Not quite pregnant yet. In this case, no news is usually bad news (well, not really bad news, but not-so-pregnant news).
Anyway, in February, I went in for my insemination - but didn't get pregnant. The next month - end of March - I went in at the beginning of my cycle (day 1) for a sonogram. They had to check and make sure I didn't have any cysts left over from the last cycle (as taking clomid can cause cysts for some people). Unfortunately, I had at least one cyst on my right ovary. The doctor said it was still just small enough that we could try to take clomid again that month and see what happens. So, we did. Unfortunately, it just caused the cyst to grow.
At that point, we decided it would be best to go ahead and get the laparoscopy (on April 1st) to remove the cyst and see if there were any other problems. I, of course, didn't think this "procedure" was that big of a deal and just went ahead and took 1 day off of work (the day of the procedure). Let me just say - not wise. I wouldn't recommend that to anyone. I'd recommend at least 3-5 days off work. Apparently, with your stomach being the core of your strength - you don't feel so well when it's been poked and prodded (even if it's just through 3 little incisions). Besides the fact that they blow your abdomen up with carbon dioxide that then lingers around in your body for a few days (often causing pain all the way up in your shoulder). Thank God for pain medication. That's all I can say.
What they found: 1) My right ovary had 3 cysts (1 pretty large one and a couple of smaller ones), 2) The die did go through the right fallopian tube (although the HSG test had previously indicated that this tube was blocked), 3) The die did NOT go through the left fallopian tube - indicating it is now somehow blocked, and 4) I had a couple of spots of endometriosis.
What does all that mean? Who knows? The good news is that I'm better off having the cysts and endometriosis removed. The not-so-good news is that we have no idea if my tubes are going to work on any given day. Also, I'm not a good candidate for the super-ovulation technique (with clomid) because it caused super-cysts for me instead.
Where do we go from here? We are going to continue trying the old-fashioned way (well... as old-fashioned as an IUI in a doctor's office can be). We are no longer going to monitor which side I ovulate on and I'm not going to take any meds. We're just going to wait for my next surge and go in for the insemination whenever that happens.
Okay - so I have to admit though - it's going to be another month before we can try again. Because... I surged much earlier this month than expected (cycle day 12) AND on the weekend. I usually surge no earlier than cycle day 14. Why does it matter that it was a weekend? Because the sperm bank is closed on the weekends and we hadn't picked up our vial yet! So, we could have inseminated on Easter Sunday - but had no sperm. Oye!
We now wait for May...
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Monday, April 25, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
The Donor!
It just dawned on me that we haven't really shared info with everyone regarding our donor (at least that I could tell).
How do you choose a donor?!! Oh my head, not an easy task! We thought it might be easy... but really - what are the most important characteristics or traits?! Let's just say that I learned a little something about myself in the process - I care more about "looks" than I would have thought. I really HAD to see the baby picture (at least), and paid special attention to how the staff described and percieved the donors! So, we narrowed it down to 2 donors that we liked. One - we liked better because of his answers and philosophy, and the other - we liked better because he was described as "the full package" (including stunning good looks ;)
Which one did we go with???? Uhm... yeah... stunning good looks dude.
Well, we started out with that one anyway (for the first 3 inseminations). However, we found out in January that this donor had retired! Yep. At that point, we only had 3 vials left. But, we really want Kelly to be able to use the same donor later (so the children will be half siblings, at least). Given that "full package" dude was retired, we decided to sell back the remaining 3 vials (at half price) and buy from the other donor.
The website link is below which will take you to the cryobank page that describes our current donor. If you would like to see the baby picture, email Kelly or I and we can send it to you personally. The baby picture is a little obscure... like not great quality and from a distance... but he still looks cute enough. :)
http://donorsearch.fairfaxcryobank.com/donorinfo.cfm?sr_donorid=5536&u_sortby=0
How do you choose a donor?!! Oh my head, not an easy task! We thought it might be easy... but really - what are the most important characteristics or traits?! Let's just say that I learned a little something about myself in the process - I care more about "looks" than I would have thought. I really HAD to see the baby picture (at least), and paid special attention to how the staff described and percieved the donors! So, we narrowed it down to 2 donors that we liked. One - we liked better because of his answers and philosophy, and the other - we liked better because he was described as "the full package" (including stunning good looks ;)
Which one did we go with???? Uhm... yeah... stunning good looks dude.
Well, we started out with that one anyway (for the first 3 inseminations). However, we found out in January that this donor had retired! Yep. At that point, we only had 3 vials left. But, we really want Kelly to be able to use the same donor later (so the children will be half siblings, at least). Given that "full package" dude was retired, we decided to sell back the remaining 3 vials (at half price) and buy from the other donor.
The website link is below which will take you to the cryobank page that describes our current donor. If you would like to see the baby picture, email Kelly or I and we can send it to you personally. The baby picture is a little obscure... like not great quality and from a distance... but he still looks cute enough. :)
http://donorsearch.fairfaxcryobank.com/donorinfo.cfm?sr_donorid=5536&u_sortby=0
Super Ovulation
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. :)
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. :)
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.
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