PCOS, MTHFR, And Hope!

Hey all, I decided it was time for an update! Since my last blog post some things have changed and questions were answered. On July 15th, Nate and I met with my RE to go over options for our next step in our fertility journey. We went over everything in detail and the doctor answer a lot of questions. He ordered a ton of blood work to test for pretty much everything. About 3 weeks after that consultation the nurse called me around 5pm to let me know that the doctor wanted to go over the results in person or on the phone. I opted for a phone call since I couldn't miss any more work. He called that next morning at 7:30 AM to let me know what they found. 

The doctor let me know that the results were all normal except one, the MTHFR gene mutation. He explained it as my body not being able to convert Folic Acid and other B Vitamins. He informed me that because of the mutation my body stores all the Folic Acid and basically turning it into a toxin so I can't take Folic Acid anymore. Wait.... isn't Folic Acid the most preached about vitamin during preconception and pregnancy? Yeah it is. So what am I supposed to do?

What I didn't know was Folic Acid is a synthetic form of Folate which is naturally made and absorbed by our bodies. The only real change that this causes is taking vitamins with Folate, preferably Methylated, and avoid eating foods with Folic acid in it. It's in a ton of foods like breads, pastas, anything that's fortified like boxed cakes, bisquits, etc. This is going to be super hard because organic food is so expensive and this girl loves carbs! I've switched my multivitamin to a raw one with all natural forms of vitamins and minerals and have started really reading food labels more closely. 

When the doctor told me the news I had already starting making the switch because my sister told me about the MTHFR gene mutation before and I was pretty sure that I had it based off of the symptoms. 
*Migraines
*Gastrointestinal problems like IBS
*Miscarriages
*Thyroid problems
*And so many more! 
My thyroid was low again so we switched up my medication and the dosage. Basically, my body is in pure chaos and it's driving me crazy! I do feel better now that we have switched things up and found more answers though. 

The doctor advised us to proceed with an IFV cycle with PGD. He really stressed the importance of the Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis to finalize all testing we've done. Where at least one miscarriage was caused by a genetic abnormality this is the best choice for us. 

Since my last miscarriage, Nate and I have decided to stop "trying" for a while and just relax and enjoy each other. We've planned a trip to Cancun in September and after that it will be full on babymaking again! We are both scared but optimistic that this will all work out. The money aspect is a huge stress factor for us, but we are both set on doing what ever is needed to get the family we've always wanted. I struggle every day to stay strong, but I know there is a way to succeed with PCOS and now MTHFR. We both keep pushing forward and have hope that we will get what we've worked so hard for, only time with tell when that will happen. 

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