Hello ladies!

Its been ages since I've been on here and I just wanted to see how everyone is doing? How did the match go for everyone?

We moved across the country and I started a fast-track endocrine fellowship. This involves getting a masters in clinical investigation so I'm back in class. Feels a bit odd and I have a limited attention span. Nevertheless, we're loving it here and I'm SO EXCITED to be out of residency and in the field which is my passion.

Its come with a few bumps here and there. First-time "official" homeowners and boy there are some issues. My boys are having a bit of a tough time adjusting as they miss the group of kids who lived in the housing complex we left. To counter this, we bought a puppy right before we moved. Seems crazy I know but it worked like a charm. Now the puppy is, well a puppy but my husband is dealing with that.

And we're still TTC. And still not successful. I have to keep reminding myself that this is only the 3rd cycle after the miscarriage. I'm impatient. Very impatient. My schedule is perfect with only 1 half-day of clinic a week (spend the rest of the time in jeans and shorts), and the free time is spent doing research. Perfect for a baby. So c'mon ovaries...

Anyway, that's just a bit more info about me. For those of you who matched to fellowship, please share with what and where. Everyone else, updates would be terrific.

Oh - and you should look to see if they have Bountiful Baskets in your area. I just picked up my first one (basket full of produce, like a co-op, half veggies, half fruit). Its incredible. I'm thrilled.

Yes, I'm a bit positive today.

Sounds like things are falling into place, after all your stress during residency it must feel good. Congrats, and good luck with that new baby project.

HAM you positive nah
Miss you.

So jealous of your jeans, you have no idea. Every time I get called to the ED to admit another freakin' GI bleeder or withdrawing alcoholic, I kick myself for not fast-tracking.

Fellowship match for me went exactly as planned for about two hours, then deviated sharply from the plan. I matched, just as I expected, to my home program. I'm very pleased to remain here; it's a terrific division, really dynamic, a brilliant and productive (and kind) group of clinicians. I'll be proud to train with them.

But mid-day on Match Day, literally as I was standing naked in a booth, having a fake tan sprayed onto my gravid belly (sister's wedding the next day!), my division chief called to beg me to start my clinical year on schedule (7/2012) rather than start fellowship with a research year. Which was what I wanted to do. What I was planning to do. What I was counting on.

That whooshing sound you hear? That's the wind being knocked out of my sails.

So.

I said yes and I'll start clinical fellowship a year from now, with a preschooler and a tiny baby in tow. Blech. That's my update. Between the aforementioned GI bleeders and the mess about my fellowship schedule, I am not feeling so positive. Maybe I do need a produce basket ...

Oh, Emily, how unfair and frustrating and disappointing (all understatements...)!! I'm sorry! I'm sure you'll come out the other end with a beautiful loving family despite it all, but... stink.

This is not the level of control we should have over our lives at this point in our training.

Emily -

I had a spray-tan issue a few months back myself (tornado warning and the question...to spray or not to spray). So sorry that they are making you start with a clinical year. What I've learned in my first 3 weeks is that they promise research but sucker you into a lot more clinical duties. Congrats on matching nonetheless.

And congratulations on your pregnancy!

Efex - have you ever known me NOT to be a positive nah? ;-)

Tornado warning while you were mid spray? What did you do? There's nothing worse than a blotchy fake tan ... except maybe getting caught in a tornado.

Re sucky schedule mess, thanks for the commiseration you guys. I'm trying to tell myself it's good to get it over with.

Thought I'd restart this thread. Shamefully neglectful without an excuse.

How is everything going for all my old homies? (did I just say that?)

Fellowship life is great for me. I'm in the lab 4 days a week, clinic 1/2 day a week and have classes here and there. Just picked up a moonlighting gig about which I am pumped bc I kind of miss the patient interaction. Steep learning curve to begin with (clinical to basic science) but its great now. Love the new town and people I work with.

On the Mommy side of things - I am home almost every night for dinner and can make it to everything for my kids. We've been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant again - losing hope. Will give it a try with IUI for 2 months before giving up. There was a fantastic piece about women delaying motherhood for careers online several months ago. Glad I didn't wait and though I have 2, have felt the pain and depression each month when we are not successful.

I'm anxious to hear how all else are doing. Emily - how are you? Have you had your baby? How's fellowship?

Hey-o. Still here. Not much new to report, except, you know, my sweet new babe. He was born 21 October and he's a complete delight of a little human. Fat and funny and smiley. I'm still on mat leave and will be through mid Jan, at which point I have another four weeks of protected research time. Back to the salt mines mid Feb. I have another 6ish months of residency, then I'll dive into my clinical fellowship year. Then, some 21 months from now -- but who's counting? -- I have two gorgeous, gorgeous years of protected research time. I'm so glad you love your life as a research fellow -- gives me hope.

Re: losing hope/giving up, IVF? It's pretty terrible to go through, but actually I bet it would be a lot less painful/stressful if you already have two kiddos at home to hold tight. I feel you though; my littlest guy is only two months old and I already want another baby! (I don't, however, ever want to be pregnant again during clinical training. That sucked.)

Wow - congratulations emily! Its a lot of fun in the first several months.

I don't think we'd go the IVF route. Had no problems conceiving 3 times and dont' think I would make that leap. Plus, with my eternal training, I'm not sure its in the budget. Fingers crossed something comes through.

Nows the time I think because it is nothing like clincial training.