Clomid Dreams

Infertility is a painful word, and it is worse when people make you feel as though there is something wrong with you when you are struggling to have a baby. There isn't just one issue or word that sums up infertility and the outcome or treatment isn't the same for everyone. I am sharing my story to give hope to others even though I haven't conceived, because the journey is what is important.

Just the Beginning

My personal journey began when my husband and I had been trying to conceive in February 2010. The usual planning around ovulation dates and following the basal body temperature wasn't working, and after 6 and 7 months I became really frustrated. It seemed that every where I looked a woman was pregnant, and all of my friends already had their children and were living their life. I was facing turning 34 years of age and still without a child, and felt as though my life was so behind.

I was referred to one of the top Obstetricians in Dayton, Ohio and it was then that I was introduced to another part of the equation; something I had not even considered would be an issue. I had uterine fibroid tumors but the tumors don't cause infertility, the problem is where the tumors are located. I had known for several months that I had fibroids, but I didn't know where they were located. As it turns out, the largest one was located in the endometrial lining of the uterus which could potentially hinder implantation of the egg when it's released. Dr. Banias suggested doing an HSG; a procedure in which an x-ray image would be taken after dye was injected through my cervix. Once the dye was injected images would be taken rapidly showing whether or not the dye would flow through my Fallopian tubes and dump into the abdomen. The doctor explained to me that this would show us whether or not both my Fallopian tubes were open, which could be a potential problem in addition to the large uterine fibroid.

The end result of the images did in fact reveal that my right tube was completely closed, but the left one was open. Dr. Banias explained to me that I could still get pregnant, but my chances were cut in half. He also indicated that my uterus had a "T shape", and that could cause problems as well, which didn't excite me at all. I could see the images for myself, and while it was all overwhelming there was something more to talk about; Clomid.

Clomid and What We Know

Clomid was introduced in the 1960's, and was developed in order to replace unnecessary surgical procedures known as "ovarian resections". The purpose of the drug was to aid in helping women that were not ovulating properly, and in some cases in which women had miscarriages between 8 to 10 weeks. This was the case for myself personally, because I had one confirmed miscarriage at around 10 weeks and one that was suspected but not confirmed earlier on. There is always some mystery surrounding those who cannot seem to sustain a pregnancy further than the first trimester but it isn't uncommon. The Clomid for me was definitely worth trying before considering surgery. Being cut on is major, and for me the recovery period would have been several weeks. I was so close to saying yes because getting pregnant is so important to me, but I had to remind myself that all things are possible. Giving Clomid a try would be worth it if I didn't have to undergo major surgery and a long recovery period.

Dr. Banias being positive and truthful has made the process a lot easier. In the past while struggling with ovarian cysts and the previous miscarriages doctors were anxious to perform surgeries. Dr. Banias' approach of "all things are possible", and if it doesn't work then we move onto the next step makes more sense. My thinking is that taking baby steps is literally the better way before considering surgeries or being so quick to run off to an adoption attorney.

Always remember too that most women who have been pregnant always think they know everything and have an answer for everything. We are all made different, and have a different opinion and plan that we want to follow. Don't ever let your dreams be impeded or criticized by someone who isn't making the journey with you. Staying positive and taking care of yourself is important. I have done a lot of research, and according to Leonid Macheret of Partners in Wellness in Fairfield, Ohio, diet and nutrition are equally important. A diet that is high in fat and sugar changes everything and can disturb a woman's natural hormonal balance. The body can't function properly and the body gets out of balance. Women are most affected because there is more potential for disease and challenges in the reproductive system. As a result, I have followed a more plant based diet and reduced my intake of caffeine to help in the process.

I haven't conceived yet, but the there is an 80% success rate using Clomid, and I have several friends who have used it with success. I am currently using my second month of Clomid and awaiting my ovulation days. Charting ovulation and keeping track of your cycles is important, that way you know you are on the path to maybe finding other answers when it doesn't happen as planned. I am looking forward to the rest of the journey, and I wish you all the best of luck and happiness.

Leonid Macheret M.D.
Partners in Wellness
Fairfield, Ohio