Side Effects

So far I have not experienced any side effects from my 5 day stint on Clomid. According to my physician the most common side effect of Clomid is hot flashes. According to Drugs.com website, the most common effects are:

Blurred vision or vision problems (spots or flashes); breast tenderness; dizziness; enlarged breasts; enlargement of the ovaries; flushing; headache; hot flashes; lightheadedness; mood change; nausea; pelvic pain or bloating; stomach pain; vomiting.

Thankfully I have have had none of these nasty symptoms. I did experience some pain and tenderness in my right ovary, but that seems to be related to the amount of follicles Clomid induced on my right side.

I gave myself my subcutaneous injection of hCG last night and to be honest, it was not as bad as I feared. The injection site was a bit sore and tender to touch but that quickly dissipated. I did, however, experience some side effects with the injection. Shortly thereafter I began to have a pretty severe headache and then a few hours later felt nauseous. According to Drugs.com these are common side effects along with feeling restless or irritable, mild swelling or water weight gain, depression, breast tenderness or swelling and pain, swelling or irritation where the injection was given.

I do have to admit that I have been quite irritable lately, but I cannot tell if that is due to the stress of everything or due to the medication.

This morning I awoke with a continuing headache and still feeling slightly nauseous. I also have tenderness over my right ovary and pain in my right lower back as well. I know I am in the thick of it now, but this all makes me wonder if it is really worth it. Do I really want to be pregnant? And at what cost? I am feeling quite blue today and second guessing my decision to go through with IUI. These feelings also makes it crystal clear to me that I cannot go through IVF if IUI does not work.

I guess the part that weighs the most heavily on me is that I am completely normal reproductively speaking, and yet, I am forcing my body to mature more eggs than normal and now forcing my body to ovulate off its normal rhythm. Being someone who is as natural as they come and one who enjoys keeping the body healthy and fueled through natural means - organic food and yoga - it seems a stark contrast to be doing something so artificial to my body. Especially when I do not have any fertility issues. Men are lucky, aren't they? Even when the problem lies with them, we still have to be the ones to endure the treatment. If only they could have a share in all this fun. Joy!

With that said, I am looking forward to tomorrow morning. I am hoping with all hope that the first time takes (and that it is not a twin gestation!). Fingers crossed on both counts!