A week later I'm still processing everything we learned at our RE appointment. A lot of what the doctor {who on a strange side-note looked just like Dick Cheney} was not new information and a lot was what we expected to hear.
For starters, the doctor made it very clear that most likely we will never know exactly why I've had three miscarriages in nine months. Yes, there are some obvious things that we can and will rule out, but there is a chance we have just gotten really unlucky. For the most part, we are just going to not try to figure out why this has happened, but look forward to the future.
As for my hunch about the issue, a luteal phase defect, the RE thinks my cycles are borderline. Not awesome, not terrible.
Anyway, we have a plan moving forward. After a couple tests to make sure nothing is physically wrong with me {an HSG and an ultrasound} and some blood work to check hormone levels, I'm going to be starting Clomid. The hope is that the Clomid will help to produce a better quality egg which would have fewer chances of genetic issues and lengthen my cycle. The RE said new research shows that things like progesterone (what I was previously on) aren't very effective on their own if we aren't fixing the issue prior to ovulation. The Clomid will help the front half of my cycle in the hopes that the second half will fix itself.
Downside to Clomid -- sometimes it doesn't work and can cause other serious issues. To help prevent this our doctor offered mid-cycle monitoring. I know a lot of people say this is a must, but my doctor said it was optional for the first couple cycles. So, we aren't really sure how much monitoring we will have our first cycle.
Other issue, Clomid is not easy to take. My doctor said to expect "extreme emotional discomfort." I've heard horror stories about how women feel and act on the drug. It scares me -- especially since I have to take care of a frustrating toddler all day.
So, that's the plan. Just waiting for a new cycle to get to work. Who has been on Clomid? Did it work? What were your side effects?
{Photos from my Instagram -- Do you follow me yet?}
