Clomid - an alternative

[summermagic]

hi there. I used to be an avid reader and contributor to the assisted conception thread as a sufferer of secondary infertility and I just wanted to share my story (or a synopsis of it) on here in case it can help anyone else.

But can I first say that im not against clomid. It works very well for a lot of people, just not me.

Anyway, I have pcos and, as a result, I used to have very irregular periods during which I wouldnt always ovulate. I was told I would probably need help conceiving some time before I fell pregnant with my first son so finding myself pregnant while on a six month journey around the world was both a delightful if very shocking surprise.

After trying for 18 months for our second child with no success I was prescribed clomid. I took it for four months and I have to be honest and say it really didn't agree with me. It made me feel very edgy and anxious, I had trouble sleeping and, quite cruelly, I experienced a lot of earmy pregnancy symptoms while on them eg. Sickness, tiredness, VERY sore boobs.

While I was having scans to monitor my ovaries they noticed some fluid on my left ovary and, as I had been experiencing some pain on that side for some time (even before the clomid) I was put on a waiting list to have a laparoscopy to check if there was a problem.

The waiting list was long and (as I'm sure you can appreciate) my desire to get pregnant was becoming all consuming. As I'd just inherited a bit of money I decided to have the treatment privately.

I went to see a really nice doctor who suggested since he would be in the area anyway and it wouldn't cost more money, that he drill my ovaries. For those who haven't heard of it (I hadn't!) this is a proceedure where tiny holes are burnt on to the surface of the ovaries which, for some reason is supposed to regulate your period and make you ovulAte regulay Ie like clomid without the clomid.

The fluid on my ovary came to nothing but almost exactly a month after I had the proceedure, I got my period, followed by another 32 days later and another 32 days after that. 32 days after that, nothing happened but that was because I was pregnant!!! But I'd never had periods that regular in my life!

My beautiful, amazing baby boy will be one next month and I really think I have that doctor to thank for him.

The proceedure cost me about 2 grand so I know this isn't a viable option for everyone. I also know that this iS one person's story and I may well have got pregnant sooner or later anyway. But I know how frustrating, and often heartbreaking, this journey can be so I just thought I'd share my story with you in case anyone who's now In the same situation I was in can benefit from it.

Incidentally, some of the consultants I saw at my local hospital downplayed ovarian drilling as an option. I suppose they would though because i don't think it was an option at my NHS clinic and why would it be when you consider the cost implication of cheap drugs vs expensive (though very minor) surgery?. But I also found that they downplayed the side effects of clomid, despite the sea of anectodal evidence on chat forums like these - and that's what I found really annoying.

The doctor who I saw privately though was also an NHS doctor and said he'd had a lot of success with ovarian drilling. I know I was very lucky to have the money, but, for me, the one night I spent in hospital and the minor discomfort I experienced after was way preferable to being on clomid.

Anyway, best of luck with whatever you try. Hard as it is to imagine,your time will come xxx

[summermagic]

Hia

I asked whether any of the doctors who's NHS waiting lists i was going to be put on held private clinics as well. One of them did at spire hospital near where I live in Cardiff so I booked to have the proceedure with him after having a consultation.

As I said before, it's only my experience but if you do have irregular periods due to pcos and don't get on with clomid, I'd seriously recommend it. It kills two birds with one stone. They can have a look round to double check everything else is ok and then drill the ovaries while they're there.

Have you had pcos diagnosed buggerlugs? I'd not, asking your gp to check your hormone levels would be a good place to start if you want to start moving things on.I know it's really frustrating but I'm sure you'll be pregnant soon. Good luck x

[emmaloupolman]

Hi Summermagic

I have taken so far 3 months of clomid 1st 2 months were 50mg then the 3rd month they put it up to 100mg i have polycystic overies and have been ttc #2 for 19 months now

I have found the head aches bad on clomid.

[summermagic]

Hi emmalou

We tried for 18 months too so don't loose hope. Did they increase your dosage because they know you weren't ovulAting on 50mg? I dont think i o ulTed every time either but im fairly certain i did after the ovarian drilling because id feel my ovaries ping. A friend of mine didn't ovulAte on clomid but got pregnant on her second iui attempt.

I know it almost feels impossible now but sooner or later you will get your second baby and all of this anguish will disappear in a puff of smoke.

Xxxx

[emmaloupolman]

I did ovulate when i had my day 21 blood test on 1st month which come back 94 i dont know why they increased it they told me at the start they will do that after 2 months on 50mg i am on day 23 and having metalic tast again