8w6d Ultrasound

Well, we got to see baby again. And this time she/he was kicking and moving around. Very sweet. I have a new pic that I will upload soon. The doctor says he/she is measuring just right and he gave us a due date of August 5th (different than those internet gurus). Who cares, though. I will still consider myself 9 weeks today -- it sounds better! It was 7 weeks ago today that our little one was "conceived" so . . . there.

We are now officially ob patients! Our first ob appointment is the 18th of January. I called them this morning to try to find out how much things are going to cost -- the business office is not very helpful. We want to withhold from paychecks enough to cover medical costs so it is deducted before taxes. The evil business office said they would go over all of that information at our January appointment. They did give me the before insurance costs, but just for the doctor, not the hospital. Those (hospital) are the charges that really scare me! The doctor's fees aren't that bad, by comparison. It's a lot cheaper than surgery!

The countdown to the new job is on. I've been trying on clothes (my selection is still very sad -- I thought I was okay on work shirts, but I can tell my wardrobe is going to get very boring, very fast. Oh, no, I'll have to go shopping!) I've also been trying to get the house in order. I did watch "The Devil Wears Prada" this morning, though. Lots of fun. Maybe I shouldn't have watched that before I went through my closet? :)

Got to get to work.

Two by Two

I received some very exciting news today. I'm going to be a great aunt again, just a few weeks before I become a mommy! My eldest nephew and his wife are expecting (totally unexpectedly) and the edd is July 13, 2007. Apparently, she is about 9 weeks along, so about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks ahead of me.

Everybody seems to come in pairs around here -- BB and BL, JL and SC, MC and I, and of course, the twins. So, our little ones should be about two weeks apart, just like JL and SC. It's going to be a busy summer.

On a more personal note, tonight is my first shot free night since November 9th (and I only had one day off then). I don't have another shot of progesterone until Thursday. It's good, but also a little scary. I know my little bean (I mean raspberry) needs that stuff, and I want to make sure that he/she has enough.

Also, I'm in Houston for the next few days. I'm here to pick up Eddi-squat (my youngest nephew) and to visit my middle sister.

That's Not Supposed To Happen This Early in Pregnancy!

Okay, so according to WebMd, the lovely hemorrhoids that often accompany pregnancy aren't supposed to arrive until the end of pregnancy. Well, no such luck for me. Yesterday afternoon (after a morning of shopping), I come home, use the restroom and notice some bleeding (tmi -- read at your own risk). I was totally freaked out. I had no cramping or anything, but I was scared by the sheer volume of blood and an accompanying clot of blood. I called Scott and my doctor's office. Of course, the nurses were out for like another hour. I finally called back and the office paged a nurse. The nurse thought it was nothing, but told me to call back if there was anything else.

Well, throughout the evening, I notice slight bleeding, but nothing major, but I'm still very concerned. So, I called back this morning and they set up an appointment. The diagnosis: our little one is fine and the bleeding is caused by hemorrhoids! I was relieved. Scott says this was all an excuse to get to see the baby again. Btw, the little one had grown significantly since Monday. There was much less empty space left in my uterus. It's gonna have to start stretching soon! I've never had to use suppositories before (that's what the doctor prescribed) but after everything else we've done, those are a piece of cake (well compared to shooting up multiple times each day!).

I'm just so thankful that our little bean is still alright.

Oh, I showed niece K the ultrasound pics and she wanted to know where the baby pancakes were? (that's what she called the embryos) When asking what she thought we should name the baby, the answer was Scott -- boy or girl. :)

I Have Pictures!

Our ultrasound was scheduled for 10:45. We were actually early. Anyway, it was well after 11:00 before we were called back (people who arrived after us, who are patients of the same doctor, were called back first . . . grrr). But, the doctor came in before we were even ready and then we promptly started the scan. I couldn't see anything at first and then he said it was "one." Yeah! He went on to say that everything measure normal for 6w5d. I go in for a follow-up on the 27th -- since two weeks from today would be Christmas day. We were so relieved and thankful to see the little bean and its heartbeat.

Afterwards, we went to our typical celebration place, Hideaway Pizza. It was very yummy. Then I came back south and did a little shopping.

Now dh is hyped up for the arrival of his new tv tomorrow.

Update

First, I was able to purchase a Wii! It was a crazy, yet memorable experience. Let's just say, I waited a long time in line, and then a screw up at Walmart almost cost me the chance to buy one. If I had not gotten one, I would have thrown a huge fit and Walmart corporate would have been hearing me. I even had to tell an old lady off (she tried to cut in front of me!). Don't mess with a determined pregnant lady!

I had a good visit in SE Oklahoma. Did some shopping and some food prep for the annual Christmas party that we always do. It was fun.

I was very glad to get home though, too. We had two birthday parties to attend on Saturday and today, Sunday, was also a very long day. We just got in from my shot and it's almost 10:00. I'm exhausted.

Can't wait for tomorrow. Still a little scared, but I hope that everything is alright. Hopefully, we have good pics to post tomorrow!

Out of town and in search of a Wii

Hello from down south! I'm visiting mom . . . and Quinna . . . and other people I haven't seen in a while. I'm also trying to help Quinn get ready for a catering job this weekend. I helped mom with her tree yesterday, then went to Sam's today. I also met with a prospective catering client today. It was a bad experience. They were way too cheapo (but driving a hummer). I later emailed them and said it was not feasible for us to work with them. Sometimes dealing with people is no fun!

Tomorrow mom and I have a big day. We're going to try to buy a Wii for Scott. He really wants one and the Atoka Walmart is supposed to start selling them at 8:00 tomorrow morning. So, we're planning to get up at 4:30 to go wait in line. Hopefully we'll be early enough. We thought about leaving at 3:00, but that's just too early.

Mom has been helping me to give myself my progesterone shots. We had a nurse lined up, but we got in so late Monday night (after a concert at SOSU) that I had to give it. It wasn't bad. I stick the needle in and she pushes in the plunger (that's the hard part for me). A little bleeding tonight, but nothing major. It's been quite an experience.

Wish us luck tomorrow!

Still Alive

I've had several people tell me that they've checked my new blog but that there's nothing new. Well, I've been savoring our news and I've been busy relaxing! I've also been busy -- decorating for Christmas, planning, etc. I know, all very lame excuses.

Really, there's not a lot to tell, except that I seem to be blossoming. Maybe I'm just paranoid and not wanting clothes to touch my stomach.

I went in for my second beta on Monday and my hcg levels were ahead of schedule. They were 576 (and should have been 574 on Tuesday). My next appointment is scheduled for Dec. 11th at 10:30 for an ultrasound. At this appointment we will be making sure that the embryo implanted in the correct place and if so, how many embryos are there. Hopefully, all goes well. I'm a little nervous, but am trying to just have faith.

Happy Thanksgiving

And do we have something to be thankful for. Actually, we have a lot to be thankful for -- Scott has a new job, I have a new job, and we got a BFP (big fat positive) this morning.

It was a long drawn out process. We were at the clinic by 8:00 and done by 8:15. They told us it would take an hour for results. It took more like 2 hours and 45 minutes. I couldn't tell anything from the nurse's tone. She asked if I was okay and if dh was with me. He wasn't (we were at his office and he'd gone to the restroom). So, I knew, then my mom (who was waiting with me), then dh. Mom wanted to start calling people immediately, but I wouldn't let her until I told dh. Then we started calling everybody (no way to keep it a secret when you conceive this way!).

Anyway, it's rather surreal. We went out for lunch to celebrate. Now mom is helping me get ready for our dinner party this evening. So it has yet to really sink in. Hopefully everything goes smoothly. I go back to the doctor on Monday morning.

We are so thankful. God is good.

8dp3dt

Struggling -- that's the word for today, and last night. Alternating between hope and despair. What fun! DH is not at all optimistic. I'm trying to be prepared for the worst, while hoping for a miracle.

The minor to moderate cramps continue. I've had slight, fleeting headaches. But there is a notable absence of bosom related pain. Earlier in the week, they were very sore. Now, not really. My booty is very, very sore. The left side is the worst.

So, I'm trying to keep myself distracted with light duty cleaning (dusting and laundry), reading (but I finished my book), and watching chick flicks (My Big Fat Greek Wedding followed by Sense and Sensibility).

6dp3dt

I was too busy to even post yesterday! (Actually, I probably did have time but I was really, really tired.) I had to go in for day 8 bloodwork to test my progesterone. I thought I'd gotten away with a good number because the clinic didn't call for like 2 hours, but no way, I had to increase my shot. Yucko!

After going to the clinic, I had lunch with dh and then went to the school to finish up grades for progress reports. I will have to go in next week to make sure everything is ready for the subs and do some final grading (and get my desk chair!).

Then, I came home and crashed because I was exhausted. I tried to sleep but could not.

After that, I went to get my shot and then headed to mil's for her and bil's birthday party. Came home and read because dh was out playing pool with his friend who is getting married today.

So, we have a wedding and lots of football scheduled for today. We still have to find a present but I think we have something in mind. Should be an interesting day! :)

4dp3dt

Today was a long day. Dh is making me rest. I just finished making some icing for a cake we're having for dinner. Actually two different icings.

This was my last day "in class." I will be making appearances at school, but not teaching class. I will be behind the scenes, making the lesson plans, grading papers, etc. I made it through most of the assignments from my absence today. One of my subs failed to give a test!!!! I even told him where it would be. Oh, well. Too late now! My boss has been very understanding and I am so thankful. He asked me if I'd lost weight today! No, just not so swollen!!!

I've had some stomach twinges, a tiny bit of nausea, and a small headache. Who knows. Tomorrow I go in for a progesterone level check. Days are going by pretty quickly.

3dp3dt

Good day! Well another day of bedrest is almost done. Thank goodness! Today actually went by pretty quickly, but we both miss mom. She needs to come back soon. The "no housework" clause is really tough. Dh is currently concocting a cake for dinner tomorrow night. We're having guests and dh is making burgers, too.

I didn't feel really great today. Hopefully it was implantation pain. Otherwise, my discomfort must have been from the surgery and the progesterone. My bo bo really really hurts at this point, even though my shot giver is really good.

Tomorrow it's back to school for my last sort of "real" day there. It's a practice test day (for state tests) so I really only have one class, I think. I have a ton of grading to take care of, but I plan to plow through it. I hope I feel up to the challenge, although I would gladly welcome implantation cramps!! Wish me luck.

2dp3dt

Bedrest, bedrest, bedrest. I'm tired of the couch!

MIL, SIL, and nieces and nephews came today -- it was fun. Niece K called our embryo pics "pancakes."

My principal says they've interviewed six candidates for my position. He said it would be okay for Thursday to be my last day. However, I may have to go in later to do grading. I guess we'll see.

Mom just left. :( She had to leave before "we started rolling our eyes at her." Actually she was worried about an incoming cold front hurting some of her plants. We will definitely miss her.

1dp3dt

Okay, just some explanation on the terminology. Today I am at one day past a three day transfer, hence the 1dp3dt.

Today was just bedrest and lots of tv. Bedrest is getting old but I'm staying down as long as I can.

"Pregnant Until Proven Otherwise"

That's what my doctor said this morning when he finished the transfer. He was very tired (must have been up early/late delivering babies). But apparently the deed was done and I'm now "carrying":

one "perfect" 8 cell embryo (day 3 in development)
one "slightly fragmented" 4 cell embryo (day 2 in development)

We have a picture that I may try to post later.

I'm now resting obediently on the couch and will be most of the week. I'm very happy to have made it to this stage. Late last week we were afraid we'd end up with nothing to transfer. Now we've been blessed with two -- hopefully the two we're supposed to have. We're very thankful.

Joy Comes in the Morning

I was so worried last night -- worried that our embryos would not survive the night. I don't think that either of us slept very well. But this morning we still have two. We have the original one that fertilized normally as well as the one that was fertilized yesterday. They still have a long way to go and we know that something could still happen, but they made it through the night.

The first one is now a "perfect" four-cell.
The other one is a one-cell (which is what it should be a day after fertilization).

Transfer is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday morning.

So, we're living for today, thankful that for now we have two little embies. Please pray that they divide/keep dividing and that one or both stick around for a long while!

Not What We Were Hoping For . . . But

Here's the fertilization report:

1 was empty (shaped like a donut)
1 was fractured (due to the suction at retrieval)
1 didn't survive ICSI
1 was immature upon retrieval, but mature today -- ICSI'd today
2 were ICSI'd but don't appear to have done anything
1 fertilized normally

Those last 4 will be watched until tomorrow -- tomorrow a decision will be made about transfer. It looks like they may want to transfer on Sunday for fear of losing all of them.

Certainly not what I wanted to hear. But we only really want one -- so maybe God is making our transfer decision easier. Please pray they divide!

7 is Dh's favorite number

It took two tries to get in my iv. The first one in the top of my left hand really hurt and then the vein blew out. The second in my right arm barely hurt and it worked!

Then it was into the OR -- I really don't remember anything but laying down and putting my legs up -- I was already sleepy then. It took about 40 minutes instead of 30, but I woke up fairly quickly. The first thing I asked was "how many?"

The answer: 7.

I was shocked and upset. But then some perspective -- the person after me only got 4. The nurses said they hope for 5 or more. Apparently my giant follicle may have been a nice cyst!

I had major cramps afterwards -- they gave me some meds and I took tylenol at home. Now, I feel pretty good, just a little sore and somewhat tired. Mom and I have napped several times (she doesn't seem to be feeling very well either).

Now we are just waiting for the fertilization report from the embryologist tomorrow. Please pray for good news.

Time to Retrieve

Well, retrieval is scheduled for 7 a.m. on Thursday morning. We have to be there at 6:30 -- what a lovely early morning we will have! Will update afterwards -- we should be home around 10 a.m.

Trials with the Trigger Shot

Well, we got to trigger on Tuesday night. I mean I got to. I had planned for Aunt Donna to, but we ended up with tickets to the Hornets game. So, I got to give myself a shot in the upper right quadrant of my bum in the bathroom at the Ford Center! I used the diaper changing table for mixing. I got so scared I was literally shaking. DH got worried about me and sent someone to check on me. I did have to call the nurse to help me through it. I only hope I did it right!

Day 10 Update

Another day, another ultrasound and more bloodwork. But, the good nurse was there today so the blood draw didn't hurt.

Well, my largest follicle is over 22 mm -- the others are between 14 and 16 mm each (there are some smaller ones). The decision was made for me to wait another day for trigger. So, I go back tomorrow for more bloodwork and another ultrasound. Hopefully everything is ready then and we can move on to trigger. Who knows though. I guess we'll see. Right now, retrieval is tentatively scheduled for Thursday. Transfer would then be Monday.

Tonight I'm tired . . . very tired. Taking a bath exhausted me. I'm trying to work up the energy to iron. :) You all know that's my favorite thing!

Day 9 Update

We have an overachieving follicle! This morning the nurse found one follicle that is already 18mm. The rest are around 14 to 16 mm. So, I go back in tomorrow morning for another ultrasound and more bloodwork. Hopefully then we'll find out the dates for trigger and retrieval. Most likely retrieval will be Wednesday or Thursday -- that way the smaller follicles have a chance to catch up.

Will update tomorrow.

Day 7 Update

Well, everything went fine at my Day 7 appointment. My lining looked good. My 12 measurable follicles were between 10 and 12 mm each. There are smaller ones, but who knows if they will catch up. They are nice and round and similar in size, which is what the clinic likes to see. My estradiol was 328 which is more than double Wednesday's number (it should double every 2 days). Yesterday's nurse thinks retrieval will probably be Friday instead of Wednesday. This is most likely thanks to the aygestin -- which more completely shuts down your system. Apparently, it is taking my body a while to reboot.

We go back on Sunday for another check-up. And dh gets to go with me! I hope to hear that we're a go for Wednesday, but whatever. Only a few more days of these little shots and then the big ones begin (the progesterone that is daily and the one time hcg "trigger" shot).

I've been composing an apology email all morning to the director of the Oklahoma History Museum (the guy who offered me the first job that I accepted and then turned back?). He was not super nice yesterday when I talked to him and it bothered me all day, all night, today . . . Hopefully this message will help me resolve my "guilt." I feel like I had no choice, but apparently he thought I should work more days for less pay. Whatever! I go from being angry at him for being ungentlemanly to being upset with myself. Oh the joys of being overanalytical. Thanks mom and dad. :)

Historic Preservation Specialist

That's my new title!!!!! I was looking to get the call tomorrow morning. In fact, I expected the phone to ring during my ultrasound. But they called today. I am soooo excited. I am sitting beside dh right now begging him to take me to dinner to celebrate. I had thought the job was going to be a slight pay raise, but after dh crunched the numbers, it's actually a slight decrease. But, I don't care!! And I get to pick my start date.

As for ivf, I screwed up my shot this morning, but hopefully everything will even out and we'll get good news tomorrow.

Updates

Well, today was my day 5 ultrasound. Everything was just "fine." We had at least 12 follicles (the sack that contains the egg) between 6 and 7 mm. There were additional smaller follicles that may or may not catch up. My estradiol level was 128. I will continue with 150 iu of Menopur and 10 mls of Lupron tonight. I will finish off my follistim pen tomorrow and then up my Menopur to 225 iu. Then, I will go back on Friday for more bloodwork and another ultrasound. The ultrasound isn't horrible, but it takes a while to find and measure all the follicles -- which can get a little uncomfortable.

In other news, I officially "gave notice" today. My boss wants me to stay on until the 21st unless he finds someone soon. I hope he finds someone, because I want my last day to be no later than 2 weeks from today. Oh, and I finally got my state "pay raise" that you are hearing so much in the news about these days. We were to get it in September, then October, now in November we finally get it. Great thing is that I will have to give it back because I will not finish the year. Perfect timing! Mr. W (my boss) did take the news better than I expected. However, I didn't tell him I was starting a new job in December. I just said we decided teaching was too stressful during this process.

Time for my shots!

I Still Think God Has A Funny Sense of Humor

Okay, so we survived last week and last weekend. We were exhausted Sunday night and Monday. What a great way for dh to start his new job!

But, the wedding was pretty and everything worked out fine.

On Monday, I received a job offer from the Oklahoma History Museum to work as a historical interpreter. Yeah. The timing couldn't have been better. I'd had a rotten morning (7C then 10C back to back). I had a killer headache that lasted all day. I had decided before the call came in that I was quitting or taking a leave of absence or something. I was not going to let school stress interfere with this process. And then, the director of the museum called. The pay is less, but so is the stress! No discipline, no grading, just research and presentation.

But, I am still waiting to hear from the other job at the SHPO. I spoke to them today and they should let me know on Friday. They do consider me a "serious candidate." So, I guess if they offer me a job, I will let the other job know I changed my mind. Now the fun task of telling my current boss that I'm leaving. I tried to do that today, but he left early. I still plan to count today as my two week's notice, because I tried to give it. I was afraid of how he would respond to an email. So as soon as I pick up my paycheck tomorrow, I'm giving notice. I hate doing that. I'm seriously concerned that they will try to not pay me all that they owe me. I don't want that to be a problem, but I've worked almost 1/3 of the school year, so I deserve the pay for that. It should be lots of fun.

I've never faced a situation where there was the possibility of me being offered two jobs -- I am thankful, but . . . I hate making decisions!

Oh, I go in for ultrasound and bloodwork tomorrow. I hope and pray that all is as it should be -- no more and no less!

Sometimes God Has A Strange Sense of Humor

Okay, yesterday was a stressful day, very stressful.

I went in for the ultrasound and I could quickly tell by the nurse's facial expression that the cyst was still there. In fact, she said it looked unchanged in size. I was devastated, even though I wasn't surprised. I had been praying and praying it was gone, but it wasn't. I barely made it to the car before I started crying. I went to pick up dh (like 2 hours early) because I just needed to go home. While waiting in the car, I managed to compose myself somewhat. We didn't even discuss it until right before we got home. Then he said "it's only one more week." That set me off (poor dh). I didn't want to hear that! Thank heavens for a good book. I just crashed and read for a while, waiting to hear the final results from the clinic. They were to call within an hour; after two hours I called them. (they claim to have left a message on my cell, but there is no message) Apparently my e2 levels are fine, so we get to proceed. We went through all that grief about waiting another week, and then everything was alright.

So, I received what I was really praying for, but not exactly how I was expecting it. It was like a huge weight lifted on me.

Then I went to work on Mill's cake. It's all iced and the fondant is ready to go on it. I had to stop to play a little Lego Star Wars II. Shooting startroopers is very destressing these days!

Today is my first job interview, for the interpreter position. Wish me luck!

Still Worried

Well, I go in at 2:00 today for repeat bloodwork and another ultrasound. Hopefully, the cyst is gone, my E2 is in the correct range, and we can proceed. Please pray that everything is alright!

Just a week

Well, the verdict is in -- my hormone levels should be low, and they are really high instead (I'm not sure if it's estrogen or E2 that is high). So, I've started the aygestin. I go back next Wednesday and the nurse said that if all is well, I should probably start stims at the end of next week.

The delay has been a little more depressing today, but I guess I'll get over it. I'm too busy to ponder it in the coming days.

Delay

Today was a crazy day. I had to finish up quarterly grades and get to my appointment by 2:30. At 1:50, I walk out the door. I get to the car, load all my stuff, and go to start the motor. It starts and then dies. It starts then dies. I repeat this process for a while and then start to freak out. I call Scott, no answer. Great, what to do? I end up calling my mil. She comes to get me, but the whole process takes a while. It was almost 4:00 when we made it to the fertility clinic.

And guess what they found during the ultrasound? A 30 mm cyst on my right ovary. So, they will call tomorrow to let us know my estrogen levels. If it is too high, I will go on aygestin to kill off my "friend" as the nurse called it. Supposedly it causes a whopping period. Oh, well.

Ultimately, we'll probably be delayed a week. With all my car issues today, a one week delay didn't sound that terrible. You just take what you get and we had no control over this. There's still some hope that we won't be delayed, but I don't want to take any chances. Actually, this may work out. That way I will be less uncomfortable for job interviews and wedding.

Will update tomorrow.

Worried

Well, I am a very good worrier. Actually, I'm an overachiever at worrying, as in other things. (Daddy always said if you're gonna do something, do it well!)

Anyway, I'm worried because it is cycle day 31 and still no period. I was really freaked out yesterday and this morning. I was trying to read up on the subject because I know some people have to postpone their cycles for things such as this. So, today I call the nurse. I couldn't call until noon because you can't get through until 8:00 and I have a class then. Of course they don't answer when I call during lunch, but they return my call promptly. Nurse Nancy assures me that all is fine, that we're not waiting on a period to proceed. So, I guess everything depends on the results from Wednesday (from the ultrasound and bloodwork).

I'm really worried about cysts too. I had a big one last month and I had one in May and who knows before that. Hopefully the birth control pills and the lupron killed them off.

Please pray for no cysts and that everything else is as it should be. I really don't mind missing a period! :)

Miscellaneous

Well, dh gave his two week's notice today. He gets to pick his start date. It's a bit up in the air because it's the same week we'll do retrieval and transfer. However, Chesapeake is willing to be flexible and let him miss when he needs to for those procedures.

For me, I finally heard from the HIstorical Society today. I called this morning and they said the letters were ready to go. When I got home, mine was in the mail. It said to call to schedule an interview, so I did -- I called immediately. I don't think they were quite prepared for that, which worries me, but it didn't say not to call. I couldn't help it, I'm excited. So, my interview is scheduled for 3:30 on Friday, October 27th. Yeah, the 27th -- right in the middle of everything. Cycling for IVF, decorating a wedding cake, and now a job interview. What to wear? Who knows what size I will be by then. I'm so excited. (did I say that already?)

Something Sweet

Yesterday, after dh cut his hair, we went by the in-laws to show it off. While we were there, my niece Kaylee was eating skittles and decided to share. Then she said the following: "When you have a little Scott at home, you can feed him skittles." Surprising and sweet! Out of the mouths of babes . . .

Job Update

Okay, I'm going to blame it on the meds, but I really want to curse the wonderful energy company from whom dh recently received a job offer. Dh was so excited last night -- I think he had definitely made the decision. Then today, the bomb dropped. Their "unwritten" policy is that hair must be above the collar -- just what I was afraid of. So this changes everything. Don't know what he's going to do.

Happy Birthday to Me!

My 28th birthday is on Wednesday. Somehow my birthday has certainly taken back burner, at least in my mind -- so much that I even had a really hard time deciding what to do on that day and what I wanted. I can't have the whole day off because someone beat me to it, but I am going to be able to leave at lunch and only miss one class. It should be nice.

Dh made the decision about what to do on Wednesday easier for me too -- I wanted to eat lunch at Hideaway but I also wanted dessert from Cheesecake Factory. I hated to do both on Wednesday. So tonight, after he took me to the Apple Store to buy me a Nano, we went and picked up dessert! Yummy. Haven't had it yet. I'm saving it for after my shots.

Just wanted to share how lucky I am -- he's very supportive. Those who know me know that I can be very decisive for them but chronically indecisive when it comes to my own decisions! He helped me get the nano set up and now I can enjoy my Chicks anytime. I'm really looking forward to having this for exercising and for those long periods of immobility that are in my near future. Thanks, sweetie! :x

Have a good evening!

Shooting Up

Okay, let me try this again (you forget how slow and unreliable dial-up connections are when you are spoiled to high speed). I blogged earlier, but the stupid thing crashed before I could post.

Anyway, today if Friday, the 6th of October. An auspicious day for me to begin my lovely Lupron injections. I take .1mL every night at 8:00. I tried to time it exactly (if you can trust the clocks at Mom's house). It really wasn't that bad. The only weird part was actually pushing the needle all the way in. It didn't really hurt, it was just strange. I may have to try the jabbing motion that dh suggested after all. The only effects so far are a lot of little pink dots on my tummy.

In job related news, dh heard from C Energy. They offered him the same salary, plus some stock, and a guaranteed raise next year (in addition to semi-annual evaluations that can lead to raises). Sounds okay, right? Oh, but there was one tiny catch -- he has to cut his hair -- short. We are still waiting to hear what "short" means to C Energy. I was stunned and even appalled by that stipulation. I think that is a ridiculous requirement for a SOFTWARE ENGINEER who works in the background. I told him to tell them to take their offer and shove it! He is waiting for more info.

For me, I called the hr department at the Oklahoma Historical Society this afternoon. They just requested the roster of applicants today! They should recieve it early next week and will go from there. I just hope I didn't sound like a blubbering idiot on the phone -- it's been an eventful day with acupuncture, news from Chesapeake, and dread of "the shot."

Speaking of acupuncture, I think I'm going to love this Friday appointment. It gets me out of my 2nd hour class which means I only teach 3 hours! Very nice.

Well, that's it for today. We're off to big D tomorrow for some girly fun.

Acupuncture Take One

Okay, so I thought acupuncture was supposed to be relaxing. Relatively painless needles, right? Jenn from pincushionprincessdiaries.com warned me about electrodes being attached to needles, but I was still unprepared for the experience.

Dr. W inserted 8 needles. 2 around my ankles, 2 in my calves, 2 unknown, and 2 in the small of my back. It was to my back that the electrodes were added. The needle insertion in my back hurt, and then to add electricity . . . ouch. I was like, I have to put up with this for 10 minutes? I tried to think about other things, but the little sparks in my back kept drawing my attention back to the pain. Needless to say, the time passed rather slowly. However, at the end of it, I would have to say I was actually relaxed. Who'd have thought. I just hope I don't have the electrodes attached each session.

I go back Wednesday and then again Friday. I'm looking forward to it?

"News" from a different front

Well, DH was supposed to hear something from Chesapeake at 3:30 this afternoon (about a job offer). They called, to say they weren't ready to make the offer yet. It will be another 1 to 2 weeks. Grr. They did tell him that they have him down for a tentative start date of November 1st. I told him he was already busy that day -- it's quite likely our retrieval date and his presence and presents will be necessary!

As for me, the job listing at the State Historic Preservation Office closed Wednesday. I finished first of six applicants. I know that doesn't really mean anything, but I'm still excited. It certainly is my "dream" job, I think. At least it's the one I'm trained for. Today was PT conferences at school. It was so nice and quiet there, without the kids!

We're now a week away from starting the Lupron shots. Can't wait!

Tomorrow, we have Mill's shower in Dallas. Should be fun.

On a lighter note . . .

Okay, so a little diversion from IVF -- you need to check out Weird Al Yankovic's "White and Nerdy." Scott found it for us at aol.com (under music videos). It's hilarious -- well, in a nerdy way. :)

Our Meds are Here!

We are very anxious to actually be doing IVF. I mean, I guess we've actually started the long process, but we don't seem to be doing much. Taking antibiotics 2X/day and bcps doesn't seem like much!

It became more real today when our big box o' meds arrived from Fed Ex. We had to stay home just to await its arrival, but thankfully it came early rather than later in the delivery window.

It's a bit overwhelming. There are sooo many needles. There seem to be duplicates for some items, but I guess we will see.

Here's my protocol, btw:

Day 3 (9/18): start bcp (birth control pills to suppress natural ovulation)
Day 21 (10/6): start lupron 0.1ml per day (it basically throws you into early menopause to suppress your normal hormone production)
(10/18): suppression check (to make sure that your ovaries and pituitary gland are adequately suppressed)
Day 2 (10/23): Start stims (follistim and menopur)
Day 9-11 (10/30 - 11/1): HCG trigger

Oh, I'm also doing acupuncture. I start going 3 days/week on October 2nd. Apparently, success rates using acupuncture are significantly higher. Acupuncture patients seem to produce more, higher quality eggs. It helps stimulate blood flow to those important areas. Usually, you also have a treatment right after the eggs are transferred.

Insurance Sucks!

Unfortunately, we live in Oklahoma, where infertility coverage is not mandated. Further, I work for the state, who has crappy insurance! Trying to get information out of them is nearly impossible. I sent a letter asking them to verify coverage for procedures, etc., related to IVF. It took five weeks for a negative response. They refuse to pay for anything, including meds. (Of course, at that point, they'd already paid for our meds, thankfully. I just hope that they can't come back and try to make us pay later.) They will not pay for any office visits, ultrasounds, blood draws -- zippo. I think that is ridiculous. I still plan to appeal, because technically IVF is a very small part of the overall process. It's the actual transfer, fertilization, and transfer. They should pay for blood draws, etc., at the least! We are using the one-cycle plus through ARC (Advanced Reproductive Care), so I will have to file claims myself, but I still intend to. Someone from the insurance company will be getting an earful on Monday morning as well.

ARC allows you to do a package deal -- you get all the office visits, ultrasounds, blood draws, etc. for a fresh cycle of IVF. It also pays for one frozen embryo transfer cycle if the fresh cycle does not work. That alone saves you like 4000.00. But, not every fresh cycles results in embryos that can be frozen. Still the one-cycle plus was cheaper than just paying for a fresh cycle directly from Dr. K and Bennett Fertility Institute.

3 cycle or 1 cycle?

One of the hardest decisions to make about IVF was how in the heck to pay for it. We could pay out of pocket, but didn't want to drain ourselves. Also, do you pay as you go, or try to do one of the package deals with refund? I spent days researching, and then we were forced to make a decision. Ultimately, we decided to use our local instead of taking advantage of the cheaper/lower success rate clinic in Dallas. It's scary to think about spending so much with no guarantees, but we didn't really want to commute that far, that many times. So, we're gambling and praying that it works out.

Our TTC Journey

We started ttc in May 2005. It's been about 17 months, but it seems much longer than that. We never expected to have any problems, but we were so mistaken. I had regular cycles and had never experienced any "female" problems, so it should be easy, right?

We tried for 3 months with no luck. I was due for an annual. They didn't think anything of it. They said to try until January. (I already suspected problems). We wait until January and then schedule another consult with the OB. (by this time, I am experiencing a lot of pelvic/abdominal pain). My OB shrugs off the pain (I had been diagnosed with IBS) and sends us for bloodwork, an s/a for dh, and an HSG for me. My hsg is all clear, my only issue seemed to be slightly elevated prolactin. But then the bad news . . . low motility and some other issues with the s/a. We were going to have to go to a urologist. It seemed to take forever just to get the referral from dh's primary doctor. But finally he gets in in February. The urologist wants another s/a. Then, the diagnosis: a varicocele.

I had no idea what a varicocele was. That is when I first discovered the wonderful world of Babycenter and the helpful boards it has. It seemed the consensus was to have it surgically repaired, although we knew that that would not necessarily fix the problem. Dh seemed hesitant, but after one morning where I couldn't stop crying at church, he gave in. He had the surgery in April 2006.

Meanwhile, despite taking parlodel for 3 months, my prolactin was still elevated. My OB ordered a CT scan to check for pituitary tumors. I showed up for the CT; the radiologist said I needed an MRI, not a CT. Of course, they had no time for an MRI that day. This mix-up convinced us that it was time to change doctors.

On to the RE . . . He didn't think either an MRI or CT was necessary. He thought the problem was all with my dh and that our only solution would be IVF/ICSI. We weren't quite ready to hear that -- this was like 2 weeks post-op for dh. But he also recommended something else, a lap to investigate my pelvic pain.

So, the day after school was out, I had the lap. Finding: stage 1 endometriosis. Thankfully it wasn't any worse, but its discovery certainly helps to explain some things.

In July, dh had the 3 month post-op s/a. The results were not good -- everything was fine but the most important -- 4% morphology. Our only solution was IVF. The urologist said to try for 3 more months then move on to IVF. So, for once, the RE and the urologist agreed.

So, we followed their advice, well, practically. It hasn't been quite 3 months, but things seem to have fallen in place and we're ready to move on.

Our "History"

Dh and I have been married just over 2 years. We met in May 2003 -- well, we sort of met. We met online. I was recently divorced. Dh had been divorced for 1.5 years. We both left our first marriages knowing that we wanted to be married and to have children. I actually contacted him first. Anyway, we started chatting, then talking on the phone, and the rest is dreamlike -- I finished my M.A. and moved to OKC to be near him. We married in July 2004. Then we started on our first "project" together, building a house. I love houses and although it was oftentimes stressful, we enjoyed it. A month after we moved in, we decided it was time to start ttc (trying to conceive).

Getting Started

Good morning. For the last like 6 months, I have been checking out multiple blogs, looking for inspiration and trying to identify with others going through similar experiences. I have been inspired -- I have realized I am not CRAZY and too OBSESSED (which my dh -- dear husband-- thinks I am). So, as I approach the IVF/ICSI process, I thought I would start my own blog, to share this experience with my family, my babycenter ttc sisters, and anyone else who might happen along this way.