Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Infertile people have a lot to remember. Good thing we're not pregnant.

It's a good thing I'm not pregnant now, because there is just too much to keep track of. (I don't mean to complain; just thought I'd share a bit of my daily confusion and why I might be a bit off.)

Prescriptions
What I am taking, when I am supposed to start and stop, how many per day, how I take them (orally, injected or, ahem, another method), what strength. And it all changes from month to month. For example, I took Clomid on days 5-9 for the last two months (100 mg the first month, 50 mg the second month), am taking it days 3-7 this month so that I can start Estrace earlier in an attempt to improve my cervical mucus quality (the doctor doubted it would help, though, since my Estrogen is already fairly high and Clomid is an estrogen blocker - greeeeat). And since the Prometrium from last month gave me joint pain, I'm switching to another form of Progesterone with a name I don't remember currently. Good thing I'm not taking it yet. Oh, and I have to remember to pick them up from the pharmacy in the first place!

Appointments
When you are going to see the doctor at least once per week, on different days each week, it's hard to remember which day you are supposed to be scheduling your next appointment for. Last month I went for my second checkup on day 12, but this month it's day 9, which is.... what day, since my period started Monday? Who knows.

Bills
It's a good thing I pay my bills the instant they come through the door because if I didn't, they would never get paid. I can no longer keep track of how much I owe each different place (Shady Grove, Lab Corp, UMMC) and if I've paid them or not. It doesn't help that they don't bill right away; I just got a bill from November. It's March, people! How am I supposed to keep track of four months worth of bills? Do you know how many times I have been to the doctor's office since then? I don't even know!

Keeping a Record for Taxes
Trying to keep a record of all of my medical expenses for taxes is also a pain. How many times have I gone to the doctor's office in Baltimore so far this year? 8? 10? How many times have I gone to the doctor's office in Annapolis? How much was the parking this time? What about last time?

2 comments:

Liz said...

That IS a lot to keep track of. You're doing better than I would! Hang in there...I'm praying that the Lord blesses all your efforts soon! :)

Jessie said...

I've been thinking and praying for you. I wanted to give you this link to Freedom Fertility Pharmacy. http://www.fertilitylifelines.com/payingfortreatment/index.jsp They have a program to help pay for fertility medicine when your insurance doesn't cover it. I've ordered my injectable meds through them, and they have great customer service. And since they are a fertility pharmacy, they really know all the drugs.

Also, I wanted to pass long a book suggestion.http://www.amazon.com/Longing-Child-Devotions-Journey-Infertility/dp/0310256658 This journal/devotional book really helped me work through a lot of my issues regarding my losses and my IF.

Nothing is too big for God. :) Or, too small to talk to him about.