Wow! I totally suck at keeping ya'll updated. My last post on Jan. 21 said that we would be going in for the IUI. Well, not really. We did have an egg on the left; however, we went back in on day 16 because I hadn't surged yet. We found out that I had actually already surged, but my body didn't produce enough of the FSH hormone for the ovulation kit to detect the surge when it happened - thus, we couldn't inseminate.
But, now it's February. As planned, I took chlomid from cycle days 3-7 so that I would develop bigger, better, and more eggs! They call it Super-Ovulation (for reals). I basically needed a little help matching the Super-Sperm! At any rate, when they did the sonogram on day 12, we had 2 viable eggs on the left. YAY! So, we waited for the surge... which... by cycle day 15... hadn't come. A sonogram done on that day showed that I hadn't released the eggs yet. So, they gave me an injection shot of hCG on day 16 to cause my body to ovulate. And, we went in for the insemination on cycle day 18 or last Thursday (2/24/11)! The doctor told us that we had a good batch of little swimmers (apparently many moving in the right direction).
We'll test in about 10 more days. The crazy thing about this journey is that - even though we began last June, we've only actually inseminated 4 times now. Who knew?! At any rate, we're excited and hoping for good news. The medications seemed to have worked well for me. Although, the hCG shot has caused some side effects - like a strange nauseous feeling (possibly similar to mild morning sickness). But, it hasn't been awful. Now, we just wait and test. :)
Lilypie Maternity tickers
Subscribe To
Posts
All Comments
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Happy New Year!
This is the year we will become moms... one way or another... and that is pretty exciting! I'm convinced of it and affirming that every day! :)
December recap:
Went in for the sonogram about Dec. 21 to see if I was ovulating on the right or left. As luck would have it, I was ovulating on the right again. So, no IUI for December.
We did follow up by having a consultation with a specialist, Dr. Moghadam, at Austin Fertility Institute. The purpose was to really help us understand if we needed to do something about my blocked fallopian tube or not. And if so, what?! First, let me say, that we really appreciated the time that Dr. Moghadam took to sit down with us in his office and explain our options at this point - giving us a lot of factual information and statistics. I like data. :)
Bottom line, the first fact that we clung to is that whenever a person has an HSG showing a blocked fallopian tube, only about 40% of the time is there actually a problem that may need treatment. The tube may not even be blocked, as it could have just been a muscle spasm that occurred at the time of the HSG test. Even if the tube is blocked, due to old scar tissue or endometriosis or whatever, it doesn't necessarily need to be treated. Once you get pregnant (which can happen through the open fallopian tube), the blocked fallopian tube no longer matters. And... people with endometriosis don't have a significantly higher rate of miscarriage - which was something I really wanted to know. Even if you get a laporascopy to remove existing endometriosis - only about 1 out of 12 people (8%)- are more likely to get pregnant as a result of the procedure (although a much higher percent experience less pain during menstruation due to the procedure). But really, I don't have a whole lot of pain during menstruation right now. Dr. M expressed that I didn't really present as a person with a high chance of having endometrisis or any other major problem - given my history and current condition - although he obviously couldn't say for sure.
Now, let me explain the options we were presented with, along with the costs. ;) We could:
1) Bypass the fallopian tubes altogether - by doing an Invetro Fertilization (IVF). This is where they take the egg out and fertilize it and then put it back in, ensuring the egg and sperm meet. Then, it just has to implant in your uterus - and you're pregnant. Now, this only costs about $11,700 each time you do it (plus the cost of sperm), and you should be pregnant within 1-3 months.
2) Get a laporoscopy to see what (if anything) is going on with my fallopian tube and/or uterus. For me, this would cost about $2500 - because I have a high deductible insurance. Most likely, this would not open the tube - but we'd know if there was a major problem. Then, we could do what they call "ovulation induction." This is where you take hormones (orally and through injection) in order to produce bigger and better eggs. With this option, given you produce more viable eggs on each ovary, the likelihood that we'd have an egg released on the left side each month is higher. We would still get a sonogram each month to make sure I have an egg being released on the left before doing the IUI. Doing this method - we should be pregnant within 3-4 months. The cost for us each month (after paying for the laporoscopy) would be about $1800 per month (plus the cost of sperm).
3) Do the same thing as option 2, but only use oral hormones (no injections). Apparently, this increases the chances of pregnancy some, but not as much as option 2 (may take 4-6 months). The cost for us for this option is about $1300 per month (plus the cost of sperm).
These were basically the options presented. At first, we thought we'd go with option 2 and just end up having to pay a bunch of money - but we were pretty confident it would work and would probably be worth it. It would possible take a less time than what we were doing now.
But then, we decided to come up with our OWN option - based, in part, on faith that we can still have a baby as naturally as possible - if we're just patient. First, we decided - the laporoscopy doesn't seem to be necessary at this point. Then, Kelly brilliantly thought, "Why can't we just take the oral hormones (chlomid) and do the IUI with Dr. Nash?" Right?! So, she called Dr. Nash's office - and we can do that. Yep. And, it only cost us about $500 per month (plus the cost of sperm). Much better option. :) Go Kelly!
So, the plan for next month is to take Chlomid, get a sonagram, and do the IUI if there is a viable egg on the left. This month (yesterday) - we went in for the sonogram - same as we have the last 2 months - and we just happen to be ovulating on the left! YAY! So, we will go in for the IUI next week. We decided to go in for an IUI for 2 consecutive days rather than just 1 day (figuring that would give us better odds too). Likely, this will be next Tuesday and Wednesday... so we'll keep you posted.
December recap:
Went in for the sonogram about Dec. 21 to see if I was ovulating on the right or left. As luck would have it, I was ovulating on the right again. So, no IUI for December.
We did follow up by having a consultation with a specialist, Dr. Moghadam, at Austin Fertility Institute. The purpose was to really help us understand if we needed to do something about my blocked fallopian tube or not. And if so, what?! First, let me say, that we really appreciated the time that Dr. Moghadam took to sit down with us in his office and explain our options at this point - giving us a lot of factual information and statistics. I like data. :)
Bottom line, the first fact that we clung to is that whenever a person has an HSG showing a blocked fallopian tube, only about 40% of the time is there actually a problem that may need treatment. The tube may not even be blocked, as it could have just been a muscle spasm that occurred at the time of the HSG test. Even if the tube is blocked, due to old scar tissue or endometriosis or whatever, it doesn't necessarily need to be treated. Once you get pregnant (which can happen through the open fallopian tube), the blocked fallopian tube no longer matters. And... people with endometriosis don't have a significantly higher rate of miscarriage - which was something I really wanted to know. Even if you get a laporascopy to remove existing endometriosis - only about 1 out of 12 people (8%)- are more likely to get pregnant as a result of the procedure (although a much higher percent experience less pain during menstruation due to the procedure). But really, I don't have a whole lot of pain during menstruation right now. Dr. M expressed that I didn't really present as a person with a high chance of having endometrisis or any other major problem - given my history and current condition - although he obviously couldn't say for sure.
Now, let me explain the options we were presented with, along with the costs. ;) We could:
1) Bypass the fallopian tubes altogether - by doing an Invetro Fertilization (IVF). This is where they take the egg out and fertilize it and then put it back in, ensuring the egg and sperm meet. Then, it just has to implant in your uterus - and you're pregnant. Now, this only costs about $11,700 each time you do it (plus the cost of sperm), and you should be pregnant within 1-3 months.
2) Get a laporoscopy to see what (if anything) is going on with my fallopian tube and/or uterus. For me, this would cost about $2500 - because I have a high deductible insurance. Most likely, this would not open the tube - but we'd know if there was a major problem. Then, we could do what they call "ovulation induction." This is where you take hormones (orally and through injection) in order to produce bigger and better eggs. With this option, given you produce more viable eggs on each ovary, the likelihood that we'd have an egg released on the left side each month is higher. We would still get a sonogram each month to make sure I have an egg being released on the left before doing the IUI. Doing this method - we should be pregnant within 3-4 months. The cost for us each month (after paying for the laporoscopy) would be about $1800 per month (plus the cost of sperm).
3) Do the same thing as option 2, but only use oral hormones (no injections). Apparently, this increases the chances of pregnancy some, but not as much as option 2 (may take 4-6 months). The cost for us for this option is about $1300 per month (plus the cost of sperm).
These were basically the options presented. At first, we thought we'd go with option 2 and just end up having to pay a bunch of money - but we were pretty confident it would work and would probably be worth it. It would possible take a less time than what we were doing now.
But then, we decided to come up with our OWN option - based, in part, on faith that we can still have a baby as naturally as possible - if we're just patient. First, we decided - the laporoscopy doesn't seem to be necessary at this point. Then, Kelly brilliantly thought, "Why can't we just take the oral hormones (chlomid) and do the IUI with Dr. Nash?" Right?! So, she called Dr. Nash's office - and we can do that. Yep. And, it only cost us about $500 per month (plus the cost of sperm). Much better option. :) Go Kelly!
So, the plan for next month is to take Chlomid, get a sonagram, and do the IUI if there is a viable egg on the left. This month (yesterday) - we went in for the sonogram - same as we have the last 2 months - and we just happen to be ovulating on the left! YAY! So, we will go in for the IUI next week. We decided to go in for an IUI for 2 consecutive days rather than just 1 day (figuring that would give us better odds too). Likely, this will be next Tuesday and Wednesday... so we'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
A lesson in patience
It's taken me a while to write this blog because I was... just a tad bit disappointed. We had not gone in for an IUI for 3 months in a row - prior to November. Missing our chance in early September was our choice because we were getting married on or about the day we would have had to go in for the IUI. Late September was because I received a call from my doctor (the same day I surged) advising me that I needed to go in for a sonogram that day (within 2 hours) in order to be able to do the IUI the next day. I wasn't able to rearrange my schedule that quickly. And then, in October, we were on a cruise during the week of my ovulation. The bottom line is, by late November, we were ready to get back in the game! But fate would have it's own idea...
Where we left off prior to this month, was that my HSG or dye test revealed that my right fallopian tube was not open (i.e. the dye didn't go through). To be clear - no one ever really explained to us what might cause that. So, me being me, I invented my own reason. The sonogram we had done just prior to the HSG test showed a possible cyst (or just a nice-sized follicle - no one really knew) on one of my ovaries. I decided it was obviously the right side and it was blocking my fallopian tube. That being said, in my mind, we were going in for the sonogram in order to make sure that the cyst had disappeared over the past 3 months and the fallopian tubes were now both open for business.
So, on Tuesday, November 23, off we went to the appointment. Sure enough - my ovaries looked great - no sign of a cyst. Just one plump follicle on the right ovary. We were pretty excited! The doctor would call us back that day to give us the green light. So, when the nurse called me back and reiterated that the sonogram looked great - I was happy! However, when I mentioned that my right fallopian tube had been blocked (just to verify my theory that it was good to go now too) - the nurse changed her tune. She "double-checked" my chart to verify that my HSG revealed a block. Then, she let me know that we would need to "just go ahead and skip this month" (AGAIN)! Of course, she didn't seem to think that was a big deal (especially given she probably has no idea it had been 3 months since we tried last). Of course, I was confused and asked for clarification about what would cause a blocked fallopian tube (and explained that I was thinking maybe it would have just cleared up by now). She went ahead and let me know that - in fact - it was VERY UNLIKEY that it had just opened up. Apparently, blocked fallopian tubes may be caused by: a previous infection, scar tissue, pelvic inflamatory disease, or endometriosis (to name the most common causes). But NOT because of an ovarian cyst. Hmmm... seemed that would have been good to know in September when they told me the fallopian tube was blocked! Just a thought. Anyway, putting all bitterness aside (which - in all fairness - my doctor had gone on maternity leave in late September) - I was a little befuddled. Another month? Seriously? Don't worry - I asked, "So what if we wanted to have the IUI - and take our chances that I'd somehow get pregnant anyway?" The nurse informed me that this would not be a good idea because (if anything) - it would end up as a tubal pregnancy (which really doesn't end well for anyone). Damn it!
So, now we have a couple of options. We could schedule another "procedure" in which they try to clear out the fallopian tube and any endometriosis (if present). Then, proceed with IUI's some time after that. Or, we can go in each month and get a sonogram - and PRAY that the follicle is being released on the left side. By the way, isn't it something that even my ovaries favor "the left"?! At any rate, if the egg is released on the left - it would be able to go through the open fallopian tube and have a chance to be fertilized. If it is being released on the right - we have to skip that month.
We've taken a little time to think this over now, and we've decided to take our chances - at least for December. So - if you're bored over the Holidays - go ahead and pray for a dominant follicle developing on my left ovary! :) We should be going back in for the sonogram around 12/26. If my dominant follicle is on the left, we'll inseminate just before the new year.
Just FYI - emotionally, it caught up with me this month. Frustration and doubt definitely started to creep in, leaving me to wonder if this is going to take before we run out of sperm - or patience. Obviously, we can buy more sperm - but how long do we try before we decide it's Kelly's turn? I feel for all the women who are struggling or have struggled to get pregnant. It's only been six months for us (and we've only actually tried 3x) - but some people try for years... and there's like a 90% chance that they don't have another Mommie to fall back on. As the person trying to get pregnant, it's hard to not feel like something is wrong with you (even if you know that is not necessarily rational). In reality, I do understand that life is just not that simple. Likely this is actually setting Kelly and I up to have our baby in "perfect timing". But, being human - doubt creeps in - at times. This was just one of those times.
Where we left off prior to this month, was that my HSG or dye test revealed that my right fallopian tube was not open (i.e. the dye didn't go through). To be clear - no one ever really explained to us what might cause that. So, me being me, I invented my own reason. The sonogram we had done just prior to the HSG test showed a possible cyst (or just a nice-sized follicle - no one really knew) on one of my ovaries. I decided it was obviously the right side and it was blocking my fallopian tube. That being said, in my mind, we were going in for the sonogram in order to make sure that the cyst had disappeared over the past 3 months and the fallopian tubes were now both open for business.
So, on Tuesday, November 23, off we went to the appointment. Sure enough - my ovaries looked great - no sign of a cyst. Just one plump follicle on the right ovary. We were pretty excited! The doctor would call us back that day to give us the green light. So, when the nurse called me back and reiterated that the sonogram looked great - I was happy! However, when I mentioned that my right fallopian tube had been blocked (just to verify my theory that it was good to go now too) - the nurse changed her tune. She "double-checked" my chart to verify that my HSG revealed a block. Then, she let me know that we would need to "just go ahead and skip this month" (AGAIN)! Of course, she didn't seem to think that was a big deal (especially given she probably has no idea it had been 3 months since we tried last). Of course, I was confused and asked for clarification about what would cause a blocked fallopian tube (and explained that I was thinking maybe it would have just cleared up by now). She went ahead and let me know that - in fact - it was VERY UNLIKEY that it had just opened up. Apparently, blocked fallopian tubes may be caused by: a previous infection, scar tissue, pelvic inflamatory disease, or endometriosis (to name the most common causes). But NOT because of an ovarian cyst. Hmmm... seemed that would have been good to know in September when they told me the fallopian tube was blocked! Just a thought. Anyway, putting all bitterness aside (which - in all fairness - my doctor had gone on maternity leave in late September) - I was a little befuddled. Another month? Seriously? Don't worry - I asked, "So what if we wanted to have the IUI - and take our chances that I'd somehow get pregnant anyway?" The nurse informed me that this would not be a good idea because (if anything) - it would end up as a tubal pregnancy (which really doesn't end well for anyone). Damn it!
So, now we have a couple of options. We could schedule another "procedure" in which they try to clear out the fallopian tube and any endometriosis (if present). Then, proceed with IUI's some time after that. Or, we can go in each month and get a sonogram - and PRAY that the follicle is being released on the left side. By the way, isn't it something that even my ovaries favor "the left"?! At any rate, if the egg is released on the left - it would be able to go through the open fallopian tube and have a chance to be fertilized. If it is being released on the right - we have to skip that month.
We've taken a little time to think this over now, and we've decided to take our chances - at least for December. So - if you're bored over the Holidays - go ahead and pray for a dominant follicle developing on my left ovary! :) We should be going back in for the sonogram around 12/26. If my dominant follicle is on the left, we'll inseminate just before the new year.
Just FYI - emotionally, it caught up with me this month. Frustration and doubt definitely started to creep in, leaving me to wonder if this is going to take before we run out of sperm - or patience. Obviously, we can buy more sperm - but how long do we try before we decide it's Kelly's turn? I feel for all the women who are struggling or have struggled to get pregnant. It's only been six months for us (and we've only actually tried 3x) - but some people try for years... and there's like a 90% chance that they don't have another Mommie to fall back on. As the person trying to get pregnant, it's hard to not feel like something is wrong with you (even if you know that is not necessarily rational). In reality, I do understand that life is just not that simple. Likely this is actually setting Kelly and I up to have our baby in "perfect timing". But, being human - doubt creeps in - at times. This was just one of those times.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Thanksgiving!
That's about when we'll go in for an IUI again - as fate would have it.
Whoa... what a process - I tell ya.
Okay - so even I had to look back at my own blog and see where I left off - it's been that long. Oops! Anyway, I did go in for sonagram on August 23rd. It turned out that I had a possibly suspicious mass on one ovary (really wish I could remember which one - but I don't); however, the doctor said that these results were inconclusive because it could either be a cyst or just a "dominant follicle" (which I translated to mean - 'a big egg about to be released for ovulation'). Not much more was said about that.
My progesterone level at day 21 was FABULOUS though (which is necessary for reaching and maintaining early pregnancy); apparently mine was at 18 (anything over 5 is considered OK, and often when women are pregnant - their level is 20-25 in the beginning).
Now, I'm not sure how well everyone knows Kelly - but let's just say - she's not the most shy person I know. She often says things out loud that I might think... quietly... and keep to myself. Those of you who do know Kelly well, probably love her for this very reason (just as I do). :) At any rate, the doctor mentioned that the next step (after we try one more month) would be to get an HSG to just make sure the fallopian tubes aren't blocked. So Kelly promptly asked, "Why wait? Can't we do it now?" When the doctor said we could and that it might increase our chances of getting pregnant - Kelly basically scheduled the appointment. I mean, I was there (in the office) - but I had no say in this. ;)
So I went into to have this little HSG procedure on Friday, 9/24/10 (yeah, few weeks ago now). This is where they take dye and run it through your uterus to see if it comes out your fallopian tubes. Apparently, if it does - you're good to go - and your eggs are likely at least having the chance to meet up with the sperm (and you know what might happen from there).
First of all - let's just say, this is not the most comfortable procedure. An un-named friend of mine (who had prior experience), brilliantly provided me with some "strong" ibuprofin before I went in. Good idea! During the actual procedure, the technician ran into a glitch when she couldn't get the catheter into my uterus. Maybe this is too much information - but really... isn't that interesting?! I mean, who knew that could be a complication one might experience?! Even more interesting was the actual X-ray of my uterus!! I wish I could post that pic - but don't worry - I don't have it. At any rate, I knew I had a "retroverted uterus" (generally meaning - it tilts slightly toward the back - rather than the more common position of upright or forward). That makes sense, right?! In fact, I googled it and have an image of what a retroverted uterus is supposed to look like:
Now, let me just tell you - mine didn't quite look like that. Imagine that instead of just tilting a little toward the back - the uterus went ahead and did a back-bend! The top of my uterus is really upside down. Very odd, eh?! This is where I have to say, "Was it really my choice that I'm not 'straight'?" Just saying... Basically, the catheter would have had to do a u-turn (which I guess isn't as easy to finagle with a catheter as it is in a car). Let's the give the lady a hand here, as she was able to get the catheter in just enough (and hold it there) - to shoot the dye into the uterus anyway (*applause*)! Seriously, she earned her pay that day. Then, the dye came right out the left fallopian tube, BUT would not come out of the right side. The technician tried the usual tricks (i.e. turn your body this way, now that way, shooting more dye, etc.) - but nothing worked. She did mention that - if it was just an air bubble - it would usually work its way out or get dislodged (with the above-mentioned tricks).
After that, the X-rays had to be officially read by the Radiologist and then sent to my doctor for another official analysis. By the time this was all done (a week later) - I was going to ovulate the next day. The doctor recommended (at that time) that we do a sonagram before doing the next IUI - just to ensure that an egg could even make it through the fallopian tube. But - with only 2 hours of notice - I couldn't get out of work and into the doctor's office to have the sonogram that day. *Booooo* Hence, we couldn't do an IUI in September.
The next step is to go in for a sonogram (between day 12-14 of my cycle) and then possibly do an IUI after that (usually around the 16th day of my cycle). However, it just so happens, that Kelly and I will be on a cruise to Jamaica in October (from about day 12 to day 19 of my cycle). That means, I will not be here to do a sonogram or the IUI this month. What are we going to do, right?! The cruise ship calls...
So... I should be ovulating in November, right around the 25th - Bring on Thanksgiving!!!! :)
P.S. For those of you out there - who may one day need to get a HSG - I highly recommend taking "strong" (almost exactly like prescription strength) ibuprofen about 30 minutes before doing it. It was still uncomfortable - but bearable for me. I have to say though - the next day - I felt like I had done at least 1,283 sit-ups or I'd obviously been kicked in the ribs and stomack about 18 times over night by someone bigger than Kelly. In any case, a strong pain killer was helpful then too. Beyond that, I was just a little sore for a few days - as I think it gets a little swollen or something up in there (at least, that's what I decided anyway). Now you know... ;)
Whoa... what a process - I tell ya.
Okay - so even I had to look back at my own blog and see where I left off - it's been that long. Oops! Anyway, I did go in for sonagram on August 23rd. It turned out that I had a possibly suspicious mass on one ovary (really wish I could remember which one - but I don't); however, the doctor said that these results were inconclusive because it could either be a cyst or just a "dominant follicle" (which I translated to mean - 'a big egg about to be released for ovulation'). Not much more was said about that.
My progesterone level at day 21 was FABULOUS though (which is necessary for reaching and maintaining early pregnancy); apparently mine was at 18 (anything over 5 is considered OK, and often when women are pregnant - their level is 20-25 in the beginning).
Now, I'm not sure how well everyone knows Kelly - but let's just say - she's not the most shy person I know. She often says things out loud that I might think... quietly... and keep to myself. Those of you who do know Kelly well, probably love her for this very reason (just as I do). :) At any rate, the doctor mentioned that the next step (after we try one more month) would be to get an HSG to just make sure the fallopian tubes aren't blocked. So Kelly promptly asked, "Why wait? Can't we do it now?" When the doctor said we could and that it might increase our chances of getting pregnant - Kelly basically scheduled the appointment. I mean, I was there (in the office) - but I had no say in this. ;)
So I went into to have this little HSG procedure on Friday, 9/24/10 (yeah, few weeks ago now). This is where they take dye and run it through your uterus to see if it comes out your fallopian tubes. Apparently, if it does - you're good to go - and your eggs are likely at least having the chance to meet up with the sperm (and you know what might happen from there).
First of all - let's just say, this is not the most comfortable procedure. An un-named friend of mine (who had prior experience), brilliantly provided me with some "strong" ibuprofin before I went in. Good idea! During the actual procedure, the technician ran into a glitch when she couldn't get the catheter into my uterus. Maybe this is too much information - but really... isn't that interesting?! I mean, who knew that could be a complication one might experience?! Even more interesting was the actual X-ray of my uterus!! I wish I could post that pic - but don't worry - I don't have it. At any rate, I knew I had a "retroverted uterus" (generally meaning - it tilts slightly toward the back - rather than the more common position of upright or forward). That makes sense, right?! In fact, I googled it and have an image of what a retroverted uterus is supposed to look like:
Now, let me just tell you - mine didn't quite look like that. Imagine that instead of just tilting a little toward the back - the uterus went ahead and did a back-bend! The top of my uterus is really upside down. Very odd, eh?! This is where I have to say, "Was it really my choice that I'm not 'straight'?" Just saying... Basically, the catheter would have had to do a u-turn (which I guess isn't as easy to finagle with a catheter as it is in a car). Let's the give the lady a hand here, as she was able to get the catheter in just enough (and hold it there) - to shoot the dye into the uterus anyway (*applause*)! Seriously, she earned her pay that day. Then, the dye came right out the left fallopian tube, BUT would not come out of the right side. The technician tried the usual tricks (i.e. turn your body this way, now that way, shooting more dye, etc.) - but nothing worked. She did mention that - if it was just an air bubble - it would usually work its way out or get dislodged (with the above-mentioned tricks).
After that, the X-rays had to be officially read by the Radiologist and then sent to my doctor for another official analysis. By the time this was all done (a week later) - I was going to ovulate the next day. The doctor recommended (at that time) that we do a sonagram before doing the next IUI - just to ensure that an egg could even make it through the fallopian tube. But - with only 2 hours of notice - I couldn't get out of work and into the doctor's office to have the sonogram that day. *Booooo* Hence, we couldn't do an IUI in September.
The next step is to go in for a sonogram (between day 12-14 of my cycle) and then possibly do an IUI after that (usually around the 16th day of my cycle). However, it just so happens, that Kelly and I will be on a cruise to Jamaica in October (from about day 12 to day 19 of my cycle). That means, I will not be here to do a sonogram or the IUI this month. What are we going to do, right?! The cruise ship calls...
So... I should be ovulating in November, right around the 25th - Bring on Thanksgiving!!!! :)
P.S. For those of you out there - who may one day need to get a HSG - I highly recommend taking "strong" (almost exactly like prescription strength) ibuprofen about 30 minutes before doing it. It was still uncomfortable - but bearable for me. I have to say though - the next day - I felt like I had done at least 1,283 sit-ups or I'd obviously been kicked in the ribs and stomack about 18 times over night by someone bigger than Kelly. In any case, a strong pain killer was helpful then too. Beyond that, I was just a little sore for a few days - as I think it gets a little swollen or something up in there (at least, that's what I decided anyway). Now you know... ;)
Monday, August 23, 2010
Here come the...
brides! :) Well, very soon anyway! As for the baby... not yet. You can't really blame the baby for wanting to be "legit" and all (ya know, until we're "un"officially married).
Going back a couple of weeks... we did try to get pregnant (i.e. IUI on August 1st). Here's a picture of Kelly and I attempting to woo the little swimmers by showing 'em what a comfy little room the baby-to-be would inherit at birth.
Yep, that would be the cryo-tank in a crib at our house with a blankie, bib, and pacifier. Don't worry - although we have already painted the baby's room, purchased a crib, dresser, changing table, and a glider/rocking chair - it's not what it looks like (i.e. like we're crazy or something). We're Aunties - we simply NEEDED a place in our house in case one of our nieces has to take a nap or sleepover or something. That's all. :0)
Now, with our commitment ceremony happening right about the same time that I ovulate in September - we've decided to go ahead and hold off for a month. We'll try again in October. In the meantime, I'm getting some blood tests done to ensure that my hormone levels are good. I already went once on Day 3 of my cycle and they looked at thyroid levels, FSH, and estradiol (or estrogen) levels. Apparently, my estradiol level was a little on the high end of average - so I'll be going in for a sonogram next Monday just to make sure all is well with my ovaries (i.e. to ensure I don't have a cyst on my ovaries or anything like that). Then, another blood test on Day 21 to check my progesterone levels. And, we'll go from there.
So - everyone is up to date. Maybe when I'm a properly "committed" woman, I'll blog more often?! Who knows... it could happen.
Going back a couple of weeks... we did try to get pregnant (i.e. IUI on August 1st). Here's a picture of Kelly and I attempting to woo the little swimmers by showing 'em what a comfy little room the baby-to-be would inherit at birth.
Yep, that would be the cryo-tank in a crib at our house with a blankie, bib, and pacifier. Don't worry - although we have already painted the baby's room, purchased a crib, dresser, changing table, and a glider/rocking chair - it's not what it looks like (i.e. like we're crazy or something). We're Aunties - we simply NEEDED a place in our house in case one of our nieces has to take a nap or sleepover or something. That's all. :0)
Now, with our commitment ceremony happening right about the same time that I ovulate in September - we've decided to go ahead and hold off for a month. We'll try again in October. In the meantime, I'm getting some blood tests done to ensure that my hormone levels are good. I already went once on Day 3 of my cycle and they looked at thyroid levels, FSH, and estradiol (or estrogen) levels. Apparently, my estradiol level was a little on the high end of average - so I'll be going in for a sonogram next Monday just to make sure all is well with my ovaries (i.e. to ensure I don't have a cyst on my ovaries or anything like that). Then, another blood test on Day 21 to check my progesterone levels. And, we'll go from there.
So - everyone is up to date. Maybe when I'm a properly "committed" woman, I'll blog more often?! Who knows... it could happen.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Math-my-matics
Okay, so the seed we planted for the baby didn't quite take yet. BUT - we sure can grow some cucumbers - check out the size of this thing!
I'm just saying... it takes time to grow things to perfection! Besides, the average to get pregant through IUI is about 25% (or within 4 months) -- we don't want to look like over-achievers here.
Just so you know though, patience has never really been one of my personal virtues. So, the pregnancy test makers earn their bank when people like me "might" be pregnant. Just to be clear, a pregnancy test typically shows up positive about 10-14 days after the IUI - if, in fact, you're pregnant. So, here's my typical thought process each month (after the IUI):
Day 7: Hmm... well, the box says that it can detect pregnancy at about 50% accuracy 5 days before my missed period. Now, I obviously don't know if I've missed my period yet - but it is 5 days before I "might" miss it. And... I could be in that lucky 50% that gets to know early. And... if it comes up negative, it really doesn't mean anything anyway - other than I need to test again later. Okay... [I take a pregnancy test]
Day 9: I know it just came up negative like 2 days ago, but now the pregnancy test says that it should be like 75% accurate (because it is only like 2-3 days now before I "might" miss my period). Maybe it was just too early before... but it could show up now. And, if I could know now, why wait - right?! Besides, if it comes up negative - it doesn't mean anything anyway, I'll just test later. Okay... [I take another pregnancy test]
Day 11: I really should be starting today or tomorrow. I do kind of have cramps. Yeah, but some people have cramps and they're actually pregnant. Right. Okay, so I'll test again today. Besides, the pregnancy test says it should be like 99% accurate now. I bet I just needed to wait until now. Okay... [And yet another]
Day 13: Right... so all the other pregnancy tests have been negative. Plus, the one I did like 2 days ago was supposed to be like 99% accurate. And, I am on my period right now. Yeah, but I have been watching that show on TV - "I never knew I was pregnant" - and sometimes people have their periods when they're actually pregnant. And, who can trust that 99% thing - some women just have lower hormone levels. Yeah, I should test just to make sure I'm not one of those people who didn't even know they were pregnant! [And, so on]
There you have it. That's like 4-5 tests (depending if you count the other one I took some where in there - just in case) ~ when really... 1 test after an "actual" missed period would probably suffice. I guess I'm a little bit of an overachiever. ;)
So, technically, by my genious math calculations, I think we have a better chance of getting pregnant now that we are going on the 3rd attempt. I mean, if it usually happens within 4 months, and it didn't happen the 1st or 2nd month - that only leaves us with the 3rd or 4th month - right?! Hmmm... that would be nice if it really worked that way - and like every time you lost the lotto - it just meant you were more likely to win the next time. I like my math! Let's go with that... :)
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Post-vacation fog
I think, and I could be wrong, but probably you're supposed to update more frequently than we have thus far, eh?! Hey, we specified we were virgin bloggers!
Well, to update everyone, we returned from our vacation on what we decided was our own little paradise island (Kauai) on June 27th. It was an awesome vacation, and as Kelly has said - the only problem is that our future vacations may have difficulty measuring up!
After spending the week in Hawaii... on the beach, rafting, snorkeling, horseback riding, and zip lining... we returned to "the daily grind" here in Austin. Okay, well, sort of. Kelly did. I'm on summer vacation. However, given I had a list of "things to do" around the house that was the size of my foreseeable future - I did what any sane non-parent would do: sleep. :) Okay, but seriously, I slept for about 12 hours a night and took a nap (1-2 hours each day) for about a week. I didn't even know I had it in me. Quite impressive really. I've considered competing in "procrastination" - I think I'm rather gifted at it myself.
So, the truth is... I really just woke up - and I'm trying to catch you all up. ;) I went in for my second IUI on Friday, July 2nd (yep, a little over 10 days ago). We are currently still in "the waiting period." I'm guessing we'll know if any of those little swimmers reached the prize - hmmm... by say... Saturday, July 17th.
Stay tuned...
Well, to update everyone, we returned from our vacation on what we decided was our own little paradise island (Kauai) on June 27th. It was an awesome vacation, and as Kelly has said - the only problem is that our future vacations may have difficulty measuring up!
After spending the week in Hawaii... on the beach, rafting, snorkeling, horseback riding, and zip lining... we returned to "the daily grind" here in Austin. Okay, well, sort of. Kelly did. I'm on summer vacation. However, given I had a list of "things to do" around the house that was the size of my foreseeable future - I did what any sane non-parent would do: sleep. :) Okay, but seriously, I slept for about 12 hours a night and took a nap (1-2 hours each day) for about a week. I didn't even know I had it in me. Quite impressive really. I've considered competing in "procrastination" - I think I'm rather gifted at it myself.
So, the truth is... I really just woke up - and I'm trying to catch you all up. ;) I went in for my second IUI on Friday, July 2nd (yep, a little over 10 days ago). We are currently still in "the waiting period." I'm guessing we'll know if any of those little swimmers reached the prize - hmmm... by say... Saturday, July 17th.
Stay tuned...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)