Can I Still Conceive?

Two months ago I visited my RE to review my initial labs (FSH, AMH, E), I was disheartened to learn how far outside of the normal range my results fell. True I am 40 years old, however, I felt that I had been vigilant about my health my entire life. In fact, at the age of 36 and 37 I was an NFL cheerleader, where optimal physical fitness, flexibility, stamina, and dance were an integral part of the job requirement. Ok- that may have come across as a bit self centered (sorry) - but my point is, I am someone who always paid attention to my health and fitness.

Well, that day I learned that one's fertility declines tremendously (at age 40) regardless of other indicators of physical health. It's primarily age driven (at least, that is the situation for me). I sat there in shock... tears in my eyes as I looked at my lab report indicating an AMH far below one (1) and FSH above 14. Why and how could this have happened when I am such a health buff! Dr. X's response, "Some career women think their fertility will wait for them ... I see this all the time!" (Gasp) Did he really just say that to me! "No, Dr. X, I've wanted a baby for the past 7 years, I've just not been able to get the right man. Believe me!" In a tone of sarcasm, his response was, "Well, I guess you are one of the few career women who chose to wait but say they didn't put their job first!" Wow, how insensitive! It's bad enough to learn that you have indications of infertility, however simultaneously you have to hear your RE tell you that you are likely in this situation at 40 because you were so self centered by focusing on your career. That couldn't be further from the truth- I never put career first! I've been in private practice for 11 years, so there is no corporate ladder to climb. In my particular field I can take off however/whenever I would like for pregnancy and a child. I was insulted by his off handed comment that I put my career before family. I wanted so badly to tell him that my reality was 1) a string of bad men, 2) integrity of not wanting to trap a man, and 3) a fear of considering a sperm donor because I felt that if I just hold out longer 'Mr. Right' will come along. Those are the reasons I was sitting there at 40 with no biological children - it had nothing to do with my career! Geez!

Trying to conceive is certainly a journey. I feel fortunate I have wonderful people in my life to share my feelings with (the good and the bad). To my fellow women trying to add a new baby to their lives and found that you have obstacles, just know that you are not alone.

xoxoxoxo

Let's Discuss IVF :o)

Today I went to my REs office to have the cyst checked on. It was still there, however smaller. She determined it would be fine to proceed with the IVF cycle (hopefully she's right). I'm thrilled, because now I am even closer to my dream baby! The protocol now is to wait for AF and then on cycle day three begin the Gonal F.

After the u/s I met with the nurse to have a medication training class. Ok, girls ... there are many injections involved with this process. Yikes! I predict a red pin cushion tummy in the near future.

I've prepared for my IVF cycle for the past three months. I do hope that this will be my one and only IVF, however I am realistic and understand that my chances are low given my fertility indicators. I think I have done all that I possibly can do.

I'd like to share with you my routine. I am in no way advocating anyone follow my regimen. My routine is based on my labs, AFC, u/c, age, fertility status, etc and hence are personalized for me only. Additionally, I reviewed all my supplements and strategies with my RE and she approved of each for me and stated she was fine with my routine. In fact one of the supplements were recommended by her directly (e.g., DHEA).

Here is my regimen: DHEA, CoQ10 (ubiquinol), inositol, melatonin, prenatal vitamin, Perfect Greens drink mix, Maca, B complex, B-6, Black Cohosh, and a mixture of herbs created by my Chinese Medical doctor/ acupuncturist. Twice a week I go for acupuncture (1 hr sessions) and approximately 4 x's/week I use castor oil packs on my abdomen. Healthy "clean eating" was extremely important to me as well. I have only consumed organic products (unless I went out to eat). To me, my diet was just as important as the other strategies implemented.

When my medications begin, all supplements/ herbs will of course be discontinued, with the exception of the prenatal vitamin. I want nothing to interfere with the fertility medicines performing their job. I will schedule an acupuncture session for the morning of egg retrieval and again on the day of egg transfer.

What are the strategies you have chosen to maximize your IVF/IUI or natural trying to conceive cycle?

xoxoxox