Went to the OB today for a regular check up. Ultrasound showed Chance is definitely a boy. LOL His HR WAS 164 bpm, strong and steady. Everything looked good.
I felt my OB was a little hurt I didn't ask him any questions last time, so I had a list of silly ones for today.
Since I have no breasts to breast feed, which formula is the best? No clue.
Any way I could get breast milk bank milk? No clue; he though it was for preemies only.
Circumcision or not? 20 years ago he would have said no. Now: studies show is lessens the chance of contacting herpes or genital warts (HPV and HSV). Good enough reasons for him to do it.
Percentage of epidurals in his patients? 99.9%
Percentage of C-Section rate? 20%
Continuous or intermittent monitoring? He doesn't like intermittent. Things can go wrong quickly and not be caught with intermittent.
He won't induce me unless he has to.
No, he won't be there except for the delivery. LOL
If we choose to bank cord blood, use ViaCord since they have been around the longest. Should we or shouldn't we? It's like an insurance policy. It seems like a waste of money until you actually need it. Better to have and not need than to need and not have. Obviously we don't anticipate Chance needing anything, but you never know. It's pretty expensive, like $400 a year. He said if we do it, to bank both the cord and the blood.
Delayed or immediate cord clamping? Only delayed for the past 20 years! Delaying the cord clamping by 2-3 minutes allows a bolus of iron to be pushed into the baby from the placenta. This supply of iron is about 2-3 months worth of iron. Only thing is this much iron can cause the baby to be jaundice for a couple of days. It benefits the baby more than it hurts. I'm glad he does delayed clamping.
Which Pediatrician does he recommend? Anyone in the group on 3.
I feel good. I am finally shaking this 2 week cold. Before that I had enterovirus. That was bad. Throwing up for 5 days sucks. Still not showing, and haven't gained any weight yet. He wasn't concerned about either.
My prenatal vitamins are still making me vomit them up, so they told me to get gummies. They don't taste any better, but so far they are staying down.
Everything is good. Chance had turned head down and to the right. Not as active today, but at least the DH finally got to see an ultrasound.
Next appt. in 4 weeks.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Monday, December 12, 2016
13 Weeks 5 Days (184 Days To Go)
We have had an interesting week this week. We went to Vegas and our Australian Shepherd Syd decided to die on us, and a really close friend left her husband. Dang. To top it all off, I caught the mother of all colds. It's so bad, it's even caused a strange rash on my legs and arms. Odd. The rash doesn't look like a normal rash. It looks more like the little white spots you get right before you start peeling from a sunburn; except with raised whitish bumps. Itches like the devil. Benadryl nipped the itching in the bud. Haven't been able to sleep for the congestion and coughing. Gross.
Went today for my Nuchal Translucency Scan. The neonatologist office was trying out a new ultrasound machine, so the pics are incredible. This thing is so advanced, it showed all 4 chambers of Chance's heart, as well as his aorta, stomach, bladder, and both hemispheres of his brain. The clarity of the bones was crazy. He was the most active baby they have every seen (of course). The ultrasound tech just played with the machine and took lots of pictures waiting for him to stay still long enough to get the correct view for the NB test. Turns out the NB measurement is 1.5 mm, which is absolutely normal. They asked me if we had considered any genetic testing such as CVS and Amniocentesis (because of our ages). I had to disappoint them and let them know we had tested the embryos and we knew there were no chromosomal abnormalities. Since the scan was so normal, the doctor didn't feel it necessary for the accompanying blood test, and she felt there was no need to come speak to me. In and out after pics and playing with the new machine.
Chance is once again measuring big. He's now a week big. His head and stomach measure 14-5 and his femurs measure 13-5. So he has a Buddha belly, a giant noggin, and normal legs. In the pics, he is sucking his thumb in the arms pic. He is crossing his legs in the leg pic. One of the 3-D he has wiggled and is turned on his side. Super cute.
Next appointment is with my OB Dec 22.
Went today for my Nuchal Translucency Scan. The neonatologist office was trying out a new ultrasound machine, so the pics are incredible. This thing is so advanced, it showed all 4 chambers of Chance's heart, as well as his aorta, stomach, bladder, and both hemispheres of his brain. The clarity of the bones was crazy. He was the most active baby they have every seen (of course). The ultrasound tech just played with the machine and took lots of pictures waiting for him to stay still long enough to get the correct view for the NB test. Turns out the NB measurement is 1.5 mm, which is absolutely normal. They asked me if we had considered any genetic testing such as CVS and Amniocentesis (because of our ages). I had to disappoint them and let them know we had tested the embryos and we knew there were no chromosomal abnormalities. Since the scan was so normal, the doctor didn't feel it necessary for the accompanying blood test, and she felt there was no need to come speak to me. In and out after pics and playing with the new machine.
Chance is once again measuring big. He's now a week big. His head and stomach measure 14-5 and his femurs measure 13-5. So he has a Buddha belly, a giant noggin, and normal legs. In the pics, he is sucking his thumb in the arms pic. He is crossing his legs in the leg pic. One of the 3-D he has wiggled and is turned on his side. Super cute.
Next appointment is with my OB Dec 22.
Thursday, December 1, 2016
12 Weeks 1 Day (195 Days To Go)
It's been an interesting few days. I was plagued with morning sickness Monday afternoon. However, after 48 hours of constant vomiting (well dry heaving most of the time) I started to think maybe it wasn't morning sickness. I contacted my IM doc and my OB via email Tuesday. My IM doc told me to consult my OB as she couldn't really do anything since I was pregnant. I contacted me OB once again on Wednesday as I hadn't peed in over 24 hours and I hadn't had anything to eat or drink. Phenergan oral and rectally didn't help. Zofran sub lingual didn't help. Peppermint and ginger didn't help. I couldn't keep anything oral down for more than 5 minutes or so. Pregnancy constipation has kept my bowel movements down to once every 2-3 days. I had a small one on Tuesday morning. Gross I know.
Well, the OB nurse told me to come to the office asap. They would decide what to do when I got there. Of course I got sick about 5 minutes after I arrived. Ugh. They started an IV (with the help of my DH) and gave me a liter of fluid and a push of IV Zofran. I started to feel better pretty quickly. They wanted to give me another liter but I wanted to go home. Had my DH not been an anesthesiologist, they would have admitted me. Instead, I went home with a liter of fluids hanging and a liter to give later, as well as RXs for Phenergan gel, suppositories, and pills, as well as Zofran sub lingual. I got all 3 liters of fluid. It took several hours to finally pee. Then I had to pee every 10-15 minutes. Ugh...
I ate some soup shortly after I arrived home, and then ate McDonald's...I know, gross, but it was too good. Unfortunately all that came back up about 0200. I've vomited a handful of times since then. Starting to feel better though. Pretty sure I am on the down side of this Virus. Yep, turns out it is NOT morning sickness, just a GI bug. All I have to say is it better be gone by Sunday. I have plans in Vegas! LOL
The DH showed up to the office shortly after I arrived. He works at the hospital across the parking lot. Handy. My OB was out of town so I got to see the new guy. He was really nice.
Any who, he used this handheld ultrasound called a GE VScan to make sure Chance was ok; since I was a little dehydrated. Chance was fine. My fluid looked a little low, but he wasn't concerned since I was getting fluid. This was the first time my DH got to see an ultrasound. He's been working every time I went. He was very excited. He may have cried a little..LOL
I think my DH finally believes me that I can feel Chance moving. I told him when he moved and it showed on the ultrasound. I couldn't see the ultrasound. I think the OB was a little surprised I could feel him moving already.
So I went home and have been here since. Ready to stop being sick.
I am officially past the miscarriage mark. The chance of miscarriage after 12 weeks is only 1%.
Oh, the DH didn't want me taking the Zofran because of those 1-800-Bad Drug commercials. I am sure you've all seen them. I brought that up with the OB yesterday. He said there had been two studies (bad ones) that showed a neural tube defect in one patient and a cleft lip and pallet in another patient. No miscarriages. He said the benefits outweigh the risks (if there really are any) early in pregnancy if you are really sick. After that 12 week mark, you're really just baking at this point and all the structures are already formed. So taking any form at Zofran at this point is fine. He also said taking it once a day won't hurt anything early on, it would be 3-4 times a day there might could be a problem. Fortunately for me, I didn't have any morning sickness. Whew. Thanks to the shots and patches I dodged that bullet completely.
I haven't started showing yet, and I lost 5 pounds (8 according to me scale, but the doctor scale is official) with this virus. I have been fortunate not to have gained any with the first trimester. Normally a person gains 5 in the first, 7-10 in the second, and all the rest in the third. Since I started out overweight, I am only allowed to gain 15-25 pounds with the pregnancy. I want to keep it closer to the 15 pound mark, less if possible and everyone is healthy.
Think I'll take a nap now....
Well, the OB nurse told me to come to the office asap. They would decide what to do when I got there. Of course I got sick about 5 minutes after I arrived. Ugh. They started an IV (with the help of my DH) and gave me a liter of fluid and a push of IV Zofran. I started to feel better pretty quickly. They wanted to give me another liter but I wanted to go home. Had my DH not been an anesthesiologist, they would have admitted me. Instead, I went home with a liter of fluids hanging and a liter to give later, as well as RXs for Phenergan gel, suppositories, and pills, as well as Zofran sub lingual. I got all 3 liters of fluid. It took several hours to finally pee. Then I had to pee every 10-15 minutes. Ugh...
I ate some soup shortly after I arrived home, and then ate McDonald's...I know, gross, but it was too good. Unfortunately all that came back up about 0200. I've vomited a handful of times since then. Starting to feel better though. Pretty sure I am on the down side of this Virus. Yep, turns out it is NOT morning sickness, just a GI bug. All I have to say is it better be gone by Sunday. I have plans in Vegas! LOL
The DH showed up to the office shortly after I arrived. He works at the hospital across the parking lot. Handy. My OB was out of town so I got to see the new guy. He was really nice.
Any who, he used this handheld ultrasound called a GE VScan to make sure Chance was ok; since I was a little dehydrated. Chance was fine. My fluid looked a little low, but he wasn't concerned since I was getting fluid. This was the first time my DH got to see an ultrasound. He's been working every time I went. He was very excited. He may have cried a little..LOL
I think my DH finally believes me that I can feel Chance moving. I told him when he moved and it showed on the ultrasound. I couldn't see the ultrasound. I think the OB was a little surprised I could feel him moving already.
So I went home and have been here since. Ready to stop being sick.
I am officially past the miscarriage mark. The chance of miscarriage after 12 weeks is only 1%.
Oh, the DH didn't want me taking the Zofran because of those 1-800-Bad Drug commercials. I am sure you've all seen them. I brought that up with the OB yesterday. He said there had been two studies (bad ones) that showed a neural tube defect in one patient and a cleft lip and pallet in another patient. No miscarriages. He said the benefits outweigh the risks (if there really are any) early in pregnancy if you are really sick. After that 12 week mark, you're really just baking at this point and all the structures are already formed. So taking any form at Zofran at this point is fine. He also said taking it once a day won't hurt anything early on, it would be 3-4 times a day there might could be a problem. Fortunately for me, I didn't have any morning sickness. Whew. Thanks to the shots and patches I dodged that bullet completely.
I haven't started showing yet, and I lost 5 pounds (8 according to me scale, but the doctor scale is official) with this virus. I have been fortunate not to have gained any with the first trimester. Normally a person gains 5 in the first, 7-10 in the second, and all the rest in the third. Since I started out overweight, I am only allowed to gain 15-25 pounds with the pregnancy. I want to keep it closer to the 15 pound mark, less if possible and everyone is healthy.
Think I'll take a nap now....
Monday, November 21, 2016
10 Weeks 5 Days (205 Days To Go)
Went to see my regular OB today. Got another ultrasound. Unfortunately the office doesn't do digital pictures, so I won't be posting any more pics. Too hard to upload from my phone.
Chance is measuring 5 days large. He is measuring at 11 weeks 3 days. His heart rate was 176 bpm today. They did the first trans abdominal ultrasound today; I've been having trans vaginal.
The OB mentioned he wanted me to keep taking the baby aspirin, and I had to tell him my hemo-oncologist told me not to take any aspirin or NSAIDS. He said he was going to call the Dr and see what the deal is, as he wants me to take it. He says it lowers the risk of pre-eclampsia and other placental issues. He also informed us he has never seen a normal placenta with an IVF patient. He doesn't know why, but there is something always wrong with an IVF placenta. Interesting.
He wants me to get the nuchal translucency screening. Even though this test shows if the fetus has Down Syndrome, it also shows other possible genetic issues that aren't one of the large chromosomal defects like Down. Heart issues is one example. This test is done between 11-14 weeks. There is a small window in which this test has to be done. With this test, an ultrasound measures the thickness of the skin at the back of the baby's neck, called the nuchal fold. There is usually a blood test that goes along with the ultrasound. The blood test looks at the pregnancy associated plasma protein (PAPP-A) and hCG. They take the results and input them into a mathematical formula for the result of the scan. This scan is 85% accurate.
I made all my appointments for the rest of the pregnancy. Every 4 weeks until I am 32 weeks, then it is weekly visits.
My OB told me today he wasn't going to let me go past 38 weeks. Since I am considered high risk, he doesn't want to increase the chance of still birth, meconium, or pre-eclampsia. I honestly had no questions for him. Between my doctor DH and this Pregnancy Day by Day book, it pretty much has answered all the questions I had already.
First day off bed rest = trip to the baby store to check things out.
Next appt is Dec 21......
Chance is measuring 5 days large. He is measuring at 11 weeks 3 days. His heart rate was 176 bpm today. They did the first trans abdominal ultrasound today; I've been having trans vaginal.
The OB mentioned he wanted me to keep taking the baby aspirin, and I had to tell him my hemo-oncologist told me not to take any aspirin or NSAIDS. He said he was going to call the Dr and see what the deal is, as he wants me to take it. He says it lowers the risk of pre-eclampsia and other placental issues. He also informed us he has never seen a normal placenta with an IVF patient. He doesn't know why, but there is something always wrong with an IVF placenta. Interesting.
He wants me to get the nuchal translucency screening. Even though this test shows if the fetus has Down Syndrome, it also shows other possible genetic issues that aren't one of the large chromosomal defects like Down. Heart issues is one example. This test is done between 11-14 weeks. There is a small window in which this test has to be done. With this test, an ultrasound measures the thickness of the skin at the back of the baby's neck, called the nuchal fold. There is usually a blood test that goes along with the ultrasound. The blood test looks at the pregnancy associated plasma protein (PAPP-A) and hCG. They take the results and input them into a mathematical formula for the result of the scan. This scan is 85% accurate.
I made all my appointments for the rest of the pregnancy. Every 4 weeks until I am 32 weeks, then it is weekly visits.
My OB told me today he wasn't going to let me go past 38 weeks. Since I am considered high risk, he doesn't want to increase the chance of still birth, meconium, or pre-eclampsia. I honestly had no questions for him. Between my doctor DH and this Pregnancy Day by Day book, it pretty much has answered all the questions I had already.
First day off bed rest = trip to the baby store to check things out.
Next appt is Dec 21......
Monday, November 14, 2016
9 Weeks 5 Days (212 Days To Go)
Today was my last visit with my RE. It was a bittersweet moment. She has officially released me to my regular OB. My appt with him is Monday Nov. 21, 2016; so next week. My RE wants me to stay on bed rest one more week. I think she is doing this to cover all her angles. She said it was up to my OB whether he wants me off bed rest or not.
Well, Mr Chance is doing great. He is measuring even bigger today at 31.25 mm (this is the size for 10 weeks). His heart rate is 174 bpm, strong and steady. He already knows my voice. During the ultrasound, every time I would speak, he would wiggle. It was very cute. We watched him do this for about 10 minutes. He is starting to look like a baby now. In these pics you can see his little arms and legs....of course they are just nubbins; you can make out little hands too.
I took advantage of Veteran's Day weekend and picked up a few things for him. It was 25% off your entire order at Buy Buy Baby.
We have decided on glass bottles (keep in mind I can only formula feed since I have no breasts). Who knew those things were so expensive??!! 4oz. bottles are $15 and 9 oz. bottles are $18. Dang. I went ahead and bought twelve 4 oz. and six 9 oz. I also got the bottle warmer and sterilizer. They gave me the discount on the sterilizer and the bath tub even though they were online only, because I was in the store and they had to order them for me. Bonus. I sent as many of my friends there this weekend I could think of that were military.
I have officially set up my registries. There is a lot of crap a baby needs. We have decided to use cloth diapers and a diaper service, so we don't have to sorry about that; one less thing to buy.
We had decided when we started this process we were going to go with the Orbit Baby infant seat and stroller system. Unfortunately, Orbit Baby decided to stop making the infant seat this year, and primarily focus on the stroller systems. Grrrr. This made me have to chance my whole way of thinking and start researching infant seats, toddler seats, and strollers separately. Who knew there were so many different kinds of seats and strollers. Some good, some not so good. After hours of research, we have decided on the Diono convertible car seat and the Stokke Xplory stroller system. Yes, I won't be able to leave the baby in the car seat and carry him around, but this seat is the safest and best on the market. I'll have to take him out of the car seat and put him in the stroller every time we get out of the car. Many mom friends of mine have poo pooed this. They said to get an infant seat he can stay in. Well, I don't want to spend $400 on an infant seat he will only use 3-4 months, then pay another $500 for the convertible toddler seat. Seems irrational to me. I'll just transfer him to a sling or the stroller. It will be great. If we have another one down the road, this stellar system adapts to hold 2 seats. Perfect.
Our nursery theme is going to be Dr Suess One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. We both like Dr Suess. I really wanted ABC, but the DH likes the fish better. It is pretty cute, and it's blue too.
Well, that's all for now. Next appt is Monday.
Well, Mr Chance is doing great. He is measuring even bigger today at 31.25 mm (this is the size for 10 weeks). His heart rate is 174 bpm, strong and steady. He already knows my voice. During the ultrasound, every time I would speak, he would wiggle. It was very cute. We watched him do this for about 10 minutes. He is starting to look like a baby now. In these pics you can see his little arms and legs....of course they are just nubbins; you can make out little hands too.
I took advantage of Veteran's Day weekend and picked up a few things for him. It was 25% off your entire order at Buy Buy Baby.
We have decided on glass bottles (keep in mind I can only formula feed since I have no breasts). Who knew those things were so expensive??!! 4oz. bottles are $15 and 9 oz. bottles are $18. Dang. I went ahead and bought twelve 4 oz. and six 9 oz. I also got the bottle warmer and sterilizer. They gave me the discount on the sterilizer and the bath tub even though they were online only, because I was in the store and they had to order them for me. Bonus. I sent as many of my friends there this weekend I could think of that were military.
I have officially set up my registries. There is a lot of crap a baby needs. We have decided to use cloth diapers and a diaper service, so we don't have to sorry about that; one less thing to buy.
We had decided when we started this process we were going to go with the Orbit Baby infant seat and stroller system. Unfortunately, Orbit Baby decided to stop making the infant seat this year, and primarily focus on the stroller systems. Grrrr. This made me have to chance my whole way of thinking and start researching infant seats, toddler seats, and strollers separately. Who knew there were so many different kinds of seats and strollers. Some good, some not so good. After hours of research, we have decided on the Diono convertible car seat and the Stokke Xplory stroller system. Yes, I won't be able to leave the baby in the car seat and carry him around, but this seat is the safest and best on the market. I'll have to take him out of the car seat and put him in the stroller every time we get out of the car. Many mom friends of mine have poo pooed this. They said to get an infant seat he can stay in. Well, I don't want to spend $400 on an infant seat he will only use 3-4 months, then pay another $500 for the convertible toddler seat. Seems irrational to me. I'll just transfer him to a sling or the stroller. It will be great. If we have another one down the road, this stellar system adapts to hold 2 seats. Perfect.
Our nursery theme is going to be Dr Suess One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. We both like Dr Suess. I really wanted ABC, but the DH likes the fish better. It is pretty cute, and it's blue too.
Well, that's all for now. Next appt is Monday.
9 Weeks 5 Days (212 Days To Go)
Today was my last visit with my RE. It was a bittersweet moment. She has officially released me to my regular OB. My appt with him is Monday Nov. 21, 2016; so next week. My RE wants me to stay on bed rest one more week. I think she is doing this to cover all her angles. She said it was up to my OB whether he wants me off bed rest or not.
Well, Mr Chance is doing great. He is measuring even bigger today at 31.25 mm (this is the size for 10 weeks). His heart rate is 174 bpm, strong and steady. He already knows my voice. During the ultrasound, every time I would speak, he would wiggle. It was very cute. We watched him do this for about 10 minutes. He is starting to look like a baby now. In these pics you can see his little arms and legs....of course they are just nubbins; you can make out little hands too.
I took advantage of Veteran's Day weekend and picked up a few things for him. It was 25% off your entire order at Buy Buy Baby.
We have decided on glass bottles (keep in mind I can only formula feed since I have no breasts). Who knew those things were so expensive??!! 4oz. bottles are $15 and 9 oz. bottles are $18. Dang. I went ahead and bought twelve 4 oz. and six 9 oz. I also got the bottle warmer and sterilizer. They gave me the discount on the sterilizer and the bath tub even though they were online only, because I was in the store and they had to order them for me. Bonus. I sent as many of my friends there this weekend I could think of that were military.
I have officially set up my registries. There is a lot of crap a baby needs. We have decided to use cloth diapers and a diaper service, so we don't have to sorry about that; one less thing to buy.
We had decided when we started this process we were going to go with the Orbit Baby infant seat and stroller system. Unfortunately, Orbit Baby decided to stop making the infant seat this year, and primarily focus on the stroller systems. Grrrr. This made me have to chance my whole way of thinking and start researching infant seats, toddler seats, and strollers separately. Who knew there were so many different kinds of seats and strollers. Some good, some not so good. After hours of research, we have decided on the Diono convertible car seat and the Stokke Xplory stroller system. Yes, I won't be able to leave the baby in the car seat and carry him around, but this seat is the safest and best on the market. I'll have to take him out of the car seat and put him in the stroller every time we get out of the car. Many mom friends of mine have poo pooed this. They said to get an infant seat he can stay in. Well, I don't want to spend $400 on an infant seat he will only use 3-4 months, then pay another $500 for the convertible toddler seat. Seems irrational to me. I'll just transfer him to a sling or the stroller. It will be great. If we have another one down the road, this stellar system adapts to hold 2 seats. Perfect.
Our nursery theme is going to be Dr Suess One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. We both like Dr Suess. I really wanted ABC, but the DH likes the fish better. It is pretty cute, and it's blue too.
Well, that's all for now. Next appt is Monday.
Well, Mr Chance is doing great. He is measuring even bigger today at 31.25 mm (this is the size for 10 weeks). His heart rate is 174 bpm, strong and steady. He already knows my voice. During the ultrasound, every time I would speak, he would wiggle. It was very cute. We watched him do this for about 10 minutes. He is starting to look like a baby now. In these pics you can see his little arms and legs....of course they are just nubbins; you can make out little hands too.
I took advantage of Veteran's Day weekend and picked up a few things for him. It was 25% off your entire order at Buy Buy Baby.
We have decided on glass bottles (keep in mind I can only formula feed since I have no breasts). Who knew those things were so expensive??!! 4oz. bottles are $15 and 9 oz. bottles are $18. Dang. I went ahead and bought twelve 4 oz. and six 9 oz. I also got the bottle warmer and sterilizer. They gave me the discount on the sterilizer and the bath tub even though they were online only, because I was in the store and they had to order them for me. Bonus. I sent as many of my friends there this weekend I could think of that were military.
I have officially set up my registries. There is a lot of crap a baby needs. We have decided to use cloth diapers and a diaper service, so we don't have to sorry about that; one less thing to buy.
We had decided when we started this process we were going to go with the Orbit Baby infant seat and stroller system. Unfortunately, Orbit Baby decided to stop making the infant seat this year, and primarily focus on the stroller systems. Grrrr. This made me have to chance my whole way of thinking and start researching infant seats, toddler seats, and strollers separately. Who knew there were so many different kinds of seats and strollers. Some good, some not so good. After hours of research, we have decided on the Diono convertible car seat and the Stokke Xplory stroller system. Yes, I won't be able to leave the baby in the car seat and carry him around, but this seat is the safest and best on the market. I'll have to take him out of the car seat and put him in the stroller every time we get out of the car. Many mom friends of mine have poo pooed this. They said to get an infant seat he can stay in. Well, I don't want to spend $400 on an infant seat he will only use 3-4 months, then pay another $500 for the convertible toddler seat. Seems irrational to me. I'll just transfer him to a sling or the stroller. It will be great. If we have another one down the road, this stellar system adapts to hold 2 seats. Perfect.
Our nursery theme is going to be Dr Suess One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish. We both like Dr Suess. I really wanted ABC, but the DH likes the fish better. It is pretty cute, and it's blue too.
Well, that's all for now. Next appt is Monday.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
8 Weeks 6 Days (218 Days to Go)
Went for my ultrasound yesterday. Chance is still measuring big. His HR was 170. Length was 21.89 mm.
I still feel really good. No morning sickness. Sometimes I wake up really tired. Still on bed rest. At least for another week. My RE said she would release me to by regular OB if he can get me in next week, if not, she wants to see me at least another week. So I will go back Monday if I haven't heard from my OB. Hopefully I can stop taking the PIO shots and stop wearing the estrogen patches. The RE says the medications stay in the body absorbing for another 6 weeks after they are stopped.
My MIL went with me to the appointment. She got to see her first and only grandson live on the ultrasound machine. I think she may have cried a little. I did. Please don't take my last post about me MIL wrong; I have the most amazing MIL on the planet. I wish everyone could have a MIL like mine. Not sure what the DH would say about my mother. LOL If it weren't for my MIL, we wouldn't be on this journey at all. She has encouraged me and checked on me everyday since I've been on bed rest. I can't say enough wonderful things about her. She is getting new hearing aids, so hopefully that will help her hearing. Shooting a gun without hearing protection will ruin your hearing. ALWAYS wear hearing protection (PSA over). She just had her 82nd birthday on the 3rd of Nov. Fabulous!
I am anxious to see how she is around Chance. Raising her son in a different state while her granddaughters were growing up, she has never really been around babies, except her own. It will be a huge adjustment for all of us when he arrives. I'm also anxious to see how the animals do when he arrives.
I found an antique crib online last night for $40 (couldn't sleep). I offered her $25 and she accepted. However, I'm trying to get more information on it. If it has the right dimensions, I will bring it home and refurbish it. If we don't use it, I can always sell it.
I still feel really good. No morning sickness. Sometimes I wake up really tired. Still on bed rest. At least for another week. My RE said she would release me to by regular OB if he can get me in next week, if not, she wants to see me at least another week. So I will go back Monday if I haven't heard from my OB. Hopefully I can stop taking the PIO shots and stop wearing the estrogen patches. The RE says the medications stay in the body absorbing for another 6 weeks after they are stopped.
My MIL went with me to the appointment. She got to see her first and only grandson live on the ultrasound machine. I think she may have cried a little. I did. Please don't take my last post about me MIL wrong; I have the most amazing MIL on the planet. I wish everyone could have a MIL like mine. Not sure what the DH would say about my mother. LOL If it weren't for my MIL, we wouldn't be on this journey at all. She has encouraged me and checked on me everyday since I've been on bed rest. I can't say enough wonderful things about her. She is getting new hearing aids, so hopefully that will help her hearing. Shooting a gun without hearing protection will ruin your hearing. ALWAYS wear hearing protection (PSA over). She just had her 82nd birthday on the 3rd of Nov. Fabulous!
I am anxious to see how she is around Chance. Raising her son in a different state while her granddaughters were growing up, she has never really been around babies, except her own. It will be a huge adjustment for all of us when he arrives. I'm also anxious to see how the animals do when he arrives.
I found an antique crib online last night for $40 (couldn't sleep). I offered her $25 and she accepted. However, I'm trying to get more information on it. If it has the right dimensions, I will bring it home and refurbish it. If we don't use it, I can always sell it.
Friday, November 4, 2016
8 Weeks 2 Days (222 Days to Go)
It's been a stressful and interesting few days. Bed rest is no fun. I'm not 100% complying as I am stuck at home by myself a lot.
This spotting has finally stopped. It was getting heavier and heavier, worrying me to death, until last night. After my 2100 trip to the toilet, there was tissue in the toilet. Needless to say I freaked out. Yelling for the DH to come upstairs from the family room in the basement. Screaming from 3 floors away probably wasn't the best thing to do. DH says the tissue doesn't look like anything, and it can't be Chance as it's not large enough. I am not bleeding or cramping either. Not sure what it was, but the minute it passed, all the spotting stopped. Nothing since. Make me wonder what it could have been.
Had a little excitement (according to the DH) Wednesday. The DH was post call, so him and my MIL went to the grocery store. Now let me set this up for you: the DH NEVER carries his cell phone, and if he does it's NEVER turned on. The MIL is so deaf she doesn't hear her cell phone 90% of the time it rings or notifies of a text. She's so deaf (I left before her Monday to go to my appt, and I set the alarm thinking she had left, as she told me her thing was at 0930) when she walked into the main part of the house, the alarm started beeping giving her 60 seconds to turn off the alarm (all the interior doors are armed at the same time when using the AWAY setting). She didn't hear the alarm lady telling her to turn off the alarm, so she sets off the alarm. Now keep in mind it probably scared her to death when it went off. It's loud. She doesn't understand why it went off when she walked through her door. She doesn't realize I had set the alarm and left. Yeah, stone deaf.
Ok- back to the story.
The men were here checking the dehumidifier in the basement. Making sure it's working properly. They had questions I couldn't answer, so what do I do? That's right, I call the DH. Right to VM. So I call the MIL. No answer. Knowing she probably can't hear the phone, I proceed to call her 6 times in a row. I am chilling in the basement family room getting a mani/pedi. My amazing friend LR brought the nail tech over to keep me occupied. All of a sudden, the DH comes running down the stairs, screaming, wanting to know what happened. Uhhhh, just answer the stupid phone. Ok. Nope. It was in my MIL's purse, in the back seat of the car, UNDER the groceries. Who the heck puts their purse in the backseat UNDER the groceries????? I am super glad there wasn't a true emergency, because I would have been SOL. Pretty sure their thinking is flawed. When you have a pregnant women on bed rest at home, wouldn't you have a form of communication (i.e. cell phone) available all the time?? OK. Maybe I think differently than anyone else.
Any who; everything was fine, but that's not the point.
Monday is the big day. Another ultrasound; hopefully off bed rest and the shots!
This spotting has finally stopped. It was getting heavier and heavier, worrying me to death, until last night. After my 2100 trip to the toilet, there was tissue in the toilet. Needless to say I freaked out. Yelling for the DH to come upstairs from the family room in the basement. Screaming from 3 floors away probably wasn't the best thing to do. DH says the tissue doesn't look like anything, and it can't be Chance as it's not large enough. I am not bleeding or cramping either. Not sure what it was, but the minute it passed, all the spotting stopped. Nothing since. Make me wonder what it could have been.
Had a little excitement (according to the DH) Wednesday. The DH was post call, so him and my MIL went to the grocery store. Now let me set this up for you: the DH NEVER carries his cell phone, and if he does it's NEVER turned on. The MIL is so deaf she doesn't hear her cell phone 90% of the time it rings or notifies of a text. She's so deaf (I left before her Monday to go to my appt, and I set the alarm thinking she had left, as she told me her thing was at 0930) when she walked into the main part of the house, the alarm started beeping giving her 60 seconds to turn off the alarm (all the interior doors are armed at the same time when using the AWAY setting). She didn't hear the alarm lady telling her to turn off the alarm, so she sets off the alarm. Now keep in mind it probably scared her to death when it went off. It's loud. She doesn't understand why it went off when she walked through her door. She doesn't realize I had set the alarm and left. Yeah, stone deaf.
Ok- back to the story.
The men were here checking the dehumidifier in the basement. Making sure it's working properly. They had questions I couldn't answer, so what do I do? That's right, I call the DH. Right to VM. So I call the MIL. No answer. Knowing she probably can't hear the phone, I proceed to call her 6 times in a row. I am chilling in the basement family room getting a mani/pedi. My amazing friend LR brought the nail tech over to keep me occupied. All of a sudden, the DH comes running down the stairs, screaming, wanting to know what happened. Uhhhh, just answer the stupid phone. Ok. Nope. It was in my MIL's purse, in the back seat of the car, UNDER the groceries. Who the heck puts their purse in the backseat UNDER the groceries????? I am super glad there wasn't a true emergency, because I would have been SOL. Pretty sure their thinking is flawed. When you have a pregnant women on bed rest at home, wouldn't you have a form of communication (i.e. cell phone) available all the time?? OK. Maybe I think differently than anyone else.
Any who; everything was fine, but that's not the point.
Monday is the big day. Another ultrasound; hopefully off bed rest and the shots!
Monday, October 31, 2016
7 weeks 5 days (226 days to go)
Today I am officially 7 weeks and 5 days (IVF). Had an interesting week last week. We went on an 8 day cruise to the Exotic Caribbean, and only 2 days into the cruise, I started cramping and bleeding/spotting. Needless to say I was a nervous wreck. I was texting my RE and anyone else who I thought could give me reassurance or some answers. My RE put me on bed rest the rest of the cruise. We arrived home yesterday afternoon. Glad to be home, closer to advance medical care.
Went to the RE this morning for an ultrasound. Everything looked great. The baby is measuring big, 15.27mm. He was sort of arms out like Superman. Well, his little nubbins were anyway. His heart rate was 156 and strong. She decided to keep me on bed rest until I get into the second trimester, just to be safe. I go back next week for another ultrasound.
Bonus: I've not gained any weight. Whew. Since I am starting out a little over weight, I am to only gain 15-25 pounds the entire pregnancy.
7 weeks 5 days (226 days to go)
Today I am officially 7 weeks and 5 days (IVF). Had an interesting week last week. We went on an 8 day cruise to the Exotic Caribbean, and only 2 days into the cruise, I started cramping and bleeding/spotting. Needless to say I was a nervous wreck. I was texting my RE and anyone else who I thought could give me reassurance or some answers. My RE put me on bed rest the rest of the cruise. We arrived home yesterday afternoon. Glad to be home, closer to advance medical care.
Went to the RE this morning for an ultrasound. Everything looked great. The baby is measuring big, 15.27mm. He was sort of arms out like Superman. Well, his little nubbins were anyway. His heart rate was 156 and strong. She decided to keep me on bed rest until I get into the second trimester, just to be safe. I go back next week for another ultrasound.
Bonus: I've not gained any weight. Whew. Since I am starting out a little over weight, I am to only gain 15-25 pounds the entire pregnancy.
7 weeks 5 days (226 days to go)
Today I am officially 7 weeks and 5 days (IVF). Had an interesting week last week. We went on an 8 day cruise to the Exotic Caribbean, and only 2 days into the cruise, I started cramping and bleeding/spotting. Needless to say I was a nervous wreck. I was texting my RE and anyone else who I thought could give me reassurance or some answers. My RE put me on bed rest the rest of the cruise. We arrived home yesterday afternoon. Glad to be home, closer to advance medical care.
Went to the RE this morning for an ultrasound. Everything looked great. The baby is measuring big, 15.27mm. He was sort of arms out like Superman. Well, his little nubbins were anyway. His heart rate was 156 and strong. She decided to keep me on bed rest until I get into the second trimester, just to be safe. I go back next week for another ultrasound.
Bonus: I've not gained any weight. Whew. Since I am starting out a little over weight, I am to only gain 15-25 pounds the entire pregnancy.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
5 Weeks and 1 Day (244 Days to Go)
Today's blood Beta HcG is 2952.5. This number is perfect. It means Chance is growing perfectly.
I had the choice to get the viability ultrasound at 6 weeks and 1 day (next Thursday Oct. 20th) or wait until we get back from the cruise the 30th. I chose to wait, because sometimes heartbeats can't be seen early in the 6th week. I will be 7 weeks 5 days on the 31st when I have the ultrasound. This is a better choice for me; that way we know for sure he is viable.
So: next update after the ultrasound the 31st!
I had the choice to get the viability ultrasound at 6 weeks and 1 day (next Thursday Oct. 20th) or wait until we get back from the cruise the 30th. I chose to wait, because sometimes heartbeats can't be seen early in the 6th week. I will be 7 weeks 5 days on the 31st when I have the ultrasound. This is a better choice for me; that way we know for sure he is viable.
So: next update after the ultrasound the 31st!
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Day 15 Post 5 Day Transfer or 246 days to go
The last couple of days have been really bad for me. I got a really bad migraine late Saturday evening. I still have it today. I have been taking Tramadol on the recommendation of 3 of my doctors. I had a bad dream last night. I dreamt I miscarried again, so today I have been a crying mess; which doesn't help the migraine. Then my brain keeps telling me taking the Tramadol for 4 days now is going to harm or kill the baby; even though I have been reassured by the docs this is not the case. I still can't help feeling this way.
So today, I am just going to relax and try to sleep most the day. I am very tired, and I have to pee constantly. Ugh
Blood test in 2 days. Remember, the number from last week has to double every 48 hours from him to be growing properly. Keep the prayers (or whatever you do) coming. Throw in some peace of mind prayers too please!
So today, I am just going to relax and try to sleep most the day. I am very tired, and I have to pee constantly. Ugh
Blood test in 2 days. Remember, the number from last week has to double every 48 hours from him to be growing properly. Keep the prayers (or whatever you do) coming. Throw in some peace of mind prayers too please!
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Day 13 Post 5 Day Transfer
Today is Sunday Oct 9, and I am 13DP5DT. Everything seems to be going fine. I have to pee all the time for some reason. I got a migraine late yesterday afternoon. My IM says not to take the medicines I have for them; Tramadol and Stadol NS. My Neurologist says she's ok with me taking either. My RE says to take the Tramadol only. DH (who is a doctor for those that don't know) says to take the Stadol. Well, there was only one other person I needed to ask. My OB/GYN JMB is one of the smartest people I know, besides the DH. He said to take the Tramadol, so I did. I've felt like poo and guilty all day today. I don't want to mess up this pregnancy because I did something stupid..... I'm paranoid to treat the migraine again today.
I go back Thursday Oct 13 for a second blood beta HcG. The original number should double every 48 hours. If it has done that, then he is growing perfectly.
I picked up a few books to help educate myself on pregnancy.
Pregnancy Day by Day, Paul Amato, MD
The Whole Nine Months (Cook book for pregnancy), Jennifer Lang, MD
The Developing Human, Moore/Persuad/Torchia
Yes, that last one is a medical school text book. I wanted to learn a little more about embryology and the stages of development...since I have never gotten past 6W6DP5DT. That is really about 10 weeks, as IVF dates are a little different.
Next update: Thursday
I go back Thursday Oct 13 for a second blood beta HcG. The original number should double every 48 hours. If it has done that, then he is growing perfectly.
I picked up a few books to help educate myself on pregnancy.
Pregnancy Day by Day, Paul Amato, MD
The Whole Nine Months (Cook book for pregnancy), Jennifer Lang, MD
The Developing Human, Moore/Persuad/Torchia
Yes, that last one is a medical school text book. I wanted to learn a little more about embryology and the stages of development...since I have never gotten past 6W6DP5DT. That is really about 10 weeks, as IVF dates are a little different.
Next update: Thursday
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Blood Test on Day 10 Post 5 Day Transfer
Well, here are the results....
- Lab Name: HCG Beta
- Shauna L. McKinney, M.D.
- 10/06/2016 10:15 AM
- Tulsa Blood
| Element Name | Result | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| HCG BETA | 197.8 mIU/ml |
That my friends is a Big Fat Positive. So far so good. He seems to have stuck and is growing. I don't have any more information at this time. Good news...
Sunday, October 2, 2016
Day 6 Post 5 Day Transfer
OK. Here's the scoop. Monday (Sept 26th), my RE transferred one perfect hatching blastocyst, into the perfect spot in my uterus.
There he is.
So today (Sunday Oct 2nd) is D6P5DT. My blood test to tell me if he stuck is Thursday Oct 6th. I started feeling like I was going to start my period Thursday night, so I went out and bought 4 pregnancy tests. Keep in mind, an OTC pee stick will only detect if there is at least 50mg of HCG in the urine. Those are the most sensitive tests there are, except for a blood test. So of course, I peed on the stick Friday. Nothing. Since I have been feeling tight, and more like I want to start my period, I peed on a stick this morning. It was inconclusive. I have 2 tests left. I will probably pee on a stick tomorrow and Tuesday. I should know by then if he's decided to stick.
Until then.....
There he is.
So today (Sunday Oct 2nd) is D6P5DT. My blood test to tell me if he stuck is Thursday Oct 6th. I started feeling like I was going to start my period Thursday night, so I went out and bought 4 pregnancy tests. Keep in mind, an OTC pee stick will only detect if there is at least 50mg of HCG in the urine. Those are the most sensitive tests there are, except for a blood test. So of course, I peed on the stick Friday. Nothing. Since I have been feeling tight, and more like I want to start my period, I peed on a stick this morning. It was inconclusive. I have 2 tests left. I will probably pee on a stick tomorrow and Tuesday. I should know by then if he's decided to stick.
Until then.....
Monday, September 19, 2016
Almost Time!
Went to the clinic Friday (16th) to have an ultrasound of the lining of my uterus. I also had my progesterone and estradiol levels as well. My progesterone level is 0.18 and my estradiol level is 262.6. My uterus looked perfect. I'm well on my way to having a baby.
My transfer will be Sept 26th at 1400. I start my PIO (progesterone in oil) shots on Wednesday 21st. I have stopped the Viagra. I am glad as it gave me terrible headaches. Can't wait until I don't have to take all these pills and shots.
My transfer will be Sept 26th at 1400. I start my PIO (progesterone in oil) shots on Wednesday 21st. I have stopped the Viagra. I am glad as it gave me terrible headaches. Can't wait until I don't have to take all these pills and shots.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
Progress
Just a quick update: I have been on my shots, vivelle dots (hormone patches), and Viagra for a minute now. The Viagra kills me. It lowers my BP so quickly, I have an untreatable headache for several hours after it kicks in. It also gives me horrible heartburn. This went on for a couple of days before I finally read the side effects and learned, goes what??, heartburn and headaches are a side effect. Now, most people's wouldn't be untreatable, but mine are because I am not allowed to take any NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, etc), and I am allergic to Tylenol. So yeah, untreatable headache.
For those of you that don't know me personally, I have lost approx 40 pounds in the past year and a half (two years first of Dec). I went from 194 to (as of this morning) 151.7 pounds. Not sure why people (ahem, my friends - you know who you are) didn't tell me I was fat!!! My gaol is eventually to get down to 135, but I am hoping this weight loss helps my chances of getting preggo. It helps most women ovulate, but obviously that isn't the reason I have to use IVF to get preggo.
Anyway, to day is Sunday Sept 11. I go Friday (Sept 16) for my lining check and blood work. Getting super close to transfer day. I need everyone's prayers (if that's what you do). We really want this transfer to work. Nothing else exciting is happening at the moment. So until next time.....
For those of you that don't know me personally, I have lost approx 40 pounds in the past year and a half (two years first of Dec). I went from 194 to (as of this morning) 151.7 pounds. Not sure why people (ahem, my friends - you know who you are) didn't tell me I was fat!!! My gaol is eventually to get down to 135, but I am hoping this weight loss helps my chances of getting preggo. It helps most women ovulate, but obviously that isn't the reason I have to use IVF to get preggo.
Anyway, to day is Sunday Sept 11. I go Friday (Sept 16) for my lining check and blood work. Getting super close to transfer day. I need everyone's prayers (if that's what you do). We really want this transfer to work. Nothing else exciting is happening at the moment. So until next time.....
Monday, August 22, 2016
It's That Time Again
Well, it's that time again. I start my Lupron shots tomorrow. I start the hormone patches (Vivelle dots) and Viagra on Saturday the 3rd of Sept. They wanted me to start baby aspirin Thursday Sept 1, but I am not allowed to take and aspirin or NSAIDs (Ibuprofen)....that's why I am going to take Viagra instead. The FET should be Sept 23.
Monday, June 27, 2016
Decision Made
We have decided what we will be doing with the one little boy we have on ice. We have decided to transfer the little guy into me and see what happens. Since we have a wedding to attend in Aug, we will miss the Aug transfer cycle, so we will transfer in Sept.
If I get preggo and miscarry, we know it is me. We will then decide if we want to pursue Colorado or not. They have a guaranteed live birth plan. For a set amount of money, they harvest 3 times and put the embryos in a gestational carrier. If we don't get a live birth, we get all our money back.
So thought and lots of prayers for a healthy baby boy some next June.....
If I get preggo and miscarry, we know it is me. We will then decide if we want to pursue Colorado or not. They have a guaranteed live birth plan. For a set amount of money, they harvest 3 times and put the embryos in a gestational carrier. If we don't get a live birth, we get all our money back.
So thought and lots of prayers for a healthy baby boy some next June.....
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
PGS Report
Well, the news is bad. Real bad. Out of the 10 embryos, 2 never made it past day one. 1 never made it past day 3. So they sent off 7 embryos to be tested. Of those 7 embryos, only 1 was genetically normal, and it was a male. So our little boy is on ice until we decide what we should do with him.
My RE suggested we go see Schoolcraft in Colorado. I think she feels she is out of ideas and options for us.
I haven't stopped crying since we got the results. I am so devastated. There is no way to tell if it is my egg or my DH's sperm that is the issue. We don't know if my cancer treatments from 24-30 fried my ovaries. We don't know if our age has something to do with it. I am 40 in Oct and my DH turned 45 in May. We just don't know.
So my we have a lot to discuss.
My RE suggested we go see Schoolcraft in Colorado. I think she feels she is out of ideas and options for us.
I haven't stopped crying since we got the results. I am so devastated. There is no way to tell if it is my egg or my DH's sperm that is the issue. We don't know if my cancer treatments from 24-30 fried my ovaries. We don't know if our age has something to do with it. I am 40 in Oct and my DH turned 45 in May. We just don't know.
So my we have a lot to discuss.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Embryos and Testing
Our CC got charged today for the amount it would cost for 8 embryos to be genetically tested. I emailed the clinic to see if I could find out how many were sent off and how many will be frozen. I was informed the IVF coordinator didn't have access to that information and my RE would call me tomorrow during lunch time. This does not give me much hope. Why couldn't she just tell me how many were sent off?? They were biopsied on day 3 post fertilization, so Sunday, and we will get the results of the testing on day 5, which is tomorrow. They will freeze the genetically normal ones. I suppose we have to wait until tomorrow to find out what has happened over the last 5 days.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Embryos
We got 10 mature eggs yesterday, so they thawed our original 4 eggs. All four survived the thaw but only 2 of the 4 fertilized. 8 of the 10 eggs from yesterday fertilized, so we have 10 embryos growing. Whichever ones make it to day 5 will be biopsied and sent off for PGS testing; then they will be frozen. Hopefully all 10 make it to day 5.
Once we get the genetic testing back, we will know who's uterus will be used; mine or the gestational carrier.
Once we get the genetic testing back, we will know who's uterus will be used; mine or the gestational carrier.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Successful Harvest
We got 10 eggs today with the harvest. We will know in the next couple of days how many were mature and if the eggs were frozen or fertilized. My DH has amazing partners at work and one came in on his week of vacation to cover him while he was with me for the harvest. That allowed us to have a fresh sample for fertilization, if it occurred today. Remember, we had to have at least 6 mature eggs today to thaw the 4 frozen eggs and fertilize them. If we didn't get 6, the eggs will be frozen and we will harvest again.
My right ovary isn't hurting anymore for the most part. Just surgical pain. I am having bleeding this time though. Not enough to soak a maze pad but enough to soak pantie liners and drip blood into the toilet. Not enough to be concerned about yet. Will just watch it.
I will post when we know about the eggs.
My right ovary isn't hurting anymore for the most part. Just surgical pain. I am having bleeding this time though. Not enough to soak a maze pad but enough to soak pantie liners and drip blood into the toilet. Not enough to be concerned about yet. Will just watch it.
I will post when we know about the eggs.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Harvest Time
Looks like we will be harvesting Thursday. I take my trigger shot tonight at 0030. Here are the results from today's labs.
Estrogen: 2336.9
Progesterone: 0.95
Here are the follicle results:
Estrogen: 2336.9
Progesterone: 0.95
Here are the follicle results:
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My harvest arrival time is 0945. Should be home by noon.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Today's Results
Went back today and got the results. Here they are:
RT: 16, 16, 15, 14, 12, 12
LT: 16, 16, 15, 14, 11
E2: 1480.6
Progesterone: 0.44
RT: 16, 16, 15, 14, 12, 12
LT: 16, 16, 15, 14, 11
E2: 1480.6
Progesterone: 0.44
Trying to get the DH to trade with someone or have someone cover for him for a few hours Thursday or Friday so he can come to the harvest and give a fresh sample. Fresh is always better than frozen. Since I am taking the Lupron, we may be able to put off the harvest until Sat, but we can't bank on it, so I'm trying to make arrangements in advance. I go back Tuesday for my nest set of labs and ultrasound. Remember, follicles have to be between 18mm-22mm to harvest, and my progesterone has to be under 2 or I will ovulate before they are ready to harvest.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Results From Friday
Looking at the ultrasound on Friday, it looked like I had 7 on the left and 7 on the right measuring 8mm-16mm. They have only posted in my flow sheet, and it's only showing 7 total. So here is what I have so far:
Right: 14, 12, 10
Left: 14, 12, 11, 10
Results of my blood work:
E2: 763.5
Progesterone: 0.38
So I continue my Follastim at 250 in the morning and 225 in the evening; along with Lupron 5 in the morning. I go back tomorrow (Sunday June 12) at 0845 for another set of labs and ultrasound to count follicles.
Usually they post lab results in the lab result section, but they haven't done that this time. They also haven't posted anything on the DH's sample he left last week to be frozen. Guess it's not important. So until tomorrow.....
Right: 14, 12, 10
Left: 14, 12, 11, 10
Results of my blood work:
E2: 763.5
Progesterone: 0.38
So I continue my Follastim at 250 in the morning and 225 in the evening; along with Lupron 5 in the morning. I go back tomorrow (Sunday June 12) at 0845 for another set of labs and ultrasound to count follicles.
Usually they post lab results in the lab result section, but they haven't done that this time. They also haven't posted anything on the DH's sample he left last week to be frozen. Guess it's not important. So until tomorrow.....
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
DH And A Sample
Since my DH has an odd work schedule for the next few weeks, and we are not sure when we will harvest, he went today to give a semen sample to be frozen...just incase he isn't avail when it's time to fertilize. Again: if we get 6 or more good eggs, we will thaw the 4 we already have and fertilize all of them; sending them off for PGS testing. If we get less than 6 good eggs, we will freeze those eggs and harvest one more time. It's strictly a numbers game at this point. We want the best possible chance to get healthy embryos.
Obviously fresh semen is better than frozen, but we have to make sure it's available if he is not. My next appointment is Friday at 0800. Next update then...
Obviously fresh semen is better than frozen, but we have to make sure it's available if he is not. My next appointment is Friday at 0800. Next update then...
Monday, June 6, 2016
I Didn't Screw Up!!
Here is the results from the follicular ultrasound. I will post the lab values later...
| 1 | 2 | Mean | ||
| L1 | 7 | 8 | 8 | mm |
| L2 | 9 | 6 | 7 | mm |
| L3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | mm |
| R1 | 5 | 6 | 5 | mm |
| R2 | 7 | 6 | 6 | mm |
5 is better than any of us was hoping for. I was so suppressed my RE didn't think I would have any follicles today at all. So we are off and running.
Here is the E2:
Here is the E2:
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I was 111 this time last harvest cycle.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
Results From Baseline Blood Work and Ultrasound
Left Ovary (Length mm)22.29
Left Ovary Volume (cc)5.14
Left Ovary Height (mm)25.06
Left Ovary Width (mm)17.59
Nothing on the right apparently..
Left Ovary Volume (cc)5.14
Left Ovary Height (mm)25.06
Left Ovary Width (mm)17.59
Nothing on the right apparently..
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I go tomorrow to see if I have any follicles. If I do then we continue with the Follastim shots and I didn't screw things up. Fingers crossed.......
I was correct on the Follastim dosage too. I was to be taking 250 and 225. Good thing I took the 250 that first morning or I would have been screwed. Can always lower the dose but can not up the dose once started. I kinda wonder if they even read the charts before they post instructions. Good thing I have done this before.......
I was correct on the Follastim dosage too. I was to be taking 250 and 225. Good thing I took the 250 that first morning or I would have been screwed. Can always lower the dose but can not up the dose once started. I kinda wonder if they even read the charts before they post instructions. Good thing I have done this before.......
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
GIANT SCREW UP
So: I may have f'd myself with this harvest cycle. For some reason I read my instructions incorrectly and I continued to take the BCP while on the Lupron shots. This is NOT supposed to happen. My baseline ultrasound was great...no cysts. Unfortunately my E2 is less than 20 and my Progesterone is less than 0.1. I am not sure if this is good or bad. My E2 last cycle was 30.8 and the Progesterone was .22. I also had to question the dosage of the Follastim again. They have me taking 200 BID. Last cycle it was 250 and 225.
I go back on Monday the 6th to see how things go. If there isn't at least one follicle, then we will cancel the cycle and start over.
We did decide that if we get less than 6 good oocytes (aka eggs) this harvest, we will not thaw the 4 we have. We will just freeze the new eggs and harvest again. If we get 6 or more good oocytes, we will thaw the 4 we have, fertilize them all, and move on with the PGS testing.....transferring the embryos as a fresh FET like before. Fingers crossed I didn't screw things up!
I go back on Monday the 6th to see how things go. If there isn't at least one follicle, then we will cancel the cycle and start over.
We did decide that if we get less than 6 good oocytes (aka eggs) this harvest, we will not thaw the 4 we have. We will just freeze the new eggs and harvest again. If we get 6 or more good oocytes, we will thaw the 4 we have, fertilize them all, and move on with the PGS testing.....transferring the embryos as a fresh FET like before. Fingers crossed I didn't screw things up!
Monday, May 9, 2016
Change of Plans
Well, after meeting with the RE today, there has been a change of plans. We have decided to stim and harvest again in the June cycle. The reason for this is to give us the best possible chance for multiple healthy embryos. Statistically, we would only get 1.8 genetically normal embryos out of 4. Of course, you can never apply statistics to an individual, so it really is a crap shoot. We could have 0-4 normal embryos out of the 4 eggs we currently have.
As it stands, we are leaning toward skipping transferring into me completely. Do we want to take the chance and transfer into me if we only have 1 or 2 healthy embryos?? No. It's not worth the risk when we have a proven uterus for our gestational carrier. A friend of ours has volunteered. She is am amazing person. She's even more wonderful to do this for us. Takes a special person to carry someone else's child.
So here is how it will work:
We will stimulated with the exact same protocol we did this time. Fortunately I have a 2 Follastim cartridges left, so I won't have to buy as many. We originally bought 10, but we only used 8; so we will only order 6 this time. That will help with finances.
We will harvest these eggs, and within a few days of the harvest, thaw the 4 eggs we have on ice. They will all be fertilized on the same day. On day 3, all the embryos will be biopsied and sent off for genetic testing. On day 5, all the healthy embryos will be frozen. We will then progress as we would have before. Frozen transfer in the future.
We are playing the numbers game at this stage. We have to do what we must to give us the best possible chance for a baby. The cost has just doubled, but when we have a baby, it will be worth it.
As it stands, we are leaning toward skipping transferring into me completely. Do we want to take the chance and transfer into me if we only have 1 or 2 healthy embryos?? No. It's not worth the risk when we have a proven uterus for our gestational carrier. A friend of ours has volunteered. She is am amazing person. She's even more wonderful to do this for us. Takes a special person to carry someone else's child.
So here is how it will work:
We will stimulated with the exact same protocol we did this time. Fortunately I have a 2 Follastim cartridges left, so I won't have to buy as many. We originally bought 10, but we only used 8; so we will only order 6 this time. That will help with finances.
We will harvest these eggs, and within a few days of the harvest, thaw the 4 eggs we have on ice. They will all be fertilized on the same day. On day 3, all the embryos will be biopsied and sent off for genetic testing. On day 5, all the healthy embryos will be frozen. We will then progress as we would have before. Frozen transfer in the future.
We are playing the numbers game at this stage. We have to do what we must to give us the best possible chance for a baby. The cost has just doubled, but when we have a baby, it will be worth it.
Sunday, May 8, 2016
FET
Well, we missed the June 22 cycle by 2 days. Aunt Flo came 9 days early, but that wasn't early enough. She needed to be 11 days early in order to make the June cycle. So we will be transferring in the July cycle.
We go Monday to discuss the gestational carrier options. We want to have all the information going into the FET. We have to go through the Dallas clinic, as they consider a gestational carrier in OK child trafficking. Stupid. OK is so backwards.
I am hoping not to harvest again, but if we don't get 4 healthy embryos out of these 4 eggs, we have to reconsider. If we don't get any healthy embryos, we may have to look into egg donation. At lease then Robb will still have a biological child.
We go Monday to discuss the gestational carrier options. We want to have all the information going into the FET. We have to go through the Dallas clinic, as they consider a gestational carrier in OK child trafficking. Stupid. OK is so backwards.
I am hoping not to harvest again, but if we don't get 4 healthy embryos out of these 4 eggs, we have to reconsider. If we don't get any healthy embryos, we may have to look into egg donation. At lease then Robb will still have a biological child.
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Egg Status
To say this has been a stressful few days is minimizing the situation. My MIL won't stay down and gets dizzy. My DH won't stay down and hurts worse. I am trying to wrangle both of them and so I over do it and hurt still today.
I did get some upsetting news on Monday. We were under the impression from what the RE said, we got 9 good eggs. Turns out we only got 4 and those 4 are now frozen. It was kind of a punch to the gut after everything else that happened over the weekend. It only takes one though.....
So we just wait until it is time to fertilize and transfer them.
I did get some upsetting news on Monday. We were under the impression from what the RE said, we got 9 good eggs. Turns out we only got 4 and those 4 are now frozen. It was kind of a punch to the gut after everything else that happened over the weekend. It only takes one though.....
So we just wait until it is time to fertilize and transfer them.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
The Harvest
This is the most interesting harvest anyone has been a part of. The harvest was yesterday, Sat April 23, 2016. Thursday, my DH decided he needed to have an unscheduled landing of our plane in the trees. Yes, he crashed our plane shortly after take off into a bunch of trees; the trees were the only place to land. He is ok, just has a bruised spinal cord which has caused his hands to be tingly, numb, and feel like they are burning. He got to come home from the hospital Friday afternoon. Oh, he has a broken nose and a scratch on his nose, and bruised ribs; as well as other scratches and bruises.
I was on the phone with the RE letting her know what was going on. We changed the plan to just freeze the eggs and fertilize them at a later date, when the DH is feeling better.
He woke up Sat morning and decided he wanted to try to give a sample, with my help if needed. So we get to the clinic early to see if we can make this happen. Keep in mind, he is on Narcotics for pain, a steroid dose pack for the swelling in his neck, and a drug that helps with nerve pain.
We arrive at the clinic and he refused his morning dose of pain med to make sure he wasn't too drugged. That ended up being a mistake later in the day.
Unfortunately, he wasn't able to pull it off (literally and figuratively). So we went ahead and just froze the eggs.
They ended up getting 9 mature eggs. We are still looking to do the frozen transfer (FET) June 22, so this is what will happen:
They will thaw the eggs 5 days before the FET. The DH will go into the clinic and leave the sample to fertilize them. On day 3 post fertilization , they will biopsy the fertilized embryos and sent the biopsy off for genetic testing. On day 5 post fertilization, the will take the best 2 embryos and transfer them into me, and freeze any remaining embryos.
Even though this is considered a FET, it is essentially a fresh transfer, because the embryos will have never been frozen. I think this is to our advantage also, because I won't be on all the stimulating drugs like with a true fresh transfer, yet the lining will be prepared like a frozen transfer. It's almost the best of both worlds.
I told me DH to stop trying to upstage Prince and Chyna's deaths....and that if he didn't want to have kids, he could have picked a better way to tell me than to crash the plane!! LOL
Anyway: this is where we are at this point. 9 mature eggs on ice. I don't know if she got more than 9 that weren't mature, I forgot to ask. I am in a lot of pain today. Yesterday wasn't so bad with all the IV narcotics on board when I left. I did over do it though. Trying to take care of the DH.
Oh, to top everything off, my MIL (who lives with us) had a heart attack from hearing her son crashed his plane. She got to come home from the hospital yesterday afternoon. It's been an interesting few days.
I was on the phone with the RE letting her know what was going on. We changed the plan to just freeze the eggs and fertilize them at a later date, when the DH is feeling better.
He woke up Sat morning and decided he wanted to try to give a sample, with my help if needed. So we get to the clinic early to see if we can make this happen. Keep in mind, he is on Narcotics for pain, a steroid dose pack for the swelling in his neck, and a drug that helps with nerve pain.
We arrive at the clinic and he refused his morning dose of pain med to make sure he wasn't too drugged. That ended up being a mistake later in the day.
Unfortunately, he wasn't able to pull it off (literally and figuratively). So we went ahead and just froze the eggs.
They ended up getting 9 mature eggs. We are still looking to do the frozen transfer (FET) June 22, so this is what will happen:
They will thaw the eggs 5 days before the FET. The DH will go into the clinic and leave the sample to fertilize them. On day 3 post fertilization , they will biopsy the fertilized embryos and sent the biopsy off for genetic testing. On day 5 post fertilization, the will take the best 2 embryos and transfer them into me, and freeze any remaining embryos.
Even though this is considered a FET, it is essentially a fresh transfer, because the embryos will have never been frozen. I think this is to our advantage also, because I won't be on all the stimulating drugs like with a true fresh transfer, yet the lining will be prepared like a frozen transfer. It's almost the best of both worlds.
I told me DH to stop trying to upstage Prince and Chyna's deaths....and that if he didn't want to have kids, he could have picked a better way to tell me than to crash the plane!! LOL
Anyway: this is where we are at this point. 9 mature eggs on ice. I don't know if she got more than 9 that weren't mature, I forgot to ask. I am in a lot of pain today. Yesterday wasn't so bad with all the IV narcotics on board when I left. I did over do it though. Trying to take care of the DH.
Oh, to top everything off, my MIL (who lives with us) had a heart attack from hearing her son crashed his plane. She got to come home from the hospital yesterday afternoon. It's been an interesting few days.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Day 12 Ultrasound and Blood Work
Went back this morning for another ultrasound and labs. Things are progressing smoothly. We will trigger tomorrow for a Saturday retrieval. I am glad it worked out this way, as my DH is only off tomorrow or this weekend. I am super busy on Friday, with a fundraiser fashion show for the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation too. So this is perfect. I would have rather not missed the show Friday, or have my DH leave a sample that had to be frozen. This way it can be fresh. Fresh is better than frozen in this case!
Here is what we have so far:
E2 - 3020.0
Progesterone - 1.14 (Just a little FYI: The body naturally ovulated when the progesterone levels get to 2.0)
Here is what we have so far:
E2 - 3020.0
Progesterone - 1.14 (Just a little FYI: The body naturally ovulated when the progesterone levels get to 2.0)
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They like them to be between 16 and 22, so by the time Saturday rolls around, these should be good. They dropped my Follastim to 200mg BID. The Lupron is still 5mg. I have one Dexamethasone pill left, which I will take in the morning. I will know tomorrow what time they will harvest Saturday.
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