Seriously folks...
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2007/05/radiation_resis.html
Friday, September 5, 2008
Vitex/Chasteberry
Herbs freak me out. I'm always scared to mess with them since I don't really know what I'm doing. But I have found one recently that has worked wonders for me and I wanted to share. For those of you whose monthly cycle brings excruciating pain, or for those who have more of a 'now-and-then' cycle, you may benefit from Vitex (also known as Chasteberry)too. I've held off saying anything because I wanted to be sure that it was the Vitex working and not just some fluke.
In the past three years, I have started having miserable cycles. It was at the point where Ibuprofen didn't help my misery like it used to. When I told my OB (the same one who told me to "hold it" when I told her I was peeing all the time--turned out I had a UTI. She also told me that it was impossible for me to have infertility issues if I've already had a child.), she told me it was just gas and I should take Gas-X. Obviously, that didn't work since it wasn't gas. And no, I don't see the same OB anymore. She was a flake. So back to miserable cycles...Yes, my cycles have been miserable. I had gotten to the point where I was going to ask my doctor for a laproscopy because I suspected endometriosis. When you can't function for two days each month, it tends to grab your attention. So what did I do? The same thing I always do when I have a medical condition. I started Googling.
Let me preface this by saying, I had heard of Vitex before. I have a close friend who has PCOS and doesn't ovulate normally. After one month of this wonder herb she started ovulating normally. On her third month she was pregnant. Her son was just born two weeks ago. So I knew that it worked for people who didn't ovulate.
In my Googling frenzy, I discovered that Vitex balances the hormones. Then I read that while it definitely helps those who don't ovulate normally, by bringing their hormones back into balance. It is supposed to help endometriosis and heavy cycles as well. It all does the same thing by restoring balance to a woman's hormones. So I began taking it. It is supposed to take three months before you will notice any difference. I noticed a difference the first month. I did have some pain, but it didn't even last a day and my cycle was lighter. What a relief! But I held my new secret close to my vest wanting to see how the next month played out. This month I had NO pain, except for normal menstrual cramps.
While I don't know if I had endo or not, I do know that Vitex is my new miracle herb. I can't take it while on fertility drugs. Be sure to tell your doctor of all herbs you are taking as they can interact with prescription drugs. I know that if I had a rough time, there are probably others out there looking for answers. If you're willing to try a gentle herb, give it a shot. I'm sure glad that I did. It's such a difference when you don't have to plan your life around your cycle.
In the past three years, I have started having miserable cycles. It was at the point where Ibuprofen didn't help my misery like it used to. When I told my OB (the same one who told me to "hold it" when I told her I was peeing all the time--turned out I had a UTI. She also told me that it was impossible for me to have infertility issues if I've already had a child.), she told me it was just gas and I should take Gas-X. Obviously, that didn't work since it wasn't gas. And no, I don't see the same OB anymore. She was a flake. So back to miserable cycles...Yes, my cycles have been miserable. I had gotten to the point where I was going to ask my doctor for a laproscopy because I suspected endometriosis. When you can't function for two days each month, it tends to grab your attention. So what did I do? The same thing I always do when I have a medical condition. I started Googling.
Let me preface this by saying, I had heard of Vitex before. I have a close friend who has PCOS and doesn't ovulate normally. After one month of this wonder herb she started ovulating normally. On her third month she was pregnant. Her son was just born two weeks ago. So I knew that it worked for people who didn't ovulate.
In my Googling frenzy, I discovered that Vitex balances the hormones. Then I read that while it definitely helps those who don't ovulate normally, by bringing their hormones back into balance. It is supposed to help endometriosis and heavy cycles as well. It all does the same thing by restoring balance to a woman's hormones. So I began taking it. It is supposed to take three months before you will notice any difference. I noticed a difference the first month. I did have some pain, but it didn't even last a day and my cycle was lighter. What a relief! But I held my new secret close to my vest wanting to see how the next month played out. This month I had NO pain, except for normal menstrual cramps.
While I don't know if I had endo or not, I do know that Vitex is my new miracle herb. I can't take it while on fertility drugs. Be sure to tell your doctor of all herbs you are taking as they can interact with prescription drugs. I know that if I had a rough time, there are probably others out there looking for answers. If you're willing to try a gentle herb, give it a shot. I'm sure glad that I did. It's such a difference when you don't have to plan your life around your cycle.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
My first run.
Today was my first run in a long time, at least 2 weeks, maybe almost 3. I had taken a break because I thought I might actually be pregnant. Ha ha...joke was on me. So for my first run, I did lots of hip swiveling! BUT I made it through 30 minutes and that was the goal. While I was on my run, I was reminded of something that I can't live without when I run: my Ipod.
I have found that I will not go for a run if I don't have my Ipod around. If you're at all interested in picking up some form of exercise, and you don't have a buddy to partner up with, you really should consider a walkman or Ipod. My runs are therapeutic for me not just physically, but mentally. After I lost our baby in March, a sweet friend made a CD of inspirational music for my husband and I. Those songs were quickly uploaded to my Ipod making running into a renewing of both mind and body. If you're struggling with kids who hate the stroller, strap them in. Give them a cup and small snack, put on your Ipod and turn it up...You'll never hear the squalling! O.K. so I'm kidding, I know it's not that easy. But you'll find that adding music to your workout really will add to the overall quality.
I have found that I will not go for a run if I don't have my Ipod around. If you're at all interested in picking up some form of exercise, and you don't have a buddy to partner up with, you really should consider a walkman or Ipod. My runs are therapeutic for me not just physically, but mentally. After I lost our baby in March, a sweet friend made a CD of inspirational music for my husband and I. Those songs were quickly uploaded to my Ipod making running into a renewing of both mind and body. If you're struggling with kids who hate the stroller, strap them in. Give them a cup and small snack, put on your Ipod and turn it up...You'll never hear the squalling! O.K. so I'm kidding, I know it's not that easy. But you'll find that adding music to your workout really will add to the overall quality.
Friday, August 22, 2008
How to Understand When Your Friend Struggles with Infertility
I couldn't have put it any better than this article. Check it out.
http://www.momlogic.com/2008/04/how_to_be_a_good_friend_to_an.php
http://www.momlogic.com/2008/04/how_to_be_a_good_friend_to_an.php
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Help for a slow metabolism from...HCG?
According to this article, HCG is a secret weight loss cure that helps women speed up their metabolism. http://letdiet.blogspot.com/2007/12/correct-your-bodys-sluggish-metabolism.html
For those of you who haven't endured a round of IVF treatment, you may not know that HCG is a hormone found in the urine of pregnant women. In fact, it's the HCG in your urine that makes your pregnancy test turn positive. And they're saying that HCG is linked to speeding up your metabolism? Ummm...what in the world does it do to your fertility if you're taking this stuff every day? I know that during the IVF cycle I had to take an HCG shot to mature my eggs and trigger their release from my ovaries. Taking this stuff on a constant basis just can't be good for you, in my opinion. While my metabolism could use a little kick in the rear, this is not the way I'd ever choose to do it!
For those of you who haven't endured a round of IVF treatment, you may not know that HCG is a hormone found in the urine of pregnant women. In fact, it's the HCG in your urine that makes your pregnancy test turn positive. And they're saying that HCG is linked to speeding up your metabolism? Ummm...what in the world does it do to your fertility if you're taking this stuff every day? I know that during the IVF cycle I had to take an HCG shot to mature my eggs and trigger their release from my ovaries. Taking this stuff on a constant basis just can't be good for you, in my opinion. While my metabolism could use a little kick in the rear, this is not the way I'd ever choose to do it!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Two tests your doctor should run BEFORE Clomid
So shouldn't your OB know this stuff? Yes, but OB's don't specialize in fertility and one of the things that I've noticed is that they are very quick to prescribe Clomid before checking for other possibilities of infertility. The result can leave you spinning your wheels for months as you try and try with no possible way to get pregnant thanks to these underlying conditions.
1. An HSG--Even if you know that you don't ovulate normally, you should check the basics before starting Clomid. If a tube is clogged an egg isn't going to make it through. An HSG will ensure that you don't have any issues with your tubes and then that big fat Clomid egg can make it down to meet the sperm.
2. Hubby should have a sperm analysis--It'd be a shame to waste those big, fat, lovely eggs when there are no swimmers around to fertilize them!
One thing I have learned from my infertility journey, is that you often need to be proactive with your OB because they deal with a variety of issues. Fertility is not their specialty, but you can make it yours.
1. An HSG--Even if you know that you don't ovulate normally, you should check the basics before starting Clomid. If a tube is clogged an egg isn't going to make it through. An HSG will ensure that you don't have any issues with your tubes and then that big fat Clomid egg can make it down to meet the sperm.
2. Hubby should have a sperm analysis--It'd be a shame to waste those big, fat, lovely eggs when there are no swimmers around to fertilize them!
One thing I have learned from my infertility journey, is that you often need to be proactive with your OB because they deal with a variety of issues. Fertility is not their specialty, but you can make it yours.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Running 101
For those who would like to start running for the health benefits, but have no idea where to start, here are some ideas:
1. Sign up for a 5k and begin training. www.runnersworld.com has a great training section, complete with workouts and inspirational stories.
2. If a 5k (3.1 miles) has you thinking, "yeah right, I can't even jog from the couch to the refrigerator" then start off small. Go for a walk and take a watch. Jog for one minute and then walk for two minutes. If you do this daily, you'll find that your running intervals will lengthen and your walking intervals will become fewer and farther between.
3. Hip Swivel. At the beginning of cross country each year we would go on a "jog" around the campus. They called it a hip swivel and it was literally supposed to be as slow as, or slower than, a walk pace. It's a good thing to learn, because it is a move you can always come back to (instead of walking) as you attempt harder runs. It's a great way to recover your breath without breaking down to a walk.
4. If you're using a treadmill or an outdoor/indoor track, jog one lap and walk one lap. Aim for 1 mile to start with, and work up to 3. When you can accomplish 3 miles start dropping the amount of laps you walk. Before you know it you'll be sailing through 3 miles.
5. A great 30 minute treadmill workout is as follows:
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-5.5 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-6.0 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-6.5 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-7.0 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-6.5 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-6.0 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-5.5 mph
And you've done 3o minutes and about 3 miles by the time you're done. You won't be able to get through it the first time you try, but keep at it and you'll find that each time you attempt the intervals you will be able to make it a little farther.
The key with running, is to start off SLOW. If you expect too much of yourself at first, or you think you need to be able to run a full mile before you can be a "runner", you'll give up. If your legs work, you can be a runner, and the benefits are tremendous (see yesterday's post).
Next up: Endorphins: Nature's High
1. Sign up for a 5k and begin training. www.runnersworld.com has a great training section, complete with workouts and inspirational stories.
2. If a 5k (3.1 miles) has you thinking, "yeah right, I can't even jog from the couch to the refrigerator" then start off small. Go for a walk and take a watch. Jog for one minute and then walk for two minutes. If you do this daily, you'll find that your running intervals will lengthen and your walking intervals will become fewer and farther between.
3. Hip Swivel. At the beginning of cross country each year we would go on a "jog" around the campus. They called it a hip swivel and it was literally supposed to be as slow as, or slower than, a walk pace. It's a good thing to learn, because it is a move you can always come back to (instead of walking) as you attempt harder runs. It's a great way to recover your breath without breaking down to a walk.
4. If you're using a treadmill or an outdoor/indoor track, jog one lap and walk one lap. Aim for 1 mile to start with, and work up to 3. When you can accomplish 3 miles start dropping the amount of laps you walk. Before you know it you'll be sailing through 3 miles.
5. A great 30 minute treadmill workout is as follows:
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-5.5 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-6.0 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-6.5 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-7.0 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-6.5 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-6.0 mph
2mins-5.0 mph
2mins-5.5 mph
And you've done 3o minutes and about 3 miles by the time you're done. You won't be able to get through it the first time you try, but keep at it and you'll find that each time you attempt the intervals you will be able to make it a little farther.
The key with running, is to start off SLOW. If you expect too much of yourself at first, or you think you need to be able to run a full mile before you can be a "runner", you'll give up. If your legs work, you can be a runner, and the benefits are tremendous (see yesterday's post).
Next up: Endorphins: Nature's High
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Things that make you go hmmm...
http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/08/13/pill-may-lead-to-fertility-problems-scientist-s-study-reveals-64375-21522062/
Evidently, the Pill has been misleading women in their choice of a mate. I wonder if "I was on the Pill when I met him" will be a good enough reason for divorce or dissolution. Don't laugh. I can actually see that happening sometime down the road.
Isn't it interesting how delicate the balance of our bodies is? I still don't see how scientists believe that a random act led to such intricately made human beings. Just one more thing that makes me go hmmm...
Evidently, the Pill has been misleading women in their choice of a mate. I wonder if "I was on the Pill when I met him" will be a good enough reason for divorce or dissolution. Don't laugh. I can actually see that happening sometime down the road.
Isn't it interesting how delicate the balance of our bodies is? I still don't see how scientists believe that a random act led to such intricately made human beings. Just one more thing that makes me go hmmm...
Just Another Reason to Run
A 20 year study shows the benefits of running. 20 years is a long time to conduct one study, but it lends credence to the findings. If you need some inspiration to get moving, check out this article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7554293.stm
Now it's time to find a 5K to train for!
More to come on how to move from inactivity to running consistently.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7554293.stm
Now it's time to find a 5K to train for!
More to come on how to move from inactivity to running consistently.
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