Where do we go now?

Today I met with the doctor again for a follow up and it was nice to get some encouragement and some guidance on where to go from here.  It is amazing how just having a plan can be comforting. 

My HGC level was still at 204 last week (and needs to be under 5 or something like that).  I have an appointment in 2 weeks to have my level checked again and all fingers crossed that it is where it is supposed to be.  If it is, after my period (TMI for the internet world, I know!!) comes again, we will be all set to start trying for a baby again.  Cue dance party music!!  I am soooo glad this is almost, finally over!!

I also feel like I got a plan of action with the doctor today.  Today, I start a medication called Metformin.  It is supposed to help my body manage and respond to the insulin in my body and make my ovaries operate more effectively.  Initially the doctor and I discussed starting Clomid in addition to the Metformin, however, Clomid helps to stimulate ovulation and I am confident I have been ovulating on my own already.  Because of that, we will wait to discuss Clomid in 3 months if I am not successful on my own. 

I have been charting my cycles since July 2010, thanks to reading the book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility. Because I have been charting, I know that my cycle is regularly around 32-34 days long, I generally ovulate around days 22-24, and my luteal phase is generally 9-11 days with only one cycle (other than my pregnancy) having a luteal phase of 14 days.  A "normal" cycle is 28 days, with ovulation on day 13-14, and a luteal phase that is normally 12-16 days.  So, you can see, I'm a little off.  But, since I have been charting my cycle, it has been so helpful in coming up with a plan this time.

Since my luteal phase is generally shorter,  my doctor said that generally means have a low level of progesterone.  So in addition to the Metformin, we are going to do two things.  First she is recommending that I start using OPK's (ovulation predictor kits) so I know for certain I am ovulating.  In addition, on the day I ovulate I have to call the doctor's office and let them know so I can do blood work to check my progesterone level.  If it is low, I will get on progesterone supplements immediately and will wait to take a pregnancy test until 14 days past ovulation.  If it is positive, YAY, and I get to keep taking progesterone supplements.  If it is negative, I will stop the progesterone until the next cycle. 

If this does not work, then in 3 months, after 3 cycles, I will go back to the doctor and discuss Clomid.  I'm realistic but I don't even want to think about that.  I hope that I am one of the lucky ones that gets pregnant on the first cycle of miscarriage!  My doctor also said that comes with the risk of twins, so hey!  I'll take that too!

Wish us luck!!