Clomid Question

[skydancer]

Hi! This is my third cycle of clomid this time around. I'm only on 50mg (cd 3-7). I *think* I o'ed on the 7th, but for the last 4 days I've been having strange little pains near my left ovary. The only way I can think to explain it is the example of a type of candy they used to sell...I think it was called pop rocks. You would put them on your tongue and they would kind of explode. It's a feeling in between a tickle and pain. Anyway, it feels like that, only on my ovary. At first I was hoping it was ovulation pain, but it seems like it is lasting an awfully long time. I don't think the dose is too high...I'm not having any other symptoms (ie: blurred vision, dizziness, etc). Any ideas or similar experiences? Thanks in advance!

[Momof3Labs]

You could have a small cyst. Have they done an u/s at the beginning of your cycle, and again near ovulation? It could also be ovulation pains (mittelschmerz - sp?); maybe you ovulated two eggs on one side, thus the more noticeable pain?

Good luck!!!

[skydancer]

Thanks for the response, Lori!

After looking at your response, I surfed the net about pain due to cysts, and I would bet that is it. My doctor isn't monitoring anything (grr)- just wrote out a script for another four months of clomid (I had already been on it for two) and referred me to a specialist in case those four months didn't work. Whatever the outcome of the next three months, I know I'm looking for a new ob/gyn!

[blueridgewoman]

You know, I'd also be concerned about doing four more months of Clomid if you've already done two. I think the standard protocol is to do only three cycles because, after three, Clomid tends to start thinning your lining a little bit.

I think I might head to the specialist at this point, you know?

[skydancer]

Thanks, blueridgewoman

I have an appointment with a specialist already....unfortunately the wait is 6 months (my current dr. knew it would be a long wait, that's why he wrote the script for 4 months at one time)!! At this point, I'm still debating about continuing with the remaining clomid...on one hand, clomid has worked for me in the past and I would like to have been pg. yesterday instead of waiting until January to even begin the process. On the other hand, if I'm not going to become pg during that time, I don't want to deal with the extra hormones and side effects. Either way, I should be clomid free for 2 months before my Jan. appointment, so at least I'll have a break from it if I continue with clomid and do not become pg.
The thinning of the lining is a new consideration for me...I'll have to look into it. Thanks for the heads up!!

[blueridgewoman]

Oh my goodness! Six MONTHS? Wow!

I wonder if he would be willing to give you a phone consultation, maybe, since the wait is that long? Or could they put you on a cancellation waiting list?

[skydancer]

I know...

I couldn't believe it! Their cancellation policy is the wackiest thing I've ever heard...patients can call in during the week and if a spot is open, they get it. Basically, if you call right after someone cancels, you are golden. If not, you keep hounding them. Next time I call, though, I will try to get a phone consultation (hey, it's worth a shot). Do you think I can just start with a new ob/gyn now? Does it matter that I'm on a script and a referral from the old one? It seems like odd timing, but I don't want to continue on the clomid if it is pointless.

[blueridgewoman]

I certainly would try to find a new one- I might even ask what their experience with infertility was.... It's a hard call, because I know a lot of women here have said that if you're on drugs, you should be seeing a RE, and I might kind of agree with that a little, especially after hearing this.

But in any case, I would switch, or at least get a second opinion- certainly can't hurt! It does sound like you have an HMO though, and I guess that complicates things. I have an EPO which works much the same way, and come to think of it, I do NOT have to get a referral to ob/gyns. Maybe yours works the same way?

[skydancer]

Thanks again!

Your thoughts have been quite valuable in helping me make my plan. I think I'm just going to hold off on the clomid after this month, give myself and my body a break, and wait to see the specialist in January. That will buy me some time to really search out a new ob/gyn or midwife that has a philosophy that matches mine a little closer.

[Cloth4Colin]

Hi mama! I just wanted to send you some hugs. We did Clomid to get DS and then tried it again for this baby. (Ended up taking a cycle off and got pregnant on our own.)

I would say that it would be perfectly fine to start looking for another OB/GYN in the meantime....he/she might have more experience with infertility AND might know of an RE that can see you sooner...wouldn't hurt to try.

I would at least want them to be doing ultrasounds to verify if you are O'ing...specifically on CDs 12 or 14 - typical O dates on Clomid are CD 15 or 16. Then maybe an ultrasound on CD 18 to verify that you released the egg.

As for the pain/tingles, it's probably a cyst. I got them all the time on Clomid and most are harmless and go away on there own...but then again, having the timed ultrasounds would help your doctor evaluate those as well.

I'm a big proponent of monitoring during the use of Clomid - it can be a wonderful drug - was our miracle drug - but there's a lot of tweaking that sometimes needs to be done...the more you are monitored, the less time you are might waste.

Best wishes to you!! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of baby dust your way too!!!!

[skydancer]

Thanks, Cloth4Colin...

Congratulations on your pregnancy!!
I agree with the monitoring...we used clomid for our first and once we were on it, it worked like a charm so I didn't worry too much about the lack of monitoring. This time, though, is a different story. Thanks again for the advice and thoughts!! I will definately be seeking some more monitoring before continuing.