February 10, 2003
Follicle Check
It's confirmed. I've ovulated.
February 08, 2003
Achy
The doctor warned me that there were two common side effects of the hCG injection. First, I'd probably be queasy in the morning, but that would pass by lunch time. Second, I'd probably experience cramping, much like menstrual cramps.
Well, I started developing a cold yesterday, so I ended up sleeping until noon today, so the nausea wasn't ever an issue. But I sure am feeling the cramp. Dale woke me this morning, but I refused to get up then. As I rolled over and tried to fall asleep again, a massive cramp struck my lower right abdomen. After a few minutes, it subsided enough so that I slept again. Since I've been up, the cramp has been more an ache and discomfort than actualy pain. It feels like there's a hand in my body using my right ovary as one of those grip strengtheners.
Between the cramp and the cold symptoms (headache, sore throat, and coughing), I am seriously thinking about taking a book and going back to bed.
February 07, 2003
Ovulation Count Down
Yesterday's ovulation test came out negative, so I called TFC and made an appointment for this afternoon. This morning's test looked like a borderline positive, but since we were unsure (and wanted to be on the safe side), we kept our appointment at the clinic.
Yet another ultrasound showed that I have not yet ovulated, but the follicle spotted on Tuesday had grown even more and was the right size for release. After a quick discussion with the doctor, we opted to have me given an injection of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin*), make sure we have intercourse tomorrow evening, then go in for another ultrasound on Monday to see if the follicle has released. If it hasn't. I get to have blood work drawn on the following Friday to check my progesterone levels. If it has released, and my period doesn't start within two weeks from Monday, then I get to do a pregnancy test.
After getting the hCG injection in my hip, Dale and I went hom, both excited and hopeful.
* hCG mimics the normal mid-cycle surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) and causes ovulation to begin.
February 04, 2003
Clomid Progress Check
Today Dale and I went to TFC again for my mid-cycle sonogram. This time, the doctor wanted to check my ovaries for any developing follicles. To my surprise, he found one in my right ovary. It's not as large (therefore as far along) as he'd hope for at this point, but it was a good sign. My uterine lining is also thickening, so we had two indicators that I may actually ovulate this month.
The next step is to buy yet another an ovulation test kit and see if it detects an LH surge. If I don't get a positive result by Thursday, I go back to the clinic for another exam.
Dale and I were both very happy to see that enlarged follicle. It's the best sign we've had yet that this could work. Dale is really excited. I'm not quite as excited as he is. I don't want to get my hopes up in case I fail to get pregnant again.
I just remembered that I was also sent home with a lab slip for bloodwork. I can't remember if that's in case I don't detect a surge or what, so I guess I need to call the clinic tomorrow.
I do hope this works. I don't want to do Clomid again. (And it would be an even higher dosage.) With the higher dosage I took last week, I got the side effects that I'd missed out on previously. Hot flashes and (according to Dale) crazy PMS-like mood swings.