Fertility Diary: RE Consultation

Tyler, my husband and I had our first meeting with the Reproductive Endocrinologist last Wednesday (January 9, 2013). I will get back to the consultation in a moment, but first I want to share something with you.

The night before the RE consultation, my 19 year old sister called me with news that I was not prepared for – she called to tell me that she was expecting. A million emotions ran through my head, and I feel guilty to admit that they were not all good thoughts.

All night long, I tossed and turned trying to heal my hurt. I even had a good cry before my consultation.

The next afternoon, Tyler and I arrived to meet Dr. Amols – who is an amazing doctor. After we discussed our history of trying to conceive, I received the bad news. Dr. Amols told me that I have four issues working against me, right off the top. These issues are the fact that I have not had any pregnancies in four years, endometriosis, irregular periods, and a tilted uterus.

I begin testing to determine my ability to become pregnant next week then will meet with Dr. Amols to discuss options available to us, if there are any. I feel really confident that he will try everything he can do to help my husband and I start a family, but I am leaving it up to God.

My health insurance also only covers 80% of the testing. After the testing, my medical insurance does not help with any of the options, so everything will be out of pocket. So whatever these options are will have to be carefully considered financially, since I will undergo three surgeries this year.

I do not understand why God had chosen for me to learn of my sister’s baby news at that exact moment in time. Prior to the phone call, I was laying on the couch praying to God for a good consultation appointment while trying to come to peace with the fact that I may not be able to conceive. Why now? I had never been jealous, envious, or bitter towards my sister up until that moment. I am still struggling with the fact that I am so hurt by the news that my sister is pregnant. In recent years, I have become angry and upset at learning of other woman becoming pregnant, but this is a new low for me to be unhappy with my sister.

xo Heather

Image Credit: Jenna Marbles, Good Reads

Endo & Relationships

I recently ran across the following video through Twitter and wanted to share it with you! Arielle Denise, the lovely women in the video also has other great YouTube videos - so make sure that you subscribe to her channel!!

Watch the video here:

Special thanks to Arielle Denise (@A_healthyDancer) for allowing me to share such a great Endometriosis clip! 

Do you have an endo video that you would like to share? Leave a comment below!

xo Heather

Ask the Audience

Okay, so it's time to bring up the "E" word to your partner. How do you do it? When is the right time? How many dates before the topic of Endometriosis comes up? Do you think this makes or breaks the relationship? 

I want to know your thoughts, past experiences, and feelings on this subject.

Leave a comment below, or shoot me an e-mail if you want to remain anonymous.

I will be typing up a follow-up post as advice for single endo women soon.

xo Heather

MTV: True Life episode

I ran across this episode of True Life: I Can't Have Sex. Endometriosis isn't mentioned, but painful sex and pelvic disorders were mentioned. This episode aired a couple of years ago, but is still insightful. I also like the fact that these brave women shared their story on national television. Check out the clip here. 

What do you think? Leave a comment below. 

xo Heather 

Photo Credit: Bangs & A Bun

Holiday Wishlist

Holidays can be a little stressful, even though they are not meant to be. For those of us who suffer with this terrible illness, the stress is greater. Between missing work for surgeries and medical bills galore, I have found myself extremely worked up over making sure I am able to afford gifts for everyone on my list. Anyway, I have created a list of special gifts to purchase for endo sisters that are affordable, unique and very useful for all of the endo warriors of the world. 

My idea for this blog actually came from a fellow Endo Sister, Meg! You can find her at @heyymegg – thanks for such an amazing idea Meg! If you are not following her already, I highly recommend it! Now for the list:

Heating pad: This is a necessity for all of my lovely endo ladies. The one listed above can be found here. Remember, you can find heating pads at any department store at just about every price point. (Hint: we don't need anything fancy, just something to get the job done!) 

Leg warmers: Leg warmers are another unique gift idea, that can be found at any price point. They would also make a fun DIY gift idea if you are good at knitting (or want to learn). I have included a couple of different options like the ones above from American Apparel here. This fabulous pair from an Etsy shop are on MY wishlist! :)

Yoga pants: Between frequent un-Godly pain, surgeries and the occasionally lazy days, yoga pants are an Endo woman's best friend! I am obsessed with Victoria's Secret so naturally, my example of a great pair of yoga pants is from that AH-Mazing store! I love the yoga shorts and leggings options as well! Get your loved one a pair - they will be comfy while looking sexy! Check out multiple styles and colors here. 

The Holy Bible: Even though endometriosis women put on a brave face, we deal with a lot on a daily basis. Give your endo warrior something inspiring to read like a copy of God's Word - bonus points if you have her name engraved on the cover. If she is not the religious type, simply purchase a lovely read from the inspirational section at your local bookstore or good ol' Amazon. 

Bath Salts: Every woman loves a luxorius bath, so spoil her with a bath salt collection. Either find a DIY project like the one here, or head to Bath & Body Works if you are not the crafty type (or simply don't have the time). You will be sure to please! :)

Comfort Food: Bake up a batch of warm chocolate chip cookies or surprise her with a jar of Hot Chocolate mix. (I am actually going to use the hot cocoa recipe for a few people on my list)! If she is feeling down, these simple, but oh-so-delicious gifts will definitely cheer her up!

What items are on your Christmas wishlist? If you have other ideas for the perfect gift, let me know in the comments below!

xo Heather

Endo & Remaining Intimate

For all of the ladies who have a boyfriend or husband in the picture, it is no secret that being intimate with our dreadful condition is extremely difficult. Not to mention painful. Since I first started having symptoms of endometriosis, this has been one of the biggest challenges for me. I do not want to risk my marriage because of lack of intimacy. So, with the help of the always amazing Google search engine, and my own personal ideas, I have created a list of ways to be intimate, without being, well, intimate!

Sensual touching: Give your lover shoulder rubs or back massages. There is something incredible about pleasing your partner. Bonus points for massage oils, like the one listed here from Bath & Body Works.

Go on a walk: Grab some coffee or hot chocolate and take a walk. I took the picture above while walking in downtown Scottsdale. You never know what you will find or run into!

 

Enjoy the sunrise/sunset: I haven't lived in Phoenix long, but I do have to brag that The Southwest has some of the most Uh-Mazing sunrises and sunsets that I have ever seen. I took this stunning picture just outside the Superstition Mountains. Watching the sun rise or set is a very romantic way to spend time with your love.

Cook his favorite meal: Okay, so what? The picture above isn't a great example since it doesn't showcase my cooking abilities. However, it is a funny picture of Tyler (my husband)!Anyway, you can set the mood by lighting some romantic candles. Then dim the lights and have dinner ready when he arrives. You will definitely get bonus points if you put on one of his button-up shirts. When I want to be sexy, I always think back to the Pretty Woman scene where Richard Gere comes home to Julia Roberts in a new tie. So, if you are feeling frisky, make it just the tie. Warning: He just might like it!

Bubble baths/steamy showers: Laying together in a warm, luxurious bubble bath is a great way to reconnect with your partner. Make sure to ask him how his day was and really listen to him. With all that women with endometriosis deal with, sometimes it is easy to forget to ask the main man in our lives just how he is doing. Added points for drying him off with a hot towel! 

(photo credit: Rue Magazine)

Go on your first date: Surprise him with a de javu moment and recreate your first date. It will definitely remind both of you how far you have come as a couple, while reminiscing on such a memorable moment. Make sure to remind him of the way that you felt (minus any bad moments) to really make him feel loved.

Buy him a present: This does not have to be an expensive or lavish gift, especially since the holidays are coming up. Simply purchase a “just-because” gift to showcase your love and appreciation for him. If you need help with suggestions, think along the lines of his favorite candy, junk food, or alcoholic beverage. FYI - that is Tonka as a puppy (and a gift to ourselves when we adopted him from a local shelter).

Try out a game of “Truth or Dare”. Play an adult version of “Truth or Dare” or another game that can have a naughty side to it. Here is a great site that has several sexy examples of “truths” and “dares.” In the picture above, Tyler and I got a little daring and dressed up for some photobooth fun at my sisters wedding!

 

Finally, just enjoy the moment. You're in love, and your partner is with you on this crazy rollercoaster ride called Endometriosis. Enjoy every minute!

What do you do as a couple to keep the spark alive? Leave a comment below!

xo Heather

 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO MY AMAZING AND SUPPORTIVE HUSBAND!! 

I have an amazing man who has been so helpful and caring through my recent struggles and I cannot thank him enough!

LOVE YOU TYLER!!!!