A new Herbal Addition

On Thursday, December 14, I began week 25 of acupuncture treatments and herbs. My inital visit was on June 22, 2006. I talked to LAc today at treatment and she confirmed, due to my BBT chart (1st phase temperatures so erratic) that I have a Liver Qi Stagnation which basically means that it all has to do with the heart: emotional, angry, frustrated, nervous, ect. I told her that yes, I was all of that. She said she would give me some pills to take which would help me with these emotions. She said she had a patient that had no luck getting pregnant and FSH was at 17 so no IVF Specialist wanted to help her. After being on these for about 2 month then she became pregnant on her own. I will begin taking this on CD5 (Monday):

• GAN MAI DA ZAO PIAN (Guang Ci Tang Herbal Dietary Supplement)
• No sugar, No Artifical Colors
• Product is made from selected chinese herbs in accordance to the traditional Chinese herbal formula. It contains 100% all natural Chinese herbs
• Ingredients:
• glycyrrhiza uralensis (gan cao)
• ziziphus jujuba mill (da zao)
• curcuma aromatica (yu jin)
• polygala tenuifolia (yuan zhi)
• ziziphus jujuba (suan zao ren)
• triticum aestivum (xiao mai)
• Sig: 4 tabs w/warm/juice H2O BID

She said we will now be working with follicular part of my cycle. These are the herbs for CD 5 - CD11 (beginning on Monday):

1. Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
2. Chinese # 0509011-20050901-2-10
3. Chinese # 0510081-20051008-1-10
4. Chinese # 0510081-20051008-1.5-10
5. Common Yam Rhizome (Rhizoma Dioscoreae--Shanyao)
6. Glossy Privet Fruit (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi--Nuzhenzi)
7. Indian Bread (Poria--Fuling)
8. Red Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra--Chishao)
9. Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)
10. White Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Alba--Baishao)

Then from CD 12-CD20 I should begin taking these herbs and continue with pills:

1. Chinese # 0509011-20050901-2-10
2. Common Yam Rhizome (Rhizoma Dioscoreae--Shanyao)
3. Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
4. Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
5. Indian Bread (Poria--Fuling)
6. Plantain Seed (Semen Plantaginis--Cheqianzi)
7. Red Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra--Chishao)
8. Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)
9. White Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Alba--Baishao)
10. Zi Shi Ying (Fluoritum--ore)

She also said not to worry about charting while on vacation, but to begin about 3 days after so body can adjust back to normal time.

I asked her about the differences in the bags and she said they are just from different manufacturers/companies.

Today's experience at acupuncturist was really strange. I usually fall into a deep state of relaxation, but not actually asleep. Well this time I actually fell so asleep that when she came back to remove the needles I got scared when I heard the door open! I was in an even deeper state of relaxation than ever before. I couldn't even get up as quick as I usually do after she removes the needles.

24th week of acupuncture & herbs

I saw acupuncturist last saturday. Here are the herbs:

1. Chinese # 0503011-1.5-10
2. Chinese # 0510081-20051008-1-10
3. Chinese # 0510081-20051008-1-10
4. Chinese Thorowax Root (Radix Bupleuri--Chaihu)
5. Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
6. Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
7. Indian Bread (Poria--Fuling)
8. Red Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra--Chishao)
9. Safflower (Flos Carthami--Honghua)
10. Zi Shi Ying (Fluoritum (ore)

Today, I saw her again. As you can see, I've been seeing her for 24 weeks now...that means 6 months! Still nothing to show for it! I will begin with the herbs for this week:

1. Che Qian Zi (Plantago asiatica--seed)
2. Chinese # 0510081-20051008-1-10
3. Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
4. Green Tangerine Peel (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride--Qingpi)
5. Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
6. Indian Bread (Poria--Fuling)
7. Red Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra--Chishao)
8. White Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Alba--Baishao)
9. For this herb there were 2 in one bag: (1) Wu Ling Zhi (Trogopterus Xanthipes--dejecta) and (2) Chinese # 0511011-20051101-2.5-10)
10. Zi Shi Ying (Fluoritum--ore)

My Fertility Monitor has run out of days since I have not ovulated. Today is CD 26 and still nothing. I have had about 3 episosed of EWCM, but then it goes right back to creamy. I have had only partial ferning on my Microscope and nothing more than 97.6 on my BBT graph.

I have to say that I have not been feeling myself. I have been sad, down, depressed, angry, emotional, jealous and many other things. I hate the fact that everyone else seems to have the facility of becoming pregnant and it's such a struggle for me. Baby showers are showering down on my life and I just don't know how to handle them. I find myself just avoiding them all together so that my heart doesn't have to go through such sadness and hurt! I find excuses that don't even make sense, but I use them anyway and I become distant from those that have kids because all they ever do is talk about them. I really hate myself for this and any other feelings taht I have had. I just don't know how to handle it anymore. I don't know how much more of this my heart can take or will be able to handle. I seem to break down a lot more now and I just can't seem to be able to control it. I feel as if no one cares. I feel as if DH doesn't care. He says nothing to me and that just makes me feel like he blocks me out and doesn't even listen to anything I say. I don't know if this is his way of dealing with it, or what? I have been so sad all this past week and I haven't even spoken much to DH. I just want to be alone and not bothered with.

Today, I talked to LAc about what is going on with me. I asked here if she has any other patients that have taken so long to conceive...her response: "I have one." That just made it worse for me. I asked her if there is anything else that I can do to improve my chances because I'm up to the point where I so desperately want a child that I am willing to give it up just for my sanity. She said we just have to get my body to ovulate and then I should have no trouble. Then I can even begin to consider IVF again, but until then, I shouldn't even waste my time. She also said that my PCOS is probably what is affecting this and that getting back on Metformin would probably help. I just hated it when I took it because it made me feel so awful. I don't want to be dependent on any drugs, but at the same time, I want to take it if it will help me become pregnant. She said again to continue avoiding all sweets, caffeine and basically complex carbohydrates. What the heck am I supposed to eat! I guess I should just try and survive on lettuce and spinach for the rest of my life.

I don't know what else to do. I so much hate my life right now. As soon as she walked out, the tears just rolled down the side of my face and I could do nothing to stop them. Why? Why? Why? I find myself asking this question so much and it is just so frustrating to not have an answer. What do I do? I wish I had the courage to just say I am going to stop and do it, but I feel so desperate that I can't find the strenght to do it. I try to show that I am happy on the outside but on the inside I am like a piece of meat, rotting, while the the raptors pick at it and the maggots eat the dead skin and bacteria!

22nd week of Acupuncture

I saw LAc again on Wednesday, 11/22, since she will be out of town this weekend. On Thursday I began my 22nd week of Acupuncture. I will not see her again until next Saturday, December 2nd. It seems that my cycle is going well. My BBT's seem to be staying a lot more steadier now, at least more than before. I am still using the Fertility Monitor (hoping this will make some type of a difference), the Ferning Microscope and I continue charting my temperature & CM. Today I thought I saw EWCM and I told my DH. I don't even know why I even bother getting excited because it will just be another disappointment at the end of yet another cycle! So here are the herbs for this week until I see her again on 12/2:

1. Chinese # 0408011-1-10
2. Chinese # 0503011-1.5-10
3. Chinese # 0505011-1-6
4. Chinese # 0510081-20051008-1-10
5. Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
6. Chinese Thorowax Root (Radix Bupleuri--Chaihu)
7. Indian Bread (Poria--Fuling)
8. Safflower (Flos Carthami--Honghua)
9. Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)
10. Zi Shi Ying (Fluoritum--ore)

On a more positive wavelenght, I am counting down the days until my vacation to Maui. Three more weeks and we will be there for 11 days! I can not wait. So my goal now is to get back on my diet and back on my exercise routine so that I can lose a few more pounds. I ate so much this past week, it's not even funny! With me being on vacation...having lunch with friends....Thanksgiving...spending the weekend at my parents! I feel like a big balloon. I swore I was going to do my cleanse today, but when we woke up at my parents, we just couldn't resist the tamales and refried beans! They are no help whatsoever. Tomorrow, we will begin. No cheating! I have to be strong. My goal is to drink my veggie/fruit juice every single morning and workout every day, if possible, except for sundays. No caffeine, no sodas, no coffee, no chocolate, no sweets! No greasy foods, not too many carbs (only good carbs) and lots and lots of fruits & veggies plus my 1 gallon of water daily.

19th Session

Here I am. Still doing acupunture treatments. It seems like an eternity has gone by and I have gotten nowhere. I just feel as if I am wasting my time on something that is never going to happen. I guess my only real hope right now as that maybe we will be doing the IVF again in 2007 and if it does not go well, then I really would like to get beyond this and move on to adoption. A friend of my husband went to Honduras on a trip with her church. She found out that if we have $5,000, then we can adopt a child from there. She said she knows people there that are missionaries and they would be able to help us out.

Moving on, I saw LAc on Saturday again! I showed her my chart and she said it did not look good for my last cycle. It seems my ovulation day moved back up to CD 22 and my cycle was 36 days long. She said to not have IVF anytime soon, because it seems that we are back where we started, in the beginning. What a bummer! She have me herbs for 4 days and told me to take them in the morning if possible. Here they are:

• Barbary Wolfberry Fruit (Fructus Lycii--Gouqizi)
• Chinese # 0510081-20051008-1-10
• Chinese # 0510081-20051008-1-10
• Chinese Thorowax Root (Radix Bupleuri--Chaihu)
• Di Gu Pi (Lycium barbarum--root-bark)
• Glossy Privet Fruit (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi--Nuzhenzi)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Red Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra--Chishao)
• Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae--Shengdihuang)
• Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)

I will see her again on Wednesday since she will not be here next weekend. She says she would like to monitor my cycle before ovulation and didn't want me to miss a treatment. She recommended a book that is really helpful. I will find the name and post it.

Finally, I went in for my hysteroscopy today. It turns out that RE changed my test over to a fluid ultrasound. He said this is basically the same thing and it lets you see the same things, but it is less invasive. The procedure went well and everything turned out negative. So now we move on to the next step. Everything else is not covered on insurance, so it will be done slowly.

20th week of acupuncture

I am now on my 20th week of acupuncture and herbs. In other words, I have been seeing LAc for 5 months and still nothing. On Saturday, November 4th, I saw LAc, but she had me take a week of off the herbs. I had some type of a stomach virus, so she decided it would be a good idea to give my body a little break.

This past Saturday, November 11th, I had to cancel my acupuncture appointment, but I still went in to get the herbs I need for this week. I had not taken the last set for Friday, November 3rd, so I began with that one and then I am to continue with the following:

1. Chinese # 0408011-1-10
2. Chinese # 0510081-20051008-1-10
3. Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
4. Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
5. Glossy Privet Fruit (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi--Nuzhenzi)
6. Motherwort Herb (Herba Leonuri--Yimucao)
7. Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
8. Safflower (Flos Carthami--Honghua)
9. Szechwan Lovage Rhizome (Rhizoma Chuanxiong--Chuanxiong)
10. Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)

I have to admit, I have not been sticking to my alkaline diet and therefore blame myself for my cycle being all crazy. I am on CD 35 and am still waiting for AF. I am still not sure if I have ovulated or not, so I am not sure when to expect it. I have done a veggie/fruit cleanse today, and will begin again tomorrow with my daily juices. I am hoping this will help me to get back on track. I have to lose a couple more pounds, especially since we will be going to Kahului, Maui, Hawaii for the Christmas break. I can not wait!

I have ordered a Fertilty Monitor in hopes that it will help me pinpoint ovulation a little better. I am still waiting for it to arrive.

Did I miss Ovulation????

I do not know what is going on! Did I miss Ovulation? I thought I had ovulated on Friday, since I had a huge temperature rise on Saturday, but then it came right back down on Sunday. What is going on? I called LAc to see if she understood what was going on. She went into telling me that it probably my ovulation time then, but it seems the egg just didn't release or something. She said this can happen. I'm still really confused. I had EWCM and all, but no Ovulation!

4 1/2 months of acupunture!

This past Thursday began my 18th week since I began acupuncture. My appointment went well. I asked LAc about Maya Abdomina Massage because I had previously heard of it and she said if I did find someone, to make sure it is someone that knows what they are doing. Although, she clarified that she does not recommend it. She said there are some exercises, like Yoga, that work on readjusting the uterus to the proper position, if it is tilted. Here are the herbs for this week:

1. Barbary Wolfberry Fruit (Fructus Lycil--Gouqizi)
2. Che Qian Zi (Plantago asiatica--seed)
3. Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
4. Chinese # 0408011-1-10
5. Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
6. Glossy Privet Fruit (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi--Nuzhenzi)
7. Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
8. Red Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra--Chishao)
9. Safflower (Flos Carthami--Honghua)
10. Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)

17 week of Acupuncture

On Thursday I began my 17th week of acupuncture. My temps seemed to be going a little wacko I guess because I haven't been following my diet and exercise routine as I should have. They seem to be a little better now that I've started my fresh veggie juice in the mornings. I asked LAc what the little wires were for. She said it was just extra stimulation to certain places. Usually she uses it on my lower back, but today she used it on my stomach. She said she was going to use it to stimulate my ovaries. She also said to begin BD as soon as I see eggwhite and BD every other day. Last month my ovulation day was on the 17th, so hopefully it will move up a day or two. Today is CD 13 and I haven't noticed any. I guess all there is left to do is wait. Also, I told her I had bought the Greens powder and asked her what she thought about it. She said, honestly, she'd rather me not take it since all of that is processed, even if they do call it natural. She'd rather me add an extra leaf of something green. The only time she suggested I take it is if I were to ever go out of town or on the road and I had no access to veggies. Here are herbs for this week until I see her again next saturday:

1. Chinese # 0509011-20050901-1.5
2. Chinese # 0511011-20051101-2.5
3. Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
4. Indian Bread (Poria--Fuling)
5. Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
6. Red Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Rubra--Chishao)
7. Safflower (Flos Carthami--Hongua)
8. Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)
9. Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)
10. White Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Alba--Baishao)

It was interesting because I saw her assistant measuing out the actual leaves of the herbs on the scale and bagging them. I asked LAc what the benefits are of drinking fresh herbs. She said when she called manufacturer, they told her there are not differences in the results. The only difference is that you have to boil the leaves every 3 days and the tea has a stronger taste since it sits for so long.

Anyhow, I have lost a total of 13 pounds. I feel great! I have gone down 2 dress sizes and am now wearing a size 8 and medium tops. Also, I have ordered a copy of the meditation cd from the Anji Inc website for natural cycles. LAc said she strongly recommened it.

16th week of Acupuncture

Today I will begin my 16th week of acupuncture. I saw LAc and as always, she was wonderful. She told me stories of women that have become pregnant with her treatments. She always makes me feel really positive about the treatments. Today she said that a 43 yo woman became pregnant after 3 months of treatments with her. WOW! Then she told me that a woman that was diagnosed with PCOS, after 3 months of treatment, showed no sign of it on sonogram. Interesting! Let's hope this is the cycle for me!!!!!! We will be BDing lots this cycle.

So she told me to begin my herbal teas on Friday, tomorrow, and see her again next Saturday. She automatically knew that there had been a change in my diet and exercise without me telling her. She asked me if there were any changes or if I had been consuming spicy and/or ice cold beverages because my tongue looked like it had some spots on it! I was scared, and told her not any that I could think of, but maybe. I'm sure she knew, though! I also told her my AF was so weird, that I really only had normal flow on CD1, then heavy CD2, then spotting CD3 & CD4, but that I also had a foul smell. She said that was also related to my diet. So the herbs that I am taking are the ones listed below:

1. Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis—Danggui)
2. Chinese # 0505011
3. Chinese # 0509011-20050901
4. Chinese # 0510081-20051008
5. Glossy Privet Fruit (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi—Nuzhenzi)
6. Indian Bread (Poria—Fuling)
7. Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata—Shudihuang)
8. Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis—Dangshen)
9. Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Ahyranthis Bidentatae—Niuxi)
10. White Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Alba—Baishao)

She actually gave them to me the last time I saw her but since I have been on menses and all, I have not even touched them. She gave me some herbs for an additional day to make it until I see her next Saturday:

1. Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
2. Chinese # 0505011--1--6
3. Chinese # 0509011-20050901--1.5--10
4. Chinese # 0510081-20051008--1--10
5. Chinese # 0510081-20051008--1.5--10
6. Chinese # 0510081-20051008--2--10
7. Glossy Privet Fruit (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi--Nuzhenzi)
8. Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)
9. Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)
10. Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)

4th cycle since Acupuncture

I am not disappointed, but not happy about getting AF again. I know that we just began trying again, but I guess I was still hoping for a miracle. So something is really weird. Since ovulation, I have had some really weird cramping and then I had some spotting since about 1 week before AF. Finally, AF showed up yesterday, after 16 dpo. Last cycle it had gone down to 13 dpo. This AF was the worst I've had in a while. I had the worst cramping yesterday and PMS big time! My poor DH!

I called LAc today to ask her what's going on and she said it was really strange. She scheduled me an ER appointment for Thursday at 5:00 pm. She is so sweet! I guess this is partially my fault, although I am not going to tell her the whole truth. I have not been doing the Alkaline diet the way I should be. I know, I'm only harming myself, but with work and all, it's just been really hectic. I haven't even worked out since 2 weeks ago. Shame, shame on me. As soon as AF is gone I will begin working out again. I have to. The problem now is that we are going out of town this week end. I just can't get into the habit of drinking my juice in the morning again. I stopped (big NO NO!) and I just can't start again. This has to be all my fault!

Going on 15th week of Acupuncture

Today I saw LAc again. These are the herbs she prescribed me:

1. Chinese # 0508011-20050801
2. Chinese # 0510081-20051008
3. Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
4. Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
5. Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
6. Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyper--Xiangfu)
7. Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)
8. Safflower (Flos Carthami--Honghua)
9. Szechwan Chinaberry Fruit (Fructus Toosendan--Chuanlianzi)
10. Turmeric Root Tuber (Radix Curcumae--Yujin)

She will be out of town next week so I will not be able to see her. I am to call her to make an appointment. I told her I am having a Hysteroscopy so maybe I can come in on that same day. I told her I would let her know because if AF shows up I will have to reschedule Hysteroscopy.

I mentioned to her that I was having some weird cramping going on. She said it was too early for that so possibly I needed some extra fiber in my diet. She suggested that I eat rice, mostly brown rice mixed with white rice and if possible, also black rice. I've never heard of that before. Anyway, she also said to soak brown rice overnight and then cook next day. Also, she suggested I try to eat grain bread, rather than just plain wheat bread for that extra fiber.

Going on 14 weeks of Acupuncture

I've been on acupuncture and chinese herbal tea treatments for 13 1/2 weeks. It's amazing what a difference I have noticed in myself. Not only in my cycles, but in the way I feel. I am much more at ease, relaxed, and not as stressed as I used to be. There is not tension in my shoulders nor the back of my head. I love going to the treatments, especially because I know that it is doing somethin good for me.

I think that I ovulated either yesterday or today. My BBT has not showed anything yet, but my temperature sky rocketed today. At my session today I fell asleep. It is so weird because I had just woken up two hours earlier. LAc told me that I could drink my tea in my cup of water instead of dividing it into two cups. I am so glad, because sometimes in the mornings I am so busy, that I don't even have time to eat, yet I drink the tea anyway. From now on, as strong and nasty as it may be, I will be drinking it only once.

Here are the herbs for this week:

1. Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
2. Chinese Herb # 0509011-20050901
3. Chinese Herb # 0510081-20051008
4. Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
5. Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
6. Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
7. Indian Bread (Poria--Fuling)
8. Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
9. Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)
10. Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)

11 1/2 weeks of Acupuncture, What a difference!

I am at 11 1/2 weeks of acupuncture, and I have noticed several changes in my cycle. For starters, as I mentioned before, ovulation day moved from CD 32 to CD 19. In addition, my luteal phase decreased from 16 days to 13 days. I had no PMS, but I think that is pretty usual for me. On CD 1, I had very little cramping, tender breasts and backache, but it lasted only a day. I had AF for 3 days, then it changed to spotting. Flow was normal and color was bright red, with no clots this time. Usually, I have clots.

I am really satisfied with my LAc, and I pray that I will not need IVF in order to get pregnant, but it will happen naturally. I am really looking forward to this cycle. She had initially told me not to try to get pregnant for the first two cycles, since I had a tubal pregnancy in the past, we were trying to avoid another one. This will be my third cycle since seeing her, so we will be trying. I am graphing my temperature, checking CM and using a ferning microscope. Hopefully all of this will give me the results I need. In addition, there will be lots of BDing.

Here are the herbs for this week, which I will begin tomorrow, CD 5:

• Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
• Chinese # 0509011--20050901
• Chinese # 0510081--20051008
• Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
• Glossy Privet Fruit (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi--Nuzhenzi)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
• Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)
• Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)
• Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)

Since we will be going out of town next weekend, she gave me the herbs for the following week. She said if for some reason I do not have access to a stove to heat my water, the last resort would be to heat it in the microwave, but only if I have to. I there is a coffee pot, I can pour water in the pot and turn it on. Also, I can take only one cup of tea, instead of two. Beginning on Saturday, September 16, I will be taking the following herbs:

• Che Qian Zi (Plantago asiatica--seed)
• Chinese # 0507011--20050701
• Chinese # 0509011--20050901
• Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
• Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
• Glossy Privet Fruit (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi--Nuzhenzi)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
• Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)
• Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)

In the meantime, I am still drinking my gallon of water, taking my prenatals and acidophilus, and have now added flaxseed oil. In addition, I continue drinking my fresh veggie juice every am. I have not worked out this past week, but will begin again either tomorrow or monday. I need to get back in the routine of eating a little healthier, because I have let myself go too much. It's just that I am so tired when I come from work, that it is just much easier to buy something already made, then to have to cook and then wash dishes. Of course, my husband is so lazy, that he can't lift a finger to help me. I don't know how I am fixing that problem.

10 1/2 Weeks of Acupuncture

I saw LAc again on Saturday. It looks as if I ovulated on day 19. Wow, my ovulation day went from day 35 last cycle to day 19 this cycle. This is looking really good. So, according to chart, I will more than likely be getting AF within about 4 days or so. I told LAc that my luteal phase is usually 16 days long, although it should be 14 normally. She said to wait and see if this had been corrected as well. Also, she did not put any needles on my belly today. Here are the herbs for this week, until I get AF:

1. Che Qian Zi (Plantago asiatica--seed)
2. Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
3. Danshen Root (Radix Salviae Mil Tiorrhizae--Danshen)
4. Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
5. Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
6. Green Tangerine Peel (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride--Qingpi)
7. Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
8. Motherwort Herb (Herba Leonuri--Yimucao)
9. Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
10. Safflower (Flos Carthami--Honghua)

As of today, I had a couple of days of spotting (Saturday and Sunday), but no other PMS symptoms at all.

I was talking to my hubbie today and we were discussing TTC options. I told him that we should give acupuncture a chance until the end of the year. That will cover the 6 months that LAc suggested. In the meantime, I will have hysteroscopy on 9/22/06, and other tests recommended by new RE. If we do not get pregnant by the end of the year, then we will begin our IVF procedure with our new RE. We are still discussing whether we will do Teacher discount program or the Shared Based Outcome program. If none of this works, then we have decided we will be adopting and not pursuing TTC anymore. We have not yet set a date, but I do not want to wait to long. We have discussed options with this such as international or domestic and open and closed adoptions. Hopefully we will not have to come to this final step, but we are considering as of now. Our hopes are that acupunture is the key to success!

9 1/2 weeks of acupuncture

I have been so busy with the beginning of the school year that I have not even had time to breathe. I did se LAc last Saturday (8/19), which was at 8 1/2 weeks. Here are the herbs that she prescribed me:

• Che Qian Zi (Plantago asiatica--seed)
• Chinese Number 0408011
• Chinese Number 0509011-20050901)
• Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Indian Bread (Poria--Fuling)
• Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
• Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)
• Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)
• Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (RAdix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)

Today, Saturday, I saw LAc again. This is week 9 1/2. I took my chart and it seems that I have ovulation way before I did last cycle. Obviously acupuncture is working. I am still drinking my fresh veggie/fruit juice every morning and drinking my 1 gallon of water (minium) per day. Also, I am taking Acidophilus and Prenatal vitamin. So far, I have lost about 9-10 pounds and have gone down 2 sizes in clothes. I feel great! Here are the herbs for this week:

• Che Qian Zi (Plantago asiatica--seed)
• Chinese Number 0509011-20050901
• Danshen Root (Radix Salviae Mil Tiorrhizae--Danshen)
• Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
• Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Indian Bread (Poria--Fuling)
• Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae--Baizhu)
• Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
• Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)

7 1/2 weeks of acupuncture

I need to make a correction. I am at 7 1/2 weeks of acupuncture (1st appointment was on Thursday, June 22nd). Here are my herbs for this week:

• Che Qian Zi (Plantago asiatica--seed)
• Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
• Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
• Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
• Glossy Privet Fruit (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi--Nuzhenzi)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Huang Qi (Astragalusmembranaceus--root)
• Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
• Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)
• Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)

Still drinking veggie juice in mornings and adding fruit here and there. Continue with workouts and have been losing, not only weight, but inches, especially around my waist!

New Cycle

Here I am, with another cycle on it's way. LAc says I will surely notice a difference with this upcoming cycle than with the last. I would hope so since I'm already on the 8th week of acupuncture treatments chinese herbal teas. I have noticed several changes here and there. For starters AF was completely cramp free and usually I get diarrhea right before AF, and didn't have any. AF lasted only a couple of days with another couple of spotting. LAc says this is all great. So this last cycle was 50 days. WOW! Let's hope for a much shorter cycle this month.

I saw LAc for 7th session on Tuesday. Told her from the looks of it, we will probably put off IVF #2 for little while since it is so expensive. We will probably have the tests done slowly and in the meantime cross our fingers that acupuncture works for us. I will be taking the following herbs for 3 days and then seeing her again on Saturday. Since I started back at work, it will be really difficult for me to see her after work because I will be swamped and she is really far. Said it would be best to see her this Saturday since CD 14 is right around the corner and we are hoping my cycles will show ovulation somewhere near that:

• Che Qian Zi (Plantago asiatica--seed)
• Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
• Danghen Root (Radix Salviae Mil Tiorrhizae--Danshen)
• Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
• Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
• Glossy Privet Fruit (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi--Nuzhenzi)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae--Baizhu)
• Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)
• Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)

5th Year Wedding Anniversary

Today was our anniversary. It was pretty amazing. My husband took me to III Forks (a French America Cuisine) Restaurant. It was so awes0me. As soon as we arrived, they took our anniversary photo. That was really nice. Then, we started off with a glass of wine and bread with butter, then a bowl of III Forks Salad. It was so good. It had green apples, pecans and blue cheese in it. Delicious! Then we had our meal. I had the Rib Eye with Mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, asparagus, tomatoes, and cream corn. It was to die for! Everyone there was so nice. For desser, they brought us what they called the "boot legger" or "the juice". Our server, Jason, said they had different names for it and that they made it in their radiatior in the back! He was so funny. So they gave it to us for free. That was really nice! Afterwards, we went to Reunion Tower to the Dome Lounge. I have lived here for 34 years and have never been there. It spins slowly as you sit there. So we had a drink or two and then headed home. My husband is not very good with heights, especially moving heights, so we had to come home sooner than I expected. It was awesome, though. I will never forget this night. It was amazing!

Moving on the what Karen told us at the RE's office. First things first. I am to have the following tests run before we even consider IVF:

• Hysteroscopy (insurance pays 80%)
• APA--antiphospholipid antibodies ($216.00)
• NKA--natural killer cell activity test ($290.00)

and for husband:

• SDI--Semen DNA Analysis ($375.00)

Unfortunately, none of them are covered on insurance except for Hysteroscopy. If all is well with this, then I am to have:

• Uterine Mapping, which is basically a mock transfer to find out the best location for the transfer. I don't think this is covered by insurance either. I believe this is $190.

So our entire IVF, because I'm a teacher (I get a discount), will be about 9K + we have the anestesia fee and the medications whis, fortunately, are covered on my insurance, so I just have to pay the co-payment. I'm hoping with acupuncture I will get pregnant on my own, but I guess that is just wishful thinking. I wish I didn't have to spend all of this money, but if it will be worth it in the longrun, I will do it in a split of a second. I just need the money!!!

Financial Appointment with Sher Institute

Yesterday I had my acupuncturist appointment. I am now beginning on week 7. It seems I am 18 dpo today and no sign of AF and (-) beta. I'm thinking maybe my ovulation date is not what I had previously thought. Possibly 5 days forward. So I continued with my workout and my all juice diet (veggies and fruits) cleanse. This is really helping me get my fat % lower than it has been in year. I'm hoping this next cycles will move along a little faster than 50 + days. These are the herbs I am taking this week:

• Beautiful Sweetgum Fruit (Fructus Liquidambaris--Lulutong)
• Che Qian Zi (Plantago Asiatica--seed)
• Chinese Tea # 0503011
• Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
• Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae--Baizhu)
• Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
• Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)
• Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)

LAc said if AF begins to just stop taking tea, although it would not hurt. She said it would especially help with cramping. She said she had several women with PCOS become pregnant this summer.

Today we saw Karen at the Sher Institute and we discussed the financial portion of the procedures. I can not find the information right now, so I will put it up tomorrow if I remember.

SHER Institute Appointment

Today I saw my LAc again. I am going on week 6 now. Told her still having sweaty feet and hair falling out! It seems I am 10dpo. I really don't know, but that's what it looks like. Anyway, told her I was confused because she suggested I follow alkanine/acid diet, but PCOS diet is based on glycemic index. She said to follow hers since I am not severely PCOS. Actually, I was never tested for it. My RE saw it on u/s when I saw him in June and said I had beginning signs of it that seemed to be progressing throughout the years. I told her that grinding the granules in the mortar helped to not have so many granules undissolved, and putting lemon in it has given it a much easier to drink taste. She gave me the following regimen of teas:

• Beautiful Sweetgum Fruit (Fructus Liquidambaris--Lulutong)
• Che Qian Zi (Plantago asiatica--seed)
• Cowherb Seed (Semen Vaccariae--Wangbuliuxing)
• Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
• Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
• Green Tangerine Peel (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride--Qingpi)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Motherwort Herb (Herba Leonuri--Yimucao)
• Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)
• Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)

So I have been doing really good. I continue drinking my green veggie juice in the mornings, but now I add an apple and a carrot to it. Either I'm really acquiring a taste for it, or has been very tasty lately. I think it's probably the first, since I put spinach, celery, collard greens, bell pepper, parsley, cucumber and then a carrot and green apple (they are more alkaline).

Last weekend I did a half day fast of fresh veggie & green fruit juice and I lost 3 pounds. I think I will try it all day tomorrow and see how that works out. It is supposed to cleanse your system of any toxicity you may have.

We were really excited today because we saw our new RE. He was so thorough that I really liked him. He said before we got into another IVF treatment, he wanted to run some tests to rule out that everything is okay with me and my husband. Unfortunately, the tests are not covered by insurance, but we will manage. He said they will tun tests for immune, anatomic (polyps, fibroids), and hormonal (insulin) systems. Here is the plan:

1. get RE records (embryology, IVF flow sheets and blood tests)
2. SDI testing for huband (DNA integrity tests--not covered by insurance and takes 10 days to get results
3. blood work to check my immune issues (not covered by insurance and takes 10 days to get results)
4. perform a hysteroscopy (possibly covered by insurance)

I'm really excited about this. I figured we can't lose anything. Who knows, while we get all of these tests done, maybe the acupuncture will kick in and I will get pregnant and won't need another IVF.

LAc--going on Week 5

Today I saw LAc again. This is going on week 5. I can't believe it. I talked to her about several things. Told her I was reading book she recommended and began drinking green veggie juice in mornings. She said it was great, but that I didn't have to follow the book strictly, and instead incorporate some of the fruit items she included in her list. She gave me another regimen of teas to take which include:

• Beautiful Sweetgum Fruit (Fructus Liquidambaris--Lulutong)
• Che Qian (Plantago asiatica (seed))
• Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
• Chinese # 0507011
• Chinese # 0510081
• Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
• Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (RAdix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Motherwort Herb (Herba Leonuri--Yimucao)
• Nutgras Galingale Rhizom (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)

She said we will wait for AF to show up.

Acupuncture Visit #3

Well, my vacation was good, it could have been a lot better. I saw LAc on Thursday, July 13th. I told her that it is impossible for me to drink tea without any added sugar, when I was able to drink it before. She said that as time passes within cycle, tea gets stronger and stronger. We'll se what this next tea hold for me. This is what I have to take this time:

• Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
• Chinese Number # 0510081 (1.5)
• Chinese Number # 0510081 (2)
• Chinese Number #0510081 (1)
• Cowherb Seed (Semen Vaccariae--Wangbuliuxing) ANOTHER SEMEN NAME!
• Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi) WHAT KIND OF A NAME IS THAT!
• Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heeshouwu)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Motherwort Herb (Herba Leonuri--Yimucao)
• Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Rhizoma Cyperi--Xiangfu)

It seems these are the ones that are gross! I have triple the ingredients of something I have no idea what it is!

I had to call LAc because she was one day short on my teas. She said I can reschedule and come on Wednesday as soon as possible after my training.

She said I must begin to change my eating habits and exercise! So I went and bought a book that she uses in here office called The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health by Dr. Robert and Shelly Young. It is really good. I began drinking my green veggie juice on Friday and will continue doing so in the mornings. The tea is getting even worse than ever before. I have to literaly hold my nose with one hand, while I use the other one to drink the tea, then some water and then some fruit before I let it go. Sometimes, even then, I can still taste the flavor of the tea.

Acupuncture Visit #2

Well, I had my second acupuncture visit today. She gave me more herbs for tea:

• Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinesis--Danggui)
• Chinese #0503011
• Chinese # 0507011
• Chinese # 0510081
• Glossy Privet Fruit (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi--Nuzhenzi)
• Indian Bread (Poria--Fuling)
• Motherwort Herb (Herba Leonuri--Yimucao)
• Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)
• Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)
• White Peony Rood (Radix Paeniae Alba--Baishao)

I am to take these for the next 6 days then I take the following for 7 more days until I return to her on July 12th:

• Chinese Angelica (Radix Angelicae Sinesis--Danggui)
• Chinese #0503011
• Dodder Seed (Semen Cuscutae--Tusizi)
• Fleeceflower Root (Radix Polygoni Multiflori--Heshouwu)
• Himalayan Teasel Root (Radix Dipsaci--Xuduan)
• Indian Bread (Poria--Fuling)
• Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae--Baizhu)
• Motherwort Herb (Herba Leonuir--Yimucao)
• Prepared Rehmannia Root (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata--Shudihuang)
• Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)

So she told me if at all possible, to try and drink the tea without sugar! It is pretty nasty, but I guess I'll have to do it.

I think I have been doing pretty good on this diet of hers, although, I'm running out of things to eat. I need my flour tortillas, and my milk and carbs! I can eat them, but only 20% is almost nothing! I don't know how long this fruit and veggie diet is going to last me. It's getting really boring having to eat fruit all day! Well, all I can do is try.

In addition, I am to exercise every DAY! Fertility Yoga every other day and walking/elliptical on other days.

Disgusting Chinese Herbal Tea

Wow, I began this chinese herbal tea last night and it is so nasty! The morning one seems to be worse, I guess because it has had time to ferment. I added some splenda and it helped a little, but it still tastes awful. It is bitter and leaves a really bad aftertaste, but if I take a sip of water it goes away rather quickly. The things one will do to have a baby! Who knows what all that is that I'm taking. I'm also re-reading the book by Randine Lewis--The Infertility Cure. It is really good, and now that I'm seeing an acupuncturist, I can understand it a lot better than the first time that I read it.

I am still doing Adkins and will possibly do it until the end of next week. I think that I will begin the alkaline diet when I come back from vacation. I will try to eat healthier little by little. Basically the 80% is composed of fruits and vegetables and the 20% is meats, dairy, wheats, etc. That is going to be really tough, since I'm not much of a vegetable eater. But like I said, I will do anything to have a baby.

Moving on--A Break from IVF

Well, I decided I need a break from IVF. It is the most stressful thing in the world and plus, so expensive. Although, my RE doesn't charge as much as others do. I've heard of people paying 20K for IVF, when mine only charges about 4K (I think now he's raised it to about 5K). Anyway, he has really great statistics so I really don't know what happened with me.

So, during my break, I decided I would move on to Acupuncture. My LAc is wonderful, dedicated, compassionate and very sweet. I had seen her previously, but today I saw her for my 1st appointment in which I will implement the herbal tea which includes the following herbs:

• Chinese Angelina (Radix Angelicae Sinensis--Danggui)
• Chinese # 0503011
• Chinese # 0510081
• Fu Ling (Poria cocos--sclerotium)
• Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae-Baizhu)
• Safflower (Flos Carthami--Honghua)
• Szechwan Lovage Rhizome (Rhizoma Chuanxiong--Chuanxiong)
• Tangshen (Radix Codonopsis--Dangshen)
• Twotoothed Achyranthes Root (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae--Niuxi)
• White Peony Root (Radix Paeoniae Alba--Baishao)

Her diagnosis is Spleen Qi deficiency. So I was told to drink this every day 30 minutes to 1 hour after dinner and the following morning 30 minutes to 1 hour after breakfast. I am not to drink any ice whatsover (what a bummer, especially with this heat) and I should not use the microwave to heat up my food, especially not the tea in the morning because it will kill some of the herbs in it. She gave me a list of foods I should begin to eat in order to make my body more alkaline. She also said to try not to eat regular meat from the grocery stores, but to try to buy more organic meats. With vegetables, they do not have to be organic, but she suggested I let them soak 15 to 20 minutes in water with salt before eating them so that the salt can absorb all of the stuff they put on them. I should be eating 80% alkaline foods and only 20% acid foods. Also, I should not use plastic containers to drink out of (I never do anyway), but ceramic or glass instead. I can use honey to sweeten and if necessary, brush my teeth or eat a piece of fruit, due to the bitter aftertaste, immediately after drinking the tea. I can continue using carb cutters, but not together with the herbal tea.

She also suggested that I begin charting my temperatures and that I do not TTC for the next few months due to my ectopic pregnancy in August 2004. She said she would like to avoid this happening again and for us to give acupuncture some time to help heal the scar tissue. With my luck, now that I'll stop trying will probably be when I get pregnant. She said I could also use the massage for treating fallopian tube obstructions that Dr. Lewis mentions in her book by massaging acupoint St30, which is located just above the pubic bone, approximately five inches down from the navel and about two inches out from the midline on each side). I can massage this area with my fingertips, going outward from the midline at the uterus area toward the ovary, then return to St30, ending with a pumping motion with the heel of the hand. I should do that only between menstruation and ovulation, but not during menses or during luteal phase. LAc also suggested I do the femoral massage (one side at a time only) in order to increase blood flow to the pelvic organs, and provide more nourishment to the uterus and ovaries..