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May 01, 2013

Hello Clomid

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?

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Comments

kjw
kjw said…
I don't have any experience with Clomid, but I wanted to say I hope the side effects are not too bad for you and that I really hope you see some great results.
Sarah @ Vol Family Life
Good luck! I've not been on Clomid personally but two of my best friends (twins actually) both took it and as far as I know they did well on it, with no severe emotional pain. I do have another friend who took it and ended up with triplets!
Nicolette
Nicolette said…
Glad to hear you have a plan. I know when we were trying to conceive it was comforting just to have a plan even if the end results was unknown. The plan at least gave me something to focus on. Personally, I did not have any adverse effects from Clomid. We were monitor throughout my cycle. I found it that it lowered my stress level to hear from the Dr. that things were ok. Good Luck!
Beth
Beth said…
Hey Nicole,
I agree with Nicolette; it's good you have a plan. For now, you're doing everything you can do and making the best choices you can. I think the worst thing about TTC is how out-of-control it makes you feel, like all of the time. I think it helps to have an action plan.
I've had a few friends on Clomid--all of them ended up successfully conceiving (took some longer than others). I don't know too much about the side effects--but I don't remember hearing any horror stories, and one of the gals I knew on it was my best friend (I would have heard horror stories had she had them).
Praying for a baby for you....
Beth
Steph @ The Kat Almanac
Glad you have a plan! I'm going toask my acupuncturist (who specializes in fertility) if there are any herbs or supplements you can take to support you while on clomid :)
Jen @ the mama years
Best of luck with the clomid - I tell people it's kind of like PMS on steroids, so whoever is taking it deserves massages/chocolate/flowers etc ;) Love that your REI is a Dick chceney doppleganger, kind of hilarious!
Briana
Briana said…
I did three rounds of clomid when TTC our son and I had the side effects you mentioned. I'm on my first round right now since we're TTC #2 and so far haven't had the emotional side effects (but the hot flashes have started). Of course it's all worth it in the end :)
Jen
Jen said…
After an easy, successful first pregnancy, I suffered a miscarriage with my second and then couldn't conceive at all for over a year. Finally my doctor put me on Clomid. I'm not sure how many months I was on it...I believe 3-4. I only remember a lot of bloating but no emotional side effects. It worked, and soon our second child was born! I wish you the best of luck! Hang in there!
Mandee
Mandee said…
I did 3 rounds of IUI with clomid. It didn't work for me but neither did femara. All I remember with clomid was being VERY hormonal and pretty much a B*tch.
Unknown
Unknown said…
One cycle. That's all I will ever take of Clomid because it thinned my lining to the point where pregnancy would not happen. This is extremely common. Monitoring should never be optional. It's also where many high order multiple pregnancies come from because you don't know to avoid on cycles where you are over stimulated. I couldn't care less about the hormonal and hot flashes that can occur. Those go away. Clomid has the potential to cause serious issues that could leave you less fertile than where you are now.

And please do not consider taking any herbs or supplements with Clomid without consulting your RE first. Many acupuncturists will recommend Vitex which is a huge no-go with Clomid. Many herbs will interfere with the meds. Nothing goes in without the green light from the RE.
jennifer draper
jennifer draper said…
I personally haven't gained any weight while taking Clomid. I don't know if diabetes would affect that, though. I suggest just sticking to your diet and making sure you're exercising.