Tag Archives: follicles

CD 11, Cycle 18, Month 22.

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I had my monitoring ultrasounds, and I have not one, not two, not three, but four follicles from 2.5 grams of Femara. You know what is interesting? My CD 2 and 3 has fallen over the weekend for the last two cycles, so I have been forced to start the medication on CD 4 instead of CD 3. In my case, it turns out to be true that taking ovulation inducing drugs earlier in the cycle recruits more follicles. They were just little guys with one at 12.5 mm and the rest at 12 mm so I may lose a couple. Two on each ovary. I go back in Thursday for another ultrasound. I hope to trigger that day and do the IUI on Friday afternoon.

Now, here is the bad the news. My lining was awful: 5.7 mm.  There is still time for that lining to develop a bit more, though the doctor didn’t seem to think it would grow much more because it was fully formed and trilaminar. The doctor then informed me of a new piece of information, just when I thought I knew it all.  It is more important that the lining be trilaminar than it is to be thick and not trilaminar.

I was skeptical so I instantly consulted with Google Scholar and research isn’t quite that clear. What is clear is that he was trying to boost my confidence. Little does he know that Google Scholar is my #1 bookmark. Research results are mixed with some showing that the trilaminar structure is significant and thickness insignificant, others reveal the opposite. I’ve also learned that people have thin endometrium for three reasons: estrogen levels, blood flow, and problems with the endometrium itself such as adhesions or Asherman’s Syndrome. Since I am capable of producing a fluffy layer, I am going to chalk this up to estrogen levels or blood flow. Both of which are fixable. Though I wish I didn’t have another fucking infertility issue to deal with, at least this one can be addressed.

I implemented the same “Grow!” protocol this cycle as last month. Here’s thedifference. I haven’t exercised, meditated, or done the foot baths as often.  I also can’t find my Epsom Salts. I’ve been great with acupuncture and the supplements. While the doctor is skeptical, I am planning on doing everything I can to improve blood flow to the ute in these next couple of days.

Exercise: Check.

Castor Oil Packs: Check.

Foot Baths: Check.

Meditation: Check.

Down Under.

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Things are lookin’ good down there, down under.

I was scheduled to return to the RE tomorrow morning.  She wanted to catch me right before ovulation to make sure the Clomid didn’t decimate my lining.  However, my temps, cervix, fluids, and ovaries insisted I change the appointment to this morning.  During the ultrasound we found two follicles on the right at 21 mm each.  Two!

My lining wasn’t so bad, at 7.5 mm.  If I haven’t ovulated by tomorrow morning, I’m going to trigger and the fun begins.

Meanwhile, Big Guy departed for the desert early this morning for work.  Given the timing, his early departure ensured that I also had a early wake-up call.  I followed him out to Palm Springs after the appointment with the RE.  I think he feels a bit like a stud horse, but, hey, we gotta do what we gotta do!

CD 12/12th Cycle

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Well, things didn’t go as well as I liked at the RE’s office yesterday.  The lead follicle on the right ovary was only 12 mm.  There were two follicles on the left, both at 10 mm.  My lining was only 4.5 mm.  Suck.  Needless to say, we didn’t trigger.  I return on CD 16 for another $110 ultrasound, primarily to check the lining and to see if Clomid is a viable option for the next cycle.  If I see an LH surge before then, I’ve been instructed to come back in.

Meanwhile, my cervix is lifting, softening and opening and my cervical fluid is becoming more fertile.  The OPK’s are gradually getting darker. At least we are headed in the right direction, but I wanted, oh so badly, for Clomid to shorten my cycle.  However, beggars can’t be choosers, and I am so very grateful that I ovulate regularly on the metformin.

Thank you, Metformin.  Now, excuse me while I go to the bathroom.

My side effects have largely abated.  No more hot flashes and my emotions seem to be on an even(er) keel. Life looks a bit better these days.  I’m back from that dark place last week.  Holy balls, that sucked.

I’m looking forward to the weekend.  Big Guy is home after almost two weeks in the field.  We are going to eat sushi, watch movies, and laze around the house.  I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!