help.

So in closing, when they tell you to relax and not stress about being stressed, they will undoubtedly throw more stress in your lap. I have to figure out how I can possibly do all of this and still keep my job. I will also need to work overtime so I can afford all of this.

Definitely in it to win it now.