Cycle Update
- CD 2: Started 125 IU Follistim
- CD 5: E2 = 163; USN = 3mm lining, 31mm cyst, two follicles (23mm, 21mm); HSG exam; lowered Follistim to 100 IU
- CD 8: E2 = 136; USN = 6mm lining, cyst collapsing, maybe 1-2 leading follicles; increased Follistim to 150 IU, started 21-Day Fix & Shakeology
- CD 11: E2 = 77; USN = 5.7mm lining, cyst GONE, 1 follicle (13mm); increased Follistim to 200 IU
- CD 15 {MONDAY}: E2 & USN pending…
The Ultrasound
You may remember in my last post that I said the USN tech had to measure my lining twice because she got 4mm the first time and 6mm the second time? Well, it came in at 5.7mm yesterday so it’s still in the middle. Definitely not ready for a baby.
As for my ovaries, I am thrilled to report that the cyst is GONE! On Monday it was collapsing, and yesterday it was totally gone. I’m so thankful. Hopefully all this extra exercise I’ve been doing helped with that. As for follicles, I had this really ridiculous looking one on my right side that I won’t even count because it measured at 13×6, so it’s super long, most likely empty and will probably disappear. I’ve been around this block before.
Way at the bottom of my left ovary we found a 13mm follicle. On Monday I had an 11 and 12, and yesterday just a lonely 13. So things are at a weird standstill… not really moving quickly, but it’s still early and we still have time. I did kind of expect 150 IU of Follistim to produce different results, but this is better than nothing.
As usual, there are several 10mm on both ovaries as well, so it’s still very possible that another leader will surface.
The Estrogen
My E2 has steadily declined every time we have checked it… and we have increased the Follistim every time as well. I’m so confused. My E2 came back at 77, which is a baseline level. I was up to 150 IU of Follistim after being on 100 IU… and it still dropped from 136 to 77. None of it makes sense. I don’t see how we can keep increasing the dose and yet my E2 keeps going down.
Checking Again?
We bumped my dose up to 200 IU (boo), in hopes that something gets moving. We’ll check things again on Monday morning, so I’ll report back once I know what is going on. Until then…
Day 5 of the 21-Day Fix
How I’m doing…
I have stuck to it pretty strictly, and I haven’t cheated once this week. The plan allows some grace for a sweet tooth a few times each week, but I haven’t even given in to that. I want to complete the 21 days with success and not tempt myself. I will reward myself at the end of the 21 days with something sweet and a big off-plan meal (likely followed by some cardio that night, ha!).
My favorite part…
The color-coded containers. Anyone who knows me personally knows that I love to color-code things. My calendar, spreadsheets, etc. Colors are easy for me to see at a glance where things stand, and I love it. Getting to color-code my meal planning makes it so much more fun. I have always enjoyed meal planning, but this takes it up a level, and I’m excited about it!
My least favorite part…
To be honest, making myself exercise every day. I don’t like exercising, which is why I used to go to Zumba, because it didn’t feel like real exercise, even though I was burning upwards of 800 calories in a single session. It was fun, crazy, and I just loved it. My old teacher isn’t teaching anymore so I’d need to find a new class if I plan to attend again. I just don’t like “working out”, it doesn’t drive me or excite me, and it feels like labor. But, I know I’m not alone, a lot of people don’t like it, but do it because of the after effects… you feel amazing, look great, and get healthier. So, even though I can’t stand working out, I’m glad I’m doing it.
My opinion so far…
I’m so glad that I am pushing myself to do this. It can only help! I really like the program overall. The Shakeology is decent, but I wouldn’t recommend just mixing it with water if you don’t like the after-taste of stevia. I made that mistake the first time I tried it. The second time, I mixed it with a cup of cold coffee and ice, and it was SO MUCH BETTER. There are a ton of recipes on Pinterest and YouTube, plus they send you some, so you can make it even better each time you drink it. I do notice that I feel really good after drinking it. I feel satisfied, not stuffed like other protein shakes have made me feel. I also feel more awake with Shakeology + coffee compared to just drinking coffee. I look forward to seeing the long-term effects.
I think on Monday I’m going to share my Week 2 meal plan. I’d love to get your thoughts and suggestions for meals!
Until next time… pray for my ovaries, please. And my sanity.
I would LOVE for you to share your two-week meal plan! I just finished a meal plan blog post for Monday (NOT 21-day fix appropriate.) It’s only for one week though. I wish I could get the hang of planning for two weeks at a time. I’m so excited to read about your progress throughout the rest of the fix, and even more excited to hear how your next appointment goes! Your IUI cycles have been exceptionally weird…. Which means you’re in for a big miracle eventually!!!
I think I am just going to plan for 1 week, but it’ll be Week 2 of the program. I normally do a two-week menu, but this one takes a liiiittle bit more thought, so I am only taking one week at a time. Since I am learning to eat differently, I’m going to give myself one week at a time. I already learned some things this week that I like and don’t like about the way I paired certain containers, so I’m going to change it up a bit. Learn and go!