Apt. obgyn

Got a apt tomorrow with a obgyn. My family Dr. didn't want to deal with my blood pressure said I should go see someone who knew more what I should be on while ttc. So I got a apt with one, sent them my records from the RI all the testing I just had done so they also know what I am dealing with for the future. Hoping they will be able to put me on something else safe to take and get my number lower last check it was 150/100 even on meds.

On the good note the thyroid meds seem to be making me feel better today was 1 week on them now. Next week I do my first blood draw to see if they are lowering my levels back down. Still waiting for my Metanx to come in the mail hoping that will be soon. One step at a time maybe by end of April we will be on the way to doing a FET. Just trying to be patient in the meantime lose more weight and let these new meds get things to work better.

 

UPDATE 3/19: My apt. with the obgyn went well today. Explained my whole ttc journey in a few sentences lol - She feels she can help me monitor my health and even into pregnancy she said I can always transfer if they decide I am more higher risk than they can handle. We went over what is currently wrong with me took note of the clotting issues. My bp is way HIGH we took it with 3 different bp cuffs the lowest one was 148/106 the highest was 220/108 so defiantly have a issue. She put me on Nifedical xl 30mg and I have to go back next wed. to check my bp and if still not lower we will up the dosage till we get it back to normal. Pharmacy said if can cause headaches and dizziness at first so I am taking it at night. Glad I went in as it was dangerous high. Also talked about weight loss as they do have a program there but insurance won't cover any of it so that was a bummer, she said in 3 months it help me drop at least another 20 if I followed it but the cost is not something I can see doing right now. Going to just keep on the track I am on be more strict I got the readers digest 30 day diet and going to do that, up the exercise. I feel a ton better on my thyroid medication too so things are coming along.

 UPDATE 3/27: Blood pressure still not in check was 145/101 not much better from the week before. So they doubled my bp meds. I was not happy about it as it made me really sick for the rest of the week while I adjusted to the higher dosage. Praying next week it's better. 

Current Fundraiser

If you wish to support us in our journey we still have our magazine/cookie dough fundraiser 40% goes to our medical fund. We also have a paypal donation site and of course my jewelry page HBW. The cost of travel, testing and procedures has been adding up quickly.

Thank you everyone for your support and prayers, it means so much to us to have another chance to become parents. I can not begin to explain what we have gone through for the past 10yrs the pain the struggle to just have what other couples do. With this new Dr. and results of testing we have a little hope back that we know what is wrong and with medications special treatment during a cycle we can finally have a good chance at our dream. Please keep us in prayer.




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Thyroid Meds

Day 4 of my new medication synthroid for my thyroid, I can say I feel less of a total overall exhaustion that has been with me for years, my mind feels clearer and if this keeps up I can see having some renewed energy that has been missing in my life. My other new medication Mentax (high dose folic acid b vit for clotting issues) was not covered by my insurance but I found a place to get it at a good price so as soon as that comes and all the new supplements VIT E etc. get here in the mail and get into me - it will be interesting to see how I feel. Really thankful for a Dr. who has finally listened to me did the right testing and gave me back hope.

Prayers and Book Recommendation

Found this very encouraging today and wanted to pass it on ...

I came across this prayer today and I wanted to share. I hope this blesses you as much as it did me. We can't forget who is in control. Not doctors, not what your circumstances look like right now. Our heavenly father is in control. And he has a beautiful baby waiting for each and everyone one of us.I would like to start a prayer chain right here, for all of us to get the children that we have been wanting for so long. When everything else fails, try GOD. Don't let diagnosis shake you, don't let psychic readings break you nor believe in them. Cling to the Lords unchanging hand and see what he does for you. I hope you enjoy:

Many women trying to get pregnant have become frustrated as days go by and no pregnancy shows up. However I want to encourage you, from God's Word, that barrenness is not your portion. God created you to be fruitful, so expect it. Expect God's Word to establish fruitfulness in your life today, in Jesus name. I want to encourage you with this scripture from God's Word. God says, "He will love you and bless you and increase your numbers.

He will bless the fruit of your womb, the crops of your land, your grain, new wine and oil, the calves of your herds and the lambs of your flocks in the land that He swore to your forefathers to give you. Deuteronomy 7:13.

This scripture promises you total blessing in all areas of your life, including fruit of the womb, which means having beautiful and healthy children. Now I want you to receive this promise of God by faith and praise Him for it, as you pray, in Jesus name.

Prayer: O Lord, You are my praise and my song and I bless You. By faith I speak out and bless You that You have done for me all these great and awesome things you promised in your word. By faith in your unfailing word I call myself a happy mother of children. I am fruitful because that is what you have said concerning me.

Blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are God and you have made the Heaven of heavens, with all their hosts, the seas, and all that is in them and you alone are God. I worship you Lord. What no one could do for me, you have done it, Lord.

Because you love me so much you have blessed me and increased my numbers and blessed with the fruit of the womb. Lord you are my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid of all the negative reports about me conceiving a child of my own, for you are my strength and my song; and have also become my salvation. I praise You, O Lord, and call upon your name. I declare your doings among the people, and make mention that your name is exalted. Thank you Father, in Jesus name. Amen

Dancing Upon Barren Land is a great book if you looking for more prayers. I got mine the other week and really enjoy reading it.

Current Suppliments and Medications for ttc

Here is what I am on now some of the items I was on in the past and some are new. All of them are things that Dr. Kwack-Kim has approved me to be on for ttc and for the issues I tested positive for. I also don't absorb nutrients and vitamins well so I have to supplement more than maybe someone who does.

Vitamins Supplements

1. Vitamin E 400IU 2xday
2. Calcium - Magnesium Citrate with vit D 1,000mg a day
3. Chromium Picolinate 500mcg 2xday
4. Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg 1xday (for egg quality and metabolism but may have to stop this one as it could interfere with thyroid medications)
5. Fish Oil 2126mg 2xday  with Vit D 2,000IU a day- Omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the body, reducing inflammation and boosting immunity.
6. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) - Having Thyroid issues can rob you of this essential nutrient possibly resulting in heart failure. Supplementing with CoQ10 may be the key if you have been diagnosed with thyroid problems.
7. Green Drinks - ( Dynamic Fruits and Greens) with Hemp protien powder
8. DHEA 25mg 1xday - a month or so before our FET (frozen embryo transfer) I'll be starting on this as my levels where low. 
9. Prenatal Plus 1xday (prescription strength prenatal vitamin)
10. Metformin er (prescription) 2,000mg a day 2m 2n (for pcos and healthy insulin levels, it is also suppose to help the PAI-1 gene that I tested positive for)
11. Synthroid 50mg to start with (for my thyroid and the elevated TSH levels to get them under 2.0)
12. Mentax 1xday (in prescription form) will replace my folic acid and b-complex as this is a much higher dosage due to my clotting issues and in a form that I am able to digest. High levels of folic acid are crucial to getting and staying pregnant. My insurance won't cover this medication or anything similar but I was able to find it cheaper at Brand Direct.(Otherwise one should be on a B-complex or B6 and B12 and Folic Acid if you are not on one of the prescription one's)
13. Evening Primrose Oil with GLA 1300mg 1xday- help with inflammation levels
14. Turmeric Phytosome™ Curcumin 500mg 1xday - help lower my inflammation levels
15. Methydopa 250mg 2xday and Nifedipin xl 90 mg a day (blood pressure)
16. Baby Aspirin 81mg 1xday (to help with the blood clotting issues I have) 
17. B-12- Liquid supplement Nature Made Brand
18. Plus my asthma medications which don't really have anything to do with ttc

So for now this is what I am on, when it gets closer to our FET then more meds will get added to this list. Been a challenge to get all this in each day.

Why is Thyroid function important to fertility and your health?

Since I get asked a lot of questions on what testing others should do I am going to start blogging about different issues I have dealt with in hopes it can help others on their journeys.

Today I am going to talk about Thyroid.


Normal thyroid levels refer to the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates the body metabolism. The thyroid gland produces two types of hormones Thyroxin (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). In the liver, T4 is converted by using iodine and the amino acid Tyrosine into T3, which is the active form.

These hormones are very important in the human body because they regulate proper metabolic function and affect reproductive health. When the thyroid gland is out of balance, regular ovulation may not happen each month leading to thyroid infertility.

PCOS and Thyroid issues go hand in hand.

EVERYONE dealing with fertility issues should have there thyroid tested. A complete Thyroid blood workup consists of 9 blood tests not just the 1 most Dr. do. They are TSH, FT4, FT3, FTI, Resin T3 uptake, TPO and TGB Antibodies.

Where pregnancy and fertility is concerned and for optimal health you should have a thyroid level under 2.0.Elevated TSH, T3 and T4 levels indicate that the thyroid gland is underactive and you will most likely be given the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. If the thyroid TSH levels are low, hyperthyroidism is instead a most likely diagnosis.  

Thyroid antibodies also can effect your fertility and raise your risk of early miscarriage. When you consider the quote below how many of us dealing with infertility issues also are positive for these antibodies but go undiagnosed. It's important to ask for the complete thyroid blood panel.

"According to the American Thyroid Association, 10 to 20% of all pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy are positive for Hashimoto’s antibodies, but they are euthyroid. Euthyroid means they have normal thyroid functioning based on their TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level, the most common measurement of thyroid function. Their thyroid function in early pregnancy appears to be normal and they may even feel well, all the while their body is silently attacking and destroying their own thyroid gland. By testing TSH alone, thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto’s may be missed, and your doctor may have no idea your baby is at risk."

Even if your TSH is normal before you start any fertility treatments you should ask to have it checked during the cycle because what many Dr. will not tell you is taking fertility medications (clomid, femara, injections) can raise your TSH so monitoring of it during cycles needs to take place to keep it under the 2.0 is very important. If your levels raise higher than 2.0 while on medications during your cycle you should be on a thyroid medication to lower your TSH as this will help prevent implantation failure or early mc. 

Some other info on how thyroid effects IF:

1) Low thyroid production (High TSH) causes high prolactin. High prolactin causes you to not ovulate. No ovulation = no pregnancy.

2) Being hypothyroid interferes with all bodily funtions including ovulation and your ability to sustain a pregnancy, so if you are hypothryoid you must be on thryoid meds to bring your thyorid levels to normal for conception and holding a pg.

2) However, that being said, unfortunately for many of us that's not enough.  Testing positive for thryoid antibodies (either of them- there are 2 types) indicating that the uterus is "toxic" is true for many women. The reason for this is: It is not these thyroid antibodies themselves that interfere with pg, rather that having them indicates that your body is in an autoimmune state, meaning your body attacks it's own tissues. So having thyroid antibodies is a MARKER for having underlying immune conditions which cause IF and m/c. For example many women with thyroid antibodies test positive for elevated NK (natural killer) cells which are cells that attack developing embryos, causing implantation failure and m/c. So these underlying problems must be treated, rather than just taking thyroid meds which will not change the autoimmune condition. You must see a reproductive immunologist (RI) to deal with these problems. Can read more about this: www.repro-med.net 

3) Can my thyroid problems affect FSH-- this goes back to the autoimmne state. Many women with thryoid antibodies test positive for another autoimmune condition- AOA- anti-ovarian antibodies which cause women to go into premature ovarian failure- thus elevated FSH. This can be addressed by an RI and can be reversed.

 Symptoms you may have thyroid issues:
1. Fatigue
2. Weight Changes
3. Depression and Anxiety4. Cholesterol Issues
5. Family History
6. Menstrual Irregularities and Fertility Problems
7. Bowel Problems
8. Hair/Skin Changes
9. Neck Discomfort/Enlargement
10. Muscle and Joint Pains, Carpal Tunnel/Tendonitis Problems    

The following are potential factors that prevent normal thyroid levels:
1. Exposure to enviromental toxins like chemicals, heavy metals, pesticides, electromagnetic radiation. Mercury fillings and drinking chlorinate and fluorinated water. Bromide/bromine present in food products like baked goods, can negatively affect the thyroid gland. An increase in plasma bromine, in fact, can cause an increase of TSH probably by inhibiting thyroid gland activity.
2. Genetic predisposition.
3. Mineral deficiency like iron, selenium, zinc, iodine, copper, calcium, magnesium, manganese, etc...
4. Autoimmune disorders.
5. High levels of stress.
6. Infections.
7. Adrenal insufficiency.
8. Estrogen dominance.
9. High levels of prolactin.
10. Diet high in refined grains, soy, alcohol, coffee, and hydrogenated oils. 

For More Information:
Book you can beat thyroid disorders
Ten Things You Can Do To Stop Hair Loss With Thyroid Disease 
 

*For myself personally I had all these test done with the RI I recently saw Dr. Kwak-Kim. She also did a u/s of my thyroid to check for any abnormal growth or size. Everything came back ok (no autoimmune issues) except for my TSH level 4.81 way over the 2.0 you want for optimal health and fertility. I just started today on synthroid 25mg to start to lower that number and will get blood work in 2 wks and 4wks etc. to monitor and adjust medications as needed till we get it to the right level. This is all very important to do before we do anymore fertility treatments. 

Test results from Dr. Kwak-Kim

Just got to the hotel from my apt with Dr. Kwak-Kim in IL. Tired and overwhelmed but I am going to try to explain what is wrong ...

1. Blood clotting issues - most of the testing came back ok except for...
PAI-1: (it came back as homozygous mutated so I inherited this disorder from both of my parents) normal is 4-43 and mine is at 70. This puts me at risk for thrombotic stroke, myocardial infarction, venous thrombosis, diabetes and pregnancy issues.
Protein C: was elevated normal is 70-180 and mine is 200
Factor XIII V 34L Gene Polymorphism: is heterozygous mutated, which means I have inherited that blood clotting disorder from 1 of my parents.
(TREATMENT) Metformin (which I am already on), VIT E 400 units daily, Fish Oil 1200mg daily, Diet, Exercise, Baby Asprin 81mg daily. During my FET I will have to do Lovanex Shots daily to thin the blood and also during pregnancy.
I do not have the MTHFR but I did show that for my Homocysteine levels that I am at 10.2 and she wants them at more like 9. This test shows I am not absorbing folic acid and vitamins like b-6 b-12 properly even though I supplement so that combined with my other clotting issues means it needs to be addressed. (TREATMENT) she is putting me on Metanx http://www.metanx.com/learn-about-metanx/

2. DHEA level was LOW - normal is 102-1185 mine was at 81 (TREATMENT) a month before FET and leading up to transfer I need to supplement with 25mg of DHEA. Being low is also connect to thyroid function. http://www.womentowomen.com/adrenalhealth/dhea-naturalandsupplementation.aspx

3. VIT D was borderline normal on the low side so she wants me to supplement with 2,000IU a day.

4. Thyroid - my u/s showed a normal thyroid
Blood work though was not normal. THS was 4.81 (the highest it ever has been and reason why my hair is falling out too) Normal is 0.47 - 4.68 but for ttc you need it at 2.0 or below. So my thyroid is working to hard and is starting to fail. (TREAMENT) Starting me on Synthroid 24mg, then blood test in 2wks see if levels are going down adjust meds, then blood at 4wks. During our FET she wants it tested every single week.

5. NK Killer cells - where elevated slightly and did respond and where lowered with IVIG. The TH1/TH2 (inflamation) was high at 35.0 normal is 13.2 - 30.6. (TREATMENT) see if by addressing the above issues these lower,(so retest in 5-6wks) otherwise start predisone at least 2 weeks before our FET and maybe IVIG too.

Everything else came back at normal. No autoimmune issues. Normal blood panel etc.

So right now I got to get on medications and deal with the thyroid, lack of my body absorbing vitamins, keep on my diet, exercise and go to my family dr. for bp. In another 5-6wks I go back and we see where my levels are at and then make a plan for FET. She wants me to get my RE to write up what he would want me to do then she will interject what she wants to add to it. Some of it I will have to travel to her to do. (which kinda sucks as it's a long trip and gas adds up)

Feel a little overwhelmed by it all but relieved I am not crazy thinking I had issues. Dr. K said for sure these things would of caused failed implantation and mc. Some of it is the genes I inherited and only so much one can do to control it. But I need to do certain things now not only for getting and staying pregnant but for my health. I can't help but feel let down by my RE about the blood clotting issues those are things that could of been found even before my first IVF as with the thyroid, they always said its normal but Dr. K says nope it is not. Glad to have a next step now, it's a start.

Follow-Up on Friday

Friday is my follow up where I get all my test results and a plan of action with Dr. Kwak-Kim - excited to just know for once and all what is wrong and what we can do. I heard she gives you a copy of it all and a plan to be given to your RE. Not looking forward to the drive back down to IL hoping the weather stays ok. We are going to make a weekend out of it and spend some time together go to the chicago shed's aquarium and chill. Please keep us in prayers for safe travels. Leaving early Friday morning my apt is at 1pm then staying over at a hotel. A little nervous about it all but hopeful too.