Fibroid Research Study

I sent my blood sample in to this study last summer; my sister and I are both doing it. If you know any sisters with fibroids please tell them about the study.

What: The Center for Uterine Fibroids is currently enrolling families in the "Finding Genes for Fibroids" study. This is a clinical research study, aimed at identifying the causes of uterine fibroids. This study has been reviewed and approved by the Human Research Committee at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Why: We hope that information gained from the study will provide future generations of women with non-surgical treatment options. This is not a treatment study. We hope that your generous efforts will make a meaningful difference in the future treatment of fibroids.

Who: In order to be eligible for this study, your family must have at least two women who are full sisters and have uterine fibroids. Sisters with a past history of uterine fibroids are also eligible. The sisters may be you and your sister, your mother and her sister, two cousins who are sisters, or any other sisters in your family. Once your family meets this minimum requirement, we encourage other family members with or without fibroids to participate. This includes men. The more family members who take part, the more powerful our data will be.

How: You can participate from anywhere in the world; all study procedures are completed through the mail at no cost to you or your family. The study involves filling out a consent form and a survey and sending us a small one-time blood sample. The consent form discusses the risks and benefits of the study. We ask you to read and sign the consent form and fill out a medical records release form. We request only medical records having to do with fibroid diagnosis and treatment. The survey can take from 15 to 45 minutes to complete, depending upon your medical history. Once these forms are sent back, we send all participants a blood sample kit. The kit contains directions about how to get your blood sample drawn and reimbursement procedures. Once this sample is returned to us, your participation in the study is complete.

I had Qi Gong practice last night and my instructor explained how to use the five elements. It was very interesting to learn how each organ system is associated with colors and elements and I think this will really help me out with my meditation. Here's a great page that explains the basics of the Five Elements.

Then this morning I had my acupuncture appointment. Some things had markedly improved from my treatment last week but I had some other things that needed adjusting and he totally knew what to do. I had swollen glands in my neck from my cold that were bothering me and now they feel clear and normal. From the moment he put in the first few needles I felt my body start shifting my energy around, it felt like I was going from disorganized to synchronized in a matter of minutes. Now I feel warm, smooth and even more happy. I have a faint headache just behind my eyes though, I bet something is still kinked up somewhere.

I'm doing both Qi Gong and acupuncture to try to regain health, rebalance after all of the health problems from last year and also to try to get my body to be stronger and less flimsy in general. Meditation is more sporadic but I do it with a friend of mine when we get it together. Improved health is going to take a lot of ongoing practice but I'm hopeful that I'll get balance someday.

Epididymitis

Any infection of the reproductive organs has the capability to interfere with fertility, though it looks like this infection doesn't usually lead to lasting fertility problems when it is treated but there is a chance of obstruction or antisperm antibodies.

"Unilateral or bilateral obstruction of the genital tract (either congenital or acquired), epididymitis and varicocele are also sometimes associated with an autoimmune response against spermatozoa."
from: Antisperm Antibodies

Here are some links about epididymitis, and fertility for your reference:

What is Epididymitis and how is it treated?

Epididymitis And Orchitis

Orchitis and epididymitis

bacterial epididymitis

If your partner has this infection currently or he did previously I would suggest that after treatment by a doctor (probably with antibiotics), if you are TTC he should have another S/A to make sure everything is working properly.

Treatment for a Bloody Nose

My cold has freaked out my nose and I've had several bloody noses today. I had these a lot when I was a kid, but not for years. Luckily I know what to do, now here's the real trick (and I haven't seen this written down elsewhere)... when you have a bloody nose don't tip your head back as it makes the blood run down your throat and that gives you a stomachache. What you need to do is take a piece of absorbant paper and fold it up and place it under your upper lip, on top of your gums right below your nose. There are blood vessels here that go up to your nose and the paper will dry them out and reduce the flow of blood to the nose. Your bloody nose will stop within 15 seconds. Really, it works. Now stopping the reason you are prone to bloody noses is another thing -- vitamin C and vitamin K will help with that some though, plus iron if you are anemic.

You must have heard about all the babies that got conceived during WWII when the husbands were on leave. Evidently enough interest and excitement can cause our bodies to break with the standard cycle. Even if you have regular cycles your ovaries are constantly recruiting new eggs into the maturity cycle so with proper motivation (husband back in town) there is a chance that things might be able to happen regardless of where you are in your cycle (except maybe during your period, it seems less likely).