Couch Potato Linked to Low Sperm Count... and BPA

Check out this article I thought it was really interesting:


huffingtonpost.com tv-sperm-count-harvard-study infertility

Basically, researches have made a connection to men who watch more then 20 hours of TV have a lower sperm count, as opposed to those who do not.  

What I actually found even more interesting is in the slideshow at the end of the article, lists other sperm zappers such as BPA.  BPA is commonly found in register receipts - YUCK.  Make sure to wash your hand after a purchase.  I think I will try to not hang on to these very long either.  

FYI- BPA is bad news, for those unaware: 

A report from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 warned of possible hazards to fetuses, infants, and young children. Canada was the first country to declare BPA a toxic substance!

3rd Trimester!

Check out my 3rd Trimester Post at:
blytheandbaby.blogspot.com

Blythe and Baby Blog

http://blytheandbaby.blogspot.com/



I have started a new blog that will follow more closely to the baby's arrival and my adventures in motherhood.  

I know for those still waiting on the stork - it can be really hard to read maternity updates.  My heart would wince, when I saw a Pregnant post, and I waiting for my BFP... feeling really blue at helpless at the time.   

I noticed when I first announced my pregnancy I lost a lot of followers.  I don't want to exclude anyone and you can always still email/message me for advice and tips that helped me.  

Moving Weekend!

Add caption

No, no we aren't leaving Chicago, just yet anyways... this weekend we are going to prepare the office to start the NURSERY.  It's exciting, but I can't help wishing I had more energy! I guess the Hubs has his work cut out for him (j/k honey). I have not really had the nesting feeling (well maybe just a little)but nothing like I have read about.... maybe that will come a little later for me.  I think it's going to take a couple weekend to clear our items out, but I think we will have plenty of time to get it all done before our Little girl arrives.  I have started to look through some things, I just hope it will go stress-free.  We are really lucky to have in-laws that will house our belongings so we don't have to get storage space. I'll be updating the process so everyone can see how it's coming along... I think everyone is ready for some pics that aren't belly shots!

Our Furniture should be here soon, we were only waiting on the crib.  Choosing a crib/nursery set was one of the hardest choices we had to make, up to that point in my pregnancy.  It was the first large dollar amount we were spending and we had literally no idea where to begin.  I can't tell you how happy I was to finally settle on a crib.  I think the problem was so many choices and the wide range in dollar amounts.  We wanted something solid but also reasonable.  It was hard finding a set in White, lots of cream or off white... but I wanted a true white.  

We finally choose the Cider Hill Collection by Simmons Kids. I'm really happy with the look!

We ordered the Cribs and double dresser.

Wish me luck this weekend!

Entering the 3rd Trimester

I can't believe it, already  I am in the 3rd trimester!  I remember when I first found out I was pregnant the due date seemed so far away.  We are now 13 weeks away from the day the stork arrives.  I guess this means we really need to start working on that nursery.

It's been a crazy journey... one I am still pinching myself everyday to make sure is real.  Feeling VERY grateful.

I feel like soon, I will have to engage my OBGYN about my health after the baby arrives - how this will affect my PCOS and my future desire to have more children.  I am also going to link a new blog to this site - for those of you still waiting for your stork to arrive.  It's hard reading baby posts, when it has not yet happened to you.  ( I know this feeling all to well)  I have relied to heavily on the internet and blogs for help with prenatal questions and registering for the baby... I am sure I have something useful to add to the conversation.  So stay tuned for that!

15 Weeks to Go

I can't believe it.  I have 15 weeks and 2 days to go.  It's been a crazy journey and it's all starting to feel, well  feel VERY real. Not that it wasn't before, but I was still on that "wow, I can't believe I'm really pregnant feeling"!

12 weeks

23 weeks

I feel the baby move often and each time it's a little reminder of my past struggles, but remind me how lucky and grateful I am.  I have started to get slightly paranoid about movement - before it was always a treat, but now that I am suppose to feel it every day... I have been LOOKING for it.   I have started to register for my shower, and this weekend my husband I am picked our crib.  We are having a BABY GIRL - so I am also starting to look at nursery decor.

In Medical News, I just had my 24 week check up.  I had my glucose test and TDAP shot.  I'm still waiting on the results of the glucose test, but the TDAP shot, I was not expecting to be so painful! Ouch!!!  It's almost 4 days later and my arm is still very sore and slightly swollen.  I have been icing it nightly, which only really seems to help for a short amount of time.  Other then that I am feeling really tired, not really able to get more then 3 or at the most 4 hours of sleep.  I am trying to get used to the Boppy Prenatal Pillow - but so far it has not made much of a difference.

Baby's First Trip to Hawaii

I just returned from a lovely trip to Hawaii.  It was so relaxing to get away and go someplace that is also nice and warm.

My Husband and I had a great time.  I think Hawaii has become our "place".  I truly love the feel and vibe of Hawaii - it's hard to adjust back to Chicago life.  I also can't believe how fast this pregnancy is going.  When I first for the positive sign on the test, I couldn't believe it.  Now that I am 18 weeks, I still can't believe it.  I am showing too - it's exciting.  I was waiting so long for the "bump" and it's here.  I feel so lucky everyday.

Everything A-okay

Had my 16 week check up today.  Everything is a-okay.

Heard the Heart Beat, and heard the baby moving around too.  My Husband was able to make it to the appointment, I think he really enjoyed it.  I was able to hear the heart beat at 12 weeks - and he missed out on that.

Since I can't feel anything yet, it's amazing to hear the Dr. say "I can hear the babe moving around in there" before she got to the heart beat.  It's a really cool thought, actually it's hard to put to words.





I also gained 3 lbs.  I told the Dr. I am still not feeling well - however she said next month I should feel much better.  So, if it's only 1 month of feeling sick then that's not so bad.  I am very fortunate to not be actually throwing up... just feeling sick.

I also decided with our upcoming trip to Maui, and a Husband that travels often.... it was in my best interest to get he flu shot.  I just feel tired now, with a soar arm.

Check up

Went in for my check up with the Nurse on 11/9.

Heard the heart beat..... 142!!!

I also lost between 4-5 lbs. so I was given BNexa to help with the nausea I have been experiencing.  If there was only something for my lack of appetite.  I also have been going to bed every night at about 8:30ish - if I am not in bed by then I am exhausted.

Other then that - everything went well.  I am going to work harder at eating even when I don't really feel like it at all.

I have another check up on Dec. 11 and then the BIG Ultra Sound in the first week of Jan. to determine the sex.

I'm back and with good news.

WE ARE PREGNANT!

DUE 

MAY 22 2013 

Our Lil' Peanut at 8 weeks

Pretty exciting stuff.

Today officially marks 12 weeks!  It's been a emotional journey, and I feel very blessed.  I really appreciate everyone out there who helped encourage me along the way.  I am really looking forward to the next chapter.

Dirty 30

I am 30, I was the first out of my group of friends to go first :).  It was awkward at the time, but I feel good about it now.  Below is an article I found on the Huff about Health in our 30's.  I really think it's worth the read.  The author mentions many things I totally agree with.  I found #8 to be especially important.

8. Yes, your fertility is on the decline

We may be engaged in a culture of prolonged adolescence, but our ovaries are unaware of that fact. By 30, your ovarian reserve will have begun its decline (the height of fertility is in the early 20s) and that decline will become precipitous by 35. That means, if you want to give birth to biological children, it requires a bit of planning.

This necessarily introduces a new dynamic: you are biologically compelled to act out a social behavior (planning a family, looking for a mate) in a way that your male and non-child-seeking peers do not. Yes, it's unfair, but what can you do? As Cole Porter wrote, "We're merely mammals."

Check out the entire article here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com meredith-melnick Health-lessons-for-young-women

Birth Control

Check out the below post from REFINERY 29 on the pill.

birth-control

I learned a lot.  

2nd Acupuncture for Infertility Appointment Today

I had my second acupuncture for infertility appointment this morning.  This is the list from the intern of foods that may be helpful - and what to stay away from.  

At my previous appointment I told her I was eating a lot of frozen yogurt,  love ice cream,  and Milk... she asked what my cravings are.  She suggested I that limit the amount of cold dairy products, but not cut them out.  

I was brave enough to look at the needles this time.  This appointment was much better then the first.  I do feel exhausted again though, but that is common.  I also made 2 following appointments   

acupuncture for infertility

I was told from the OBGYN, that acupuncture is helpful for women suffereing with infertility.  I also had a friend who has a friend (you know the story, lol) that swears by it.  I decided, it was time deal with my fear of needles, and try it.  



I started last Friday Sept. 7th.  I didn't really know what to expect, I didn't do tons for research about the experience, because I am terrified of needles and didn't want to psych myself out.  I called at least 20 places - and came to realize most are not open during the day, didn't have websites, seemed to be pretty much booked up, didn't speak English, or didn't want to treat me for infertility.  I was surprised, because Chicago is a big city - how can this be?

I did finally find a school that teaches Oriental Medicine - and made the appointment on the spot.  I'm so glad I didn't do a lot of reading about the experience before, because I did freak out.... a little.  I just don't do well with needles - and had a mini meltdown.  I was able to compose myself till after I was out of the building.  As with all the things I do - there is the devil & angel on my shoulder.  Since it's a teaching school she is a intern - waiting to be clinically certified.  I felt extremely comfortable with her, and she knew all about PCOS.  She performed an extensive medical history, and they look also at your tongue before the acupuncture.  For the first appt. I was there for about 2 hours - but the following appts. will be much shorter.  Okay, so about my Freak out....

She inserted the needles - and I don't want to scare anyone off, but I felt each and EVERY one of them.  I believe there were 8 total, that were left in the body for 15 mins. Once there were in my body felt electrified, but in a good way.  It was during the time alone I had a break down.  The reappearance of my Angel & Devil on my shoulder.    

The Devil said  "you are wasting your time - these needles hurt- go ahead look at them - this isn't going to work - you hate needles"

The Angel said  "relax - don't look at the needles - give yourself every opportunity - your going to be okay - you are meant to have a baby - everything will work out - have faith - stay calm"

I do suffer panic attacks, so it's not unthinkable I'd panic.... but no less comforting either.  In the middle of the episode, the knock at the door quickly stopped my mind - the intern entered and told be I only has 5 more minutes.... SWEET RELIEF!  A wave of calm came over me.  It wasn't till I was talking about the experience 30mins later that the feelings all came flooding back.  Once I had a time to cry out all my frustrations, I felt better but drained.  My body was soar that day, and I didn't feel quite right... however I was told to expect that.

My husband - who is ALWAYS super supportive listened to everything with an open mind.  He asked if I think it's working? - Clearly to early to tell - however I did "feel" something.  I guess I feel like it's a step in the right direction.  The Intern recommend that  I continue once a week - so I made an appt. for the next (2) following weeks.  I feel good about, and feel MUCH better about the needles used.  

September is PCOS Awareness Month

So, if you are like me.... before being diagnosed with PCOS - I had never heard of it.  When I told friends and family - they were clueless.  It was at first kind of hard to determine what to do.  I read lots and lots of chat boards - but never really trusted anything I read. Most the chat boards were outdated, full of adds, and most importantly gave misguided information. 

Here is the list of places I found on the web that really helped me understand my condition with information I could trust.  It can be overwhelming at first - but it gets easier to understand little by little.  I found there are lots of blogs out there, just like mine where women are going the same feelings. You are not alone!

Looking for Answers:  

PCOS Information: 

mayo clinic - This is helpful in getting ready for a first Dr.'s appointment.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital - Easy to understand.

pcos help centre - Many helpful tips.  

livestrong article what can help me lose weight with pcos - Weight loss advice- so very helpful in the battle against PCOS.

Purchases:

chiral balance - I started taking DCI as soon as I was diagnosed.  They have a great video that explains what DCI does.

preseed sperm friendly lube - I bought this as soon as we started TTC.

ask your Dr. about taking vitamin d - this article has a very good description.  

Breaking up is Hard to do.... See ya SODA!

Sugar is the mortal enemy of PCOS.  

I am a recovering soda addict.  I indulge here and there - but have stopped buying diet coke/coke by the case load, long long ago.  It was hard at first, but slowly it got easier. In the beginning I suffered from Headaches and mood swings - it was brutal.  

I still have some caffeine everyday, but not nearly what I used to drink.  Sometimes I miss all the diet coke / coke, I used to drink - but I know it's for the best.  

Here are some Products that have replaced Soda in my life.  

Juice & Lemonade - I always cut with water.  

 My new favorite soda!  I have always loved this stuff, and after visiting their brewery this weekend.... I found out it comes in low cal! This is a great way to treat yourself once in a while and is sweetened with local honey.  

 It's awesome - and visiting the Brewery was really fun! 

Check out the website here :sprecher brewery info and tours

I love love love Starbucks Shaken Iced Green Tea Lemonade Unsweetened

Check out the nutrition here: starbucks: tazo tea shaken iced green tea lemonade

Products that Helped my Acne from PCOS

So, it's been a while since I have spoken about my Acne.  Mostly, because (knock on wood) it's been pretty good.  I have slight breakouts around my period - but it's manageable.  I feel much better about my skin - the acne, that I had was painful... I'm glad those days are hopefully behind me now.

Here is what I use to keep my skin healthy.

I love this formula.  I noticed a difference in my skin after completing the first bottle.  I would highly recommend this.  

I love this face wash.  I remember my mother as a kid, had a favorite nail polish color - and was crushed when they discontinued it.  At the time I couldn't understand being so connected to a product.  Now, I get it.... I would be devastated if this face wash wasn't around anymore.  I have used it's for the past 2 years.  It removes makeup like a dream (even eye makeup), and makes my skin feel amazing.  

This is a great product.  Just enough coverage in a super charged moisturizer all in one.  If I do happen to have acne - this covers well.  Feels like velvet going on - and doesn't upset the ph balance in my skin.  

I just started using these again, and I think they make a huge difference in the appearance of my skin.  I use the nose strips about once a week.  I think I bought a pack of 14 for about 8.00, sometimes you can even find a coupon.  

Out with the old in with the New.

Labor Day weekend is here and Summer will be soon be in the rear view mirror.  I have been in a "funk" lately, but there has been a lot of other outside issues this Summer, other then my body.  

I sort of feel like my surroundings are forcing me to change my outlook.  For example, since I am still loosing some weight... I have been putting off buying new clothes.  In hopes that my next wardrobe will be maternity shopping.  I was finally able to fit into (3) pairs of pants I bought at the very early stages of first going off the pill.  I started to rapidly gain weight - this was before I became aware of my PCOS, 40+ lbs. later.  So this Summer I just wore though those 3 pairs of pants that I bought when I first started to gain weight.  So, I was forced to purge basically the 3 pairs of pants I was wearing all though out the week currently.

Then, I was laying in bed - I went to stretch my legs and heard a tear! My favorite pair of sheets (we have 2 sets) had a HUGE gash in it.  I guess we use them constantly for the past 3 years, we got pretty good wear out of them.  So now, I am forced to use the other set of sheets... that aren't nearly as comfortable. But, again I have to now change my habit.  

Last but not least .... cosmetics.  I have extremely long hair so don't wash it every day, but shampoo & conditioner were used up this week at the same time.  Then I used all my Bare Minerals Foundation... I even went as far as to crack open the container to tap put the powder stuck under the rings of the cap.  Then, my hairspray, face wash, and moisturizer all went out too.  

So I think the universes is telling me something.... CHANGE.  hahahah!

People that know me, know that like the majority of us we are creatures of habit.  I eat the same food, wear the same clothes (not now anyways), watch the same TV shows, read the same kind of books.  I guess you could say that Change for me is hard.  This week - all the little things changed on me, and I really didn't have a choice.  Hoping for a Bigger Change soon, and trying to pay more attention to looking at things differently.

HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE LABOR DAY.  

Pinterest

Do you like pinterest? I am pretty much obsessed.  I have created a PCOS board that I wanted to share....

http://pinterest.com/Blytheanne/pcos/

There are lots of other PCOS boards, and it's interesting to see what other women are pinning.

I highly suggest pinterest if you have loads of time, with nothing to do.  In all seriousness, sometimes pinterest is a good "metal vacation" from other sites like FB that are loaded with sonogram & baby shots.  I sometimes get a little baby crazy - looking on FB to see who else I know that is pregnant and what their baby looks like.  It's a sick thing I do when I am sometimes feeling down on myself.  Is it healthy, no probably not lol....but I remember when my friends were starting to get engaged & married - I loved to spy on engagement photos and rings.... wondering when my turn was coming.

Happy Pinning!

Glumetza

After a routine check up at my Endocrinologist 2 weeks ago, I mentioned to her that the MetforminER is better on my stomach but still have issues.  My main issue being diarrhea. The extended release was more manageable, however I was still running to the bathroom about once/twice a day.... literally RUNNING.

At my appointment I was handed (2) sample bottles of Glumetza - the Dr. said that "patients have noticed it's much easier on the stomach", and that it is more expensive then MetforminER.  I wasn't thrilled that it was more expensive, and I was skeptical at how much "easier on the stomach" it really was.  I waited till I had 1 more dose of my MetforminER left and tried the Glumetza samples. (Que' singing Angels)

HUGE IMPROVEMENT.  

I am so much happier on Glumetza.  Currently taking (2) 1000mg dose each night, I feel so much better in the morning.  There are still days I have diarrhea, but they are few and far between.   I only wish I knew about it sooner.  As for the price, it was double what I was paying - but totally worth it.  I no longer scout out the restroom at every public place.  

Also, I am going to stay the course of action for the next 6 months, then regroup if there is no successful pregnancy.  I am currently using ovulation kits each month, and getting a surge (I can now also track my cycle to 34 days). I was advised by my Dr. that if I get anxious at any point, she suggests visiting my OBGYN and asking for clomid - which she thinks would be successful.