Good News!

I'm very HAPPY to announce I have started my rounds of fertility drugs today! I'm totally excited that it's happening! I will be giving myself shots for 7 days and next Friday Don and I go back to Indy to see the doctor and see how the meds are working. Hopefully it works wonders and we can do the next meds that make the things happen! We could have up to 3 babies...that is the most exciting news yet. One stop shopping! One pregnancy 3 babies...how cool is that? Well--we'll see.

We are also filling out applications for apartments. Hopefully we will have one in the works by next week and moving plans in writing. We will keep you posted!

Have a GREAT weekend!

Almost Good News

Well--I go see the specialist on Friday! The nurse said if the lab doesn't find any grow on my culture by then I can start giving myself shots! (I know, I know...I'm the one who HATES shots, but this time I'm excited!) I'm working through my fear of needles, and praying that it is all worth the blood, sweat, and tears. Because if you have been following my blog...there is a lot of blood and tears with the baby story! So--hopefully this weekend I can update saying we are using the shots! So please pray!

I hope your week is going good. Keep me updated on what's going on in your world! Keep Smiling!

Just another week

It seems to just have been just another week. The only thing different for me was a lot of phone time with apartment complexes in Florida. Other than that it's been kind of quiet.

Once we find an apartment Don will being his 2 weeks at the prison and heading south. He is excited about his new job. He gets to go to work in shorts...then change to scrubs and embalm, casket, and get the bodies ready for the funerals. The company supplies the scrubs and washes them, and all he has to worry about is the prep room. He doesn't have to wear suites (which for Don will be a total change in the funeral business). Don is totally excited to be going to the warm weather again.

Money isn't panning out like we would like it to...so Don will be heading out on his own for a while. Hopefully by Thanksgiving (Christmas at the latest) I'll be able to join him with all our stuff. So--all that has meant for me was REpacking some boxes so Don could take some stuff with him. He will be living with the bare minimum, and an air mattress. Hopefully he won't have to live like that for long. But if I'm lucky he will miss me a little.

While that has been our week! I know it's not exciting, but with working, packing, calling about apartments, and babysitting there isn't much time for anything else in my life. I hope you all have a good week and hopefully I'll be able to update soon that we found a place to stay in Florida.

Have a good week!

The Wheels are in Motion!

This morning we heard some good news (for Don anyways). He got the job in St. Petersburg, Florida. He is accepting the job, and now we are in a time crunch to get him there! (We are accepting donations for the move <--haha!) He will be leaving sometime in October and I will follow (hopefully) in November. If we can make the money work we will be going together, but we won't set our sites on that! I'm going to leave Regis after next week, and be a sub at the schools until I go. I found out that I can make more money right now doing that! Then when I get to Florida I'll work on getting back into the business and work for Regis there. But we don't know yet what day Don will be heading out. But we know he is taking this job and is totally excited!

So if anyone wants to visit St. Petersburg/Tampa area once we get settled down there...our door will be open! I am sad to leave my family here, but I know that Don needs to have a job that makes him happy. So, as a good wife, I'll miss my family so my husband will be happy!

As for the fertility drugs...I go on Wednesday to be retested for that infection and we will take one step at a time. If we have to put off the meds until another date I'll have my doctor recommend another doctor down there that can help us. Hopefully we can make this cycle "the cycle". We will wait and see!

Well--I hope you all have a great week and if we have anymore updates we will sure post them!

No New News

Nothing great and wonderful to report this week! I have to go Wednesday to be retested for that dang bacterial infection. I hate the test, but they have to be sure it's gone before they can allow me to take my shots. So hopefully we will get some good news in the next couple weeks..which will be VERY close in time when shots have to start. Hopefully we won't have to wait until November. I might pull out my hair by then!

Don is still waiting for the firm in Florida to let him know if he has the job or not. I hope we will know something by the beginning of this next week! We are just hoping it will be good news and we can plan what happens next. Maybe he will go with one of the dogs and get started and I'll follow...but nothing is set in stone. Nothing in my life is!

Well that is all the news at this time! I'll update if we get any info! Have a great week!

No one says a word...

Hey...to all those who reads my blog...no one ever said I had 2 same posts! What's up with that? I'm very sorry for posting the same thing twice, but it was late and I was tired...so Hopefully it won't happen again!

Nothing great or wonderful is going on in our world. Working everyday doing something. Repacking our stuff in hopes that Don is closer to a real job offer. But nothing else new here! Have a great week!

Simple Thoughts

You know it's late and I can't sleep...just alot of things going around in my head. So I thought...why not just go type them out and hopefully sleep will find me soon! So here I am, and I'm hoping this works!
Well today I found out I still have that dang bacterial infection. So now Don and I are both on stronger medican to kill whatever this is. (Maybe I'll kill it before doing shots!) But it just seems to be one thing after another with this dang stuff! I don't ever seem to see the end of the tunnel...when I think I see the light...it's just my flashlight shining in my eyes! At times I just want to throw my hands up and yell at the top of my lungs...I give up it's not worth the fight. But than I see pictures of babies, see babies at the mall, and just wish one day I could just be part of that world...instead of looking in the windows (if you even can follow that). But the fight is still there and hopefully it won't take much longer!
On the other hand; Don is still hunting for a job he likes. Poor guy! He had an interview today (Tuesday) in Hobart, IN. He is one of 3 to be interviewed for this job. Hopefully that means being in the top 3 for 3 jobs he will get a job offer that we can really use! I'm hoping (for his sake) he gets a job offer soon. I know he just hates the prision (not that I could really blame him there).
Then this evening we learn that Don's sister had a baby. (It's the sister that is in and out of jail.) That didn't help matters any. But she did have a baby girl...8lbs 4oz; 22inchs long. Sandi thinks she wants to name the poor baby "Eternity Harley". Now-isn't it enough that her mom is a druggie and isn't going to be there for her...now she wants to curse this baby with a horrid name. What the heck is wrong with people? I'm just hoping for the baby's sake she decides to give it up for adoption. She really hasn't decided about that yet. But knowing her--she'll try to raise this baby and only hurt the chances of this child having any type of normal life. It just makes me mad that people that really want kids...or even like them...have them! Let's think about what we are doing to these poor children for a minute. But they never do--the babies are too cute and than they lose the cuteness and only cry, eat, sleep, and potty. But by the time people like my sister-in-law figure it out...that poor child is lost in a never ending cycle or fall through the cracks of life.

Okay, I think I'm done. I just needed to get it off my mind and now that I did...I hope you aren't bored with another trip of "I hate Dumb people!". I hope you all have a GREAT week. And we will update you on anything great and wonderful!

Hurry and Wait

This fertility stuff is going to be the death of me I'm sure! It's all hurry up and wait. And I'm just not good at that. It's been a heck of a week with from the lowest of lows to the highs, but all we can do now is wait. With having the insurance knocking me off balance and struggling to find my wait above water. With the drugs on the way to the doctor's office...we now just wait until next cycle. Which is better than hoping above all hope that we find money to buy the drugs, but this is just going to be the longest cycle of all! Friday morning I call the specialist office and asked if they got the drugs (which at 9:30am they had not). So I got to talk to a nurse that I will be "working" closely with through the process. She said well..."it usually takes 10 days to get the medicine here, but since they told you we would have it today. Come on in and we will do the test we need to do and hopefully by noon we will have them." Noon is when the office closes on Fridays...while looking at the clock and knowing I had to get up, get dressed, get the dogs in the house, and get everything ready for work. I wasn't going to make it in time. I then asked (kind of like a child) "should we just wait?". She left it in my hands. (Now...why do that do that? I'm not the one that knows what the heck is going on...even if it is my body...HELLO? I'm really a blonde and just want to have someone tell me what to do.) So I told her I would feel better knowing that the drugs were in hand before making myself have to go through "pretesting" and all. She agreed that would be the smartest thing. So I'm to call her later in the month. That is where we stand on that! But it is steps forward!
Now about Don's world. He doesn't make things better. He is all over the place with his job hunts. (I do have to say...he is making headway.) He is talking to a firm in St. Petersburg, FL and one in Panama City, FL. He is in the top 3 candidates for both of them. He has a job interview on Tuesday with a firm up around Merrillville, IN (really it's Hobart, but I didn't know where that was until now). Oh and he's talking to someone in Texas. So hopefully soon he will let me know what we are doing. I've decided that I'm not waiting on him to tell me he got a job...I have started going through our stuff and repacking everything. I think I will be about done when he gets a job (since I'm going through all the boxes and seeing if it is stuff we want, need, or should just get rid of).
Well, I'm off to get ready for the week ahead! I hope you have a better holiday than me (I have to work it).

Ever Changing

In the last week and a half since my last post my world has been turned upside down and back again! Let's see if I can recap for you. Last time I posted...we had seen the specialist and he thinks he pin pointed my problem...and wants to do rounds of shots that he believes will help me get pregnant within 3 cycles. His staff called in the "order" for the drugs and we were waiting on the insurance to pay for it and the drug company to send it. While I called Thursday of last week to see how things looked and the woman at the "drug store" said it all looked good...I would have to drugs in hand this week on Wednesday. I was VERY happy and went about my business. On Sunday evening my hopes and dreams crashed...The "drug store" called and said the insurance won't pay for the fertility drugs...and if I had a credit card I could put $1200 of drugs on. I said no...and I wanted to call the insurance company in the morning. I was devastated...couldn't think straight at all. Monday I called the insurance (because online they say they cover this "specialty drug"). While to come to find out...they do, but since my husband works for the state of Indiana and the plan we are on with this insurance company...they don't pay for fertility drugs. While I couldn't think about what to do...but I remember Dr. Cline gave me some info about this thing called Fertility LifeLines. Brooke Shields promotes it...and it has great information...while I then remember Don and I had looked stuff up on the internet and we had read about "help" getting these drugs. So I called (crying none the less) and got to talk with this really sweet man. He said that yes there is a program that is called "Compassionate Care" to eligible patients who may not otherwise be able to afford fertility treatment. You have to meet certain criteria...like not having insurance coverage for fertility meds, had to be a US citizen or permanent resident,annual household income, and not being on the program before. I asked how to get ahold of the paperwork to fill out and try. He asked if I had a fax (because it would be faster) so I gave him my number to our fax and filled out the info. He told me that when I turned it in that it could take up to 2 weeks to hear ANYTHING. But at this point I had no other choice but to go ahead and try. I filled it out and sent them the info they wanted like my pay stubs...(which I only have one from Regis and I had to explain that I worked for myself and didn't have other pay stubs), tax return papers from last year, a copy of my insurance card (so they could verify that the insurance would not pay for the drugs), and leave it to a board to help me. Around Wednesday they called and wanted to verify some things...like why I only had 1 pay stub...and stuff like that. Then just praying that something great would happen...I tried to get through my week. Yesterday evening...my cell phone rang (thinking everyone I know...knows that I had the day off and am at home) I answered the call. It was that sweet man...I talked to on Monday about getting the ball rolling to see if we could get help paying for the drugs. He said " I wanted to be the one to call and tell you that you have been approved for the help of getting free fertility drugs" I was so dang happy. The only thing is they can't send me the drugs...they are sending the drugs to my doctor and I have to get them from him. I then asked why I couldn't receive them here since I live so far from my doctor...he just told me it's how they do it...so I was like...whatever...that's fine...not wanting to piss anyone off...and they will be easier to get ahold of from the doctor then the drug company. So long story short...we are getting the drugs I need and at a dang good price (free).
I'm sure we have missed the chance this month for the round of drugs...but knowing that the drugs are in route makes knowing next month we can start the (hopefully short) road to having children. I can't think about anything else, but how grateful I am to have a husband that even when I go off the deep end (like Sunday and Monday) he stands there and is a rock. And my mom I don't know where she gets her strength, but Sunday told me I could endure this because I was her daughter and she KNEW things would work out...even if I had to figure out how to get the money ourselves. I'm grateful for the family I had the great fortune to have!
If you know anyone that needs help with fertility drugs tell them to call Fertility LifeLines at 866-Lets-Try or 866-538-7879. They have been great! They also can go online to www.fertilitylifelines.com. It has all the info to call.
Well that is our update for now. We have to call the doctor's office later today to see when we can start the shots...and when we can pick them up. But we will keep you updated on what is going on! Have a Great week! I know we will try!

Shots--Anyone?

Today we went to see the fertility specialist. (I really like that he doesn't sugar coat things with us.) apparently--my problem is all in my head. No really--I don't make enough chemicals from my head to tell my body what to do. Basically (long story short) I don't make the 'follicle' big enough so I don't make babies. (Maybe at times I do...but not on regular schedules.) So what we need to do is get 'drugs' (which is real hormones just shot into me) every cycle. I will be watched fairly closely and then if and when the 'follicles' are big enough I will get another hormone shot to get the 'eggs' going in the right direction. BUT there is a short story here I have to tell. This drug is blamed for the high multiplies running around. Don't worry my doctor has a plan...If there is ONE "ripe" follicle...I will take the shot to make my egg move...If there are 2 to 3 "ripe" follicles...it is left up to me to decide if I want to take the shot or not...BUT if there are 4 or MORE...I'm not ALLOWED to take the shot. There are too many health risks with 4 or more babies...and our doctor doesn't want anything to do with that. So...here are the numbers we are looking at 1 to 2 follicles Single birth 85%--twins 15%...3 follicles Single birth drops to 65%- twins/triples 35%. Cool numbers huh? And Dr. Cline believes that within 3 cycles (of this medicine) we will have a positive result...and it doesn't have to be one cycle after another...just 3 cycles.
I know you are asking $$$ right? Well--we are waiting on that answer. On our insurance company's website the drug they want to put me on is listed on the list of specialty drugs they pay for. But to make sure the Drug company that will be sending us the drugs is calling and checking with the insurance to be sure (but they think we are fine). If not the drugs are out of pocket and that will be all I'm asking for Christmas. But we should know something by Monday! So--we wait out the week and pray REALLY, REALLY hard...and HOPEFULLY our prays are answered! We know that the blood tests and ultra sounds will be paid for by the insurance. So, keep your fingers crossed! (I would like to have a baby!)
Talking about babies...I got to visit with Marcus and Jackie....and Hold Baby Zachary! He's such a little man! Dang cute! I made them some dinners to stick in their freezer...so Jackie doesn't have to worry about 4 meals. I thought they could use that more then baby clothes! Babies are just to dang special! Jackie and Marcus enjoy him while he is still 'small'! (If you need a babysitter just let me know!)
Well I have to work the opening shift at work...so I should go now! Have a great week! And remember to cross your fingers for us!

No Good News

Well to report on the job in Virginia...Don was offered the job (yeah!), but there will be NO move! After talking about money...we had to turn it down. The company he would have worked for wants everyone on commission. Don and I understood that, but the owner told Don until he is ready to go commission he could be salary. The only catch was they would only pay what he is making now (at the prison). Well-rent is too high and that with bills we just couldn't jump at the job. So we had to tell him no thanks. So...we are still hunting the "right" job! When it comes it will be a relief! But at this time we don't have to worry about which dog to get rid of!

Now on to news about fertility...we have our next meeting with the doctor on August 21st. (With Don and I both working it was the first day we both could go.) We will be sitting down with the doctor and setting our goal. He sent us a "video" to watch. It was all about the drugs to make me more able to get pregnant and stay that way. But I'm only worried about it the COST. We will be asking alot about that. I think our insurance might help with the cost of the drugs (this time), but it's every other test we have to know the cost of. So hopefully we won't have to pass on this round. We just keep praying that we can understand what the doctor says and be able to pay for the treatment! But we will keep you posted on that!

That's all the news at this time! Have a great week!

Not Great News...

Well we got to talk to the specialist today. And he told us that I'm not ovulating properly. So he is sending us some videos (WOOHOO!) to watch to educate us about what is going on. Then once we have watched those videos he wants to sit down with us for a conference (are you as excited as me?). Then since I had that bacteria infection...he needs to retest for that. But he did say that once we know that the infection is gone he can put me on some other meds for treatment...he did say there is a 90% chance of pregnancy within the next 3 cycles after starting treatment. Now it's not the best news...but there is a little hope yet. If we can just get my body to do what it's suppose to do then we might have a baby of our own!

On other news...Don is getting closer to a job! We will know more later this week...so we will update on that. Don says if anyone want to contribute to the 'Davidson Moving Fund' just let me know! But we might have to get rid of a dog or two...but that too is up in the air! Most places won't let you have more than 2 dogs...but you can have cats! What's up with that? But we will keep everyone updated on what is going on with Don's job hunt!

I just want to say congratulations to my nephew Marcus and his wife Jackie...on their new addition ... Zachary Alan...we can't wait to see him!

First Day of Work

Today was my first day of work and I lived! I was very, very nervous...but it was okay...Only 2 men haircuts. The boss asked how I felt about color and I told her that I love to do color...And she said "good; because this Regis does more color then most in the region." So, I'm excited that I will learn a new line of color and get to use it a lot! I also fell into a wonderful set schedule... I work Mondays 3-9, Tuesdays 9-3, Wednesdays 3-9, Thursdays off, Fridays 3-9, Saturdays 9-3, and Sundays off. So, if you want Regis prices come on in and see me...If not call me and we will set up a home session for much cheaper! But new hires don't usually get out of working Saturday nights and Sundays...But the girl that left at short notice that was her schedule so I'm not complaining!

I was really hoping that the school would call and get me in soon...But it doesn't sound like they are going to start classes anytime soon. I would have loved to work at the school while taking my instructors classes. Regis knows that I am waiting to get that call. But I think the manager is hoping that I like working there more than going back to school. I don't think that will happen but I will work there (I guess since I have to) till the call comes.

Don is still looking for work...So if you know of any funeral homes hiring...Let me know! Well, you guys have a great week...And try to stay cool...The Heat SUCKS!

Pictures of our Trip

Yesterday I got a job...I am going back to Regis Salons...but this time I'm going to work in Logansport. I like knowing that no matter what I'll get a pay check...and if Don does decides to take a job somewhere...I can transfer stores and still have a job! Which will help me greatly! Now today I got those pictures to upload that I wanted to share yesterday. The trip was beautiful and here are a few pictures to show you. Enjoy!

West Virginia was very beautiful with all the green trees...I think this makes the mountains look like mountains and not just hills.
Military playing on the Chesapeake Bay.
There were TONS of fishing boats on top of each other on the Chesapeake Bay...I couldn't believe how close they sat to each other.
We passed a lot of beaches, but we never stopped at one...but this one was about the smallest!

This is one of the tunnels on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel adventure.

This is a view of the two bridges on the Chesapeake Bridge and Tunnel adventure...but these sit like 80 feet (or more) above the water.
These are cranes just hanging out on the Chesapeake Bay.

Busy Weekend

This weekend went fast! Thursday Don and I started out to Virginia. It was a long 13 hour trip. We got down there and got settled for the night when the guys interviewing Don changed our afternoon interview to a morning interview. On Friday we met the guys and talked about the job over breakfast. We were then shown 3 of the 10 Funeral Homes that Don would work out of. (Now I know I married a Funeral Director...but I'm not into touring them...that is not sight seeing that I like to do.) We spent all morning and part of the afternoon with them. And were sent on our way to the next Hotel and told to look around the area to see if it was somewhere we were willing to move to. We spent time getting lost in Chesapeake, VA ... and I have to say...it's beautiful. We found a few apartments that we could live with. But the major problem we will have is taking ALL our dogs...most of the apartments only allow 1 or 2 small dogs. We did find ONLY ONE that we could take all three...but they sounded very full.

After we took our tour of Chesapeake...we went to Williamsburg to the the Yankee Candle Company. That was very fun (for me). Then we tried to make our way back to our hotel. Then on Saturday we took some time to go on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel. It was really cool! There are 3 bridges and 2 tunnels to cross the Chesapeake Bay.

We left Saturday afternoon and hit some horrible traffic from Virginia Beach to Richmond. I didn't think we were ever going to leave the state...it took 14 hours to get home...arriving at 3:30am. I learned I should not let Don decide at the last minute to sight see...but we did have Fun!

(for some reason I can't upload pictures...but as soon as I figure out what I did...I'll post some!)

Have a great week and stay cool!

A little Up Date

Tuesday afternoon Dr. Cline's office called (our specialist) to update me a little. It seems that I have one of three types of bacteria in the reproductive tract (vagina, cervix, uterus, or fallopian tubes). (He tested for that on July 5th...And the test just came back.) So now Don and I both have to be on meds for 10 days. (That way it would transfer back and forth.) But I still don't have all the test done ... And the test I have done...Not all the results are in. They just want to make sure we address that issue right away. It's kind of stressful just waiting to hear what is wrong with you...After going to other Doctors who just think they know how to treat you and you think everything is okay...And you are really broke!

Well, nothing else to report...But when I hear something I'll post! Have a great week...And remember clowns are our friends! (Got to love the Circus!)

Nothing great

Well yesterday I went to see Dr. Cline (our specialist) yesterday...But there is not much to report. The follicles on my ovaries aren't growing big enough yet and I think my body is fighting and killing the sperm. But we won't really know anything until August 8th when we hear the official report. I have one more round of blood work next week. Then when all the tests are in he'll make our plan on how to fix me. Isn't that wonderful...He thinks he'll fix me! (Good Luck!)

I'm sorry that there isn't more news to tell until August...I'm very sore so I'll leave this as my post! Everyone Have a GREAT week...Remember the Circus is in town (here ---anyways). I hope some of you will come see us while it's in town!

Letting off a little steam

I just want to start with the statement...That I hope no one takes what I'm going to say to heart. I just have some things on my mind so I'm just letting off a little steam. Tonight Don and I went on a double date. (We have a few things in common...Don works with the guy...And I know the couple forever...And they are having trouble having a child also.) This is the second time we went out...And we have lots of fun. Tonight after dinner we went to Walmart. I swear the "white trash" teen moms are there in force. As we are walking around I'm just amazed on how many teen moms (and they are getting younger) are walking around swearing at their children. First when we walked in someone had to go potty...So the rest of us wait near the door...There comes a "white trash" mom with her baby (no older than 18 months) in the cart (standing none the lest) yelling at it..."NO I'm not picking you up...You are TOO fat"...Now this child is SCREAMING at the top of his lungs...But he is only wearing a diaper...No clothes...And falling over in the cart. Now, I'm sure that girl could have but a little something on that child...I know it's hot and humid but let's get real...a little onesie would have been better than nothing.

I guess I'm just mad that some people just keep having children that shouldn't. And couples that want to have them and go through hell and high water to get one...Can't without paying an arm and a leg for one. I know I'm more open about not being able to have children, but some couples aren't as open and it's hard to walk around seeing children mistreated. I hate it when people that I know or not known for a long time...Ask...."Now why don't you have children...I thought you would make a good mom"...People think before you speak...If you know someone don't just assume they don't want children...We aren't all bunnies and can have them at will!

I'm just glad we have friends that can relate to our situation...And we are blessed that we have family (and friends) who support our venture to find the answers of why we cant have children and are there to pick us up when we get down in the dumps.

Now on to news...We are seeing Dr. Cline (the specialist) on Saturday...So depending on how I feel after test I'll post any new news. It may be Monday before I post about that. Then on the 27th of July Don and I are going to Virginia...He has a job interview the 28th. So hopefully we hear something good from that! Next week is Circus City week...So hopefully I'll get some news or just good gossip from people to share from up there.

A long process

Today I was informed that I forgot to post about my doctor's appointment. Well to tell the true... I was in pain so I didn't want to sit at the computer that long. I think I really like this Doctor... He is honest even if you don't like the answers.

But here is what he basically said...(from his webpage) we should identify the cause/causes of infertility. The cause/causes of infertility basically fall into four major groups and that’s it! We know a couple can have one cause, all four, or any combination of the four. They are all equally important so the area we talk about first should not be thought more important than the area we talk about last. Firstly, we know that some women have one of three types of bacteria in the reproductive tract (vagina, cervix, uterus, or fallopian tubes) which, if present, can affect fertility. These bacteria may offer no signs or symptoms. Gonorrhea can cause damage to the fallopian tubes by either blocking them or scarring them so they cannot either pick up the egg at the time of ovulation or cannot properly transport the egg down the tube to come in contact with sperm. Chlamydia can affect the fallopian tubes in a similar way and also may cause enough inflammation or irritation on the lining of the uterus (endometrium) that implantation of the embryo may be adversely affected. Mycoplasma hominus and its’ “cousin”, Ureaplasma uryliticum, have been shown to attach themselves to sperm and ride on the back of the sperm out into the fallopian tube, where fertilization takes place, and reduce the sperms’ ability to fertilize the egg. Now, if these bacteria frequently fail to cause signs or symptoms, how are we ever going to know if our patient has them? The answer is that we do cultures. A small cotton “Q-Tip” is inserted into the cervical opening, pulled out, sent to the lab and within two weeks we will know if these bacteria exist. If they do exist, we will treat both the wife and the husband with an appropriate antibiotic for ten days and then re-culture to confirm the treatment was successful. The presence of these bacteria in the reproductive tract is not an “absolute” regarding pregnancy, but may play a major part and therefore must be diagnosed and treated. The second area of the causes of infertility asks the question, “Does the husband have adequate numbers of normal, motile sperm and, just as the wife is ovulating, do they live well in the cervical secretions to pass through those secretions and get out in the fallopian tubes where fertilization takes place”? We like to do a post coital test on a day the patient is just ready to ovulate, but hasn’t yet ovulated. For example, if the cycle is 28 days, we will do the test on cycle day 12 (no matter what day of the week cycle day 12 might fall). In a 30 day cycle, we do the test on cycle day 14, etc., etc. This test is also known as the Huhner test, the Sims-Huhner test, the PC test or the PK test. We simply ask the couple to have intercourse at home, two to four hours before their appointment. Then, at the appointment, we place a speculum in the vagina, extract cervical mucus from high in the cervical canal (similar to a PAP smear), place that mucus on a glass microscope slide, and immediately look under the microscope to determine if we have adequate numbers of sperm and, are they alive and do they have good directional kinetics (move purposefully in a basic straight line). If we see this, we probably do not have a sperm or a sperm-cervical mucus problem. If we see any problems or see any significant variation in the shape of the sperm, we will order a semen analysis to be done at a laboratory. If we see very few sperm, we may have a problem with decreased numbers of sperm, or, the numbers may be adequate but the sperm may not able to get through the cervical mucus. Again, a semen analysis is helpful in sorting out the problem. At times, we may see a lot of sperm in the cervical mucus but they are either barely moving or dead. We then have a “true” sperm-cervical mucus problem. The treatment of the various conditions causing a sperm or a sperm-cervical mucus problem will not be fully addressed here but look for a complete essay on these problems in the future. Suffice it to say that many problems are treated by doing husband intra uterine inseminations (HIUI) at the time of ovulation. Many times we suggest the husband see a urologist. The third area of infertility asks the question, “Are there any structural areas that may be the cause of infertility”? Specifically, are there any intrauterine problems such as a septum, intrauterine fibroids (myomas), or intrauterine polyps which may affect the ability of the embryo to implant or may allow such a poor implantation that an early pregnancy loss will occur. Are the fallopian tubes open (patent)? A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) x-ray is the best procedure to evaluate these areas and is done as an outpatient by a radiologist. Also, the patient may have pelvic endometriosis or adhesions with or without pain or menstrual cramps and these conditions can only be diagnosed by direct visualization of the pelvis usually by doing an outpatient laparoscopy (bandaid-bellybutton surgery). The fourth, or last, area of infertility asks the question, “Are you ovulating properly”? Note that I have not asked if you are ovulating but if you are ovulating properly. What do we mean by that question? During the “menstrual month”, there are times that your body must meet certain criteria. The first of these times is on cycle day (CD) 12 based on a 28 day cycle. On CD 12 you should have developed, on one ovary or the other, a cyst that we call the follicle. In Greek, the word follicle means ‘little cyst’. This follicular cyst contains the egg of the month and the wall of this follicular cyst secretes the chemical hormone estrogen (estradiol). Estrogen, in turn, circulates throughout the body and acts on the lining of the uterus (endometrium) and causes it to grow back as it just fell off with blood a few days earlier during the period. On CD 12, if we do a vaginal ultrasound, the follicular cyst should measure at least 18 X 18 mm., the endometrium should mInsure at least 9 mm. in thickness, and the blood estradiol level should be at least 150 units (pg/ml) or higher. If the follicle is too small, the lining too thin, and the estrogen level too low, this is related to a condition called follicular immaturity. With follicular immaturity, the egg itself is immature when it is ovulated and will not fertilize well. The next segment of time your body must meet certain criteria is after you ovulate. Once you have ovulated, the follicular cyst collapses but continues to secrete estradiol and begins to secrete the second ovarian hormone, progesterone. Progesterone is responsible for changing or converting the endometrium into the type of tissue that is perfect for proper implantation when the embryo falls into the cavity of the uterus three to five days later. The blood progesterone level seven to ten days later should be 10-15 units (ng/ml). If the progesterone is too low then either the embryo will not implant or may implant so poorly that a miscarriage will occur.

Well needless to say...I'm alittle sore from exams and tired! I think his nurses can only do early appointments...and since we live an hour and half away...6:30am comes early! So, I'm sorry for not posting sooner...but I will post something when we know more...but if you have anyone that has fertility problems and would like to read more here is Doctor Cline's website! reproductivehope.com

Stress Sucks!

Well in my last post I told you that Don turned down his offer in Alaska. But the stress that I went through that week and a half has played it's toll even now. I have a great fever blister to mark the outward sign of stress. Nose bleeds and running a low grade fever is just running it's course.

Now I'm stressed out about doctors too. I went to my doctor to have tests ran...So she would send me to a new Fertility doctor. All my test are good...And the appointment is set for a fertility doctor. We see him on Wednesday the 5th. Which means all weekend I'll be nervous about this appointment! (I do have to tell you that the specialist sent me all the "new patient paperwork". I had to fill in my religion...He also wants to know our income...And all the ins and outs of my life. I think some questions are none of his business!) But Hopefully we will get some good answers and ideas of what the heck is wrong with me! (I know the list is long and he's only one man...But I would like some kind of answers!) We will let you know if we find out anything wonderful!