Appt yesterday and another Monday

My NaPro doctor moved from NC to MO and he has been helping me via e-mailed charts and prescriptions, etc... This last cycle just was not looking as good BBT wise as the previous one and I was asking him what else we could do. We discussed upping my meds dose and he recommended getting an ultrasound of my ovaries prior to that so that we could make sure there were no large cysts or a lot of unruptured large follicles. I found a family doctor locally who would see self-pay patients (harder than I imagined)! I met with him yesterday. We talked for a while about my history, current treatment, what I needed and he palpated my belly and pretty quickly found my right ovary seemed enlarged and likely cystic. I guess with PCOS, that isn't a big surprise, but I was still disappointed. We have the ultrasound scheduled for Monday afternoon to get a good look and see what is going on there, how many cysts, how large, what kind and how the follicles are looking. It's a relief to finally be getting a "look-see" but intimidating nonetheless. I am also considering and discussing with both doctors trying to get an hsg done to check on blockages and see what my tubes and uterus are looking like... costly, but seems worth it? We are also going to check into getting a semen analysis done, it hasn't been pushed by doctors since Tom is "proven" :-) but a lot can change in 10 years and he is around a lot of chemicals and nasties in his work, so probably worth another check. We figure that throwing over $200 at meds a month, we should be good and certain nothing else is blocking the way. So, that's the update here. It's funny, now that the Dr. pressed on my ovary and I felt what it felt like (tender), I can find it now and feel the cysts. Eeek! I am nervous about the news of what all we find in there.

I've been feeling a little more "off" for the last 2 1/2 weeks. Ever since 10dpo last cycle, not sleeping real well, night sweats, temps erratic. Grrrr.....

More endo info

Endometriosis develops when endometrial-like tissue starts growing in places where it shouldn’t be, away from the lining of the uterus, often in the abdominal cavity or pelvic region, but sometimes in lungs or arms, and elsewhere. These tissue growths respond to hormonal signals in the menstrual cycle in the same way that uterine lining does, building up and breaking down each month. But while the uterine lining can be flushed out of the body during menstruation, the tissue remains of endometrial growths have no place to go. Internal bleeding, inflammation and other problems result.

Conventional diagnosis is difficult because even using a technique such as laparoscopy, in which the abdominal cavity is inspected through a fibre-optic tube inserted through a small incision at the navel, in many cases the endometriosis cannot be seen. Often the first clue a doctor has, especially if there are no obvious symptoms, is when a woman complains of infertility.

But for most sufferers, the symptoms are obvious and painful. Since endometrial tissue responds to the same hormones as the uterus does at menstruation, the sufferer has the same cramping pains, bleeding and irritation that are a familiar part of a normal menstrual cycle. Imagine agonising period pains that spread throughout the abdominal cavity and you understand why some women with severe endometriosis faint with pain.

Orthodox treatment is with drugs that all have unpleasant side-effects. According to Merck Manual of Medical Information, danazol, one of the most common treatments, can lead to weight gain, acne, a lowered voice, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, muscle cramps, bleeding between periods, mood swings, hair growth, liver malfunction and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Some things I can do (many I am already doing):

• WATER - lots and lots of water!!! (see below post)
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Eat more salmon
• Magnesium
• Red and green veggies
• Berries (anti-inflammatory)

Some things I need to reduce or remove from my diet:

• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Wheat
• Dairy

Endo

It looks like I can add endometriosis to my diagnosis', I've been suspecting it but last few months have experienced this...

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The pain you're experiencing in your right hip and lower back is most likely due to endo pressing on the sciatic nerve and is most often aggravated by the back flow of menstrual blood and (clotting). This pain can continue for many years but can be relieved by reducing salt intake and by drinking more water prior to menstruation so as to thin and flush out clotting. Your doctor most likely won't tell you this as they are far less experienced in understanding endo pain than those who have and live with the disease. The pain in the lower hip and back can be relieved by flushing out the kidneys and bladder simply by drinking alot of water.Also when you're experiencing excruciating pain try this...Lie down and bring your knees to your chin and hold for at least 15 minutes. I find that this really helps.
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I really, really, really need to be drinking my water.... need some people to help me be accountable. If I know you'll ask when you see me / chat with me, it will help me. Please? Thanks! :-)

Evaluation - Part 2, Diagnosis

Based on symptoms and past tests, I know that I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, I also am Hypothyroid and have Adrenal Insufficiency/Exhaustion.

When I was 9-10 years old I was hospitalized for about a week with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (an autoimmune disorder with low platelets). I was treated with steroids. When I was in high school I developed asthma for a time and used an inhaler that also contained steroids. The use of steroids has been cited as a cause of hypothyroidism, as have the hormones in oral birth control pills (I took them for a month when we were first married, before we knew of the abortifacient effects). The hormonal imbalances and hypothyroid, kidney problems, adrenal issues all go hand-in-hand. It has been interesting to find some connections and sources for the problems.

A book that I am currently reading and finding helpful is Thyroid Power: 10 Steps to Total Health. A self-assessment from that book and others showed that I have a vast majority of symptoms (see earlier post), and the basal temp and iodine patch test further confirm my suspicions. I have long suspected sluggish thyroid and after researching the various panels of testing done by doctors I have not been convinced that it would be helpful at this time (especially considering our threatened health care system reform) to go that route.

I will post further on some of the interesting things found in my reading and also the treatments I do plan to explore.