I'm continuing to learn that when it comes to TTC, just like my career and all other aspects of life, no one looks out for your best interests better than YOU.
I would have loved to become a doctor except I knew there was no way I could get past the blood, needles and knives part of the job description. Now I'm one of those women who researches, researches, RESEARCHES! Doctors must LOVE my kind...
I love my doctor and her nursing team. She has gotten several women I know pregnant (a few in the first try) using the same method I'm going through. She has been at this for 30 years, I've only been at this for 2 months...
I have been concerned about whether I am receiving treatment that is truly personalized to my body and cycle, or if that comes later once it takes X amount of times without conception.
A friend who is T42 - the "old fashioned way" recently learned that she has a Luteal Phase defect. She ovulates late, has a short Luteal phase with low progesterone.
We already know that I have a shorter than normal cycle (26 days) and the last two months I've ovulated late (IUI day 15 last month, day 16 this month).
My doctor uses progesterone level to determine the timing for the IUI. However I am not on any post-IUI progesterone supplementation and my progesterone has not been tested during my luteal (post-ovulation) phase. I've had this nagging feeling that my progesterone may not be high enough to support implantation. I talked to my Mom about my concerns over the weekend and we agreed that if a simple blood test can put my mind at ease, then that's what I should do... I mean, I have become a human pin cushion the last several months, what's one more prick at my request?
Today I called the nurse and told her I need my progesterone tested to ease my nagging concerns. She said that's fine and I'm going in tomorrow. She said that testing Luteal progesterone is an 'eventual' test/diagnosis they go through. I don't think that statement came across right to me.... my first thought is that while I appreciate a good 'process', this month's TTC cycle will cost me approximately $2000 (thanks to the use of the second vial, meds, ultrasounds, bloodwork several times, etc.).
I'll happily take a $90 blood test to determine if I need a supplement to help with implantation and SUCCESS!
I'm glad you called - it's such an easy test to do, and if it's normal, you're reassured, and if not, you take progesterone. (Crinone is disgusting, btw, but the one with the least side effects, so worth the yuck factor!)
ReplyDeleteI'm a firm believer in being your own advocate when it comes to your health care, especially when TTC!
Thanks Shannon. Reassuring coming from a real MD!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear you called & are having your progesterone tested...my clinic checked this in my investigative cycle & found I was low so I've taken supplements with both my IUIs...that's also why I started off on meds right away, I could have tried au natural but at the cost I figured I needed all the help I can get!
ReplyDeleteHope the blood test comes back with good results.