Well, it sounds like we are almost done fighting with the FDA. My doctor called to tell me last week that as soon as they found a lab that the FDA deems worthy of doing such blood testing that we could proceed.
Then they contacted me yesterday and said that they had to get a sperm sample, test it for diseases, and then freeze it for 6 months and test it again.
I am currently fighting them on this point. I find it ridiculous. So, we are trying to work out those details. I am hopeful we will be able to do another retrieval this summer.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Friday, April 4, 2008
Sadness
Well, we were supposed to have the retrieval this weekend but we had to cancel. Some FDA thing.
Sometimes I wonder if God is like, "How many doors do I have to shut before you decide to go a different way?"
Sometimes I wonder if God is like, "How many doors do I have to shut before you decide to go a different way?"
Monday, March 24, 2008
Thoughts
Not much of anything new has happened. I haven't forgotten to take any of my shots lately which is a good thing. I had the flu this weekend. It is still lingering but as long as I am not throwing up I will take it.
I'm done with those blasted birth control pills. I will start my second injections on Friday. So then we will be at one in the morning and one in the evening. It is scary that the whole process is right around the corner again. I keep having nightmares about it. Sometimes it is about the egg retrieval sometimes it is after the baby is born.
Anyway, I have realized that it is easy to lose sight of what is really important as you go through all this.
I'm done with those blasted birth control pills. I will start my second injections on Friday. So then we will be at one in the morning and one in the evening. It is scary that the whole process is right around the corner again. I keep having nightmares about it. Sometimes it is about the egg retrieval sometimes it is after the baby is born.
Anyway, I have realized that it is easy to lose sight of what is really important as you go through all this.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
For entertainment purposes only!
The trailer to a new movie coming out in April that I probably will not go to see for a while.
http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/babymama/
http://www.apple.com/trailers/universal/babymama/
Monday, March 10, 2008
Whoops
Well, I would have sworn that I wrote an update about our DR visit a couple of weeks ago but it is not here. So here it is.
Apparently the retrieval was really rough because I have so much scare tissue and that causes a lot of pain. That would be why I missed a week of work. So, he said for this next time he will be better prepared. Hopefully I will be better prepared also. When I came to I was in a lot of pain. This time they are going to put me under completely.
So, I am on BCPs right now. I will start Lupron on 3/15 and Bravelle and Menopur on 3/28. The estimated retrieval date is 4/7 but they are increasing my meds to hopefully get more eggs and last time I responded quickly. I wouldn't be surprised if they scheduled it early again like last time.
Apparently the retrieval was really rough because I have so much scare tissue and that causes a lot of pain. That would be why I missed a week of work. So, he said for this next time he will be better prepared. Hopefully I will be better prepared also. When I came to I was in a lot of pain. This time they are going to put me under completely.
So, I am on BCPs right now. I will start Lupron on 3/15 and Bravelle and Menopur on 3/28. The estimated retrieval date is 4/7 but they are increasing my meds to hopefully get more eggs and last time I responded quickly. I wouldn't be surprised if they scheduled it early again like last time.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
I want to be a mom. But I can't.
Instead, I'm a mom wannabe. I want to procreate. I want to conceive a child naturally with my husband, in the privacy of our home, in the spirit of love and passion, in the way God intended. But I can't.
Instead, I suspect a doctor and a laboratory will try to assist God with our conception while my husband watches from the other side of the room. I want to have sore breasts and be totally exhausted, then discover that my period is several days late. I want to buy a pregnancy test and pee on a stick. I want to see a second line. I want to cry tears of joy for the news we'd discover. I want to surprise my husband with the news that he is going to be a daddy. I want to see the look on his face. But I can't.
Instead, I cry tears of pain every month when it doesn't happen and I cry to my husband, "Why??" and I apologize for being defective, because he is fine. I want to experience morning sickness. I want my hormones to go haywire. I want the 'pregnant glow.' I want to have my husband talk to my belly. But I can't. I want to take pre-natal vitamins. I want to eat for two. I want to schedule my first doctor's visit. I want to sit in the waiting room with other pregnant women and know that I am one of them. But I can't.
Instead, I wonder if those pregnant women ever had problems conceiving and if they are taking that little miracle for granted. I think how cute they look as they waddle with their big bellies. I smile at babies that are not mine. I ache from loving someone I've never met. I want to hear the Doctor say, "You're pregnant. Your progress is right on schedule." But I can't.
Instead, I hear my well-meaning friends say "just relax." Wow! If I had known anxiety was an effective form of birth control, I'd have tried it years ago! I wanted to surprise my parents with a new grandchild; instead I burdened them with the news that we are having problems conceiving. I want my life to change overnight. I want to read What to Expect When You're Expecting. But I can't.
Instead, I read When Empty Arms Leave a Heavy Burden. I want to wear maternity clothes and rub my belly (but not too much because it annoys the heck out of me when pregnant women do that continuously!) I want to monitor the progress. I want to see the ultrasounds. I want to hear the heartbeat. I want stretch marks. I want to watch our baby grow. I want to feel the kicks. I want to be measured. But I can't.
Instead, I give blood, get poked and prodded and have surgery. I pray for my eggs to grow and pray they fertilize. I take my temperature and try to interpret every little rise and dip, and how it compares with my temperature pattern last month. I take supplements. I wait. I pray. I wait for the one phone call that can make our life better. Or worse. I want to decorate the nursery. I want to childproof our home. I want to shop for adorable, soft, tiny outfits. I want to shop at Gymboree. I want to save money for the baby's future. But I can't.
Instead, I imagine a crib in the empty room down the hall. I avoid the baby stores in the mall. I want to be the one to excuse myself to go nurse my baby.
Instead, I'm the one stuck at the table with all the husbands. I want to use a car seat. I want to pump. I want to have my baby throw up all over me. I want to change dirty diapers. I want to give baths. I want to watch my husband hold our baby from across the room. But I can't.
Instead, I watch him with our niece and love the way he loves her, but get my heart broken each time I see it. I want to see him love OUR baby. I want to tell my friends about how my baby learned to roll over, or say da-da, or how he took his diaper off and threw it across the room. I want to buy my baby new shoes. But I can't.
Instead, we will spend our money on doctor appointments, tests and high tech procedures. We will spend our money on a dream. We may be left with an empty bank account. We may be left with empty arms. I want to share the experience with my pregnant friends. I want to compare symptoms. I want to be the guest of honor at a baby shower. But I can't.
Instead, I watch my friends get pregnant quickly. I watch their bellies grow, attend their showers, see their pictures and try to be a good friend. I watch their lives change and our friendships change in front of my eyes. I want my belly to drop. I want my water to break. I want contractions. I want my husband by my side and my family in the waiting room. I want the pushing. I want the pain. I want to hear the cry. But I can't.
Instead, I feel a different pain. I hear my own cry. Yes, I even hear the cry of my husband which hurts more than I had ever imagined. I want to hold our baby in my arms, with tears of joy streaming down our faces. I want the nurses to take a picture of us when our baby is only minutes old. I want to experience the miracle of birth, thinking, "We did it!", but knowing that God did it. But I can't.
Instead, I hold my husband in my arms with tears of sorrow streaming down our faces and wonder what God's plan is for us and why we have to go through this. I want to pray that one extra special blessing be added to my life. And I do. I pray my 1000th unanswered prayer to God and hope that this time He answers. I pray for the miracle of life that only God can give. I pray that someday soon, He will give it to us. I want to be a mom. --- But I can't.
Instead, I am right where God wants me to be: thankful for our blessings, searching out His will, basking in His grace, trusting in His perfect plan, praying for a change in status from a mom wannabe . . . to the mom I want to be.
Written by Alison Kathleen Whitney 8/25/99
Instead, I'm a mom wannabe. I want to procreate. I want to conceive a child naturally with my husband, in the privacy of our home, in the spirit of love and passion, in the way God intended. But I can't.
Instead, I suspect a doctor and a laboratory will try to assist God with our conception while my husband watches from the other side of the room. I want to have sore breasts and be totally exhausted, then discover that my period is several days late. I want to buy a pregnancy test and pee on a stick. I want to see a second line. I want to cry tears of joy for the news we'd discover. I want to surprise my husband with the news that he is going to be a daddy. I want to see the look on his face. But I can't.
Instead, I cry tears of pain every month when it doesn't happen and I cry to my husband, "Why??" and I apologize for being defective, because he is fine. I want to experience morning sickness. I want my hormones to go haywire. I want the 'pregnant glow.' I want to have my husband talk to my belly. But I can't. I want to take pre-natal vitamins. I want to eat for two. I want to schedule my first doctor's visit. I want to sit in the waiting room with other pregnant women and know that I am one of them. But I can't.
Instead, I wonder if those pregnant women ever had problems conceiving and if they are taking that little miracle for granted. I think how cute they look as they waddle with their big bellies. I smile at babies that are not mine. I ache from loving someone I've never met. I want to hear the Doctor say, "You're pregnant. Your progress is right on schedule." But I can't.
Instead, I hear my well-meaning friends say "just relax." Wow! If I had known anxiety was an effective form of birth control, I'd have tried it years ago! I wanted to surprise my parents with a new grandchild; instead I burdened them with the news that we are having problems conceiving. I want my life to change overnight. I want to read What to Expect When You're Expecting. But I can't.
Instead, I read When Empty Arms Leave a Heavy Burden. I want to wear maternity clothes and rub my belly (but not too much because it annoys the heck out of me when pregnant women do that continuously!) I want to monitor the progress. I want to see the ultrasounds. I want to hear the heartbeat. I want stretch marks. I want to watch our baby grow. I want to feel the kicks. I want to be measured. But I can't.
Instead, I give blood, get poked and prodded and have surgery. I pray for my eggs to grow and pray they fertilize. I take my temperature and try to interpret every little rise and dip, and how it compares with my temperature pattern last month. I take supplements. I wait. I pray. I wait for the one phone call that can make our life better. Or worse. I want to decorate the nursery. I want to childproof our home. I want to shop for adorable, soft, tiny outfits. I want to shop at Gymboree. I want to save money for the baby's future. But I can't.
Instead, I imagine a crib in the empty room down the hall. I avoid the baby stores in the mall. I want to be the one to excuse myself to go nurse my baby.
Instead, I'm the one stuck at the table with all the husbands. I want to use a car seat. I want to pump. I want to have my baby throw up all over me. I want to change dirty diapers. I want to give baths. I want to watch my husband hold our baby from across the room. But I can't.
Instead, I watch him with our niece and love the way he loves her, but get my heart broken each time I see it. I want to see him love OUR baby. I want to tell my friends about how my baby learned to roll over, or say da-da, or how he took his diaper off and threw it across the room. I want to buy my baby new shoes. But I can't.
Instead, we will spend our money on doctor appointments, tests and high tech procedures. We will spend our money on a dream. We may be left with an empty bank account. We may be left with empty arms. I want to share the experience with my pregnant friends. I want to compare symptoms. I want to be the guest of honor at a baby shower. But I can't.
Instead, I watch my friends get pregnant quickly. I watch their bellies grow, attend their showers, see their pictures and try to be a good friend. I watch their lives change and our friendships change in front of my eyes. I want my belly to drop. I want my water to break. I want contractions. I want my husband by my side and my family in the waiting room. I want the pushing. I want the pain. I want to hear the cry. But I can't.
Instead, I feel a different pain. I hear my own cry. Yes, I even hear the cry of my husband which hurts more than I had ever imagined. I want to hold our baby in my arms, with tears of joy streaming down our faces. I want the nurses to take a picture of us when our baby is only minutes old. I want to experience the miracle of birth, thinking, "We did it!", but knowing that God did it. But I can't.
Instead, I hold my husband in my arms with tears of sorrow streaming down our faces and wonder what God's plan is for us and why we have to go through this. I want to pray that one extra special blessing be added to my life. And I do. I pray my 1000th unanswered prayer to God and hope that this time He answers. I pray for the miracle of life that only God can give. I pray that someday soon, He will give it to us. I want to be a mom. --- But I can't.
Instead, I am right where God wants me to be: thankful for our blessings, searching out His will, basking in His grace, trusting in His perfect plan, praying for a change in status from a mom wannabe . . . to the mom I want to be.
Written by Alison Kathleen Whitney 8/25/99
Friday, February 22, 2008
It Ain't Over Till The Fat Lady Sings
Well, just when we thought our rollercoaster ride of emotions had leveled out a bit God throws us another curve.
Sandy is going to be doing another HPT in the morning just to make sure that it doesn't come out positive. It is a long shot that this would be good news but again "little is much when God is in it" so we are keeping a little bit of hope alive.
God is good no matter what happens.
Sandy is going to be doing another HPT in the morning just to make sure that it doesn't come out positive. It is a long shot that this would be good news but again "little is much when God is in it" so we are keeping a little bit of hope alive.
God is good no matter what happens.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Sad Day
Well, it seems that sometime in the last few days we lost the baby/babies. Sandy's HCG went down from 11.8 to 6.3.
It is very sad - it is hard to know exactly why it happened but hopefully next time will be better. Hopefully I will respond to the drugs a little better and the retreval won't be so hard on me.
We have an appt. with Dr. J on Wednesday next week (2/27) to talk about what to do next. So, maybe we will have a Christmas baby???
"Little is much when God is in it and no one can phathom the plans He has made."
It is very sad - it is hard to know exactly why it happened but hopefully next time will be better. Hopefully I will respond to the drugs a little better and the retreval won't be so hard on me.
We have an appt. with Dr. J on Wednesday next week (2/27) to talk about what to do next. So, maybe we will have a Christmas baby???
"Little is much when God is in it and no one can phathom the plans He has made."
Monday, February 18, 2008
Beta #1
The beta today was 11.8. Under 5 is a negative. However, below 50 they don't really want to say you are pregnant. So, originally the 2nd beta was going to be Wed.
BUT, the nurse just called and said that Sandy is going to go in tomorrow just to make sure it is rising. If it goes down then it did not work. But if it goes up then there is still hope.
Something in me just says that everything is going to be okay.
BUT, the nurse just called and said that Sandy is going to go in tomorrow just to make sure it is rising. If it goes down then it did not work. But if it goes up then there is still hope.
Something in me just says that everything is going to be okay.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
PICTURE
Well, here are some pictures. You may need to click on the picture and look at the larger image to see the plus sign. Also, Scott took a picture of all my used needles and some medicine.
Friday, February 15, 2008
HPT
Well, we did the whole 'pee on a stick' thing and it was positive.
I don't care what anyone else says - it was faint but it was a positive!
I will let ya'll know when we try again....
I don't care what anyone else says - it was faint but it was a positive!
I will let ya'll know when we try again....
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Dilema
Sometimes people take a home pregnancy test about 9 days after the transfer...
To take or not to take - that is the question.
Actually, I know I want to do it. I think the better question is when. Should we try tomorrow morning? Or wait until the weekend when it is more likely to be accurate?
To take or not to take - that is the question.
Actually, I know I want to do it. I think the better question is when. Should we try tomorrow morning? Or wait until the weekend when it is more likely to be accurate?
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Back from the Hospital
I am feeling a little bit better - I am not in so much pain that I feel like I need to take a bunch of pain meds but I am still uncomfortable. I am hoping things turn around today because I have a lot of school work I need to do tomorrow and then I plan on going back to school on Monday. Right now it takes all my energy just to take a shower....
Here are the pictures from the transfer on Wed. The first one is a picture of the uterus and the circled white stuff is the fluid the embies are in. The doctor said that if the uterus is a football field then the embryos are footballs (size comparison). The second one are the two embryos under the microscope. Enjoy!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Fertilization Report
Well, they retrieved three embryos and two of the fertilized. You know - this could mean one of two things. Here is the deal.
I was talking to God and I happened to mention that if I had my way I would only get two embryos and then we would have twins.
So, either God was listening and decided to answer my prayers or he doesn't want us to have a baby this way so that is why we didn't get great results. I guess we will find out around the 18th!
So, the transfer is on Wed. We will leave here around 5 or 5:30. It would be really be nice if it wouldn't snow....
I was talking to God and I happened to mention that if I had my way I would only get two embryos and then we would have twins.
So, either God was listening and decided to answer my prayers or he doesn't want us to have a baby this way so that is why we didn't get great results. I guess we will find out around the 18th!
So, the transfer is on Wed. We will leave here around 5 or 5:30. It would be really be nice if it wouldn't snow....
Recovery
Some how I was able to sleep for most of the night after sleeping a lot yesterday. Right now though I feel wide awake.
So, I have sharp pain every time I try to use my stomach muscles. I have discovered that the only thing I can move without using these muscles is my hand and arm. Every other movement has to be done very slowly.
I am actually sitting up right now. I tried to sit up for a while yesterday but I thought I was going to throw-up. I feel good sitting up today though - as long as I am leaning back a little bit. They put one of the incisions right on the crease of my stomach with is very inconvienent.
No call from the biologist or nurses yet. I will update later!
So, I have sharp pain every time I try to use my stomach muscles. I have discovered that the only thing I can move without using these muscles is my hand and arm. Every other movement has to be done very slowly.
I am actually sitting up right now. I tried to sit up for a while yesterday but I thought I was going to throw-up. I feel good sitting up today though - as long as I am leaning back a little bit. They put one of the incisions right on the crease of my stomach with is very inconvienent.
No call from the biologist or nurses yet. I will update later!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Feb 1st Update
Okay - I take my hcg shot tonight at 7pm and then the retrieval will be 36 hours later in Indy! Also, Dr. Jarrett has agreed to transfer two embryos so we may have twins! He says that each one has a 70% of 'sticking' which makes having twins a 49% chance. A little under 50-50 but oh well.
Peace out,
Kate
Peace out,
Kate
Feb 1st
So, last night we got like 8 or 9 inches of snow. So, school was canceled and Scott doesn't even have to go to work!
However, my ovaries wait for no man! I had blood work and an ultrasound this morning at 7:15. So, we got to the clinic and the doors were locked. Eventually someone let us in. Then we went to the lab and they were 'half-closed' they said. So they asked "Is this urgent?" and I paused to think "What is urgent - I'm not dying or anything" and then they said "Is it for Dr. Jarrett?" So, apparently I was on the urgent list. I feel so important.
Anyway, they did my sono (well, we had to wait for the technician to get in to the office - the roads were bad. I watched TV though and Scott got some work done). I now have 7 mature follicles on my right side. Most were around 25mm now. That is huge. They need to stop growing!
Then we had to drive to the hospital because the blodwork wouldn't be abelt to be processed in time at the clinic. The nurse there was really funny.
So, the nurse should call me sometime today. I will update then! Yay for snow days!!!
However, my ovaries wait for no man! I had blood work and an ultrasound this morning at 7:15. So, we got to the clinic and the doors were locked. Eventually someone let us in. Then we went to the lab and they were 'half-closed' they said. So they asked "Is this urgent?" and I paused to think "What is urgent - I'm not dying or anything" and then they said "Is it for Dr. Jarrett?" So, apparently I was on the urgent list. I feel so important.
Anyway, they did my sono (well, we had to wait for the technician to get in to the office - the roads were bad. I watched TV though and Scott got some work done). I now have 7 mature follicles on my right side. Most were around 25mm now. That is huge. They need to stop growing!
Then we had to drive to the hospital because the blodwork wouldn't be abelt to be processed in time at the clinic. The nurse there was really funny.
So, the nurse should call me sometime today. I will update then! Yay for snow days!!!
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
WOW!!
Well, this morning I went for an ultrasound and blood work.
The good news is: My right ovary has about seven follicles growing. Five were between 16mm-22mm (they consider 'mature' to be more than 16mm). The other two were smaller. So this would be the reason for the extreme pressure on my right side.
The bad news: I have a bum left ovary. No follicles at all. They don't know why - I guess God thought that we were getting too comfortable and wanted to add something to the mix! I am actually kinda relieved because I keep praying that we don't have too many because I don't want a bunch of embryos left over. Maybe this is the answer?
So, in conclusion, since my eggs are already mature basically they are moving the retrieval to Sunday (that's right- Superbowl Sunday). Then the embryo transfer will be Wed. It's kind of exciting but I am nervous at the same time.
I have another ultrasound on Friday. Then, an appointment in Urbana on Saturday morning. We will probably spend the night in Indy on Saturday and be there for the retrieval on Sunday. I'm hoping I will be alert enough to watch the Giants lose!
Peace out,
Kate
The good news is: My right ovary has about seven follicles growing. Five were between 16mm-22mm (they consider 'mature' to be more than 16mm). The other two were smaller. So this would be the reason for the extreme pressure on my right side.
The bad news: I have a bum left ovary. No follicles at all. They don't know why - I guess God thought that we were getting too comfortable and wanted to add something to the mix! I am actually kinda relieved because I keep praying that we don't have too many because I don't want a bunch of embryos left over. Maybe this is the answer?
So, in conclusion, since my eggs are already mature basically they are moving the retrieval to Sunday (that's right- Superbowl Sunday). Then the embryo transfer will be Wed. It's kind of exciting but I am nervous at the same time.
I have another ultrasound on Friday. Then, an appointment in Urbana on Saturday morning. We will probably spend the night in Indy on Saturday and be there for the retrieval on Sunday. I'm hoping I will be alert enough to watch the Giants lose!
Peace out,
Kate
Monday, January 28, 2008
Update
Well, I have been on stims for four days now and so far this is the worst part. My insides feel like they are going to explode (not painful - just uncomfortable). I just can't get comfortable and I can't think straight because all I can think about is this pressure in my abdomen....
Hopefully - it will all be worth it :) It has to be hard going through all this with no outcome in the end...
Hopefully - it will all be worth it :) It has to be hard going through all this with no outcome in the end...
Friday, January 25, 2008
Starting Stims
Well, I started my second injection today (known as stims - they tell your body to produce lots of eggs, hopefully). I will have an appt. on Wed to see how many follicles I have and how big they are.
Ok, I don't really enjoy shots but I have never been given a shot that made me cry (ok, maybe when I was five). Apparently, Menopur stings and burns a little bit (I mix one vial of Menopur with two vials of Bravelle for each shot). I could feel it dispersing through my arm this morning and I just started crying. Now, this could also be because I am pumping myself full of hormones. The shot also felt like it took forever to get all the medicine in....ugh.
On a brighter note - Sandy had a doctor's appointment today to see how thick her lining is. It measured a 10 (I don't know if that is mm or what it is) but from my experience talking to other women that is a high number. Its the biggest anyone has mentioned having (that I have talked to). I think the higher the better - although I don't know if there is such a thing as too high.
That is all for now. I'll keep taking my shot in the morning and my shot at night and let you know how it goes!
Ok, I don't really enjoy shots but I have never been given a shot that made me cry (ok, maybe when I was five). Apparently, Menopur stings and burns a little bit (I mix one vial of Menopur with two vials of Bravelle for each shot). I could feel it dispersing through my arm this morning and I just started crying. Now, this could also be because I am pumping myself full of hormones. The shot also felt like it took forever to get all the medicine in....ugh.
On a brighter note - Sandy had a doctor's appointment today to see how thick her lining is. It measured a 10 (I don't know if that is mm or what it is) but from my experience talking to other women that is a high number. Its the biggest anyone has mentioned having (that I have talked to). I think the higher the better - although I don't know if there is such a thing as too high.
That is all for now. I'll keep taking my shot in the morning and my shot at night and let you know how it goes!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Dr. Appt
Well, I went to Urbana for my Dr. Appt today. I had an ultrasound. I guess that looked good (I don't know how they can see anything with those). I asked about my estrogen level and it was 49. I freaked out a little bit because this seems high to me but she assured me it was fine. The apparently want it below 50 (at this point I have to just trust they know what they are doing - if something were wrong I'm sure that they would fix it).
Dr. J is always fun to meet with. He had to ask us a lot of random questions such as:
-Have you been in the UK for more than three months in the last year?
- Do you have good physical hygiene?
There were about 50 others but I will save you the embarrassment (its crazy what you have to do for the FDA).
The nurse showed us how to mix the next set of drugs that I will add to my daily routine on Friday. Now I will have one shot in the morning and one in the evening. The purpose of the next shot is to grow lots of follicles in my ovaries. What we have to be careful about is getting too many (at least that is what I am worried about). Usually every month you have one maturing and even then you can feel bloated - well now there could be 20 or more so you can imagine how I am going to feel. They even tell you not to exercise too much because of all the pressure... AHHH!
I asked some questions about my egg retrieval. They told me to expect to take two or three days off of work. Then I have to take the fourth day off to be with Sandy for the transfer. So, I will basically be missing a week of work. That is going to be really hard on me and my students so I definitely need prayers for that. The doctor said that I will have some pain because they are going to fill my abdomen up with air and it could take a few days for it to go away I guess.
That is all I can think of for now. My next appointment is on Wed next week. However, I am going to do the blood work and ultrasound in Bloomington and then they will call me and let me know if I need to change my drugs or anything.
Peace out for now,
Kate
Dr. J is always fun to meet with. He had to ask us a lot of random questions such as:
-Have you been in the UK for more than three months in the last year?
- Do you have good physical hygiene?
There were about 50 others but I will save you the embarrassment (its crazy what you have to do for the FDA).
The nurse showed us how to mix the next set of drugs that I will add to my daily routine on Friday. Now I will have one shot in the morning and one in the evening. The purpose of the next shot is to grow lots of follicles in my ovaries. What we have to be careful about is getting too many (at least that is what I am worried about). Usually every month you have one maturing and even then you can feel bloated - well now there could be 20 or more so you can imagine how I am going to feel. They even tell you not to exercise too much because of all the pressure... AHHH!
I asked some questions about my egg retrieval. They told me to expect to take two or three days off of work. Then I have to take the fourth day off to be with Sandy for the transfer. So, I will basically be missing a week of work. That is going to be really hard on me and my students so I definitely need prayers for that. The doctor said that I will have some pain because they are going to fill my abdomen up with air and it could take a few days for it to go away I guess.
That is all I can think of for now. My next appointment is on Wed next week. However, I am going to do the blood work and ultrasound in Bloomington and then they will call me and let me know if I need to change my drugs or anything.
Peace out for now,
Kate
Monday, January 21, 2008
Today
I had some blood work done today to check my estrogen level. If I have read correctly they want it to be below 35 or so. I will get the results on Wed. afternoon.
Apparently I have been stuck so many times recently now I get comments like "nice vain" where as before they were not that nice.
I used to hate looking at needles - I think I could take my own blood now! (Okay maybe not - but I bet Scott could).
By the way - Scott has been giving me most of my shots and I am so grateful for him doing that for me. It makes it so much easier. What would I do without him?
Apparently I have been stuck so many times recently now I get comments like "nice vain" where as before they were not that nice.
I used to hate looking at needles - I think I could take my own blood now! (Okay maybe not - but I bet Scott could).
By the way - Scott has been giving me most of my shots and I am so grateful for him doing that for me. It makes it so much easier. What would I do without him?
Friday, January 18, 2008
Catching Up
Well, here is everything that has happened so far for those of you that want to catch up:
July - Sandy says oh so subtly, "So, when are you guys thinking about having a baby because if you want me to carry it for you..." The point is none of us are getting any younger.
August - We have our first appointment with Dr. Jarrett. We love him. We mention maybe we will be ready in a year. He says we should be ready sooner than that (Again - not getting any younger). The more I think about it the more I think I wanted to wait because I was terrified.
September - Take my temperature every morning at 5:30 (trying to figure out my cycle).
October - repeat.
November - Call from Dr. Jarrett. My temperature charts look good. Lets get things rolling!
December - Frantic blood work, exams, EKGs - we have to make sure everyone is healthy (mostly Sandy ).
January - here we are! I started my Luron injections on Jan. 12th! Here is the tentative schedule!
1/12 Start Lurpron injections
1/23 DR appointment for sonogram and blood work to make sure that the Lurpon did in fact shut my ovaries down.
1/25 start second injections (yes that is two a day now) to start growing follicles (eggs). That want at least 10.
2/2 HCG trigger shot (to tell my ovaries that my eggs are good to go)
2/4 DR goes in to get the eggs (also known as the egg retrieval)
2/4 fertilize the eggs
2/4 - 2/6 watch them grow!
2/7 - transfer embryos into Sandy
2/19 - blood test to see if we are pregnant
So, today we are signing the contract that the doctor needs. Then my appointment is at 12:30 on Wed. I will let you know how it goes!
July - Sandy says oh so subtly, "So, when are you guys thinking about having a baby because if you want me to carry it for you..." The point is none of us are getting any younger.
August - We have our first appointment with Dr. Jarrett. We love him. We mention maybe we will be ready in a year. He says we should be ready sooner than that (Again - not getting any younger). The more I think about it the more I think I wanted to wait because I was terrified.
September - Take my temperature every morning at 5:30 (trying to figure out my cycle).
October - repeat.
November - Call from Dr. Jarrett. My temperature charts look good. Lets get things rolling!
December - Frantic blood work, exams, EKGs - we have to make sure everyone is healthy (mostly Sandy ).
January - here we are! I started my Luron injections on Jan. 12th! Here is the tentative schedule!
1/12 Start Lurpron injections
1/23 DR appointment for sonogram and blood work to make sure that the Lurpon did in fact shut my ovaries down.
1/25 start second injections (yes that is two a day now) to start growing follicles (eggs). That want at least 10.
2/2 HCG trigger shot (to tell my ovaries that my eggs are good to go)
2/4 DR goes in to get the eggs (also known as the egg retrieval)
2/4 fertilize the eggs
2/4 - 2/6 watch them grow!
2/7 - transfer embryos into Sandy
2/19 - blood test to see if we are pregnant
So, today we are signing the contract that the doctor needs. Then my appointment is at 12:30 on Wed. I will let you know how it goes!
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