Medical Update

After a crazy busy week while fighting another sinus infection, I finally have a chance to post the results of my NaPro doctor visit. First of all, thanks to all my blogger and Facebook Friends who prayed for me. I was not as nervous and uptight like usual.

Part of the worry for this appointment was the possibility of surgery (laparoscopy). I would have to go to a NaPro surgeon 3 hours away. The biggest obstacle is the likelihood that insurance would not cover it. With our fervent adoption endeavors, we would be faced with a huge, agonizing choice. As my husband told me, I would have to think carefully if forgoing the surgery meant I would ask "What if?" for the rest of my life.

The good news? The doc doesn't even want to look at surgery for another 6 months. The "new" news? I need to start making a collage of pharmacy medication bottles. The doctor added 3 more items to my medical regimen. At least one of the three is finally covered by insurance. The fact that the doctor still wants to go the medicinal route most likely means there is some hope. Even if I don't get pregnant, I'll be grateful that the meds helped me become healthier.

The doctor was pleased with my progress on the HCG shots. In fact, my most recent cycle began with very minor cramps (!), for the first time in my entire life. He did, however, want the mucus to improve. I had hoped he would take away Femara ($48 for 9 pills; still makes me a little nauseous) but no luck. The new meds he added are Naltrexone (supposed to help PMS and sustain a possible pregnancy) and Amoxicillin.

We told the doctor of our adoption endeavors and our budget concerns. He promised to take these things into consideration. It's so wonderful to have a doctor who actually cares.

So, in all its glory, here is my laundry list of medications and what they're for. Hopefully my lurking, silent readers may see something that might help them too. :)

Pre-Natal vitamins
Advil (cramps, aches, pains)
Vitamin B-6 (help C. mucas)
HCG injections on Peak + 3, 5, 7, 9 (help balance my hormones)
Femara (a Clomid alternative)
Naltrexone (PMS, sustaining a possible pregnancy)
Amoxicillin (help mucas)
Vitamin D-3 (recommended by our Creighton instructor)

I had to buy one of those plastic pill boxes to keep everything together! Aaack. Anyway, thanks again for your prayers and support.

Another Fork in the Road

This afternoon I have an appointment with the NaPro doctor. He will review my progress over the past 6 months and make a recommendation. I'm rather nervous that he may prescribe some more painful remedies. The nice thing about a doctor like him is that he really cares. I know we can be up front with him about our adoption endeavors.

I made this bracelet to wear for my doctor appointments, blood tests, etc. It has medals of various saints who intercede for infertility: St. Collette (legend says her parents were 50 when they gave birth to her!), St. Gerard, St. Gianna (touched to her relics), and St. Therese (not necessarily an infertility saint, but one of my favorites). The bracelet is the equivalent of bringing a heavenly posse into daunting doctors' offices! :)

I made a similar bracelet for Grace In My Heart, except with saints that were special to her: St. Patrick (E's middle name), St. Ann, St. Joseph.

So I'll post an update today or tomorrow with the results from the doctor. Thank God we have a Trader Joe's run planned after the appointment!!