Part 6: The Next Steps
**Thank you for following our journey! If you're new to the blog, check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, and Part 4 so that you're up to speed on where we're at.
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Here's a recap of the Game Plan that we discussed after the FemVue test (October 22, 2018):
My doctor mentioned putting me on birth control for a month or two so that the cysts on my ovaries have a chance to resolve themselves. When the ovaries become enlarged and develop numerous small collections of fluid (follicles/cysts), they fail to regularly release eggs. If we can eliminate the cysts, we have a better chance of getting my ovaries to function properly. If they still do not function properly, we can try different fertility medications (Clomid or Letrozole) or the "trigger shot". If that doesn't work, we can go the IUI route. Basically, we have a couple options that we can try.
I was nervous about going on birth control, not gonna lie. Everything I read about birth control + PCOS was that a lot of doctors use birth control as a bandaid; it does nothing to help the situation. When the nurse mentioned birth control, I told her I didn't want it. I told her that my cysts always resolve themselves over time. She explained that the birth control prevents ovulation, which in turn means that my ovaries won't produce cysts because everything is on hold. I eventually said fine, but was still hesitant. They also prescribed me 750mg Metformin ER (twice a day) to help with insulin resistance and to prep my ovaries to help grow follicles. The birth control and Metformin made me super sick. I actually had an allergic reaction to the Metformin when I took the full dose that was prescribed. I cut the dose in half and my body tolerated it without any issues.
I was nervous about going on birth control, not gonna lie. Everything I read about birth control + PCOS was that a lot of doctors use birth control as a bandaid; it does nothing to help the situation. When the nurse mentioned birth control, I told her I didn't want it. I told her that my cysts always resolve themselves over time. She explained that the birth control prevents ovulation, which in turn means that my ovaries won't produce cysts because everything is on hold. I eventually said fine, but was still hesitant. They also prescribed me 750mg Metformin ER (twice a day) to help with insulin resistance and to prep my ovaries to help grow follicles. The birth control and Metformin made me super sick. I actually had an allergic reaction to the Metformin when I took the full dose that was prescribed. I cut the dose in half and my body tolerated it without any issues.
After a month of birth control, my period was late. Way late. Per the instructions, I should have received it shortly after the birth control ran out. I didn't want to introduce any other medications into the mix, so I just waited it out. After a few weeks, it finally showed up on its own.
We met with the Fertility Doctor on December 17, 2018 to discuss the next steps. He suggested going forward with an IUI procedure. My heart sank because I knew our insurance wouldn't cover any of it, which meant we would have to pay out of pocket. But... it was a step in the right direction. He advised that I would take Letrozole on day 3, for 7-10 days. I would be monitored by ultrasounds and would eventually have the IUI procedure done, including the "trigger shot" (forces ovulation within a certain timeframe).
Medications:
- Birth Control (24 pills): $24.11
- Letrozole (14 pills): $58.44
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