Crampy with Clomid

November 10, 2010

Ugh, Clomid.

I'm in the midst of my second bout with the fertility drug, Clomid, prescribed to help kick start, energize and super size my eggs. I had debated whether I wanted to take the drugs the first time around. Did I want to try things naturally, take my chances and see what happens? Or, did I want to give my ovaries a boost, and help them usher a few healthy eggs out?

In the end, I decided to take the Clomid. Why not up my ante? As directed, I started popping the pills on the third day of my cycle. On this day, I happened to be staying a few nights in the Santa Cruz mountains with 120 5th graders, chaperoning Outdoor Ed. Night hikes, beach walks, songs by the campfire, learning the ins and outs of composting - good times.

After one dinner and a breakfast the following morning, I noticed a lot of discomfort in my belly. I'm crampy and gassy. Damn that cafeteria camp food! The discomfort continues throughout the night and into the next day. I distance myself from others, excuse myself to the bathroom as needed, and try to go easy on second helpings at the dinner table. On the bus ride home, I ride lurched over with my arm grasping my left side.

Two days and several home-made meals later, the gas and cramps have not ceased. A friend proposes that perhaps it's the meds. We take out the reading info that came with the pills from the pharmacist. Clearly stated, it reads: "Side effects: bloating, cramps, swelling and upset stomach"....Well, there you have it! Turned out it wasn't the camp food after all!

For the final few days on Clomid, I was more aware of what was going on in my insides. The pain on the left side of my body was merely my ovaries warming up and preparing a super egg! It felt as if my tubes were oh so slowly inching out an egg the size of a cantelope. I swore I could feel the boulder being pushed down, down, down...

Now, sitting in close quarters on a plane headed to NYC, I battle the gas, cramps and discomfort once again. Luckily I've only had to disturb the guy next to me once to use the lavatory and the cramps are not nearly as painful as they were the first time around. Phew! Just gotta hold out two more hours! Today is my final day on the medication (day #5), I should be able to enjoy New York this weekend gas and cramp free! Yay!