Trying for a baby...

One of the things I know I will use this blog for is to keep track of my so far unsuccessful events whilst trying for a baby...

 

About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) completely by chance, I wasn't trying for a baby then what with only being 19 but I had been having for a while very irregular cycles and also heavy and painful cycles so I went along to my GP and they ran up some tests and I had an ultrasound scan and was told that I have PCOS. I had no idea at the time what that meant, I just wanted a bit more normality with my cycles! At that time the GP recommended I go on the pill and this will help regulate everything and also help with the painful cycles etc... Great! Just what I had hoped for.

 

 

Now 5 years later having been trying for a baby for the last 18 months is when I finally realise what having PCOS means... it means a great difficulty in conceiving. I have been prescribed numerous drugs and also undergone investigations but nothing still. However we have finally hit a plateau and not really sure where we go from here without looking at other options other than natural conception. In Wales we are very fortunate that for women I believe under 30 and a few other nitty gritty criteria are entitled to 3 cycles of IVF...FREE. Which is great, although there is a 2 and a half year waiting list, not so great. So in the mean time we just sit tight and wait....

 

I am currently taking metformin which is a drug usually administered to control diabetes but has been found to help women with PCOS regulate their insulin levels in hope that it stimulates ovulation, which hasn't happened so far for me. I am also on my first cycle of Clomid, today is day one. I have to take these tablets 1 a day in the next 2-6 days of my cycle and then this should help stimulate my ovaries to release an egg and well you know what I need to be doing after that.... ;)

 

So far I feel fine, haven't had any nasty side effects from any of these drugs which touch wood is a blessing. I have read lots of horror stories about nasty side effects, it is early days on the clomid cycles but I will keep you posted and may do a daily diary for those possibly interested that are reading this blog? Just with some tips and advice.

 

A x

 

 

Being a YOUNG Step Mum

I mentioned in my introduction post below that I live with my boyfriend - Gavin, and we've been together for the last 3 years. To cut a long story short, Gav is a bit older than me.... yes that's right old man your older than me!! He's 31 and i'm 24 so it's not as creepy as I may have made it sound, and as a typical bloke he does act more immature!

 

 

Anyway, with Gav comes my gorgeous step daughter Chloe.

 

 

Chloe is now 8 and I was introduced to her not long after Gav and I had started dating and we instantly clicked. She is like the daughter I don't have! She is amazing and whilst it is easier to build a relationship when they are younger as step children, children tend to be a little more innocent and there was no hard feelings involved between Gav and his ex and I think this most definitely helps matters. Chloe and I have our own special bond and I think it's fantastic and I wouldn't be without her.

 

When Gav first told me that he had a child I was VERY apprehensive, I thought do I really want to get involved with someone that has children? I was only 21 and although a mature person and loved kids... just wasn't sure I wanted to take on someone elses right then. Anyway I totally fell head over heels with Gav and soon realised that Chloe was going to be a big part of my life and I was the one that had to make it work... I spoke to all my friends and they all thought I was crazy and that I should distance myself as Gav only sees Chloe on weekends and therefore let them have daddy and daughter time and me take a step back... but I couldn't help think why would I want to do that? I want it to be a fun family environment...So that's how we are today... Don't get me wrong she is a typical 8 year old and sometimes is rather cheeky, but there are no boundaries and she cannot play me against her Dad or Mum... I am an authoritive figure in her life and hopefully someone that she loves and looks up to.

 

My advice? Don't try to hard...

 

Kids are fickle creatures and I could have had Chloe wrapped around my little finger if I had promised her the earth and a mountain of sweets but where would that have got me? I reward her when she helps me with things and we have our own little fun and games... we go to cheerleading classes on a Saturday morning together and we both love it and it really helps us to bond. So find common ground... We both really love doing practical jokes on Daddy, I don't think he loves it mind! Haha! So we have fun together... even though she does tell me I am bossy.

 

My mum always told me that if I didn't tell her once in my life that I hate her and that she is spoiling my life she wasn't doing her job properly because it wasn't always about take take take which kids will do if you allow them. To me I am part of Chloe's life and as her stepmum I think exactly the same and lead an example to Chloe as to how she should behave.

 

Ax