Catholic Cysters Corner - Page 9

Lemonade Ladybug · 09-04-2006, 05:08 PM

Carrie! Carrie!

So glad to see another Creighton person around here! I have my eyes, and fingers crossed that Dr. Hilgers is reading my charts as I type this and will be contacting me soon to get me to the next step of recovering with all this hormone stuff. How long have you been charting?

Jenny....I enjoyed your post! YOU are going to be GREAT as Ex. Eucharist Minister. Try not to be nervous...focus on the beautiful gift of Christ you are distributing.

Easier said than done...I would only do the Blood of Christ because I was so scared I would drop Jesus! EEK! Can you imagine! The walkathon sounds cool! Good luck with all your fund raising and with family visiting! WOOHOO for informally unofficially TTC! That rocks. Acupuncuncture was MARVELOUS and if I'd remembered to get a new checkbook (out of checks) I REALLY would have gone back again today. I am NOT a needles person so this was a big step for me. IT DID NOT HURT. I can't even compare it to being pinched or stung by a bee because it was SO INSIGNIFICANT. They put needles mostly in my scalp, few on forehead, few on hands, knees, feet. Then they had clamps (they looked like mouse sized jumper cables) and attached then to certain needles that corresponded with each area of my body and sent a little 'juice' through me. They adjusted the 'juice' to my comfort level. I had to have physical therapy last fall for a bad sprain ankle and they send battery charges through my ankle to help breakup the tissue and help the blood flow. so I knew it was safe. As I was laying there I thought...how would I explain this, what would I compare it to? lol...um, well it felt just like the time I was cooking on television and was electrocuted by my frying pan and the energy went up my neck out was making my miraculous medal jump off my chest... lol...don't worry, it didn't hurt. Good times. It was wonderfully relaxing and only lasted 20 minutes. I felt like I'd had a massage. One of my big issues with my hormone imbalance is anxiety, while I was not able to fall asleep, I was so relaxed that my eyes didn't want to open when they would check on me. I left there with a big cheesy grin on my face...I felt so good. My mood has been fabulous since I went. I was curious to see if I could sleep on my own that night...so I didn't take my normal Tylenol PM and whew...I did...yes I woke up a lot but it was cool to see what progress is around the corner. AND...my husband was getting ready to mow the lawn this weekend and I ran out and asked if I could help...I thought he would fall over dead. He stopped asking me because I never have the energy to do it! It felt invigorating! I enjoyed it. ha ha.. and Hubby said I HAD to keep going to acupuncture! ha ha... Also...my anxiety reflects itself when I drive. I get stressed, frustrated...etc... I have been the calmest driver on the road. I am going back on Wednesday...probably weekly for a little while and eventually, wean back to every other week...etc... I hear that's how you do it as you get better...you go less and less. It's $50 a visit and the same copay as seeing a specialist so we don't have a problem paying that. I am just happy that both of us are working at the moment and can afford it. When it was over the doctor did some 'Chinese massage'...light slapping of legs, feet...etc... to help the circulation of things. It was cool! Thanks for asking and sorry to be long winded.

Stephanie! I am SO glad to hear you've done acupuncture too!! That is really interesting to hear what it did for you. I must say (your post jogged my memory!) that my period is sooo much lighter. I mean, I must have sounded crazy yesterday telling my husband! GUESS WHAT BABY! I don't have to change tampons every three hours! LOL.... Antonio is a lovely name by the way...just lovely....

Celtic - Big prayers coming your way. For relief, for peace, and for strength. I have been in the same boat as you recently regarding faith. Go to confession and enjoy that nice weight being lifted from your shoulders. Only He can do that. Or sit with the Sacrament...whatever place in our faith that gives you the greatest peace. And if I were anywhere near you, I'd come watch your kiddies so you could have a break.

Julieh - Just love the pics of your daughter...they make me smile! It's cool that you change them! I enjoy seeing her joy!

Peace to you all
LL

jennynd · 09-04-2006, 05:10 PM

Thanks Julie, St. Jude would be a good one! And glad to know that whole TTC thing made sense to someone

We are doing the Sympto-Thermal Method ~ my doc is NFP only & he specializes in Creighton... perhaps this is why he's a bit frustrated with me for doing temp only(more or less) ~ hehe! He has truly been my gift from God though after many HORRIBLE experiences with docs.

Quote:

Without the Sacraments, we don't have the strength or the grace to live our lives according to how God wants us to.

Isn't this the truth! I was really humbled yesterday at Mass - there was this woman 9 months pg having contractions trying to stick it out until Eucharist! My DH was an usher & they were sitting in the back. He was a little freaked out cuz he didn't know why she looked so distressed until she went up for Eucharist & her mom goes "She's getting REALLY close". DH thought he was going to have to deliver a baby! They left right after Eucharist & hopefully made it to the hospital on time. When he told me about it I just thought how she probably would have had a pretty good excuse for not going to Mass but she came anyway cuz she knew how important it was. I'm going to remember her next time I don't "feel like" going to Mass!

I'll be praying for you all that you stay steady in your faith (myself included)!

jennynd · 09-04-2006, 05:16 PM

LL ~ We posted at the same time! Hehe... I love your posts. I have the same exact anxiety problem you described. I've always struggled with depression but now the anxiety is new as of last year for me. Exercise has been helping quite a bit but it's still there. Maybe I need accupunture - although I practically have to be dragged to the doc just to get a blood test (major needle phobia)!

musicteacherfla · 09-04-2006, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennynd

Thanks Julie, St. Jude would be a good one! And glad to know that whole TTC thing made sense to someone

We are doing the Sympto-Thermal Method ~ my doc is NFP only & he specializes in Creighton... perhaps this is why he's a bit frustrated with me for doing temp only(more or less) ~ hehe! He has truly been my gift from God though after many HORRIBLE experiences with docs.

Isn't this the truth! I was really humbled yesterday at Mass - there was this woman 9 months pg having contractions trying to stick it out until Eucharist! My DH was an usher & they were sitting in the back. He was a little freaked out cuz he didn't know why she looked so distressed until she went up for Eucharist & her mom goes "She's getting REALLY close". DH thought he was going to have to deliver a baby! They left right after Eucharist & hopefully made it to the hospital on time. When he told me about it I just thought how she probably would have had a pretty good excuse for not going to Mass but she came anyway cuz she knew how important it was. I'm going to remember her next time I don't "feel like" going to Mass!

I'll be praying for you all that you stay steady in your faith (myself included)!

Hi, Jennynd,

Actually, it was I that was talking about the Creighton method, but that's okay!

My husband & I went through the Sympto-Thermal Method training before we got married, but found that the Creighton Method is ten times better for PCOS. With the Creighton Method, you discover things that you were missing when you were only doing the temperature-only method. I HIGHLY recommend talking to your doctor about switching over to the Creighton Method. It's really not that difficult.

Have a Blessed Day,
Carrie

jennynd · 09-05-2006, 05:44 AM

Oops! Sorry Carrie ~ I get confused sometimes!

I'm relying mostly on temps right now b/c I have a lot of trouble with mucus. It is very scanty throughout my entire cycle which makes it difficult to observe. I still record mucus sometimes when I find it but I guess I just got sick of my charts reading DDDDDD... I found that internal observations (I know Creighton doesn't do this, or so someone told me) were better for me if anything but with my hectic college life schedule I was finding myself either too busy or falling asleep before I could do my observations. I've thought about picking this up again but now we aren't postponing so unless we have trouble TTC I might just stick with temps. I have talked to a lot of Creighton people who tell me I'm just not doing the observations right (without knowing how I have tried them) or that my diet is poor (nothing has changed with improved diet). I tried so hard for the first year of charting to become 'mucus aware' but the mucus just isn't there. That & I have terrible seasonal allergies & am on antihistamines for 1/3 of the year!

Oh well! The temps are working for me though & are what led me to my PCOS diagnosis.

musicteacherfla · 09-05-2006, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennynd

Oops! Sorry Carrie ~ I get confused sometimes!

I'm relying mostly on temps right now b/c I have a lot of trouble with mucus. It is very scanty throughout my entire cycle which makes it difficult to observe. I still record mucus sometimes when I find it but I guess I just got sick of my charts reading DDDDDD... I found that internal observations (I know Creighton doesn't do this, or so someone told me) were better for me if anything but with my hectic college life schedule I was finding myself either too busy or falling asleep before I could do my observations. I've thought about picking this up again but now we aren't postponing so unless we have trouble TTC I might just stick with temps. I have talked to a lot of Creighton people who tell me I'm just not doing the observations right (without knowing how I have tried them) or that my diet is poor (nothing has changed with improved diet). I tried so hard for the first year of charting to become 'mucus aware' but the mucus just isn't there. That & I have terrible seasonal allergies & am on antihistamines for 1/3 of the year!

Oh well! The temps are working for me though & are what led me to my PCOS diagnosis.

Hi, Jennynd,

I know what you mean about not having any mucus. I could probably count the number of times I have observed it, since my DH & I started on the method earlier this year. But it's fascinating to observe what happens to my body, according to what's going on in my life (i.e., stress, when I started taking Metformin as opposed to before), etc.

You know, it just blows me away the number of friends I have who are infertile. Some of them have been TTC for years now. I just wonder what God's reason is for it. They are wonderful, Catholic women who would be awesome mothers. My only theory is that God wants them to adopt. Does anyone have a thought on that--why does God allow infertility?

Carrie

jennynd · 09-05-2006, 06:38 AM

Carrie, could you, or anyone else on here, explain to me exactly what is observed with Creighton. Is it just external CM? I've tried so many google searches & other resources & can't seem to get a straight answer. They just mention 'biomarkers' but only seem to specifically refer to CM. Does this include things like breast tenderness, O pain, etc. (I guess I chart those, too). Just curious as I curious about Creighton ~ so many people seem to really like it. Thanks!

09-05-2006, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by musicteacherfla

Hi, Jennynd,

I know what you mean about not having any mucus. I could probably count the number of times I have observed it, since my DH & I started on the method earlier this year.

I have the opposite problem. I have CM all cycle long, GOOD cm. Nothings ever normal for us!

About why God allows so much infertility. I dont think it was in his plan. I think its the way we live. What we eat, what we breath, etc. Its really makes sense if you take the time to think about it, otherwise it just sounds like a bunch of cr@p! (most of the time for me, LOL)

Lemonade Ladybug · 09-05-2006, 06:11 PM

Hi Cysters...

Jenny...I had an NFP doctor tell me I was charting wrong because I had 6 weeks of almost straight mucus!!! My body wasn't telling a lie! It was how PCOS was manifesting itself in me. And as Carrie darlin' said...my patterns too changed when I started Met. They aren't completely normal but we've made some nice progress! It's just FASCINATING to watch it!!!

You ask about what Creighton looks at...the mucus when you touch it...color, consistency, length...(I think they have different words) but that's the gist I have from it. I also write down my temps because since I don't ovulate, I want as much information for my doctor. THEN...mine has been so severe and I got tired of feeling crazy so I started printing blank calendar months off the internet and in June started charting my PMS!!!!!!!!!! And of course I chart when I start new meds...My NFP teacher said she was going to start telling other clients about my system...lol...I just did it because I wanted proof for others to see that I am not losing my mind. How long you ask? June - 17 days of severe PMS, July - 22 days, August - 14 days (thank you progesterone/Insulite).

SPEAKING OF CREIGHTON MODEL!!!! Recall how sick I have been the past few weeks and ticked off that my charts/info. sat for SIX WEEKS UNOPENED in the hands of the person who was to write my letter and I said forget it, I am sending my own letter???? Mailed my stuff to Dr. Hilgers and his head nurse last week...SHE JUST CALLED ME!!!! Since I'd had such a delay they were trying to get my letter to me as fast as they could...*blush* So they are emailing me a copy! I can't wait. I just can't wait to see what he says!! YEAH GOD!! MAYBE SOME ANSWERS??? Can it be finally...after all this time.

Big hugs cysters...
LL

jennynd · 09-05-2006, 06:18 PM

Quote:

You know, it just blows me away the number of friends I have who are infertile. Some of them have been TTC for years now. I just wonder what God's reason is for it. They are wonderful, Catholic women who would be awesome mothers. My only theory is that God wants them to adopt. Does anyone have a thought on that--why does God allow infertility?

I'm trying to think of the best response for this...

In the meantime, there is a woman on this board who needs some help with her DH. They are Catholic but now her DH is seriously questioning it. Here is the thread in case you haven't seen it. I invited her over here so maybe we'll see her soon! DH crisis of faith

musicteacherfla · 09-05-2006, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jennynd

Carrie, could you, or anyone else on here, explain to me exactly what is observed with Creighton. Is it just external CM? I've tried so many google searches & other resources & can't seem to get a straight answer. They just mention 'biomarkers' but only seem to specifically refer to CM. Does this include things like breast tenderness, O pain, etc. (I guess I chart those, too). Just curious as I curious about Creighton ~ so many people seem to really like it. Thanks!

Hi, Jennynd,

It's really complicated to explain in an e-mail, which is why we regularly meet with our FertilityCare Practitioner. This is a trained individual who knows all about the Creighton Method, and can help us cater the method to our specific problems and needs. Our practitioner works closely with my doctor, which is a big help.

I can give you the "nickel" version of the Creighton Model--but please don't base your decision on it. It's best to talk to your doctor. Like I said, the Creighton Model is more detailed and involved than what I can give you in an e-mail.

Basically, you are only making external mucus observations, every time you go to the bathroom, swim, or take a shower. We use flat layers of unscented, white toilet paper (I recommend Scott Extra Soft) to wipe before and after. As we're wiping, we're deciding whether or not it is dry, damp, or lubricative (we decide this before looking at the tissue). We wipe until it is dry, and then observe the tissue. We observe for the presence or absence of a discharge. If a discharge is present on the tissue, then we finger test the discharge between the thumb and index finger--if we are able to lift it off (sometimes we can't.) If we are able to lift it off, we observe the consistency, color, and change of the mucus...and there are words that your teacher will give you on how to describe it and when (there are numerous types of mucus that could be observed, which I can't get into in this e-mail.)

What they mean by biomarkers, is that we are constantly looking for the most fertile sign of the day, and then we chart it. Even if we only observe dampness with no sign of mucus, and we only observed it once--and that's the most fertile sign of the day--then we must chart it. The observations only take about 30 seconds, and husbands are generally very supportive of you--they are the ones who do the charting--we're the ones who do the observing! It helps the hubbies to understand us better, and brings us closer. Also, you can use this method to either acheive or avoid a pregnancy. And when you're trying to avoid a pregnancy, it teaches you ways to show affection in ways other than sexual (or they call it genital.)

Anyway, like I said, this is really a vague presentation of the awesome CrMS, and I highly recommend you talk to your doctor, and check out the following websites:

www.creightonmodel.com
www.naprotechnology.com
www.popepaulvi.com
www.fertilitycare.org
www.aafcp.org

BTW, we do not observe breast tenderness, although the charting encourages you to do a monthly breast self-exam!

We only observe external signs/absence of mucus/discharge. Hope this helps!

God Bless,
Carrie

Swingin' Cyster · 09-05-2006, 06:55 PM

Whoa, cysters, this is a crazy board. Can't turn my back for a second! I know nothing about NFP (at this time) so can't comment on it....
I have not received my DVD player yet, so no news on exercising. Right now I'm having such terrible cramps I want to crawl in bed and pull the covers over my head.... But cramps are good. They mean Aunt Flow only visits for 6 days instead of 3 months....
Stace - how ya feelin? any better? I'm praying for you!!
ciao bellas!
Kara

CelticSpirit · 09-05-2006, 08:00 PM

Thanks Cysters for the prayers!

I'm trying to patiently wait for Adoration on thursday so I can go and sit with Jesus and just pray. Of course, I'll have my 18 mth old with me so it'll be interesting.

I think the biggest problem with my faith is that I'm so overwhelmed and getting no break from the kiddos (which I need to refresh myself and be a better mommy) and two of my kiddos are special needs. Sometimes I feel like I just need a big deep breath to handle it all. I haven't gotten that deep breath yet, if you know what I mean.

jennynd · 09-05-2006, 08:30 PM

Thanks Carrie! It sounds exactly like how you chart mucus in the STMethod but maybe I'm missing something ~ guess I'll have to talk to my doc

Kara ~ Hope you feel better soon. It's a love/hate relationship with AF isn't it?!

Celtic ~ God bless you for being such a good mom! I hope you get a break soon

Oops again... just realized I've been spelling acupuncture wrong! Boy, I'm really off my mark this week! I blame it on relatives

kerr · 09-06-2006, 01:23 AM

Hi everyone, I hope everyone had a nice weekend...

The reason why God makes some people experience infertility and not others is one of those thoughts in my mind throughout the day and during prayer. If I new the answer I would have more peace in my life I feel. My heart aches each time I pray about infertility for myself and those around me.

I am a eucharistic minister as well. I have been for many years. I serve two Sundays a month. I am so honored to be one. The only time I get nervous is when parishioners want me to put the host in their mouth and not use the hand method. I have issues with that. I think of germs to much that is all. (If you are holding your child or other physical reasons hey, you have no choice.)

DH and I have decided not to do pre-cana this session. I feel too emotional over our recent pregnancy losses. DH and I need a little break from pre-cana we both feel. It is not forever, it is just for now.

I was actually going to try acupuncture. Hubby's good friend is a Doctor of acupunture and I have just been to freaked out to try it. Thanks for the inspiration.

Celtic Spirit- I did have you in my prayers ( I forgot to post that)