IUI Week 1

Tuesday - Day 3
Today was my first of 4 or 5 appointments at Dr. K’s office over the next month.  Since seeing Dr. K for our initial visit in August, we’ve gone through a battery of tests, I started a synthetic thyroid hormone supplement and we consulted Dr. N for a full JPug check.  All the while, one thing remained the same…I was to call Dr. K’s nurse line on the first day of my cycle.  My cycle started Sunday and I went in for the first of many appointments today.  I’m sure each physician practice has their own way of doing things…our experience is with Dr. K so that’s what I’ll share.  

Day 3’s appointment was quick, easy and painless…hurray!  It’s been 5 weeks since Dr. K increased my  supplemental thyroid hormone dose and it was time for a re-test.  My last TSH level was 2.7 and Dr. K looks for 2.5 or below so we’re hoping for good news later this afternoon. After the blood draw, I moved into an ultrasound exam room where the technician completed a baseline transvaginal ultrasound to check my uterus (thin lining, free of pollups and clots, etc.) and ovaries (no large follicles which could react poorly to medications during the cycle and cause problems).

If Dr. K thinks everything looks good, I’ll begin my first dose of Clomid later today.  Clomid, the brand-name for clomiphene citrate, is a well-known fertility drug that’s used to jump start ovulation in women.  If you’re interested in additional information on Clomid, read this article.  I’ll take it for 5 days (cycle days 3 – 7) with the hope that it enhances egg production, producing one (or potentially more) mature eggs.  Dr. K will likely start me on a low-dose of Clomid (50mg) which my body may not react to.  If that’s the case, that’ll be another piece of our ever-evolving puzzle and we’ll wait to increase the dose and continue our journey next month. 

Clomid does have a handful of side-effects including mood swings (lucky JPug) and over-production of eggs.  Multiple mature eggs increase a couple’s chance of multiples and could even cause a woman’s ovaries to twist or rupture…neither of which are considered “good” outcomes.  The prospect of having multiple babies might seem cool and exciting but for a couple experiencing infertility, the goal of treatment is to have one healthy baby in utero and deliver a healthy baby at full term.  Multiple babies are more likely to deliver early and have complications related to pre-term delivery. 

I heard from Dr. K’s office a few minutes ago and my morning ultrasound looked “good” (or maybe even “great”…I can’t remember).  They feel comfortable moving forward with Clomid for this cycle (as well as two other drugs which I’ll explain in a future post) and hopefully the tricky Thanksgiving holiday timing will be on our side.  I’m happy to report that we continue to make steps in the right direction and am cautiously optimistic that the procedures will lead to a baby Pug on board.

Wednesday - Day 4
One more quick update...I heard from Dr. K's office just after lunch and the results of my TSH evaluation are in.  Drum roll please..........it's 1.46.  YIPPEE!  One step closer.