In Texas Meeting my New Nephew!

My sister's first baby was born 3/16/11. Welcome William James! He was 8 lbs 7.8oz and 22in long. My dad was able to get me tickets down and so I'm visiting for the weekend. Here is a picture


He's so adorable I can hardly stand it! More pics to come Tuesday!

Royal Jelly Effects and Cycle Changes. *Update at bottom*

So, after about 15 days of Royal Jelly, here is my experience....

As for not necessarily fertility benefits:

• Stable, long-lasting energy. I was getting over sinusitis and left me very tired. The day I started this I started having a stable alertness--not the jittery kind from an energy drink or coffee that goes away in an hour or so, but lasting at least through work.
• Also, a more stable mood. I do have a mood disorder, and have been (and still am) on psych meds since diagnosed. Not once since then have I felt this sort of mood stability....yeah, I might get weepy, stressed, or angry, but what is different is I am able to go right back to center. I now have the ability to calm down without getting derailed for a day or more or coming home and taking it out on DH! Not that it makes me happy per se, but it is like the harness you wear when you are on a climbing wall---if you slip, it's there to keep you from falling too far and hard and maybe help you get back on the wall.
• Appetite suppressant. Normally when I take something with an appetite suppressant (you know we've all tried ONE), it works awesome for the first day or two, but then the effects weaken and I crave food again. This stuff is pretty long lasting. Sometimes it's as if I get full REALLY fast. The other day I was in the middle of eating and just. did. not. want. food. I felt stuffed to the gills, but it was just breakfast. This is unlike me in many ways. It was bad at first, because I ended up only having a packet of oatmeal for lunch the first day, it gave me a headache I think from not eating enough.

Fertility effects:

•  Started taking on March 1st exactly! So, as of today have been taking it 19 days. This is actually enlightening because I'd assumed that my reaction last period was due to starting the Royal Jelly, but according to this it was started AFTER my last AF started...hmmm.
• Anyway, from observation it appears that I have had more emotional TWW, but back to a 9 day LP >p Only really spotted one day before, it seems I will have to trade one for another. It seems that my regular PMS symptoms have been magnified/altered slightly.

Really though, I'm not sure what I can attribute to the Royal Jelly. It certainly hasn't extended my LP at all. What I'm noticing now seems to be what happened my last cycle. And it sucks. Because what is happening as that I have slight TWW symptoms and then the 1st day or two of my AF I get super-duper preggo symptoms. Today, we went to Pike Place Market and we were having a good time, but I started to get queasy, dizzy, and tired. And my BBs are KILLING me. Like, they didn't hurt this much since I was pregnant. But if this is to follow last cycle, I was most definitely not pregnant. This is beyond frustrating. I'm definitely bleeding and even if I am somehow pregnant it is most likely a chemical. I'm not sure I want to know, because I most likely won't know the answer. I know that most cycle changes last for about 3 months or cycles. I'm hopeful that this will lead to increased fertility later, but if not I'd rather it stop because it is driving me batty!!!

ETA: I forgot to add that it seems to make my pee BRIGHT YELLOW. I mean neon. At least it's not orange. Also, at some point I liked the effects of the non-fertility benefits so much I increased to 2 capsules a day. Definitely tooo much. I started feeling itchy in my ears and pelvic area....as I said, I have no knowledge of allergies to bees, but I will definitely not be taking more than one capsule (500 mg) per day. I know I should probably leave well enough alone, but the non-fertility benefits are so great I don't want to give it up. So no more than 1 capsule a day.

Happy Birthday Nephew!!!

Today my nephew was born to my sister!!! He was a healthy 8 lbs 7.8 oz and 22 inches in length. He came right on time for his due date and kept Mama happy by not making her miss having her regular doctor there!

His name is William James. I can't wait to meet him!!!

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs that are safe in Pregnancy

When I was last at my Doc's office a while ago I had asked about an OTC cold medicine that may be safe during pregnancy. He conveniently provided a list of OTCs safe in pregnancy.

Here's the list and text in it's entirety:

The following OTC drugs are generally considered safe to use during pregnancy, but should be used for a limited time. Please call your provider's office if you have questions:


Pain Control
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
   Not in weeks 1-12 or after 34 weeks, unless prescribed by provider.  
   After 12 weeks, up to 600mg every 6 hours for 24 hours; then, must discuss usage with your 
  provider.
Any Cough Drops/Throat Sprays OK

Antacids/Digestive Aids
Tums
Gas-X
Maalox
Mylanta
Pepcid Complete

Anti-Diarrheal Preparations
Immodium AD

Laxatives
Fibercon
Metamucil
Cirtucel
Milk of Magnesia
Colace/Pericolace (Stool Softener)

Decongestants/Allergy
Sudafed (Psuedoephedrine) After 12 weeks
Benadryl (Diphenhydramine)
Chlor-Trimeton (Chlopheniramine)
Ocean Nasal Spray
Claritin (Loratadine)

Combination Drugs (Do NOT take Tylenol with these)
Tylenol Cold (Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Psuedophedrine) After 12 weeks
Theraflu  (Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Psuedoephedrine, Chlorpheniramine)  After 12 weeks
Comtrex (Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Psuedophedrine)  After 12 weeks


Cough Preparations
Robitussin DM (Dextromethorphan)
Robitussin (Guaifensin)

Hemorrhoids
Anusol HC
Tucks
Preparation H

Anti-Nausea Aids
Vitamin B6
Ginger Tea (In moderation)
Raspberry Leaf Tea (some debate on this one)

Doxy-B Regimen for Morning Sickness
1/2 Unisom Tablet and 1 Vitamin B6 100 mg in AM
1/2 Unisom Tablet and 1 Vitamin B6 100 mg in PM
1    Unisom Tablet and 1 Vitamin B6 100 mg at Bedtime

Can't make comments!!

So, just wanted to let y'all know I really am appreciating all of your comments, but for some reason I have some glitch that isn't allowing me to post comments at ALL on Blogger! Basically I go to post a comment and the dropdown box that asks me to pick a profile has nothing for me to select. So I get an error message saying I have to pick a profile first! So d@mn frustrating!

Waiting for true IPS to begin...

Well, since hCG isn't produced until AFTER implantation is complete (which can take up to a day or two) it really makes little sense to pay attention to symptoms until that window starts right?

Which is one reason I've been discounting most of my symptoms up til now. Depending on which book/site/doctor you consult, implantation can happen anywhere from 6-12 DPO. So, all of my symptoms up til now have really just been my regular PMS.

So far I have had:

• Backache
• Sore BBs (sides, nips, kind of burning/itching on whole area at times)
• Headaches
• Fatigue--been worsening since O...now it is pretty constant but increases after 5PM
• Some moodiness/weepiness--but nowhere near as bad as in the past.
• Weird pain in pelvis--mostly dull cramps or cervix pain, but have also started getting a yeast infection---started Yeast Gard to circumvent
• Frequent urination--not as bad as last time, but cannot hold forever

That's about all...seems the usual list I get. So TODAY is now 6DPO, so I'm entering the beginning period when implantation may occur. So I'm on the lookout for some Implantation signs.

When I woke this morning, I had a HUGE temp dip. I did take my temp 2 hours early (again to pee!) BUT even adjusted it was 98.03, which is now below coverline. Part of the issue may be that it was daylight savings time last night (jump forward--lost an hour) so that accounts for some of the dip, maybe all of it. But potential implantation dip? Looking at my last preggo chart, other than my fall-back rise (which was also at 3 DPO) I didn't have a significant dip until 8DPO and was able to get a faint positive 4 days later at 12DPO using tests at about 25 mIU sensitivity.

To further complicate matters, my 10 mIU tests just arrived from Early Pregnancy Tests.com. OMG! Sometimes I wish Early Pregnancy Tests.com weren't so fast!  Them being so sensitive I reason they could catch a BFP as early as 8DPO...I must wait until Thursday to test (10DPO). Maybe if I don't open the package...

Philosophizing about attraction and fidelity

==Note-I started this post MONTHS ago, and just realized I never published it. It doesn't really have to do with TTC, but rather my thoughts on committed relationships and our behavior==

Today I was thinking about how what we believe about ourselves and what we believe about others is shaped by so many different influences. Society, family, teachers, friends, spouses...they and many others have been just one influence on what we think about life in general and our own purpose and role in it. Some repeatedly, others may have only one encounter with significant impact.

I think I was especially ruminating on the effect television, books and radio may have had on American views of co-ed interaction. It seems that there is little difference between how men and women interact when single or in a relationship. What I mean in particular is whether it is expected/allowed for men and women who are in a relationship to be alone with a member of the opposite sex. And this is looking at heterosexual interactions and leaving out the component of homosexual romantic overtures, which have differences.

It just seems in my opinion that as men or women we are so used to the possibility of a romantic connection that we may be overlooking the basics of a platonic relationship between the sexes. For instance, a woman who is happily married can be attracted to another man while being completely faithful and attracted to her husband.  Think about it. I realize many individuals reading this have realized this long ago, but I also know that many people act or think as if the above statement is a paradox. That it is mutually exclusive for a man or woman to be attracted to their partner AND another person.

I think there is so much jealousy and fear that this small allowance of attraction---to physical, social, character traits--of another person than the one they have committed to be with leads to the slippery slope of adultery. I disagree with this belief. Yes, in some relationships, especially ones that are rocky, this could be a danger. However, if we assume that both partners in the relationship are fully committed and caring for one another---and trusting--this could hold little risk.

In such a partnership, an attraction to another person--whether someone they interact with or a movie star--can be a valuable aid to increase the passion in the current partnership. This must come from the understanding by the person that this attraction is simply that--attraction. And this person also accepts that they can be attracted to more than one person and stay faithful to their commitments.

This is where I think the structure of mingling between the sexes muddles the interpretation of relationship status. For instance, to escape the danger of infidelity, it would be as simple as a person prohibiting themselves to be alone with another member of the opposite sex that there would be potential for a romantic relationship (this would exclude many family members). I know some people scoff at the separation of the sexes as unnecessary when considering "mature" adults. Maturity has little to do with it. It can help, but those who believe that "mature" adults can be alone with members of the opposite sex without being tempted are in denial. They are refusing to accept the possibility of being attracted to another person while in a relationship. Also, they are likely operating from the belief that to be faithful to one person, you can be attracted to ONLY that person. Which denies our fundamental make-up as humans to propagate our species.

Peak Day on CBEFM!!!

Well, today is it! My Peak Reading Day on CBEFM! My temp also jumped up to 98.0.....which makes me wonder if O was yesterdary, but that's hardly possible as the CBEFM is rarely wrong on these things. I did start a wee bit late on the test sticks, but I don't think it was late enough to have that much of a miscalculation. ALTHOUGH, with last cycle being super crazy, I did delay setting my CBEFM and my FF CD is off of each other.

So, today, I woke up and tested with certainty that today was Peak Day. And sure enough, there it was! It's strange feeling of certainty I feel. Almost certainty that not only have I O'd, but THIS is it. I'm going to get my BFP.

I really hate this certainty because it's much too early to be certain of the end result. Because that certainty has betrayed me before....even as recently last cycle. And not to rationalize, but last cycle I was reacting to symptoms in an almost manic surety. It's the thought that "these symptoms are so STRONG or UNIQUE (insert whatever) that I MUST be pregnant" Had a sense of nervousness, because it seemed as the knowledge was hanging on a thread that could snap any moment.

But now, even though I have almost NOTHING to go on I have this unshakeable certainty. Even though I don't want it because of disappointment that will be lurking around the corner it's not going away! I only hope it turns out genuine.

I guess we'll see in about two weeks....

Possible look at future babies?

I was at BabyCenter once and it had a Baby Morph tool to find out what you and your Partners baby would look like off of a picture. It was horrific! Someone at TMP posted about a website called Morph Thing and had a much nicer pic. I decided to give it a try and this is what came out:

Kind of cute, eh? Although I can see a bit of a shadow from DH's goatee, lol. You're not supposed to use photos with hair on the face.

Cardiac MRI rescheduled AGAIN!

Well, I knew I had my MRI today, but when I went to bed I forgot to set my alarm for it. I wake up at 7ish and start getting ready, then freak, b/c the MRI lab said I had to be there at 7:30AM and it was 7:10 (at least a 45 min drive in rush hour). I thought it was weird I had to be there so early, when my appt was for 9, but from what I remember the nurse explaining there was a bit of prep involved. So, I call them and say, "This is Melissa A- I know I'm supposed to be there at 7:30, but my alarm didn't go off"--tiny white lie--"but I think I can make it by 8:30" Person at MRI Lab asks, "When is your appt for?" I say "I think it's at 9AM" "Ok, come on in."

I get there, check-in and when the lab tech comes out, he says there was a mistake, my appt was at 8AM and because they are so busy today they can't fit me in. Oops. I forgot to check the appt before I called and recalled that it might have been the first or second appt I had rescheduled that was at 9AM. He tried to call my "home phone". I was confused because my "home phone" is my cell and I didn't get a single call. He said he didn't call that number because it was out-of-state and he though it was not a good number. So, gave me a card and said I could reschedule.

He was actually very nice and apologetic, but I was a bit perturbed that the person on the phone didn't bother to verify the appt. >(

Soooo, next one is scheduled for March 17th @ 8AM.

Oh, and I got my first High for the month on my CBEFM. Since it came rather close to usual O, I suspect I will fall on my old pattern of 2 Highs before my Peak. If that is the case, I may O on Sun! And if I do, I should expect full AF the day after the next MRI.

Argh!!!!!! I hate this timing! I just wish I would have done the first one despite getting sick, then it could be done and I wouldn't have to worry about this mess.

Royal Jelly and Infertility

So, I was at the supermarket today and happened down the vitamin aisle.  I was hoping to pick up a DHA supplement and look at prices and types of prenatals. Then I saw a Royal Jelly Supplement! This was in pill form but I have occasionally read about the benefits of Royal Jelly.

Just in case you're wondering, it is a bee product. It is produced by worker bees and fed to a single drone bee to transform it into a Queen bee. Most bees have a lifespan of about 20 months, whereas a Queen bee lives for 5 YEARS!!! There have been documented studies in it's benefits for fertility in animals and anecdotes from women AND men who have benefited from it.

I had to buy it and see if it has any effect. Hopefully it'll be a good one. In some sites it claims to be a good aid in IVF or IUI cycles as it increases egg health---good for increasing follicles and maturing eggs. Also for those with Male Factor Infertility (MFI) Royal Jelly is said to increase quality of sperm. The "science" of applying use of bee products to aid in health is called Apitherapy. See this blog on developments in the use of Royal Jelly and other bee products.

IPS (Imaginary Pregnancy Symptoms) from hell!!!!!

Well, I've been a bit silent since my 6DPO post due to two things:

1. DH was freaking out (again) over how much I share on the 'net. Admittedly, if WE are pregnant it will be joint effort although I will do much of the incubating and he should have a say in when and how it is revealed.
2. I had no friggin' clue what my cycle was doing!!

If symptoms could truly confirm pregnancy, I would have had my BFP. I had of course tested early on Valentine's Day (8DPO) as the POAS addict that I am. I delayed testing again until 11 DPO (it is amazing the effect of spending extra moolah on the tests has on your willpower!). Mostly with FRER, but at first had the CBE digi HPT. Anyhoo, still BFNs. By 12-14DPO I had been spotting for--no lie--6 days. Wasn't sure what to call it. I was giving up.

THEN, driving home from the GI doc, INTENSE nausea that did not diminish much after a bowel movement. Also, from that day on (and still) I've had intense sense of smell. Changed my sense of taste a bit too. This gave me hope. These were two symptoms I had my last pregnancy (a bit early on the nausea, but I wasn't really near vomiting, REALLY).

Still no BFP on my home preggo tests. If you remember, I was due to have another Cardiac MRI on Friday. I wasn't sure if the MRI itself was dangerous, but I was pretty sure the contrast dye they used was not so helpful. To give it extra time, I called and moved it again. This time I asked the lab advice on possible pregnancy. They advised a beta and they would not do the test. When I called the Heart Dr.'s office, they said though that it shouldn't prohibit the WHOLE test, but just to have no contrast. We were having a lot of snow that week, so I kept that changed appt time. 

So, THIS Friday (March 4th), I'll be finally heading in for this Cardiac MRI. I'm 98% certain I ain't preggo. (always a little doubt when TTCing, right?). I am still at a loss for my intensified symptoms. Not only have I had continued increased sense of smell (despite a stuffy nose!), my temps have been wavering around my coverline, breasts have had a different level of tenderness, and slight dizzy spells. Backaches were increasing too, but that could be me missing the chiropractor due to snow. 

At some point I just wondered if taking Vitex (Chasteberry) for just a week had some sort of impact. ALSO, when I started gaining hope I decided to help it out by taking some progesterone cream. I think I took too much and this is the true culprit of my "symptoms".

Ah well, if I can get this Cardiac MRI done then maybe I can find out what is happening there, if needed change meds and really jump on the TTC bandwagon!