Friday, February 29, 2008
Appointment set up - Saturday morning
We're going down tomorrow morning at 8:45. We'll start with the u/s to make sure there are no cysts (please, please cross your fingers!) If all is clear then we'll move on with the injection instructions and they'll do some b/w. I'm going to try to copy some of the info they gave me, to post up here tonight in case you're interested in what the drugs are doing, what the b/w is for, etc.
Let's talk about multiples
So in my reading about Repronex last night, it appears that anywhere between 25 and 40% result in multiples. Of those, 75% are twins, the other are triplets or more. Does this freak anyone else out?
I have a very conservative office, and they'll be monitoring me a bunch. We are aiming for 1-2 mature follicles when I trigger. If there are 3 we'll have to talk about it. More than that, and the cycle is canceled. The thing with 3 is that even though I have 3 mature follicles, there is nothing that says that they'll all actually release, that they'll all fertilize, or that they'll all implant. There is a good chance none of them will. But do you take that chance? Then there is the whole option of selective reduction, but we are not willing to do that, so I don't know if we even take a chance with 3 follicles.
Have you seen Jon and Kate, plus 8? They have older twins and then sextuplets, who I always thought were conceived through IVF. I found out this week that it was actually from injectables + IUI. Obviously their office wasn't as conservation as mine, but it still freaks me out a tiny bit.
I know that we'd be very excited if we found out we were having twins and that we'd "make it work" (Project Runway anyone?), but it would still be scary. So basically everyone needs to pray for 1-2 follicles, not for a bunch!
I've got a call into Kim, but imagine I'll be going in tomorrow or Sunday for my baseline b/w and u/s (oh boy, another date with the vag cam!) and the injections lesson. Both my mom and Jason are going to come - we want Jason to actually do them, but both of us feel better with my mom as a backup.
So as long as there is no cyst, I'll be having my first run in the with the needle on Sunday night!
I have a very conservative office, and they'll be monitoring me a bunch. We are aiming for 1-2 mature follicles when I trigger. If there are 3 we'll have to talk about it. More than that, and the cycle is canceled. The thing with 3 is that even though I have 3 mature follicles, there is nothing that says that they'll all actually release, that they'll all fertilize, or that they'll all implant. There is a good chance none of them will. But do you take that chance? Then there is the whole option of selective reduction, but we are not willing to do that, so I don't know if we even take a chance with 3 follicles.
Have you seen Jon and Kate, plus 8? They have older twins and then sextuplets, who I always thought were conceived through IVF. I found out this week that it was actually from injectables + IUI. Obviously their office wasn't as conservation as mine, but it still freaks me out a tiny bit.
I know that we'd be very excited if we found out we were having twins and that we'd "make it work" (Project Runway anyone?), but it would still be scary. So basically everyone needs to pray for 1-2 follicles, not for a bunch!
I've got a call into Kim, but imagine I'll be going in tomorrow or Sunday for my baseline b/w and u/s (oh boy, another date with the vag cam!) and the injections lesson. Both my mom and Jason are going to come - we want Jason to actually do them, but both of us feel better with my mom as a backup.
So as long as there is no cyst, I'll be having my first run in the with the needle on Sunday night!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Good news!!!!!
No, still not pregnant. :) BUT, I got some seriously amazing good news today. I've been in
So anyways, we'll be going in most likely over the weekend for a class on injectables, and then needles, here we come!
As you can probably tell, I'm in a much better place today than I was yesterday. I appreciate all of you so much and am so lucky to have such great friends.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A few clarifications:
I know that this isn’t the end of the road, I know that we’re only in our 12th month of trying, I know that I can still conceive naturally. Today I am upset though, and I want to cry, and feel sorry for myself. And I feel better to have a plan. Also, moving on to other options after 2 months of injectables (if it comes to that) isn’t because we think it means that if it doesn’t work by then it will never work, but that we have to look at it as a sort of cost/benefit sort of thing. At some point we have to quit blowing money every month. I also realize that it takes many women years and years. I also realize that many don’t get seen until after a year point, and here I am already at 5 months with the RE. Sure, maybe I’m being impatient and anxious, but it’s not like I’m 2 years old and throwing a temper tantrum because I don’t have a certain toy yet.
*This is not directed at anyone on here, but based on a conversation I just had with someone.*
I know that this isn’t the end of the road, I know that we’re only in our 12th month of trying, I know that I can still conceive naturally. Today I am upset though, and I want to cry, and feel sorry for myself. And I feel better to have a plan. Also, moving on to other options after 2 months of injectables (if it comes to that) isn’t because we think it means that if it doesn’t work by then it will never work, but that we have to look at it as a sort of cost/benefit sort of thing. At some point we have to quit blowing money every month. I also realize that it takes many women years and years. I also realize that many don’t get seen until after a year point, and here I am already at 5 months with the RE. Sure, maybe I’m being impatient and anxious, but it’s not like I’m 2 years old and throwing a temper tantrum because I don’t have a certain toy yet.
*This is not directed at anyone on here, but based on a conversation I just had with someone.*
For those following along at home:
I'm 99% sure I'm not PG. AF hasn't started yet, but my temps have dropped a bunch, I'm cramping, my rings are turning my fingers black, and I got a negative pregnancy test this morning. I realize that it's not over until the witch shows (or whatever other sort of catchy phrase that is going around the all rainbows and butterflies message board) but I'm pretty sure I'm out.
I've got a call into Kim to talk about what our options are for next month - injectables or estrogen/clomid or a break or who knows what else. Jason and I talked and if they really think injectables is the way to go, then we're on board for that this month, which means I could be poking myself with shots as early as this weekend. As of right now we're ok to try that for 2 months. After that we'll take a break and talk about whether we'll continue treatments, just try on our own for awhile, or look into adoption (which obviously would be a long process anyways.) Our thought process right now is that if it comes to it, we'll proceed with adoption over IVF.
We did have a very long talk about adoption and both of us are on board, which made me feel better. It's nice to be able to say that no matter what, we WILL be parents. It may not happen the way we originally wanted it to, but we both feel like we have so much love to give and will be wonderful parents. It made the sting of this cycle being a bust a little less. I don't even really want to call adoption a backup, because that makes it seem second best. I guess it's just another option for us, and I like having options.
I'm really not trying to be a negative nelly. Who knows, we may try adding estrogen with the clomid and I'll get pregnant and none of it will matter. You all know me though, I like to have plans, and feel 10 times better when I have one in place.
That said, the rest of this week is going to be my time to be a little sad. On that note, if you want to cry, watch this:
I would die for that
(Disclaimer - obviously alot of those women have experienced more pain that I have, and I'm not trying to compare myself to them exactly, but today, I still feel like I can relate.)
Here's the words if you don't want to watch the video or listen to the song. (Although I suggest watching the video - it's very powerful with the women and the signs they hold up.) I'm not a huge fan of the first verse but everything after that is such a beautiful song.
Jenny was my best friend.
Went away one summer.
Came back with a secret
She just couldn't keep.
A child inside her,
Was just too much for her
So she cried herself to sleep.
And she made a decision
Some find hard to accept.
To young to know that one day
She might live to regret.
But I would die for that.
Just to have one chance
To hold in my hands
All that she had.
I would die for that.
I've been given so much,
A husband that I love.
So why do I feel incomplete?
With every test and checkup
We're told not to give up.
He wonders if it's him.
And I wonder if it's me.
All I want is a family,
Like everyone else I see.
And I won't understand it
If it's not meant to be.
Cause I would die for that.
Just to have one chance
To hold in my hands
All that they have.
I would die for that.
And I want to know what it's like
To bring a dream to life.
For that kind of love,
What I'd give up!
I would die for that.
Sometimes it's hard to conceive,
With all that I've got,
And all I've achieved,
What I want most
Before my time is gone,
Is to hear the words
"I love you, Mom."
I would die for that.
Just to have once chance
To hold in my hands
What so many have
I would die for that.
And I want to know what it's like
To bring a dream to life.
How I would love
What some give up.
I would die ...
I would die for that.
I've got a call into Kim to talk about what our options are for next month - injectables or estrogen/clomid or a break or who knows what else. Jason and I talked and if they really think injectables is the way to go, then we're on board for that this month, which means I could be poking myself with shots as early as this weekend. As of right now we're ok to try that for 2 months. After that we'll take a break and talk about whether we'll continue treatments, just try on our own for awhile, or look into adoption (which obviously would be a long process anyways.) Our thought process right now is that if it comes to it, we'll proceed with adoption over IVF.
We did have a very long talk about adoption and both of us are on board, which made me feel better. It's nice to be able to say that no matter what, we WILL be parents. It may not happen the way we originally wanted it to, but we both feel like we have so much love to give and will be wonderful parents. It made the sting of this cycle being a bust a little less. I don't even really want to call adoption a backup, because that makes it seem second best. I guess it's just another option for us, and I like having options.
I'm really not trying to be a negative nelly. Who knows, we may try adding estrogen with the clomid and I'll get pregnant and none of it will matter. You all know me though, I like to have plans, and feel 10 times better when I have one in place.
That said, the rest of this week is going to be my time to be a little sad. On that note, if you want to cry, watch this:
I would die for that
(Disclaimer - obviously alot of those women have experienced more pain that I have, and I'm not trying to compare myself to them exactly, but today, I still feel like I can relate.)
Here's the words if you don't want to watch the video or listen to the song. (Although I suggest watching the video - it's very powerful with the women and the signs they hold up.) I'm not a huge fan of the first verse but everything after that is such a beautiful song.
Jenny was my best friend.
Went away one summer.
Came back with a secret
She just couldn't keep.
A child inside her,
Was just too much for her
So she cried herself to sleep.
And she made a decision
Some find hard to accept.
To young to know that one day
She might live to regret.
But I would die for that.
Just to have one chance
To hold in my hands
All that she had.
I would die for that.
I've been given so much,
A husband that I love.
So why do I feel incomplete?
With every test and checkup
We're told not to give up.
He wonders if it's him.
And I wonder if it's me.
All I want is a family,
Like everyone else I see.
And I won't understand it
If it's not meant to be.
Cause I would die for that.
Just to have one chance
To hold in my hands
All that they have.
I would die for that.
And I want to know what it's like
To bring a dream to life.
For that kind of love,
What I'd give up!
I would die for that.
Sometimes it's hard to conceive,
With all that I've got,
And all I've achieved,
What I want most
Before my time is gone,
Is to hear the words
"I love you, Mom."
I would die for that.
Just to have once chance
To hold in my hands
What so many have
I would die for that.
And I want to know what it's like
To bring a dream to life.
How I would love
What some give up.
I would die ...
I would die for that.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Confession
Since Laura R. asked me in the previous post, yes, I did all of those 3 things. (Grinning sheepishly ... I couldn't help it!)
So THAT'S what I've been doing wrong
Someone on my message board heard a psychic on the radio this morning. He says that he can help those struggling with infertility get PG. You just have to follow 3 simple steps.
1 - Imagine a golden ray of light coming in through the top of your head and filling your body with light.
2 - Ask your angels and god of the gift of a baby.
3 - Imagine a blue ball of light in your hands and then place it in your belly.
And here this whole time I've been imagining a yellow ball of light in my hands, sheez.
1 - Imagine a golden ray of light coming in through the top of your head and filling your body with light.
2 - Ask your angels and god of the gift of a baby.
3 - Imagine a blue ball of light in your hands and then place it in your belly.
And here this whole time I've been imagining a yellow ball of light in my hands, sheez.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Good $ related news (I think!)
So when we had the IUI last week we had to pay in full. It was total $259. That was $121 for me and $128 for Jason. They said that we’d pay in full because most insurance companies don’t cover it and they don’t even like to submit it because it could redflag my account and insurance could stop covering other things that they were.
Well, I just logged into my insurance website and there is $121 claim for that day. It’s pending, which it normally does for a few days anyways. Well, I wasn’t happy and called IU Women’s about it. Turns out they submitted the $121 claim as just an office visit, so in theory insurance should cover it! Which means I’ll either pay whatever insurance says should be the full amount and it will go towards my deductible or I’ll pay 20% of whatever amount they think is the full amount. (According to insurance I haven’t hit the deductible yet, because the HSG hasn’t been submitted yet. It will all even out in the end, I just wish things were submitted more current.) I don’t know for sure yet, but there is no reason that they shouldn’t cover the office visit side of it – yay!
Also, I calculated the injectables cycle last night – if nothing is covered by insurance, and I have to use the full 20 vials of drugs, plus 4 u/s and 4 b/w, then it will be $3000. If insurance keeps covering what it has been (appts, u/s, b/w) then it will only be $1500. And that’s with the 4 appts – she said that it could be up to that, so maybe it would only be 3.
Well, I just logged into my insurance website and there is $121 claim for that day. It’s pending, which it normally does for a few days anyways. Well, I wasn’t happy and called IU Women’s about it. Turns out they submitted the $121 claim as just an office visit, so in theory insurance should cover it! Which means I’ll either pay whatever insurance says should be the full amount and it will go towards my deductible or I’ll pay 20% of whatever amount they think is the full amount. (According to insurance I haven’t hit the deductible yet, because the HSG hasn’t been submitted yet. It will all even out in the end, I just wish things were submitted more current.) I don’t know for sure yet, but there is no reason that they shouldn’t cover the office visit side of it – yay!
Also, I calculated the injectables cycle last night – if nothing is covered by insurance, and I have to use the full 20 vials of drugs, plus 4 u/s and 4 b/w, then it will be $3000. If insurance keeps covering what it has been (appts, u/s, b/w) then it will only be $1500. And that’s with the 4 appts – she said that it could be up to that, so maybe it would only be 3.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
This could be a depressing post
This is going to be such a hard 2 weeks. I actually feel like we have a chance, but on the other hand, the lining could be a major issue so I really don't want to get my hopes up. I'm having crazy hot flashes - they normally end right when I ovulate, but I'm still having 2-3/day. Then there is the nausea, which hasn't been pleasant. Oh, and I'm exhausted. The thing is, none of that means anything. They injected a lot of HCG in me (in the trigger shot) and that is the pregnancy hormone. I looked it up this evening and the amount that I got is the amount of HCG that you typically have at 2 months pregnant. No wonder I feel like crap! Not to mention it would be too early for me to be feeling any of this from actually being pregnant anyways.
I feel like I'm on such an emotional rollar coaster. I wake up feeling so optimistic and then by 9am I'm convinced it's not going to happen. Then by noon I feel optimistic again ...
I think what scares me the most is the threat of injectables. Based on the cost, Jason doesn't think we should do more than 1 or 2 cycles. I'm not ready to move onto that next month and it be one of our last cycles. So we've already made that decision that regardless of their suggestion we will not be doing that next cycle. I'm going to bring up some other things I've read about - maybe going on Femera instead of Clomid, which is supposed to not have as many side effects. Or stay on the Clomid and take estrogen to help.
As far as the injectables go, they're estimating $2000-3000 for each cycle. I would be on one called Repronex. I'll go in on day 3 of my cycle for a baseline ultrasound, bloodwork, and a class on the injections. Starting that night Jason or my mom would have to give me the injection, which would last until I trigger. I would go back in around day 8 for more bloodwork and another ultrasound. Then again on day 10 or so and again on day 12. The days will vary, depending on my follicle production and when they need to trigger me. If I were to end up with more than 3 mature follicles they would cancel the cycle and that money would be down the drain. 2-3 and we'd have to talk about it. That's why they monitor me so much - if they see a bunch growing at the same rate they would back down the drugs. So obviously the chance of multiples increases a bunch. If I only have 1 or 2 mature follicles, I'll trigger and then we'll have another IUI.
I just can't believe that we're even thinking about this - it seems a bit surreal. Part of me feels weird too because we're only in cycle 11. I guess that most people who go longer don't start to even be seen until 12 months - I was lucky enough to get in after 6 or 7 cycles. I do finally feel like it's ok to think that we do have a problem though. For awhile, even though I was starting treatments, I almost felt guilty for doing so. Some people try for a few years before even being seen, and here I was at 8 months on Clomid. We all know that I'm impatient though, and I really am so happy that we got checked out when we did.
Hopefully none of this matters and I'm PG this month. I just really want my life back - I feel like getting pregnant has taken over it. All I think about or read about is infertility stuff. I don't really know what to do with my time anymore. I know that once I get PG my life will be taken over by that, and even more so once we have a child, but at least it would be something happy that is taking it over. We just want to be parents so badly.
I feel like I'm on such an emotional rollar coaster. I wake up feeling so optimistic and then by 9am I'm convinced it's not going to happen. Then by noon I feel optimistic again ...
I think what scares me the most is the threat of injectables. Based on the cost, Jason doesn't think we should do more than 1 or 2 cycles. I'm not ready to move onto that next month and it be one of our last cycles. So we've already made that decision that regardless of their suggestion we will not be doing that next cycle. I'm going to bring up some other things I've read about - maybe going on Femera instead of Clomid, which is supposed to not have as many side effects. Or stay on the Clomid and take estrogen to help.
As far as the injectables go, they're estimating $2000-3000 for each cycle. I would be on one called Repronex. I'll go in on day 3 of my cycle for a baseline ultrasound, bloodwork, and a class on the injections. Starting that night Jason or my mom would have to give me the injection, which would last until I trigger. I would go back in around day 8 for more bloodwork and another ultrasound. Then again on day 10 or so and again on day 12. The days will vary, depending on my follicle production and when they need to trigger me. If I were to end up with more than 3 mature follicles they would cancel the cycle and that money would be down the drain. 2-3 and we'd have to talk about it. That's why they monitor me so much - if they see a bunch growing at the same rate they would back down the drugs. So obviously the chance of multiples increases a bunch. If I only have 1 or 2 mature follicles, I'll trigger and then we'll have another IUI.
I just can't believe that we're even thinking about this - it seems a bit surreal. Part of me feels weird too because we're only in cycle 11. I guess that most people who go longer don't start to even be seen until 12 months - I was lucky enough to get in after 6 or 7 cycles. I do finally feel like it's ok to think that we do have a problem though. For awhile, even though I was starting treatments, I almost felt guilty for doing so. Some people try for a few years before even being seen, and here I was at 8 months on Clomid. We all know that I'm impatient though, and I really am so happy that we got checked out when we did.
Hopefully none of this matters and I'm PG this month. I just really want my life back - I feel like getting pregnant has taken over it. All I think about or read about is infertility stuff. I don't really know what to do with my time anymore. I know that once I get PG my life will be taken over by that, and even more so once we have a child, but at least it would be something happy that is taking it over. We just want to be parents so badly.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Well, say some extra prayers for us that this worked! It was a long process – just by the time we got down there, Jason did his thing, they “washed” it, and then put it in me. Overall we were there 2 ½ hours or so. The procedure itself wasn’t too bad – a little bit of cramping, but I wouldn’t say that it hurt. I’m not sure what Jason’s count was, but they told me that it was a really good sample. Oh, and he did fine! Funny story though – the office we did this at didn’t have any lubricant for him to use, so we arranged it yesterday that I could pick some up from where he did the SA, this morning on my way down. So I take an extra hour to do that, and then when we met down at the hospital I put the little cup in his pocket and said, “here’s the stuff.” He was reading something and gave me a nod of the head sort of answer. Well, he goes in to do his thing and when he came out he told me that they didn’t have any lubricant for him. Duh, it was in your pocket. He somehow missed that – teaches him not to pay attention to me! So apparently as much as he freaked out about the idea of no lubricant, he does just fine without. Oh, and another great Jason story. They told us that they didn’t have much in the way of visual aids, so he took it upon himself to download some visual aids (movies maybe? I didn’t get specific.) to his PSP. So he went in there with his little PSP and headphones. Classic.
So anyways, after they washed it I went into the room and they inserted the speculum, and then the catheter and then used a syringe attached to it, to deposit his swimmers. And then I got to lay there for 15 minutes afterwards and it was all done.
It was a lovely romantic Valentine’s Day date – haha! Whatever, if it works I don’t care. :)
So anyways, after they washed it I went into the room and they inserted the speculum, and then the catheter and then used a syringe attached to it, to deposit his swimmers. And then I got to lay there for 15 minutes afterwards and it was all done.
It was a lovely romantic Valentine’s Day date – haha! Whatever, if it works I don’t care. :)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Decision made
IUI will be tomorrow (Valentine's Day!) at 9:30am.
IUI is intrauterine insemination - it's the introduction of a "washed" specimen of viable sperm from Jason, directly into my uterus. It is performed in an attempt to achieve fertilization when the normal process has not be successful.
Wish us luck!
IUI is intrauterine insemination - it's the introduction of a "washed" specimen of viable sperm from Jason, directly into my uterus. It is performed in an attempt to achieve fertilization when the normal process has not be successful.
Wish us luck!
Decisions
So, I had my CD12 ultrasound today and was fully expecting nothing. My cervical mucus is still creamy and there has been 0 action on the OPKs. Imagine my surprise when my right ovary had 3 follicles, one that was over 20mm. Yay! My lining was only 4mm though (they want to see 8+) so they are concerned about that. They went ahead and gave me the HCG shot to trigger ovulation. She said that it should also help thicken the lining and implantation wouldn’t occur for awhile anyways.
We didn’t check my cervical mucus beforehand (because like I said, I thought I was no where near it) but from what I’ve told them they are concerned about that as well. So, we have the option of IUI tomorrow.
Here’s the kicker – if I’m not PG this cycle, based on the thin lining and some other things, they are recommending I move to injectibles next cycle. That will be $2000-3000 for the entire cycle (including the ultrasounds/etc.)
So I’m trying to decide what to do about the IUI. Jason has no idea that I even had an appt today because he had been stressing out about it all so much that we decided to try to keep in the dark this month. He knows that the time is coming up though and is worried. He told me the other day that he almost wished that we could move onto IUI. I’m just worried that if we don’t have sex tonight, and he goes down there tomorrow, he’ll feel the pressure and won’t be able to and then it’s a waste. If we try tonight, he doesn’t know about the appt/trigger shot so I’m hoping he’ll just think it’s about my birthday. With the threat of injectibles though I’m thinking that maybe we SHOULD give it everything this cycle and go with IUI.
I guess it would make the most sense to TRY the IUI? Oh Lord, I’m nervous. Not for the procedure itself, but just that we’re to this point. They said that we don’t have to do it – poor cervical mucus hasn’t actually been documented yet, and if Jason can ejaculate we should be able to conceive. I just feel like maybe our chances would be better with IUI? Argh!
We didn’t check my cervical mucus beforehand (because like I said, I thought I was no where near it) but from what I’ve told them they are concerned about that as well. So, we have the option of IUI tomorrow.
Here’s the kicker – if I’m not PG this cycle, based on the thin lining and some other things, they are recommending I move to injectibles next cycle. That will be $2000-3000 for the entire cycle (including the ultrasounds/etc.)
So I’m trying to decide what to do about the IUI. Jason has no idea that I even had an appt today because he had been stressing out about it all so much that we decided to try to keep in the dark this month. He knows that the time is coming up though and is worried. He told me the other day that he almost wished that we could move onto IUI. I’m just worried that if we don’t have sex tonight, and he goes down there tomorrow, he’ll feel the pressure and won’t be able to and then it’s a waste. If we try tonight, he doesn’t know about the appt/trigger shot so I’m hoping he’ll just think it’s about my birthday. With the threat of injectibles though I’m thinking that maybe we SHOULD give it everything this cycle and go with IUI.
I guess it would make the most sense to TRY the IUI? Oh Lord, I’m nervous. Not for the procedure itself, but just that we’re to this point. They said that we don’t have to do it – poor cervical mucus hasn’t actually been documented yet, and if Jason can ejaculate we should be able to conceive. I just feel like maybe our chances would be better with IUI? Argh!
Friday, February 8, 2008
HSG
Like everything I've read, the build up was worse than the actual event itself. It really wasn't that bad at all. Not something I'd ever really want to do again, but not bad. Getting into position was pretty awkward and not really like having an annual exam at all. I was more on display with this.
Anyways first he had to clean me with something - he said that he was told that it felt like icy hot. I thought he was joking, but no ... first I felt cool and then it started to burn. Then he put in a speculum, which felt much like when they do a pap smear. Then he had to clean in around my cervix - thankfully that didn't feel like icy hot!
Then they put the catheter in, which I could hardly feel. Then he inflated the balloon. That's when the cramping started. I'd heard it was like heavy AF cramping, and sure enough it was. It was weird how it just came on all of the sudden. He was really nice as he inflated the balloon though because he didn't want it to be unbearable. We found a level that worked - uncomfortable, yes. Unbearable, no. Anyways, then they removed the speculum (which was interesting because it had sort of suctioned to my cervix) and had to move me up under the xray thing on the table. Next they inserted the dye (which I also couldn't feel) and I got to see it move through my tubes on the screen.
I had to lay on my back, on my right side, and on my stomach while they got the pictures - all while this catheter thing was hanging out of me.
So good news that my tubes are clear! Kim said that there was a good chance that there was small debris, mucus, etc in there but the dye cleared that all out. She says that she's determined to get me PG in the next 3 months (the time they say that you have increased chances after the HSG) - fingers crossed!
So all in all, not too bad. I've had to wear a pad since then, as the dye mixed with other fun bodily fluids has leaked out. I've also still got cramps, but a little bit of ibprofen and I'm feeling fine.
Anyways first he had to clean me with something - he said that he was told that it felt like icy hot. I thought he was joking, but no ... first I felt cool and then it started to burn. Then he put in a speculum, which felt much like when they do a pap smear. Then he had to clean in around my cervix - thankfully that didn't feel like icy hot!
Then they put the catheter in, which I could hardly feel. Then he inflated the balloon. That's when the cramping started. I'd heard it was like heavy AF cramping, and sure enough it was. It was weird how it just came on all of the sudden. He was really nice as he inflated the balloon though because he didn't want it to be unbearable. We found a level that worked - uncomfortable, yes. Unbearable, no. Anyways, then they removed the speculum (which was interesting because it had sort of suctioned to my cervix) and had to move me up under the xray thing on the table. Next they inserted the dye (which I also couldn't feel) and I got to see it move through my tubes on the screen.
I had to lay on my back, on my right side, and on my stomach while they got the pictures - all while this catheter thing was hanging out of me.
So good news that my tubes are clear! Kim said that there was a good chance that there was small debris, mucus, etc in there but the dye cleared that all out. She says that she's determined to get me PG in the next 3 months (the time they say that you have increased chances after the HSG) - fingers crossed!
So all in all, not too bad. I've had to wear a pad since then, as the dye mixed with other fun bodily fluids has leaked out. I've also still got cramps, but a little bit of ibprofen and I'm feeling fine.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
A poll for you
For those that read this: does it annoy you that you have to login to see the blog? I was thinking about taking the password protection off, so you wouldn't have to do that. I can make it so that people can't just search the blog lists and find it and I don't plan on sending it out to anyone else. As long as you all don't go forwarding it around (not that anyone would!) I can take off the protection.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Hysterosalpingogram
Well, my HSG is scheduled for Friday. I have to get there a half hour early and am supposed to take 800mg of ibprofen about 45 minutes before. Kim said (and I've read) that for some people it doesn't hurt at all, for others it can be a nightmare. Part of that depends on who is doing it and how good they are, and if there is any blockage.
If you want to read about it, webmd has a pretty good overview. Here is a link:
Hysterosalpingogram
If you want to read about it, webmd has a pretty good overview. Here is a link:
Hysterosalpingogram
Sunday, February 3, 2008
I had my ultrasound yesterday morning and the ovaries are all clear. :) The right one has moved back into a more normal position, and the left one wasn't quite as far out of the way, so that's good. I'll be starting the Clomid again on Monday - still 50mg. Kim didn't have a chance to talk to Dr. Shepard about the HSG, but if I have it, it will be on Friday. I'm hoping we go ahead and do it this cycle. Apparently because it can clear out any debris in your tubes, it increases your chances for getting pregnant for the few months after that.
I'm going in for another ultrasound on CD12 (which just happens to be on the 13th - my birthday.) If any follicles are big enough they'll trigger then. If not, I'll go back a few days after that for another ultrasound to check on their size then.
So that's the plan for this cycle - not much has changed but I'm feeling really hopeful for the first time in awhile.
Also, I got a printout of Jason's SA results and feel better about them. It's amazing to me how many there are, and it really only takes one. (Well, they think it takes a few more to help break in, but only one has to get the job done.) So anyways, here is what his results were, with normal being in parenthesis.
Concentration: 88.8million/mL (28.7-338.9million/mL)
Volume: 3.6mL (.7-5.25mL)
Total count: 319.68 million little swimmers :) (23.5-837.5)
Motility (if they're moving): 56% (40-95%)
Total # of motile sperm: 179.02 million
Morphology (shape): 29.5% (30-100%) - this is his one abnormal result
*to break this down even further - of the ones that were abnormal, 65% had abnormal heads, 40% had abnormal midpieces, and 6.5% had abnormal tail sections.
So basically, of the 179 million that are moving, there are 52 million that are actually good normal shaped sperm. And like I said, it only takes one. So while it's not as great as the 319 million he started out with, it's still not bad.
I'm going in for another ultrasound on CD12 (which just happens to be on the 13th - my birthday.) If any follicles are big enough they'll trigger then. If not, I'll go back a few days after that for another ultrasound to check on their size then.
So that's the plan for this cycle - not much has changed but I'm feeling really hopeful for the first time in awhile.
Also, I got a printout of Jason's SA results and feel better about them. It's amazing to me how many there are, and it really only takes one. (Well, they think it takes a few more to help break in, but only one has to get the job done.) So anyways, here is what his results were, with normal being in parenthesis.
Concentration: 88.8million/mL (28.7-338.9million/mL)
Volume: 3.6mL (.7-5.25mL)
Total count: 319.68 million little swimmers :) (23.5-837.5)
Motility (if they're moving): 56% (40-95%)
Total # of motile sperm: 179.02 million
Morphology (shape): 29.5% (30-100%) - this is his one abnormal result
*to break this down even further - of the ones that were abnormal, 65% had abnormal heads, 40% had abnormal midpieces, and 6.5% had abnormal tail sections.
So basically, of the 179 million that are moving, there are 52 million that are actually good normal shaped sperm. And like I said, it only takes one. So while it's not as great as the 319 million he started out with, it's still not bad.
Friday, February 1, 2008
SA results are in
Jason’s results are in, and from what they said, they are “ok.” Not great, but not bad either. I’m getting the full print out tomorrow at my CD1/2 (I’m spotting now so could be full flow tonight or it could be tomorrow) ultrasound, so can report more then. I was actually in the bathroom when she called (I’ve been carrying my cell around with me everywhere I go to not miss the call) and couldn’t get much info written down. (You can laugh at me – I was smart enough to carry my cell and a pen around, but no paper. So my hand has this written on it.)
Anyways, his count 319 million, but I don’t know if that was total, or per some measurement or what. Regardless she said that was good.
There were 56% that were moving. She said that normal is between 40 and 95%, but I’ve been reading online (google is a bad thing) that normal is more like over 50 or 60% (from resolve.org and webmd) so it seems like he’s on the low end of normal for that.
Only 29.5% of them had normal shape. She said that normal is 30-100% so he is obviously on the low end of that. She said that it wasn’t enough to move straight to other options – if it was any lower they’d be more concerned.
So I don’t know what to think really. I mean, he falls into the “ok” part, but seems to be on the low end, so even though they say not to be worried, I am a little bit. (Is anyone actually surprised by that?)
I have an ultrasound tomorrow to see if there are any cysts, and we’ll make a plan for this cycle. Kim is talking to my RE today about whether or not we’ll increase the Clomid, and if we should do the HSG this cycle. Tentatively the plan is Clomid again and then I’ll go in around CD12 or 13 to check the follies and possibly trigger. (We wanted to do that 3 months ago, but they found the cyst instead.)
So look for another update tomorrow ...
Anyways, his count 319 million, but I don’t know if that was total, or per some measurement or what. Regardless she said that was good.
There were 56% that were moving. She said that normal is between 40 and 95%, but I’ve been reading online (google is a bad thing) that normal is more like over 50 or 60% (from resolve.org and webmd) so it seems like he’s on the low end of normal for that.
Only 29.5% of them had normal shape. She said that normal is 30-100% so he is obviously on the low end of that. She said that it wasn’t enough to move straight to other options – if it was any lower they’d be more concerned.
So I don’t know what to think really. I mean, he falls into the “ok” part, but seems to be on the low end, so even though they say not to be worried, I am a little bit. (Is anyone actually surprised by that?)
I have an ultrasound tomorrow to see if there are any cysts, and we’ll make a plan for this cycle. Kim is talking to my RE today about whether or not we’ll increase the Clomid, and if we should do the HSG this cycle. Tentatively the plan is Clomid again and then I’ll go in around CD12 or 13 to check the follies and possibly trigger. (We wanted to do that 3 months ago, but they found the cyst instead.)
So look for another update tomorrow ...
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