256.4

That's the ICD-9 code for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), and a code I have become familiar with seeing on my charts.  I know this is a food blog, but I decided I needed a place to vent and tell my story about my struggle with infertility.  

I have been dealing with infertility as a result of PCOS for about 7-8 months now.  I have gone through 7 rounds of Clomid alongside a healthy dose of Metformin, all to no avail.  The problem is getting me to ovulate.  This month, the Reproductive Endocrinolgist has told us that we can move on to injectable medications.  This is both exciting and scary at the same time.  The exciting part is that it's a new avenue to give hope that a baby will be conceived!  The scary part is the price tag.  Unfortunately, my insurance does not cover a CENT of my infertility treatment.  I have to pay for every office visit ($86), every ultra sound ($280), the medications (~$1500/month), Intrauterine Insimination (IUI) ($240), any blood work they might require, further diagnostic testing, etc., etc. 

Thankfully, I have the best parents and in-laws in the world (see my Mother's Day post), who are all willing to lend a hand financially.

Today, I went to the Dr.'s office to get trained in giving myself injections!!!  Little did I know they were going to make me give myself a shot of saline right then and there to practice!  It took a good 30-60 seconds of psyching myself up to jab the needle in.  They also gave me my Follistim Package and some meds:

My medicine case

The pink cartridges contain fresh needles that are placed into the pen.

This is the pen.  On the left is where the cartridge of medicine is inserted, and the needle is inserted onto the end of the yellow part.  Then, the part on the right is the dial, this is how you dial up how much medicine the pen will administer when you push it down.

All together in a tidy little case, along with alcohol wipes and medical information.

Here are my meds alongside the hummus, eggs, and butter -- so appropriate for an infertile food blogger!  ;)

One HUGE drawback about these meds, is that I was told I can't do any significant working out while taking these.  I am not supposed to let my heart rate exceed 130!  And I was just getting pumped up to start some day classes at the YMCA!  Boo.

On the other hand, I'm really hopeful that this will work!  So, anyone reading this, please send good baby vibes my way!

I've started reading a book, that may help in this area:

Certain diets are known to be helpful for those suffering from PCOS, especially diets containing, not low carbs, but slow carbs (beans, fruit, veggies, etc.).  So far this book is very well written and informative!