Beta #3

So the number is in......7,560. Yippeee. Little baby Holmes is growing just as he/she should be. Now we wait until next Wed and the first u/s.

Beta #2 is in....

And it came back at 1741....more than doubled. YAY! I have one more to go on Monday and then I am free of the betas.

Our first ultrsound is scheduled for 23 April 2008.....we should see the heartbeat.

Also, I wanted to post a recap (from my nest siggy) of our IF journey.....
TTC #1 since Apr 06
IUI #1 Aug 07= unmedicated- BFN.
IUI #2- Nov 07= Clomid, cancelled from over stimulation
IUI #2a- Dec 07= Clomid, Ovidrel, IUI (low count) BFN
IUI #3- Jan 08= Clomid, Follistim, Ovidrel, IUI- Cancelled- sample infection
IUI #3a- Jan 08 Clomid, Follistim, Ovidrel, IUI- BFN
IVF #1 w/ ICSI-BCPs- 2/13, Lupron- 3/2, Stims- 3/8, ER 3/21= 24 eggies, ET 3/26= of 1 blast, 4/8- Beta--BFP with beta of 678, 4/10 Beta #2 1741

BFP....BFP....BFP....

It is OFFICIAL. I've been waiting to post until we had our first beta. I just got the call and 13dp5dt our HCG level came back at (drum roll) 678. I go back on Thursday for a second blood draw and we hope that number doubles, so we know the little one is growing properly!

Andrew and I actually tested on Fri and got the BIG pregnant on a digital pg test. It was SO thrilling. We were both in shock. I have no symptoms yet and we just weren't feeling totally optimistic.

Other good news, we have 4 frosties. Yep, 4 of our blasts made it to freeze, which is quite good (if I can say so myself). We have been on a roll with the good news.

Saying a little prayer for doubling......beta numbers.

Embryo Transfer is DONE

So the ET was yesterday at 11:50......it was realtively easy. I arrived around 11 and downed my 32 oz of fluids (plus some water) for the FULL bladder. At 11:15 they called me back and went over the post procedure instructions. And then it was just waiting for the RE to come in and discuss the blasts and their status. I had no idea how they were doing, so I was anxious. For my procedure, I had Dr. G, since my regular RE was out of town. She said I had 9 blasts still growing and looking great. The best one qualified us for a single embryo transfer (which was our preffered option), but there was a second very good embryo if we wanted to do two. The answer to that (with Andrew's utter fear of multiples) was nope, we'll stick with one and hope for the best. So one it was.

The procedure is much like an IUI or a pap really (stirups/speculum and all)....but you do get to watch....COOL. So Dr. G places a catheter, then they bring in the embryo and you watch the tube pass into position and then you see the fluid with the embryo flush out and into place.

Now, I am just hoping that little one snuggles in for a long stay. My beta is on April 8th.......I think I will have to POAS before then. ;) That is just too long to wait. I think I will try and wait until next Friday.

Oh, we'll find out in the next few days if any blasts made it to freeze. Hoping some make it for sure!!!

Fingers crossed.

Embryo Transfer Tomorrow

We made it to a 5 day transfer. I don't know anything about how my embies are doing other than we are transferring at 11:45 tomorrow. WHOOHOO.....I am very nervous!!!!

Other than that, my booty is SORE from the PIO shots. It so is easy giving teh shots, but say 6-12 hours later............OUCH!!!! SIGH, even still hopefully we'll get to be doing the PIO for a long time. (wink, wink)

Day 2 Fert Report

We are still cooking. We had 21 yesterday and still have 21 today. They said to plan on a 5 or 6 day transfer. Now we have to wait until Tuesday for an update! Anxious.

(Side note, Thursday (Day 6) is supposed to be my last day at my current job....stressed about this all slamming into the same day. I guess I may have to confess to my boss, I am leaving anyway, but I am not thrilled about that prospect).

PIO--I did it myself. And it was EASY. Tonight, I may try and see if I can do the left side myself. I am not sure I'll be able too, but we'll see.

Happy Easter!!

Fert Report......

So big news of the day is that the fert report is in...drum roll please.....of the 24 eggs retrieved, 21 were mature and all 21 fertilized!!! We have 21 little embryos growing away. With this number, they anticipate we'll have a 5 day transfer (but of course the daily reports will show the numbers decreasing...most likely!). So we are now waiting for tomorrow's update to see how the little boys and girls are doing. I am so pleased and surprised with our numbers so far!!!

Other news, I survived my first Progesterone in Oil (PIO) shot and tonight I will attempt to administer it to myself since Andrew suddenly has to go out of town. Bad timing, but things happen.

Anyway, we are having a great day today!!!!!

Stick count is up to 48....by the way

Egg Retrieval is DONE!!

I think I did good. Andrew could say for sure. But all in all the most important thing is:

24 Eggs-----WOOHOOO!!!

I'd say the funniest thing was when we talked toDr. S before the procedure and Andrew asked so how large are her ovaries right now and Dr. S said, well she has a lot of eggs....so they are each the size of an orange or grapefruit. Andrew was in shock.

The procedure----heck I don't remember anything. I was OUT!!! Getting the IV took a bit and I ended up with it in my hand, which would have been my least fave spot, but it did its job!

Now I am vegging, I feel OK if I lay down, but moving about makes me really crampy. So back to the couch I go.

And we WAIT for the fert report tomorrow. Come on eggies, get fertilized and multiply!!!! I am hoping for like 12 mature and 8 fertilized.....(at least)

Drum Roll-----Egg Retrieval Tomorrow

WOOHOO. So when I went in for my check yesterday, Dr. S was like, when your E2 shot up (tues afternoon) I really wasn't sure what to do with you. So we dropped your meds. The u/s yesterday showed the 12 biggest follies being between 17-23 (18 is considered mature), so that means we should get at least 12 eggs that are mature, but I also have another 10 or so behind and some of those certainly have time to catch up. Dr. S reiterated, we'll get plenty of mature eggs, but to expect a lot of immature eggs too.

He also said, I think we should go ahead and trigger tonight. YIPPEEE.....I got my confirmation call in the afternoon (although I forgot to ask my E2 level) and then I got a call to trigger at 9:30 and be at the Rockville office at 8 am on Friday for ER!!!! YAY!!! We are finally doing this!!! I feel hopeful again, it always helps to move to the next step. I am not sure I am ready for the roller coaster of the next few days though.....pending transfer, but that is how it goes.

So trigger shot......all I can say is..... NOT FUN!!!! I thought, I do sub-qs easily, they are SO no big deal and yep, the needle is bigger, but I didn't expect to be yelling hurry up at DH while he was giving me the shot as I was in pain!!!! I don't think it was the needle going in, but the meds that killed. I am SO dreading the Progesterone In Oil. If I get pg, we'll have to take for like 10 weeks.......ok, why should I say we on that. DH has the easy part. ;)

So excited.....

Stick count, went up a to 44 (since giving blood took 3 sticks yesterday), luckily today is stick free and then we are only down to one a day. But I still think I'll keep a tally!!!!

Also, this puts me in a better mental place for SIls baby who is being born today through induction. It is their first baby boy and I know Andrew is excited, heck he is at home just waiting for the news so we can head to the hospital. Maybe I'll be following behind in about 9 months........crossing my fingers.

Stims Day 11--Update (PM)

My nurse called and my E2 has gone up to 1747. YAY. That is nice growth, I think. Since that is the case, my Follistim doseage was reduced to 75 and menapur stayed the same. We are getting close.

Stick count should be 40 on the dot!!!

Can't wait to see if tomorrow we keep stimming......Hmmm....since this morning, I've determined, if stimming and extra day or two means more mature eggies, lets keep going.

Stims Day 11 (AM)

So this morning was another round of u/s and blood work. For the u/s I had my RE, Dr. S which I always like since he ultimately makes the call. Anyway, he again said everything looks good, there is concern for OHSS (although I wonder given my mediocre E2 levels), and then he said, I think we'll try to push you to Thurs. WHAT??? I wasn't expecting that. I am OK with it, but I am also ready to get this train moving. SIGH!

The slower and longer they grow the better and I am trying not to me whiney....I am SO ready for ER and to get those embies cooking.

So if E2 comes back at close to where they expect then we'll keep on stimming!

Stick count: 38 for the AM

Stims Day 10 --PM Update

So E2 is up to 957, just where I was hoping it would be. YAY! I am stimming at the same levels again tonight and my nurse thinks I'll stim again tomorrow, since I should have 3-4 mature tomorrow and 3-4 right behind that she thinks they'll push me anther day to ensure those 3-4 are mature.

We'll know more tomorrow. (I am also negotiating on my meds). We'll see how much I have left tonight to figure out if I need to order more. I am on the cusp for sure.

Stick count is up to 37....

Stims Day 10 (AM )

So this morning I went in for my Day 10 u/s and bloodwork. It went well. I have more and more growing follies.....the first thing the RE said was, you need to stop drinking water and only drink gatorade. This is to ward off Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. I don't really think I have that many follies, but I don't want OHSS and so gatorade helps the body absord the extra fluid!

So I think I had about 20 or so measurable follies, my Right Ovary is definitely performing better, but they both have a large number of growing follies. I think the lead is at 17, so we are getting close to maturity.

I am waiting for a call with my E2 and that will tell us better where we are. I was hoping we'd trigger tomorrow, but Dr. G didn't mention that this morning, so we are waiting. I'd assume trigger will be tomorrow or Wed. for either a Thurs or Fri Egg Retrieval.

Stick count is now up to....34 with tonights meds still to come.

PM Update--Stim Day 8

Well, my E2 is finally starting to show some gains....481 today, up from 175 two days ago and my lining is thickening up and at 7.4. YAY! I indeed will not go back until Monday!!!

Stick count after PM meds is up to 31.....WOOHOO!

Stims Day 8 (AM)

So this morning was my stims day 8 b/w and u/s....things look good and I am feeling good. There were at least 11 meansurable follies with the leads being at 15mm. The tech thinks (unless E2 has skyrocketed) that I'll skip tomorrow and go in Monday and then start daily monitoring with the most likely scenario being trigger Tues and ER on Thurs. I'd love that, but we'll have to wait and see if the follies keep growing like they should!!! I am getting excited and nervous. It is hard to stay on the down low with all this. My SIL is set to have her 3rd child on Thursday and if I have ER that day then I'll be on bed rest and really shouldn't go to the hospital, which will raise eyebrows. (I guess we can always go the sick route and not wanting to infect the baby.....). We'll have to discuss the plan of action.

Fingers crossed the follies keep up their growth pattern.

Stick count now up to 28!!

Day 6 Stims PM Update

So, the nurse called. E2 has gone up to 150 today, so the eggs are maturing. I'd have liked it to be a little higher, but I think that is a good number for today.

I will continue with the 225 Follistim and 75 Menapur. And go back on Saturday morning. ;) One good think, other than some bloat which is SO to be expected the stims haven't given me any other side effects. That is for sure a blessing, esp since this is stressful and I am trying to maintain some sanity!!!!

Stick count tonight is a grand total of 25.......WooHOO!

Day 6 Stims Check (AM)

So, this morning went really well. I don't remember all the details, but upping my Follisitm and stopping Lupron has helped a lot. My follies have entered the growth stage, YAY!!! I think I had 4 on the R and 5 on the left that were 10 or 11mm. Then 7 others smaller (they only measure only over 10).

We think the meds will stay the same for tonight and tomorrow. But we'll see what the bloodwork shows.

I am feeling very hopeful again! YAY!!!

Stims Day 5

So, it is the morning of Day 5 of stims. Nothing to report other than my CRAZY anxiety. I am SO fearful something is going to go wrong and we won't get to egg retrieval (ER). A couple of friends over suppressed and got converted to IUI and I am overly paranoid this is going to happen to me.

I feel like tweaking with the meds is fairly normal, but it still worries me. I think this is totally normal, but it has made me a bit grumpy today. I am so looking forward to the morning to see if we are making progress. So nervous, I think I will be a wreck and so anxious in the morning. I think by tomorrow they should be developing nicely. We'll see what they tell me.

An additional stress is concern that with the increased dosage.....will I have enough meds. Since it is over a weekend, you really have to plan and it is SO hard to know. I mean, apparently in the vials there is more meds than it says, to account for priming the needle and all, so like last night I'd already used 450 from the 600 unit vial and I still got another 225 out and there is the tiniest smidge left still. It is just an extra thing to be anxious about. UGH!!!

Other news, my new job has come through and I start on 31 March....another reason I need this cycle to work. It will be much harder to do a cycle at the new job......although may be easier than I think since there is a DC office of the clinic, but I'd never see my Dr. again...... ;( That would make me sad. Anyway, that is exciting.

Stick Count---should be 23 tonight......since I'll have 2 sticks with Follistim (come on good showing on Day 6!!!!) Grow follies GROW!

Stims Day 4 (PM Update)

So, nurse called and it is confirmed, I will stop Lupron and increase Follistim to 225units. I am SO nervous this is all going to go wrong and get converted to IUI. We'll see how my body reacts to this on Thursday morning.

Stick Count- 20 (yes, I am a human pin cushion at this point)

E2- 74

Stims Day 4 (AM)

So I had my monitoring appt this morning to see how things are going, it went OK. I had 3 follies on right and 8 on the left. The RE is a little concerned I am too suppressed so once the blood work comes back we may eliminate the Lupron (suppression) and maybe up the Follistim (FSH). I'll know when I get a call from the nurse this afternoon.

I go back on Thursday for stims day 6 monitoring. Cross your fingers that it looks better than today!

Stick count: 18 and pm meds still to go!!!

Stims Day 3.....

So, the stick count is up to 16!!! WooHOO!!! But we are progressing. Tomorrow morning is my first monitoring appointment and I can only hope to see slow steady progress in my follies growth and for there to be a lot of them. Fingers crossed.

A friend posted this and I thought it was genius and I wanted to repost it here (from http://coming2terms.com/):
1) Acknowledge that you can't get pregnant the 'old school' way -- it doesn't seem to matter how many candles have been lit, whether the mood-setting or the spiritual kind.
2) Consult an army of specialists -- you've followed advice found in books, online or compliments of old wives tales to no avail; proceed to western medicine-staffed fertility clinics eager to sell you services.
3) Spend boatloads of money on treatments with low percentages of success -- meanwhile your friends procreate like mad, remodel their homes, buy new cars and otherwise stimulate the economy.
4) Explore the Eastern practice of medicine -- why not? you will leave no stone unturned.
5) Avoid malls, parks and any child-themed locale -- there's no need to subject yourself unnecessarily to that which you cannot seem to have.
6) Buy a ticket to Denial -- any place is preferable to the reality of Infertility land
7) Declare war on all smug parents -- these thoughtless creatures are to be avoided at all cost.
8) Withdraw from social obligations that revolve around other people's children -- self-preservation becomes essential at this stage.
9) Start an Infertility blog -- express your thoughts and properly vent your pent-up emotions; discover a little utopia along the way, your own Private Idaho as it were.
10) Exit the Infertility treatment maze -- you're tired of running into dead ends; arrive at either successful treatment, child-free living or pursue adoption (in the latter case be prepared for more expense and invasive procedures).
11) Hang out in Infertility Rehab -- slowly attempt to re-engage and co-exist with friends and colleagues and their child-filled lives ... perhaps write a book?12)Fully re-enter society -- accept that you're forever changed by Infertility but know that society, largely, will never fully understand what you have been through and/or continue to battle. (Warning: re-entry can be exacerbated by those who don't give a flying fig about Infertility's collateral damage.)"

Stims Day 2...

So I am an hour and a half away from my second round of stims---YAY! I am feeling good so far. Andrew is off to HI for work for the week, so it is just me and Leonardo. I am looking forward to Tuesdays appt to see what progress we are making.

Stick count for today- 3

Grand total of 13....and my belly already looks like a pin cushion. It is going to be SCARY by the end.

Stims--Here we go!!!

So, I had my suppression check this morning and all went well. I had 14 antral follicles and my b/w all came back nice and low like that wanted--E2, Progesterone nd FSH. So, I got the go ahead to start my stims tonight. I'll be doing 150 Follisitm and 75 Menopur in the pm and 5 Lupron in the am. I'll go back on Tuesday for u/s and bloodwork to see how the follies are doing. Grow, Grow, Grow.

Stick count.....today---4!!
Past week with Lupron--6

So 10 sticks so far!!!

E2- 24

Last BCP this morning

YAY, so now I am holding on Lupron until AF shows. It can take about a week, but I am hoping sooner. ;) Not optimistically hoping, but hoping none the less.

When AF comes, I will go in for a supression check on day 2 or 3, this will hopefully show quiet ovaries and if so.....onto simulation we go!

So, come on AF! I can't wait to get this cycle moving.

Caffeine Update

I am officially caffeine free. I weened down over a couple of weeks and I think I did pretty well. My sinuses were disagreeing with me the same time, but it was probably a combination of caffeine withdrawal and sinuses, either way--I am proud of myself.

I am also trying to limit or reduce artificial sweeteners and this is a challenge, but I will keep working on it. ;) Everything seems to have them.

Started Lupron

So, I can't believe I haven't written in so long. I guess since not too much had been going on. Birth Control Pills was the most exciting thing. Well, last Thursday we went in for the injection class. Which was enlightening. I wasn't as intimidated as Andrew, but he wasn't really prepared. ;) Then yesterday, Sunday, I started the Lupron. I have one more day of Birth Control Pills and Lupron and then just Lupron and waiting for AF. She can take about a week, but I am so hoping for 3-4 days. We'll see. I will probably be sorely disappointed and she will take what seems like FOREVER! But once she comes, things will really start rolling. YAY!!!

BCPs.....IVF Stage 1

Well, I am well into my birth control pills which is the start of the IVF process. Today I have what seems like 800 zits on my face, a killer headache from trying to decrease my caffiene intake (to eliminate in the next couple of days), and just the stress of trying to get all the things done to get this going. GRR!!!

Meds.....still waiting to hear from insurance. Injection class for Andrew and I is on Thursday.....with injections set to start next Saturday.

I am calling today to discuss the IVF deposit.....and this is SCARY-----I want to deny the cost in my own mind, but I guess I can't any longer. YIKES!

I have gotten BAD

So, I guess I have gotten bad at updating.....so here is a marathon update. Last Thursday we had a consult with the RE and Andrew and I both agree IVF with ICSI is the way to go. ;) I had my mock transfer, so they can determine the best placement for the embryos. And we came home.

Friday, Andrew returned to the urologist, where we got a mixed bag of news. The gest of it being there is a blockage, but surgery may or may not correct it and may make it worse. If we do IVF with ICSI it will eliminate any concerns of the blockage. So that was easy to cope with and goodness knows Andrew didn't want surgery!!!!

So we are on course----tentatively, I will add Lupron Injections on 3/1 stat stimming within 10 days after that and then the Egg Retrieval will be roughly 3/20 with Embryo Transfer on 3/23 or 3/25. These are rough dates and could move a bit, but it is a guide. ;) YAY!!

I am still working with insurance on the meds, so we'll see on that front. And I now need to go to SC for a doctor's appt with my mom on 3/11 so we have to see how that effects the monitoring. So fun and nothing is easy!! I have a call into my nurse on both these things, so we'll see what she says.

Updates

I talked to my nurse and I forgot one important questions, but here is some of what I found out.
- My protocol (calendar) will be in the mail today
- My meds were submitted to the lady who coordinates this today
- Thursday is IVF consult and Mock Egg Transfer

So, this is really starting. I totally forgot to ask about the birth control pills, which I need to start in the next two days. I am so bummed I forgot to ask about that, so I left another message and she should call back today about that and also the IVF injection class I need to take---but there are none open....

But I got some answers and the bcps could be with the other meds, but since they are super time sensitive, I want to make sure we have everything take care of. We'll see.

YAY, I can't bleieve this is really starting.

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting

I feel like that is all I do these days. Wait for this, wait for that.

So, I can't believe it has been almost a week since I posted. Bad me! Anyway, last week was a long one. I found out on Wed that my grandmother passed away:

Ruth H. Brittenham
Decatur
Graveside service for Ruth H. Brittenham, 82, of Decatur will be Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at 4 p.m. at Roselawn Cemetery with Dr. Judson W. Hurt officiating and Shelton Funeral Home directing.

Mrs. Brittenham, who died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2008, at Decatur General Hospital, was born May 8, 1925, in Henry County, Va., to Lee and Lena White Halbrook. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Decatur. She was preceded in death by her husband, W.S. Brittenham, and her son, Stewart Brittenham. She is survived by her son, Dr. Gary Brittenham of New York, N.Y.; three granddaughters and one great-grandson.

Then I was feeling crappy due to AFs pending, prolonged arrival. She was not being my friend by being SO slow in arriving. Finally Saturday I started spotting and was good by Sunday. So this morning, I called my nurse to elt her know. They then have to get final insurance approval and get me started on birth control pills, which is the start of the suppression phase of IVF. It is now, 4pm and I am still waiting. ;) I guess I won't be hearing from her today. Trying to be patient. I can start the bcps between days 2-5.....so I just hope she calls tomorrow, before I get ansty and call her again. SIGH. This is where I sit.

IVF #1 is a GO!!!!

So happy right now. The BFN from IUI #3 was confirmed, but we got the OK from Dr. S and from insurance (we believe) to move on to IVF. I will start birth control pills after AF comes. My nurse is hoping to get the protocol out this week and we have a sit down meeting with Dr. S on Valentine's Day. I am so psyched. I haven't told DH yet, since he is in Jacksonville, but I will tonight.

I was feeling like we wouldn't get the OK, but we SO did!! YAY!! this may be our first real chance at a BFP and a little Holmes' to add to the family.

14dpiui

So, this morning I went in for my beta. It is going to be negative....I already POAS and it was, but I was OK with going in anyway. I have a new nurse at the office I actually go to and she was hoping to have my new game plan for the up coming cycle. Sadly, Dr. S was in surgery and then seeing patients yesterday afternoon and my nurse had no luck talking to him about me. ;( Thankfully, I do know now that some work has been done on my case and figuring out what insurance will cover. I am crossing my fingers that means we are onto IVF, but I am not super confident about that but trying to be optimistic as much as I can.

Nurse is supposed to call....later today with the scoop and the results of the beta---which I am sure will be a big negative.

I'll be back with an update later.

7dpiui

Let's see, I am 7dpiui now, so this is when it gets tough. Yes, I so don't think I am pg, but the last week tends to make all of us infertiles analyze every hiccup, ache, twinge, feeling of sickness until we convince ourselves there is hope. And yes, I am starting to do this. I've maintained good self control as I know the supplements I am on are a big TRICK to the body and heck what are the odds the 900,000 swimmers some how had success this cycle when the 30 plus million couldn't succeed months ago....but of course I ate breakfast thins morning then felt a twinge of nausea and here I am. I am so trying to not get wrapped up in it this time....but it is hard!!!!

Andrew heads to the urologist tomorrow and we scheduled a consult with Dr. S for Valentine's Day where we will most likely be discussing the IVF process. I think we both feel given our current situation....it is our only option and I think we are both on board with that. Dr. S has mentioned it several times with our recent MF issues and we tend to agree. So we will hopefully be heading there soon.

Good Sign??

So, on the way home from work I saw a HUGE RAINBOW. It was with me as soon as I walked out of the office and all the way home. Maybe that is a GOOD sign??

Right now, I am feeling a bit crampy. Totally normal, and I think that means I need some ice cream!!!

Good night.

IUI #3a is DONE!!!

So, I went in this morning for the IUI. I got lucky and Dr. S was performing the IUIs so that gave us time to talk about what the future holds.

First this IUI, I had 3 mature follies, so that is good. A's sample was 20 million pre wash, but the post wash number was only 900k....so not even a million. The motility was really low over all....ideally motility should be about 50%, today's sample was at 22% motility. (Mentally, this is what I prepared for, so I am OK with it).

As for what is next, Dr. S asked about the urologist and I said A is going next week. Dr. S said pretty much with these counts IVF is the only option. He asked if there is any reason for the change and I couldn't come up with anything. So, the plan if I am not pg this cycle is consult next month to discuss options (with IVF) basically.

We kind of knew this with the new development, so no surprise, but daunting none the less. I am concerned there will be a hold up with insurance, but the doctor's office will know this more than I will.

Cross fingers this cycle works, but the odds are certainly not with us. So IVF bound we are!!!! YAY, a greater chance of success, so I can't complain...it gives me some hope again which has been lacking for a while.

IUI# 3a is a go for Tues

Good news on the IUI front. I went in Friday for u/s and b/w and there were several 13mm follies, so we used Follistim Friday night. I went in this morning (Sun) and I have 3 mature follies- 2 at 18mm and 1 at 19mm. This is the most mature follies I've had, so that is hopeful.

I am triggering tonight and we have our IUI on Tuesday at 9:30.

Crossing fingers for a good number of swimmers. We just need one......

Weight Loss Update

Well, things are going well on the weight loss front. I am down 4.4 lbs after 1 week and this includes one fancy dinner out with girlfriends for Restaurant Week. Tonight we are celebrating MIL B-Day so it will be a bad eating night with Macaroni Grill and cake. But I'll try to take it easy and hopefully can rebound quickly and get going on losing more weight. Next week I want to be under 140 and I am thinking I will be happy to make it to 138 by next Wed. We'll see. ;)

Bad news from RE and Next Cycle begins

So, Dr. S called back today with not so good news. Apparently A's sperm count has gone from 110 mil this past summer to 2 mil last week. This is a BIG deal and reason for concern. Dr. S wants A to go back and do another sample this week with more specialized analysis and also a freeze of the sample, in case we need it later. Then, A needs to go to an urologist to determine what the issue is.

Dr. S wants us to go ahead with this IUI round, so I am back on my meds. This is Day 3 of Clomid and I go back in on Friday for monitoring. We really don't have much of a shot with A's count were it is pre-wash---since that will go down significantly with the wash.....but there is no harm in trying.

Concerns---A needs a procedure to fix the sperm production and this will cause us to delay 6-9 months TTC or this could move us right to IVF, which I am totally OK with. I am ready to move onto that since we have more chance of success. We'll know more after the urologist and Dr. S consult each other on the case.

Can't anything go right for us????

RE Conversation Part 1

So, RE called last night and talked to Andrew and I both. (This is called Part 1, because he is supposed to call again tonight and you'll soon see why).

He began by saying he saw the report on Wed evening soon after speaking with Andrew and the sample showed no white blood cells.....YAY! So that is good. Whatever was going on last month has fixed itself, but (and you knew there was a but) when Dr. S went to pull up the other information on the sample (like count and motility) he said it looked like the wrong info got put in (like for someone else's sample). He said they have been having computer problems and he really doesn't think what was entered is Andrew's sample--and not because it is so good, but because it is SO bad. Dr. S said he would go in today and pull the hand written analysis done on the sample to check and that he will call us today with what he finds. If in fact, that is A's sample, he still wants to proceed with this cycle, but A will probably need to go to an urologist to determine the problem. And from there we will decide where to go.

I was able to talk through all of our completed cycles and here are the counts for those....as I remember them (and I still need to ask about the 26 Dec sample, but forgot):

IUI#1 part 1- 110mil pre wash; 27 mil post
IUI #1 part2- 27 mil pre wash; 16 mil post
IUI #2- 26 mil pre wash (I think), only 2.6 mil post wash with low volume

So if I get the all clear tomorrow, we are set for this cycle. YAY, but I am hoping there was a mix up with the sample analysis, time will tell.

Protocol Updates

Andrew went in yesterday to provide a sample to test the white blood cells. We are hoping it (whatever it was) has cleared up and is no longer an issue. If it is, he will have to go to an urologist, but it should be treated with antibiotics. Who knows. We'll know in a day or two.

While he was there, he was able to talk to the RE about our situation and the doctor is still totally optimistic that this protocol will work for us. He doesn't even want to talk about changing until we have completed two more IUIs with the meds. He is always so positive that it really helps us cope.

Also, Andrew and I discussed his upcoming travel and he agreed that if he needed to he could not go on the trip in January. Made me feel a ton better and optimistic once again about this cycle.

We just need good swimmers.....so we'll see.

So, today the plan for IUI #3a is 25mg clomid/follistim/ovidrel and IUI!!!

Weigh In Day 1

Only day 3....but I have already gone from 145 to 142.8.....YAY!!! It just helps so much when I know I am being penalized points for bad eating decisions. It is a key in my eating habits. Come on Brooke....keep it up.

Today is so the day I will finally talk to RE. He is TIRED of calling and not getting me and I am tired of waiting to talk to him. I feel like today is the day. Same time I am totally amped up that Andrew will be out of town when we need to do the IUI. GRRRRR.....I don't know for sure and won't until like right before, but it isn't looking good and I am going to be so disappointed to miss another cycle.

Crossing fingers when I know better, maybe he'll have some flexibility....heck he is gone 4 days this month and of course those are the key 4 days......UGH...isn't that our life and battle.

WW day 1

I survived my first day back on WW. I was reluctant but I forgot how well I do with the whole points thing. I want to earn activity points and I want to stay within my daily allowance, so it just makes me more cognizant of what I am eating. YAY! I so needed this. My body image is shot and I needed a boost.

On the IF front, RE and I are playing phone tag, so I still haven't talked to him.

So IF has not been kind to my.....

WAISTLINE. I think I am up 15-20 lbs from where I should be, so I am back on the Weight Watchers band wagon. I did it religiously before the wedding and it worked well. I was reluctant, but Andrew decided to join and I followed suit. It is just easier this way and we both need to make some changes.

I am excited and hoping soon I will actually fit into my clothes as many are scary tight right now.

On the IF front, my RE called last week while we were out of town and I am sitting here waiting for him to call back. He wanted to discuss our treatment.....I think maybe it is just a first of the year touch base with everyone, but I am looking forward to hearing his thoughts on where we should go. I'd planned a consult after this IUI anyway and now I won't need that which is great.

F/U to cancelled IUI

A's sample went off to diagnose the infection on the 26th and as of this morning, no one has called about it. So today I call, my nurse has been out through the holidays...and she said, well the sample didn't show any infection. Andrew needs to come in next week to recheck and make sure the white blood cells have cleared up.

GRRRRRR....is all I have to say. My nurse was like.....you guys can't get a cycle in can you.......NO WE CAN'T and I am NOT happy about it. Something always comes up!!!!! SIGH!!!!

Does this mean we could have done the IUI???? Totally bums me out again as DH has to be out of town part of this month and with my luck it will be just when we need to IUI. Crossing fingers we can squeeze it in before or after.....so AF needs to come early or hold off.........