Acupuncture doesn't improve fertility?

This article about acupuncture not assisting with fertility problems suggests that it only has a placebo affect.

I swear it helped me. After visiting a fertility specialist who told me that I had one "hazy" ovary, I went to an acupuncturist for treatment. He spoke very little English, so I couldn't convey my problem to him very well. He point to my ovary area and said "Too much blood. I fix." After a couple of month's of treatment (and after an HSG), I became pregnant. Mind over matter? Maybe. But I really do believe that it helped.

I'm Back

Okay, it's been two years but I'm back.

To quickly get you up to speed...I gave birth to a healthy and highly spirited baby boy in October 2006. I've learned a lot in the last two years; I'll share the highlights on this blog.

First, for those who are even remotely interested in getting pregnant in the next year or so, be sure to get a ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor ASAP.

It's been forever

It's been forever since I've posted a message here. It's not that there's been nothing to say. There's been plenty. I'm hitting the 6-month mark, and I have found myself surprised by the following:

* Being pregnant is actually kinda painful; nice of my sisters to "forget" about ligament pain and back pain that makes me re-think trips to the bathroom whilst laying on the couch

* Rather than bonding with everyone using my new-found hormones, I've found that I've become extremely protective of my independence. Want to be my new friend because we're both pregnant? Thanks, but I have enough friends. Want to offer me advice about baby furniture, prenatal care, etc.? Back off. I've already read about it and can reference sources. Insist on being protective of me? Don't worry. If I'm attacked by a stranger, I'll sit on 'em or suffocate 'em with my ever-growing breasts. Really, I'm quite happy to be going it alone. I'll let you know if I need anything.

* The baby kicking in the womb thing is pretty creepy. The first time it happened, my honest response was "Holy crap. It's chewing its way out. Get it out now." Now when I feel it, it's less creepy.

* Sleep deprivation kicks in very early; basically, a comfortable position would require pure magic

But I'm not complaining because I realize how lucky I am....

Month 5 and counting

I started my 5th month last week. So far, I have been very, very lucky. (Oh, crap, is that bad luck to say?) I think I felt it move last week. Some people describe it as feeling like little butterflies fluttering inside your abdomen or even--get this--little angel wings. I describe it as this: creepy. My honest first reaction was: Oh my God. It's chewing its way out. Get it out of me right now.

We're pretty sure it's a boy but should get a more definitive answer in about two weeks.

Starting second trimester

I had my 12-week appt last week and all went well. I am now entering my second trimester, and I still can't believe it. This week, I'm doing something called an Ultra-Screen, which is a combination blood test/ultrasound that will give me a ratio for my chances of having a baby with chromosomal problems. After I get those results, I can decided whether to do the amnio at week 15. I'll be a very happy and relieved camper by week 17.

Still allegedly pregnant

I am officially 8 weeks pregnant tomorrow. I have my first doctor's appointment, and I really hope that I get some proof that my body isn't just playing an evil trick on me. Fingers are crossed!

Holy cow

Wow. I'm pregnant. I am stunned. We tried one last time before the medicated IUI and it took. Did I mention that I'm stunned?

Medicated IUI - Needles. Yuck.

My FSH is still slightly elevated and I have about 8 months left to try to conceive before the ovaries go outta business. Our RE recommended IVF but we've decided to start with a medicated IUI first. With the help of something called Follistim (which I'll inject into my abs for 5 days) and another injection called Ovidrel, my ovaries should produce some viable eggs. Then we'll do the IUI and try to catch one (or two). The sucky thing is that I have a trip planned in the middle and can't really get out of it (brother's big 5-0). Fingers are crossed, but thankfully, the tubes aren't.

Speaking of which, I had one of those evil HSGs. That's where they shoot dye through your cervix to see if your tubes are blocked. Feels like someone is eletrocuting you from the inside. My doctor walked me through the whole thing in his soothing voice, which made it less terrible. But I survived. Yay.

I've heard that you're more likely to conceive after having an HSG, so we're gunna try on our own this week. Couldn't hurt!

Got a new RE

I got a new RE (reproductive endocrinologist) who is very cool. I liked his staff, his office decor (might not sound important, but it is), and he's right down the street. Plus, he's kinda hot. Yes, I know how sick that is. Anyway, unlike Mr. Condescending Asshole from 6 months ago, this one didn't make up any shit like "there's a connection between chronic bronchitis and miscarriages." The new one also didn't make a comment when giving me a pelvic ultrasound like "don't be so sure that everything is fine; I always find something." Also, the receptionist at the new place gave me chocolate and randomly shared some overly personal info with me, so I liked her immediately. But, mostly. And I mean mostly...there was not a single Anne Geddes baby print in sight at the new place. If I never see a baby dressed like bee pollen or a maggot again, I'll be happy.

I know it's been forever, but I'm boring

Happy holidays and stuff. I haven't been posting much because I can't seem to get knocked up and this blog is boring without something like that happening. At least I got an egg this month. But it totally shunned us. Little shit. I'll be trying again next week. Send baby wishes or something similar please.

All Types of Hell Are Breaking Loose

This is the second month in which no egg has displayed on my damn monitor. What gives? On top of that, I've been spotting for a couple of days. I went from having a completely regular cycle to being totally whacked out. I swear I won't be surprised if my ovaries suddenly drop and become testicals. Madness, I tell you. I've been horribly sick for about 2.5 weeks now. Travelling to Mexico for a week while sick was probably not a good idea under these circumstances (though it was darn fun). Maybe my body is sending me little warning signs. Chill the f*ck out already or we're lockin' the eggs up for good. I'll go lay down now just in case.

Cage-free eggs

No egg this month, so we're starting a new cycle today. I had a chat with the ovaries and have given them 13 days to either produce an egg or I'm turning things over to Cheney and Rumsfeld. Nothing like a little shock and awe to get things in order. I'll do whatever it takes. Why? Because I'm on a mission.

Where's my damn egg?

Excuse me, but I ordered an egg like 10 days ago...

It looks like I didn't ovulate this month. Mother Nature is a twat. I used like 20 of those damn expensive Clearblue sticks. For those fiscal conservatives, that's like $25. And for what? Lots of "Lows" followed by lots of "Highs" and no damn "Peaks" at all. What a rip. I'm told that it could be stress from the move (or other stuff), which is understandable. But, isn't that a little picky? I mean, if the egg isn't released, it's not like it gets to hang loose in the ovary for another month. It just dissolves. Or whatever. The egg had best show itself next month or I'm going in after it.

Delayed ovulation

My eggs are wimps. Apparently stress is preventing me from ovulating on time this month. I was hoping that it would radically change my schedule so that I wouldn't have to miss my next few attempts, but I'm not sure that I'll luck out. We'll see.