I'm now 18 days post Effexor and I'm feeling great!

This is the first time I've felt like blogging since the whole ordeal so I haven't said much about our experience at the Fertility Clinic. It went well. I liked the Doctor and felt comfortable at the clinic. When we first walked in we were shocked to see how many people were there (20+ women) and later learned that we were there during the cycle monitoring time and that was why. We were the only patients waiting for our Doctor.

We had blood taken (15 vials each) and discussed our options. The doctor told me I should try to lose weight and that my weight could affect my fertility. I'm overweight and I know that but I blame my medication for making me gain 50 lbs in the last 4 years. While going off I've been eating and eating since food is about the only thing I've found comforting through this ordeal - not to mention having a huge craving for cheese. That's going to help me lose weight! lol

I'm now waiting on AF so I can go in for my next round of tests. I'm expecting that will be this week or next. I believe the 21st or so? I just realized that "day 3" means I'll have my period during the next round of tests (FHS) and I'm certain the Doctor said I'd also have the HSG at this time. That's a bit gross - I need to confirm that one.

We also have our counseling appointment coming up soon and a session to understand cycle monitoring. It looks like I'll be ready to cycle monitor next month (late April) and would be able to try our first insemination in late May - however - we are sticking to our original plan of the earliest start date being July. If my project date changes this may change as well. We're just not sure yet. Who knows???

I swear I'm so delusional and I keep thinking I'll get pregnant on the first try which has caused the following dilemma/fantasy: 1) Getting Pregnant before the wedding (try in May) and being able to announce that we're expecting at the Wedding, 2) Getting Pregnant before the wedding and needing to deal with that on vacation. I'm actually worried about being pregnant and needing to eat out. I'll be a basket case. I'll not want to eat anything for fear of listeria!

Anyway, I've made a promise to D that I will not go on the computer until next Saturday since I spent too much time on it today... so my next update will be then.

I started tapering off Effexor at the beginning of February and I officially took my last dose on Wednesday February 28th. It's been pure horrifying hell. I'm finally feeling better tonight after 4 days of brain zaps, vomiting and skin ulcers.
How could I have possibly stayed on this drug while pregnant? I would have given birth to a child addicted to crack. I would like to a say a bit f*ck you to any doctor who has suggested it..

Anyway...
February 28th was my first fertility clinic appointment. I liked the Doctor so I've canceled the appointment I'd made with a second clinic. The 15 vials of blood taken were also and indication that once was a enough. Shopping around for Doctors is one thing, going through blood tests and physical exams multiple times is another...

Will post more later. Feeling a bit ick and can't continue.