While I was at work last night, I got the call saying that my second beta was at 1200. Hearing that, I was reeeeeeally excited. But then the nurse said that my progesterone was "lower than we would like it" and that I should up my PIO dosage to 1.5 everyday. I can't remember the number she assigned to my progesterone level (a blessing in disguise?) so I can't google the crap out of it, but I am not excited at hearing that news. Ugh, I just want everything to work out!
Update: Called and found out my Progesterone was at 13. Isn't that really low? The nurse said that anything above a 10 can sustain a pregnancy, but 13 just seems really close to 10. Hoping the extra dosage helps things along. Eek!!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
FET: 2 Week Wait "Symptoms"
Here are my symptoms as they stand now:
Day of transfer - weird buzzy, anxious feeling all day. Stomach aches. (maybe from PIO and Prog supp? Too much progesterone? Or maybe just nerves from having so many people up in my junk earlier in the day.)
1DP5DT - nothing
2DP5DT - nothing
3DP5DT - Acupuncture. Period-like cramp lasts for a few minutes while walking down my street.
4DP5DT - nothing
5DP5DT - have a pregnancy dream. This is not a real sign for me, though because it's happened before.
6DP5DT - awful period cramps. Last for a looooong time. Pretty sure it's period time.
7DP5DT - wake up feeling nothing AGAIN. No boob stuff, no cramps. Never got the implantation bleeding or whatever. Decide to test. POSITIVE on internet cheapie test. Take a digital: Pregnant. Decide to wait for the beta before jumping for joy. I've waited way too long for this to get my hopes up prematurely.
8DP5DT - nothing.
9DP5DT - bloodwork and pregnancy test. BETA is 543! Cramping/twinges in my chest and lower back. A weird prickle-y sensation. While commuting into the city, I also felt winded very easily.
10DP5DT - Just walked a mile and felt out of breath way too easily. However, on a normal day, I would just chalk this up to not exercising enough.
SOOOO...as frustrating as it is, if my pregnancy test did not say "positive", I would honestly not think this was the month. Being pregnant does not feel all that different...at least not yet!
Day of transfer - weird buzzy, anxious feeling all day. Stomach aches. (maybe from PIO and Prog supp? Too much progesterone? Or maybe just nerves from having so many people up in my junk earlier in the day.)
1DP5DT - nothing
2DP5DT - nothing
3DP5DT - Acupuncture. Period-like cramp lasts for a few minutes while walking down my street.
4DP5DT - nothing
5DP5DT - have a pregnancy dream. This is not a real sign for me, though because it's happened before.
6DP5DT - awful period cramps. Last for a looooong time. Pretty sure it's period time.
7DP5DT - wake up feeling nothing AGAIN. No boob stuff, no cramps. Never got the implantation bleeding or whatever. Decide to test. POSITIVE on internet cheapie test. Take a digital: Pregnant. Decide to wait for the beta before jumping for joy. I've waited way too long for this to get my hopes up prematurely.
8DP5DT - nothing.
9DP5DT - bloodwork and pregnancy test. BETA is 543! Cramping/twinges in my chest and lower back. A weird prickle-y sensation. While commuting into the city, I also felt winded very easily.
10DP5DT - Just walked a mile and felt out of breath way too easily. However, on a normal day, I would just chalk this up to not exercising enough.
SOOOO...as frustrating as it is, if my pregnancy test did not say "positive", I would honestly not think this was the month. Being pregnant does not feel all that different...at least not yet!
Monday, January 28, 2013
!!!!!!! Beta 543!!!!!!!!
Holy crap!!!! We are PREGNANT!!!!!
And my Beta is 543!
The nurse said that could mean multiples. Who knows?!?!?! Omigod, I've never been so excited! AAAAAHHH
I go in on Wednesday (2 days from now) for Beta number 2...from there I will be going in 7 days after that for our first ultrasound!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
L
And my Beta is 543!
The nurse said that could mean multiples. Who knows?!?!?! Omigod, I've never been so excited! AAAAAHHH
I go in on Wednesday (2 days from now) for Beta number 2...from there I will be going in 7 days after that for our first ultrasound!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
L
I literally can't take the suspense...
Went to the clinic this morning at 7am and now it's 2pm and I STILL HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING!!!! They usually call no later than 1:30 on a normal day when they don't even have anything important to tell me!!!!
I seriously can't take this. AAAAAAHHHHH!
UPDATED AT 3:12pm - STILL NOTHING! I'M dying over here! Yeesh!
4:01 - NOTHING.
I seriously can't take this. AAAAAAHHHHH!
UPDATED AT 3:12pm - STILL NOTHING! I'M dying over here! Yeesh!
4:01 - NOTHING.
Friday, January 25, 2013
6dp5dt - No symptoms!
It's times like this that I really wouldn't mind vomiting all over my work keyboard. Just anything to let me know something!
Monday, January 21, 2013
Progesterone Levels & Bedrest
Every time I'm expecting a call from the infertility Gods (my nurse), I feel like a needy high school girl waiting for her crush to call. I carry my phone around everywhere, waiting, waiting, waiting. Of course I don't think "Will they call?!" because hello, I'm paying them and they better but I'm still scared to take a shower or get the mail. What if I miss the call?!
I could just call back, I know. But the return call could TAKE HOURS and that, my friends, would be a travesty. Especially when it's the one thing to look forward to all day.
Clearly, bed-rest has done me no service. I'm losing my mind over here. The biggest thing to happen to me today was going to the doctor and then receiving a call from them hours later. It isn't pretty. But, you know what is? My estrogen and progesterone levels. Thank heavens!
They'd like my estrogen above 100, I'm at 145.
They'd like my progesterone above 10, I'm at 27.
Now, since I'm banning myself from infertility-googling (a horribe sickness that I contracted the moment I received my infertility membership badge) this week, I have no idea if these levels are ACTUALLY good. I have to just TRUST my nurse...instead of the 9 bazillion people out in cyberspace who clearly know more than all of us.
7.5 days to go!
P.S. Am I allowed to shower yet?
I could just call back, I know. But the return call could TAKE HOURS and that, my friends, would be a travesty. Especially when it's the one thing to look forward to all day.
Clearly, bed-rest has done me no service. I'm losing my mind over here. The biggest thing to happen to me today was going to the doctor and then receiving a call from them hours later. It isn't pretty. But, you know what is? My estrogen and progesterone levels. Thank heavens!
They'd like my estrogen above 100, I'm at 145.
They'd like my progesterone above 10, I'm at 27.
Now, since I'm banning myself from infertility-googling (a horribe sickness that I contracted the moment I received my infertility membership badge) this week, I have no idea if these levels are ACTUALLY good. I have to just TRUST my nurse...instead of the 9 bazillion people out in cyberspace who clearly know more than all of us.
7.5 days to go!
P.S. Am I allowed to shower yet?
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Transfer Day Quotes...
"Doing two rounds of IVF with no transfer is like taking an art course for 2 semesters and never getting to bring home any of your projects."
...this was on the way to the clinic. Synapses were not yet firing.
...this was on the way to the clinic. Synapses were not yet firing.
Transfer Day: The Haps...
I started off the morning with my 2mg of Estrace, a shot of PIO and of course a progesterone suppository. Of course. I'd only received THREE of them up until now. Each time a transfer was cancelled, another suppository thrown into the stockpile.
Then, my phone rang and a nurse told me to arrive at the clinic at noon. NOON! I was soooo excited that I wouldn't have to wait. While on the phone with my nurse friend, I asked some simple questions (how long does it take: 15 minutes) (what's the deal with the water: she said to have a glass of water when I arrive...no big deal) and I also confirmed that I would like laser acupuncture before and after but would like to cancel being a part of the HCG wash clinical study. Basically, I did not feel that I'd researched it enough to properly make an educated decision and seeing that this was my first transfer, I didn't want any regrets.
We rolled up around 11:40am to an extremely empty building. It was awesome. I was the first person to sign in and if I hadn't waited to hold the door open for the lady after me, I would have been the first transfer performed. Damn manners.
Here's my timeline from this point forward:
11:50am
Change into the usual hair-net, backless body sack dress and booties
Drink big cup of water
Sit on table
WAIT
12:15pm
Sign some papers
WAIT
Get a little anxious
Get more anxious
12:40pm
Nurse checks my belly. I am at the proper fullness.
Anxiety.
Start to have to pee. A LOT.
12:55pm
Laser Acupuncture begins and ends. Very simple. Very quick. Very diff from needle acu.
Pee becomes unbearable.
Nurse gives me a cup with a line that I can't pee above.
Off to the bathroom I go. Feel better instantly.
1:25pm
TRANSFER BEGINS.
Doctor shows me the embryos. A 6BB and a 5BC. Learn that one of our 5BC's did not make it. In the doctor's words, "it was the kind of embryo that could make a miscarriage, but not a baby."
I feel slightly bummed having heard the news, but don't let on.
Team adjoins, introductions ensue, embies are wheeled in, hubs is moved to the side and my legs fly sky high. Showtime.
One woman presses hard on my already temperamental bladder with an ultrasound wand.
I worry about peeing on everyone.
The catheter hits a 90 degree angle. This causes a delay and additional abdominal pressure.
I really worry about peeing on them all.
Magically, I don't.
1:45pm
Our embryos have officially been placed! (coolest, craziest, best feeling ever)
My one night stand team wheels out, Acupuncturist wheels back in.
Relaxation time.
2:15pm
We are alerted that it is time to go. Bedrest time! (my goal is to do 24 hours hardcore/48 hours semi-hardcore & back to work on Tuesday)
Honestly, I think the whole day went well...considering. Considering I've never done this before, had no idea what to expect and am AWFUL with surprises. Considering that I had anxiety while I waited for my turn before and after. Considering that when I got home, I had to POOP (I mean, wtf?!) and I feared pooping out my embryos. Considering my stomach felt rattled for hours after.
Luckily, I'm feeling way less anxious today and bed rest is getting easier for my antsy self. Jeff brought me an amazingly thoughtful breakfast in bed with DECAF coffee (and did I mention he also ran out for my favorite Italian food last night?). I'm spending my morning feeling truly relaxed while also trying anything I can think of to stay entertained...which at the moment includes reading Gone Girl, a supremely effed up book. I recommend it.
Bloodwork appointment tomorrow! 1/21
xoxo
L
Then, my phone rang and a nurse told me to arrive at the clinic at noon. NOON! I was soooo excited that I wouldn't have to wait. While on the phone with my nurse friend, I asked some simple questions (how long does it take: 15 minutes) (what's the deal with the water: she said to have a glass of water when I arrive...no big deal) and I also confirmed that I would like laser acupuncture before and after but would like to cancel being a part of the HCG wash clinical study. Basically, I did not feel that I'd researched it enough to properly make an educated decision and seeing that this was my first transfer, I didn't want any regrets.
We rolled up around 11:40am to an extremely empty building. It was awesome. I was the first person to sign in and if I hadn't waited to hold the door open for the lady after me, I would have been the first transfer performed. Damn manners.
Here's my timeline from this point forward:
11:50am
Change into the usual hair-net, backless body sack dress and booties
Drink big cup of water
Sit on table
WAIT
12:15pm
Sign some papers
WAIT
Get a little anxious
Get more anxious
12:40pm
Nurse checks my belly. I am at the proper fullness.
Anxiety.
Start to have to pee. A LOT.
12:55pm
Laser Acupuncture begins and ends. Very simple. Very quick. Very diff from needle acu.
Pee becomes unbearable.
Nurse gives me a cup with a line that I can't pee above.
Off to the bathroom I go. Feel better instantly.
1:25pm
TRANSFER BEGINS.
Doctor shows me the embryos. A 6BB and a 5BC. Learn that one of our 5BC's did not make it. In the doctor's words, "it was the kind of embryo that could make a miscarriage, but not a baby."
I feel slightly bummed having heard the news, but don't let on.
Team adjoins, introductions ensue, embies are wheeled in, hubs is moved to the side and my legs fly sky high. Showtime.
One woman presses hard on my already temperamental bladder with an ultrasound wand.
I worry about peeing on everyone.
The catheter hits a 90 degree angle. This causes a delay and additional abdominal pressure.
I really worry about peeing on them all.
Magically, I don't.
1:45pm
Our embryos have officially been placed! (coolest, craziest, best feeling ever)
My one night stand team wheels out, Acupuncturist wheels back in.
Relaxation time.
2:15pm
We are alerted that it is time to go. Bedrest time! (my goal is to do 24 hours hardcore/48 hours semi-hardcore & back to work on Tuesday)
Honestly, I think the whole day went well...considering. Considering I've never done this before, had no idea what to expect and am AWFUL with surprises. Considering that I had anxiety while I waited for my turn before and after. Considering that when I got home, I had to POOP (I mean, wtf?!) and I feared pooping out my embryos. Considering my stomach felt rattled for hours after.
Luckily, I'm feeling way less anxious today and bed rest is getting easier for my antsy self. Jeff brought me an amazingly thoughtful breakfast in bed with DECAF coffee (and did I mention he also ran out for my favorite Italian food last night?). I'm spending my morning feeling truly relaxed while also trying anything I can think of to stay entertained...which at the moment includes reading Gone Girl, a supremely effed up book. I recommend it.
Bloodwork appointment tomorrow! 1/21
xoxo
L
 |
| 5BC to the left (I think he's hatching) and 6BB on the right. What a beaut. |
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Transfer Day...Awww snap!!!!
IT'S OUR FIRST TRANSFER DAY EVER!!!!!
After TWO cycles of IVF, endless shots and a whole bunch of craziness, IT'S HAPPENING!!!! FINALLY!!!! (it's times like this when I think there aren't enough exclamation points in the world...)
After TWO cycles of IVF, endless shots and a whole bunch of craziness, IT'S HAPPENING!!!! FINALLY!!!! (it's times like this when I think there aren't enough exclamation points in the world...)
Monday, January 7, 2013
FET - Day 1 & Schedule.
Today is the first day of my FET cycle. So far, I've had blood-work and ultrasound, where everything looked good (even if they did mention a small cyst on my left side). Tonight I will start taking Estrace (2mg/twice a day) which will continue for 4 days. Then, it's back to my infertility kingdom where I shall resume with another bw/us.
FET schedule so far:
2 weeks of BC
1/3 - last day of BC
1/7 - bw/us & begin Estrace (2mg/twice a day)
1/11 - bw/us: see a small bit of fluid...blah. Meds stay the same until next visit.
1/14 - bw/us: fluid has moved on to greener pastures. We seem 'good' for now.
Transfer is scheduled for 1/19. Continue (4) Estrace. Begin taking (1) Medrol, (1) Azythromycin, and a (1cc) nightly hiney injection of Progesterone.
1/18 - ALL CLEAR for transfer!!
1/19 - transfer day
1/19 - 1/21 Bed rest!
1/28 - 9DP5DT Pregnancy Test - PREGNANT!!! Beta level is 543
1/30 - Follow up Beta - 1217
2/6 - First ultrasound - ONE bean!
FET schedule so far:
2 weeks of BC
1/3 - last day of BC
1/7 - bw/us & begin Estrace (2mg/twice a day)
1/11 - bw/us: see a small bit of fluid...blah. Meds stay the same until next visit.
1/14 - bw/us: fluid has moved on to greener pastures. We seem 'good' for now.
Transfer is scheduled for 1/19. Continue (4) Estrace. Begin taking (1) Medrol, (1) Azythromycin, and a (1cc) nightly hiney injection of Progesterone.
1/18 - ALL CLEAR for transfer!!
1/19 - transfer day
1/19 - 1/21 Bed rest!
1/28 - 9DP5DT Pregnancy Test - PREGNANT!!! Beta level is 543
1/30 - Follow up Beta - 1217
2/6 - First ultrasound - ONE bean!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
New Year, New Ideas
During this TTC journey, I have been adamant about living my life as normally as possible. It has been a long road and I never wanted to change my life so drastically that I would look back and regret not hanging out with friends and family, canceling fun weekend trips or long vacations because of anything fertility related. I did not want infertility (while a MASSIVE part of my life) to run the show. Ultimately, I've had a good couple years.
I've done things that have not only been fun but life changing. Packing up an RV with two of our closest friends and driving across the country on an 18 day adventure of a lifetime WAS scary at first. A part of me wanted to stay home, refrain from late nights, mark my days of ovulation and definitely stay away from the alcohol and bad foods. Thank goodness the other part of me was far more convincing. The trip changed me...for the better. And it also put 2012 on the map. In a good way.
Here's the VIDEO.
So, now it's 2013. What lies ahead? I don't know. But I do know that I'm willing to make a big change in order to achieve our goal. I've been wondering if hitting the occasional happy hour, dinner out, dinner in, party, and weekend trip filled with what most fertility sites would call too much wine could be hurting my chances. I would never drink during my tww or even throughout most of my IVF cycles, but during those other two weeks or when a cycle has been canceled...forget it. I let loose.
That's why, for the first time ever, I'm going to give up booze completely. Usually my mind is constantly doing something I call Fertility Math to figure days that I can do things, can't do things, days that will affect my eggs for an IVF cycle, etc. And yes, I am thinking well...it's January. These eggs would be used in March (if the 3 month rule holds out). Do I need good eggs in March? What if my FET works this month or next month? Then, it will all be for naught. Oh well. That's the chance I'm willing to take in 2013. This year from January 1st through May 1st I will do my FIRST EVER full booze cleanse. No cocktails...at all. I will also work on achieving better and more sleep. And sticking with acupuncture.
I know it's only my 4th day in, but I am already SOOO excited.
HERE'S TO AN AMAZING YEAR!
xoxo
L
I've done things that have not only been fun but life changing. Packing up an RV with two of our closest friends and driving across the country on an 18 day adventure of a lifetime WAS scary at first. A part of me wanted to stay home, refrain from late nights, mark my days of ovulation and definitely stay away from the alcohol and bad foods. Thank goodness the other part of me was far more convincing. The trip changed me...for the better. And it also put 2012 on the map. In a good way.
Here's the VIDEO.
So, now it's 2013. What lies ahead? I don't know. But I do know that I'm willing to make a big change in order to achieve our goal. I've been wondering if hitting the occasional happy hour, dinner out, dinner in, party, and weekend trip filled with what most fertility sites would call too much wine could be hurting my chances. I would never drink during my tww or even throughout most of my IVF cycles, but during those other two weeks or when a cycle has been canceled...forget it. I let loose.
That's why, for the first time ever, I'm going to give up booze completely. Usually my mind is constantly doing something I call Fertility Math to figure days that I can do things, can't do things, days that will affect my eggs for an IVF cycle, etc. And yes, I am thinking well...it's January. These eggs would be used in March (if the 3 month rule holds out). Do I need good eggs in March? What if my FET works this month or next month? Then, it will all be for naught. Oh well. That's the chance I'm willing to take in 2013. This year from January 1st through May 1st I will do my FIRST EVER full booze cleanse. No cocktails...at all. I will also work on achieving better and more sleep. And sticking with acupuncture.
I know it's only my 4th day in, but I am already SOOO excited.
HERE'S TO AN AMAZING YEAR!
xoxo
L
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