Here we go again!

Wednesday I went in for my follie-scan and my doctor was rather pleased... more so than me. He was estatic about my endometrial stripe which was now at a nice and plump 13mm (up from 9mm last month and 7mm the month before that) and a good sized follicle at 24.5mm. This little sucker was on my right ovary, but I was sad to see that it was all alone and had no buddy! My doc wasn't very disturbed by that, but I guess I just figure 2 is better than 1, know what I mean? My left ovary was just a mess of PCOS, looked like a cluster of grapes... below is a picture of what PCOS looks like on an ultrasound, although this particular ovary is not mine.

So yeah, that was what my left one looked like. I wonder if she'll ever work? In the past 3 years of TTC, I think it would be generous to say I've ovulated from that side more than once or twice. If I ever lose my right ovary I think I'd be totally screwed b/c little miss lefty here just sits there all cysted up and does nothing, month after month. *sigh* That's a scary thought. I'm having to increase my Metformin dose, in the hopes that this will help with the PCOS.

In any case, I'm officially back in the 2ww... we'll see what time will bring us. I'm trying to be more hopeful this month. My doctor is ever optimistic, and continues to cheer me on and pray for us. If nothing else, I'm so grateful for his care and attention... Infertility is hard enough to have to deal with a doctor that doesn't care or understand. I'm so blessed to have one that takes such good care of me!

Can't you just CHILL Ursela?

So I'm 7dpo today and have been cramping for 3 days... 5dpo is WAY too early to start cramping and this cannot bode well. I've always had this problem. I thought it was just bad luck that I'd cramp for a week and some before AF came each month. Now I know its just the Endo. A while back ago I read this on Endo-Resolved (link can be found on my sidebar) and it just saddens me that this could be happening right now... ruining my possible implantation.

Prostaglandins are required for ovulation, regression of the corpus luteum (i.e., ending the monthly menstrual cycle), sperm motility, immune interaction, contraction of the uterus at birth and menstrual cramps. Endometriosis implants and the endometrium of the uterus are the richest source of prostaglandin production in the body.

However, the problem with Endometriosis implants includes:- Prostaglandins are released into the abdomen instead of inside the womb- Prostaglandins release by the implants seem to be out of phase with their release by the uterus. Prostaglandins are produced at the wrong time sending the wrong message.

For instance, there is a normal surge in prostaglandin F production at the end of the menstrual cycle, causing the effect of the copus luteum of the ovary to die down and signaling the start of a new menstrual cycle. The implants of Endometriosis produce their own prostaglandin surge several days after that of the womb lining. This may be one of the main causes of very early miscarriage.

If a women is a few days pregnant then the Endometriosis implants producing prostaglandin F would incorrectly signal the ovary to start a new menstrual cycle, causing the womb lining with the implanted egg to be expelled - and the consequence is an early miscarriage.
Prostaglandins also play an important role in the contractions of womb and fallopian tubes. During the normal menstrual cycle, the gentle contraction of the womb and fallopian tube aids the movement of egg and sperm to the outer third of the fallopian tube where fertilization occurs. High concentrations of endometriosis implants may prevent fertilization. An excess of PGF2 and PGE2 could cause contractions that are too strong and expel the egg too quickly.

The prometrium is supposed to act as a muscle relaxer in a way for my uterus, which would help with this but... here I am 7dpo and cramping for 3 days... something makes me think it's not working so well. I know many say cramping can be a GOOD thing and a "sign" of pregnancy, but I don't think that applies to us Endo sufferers. *sigh* Oh well... I guess we'll see if I'm right in about a week... By the way, Ursela is my pet name for my evil uterus.

Success!

I went in for my folliescan today and did not get to see any folicles... but never fear, this time it was a good thing! There were none there because.... I already ovulated! I got that + OPK on Wed and sure enough my temps spiked up very high today, so I went in today thinking that I probably ovulated yesterday. The ultrasound confirmed my suspicion and we were able to see my corpus luteum, what's left of a follicle that has recently burst, and what is responsible for producing progesterone to keep a pregnancy viable in the first few weeks until the placenta takes over. My endometrial stripe (or lining) was at 9.3mm which is good depth for implantation. No cysts were found (which is a huge relief!) so all around, a great visit with fantastic news!

Now begins the long 2 week wait (2ww). On Sunday (3dpo or days past ovulation) I start taking my Prometrium and continue on that for 12 days. At that point I will be 15dpo and ready to test if my temps are still high and AF has not arrived. This is the hardest part of every cycle... the never-ending wait... wish me luck!