I am 35 years old, living with stage IV Endometriosis, possibly adenomyosis and struggled with infertility for almost 4 years. I also struggled with PPD and now struggle with PMDD. I am a mother to a son that was born at 18 weeks and too precious for this earth; and now a mother to a son born in August 2011. By journaling here, I hope to benefit both for myself and for others that are dealing with this disease and fertility struggles. Thanks for visiting!





Monday, May 5, 2008

Decent weekend

It was a decent weekend here. I lazied around a lot Friday evening. Saturday we volunteered for a golf tournament that was in town. That was really hard work. I was a bit sore the next day, but, nothing awful. Sunday was another pretty lazy day, nothing too straining. I did have a bit of a temper tantrum Sunday evening, laying out the f bomb 3 times in front of my grandmother (something I would have NEVER done without these "fits" I have). That is still my worst symptom. Makes me feel crazy! That and my finger pain and tiredness-it still lingers. I noticed the other day my ring finger was really swollen. I continue to take the aygestin, osteoprime and fish oil, and an occasional xanax to chill when I feel so out of sorts.

Friday, May 2, 2008

All shot up

So, I got my 2nd shot on Weds. I've had family in town this week, so, very limited computer access. I had a different nurse this time-just the "nurse of the day" that was in charge of shots I guess. Anyway, I stood up this time instead of laying down. It pinched a bit more, and, on the way home my leg was a little sore. That cleared up until about 9 PM Weds evening. Then, it started feeling like someone had kicked me in the a$$ with a steel toed boot (6). It's diminished throughout the past few days(4), but, it's still sore with certain movements, and, I can't put all my weight on that side when I sit down. I'm laying down next time, and, I want my old nurse!!! Not that it probably had anything to do with the nurse, but, I'm just saying.

I've had maybe hot flashes the past 2 nights? Both happened in Target, both at the same time in the evening-around 9 PM. I dunno if Target was just particularly warm, or, if it was me. Seems like it was me...my mom wasn't fanning herself. It's not awful, sweating type flashes (3-4). I just get really hot all over. WHEW! It's happened once or twice at work too.

Bone pain increased in my fingers (ranges from 3-5), my left ring finger in particular for some reason. This happened last time, but, seemed to taper over time. I've been having some tummy pains-colon/digestive related. I haven't been eating very well lately-we were without a stove for a few days, and, with company in town, we are eating out a lot.

POOPED again too. I think I have been spreading myself too thin this week. So much for resting tomorrow. We've volunteered for a golf tournament for most of the day, so, I'll try to get some rest this evening. It should be a nice day tomorrow, but, not looking forward to being on my feet for that many hours.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Round 2-

I get my next shot tomorrow. I must say I am pretty nervous. Will things continue as they are? Will they get better? Get worse? All the unknown-I can't stand it sometimes.

Finger pain has been bothering me some at work lately(3), sciatic pain on and off (3) and I've had cramps (?!?) the past few days. ODD! Like, not hurting per say, but, the ovulatory type feelings. Um, should I be ovulating? I wouldn't think so. Also, on/off headaches (2).

Reflux (4-5) is back again. Meds? Who really knows.

Pretty tired this evening. I took some xanax tonight...so many thoughts running through my head and I'm getting a bit edgy. Just ready to be out of the Dr.'s office tomorrow.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Weekend Recap

Had a pretty good weekend overall. I've been having these random headaches. The pain shoots up from the back of my head, hurts for about 3-5 minutes, then goes away. Sometimes this happens in clusters of 2-3 headaches, sometimes it's just once. I haven't noticed a pattern yet. When they come on though, man, they are intense (6-7) and sharp-almost makes me gasp it's so sudden. Crazy.

My sciatic pain (plus a little in the shins) is back too (ranges from 2-6)-we've been really active this weekend, so, I'm sure that doesn't help. When we got married in Oct. 06, we must have had some nervous energy because we dug up every single ugly boxwood in the front of the house. Well, FINALLY, this weekend we finished up the "flower" beds in the front (i'm sure our neighbors are SO stoked-ha!). Seriously, we do things at a very SLOW pace. My hubby edged the beds and got them ready, and I planted about 9 shrub type plants and 2 rose bushes. I feel like someone slammed me up against the concrete right now though-so tired and sore. Out of shape or just out of sorts with the meds? My mood has been okay this weekend though-maybe from all the activity? I only snapped once or twice.

Next shot, #2, is Weds. I'm nervous. Will this one really set the estrogen spiraling, or, is it supposed to just keep things level now? I really hate taking meds-I hate the unknown-it's scary! I never did well with BC-it always gave me migraines. I really don't want those back!!! Inevitable with so little estrogen in my system? Or, were those caused by the estrogen in the pills? I feel so dumb sometimes about this stuff-I get confused about how it all works-too much to know. Anyway, I'll be sure to let them shoot up the other cheek this time...the one they already used is where my pain is. Though, I doubt the action of the shot is related, the pain didn't start until 3 weeks later.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Sponge Bob Fussy Pants

The worst thing that bothers me is my mood. I hate getting angry and all bent out of shape for no reason. Not that I didn't have my fussy moments before, but man, this is a bit psychotic at times. I didn't exercise today-note to self. I need to try to work out at least 20-30 minutes a day! That, and, I need to practice some focus techniques or something. Another contact suggested Yoga. I think I have a DVD around here...

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

GI Follow-up Yesterday

I forgot to post yesterday about my GI visit. It went pretty well, and, he cut me off into the wild. Ha, okay, not into the wild, but, I am following up in a few months by telephone. My heartburn-well, we are still hoping it's something short term. I know for a FACT it was caused by the meds from my PCP. That still infuriates me! ANYWHO, he gave me a year's prescription for Nexium. But, he only wants me to take it for the next 2 months straight, and, follow-up with a call about how things are going when I stop the meds.

They H-pylori test came back negative. I mean, THANK GOODNESS! I've been on enough antibiotics for it to be. WHEW. Insert sigh of relief here.

I finally got to talk with him about my colonoscopy. He said that the sigmoid portion of my colon was like a road with some road hazards. It was difficult to navigate the scope through, and, apparently very tense (as opposed to the rest that was relaxed?). This makes sense now, with the CT results back a few months ago that suggested colitis-it was all endometriosis causing the inflammation and "YUCKS". He biopsied all the places where there was indentation, and, thankfully it all came back negative. He said that at some point I might need a resection if problems resurface and worsen, but, nothing needs to be done now. Hopefully the Lupron will give my colon a break and some of those darned adhesions will "die" off. My care concerning this is turned over to my GYN, since the GI isn't really up on endo stuff. They've been amazing, and, I'm thankful that I have someone to turn to if the need ever arises in the future. The whole practice is so warm and friendly, and so knowledgeable. I'm SO glad that I was able to find them!

So, that's about it. A good report, and, nothing really we didn't know before. It was interesting to hear him describe the inside-makes sense why I was so sick, and why still when I am "full", I get that not so fun feeling.

Today has been a pretty good day. Horrid headache surfaced this afternoon, but, I'm pretty sure it was sinus related. My "allergies" have really flared up this week. I can't wait to breathe out of both nostrils again! Pains in my fingers (3) and some heartburn (2).

Looking forward to the weekend here. Although, it's supposed to rain, AGAIN. I know we need it, but why always on Saturday and Sunday? Our yard is SO neglected. Next week my mom and grandmother are coming for a visit. I can't wait! Next week is shot #2 as well. Keep your fingers crossed! I'm getting a little nervous again....

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Green Smoothie

I have heard about these from my SIL and friends...and I'm finally going to try one...THIS WEEK! I just found a recipes to try. I think this is going to be a our breakfast Sat AM. I'll need a new blender if I really get into this. But hey, I'll take the extra energy and healthy benefits they boast!

I got the following suggestions from the Happy Foody Blog (link to the right). I'm also going to add 2 green smoothie sites I've recently found.

All you need is a blender. Add the ingredients, and add water to the thickness you want (usually about 2 cups)….and blend until REALLY smooth. I know you’ll be amazed at how yummy these are…but if you need it sweeter, just up the quantity of fruit.

Here are a few smoothie recipes to get you started:

Mango-parsley
2 large mangos
1 bunch parsley
Water

Peach-spinach
6 peaches
2 handfuls of spinach leaves
Water

Mango-weeds
2 mangos
1 handful of lambs quarters, stinging nettles, purslane, etc
Water

Strawberry-banana-romaine
1-cup strawberries
2 bananas
1/2 bunch romaine
Water

Apple-kale-lemon
4 apples
1/2 lemon juice
4-5 leaves of kale
Water

Kiwi-banana-celery
4 very ripe kiwis
1 ripe banana
3 stalks of celery
Water

Pear-kale-mint
4 ripe pears
4-5 leaves of kale
1/2 bunch of mint
Water

Finger banana-spinach
10 finger-bananas
2 handfuls of spinach leaves
Water

Bosc pear-raspberry-kale
3 bosc pears
1 handful of raspberries
4-5 leaves of kale
Water