3-Hour glucose test

I went today to the lab for the 3 hour glucose test. It felt like it took an eternity to get through! When I first came in, they took some blood for a fasting level. Then they had me drink a highly concentrated sugar drink. After that, my blood was drawn 3 additional times at 1 hour increments. I'm glad that's over with. I guess that the doctors office will call when they get the results.

Pics of baby girl!

I am finally posting some u/s pics of our baby girl! These are from this past week at 16 weeks 1 day. We have our anatomy scan, aka big u/s, on 1/11. Can't wait to see you again baby!

17 weeks

Baby's skeleton is hardening, changing from rubbery cartilage to bone, and fat is finally accumulating around it. The umbilical cord is getting thicker and stronger, and those little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints.

1-Hour Glucose Test result

I got the results from Monday's 1 hour glucose test. The normal result for pregnant woman is 130 or under. Mine was 177. They scheduled me for a 3 hour test next week. When I went to the perinatal doctor, for my NT screening, they told me that for many mothers who have had GD it can come back earlier and more severe. So, we will see how the test next week goes. I spoke with the doctor about my experience with DS re: his size and the painful episiotomy that I had. She just said that they will monitor her size and the GD, if I have it (which it looks like I do), possibly deliver her a couple of weeks early. I had DS at 41 weeks. She suggested possibly 38 weeks this time, but they will keep an eye on it. She said that having a baby around 7.5 pounds will make delivery a better experience.

It's a.........................

GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are having a little girl. I had a couple of boy dreams, so I thought that is what it was going to be. Wrong! Little princess on the way!

16 weeks: Avocado

Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. Watch what you say... tiny bones forming in baby's ears mean the little one can now pick up your voice. Eyebrows, lashes and hair are starting to fill in, and taste buds are forming. And, if you're interested, an ultrasound might be able to determine gender.

Last week, I started to feel baby make little movements. I can only feel it when I am laying or sitting still. Yay! We have an u/s tomorrow and will check for gender. I hope the baby's legs aren't crossed!

By the way....

I forgot to mention that I put up a baby name poll to the right. Check out some possible names! We are really struggling with names. You would think we would have our boy and girl name on lock after all this time.

Infertile Feelings

For years, we have been struggling both emotionally and physically to get to this point. It had been such a gut wrenching experience that I can feel how it has changed a piece of who I am. Now that I am pregnant, I don't feel like a "normal" pregnant woman. When I speak to others about the pregnancy, I still feel a strange mist come to my eyes, the same as when I would speak with other woman about their pregnancies trying with the most effort to be happy for them. I don't know why I can't "just be happy". To accept that I finally have a life growing inside of me. My mind and heart are probably trying to protect themselves from another traumatic event.

For the most part, I have had positive thoughts and hopes for a healthy pregnancy. It became evident to me, this past Monday, how much I am still affected by infertility. My church has a Mother's of Young children gathering once a month. It is hosted by a woman in the group (of about 20) and we all get together and talk about marriage, family, and offer support to one another. Well, the cutoff for the group is when your youngest is five years old. I have actually been missing several of these meetings because I felt like I no longer qualified. Let's keep it real, a lot of the woman in the group are my peers and most of them have had a couple additional children while I have been in this struggle which was hard to deal with starting into year 3 of trying. Something like when I had to go to endless baby showers after miscarrying again and again. Torture.
Well, I went and I had a good time - feeling somewhat better now that I have a valid reason for being there. At the end of the get together, they have a time for prayer requests. I wasn't going to say anything, but for some reason I felt the urge to ask for prayers and possibly have support. So, I told them that I was about 4 months pregnant. It took us about 4 years to get to this point and to please pray for us that the pregnancy will be healthy and that we can welcome our little one home in May. I got some strange reactions. A lot of people said congratulations. As I looked around I saw someone mouth to another woman "4 years! OMG" Others gave each other looks. At that moment, I wondered if I should have kept my mouth shut. It made my feel like I was a weirdo. It was probably just surprising to them. I know that I shouldn't feel like that, but I have the tattoos of my experiences. Anyways enough rambling.

Maybe my feelings will change and the wounds will heal once I get to look into my baby's face.

I can't believe it! Week 14!

I can't believe that we have made it to the second trimester! It seems surreal that it has taken years to get to this point. Now we have a little one growing and are out of the high risk for miscarriage. Thank you, God, for this blessing.

Morning sickness and food aversion are still hanging around. They are not as bad as weeks 6-9, but they have not made an exit yet. This week my appetite has really kick up a notch. Even though I still don't like many things, I feel very hungry. After I have eaten, and still feel hungry, I have been drinking water to try to fill myself. That has been working somewhat. Also, this week my sex drive has revved up. I'm sure DH is thrilled about that. I really wasn't interested in sex during the first trimester, but did it anyway. Now I am the pursuer. It's pretty funny. Twice a day is not out of the norm for us. I know too much info.

I haven't really bought anything for the baby yet. A couple of weeks ago, I saw a sale on diapers and bought a pack. I told myself that after 12 weeks that I would start picking up a couple of things here and there, but for some reason I'm not really interested yet.

Everything went well on the NT screening. Baby was measuring right on target. The baby was moving around, sucking his/her thumb, and giving the sonographer a hard time being so busy. Baby looks perfect with a perfect little face and all of it's parts. The chance of downs was 1 in 6000 for it's measurement and I couldn't be happier!

Week 13: Peach!

On Wednesday, we have our nuchal translucency screening. I'm looking forward to seeing how much the little one has grown! DH has to work that day, so my dad is going with me. Can't wait!

A little about baby at week 13...
Your fetus is forming teeth and vocal cords... savor this, their non-functional phase. Baby is approaching normal proportions, with a head now only one third the size of the body. Intestines are in the process of moving from the umbilical cord to baby's tummy. (Much more convenient.)

Sweet sounds

Our doctors appointment today went well. The doctor said that he may not be able to find the heartbeat, but as soon as he put the Doppler on my stomach we heard the sweetest sound. Little baby's heart was beating away. In the back of my mind, I have been scared that the next time we checked for the heartbeat it wouldn't be there. I have no basis for the thoughts, though, being that we haven't been here since DS. So, it is a happy day for us!

Week 11: Lime!

A little about baby this week....



Your fetus currently enjoys a 1:1 ratio between body and head, and has skin so transparent that blood vessels show right through. But, fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and hair follicles, tooth buds and nail beds are forming -- setting up a significantly more attractive future.

We're in week 10!

Everything seems to be moving along as it should. I can't wait for our next OB appointment on Monday. It will be reassuring to hear the baby's heartbeat to know that everything is still progressing. It is hard to go from getting seen so often by the doctor to now having an appointment every 4 weeks!

A couple of weeks ago the extreme fatigue that I was feeling subsided, but now it is starting to kick back in again. Monday is the last day of progesterone supplementation. These suppositories have been really messy! Our next peak into the womb will be on 11/25 for our Nuchal Translucency screening. We will be in the 13th week. I can't wait to see you again little one!

Graduation!

Today we graduated from the RE!

We got an U/S of the little peanut and saw the head, arms, legs, heartbeat and umbilical cord. He/she even showed off and moved around for us! It was amazing. Baby measured in at 8 weeks 4 days. I can't believe at only 8.4 weeks that it would be that developed.

They gave us a folder with all of our ultrasounds and bloodwork results and a schedule of when to stop meds. That is the wonderful news. No more PIO injections! I get to stop them on 10/26 and will be doing a suppository form of progesterone 2x a day until 11/9. I still have to do the estrogren injection every third day until the end of November, but that's not everyday.

Yay, we are graduates!

The Flu

I have had the flu since this past Thursday. Pregnancy suppresses a woman's immune system, so it seemed extremely hard to fight it off. I am feeling somewhat better today, but not back to 100% yet. I am praying that everything is OK with little peanut in there after the fevers, chills, coughing, and throwing up. One of the worst things is that I could only take Tylenol. The Tylenol worked for the fever, but did nothing for headaches or any other ache for that matter.

Our last visit with the RE is on Thursday for our 8 week U/S. We will then be released to the OB for the rest of the pregnancy.

Can I go to bed, please?

I am really feeling pregnant. I still can't believe it. Nausea has become part of my life and hopefully won't stay very long. I don't care though. On many pregnancy sites, they say that morning sickness really kicks into high gear in the sixth week. I'm hoping that is not the case. With DS, I had one day of sickness and no more. I am already finding it hard to concentrate at work and for school work. I fell asleep on a teleconference and couldn't do anything to snap myself out of it. I even took a stroll around the floor, came back, sat down, and five minutes later Out! It is so not fair that caffeine is not allowed! Sleepiness is everyday and rest is my friend.

We have a heartbeat!

We had our u/s at the RE! We saw our little peanut and he/she has a heart rate of 118! DH and I were so overjoyed. After the doctor and u/s tech left the room ,we just held each other for a couple of minutes. This is such an accomplishment for us. Thank you, God.

Yay, yay, yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1st Ultrasound came early

Due to some major cramps and a little dark spotting (has since resolved) over the weekend, and my history, I went in for an ultrasound today. I wasn't sure what to expect. My insurance won't cover pregnancy procedures done at the R.E.'s office, so I went to the regular OB. This office has really upgraded the technology it uses. On the wall of every sono room is a 42" Plasma to view your ultrasound on. I was shocked. Because of that you can see everything in detail! So, I didn't know what to expect, but I was sure that they would put the wand in and then there would be nothing. I have been preparing myself for that possibility. My mom was with me for support - that helped a lot. The wand was inserted and I couldn't believe my eyes. I am so use to non-pregnant ultrasounds that when the u/s tech put the wand in I was shocked. There it was. An image like many I see when I search for early ultrasound pictures and it was mine! The tech said that our little peanut measures 5w 5d and looks normal for this stage of development. There was no heartbeat, but that was normal as well. I am so happy! We have never been at this stage in our infertility journey!

The gestational age the tech gave me is behind a couple of days (according to my LMP), but I'm assuming that IVF and embryo transfer dates can throw off what your actual due date will calculate to be. So, for now the new date is June 2, 2010. So excited! The next ultrasound is still scheduled for Friday. I've got to remember to get a picture. I forgot to get one this time. I was just so happy to see something at all!

Smell Aversion

I forgot to add my latest symptom: Smell Aversion!

I am having a hard time finding foods that sit well with my nose. The only thing that I can tolerate to drink is water. I work in a cubicle environment and people eat fish and God knows what. Thanks people. Even though it is an inconvenient symptom, I'm happy to have a new one!

Feeling good

I'm still feeling good. I am experiencing the same symptoms, which is great. Bring them on! I can't believe how different this pregnancy feels. I am trying not to let myself get too excited. I can't wait for the ultrasound next Friday!

On the day of the U/S, I am going to take the day off. DH is going to take the morning off and my mom is coming as well. We are making an event out of it. Why not. We plan on meeting for the U/S in the early morning, hang out, and go to lunch. During IVF#2, when my HCG levels stalled and I was spotting, I went in for an early ultrasound by myself. That was a mistake. I had to deal with everything by myself. If I learned anything, it is it's better to involve people and have them there for support instead of try to deal with things yourself.

Final HCG Result

Great news!!!!!!!!!!!!

HCG = 1657

I don't know what to think. This is a great number, but I don't think that I will be able to wrap my mind around a pregnancy possibly working out until the ultrasound. This is a 1st though. We have never made it through all three betas. The ultrasound is scheduled for Friday, 10/9! Yay!

Time dragging along

This week seems to be dragging along! Work has slowed down for a change and I have time to think. This is never a good thing when you are waiting to see if your pregnancy will progress or not. My symptoms have really picked up the last couple of days. Here is what I am experiencing so far:

1. Fatigue - comes and goes anytime of the day
2. Nausea - All day in waves. It seems to be worse in the evening during and after dinner.
3. B tenderness - no so much. Just a tingle now and again or when I take off my bra at the end of the day.
4. Thirst - I am not a water drinker, but have been downing my Deer Park 1 Liter bottles - which in turn is giving me -
5. Frequent Urination - probably not related to the pregnancy but the 1 Liters.
6. No bleeding! Great sign. With the ectopics, I was bleeding before now.

I will post my HCG results as soon as I get them tomorrow!

Beta #2 Results

The numbers are in for Beta #2!

HCG = 706!

The numbers more than doubled! On Wednesday, I'll go in for the third and final level. Please stick little one!


My U/S will either be Friday or Monday. Usually they wait until HCG => 2000. By Friday, my levels should be close to 3000, so maybe they will let me have one . That is close enough to 6 weeks! We'll see......wishful thinking.

Beta #1 & HPT photos!

HCG = 141
Today is 11 days past 6 day transfer (17dpo).

I was able to get in today for the first beta test. It's confirmed, we're pregnant! Now if only this pregnancy will continue progressing. This is the hardest part of the process. On Monday, I'll go back for another beta. They will be looking for numbers that at least double within 48 hours.

Here is a picture of the HPT I took.

This should be happy news

On Sunday, I went grocery shopping earlier in the day. While shopping, I headed down the toiletries aisles to stock up on a few items that were running low. There it was: the family planning section. I had been slightly nauseated for the past 2 days and I figured that I could confirm my suspicions. When I got home, DH was outside cutting the grass with DS on the riding mower. I unpacked all of the groceries and then took the toiletries upstairs to put them away. When I went into the bathroom I had the urge to pee, so I said what the heck. I'll just do a test and see. We'll it came out positive. I was shocked! Later that evening, I told my DH that I caved an bought a test. Before, I could say anything else he said "Why did you do that? You already know that HPTs don't tell you anything, but whether we are in the game or not." That took the wind out of my sail. He is right though. We have been here many times it seems. Something that should bring us happiness does the opposite. Usually it leads to a negative outcome. After that, I didn't tell him that I took the test.

Yesterday, at 4 weeks, I took another test: a darker positive. We really won't know the outcome of this pregnancy until the ultrasound. Monday, 9/28, is our first HCG draw. If (and when) it comes out positive, we will test again on Wednesday and Friday. If all goes well with our numbers, the first ultrasound should be on Monday, 10/5 (6 weeks). Our EDD would be May 30, 2010.

I pray that everything works out for us this time. I think that this will be our last attempt at a pregnancy if it doesn't work out. I'm done.

FET #1 is complete!

Our blast has found it's new home. Hopefully, it will keep growing and hang around for awhile. We had our transfer on 9/14. One 6 day hatching blastocyst was transferred. The embryologist thawed both of our embryos, but one of them was severely fragmented. The one that was transferred was rated at 100% for it's # of cells after the thaw and continued growth.

So, FET #1 is complete. We pray that it works. The blood pregnancy test is set for 9/28. That is so far off!

Fall is coming

The weather has been so nice. I love the time between summer and fall and spring! Best weather in the DC Metro area. I haven't been going out for lunch much lately, but I had to get out today. It was great.

DS is settled into his new school and is enjoying Kindergarten. His new school has been great. We are glad that we decided to go the private school route for now. The public schools in our area just aren't up to pare.

This week I start another semester towards my masters degree. One of the courses is Corporate Finance. I'm so dreading it. It is my first online class that has been assigned a class tutor - I'm grateful for that.

I haven't been on much lately, but we are in a frozen embryo cycle. If you don't know what that entails, click the link to read. http://stirrup-queens.blogspot.com/2006/07/ivf-fet-or-frozen-embryo-transfer.html

Our transfer is on Monday. Progesterone injections commenced yesterday. We elected to do an elective single embryo transfer instead of transferring both of the blastocyst embryos we have remaining from last cycle. The doctor said that due to the fact that last cycle produced a pregnancy that the chances were higher for this FET working. We shall see...

No Time

I really haven't had the time to post lately. Hopefully that will change as fall approaches. Schools is back in fully swing and work is busy.

Reality Check

I am staying consistent with my weight loss efforts this week. I have to say that I am proud of myself. I bought a scale yesterday and I almost fell over when I saw how much I weigh! Drum roll please..........198.1! That is by far the most I have ever weighed. Almost 200 pounds! I never weighed 190 anything, even when pregnant! I have to get out of the 90s asap! I can't get pregnant weighing this much.

My plan is to eat 1200 cals a day and exercise. I am walking 3 min/running 2 in the morning for 30 min. Then doing Jillian's (biggest loser) 30 day shred DVD in the evening. I have heard a lot of good reviews about it. We are going to walk our dogs for 15 min every evening (weather permitting). That puts total active daily minutes at 65. I also joined a website called Spark People to track my progress and have some fun. I will be weighing in once a week, tracking my eating and exercise, and making my progress a priority.

I really let being down about infertility affect my health. With a family history of diabetes and high blood pressure, I have to get this in check. I signed up for the Baltimore Running Festival 5K (Oct). I am going to get hubby to run/walk it with me for support. That will give me something to work towards.

I really want to have a baby, but my health needs to get in check first. I don't know how long it will take, but I can't do another IVF cycle until that has been accomplished. How I see it, the more committed to weight loss and my health that I am the sooner we can move forward with IVF. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Under the weather

On Sunday, I started coming down with a cold. I'm hoping that it passes soon. I stayed home today and did lots of sleeping!

Nothing much going on the IVF front. We are suppose to call the doc in a couple of days when AF is due, but I think we may wait until my next period to put the embies back. We have a few events, during the month of August, that make it difficult. We have a couple of weddings, my and DS's birthday, and vacation. So, that would put our next cycle at the end of August. DS will be going back to school and our schedule will be back on track.

I am starting to get re-energized re: IVF. The doctor said that because I'm in my 20s and have carried a baby to term that our chances are great. This last transfer resulted in a miscarriage, but that could have happened to anyone I suppose. I am going to give IVF my best shot and if it doesn't work out then it doesn't, but I'm not going to throw in the towel just yet. After last cycle, I wanted to quit, but I'm trying to hang in there.

On a positive note, I have lost a few pounds. Since, becoming sick maybe a couple more. Hopefully in the morning I will feel better and will have some energy to exercise.

Positive thoughts

It seems like I have so many highs and lows. The past two weeks have been low. Then I woke up this morning with energy and a more positive outlook. Why? I don't know exactly. It could have been the loving I got last night..hehe....or just me being tired of being sick and tired of the ups and downs. I got up this morning - w/out an alarm - earlier than normal, put my kicks on, and ran for the treadmill. I energetically exercised for 45 minutes - running mostly! - to some of my favorite tunes. After that I stretched and quietly meditated. Ever since then, I have been in a much healthier place. I can't wait to get home and do something else to expend some energy, maybe swim! I even scheduled a vacation for our anniversary in February and am planning a two week trip to Europe for next July 10'. If we have another baby on the way, of course that would change. But, until that happens, we are going to live for now. I am tired of staying in limbo. I was in limbo three years ago and nothing has changed since. Time to start living like the young 20's family that we are.

Short Week

I am so thankful that a holiday weekend is coming up! Three day weekends are always wonderful. This coming 4th we are heading to VA Beach and Williamsburg, VA, for the weekend. I am looking forward to the change in scenery! We are camping out at a local state park on Friday and Saturday. Then, on Sunday, we will be heading to Williamsburg to the local attractions, returning home on Monday. DH and I started organizing this past weekend for the camping portion. This will be the first time that we have camped in our adult lives. As kids, you do not appreciate all of the preperation it takes. You just enjoy going along for the ride!

I'm here

I'm still here. I have been on blog hiatus for a few weeks. I just didn't want to do or think about anything associated with IVF or my sucky fertility. So, here I am in the beginnings of getting my mind straight and back on track. Thank you for words of encouragement and support!

Since, the failure of IVF#2, I haven't done much but try to keep my emotional state as well as can be. I was feeling much better, but a week or so ago started to become real grumpy. Hopefully it is just PMS.

I finally called the RE office back and told them my LMP which was 6/3. They asked for it after my last Methotrexate shot. I also set up a telephone f/u with my RE (he is in Ireland). I would like to try for a FET in August. We shall see. We are going to transfer one embryo at a time, so that the risk for twins is almost nill. It was a nice thought to possibly have twins, but DH and I have found ourselves totally against the idea. If it happens from one embryo, we will be thrilled - but we won't be the ones to promote it.

Thanks for deciding to show up

Yesterday this stinkin' pregnancy finally started to make it's exit. Today it is full force. TMI Alert - This is one of the heaviest periods I have ever had. I guess that is to be expected. I'm talking HUGE clots! Yuck!

I am trying to take it easy. I have wanted to stay on the go and have been paying for it at the end of the day. It's just that this has been taking SO FREAKIN' LONG. I just want it to be done with already and be normal! So, I guess I will count yesterday as the start of a new cycle? I'm not sure if I wait until I have my period again to say that it's a cycle? Is this a cycle or just having a m/c...I don't have a clue. But, I'm happy it's here.

I go back in on Sunday for MORE bloodwork. I'm praying that it zeros out so that I don't have to see them for awhile.

Still no AF!

The spotting that started has stopped a couple hours in and still no AF! WTF!

I feel like I have a water ballon in my stomach that will not freakin' pop. So bloated. This really needs to get a move on.

Update

I'm still waiting for AF to start. Today I started spotting and have been having miserable headaches. They feel more like migraines. When I went into for blood work this week, my HCG level was still in the 300's so they gave me the methotrexate shot.

This weekend I am trying to relax and take it easy. Not much else I want to share.

Another Failure

What started as a success is now officially a failure.

HCG levels by DPO:
17DPO = 109 Yay, we're pregnant!
19DPO = 279 More than doubled!
22DPO = 387 Damn
24DPO = 356 Double damn
26DPO = 325

So...I'm waiting for the pregnancy to end, but I still haven't started to bleed. I was suppose to go in today for more bloodwork, but didn't feel like it so I didn't go. What's the rush, ya know? The doc called this afternoon and said "Your levels today were......"(he's looking for it)..oh, I wasn't able to make it today. He said to come in tomorrow morning. I guess I will. He said that if it is still around 300 that we will do the methotrexate shot to speed things along. Great! Bring on the chemo drugs!

We'll I'm not sure where this leaves us. This may be the end of our journey. I just don't feel like going through this anymore. We do have 2 frozen embryos that I'm pretty sure we have to use in order to get our $20K back. So, we'll see. They may have to stay on ice for a couple years. This whole process is distroying who I am. It would be nice to have another kid, but at what cost to me.

Wishful Thinking....

I added a pregnancy ticker to my blog to keep up with where I "might" be.

4 weeks - 2 days

Well I am hoping that I'm pregnant and that I'm 4 weeks and 2 days along! Tomorrow I go in for my beta HCG draw and I have a feeling it will be good news. XX

My symptoms at 16DPO are:

• All day and night nausea
• Aversion to food smells
• All day breast tenderness >don't need to squeeze them for them to feel irritable.
• Intense Dreaming

When I was pregnant with DS, I had a few days of breast tenderness around 5.5 weeks and 1 day of nausea at 6.5 weeks. If I am expecting, this is starting out quite differently.

I won't post the result tomorrow. If it is positive, there are two additional draws two days apart. So...5/13...5/15.....5/17. They do this to check to make sure your pregnancy hormone is rising appropriately. This gives them a clue as to the viability of the pregnancy. Pray for us!

Pregnant until proven otherwise!

Happy Mother's Day!

Today was a great day!

Feeling Good! 8dp3dt= 11DPO

I'm feeling good!

Symptoms are:

1. Tender Breast (still)
2. Fatigue
3. Underlying nausea that comes and goes
4. Brown spotting in the AM

If I'm pregnant, Mother's Day we would be 4 weeks! The blood test isn't until almost 5 weeks. Killing me............but pregnancy is a long process. I'll just have to chill out and be patient.

5 days past 3 day transfer = 8DPO

It's 8DPO and I'm feeling good! I had some cramping this AM. I'm hoping that it was implantation cramping! Other symptom is tender breast, but that could be because of the hormone support I'm on.

Good news...The nurse from the RE called to say that two of our remaining embryos made it to Day 5 or 6 and were frozen! Hopefully, this cycle will work and we will have the two snow bubs available if we want to try again.

I'm tempted to test this weekend at 4 weeks even, but DH wants me to wait until 5/14 for the beta blood test. It will be hard, but I'll try. If we are successful our EDD will be 1/17/10!

Transfer was a success!

2, 8 cell, perfect embies were successfully transferred this afternoon! Below is a picture of "the twins". I am on bed rest for the rest of the evening. Keep growing and stick embies stick!

This is a picture of a picture, so the quality isn't that great.

Day 2 Fertilization Report

All 7 embryos are still growing! They have scheduled us for a 3 day transfer @2 PM tomorrow. The nurse said that they will check the embryos again in the morning and may switch to a 5 day. However, she said to plan on tomorrow.

Day 1 Fertilization Report

7 out of the 9 eggs were mature. The good news: All 7 eggs fertilized normally!

We will get a call tomorrow afternoon with another update. They will let us know if we will have a 3 day transfer (Tuesday) or a 5 day transfer (Friday). I am hoping for the 5 day transfer. Then I can take off on Friday and have the whole weekend to chill.

On another note, my brother and SIL moved to Northern VA for a couple of years and have recently moved back closer! I'm excited to have some of my immediate family close to us. I am excited about spending more time with my niece. I have felt that I haven't been able to spend much time with her. When they lived in VA, I would randomly think about getting her on the weekend, to do something, but she was always to far for me to get her in a reasonable amount of time. I work about 10 minutes from where they live now and would love to just pop in to give her a squeeze during lunch and then go back to work or pick her up on my way home. I am cool with my SIL, but we have never had the relationship of communicating regularly and just dropping in to see what's up with each other. I would love for our families to get closer. I will admit that, as of yet, I haven't made a big effort for that to happen.

Well enough rambling. I will post an update when I get our Day 2 report!

Retrieval day!

Everything went well at the retrieval today. The doctor was able to get 9 eggs! I had a rough time coming out of the anesthesia, but they gave me some anti-nausea medication that made me feel better quickly. The cramping for this retrieval was more painful then IVF#1. It took the full day to get back to normal.

I start estrogen pills and progesterone shots tonight. The practice has switched from PIO shots to progesterone suppositories, but my insurance doesn't cover them. I can't see spending $390 for a two week supply that may not result in a pregnancy. I'm going to just stay on the shot for two weeks. If the result is positive, then I'll switch to the suppositories for the rest of the first trimester. If I don't get pregnant, I won't miss the $390 I would have spent. The PIO shots through my insurance company are $10.

Now were are waiting for the fertilization report. Ahhhh! I really hope that all 9 will do well! They will call between 12-3PM, tomorrow, with their status.

Retrieval on Sunday!

Retrieval is on Sunday morning! Yay!

We have a total of 10 follicles growing now and all of them are 22, 20, and 18mm.

I will do the HCG trigger tonight (tomorrow morning) at 1:15AM!

U/S Scan 3

All 8-9 are still growing! They are all 16-18mm. I may trigger tomorrow, putting my retrieval on Sunday morning.

E2= 1321
Lining= forgot to ask

CD 7 - Day 6 of Stims

My appt went well today. The u/s tech couldn't see any new follicles on the scan, but all 9 are growing strong. I got a call this afternoon to change my dosage on my evening menopur to two vial instead of one (75IU to 150IU). I will also start my ganerilix injections tonight to prevent premature ovulation.

Today
E2= 413
Lining= 8.8

I have only drunk 1/2 a liter today so far and 1/2 a Gatorade. Today's been busy at work, so I didn't get out for lunch. I'm hungry as hell! Once I get out of here, I am going to take DS to get some dinner and then to t-ball practice. Usually I just get him something, and then eat when I get home, but tonight I will be fast foodin' it! I'll try to make a decent choice.

Goals
Finish the remaining 1.5 liters water
Cardio

Rainy day

It is so gross outside today! Rain, rain, go away!


Today's goals:
2 liters water
1 hour cardio
15 minutes yoga/stretch
15 relax with heat

I can't wait until the u/s tomorrow. I hope that my ovaries are having more activity!

Off to a good start

We are off to a good start. The ultrasound today showed 9 growing follies so far! There are six on my right ovary and 3 on the left. I'm hoping for a few more on Tuesday's u/s. The nurse called with instructions to stay on the same dose of meds.
Other info:
E2 (Estrogen level): 185
Endometrial lining: 5.5

Stims, Stims, and more Stims!

Today was the first day of stims (of many more to come), but it wasn't too bad. C will give me one dose of Gonal-F in the morning and another in the evening in addition to a shot of Menopur. Fun stuff! It really isn't bad though. I can feel my ovaries burning a little. I hope that means lots of follies are growing!

Today's goal:
Drink 2 liters of water
Cardio - 1 hour

CD 1...IVF #2

I really hope that this cycle works! I really don't have a lot of expectations for an outcome either way. The plan is to follow the protocol and live as normal as possible before and after the transfer. During cycle one, I barely moved after the embryo transfer!

Here is how the cycle is panning out:

4/15: CD 1 (nothing but prenatals and baby aspirin)
4/16-4/19: Start Stims (Gonal-F, Menopur)morning/evening
4/19: Go into RE's office for blood work and U/S...see how many follies are growing!

Dates looking forward:
4/28: Estimated egg retrieval
5/1-5/3: Estimated egg transfer

We'll I'm heading to bed...getting my butt out of bed in the AM for some much needed cardio!

We're back!

The fam had a great vacation. I had a wonderful time, but I was glad to get back. That is until I went to work today.

Leaving for vacation

We are leaving in the AM for our trip to San Diego and Mexico! I so need this trip.

As soon as we return, we will be in our next IVF cycle. This trip is right on time!

Gearing up for IVF#2.....again!

After going back and forth about IVF, emotions, and what the #$!@ to do, we have decided to start our next IVF cycle. I was getting ready to through in the towel, but after all we have been through I know that we have the strength to keep going and persevere.

So, I have already started the pill. My last pill will be on April 12th. Then I go in to have u/s and blood work on the 13th. We would start injections a couple of days after that with a estimated transfer of 5/2-4.

We are going on a cruise to Mexico next week which will be the perfect thing to help me relax and get in the right frame of mind. I will also make sure that I enjoy my last alcoholic beverage (or two...three...)lol

I'm excited. I hope that we have great news to share in the next couple of months!

Back on the ban-wagan

The pregnancy really screwed me up! I was exercising every day and eating perfect. The last time I exercised was the day before my surgery. Tonight will be my first day back at it. I was making myself feel bad about my lack of motivation (and gaining some of the weight I lost back), but it really wasn't my fault! It has been over two weeks and now I must pull myself back up from the boot straps and keep it rolling. My incisions are still itchy, but the soreness is gone.

We are going on a cruise/vacation in 29 days and I was on track to be down decent weight. Now I have to set my goal slightly lower at 10-15 pounds. That's better than nothing.

Getting caught up

After my last blog, I got a call from the RE saying that my HCG beta was positive and that I was pregnant. He said that for the level it was at that the pregnancy was at least from my previous menstrual cycle. I had no clue! I was on the pill for crying out loud!

I went in the next day for more blood work and u/s. There was nothing in my uterus (of course!) and they found a large mass in my right tube. Here we go again! So, the doctor said that the tube would need to be removed. He said that my chances were extremely high for having another ectopic pregnancy, so we could remove my right tube only or remove both of them. Being that we are doing IVF, he recommended removing them both to increase our chances of success.

My appointment was at 9:00 in the morning. By 12:30 that afternoon, I was in the ER at HCHC. I waited around in the ER until 4:30 PM. They finally admitted me and took me to a private suite until the surgery. C and I watched TV until it was time to go to the OR. The surgery was at 10:00 at night. I was beyond exhausted.

Overall, the surgery went well. I now have zero tubes which makes me feel slightly less than a woman. Woman tie their tubes all the time, but they make that choice after having the kids they want. I am now severly infertile and have to relie on IVF to have anymore biological children. After all I have been through, I don't want to do IVF anymore, but I feel like all that I have been through will be for not. Maybe time will change how I feel. I feel like as long as I am in this TTC game, the longer I will have this weight on my shoulders. If I get out now, will it or will it not help me move on from this.

We are teed up to do IVF in April. If it will actually happen or not, I'm not sure yet.....

Scratch that plan

I will post the new drama of C&C's journey through infertility when I get more information.

IVF Kick-off is here!

I went in this morning for my initial/baseline ultrasound and blood work appointment. Both of my ovaries were quiet and we have the green light to start IVF#2! I received my medication schedule with when to take what. The first day of meds will be on 2/14. Looking at the amount they have me taking, this time, it is a real step up in the amount of medication. Hopefully, we will have plenty of eggs to fertilize!

My first monitoring appointment is on Tues. 2/17. Can't wait to see how we respond to the new protocol!

Glass is half full...isn't it?

1 Day until the start of our cycle! I am trying to be a glass is half full kind of girl. I really feel good about this cycle. With eating right and exercise, even if I'm still not my ideal weight, I am sure that I am keeping my hormones in check with the healthy habits.

I got my meds in the mail this morning. I'll post a picture for memories sake later.

First appt of the cycle is 9AM in the morning for bloodwork and u/s. I'll post the results after they call me in the afternoon.

2 days until IVF #2!

IVF round #2 starts in 2 more days!

If we are sucessful our EDD (Estimated Due Date) would be around 11/22/2009.

We planned on waiting until after our cruise in April to start IVF, but my nurse called me and said that because I am on the refund plan, I need to initiate a cycle at least once every three months. They can kick me out of the program if I don't. I was suppose to start a cycle in January, but just didn't call to initiate it. I understand the reasoning behind this. We have six cycles of IVF plus all of the resulting embryo transfers from those cycles. They could have me as a patient for years if I didn't complete a cycle at least every three months. That is 4 cycles a year.

So, here we are. Two days until the start of IVF #2. Unplanned, but we are up for it.

My meds are coming in the mail today. We switched to a new insurance provider for 2009. The total cost of all the meds came to $96! That is a big change from the thousands we paid last cycle.

Goals for IVF#2
1. Walk, on an incline, for one hour a day.
2. Eat 1500 calories
3. Do pilates for at least 15 minutes a day
4. Stay positive and relaxed
5. Get pregnant!

New Protocol

My IVF nurse emailed me my new protocol. Here it goes.....


GANIRELIX ACETATE PROTOCOL

This protocol is a method for administering medication designed to optimize ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation. This protocol may be adapted based on your individual response.

Medications
· Birth Control Pills - 21-day pack (1-2 packs)
· Ganirelix syringes.
· Gonadotropin FSH (Follistim, Gonal F, or Bravelle) and 75 IU FSH&LH (Repronex or Menopur) or 75 IU LH (Luveris)
· hCG (hCG, Pregnyl, Novarel) 10,000 IU # 1 vial - “Trigger” intramuscular injection.
· Zithromax 1 gram - taken when directed evening before egg retrieval.
· Estrace 2 mg (#60) - taken when directed to start evening of egg retrieval.
· Endometrin vaginal insert (#60), as directed to start the day after egg retrieval.
· Children’s Aspirin - 80-81 mg. as directed. (Purchase over-the-counter).
· Prenatal vitamin 1 tablet every day.

Date Protocol Day Instructions


1/19 Start Birth Control Pills - 1 tablet each day for 24 days. Begin 1 Children’s Aspirin each day. (~Was already doing....)

2/11 (Day after last birth control pill)
Evaluation Blood work (E2, Beta and ultrasound. You will be called in the afternoon with your results.

2/15 If blood work & ultrasound are within normal limits, gonadotropins are usually started on the 4th day after your last birth control pill. Your nurse will give you the date to start along with dosing instructions and date to return for follow-up monitoring. * Continue your daily Children's Aspirin* ¨ Once follicles are >14mm (or per physicians orders) you will be given instructions for continuing gonadotropins and beginning Ganirelix.

~2/27 Egg retrieval (approximate date).
~3/2-4 Embryo transfer (approximate date).

*Protocol will be individualized hereafter.

**infectious disease bloodwork must be current for patient and partner (within the past 12 months) and all consents must be signed and given to primary nurse BEFORE OR at this office visit or cycle cannot begin.


Revised 1/09 md.

This week

Lost another .6 pounds as of 1/24. I'm glad that it went down, but I'm not happy with that number. In week 3, I didn't exercise two days in a row, didn't drink as much water, and wasn't perfect with my eating. I'm going to buckle down this week. In total, I'm down 7.2 pounds. I will be out of town for 1/31 weigh in. I'm going the Wednesday after I get back. My goal is to be down 2.8 for a total of 10 pounds on 2/4.

Time really has been flying! I'm looking forward to a short work week. My masters classes start back up today. yippee.

We have also changed our new puppy's name once again. Now we call her Molly and Muppy.

Negative 6.6

Down 6.6 pounds! Still going strong.

I got AF today and tried talking C into starting birth control pills for a February IVF. I was the one who talked him into waiting until April. lol He reminded me of the reasons for waiting until April and I had to agree. It just seems so far away!

We got our Lab a new friend on Friday! We named her Sasha. She has had several names since we got her, but I think we are sticking with Sasha. She is a mini dashchund. Very cute! The dogs are getting along well. She has been easy to train, so far.

True to my word

I have been true to my word! I am down a few pounds and am staying committed to my new lifestyle. I go in on Saturday 1/17 for my next weigh-in. I am so proud of myself that I am doing this the healthy way with good old fashioned exercise and portion control.

Sunday I had an emotionally poor day, so instead of diving off the deep end as usually, and eating like crap, I went for a walk on the treadmill. Endorphins work wonders on your mental status. It seems that I have at last found an alternate to eating, when I'm down, that has the same affect. I always wondered why, when people are stressed etc, they say "I'm going for a walk" or something along those lines. However, I'll not always have a treadmill or decent weather outdoors when emotions hit, but as this lifestyle become the norm my goal is that my thinking will lead to other things besides food.

DH and I have been exercising in the evenings. It has been really fun. After DS goes to bed, we go in the basement, turn up the music, and get to work. DH makes it fun because he is always dancing with our dog or doing something silly. I can't wait until we get a t.v. in our gym, so that we can watch shows we like while working out. I am concerned that DH will shrivel away into nothing. He goes to the gym in the morning and works out. Then during the day, at the clinic, he may jump on a machine if he's bored. Then when he gets home he works out with me, when he has already burned a zillion calories, and probably doesn't need to work out again and just wants me to stay motivated.

Overall, moral has remained high since my last post. Still taking it one day at a time.

Happy New Year!

I am happy to be in a new year! 2008 was not that great for me. I am praying and trying to have faith that this year will be one of change.

A life changing situation happened to me this past weekend. I was looking through some of my SIL's photo albums and came across some pictures of myself from my late teens/early twenties and it shocked me! The young lady in the pictures was beautiful and had a happy glow in her eyes. I am only 26. I am still that young lady, but she is hiding and out of sight right now. If I wait, she will be gone forever. I will never have this time back. When I look at pictures of myself now, I feel as if I don't recognize the person that I am now. This person looks older, tired, and unhappy with herself.

That night, I came to the conclusion that enough is enough. I am not this person. I want to be 26. I want my outer beauty back. I want my health back. I want my family to be one of those active families with a kayak and bikes strapped to our car. I want me back.

A light switch has been turned on and I will not stop until I am myself again and I will never get to this point again.

I convinced DH to wait until April to have our IVF#2. I have somethings that I need to do for myself and it just has to wait. Even when/if I'm pregnant again, I will eat correctly and do some form of exercise daily. That I am promising myself.

Yay! to a new year and the hope of what's to come.