Fertility Diary: Intro

I have had the symptoms of IC and Endometriosis for as long as I can remember but thought that I was normal. One thing that did not seem normal to me was that I was not getting pregnant, and I had no idea why. Friends, family, and acquaintances all around me were starting families and some were experiencing unplanned pregnancies, but my husband and I were not able to do conceive

In the summer of 2012, shortly after our relocation to Phoenix, my Endo, PFD and IC symptoms hit a peak. I was having a difficult time urinating, and it really hurt to empty my bladder. I was diagnosed with PFD and IC before my laparoscopy in November. During the laparoscopy, I was officially diagnosed with Endometriosis, even though the medical term was brought up to my attention long before the laparoscopy.

Now everything was starting to make sense. For four years I had been trying to conceive, while constantly wondering why I was unable to conceive with my husband. Now I knew that the issue was most likely Endometriosis, a medical term that I despise. Despite my disgust for the term, my goal is to raise Endo awareness while documenting my fertility journey.

I am nervous and scared to share this part of my life with you. However, I feel that I owe it to every woman who has or will continue to suffer from Endometriosis.

This is for all of the women who have been down such a long, dark path of learning to cope and become at peace with fertility issues. I want to be your voice. This is my journey, no filter.

xo Heather

Mailbox Monday

This Mailbox Monday post is actually aimed at my readers! I was hoping to get your opinion on the following:

I had an ultrasound at the fertility doctor today and the RE counted 8 eggs on my left ovary and 11 eggs on my right ovary. I am 26 years old. In your personal (or professional) opinion, is this good news or bad news?   Please let me know what you think in the comments below!

xo Heather 

(Photo Credit: Ants & Grasshoppers)

Project Endo: Guest Blogger

(Photo Credit: Project Endo)

I will be starting a segment on Project Endo that will document my fertility journey. It will be a personal diary that documents my fertility experience - whether it be good or bad. 

I am excited, and extremely nervous, about sharing this experience with you. As many of you know, I really want a child. I worry that I may not have a filter when it comes to documenting my experience. However, my ultimate goal in this diary is to show that my amazing Endo Sisters are not alone. I hope to be your voice.

 Be on the lookout for my diary posts regarding my fertility experience and make sure to stop on by Project Endo to check out posts by Jo Gifford and other amazing Endo Women!!!

xo Heather 

RE Consultation: Update

Well.......

I had my consultation with the Reproductive Endocrinologist on Wednesday afternoon. Things are not looking to great for me. My fertility specialist said that I have four strikes against me: 

Strike 1: Four years without birth control and no pregnancies

Strike 2: Endometriosis (I hate that medical term)

Strike 3: Irregular periods

Strike 4: Tilted Uterus

(Photo Credit: The Gluten Doctors)

So there you have it. Right off the top, I have four issues that are working against me. Yes, I know, I have not had any testing yet. I am in the process. I will meet back with my doctor as soon as he has collected and reviewed all of the testing that my husband and I are gearing up for.

 I really hate my body. 

That is the only info that I have to give you at the moment, but I will keep you all posted. No matter how difficult things get in the future, my status and health will always be an open book. I want to document what it is like to live with endometriosis. I will always spread endo awareness, no matter how dark of a path it takes me on. I will not break.  However, I want to make those that do not live with this illness fully aware of what this disease can cause:

the inability to create life.

How do you cope with fertility issues?

xo Heather 

P.S. Sorry for the rant. I am very emotional tonight. Like many of you, I want a child so badly.

RE Consultation

(Photo Credit: Advanced Reproductive Center of Hawaii)

I have my initial consultation with my Reproductive Endocrinologist tomorrow. I do not want to hear bad news, but I understand why my doctor is having me find out the answer.

I will post the results as soon as I find out!

 

pray

pray

pray

 xo Heather  

Endo Journey: Other Medical Conditions

When I first started experiencing the unpleasant symptoms of my disorders, I was just happy to finally be have a name put on my condition. I no longer felt crazy and ignored. 

However, endometriosis can create other problems. Most women with endometriosis have other medical conditions, whether worsened by endo or not. For example, I also live with Interstitital Cystitis (IC) and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD). I was also diagnosed with IC and PFD before Endometriosis. 

The following is a list of medical conditions that women with endometriosis also live and suffer from:

• Depression 
• Anxiety
• Chronic Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches/Migraines
• Nausea
• Eating Disorders  
• Interstitial Cystitis
• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction 
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome
• Addison's Disease
• Fowler's Syndrome
• Adenomyosis
• Kidney Reflux
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Hip Impingement
• Trapped psoas muscle 

 I hurt everyday, but not all of my symptoms are endometriosis. Please don't just assume that what you are feeling is endometriosis pain or symptoms because you finally feel that you were given a name for your condition. If you still have unexplainable symptoms, please talk to your doctor or specialist. 

xo Heather

P.S. If you have a condition that is not listed, please contact me and I will add it. If you have any questions about any of the medical conditions please let me know.