The Latest From My Dr. Appointment Today 2/8/2011

Well,  today I went to see the reproductive endocrinologist to see and learn more about the posibility for a diagnoses of PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome).  Today is cycle day #67 for me and my last cycle was 42 days long.  When I arrived at the appointment they had me take a urine pregnancy test, which of coarse came back (-) negative...  :o( .... But I aleady knew I wasn't pregnant (but it is still sad).  After that the Dr.s came in and asked me what seemed like a million questions and I shared my ovulation charts with them and discussed my basal body temperature changes and the MANY "daily ovulation kits" I have been doing.  After this they told me that based on all the information I had provided it appeared that a diagnosis of PCOS was pretty likely.  But before they could diagnose me for sure, they needed to do an internal ultrasound of my uterus and ovaries....(ok, I will admit...I was a little nervous about this part!)...It wasn't that bad and I actually thought it was pretty neat to see MY ovaries and uterus up on the screen!  The Dr.s said that I have "TEXTBOOK PCOS OVARIES".  In the pics I will post at the bottom you can see that there are a bunch of little circles inside of the big circle.  The big circle is my ovary and the smaller circles are follicles that mature and become the egg that will be released(ovulation).  In "normal" ovaries all of those follicles would be in the center of the ovary....whereas my follicles all cling to the outer rim of the ovary(this is what is typical in PCOS patients).  I have also posted a pic they took of my uterus.  PRETTY COOL!(I think..!)

        So at the end of the internal ultrasound I was diagnosed OFFICIALLY with PCOS.  The Dr. said that I need to do blood work tomorrow AM and then pick up two prescriptions.  One prescription is Provera, it is taken for 10 days to "force" my body to start my period and begin my next cycle.  It is pretty much designed to clean out my uterus for a fresh clean start....(kinda gross, I'm sorry).  The second prescription is Metformin.  This drug is used my a lot of PCOS patients and about 1 out of 3 women achieve pregnancy while taking Metformin.  For most women they need to take Metformin  for at least a few months before they notice it really working.  It should help with regulating my cycles, reducing abnormal hair growth, and possibly even help with loosing some more weight.  The Dr. also encouraged me to focus and living a "healthy lifestyle" but not to do anything drastic or major as that can stress your body out internally, and can throw off ovulation.  Many patience with PCOS see a decrease in symptoms when body weight is decreased.  Also the Dr. instructed Rob and I that we need to BD(baby dance...wink wink) about 3-4 times regardless of whether or not I am currently ovulating...because if my body does decide to ovulate you want to always have the "little swimmers" ready and waiting for it!  :o)

        All in all, I'm pretty happy with the appointment.   The only down side is that they will not be able to prescribe Clomid without it being considered "infertility treatment".  My insurance plan does not cover infertility so it would be 100% out of pocket for us.  So for now we will try this and probably give it at least 6 months before considering other options.

I am just happy that the ball is continuing to roll in the right direction, and that the possibility of Rob and I starting a family is still in the rehlm of possibility!   I will continue to keep you posted as we continue this journey!  Thank you to all of our family and friends for your love and support! 

 Love, Mrs. Lacy Hester!

My Right Ovary.  Here you see the small round follicles all around the wall of the ovary.

This is my uterus.  Dr. says it looks perfect and normal!