A Single Womans Journey To Become A Mum

The Ever Growing Twin Belly Part 3

2011-03-17T20:51:00.000+10:00

Well another belly update is well over due, I want bore you all with the slow growth so will only add a picture from every few weeks.

23 Weeks

26 Weeks

29 Weeks

Hmmm..... I think they have grown

32 Weeks

33 Weeks

OK ~ Yes I have stretch marks and they are growing every day. I have been applying Bio Oil and Vitamin E cream daily if not more and it hasn't stopped them. The boys are just growing to fast now for my poor skin.

The J's 26 Week Scan

2011-01-28T16:11:00.000+10:00

Tuesday I had my Growth and Wellbeing Scan ~ AKA my 26 Scan

OMG I am 26 Weeks already!!!!

Say Hello to Jenga

Say Hello to Jue ~ He was being shy hiding behind his hand

They are both doing really really well, growing nicely and both have an estimated weight of 2lb 3oz (just under 1kg) each.

I had my OB check up today and I am happy to report that I have passed my Gestational Diabetes test with flying colours, I have only gained 4kg total and my BP is nice a low.

I have been having some moments of light headedness but nothing to bad. Not long now until I start my maternity leave ~ I start at 28 Weeks, Not even 2 weeks to go. I had better get started on The J's Bedroom ASAP :)

The Ever Growing Twin Belly Part 2

2010-12-16T11:38:00.001+10:00

By popular demand it's time for me to update my belly shots, Personally I didn't think it was getting much bigger but when looking a the pictures boy am I wrong.

18 Weeks

19 Weeks

20 Weeks

I seem to have missed a week (Week17) when and if I find it I will add it.

I think that my waist has gone now, but I still don't look that big when I have my belly covered. I have had comments from people about how small I am for 20 weeks, Then I tell them that I am having twins LOL. I think that they are sitting all in my back at the moment. I had a quick scan at my anti-natal appointment yesterday and one of my boys is sitting low in my pelvis and the other is hanging around my belly button.

19 Week Scan ~ I'm Having Boys!!

2010-12-09T09:59:00.004+10:00

I had my 19 week scan on Tuesday (7/12) in Brisbane. It took over 2 hours and I loved every minute of it.

Janga was sleeping when the scan began (little hands under head). That didn't last long.

Jue's little face

Jenga ~ He's a BOY!!

Jue ~ He's a BOY!!

Jue ~ 3D face (didn't stay still long enough to get a good picture)

Jenga's little (big) feet

Jue's little (big) feet

Jue kicking Jenga in the head

Janga's Profile

Janga's face ~ big black thing on the side of the face is his open eye

Jue's Profile ~ he was being shy and laying on his belly so face was a bit squished

Jue ~ going to sleep after a long scan

They are both growing well and are a healthy size. They are very active and at the time of the scan where happily kicking each other in the head (one was head up and the other was head down). There are no signs of any problems at the moment but I will need 3 weekly scan to make sure that they are both sharing nicely as TTTTF (Twin To Twin Transfusion) can happen at any time.

The Ever Growing Twin Belly Part 1

2010-11-17T12:12:00.000+10:00

Over the past few weeks I have been taking weekly photos of my ever growing belly and I am just amazed by how fast it is growing.

10 Weeks 2 Day

12 Weeks 1 Day

14 Weeks

15 Weeks

16 Weeks 1 Day

The J's NT Results

2010-10-28T22:02:00.000+10:00

The Results for both Janga and Jue are the same.

T21 Down Syndrome
Background Risk 1:51
With Scan ~ Adjusted Risk 1:254
With Blood & Scan ~ 1:1014

T18 (Edwards syndrome)
Background Risk 1:123
With Scan ~ Adjusted Risk 1:373
With Blood & Scan ~ 1:2463

T13 (Patau syndrome)
Background Risk 1:386
With Scan ~ Adjusted Risk 1:121
With Blood & Scan ~ 1:790

The reason for my concern is that there are 2 different schools of thought on the blood test results with twins. Normally the bloods are disregarded and only the scan is used. Without the bloods my risks are higher for T13 is 1:121 so that is a little worrying.

OB is not sure why my back groud risk of Downs is high for my age. It seems a little odd as there was no proof of downs last time so that shouldn't have come in to it.

He is sending me for my Morpholopy Scan in Brisbane at 19 weeks. So I have made an appointment for the 7th of December for my 2 hours scan.

Freaking out a little with the T13 results, but no where near as freaked as I was last time. So now I am waiting again, bring on the 19 weeks scan.

Waiting, Worrying and Big Surprises

2010-10-22T16:36:00.003+10:00

Well it's been awhile since I updated my blog, I really needed to know that everything was all right before updating my Blog. I am now 12 weeks pregnant and all is going well.

29th September 2010
9 Weeks 2 Days

Well I went for my OB Anti-natal appointment. Midwife first, did all my paper work and explained how donor IVF worked etc. Little bit shocking that I have put on 4kg since the other week!!

Into OB (Dr Bush) where we chatted for a bit and then said lets do a scan! OK YAY! Didn't take long to find little Jenga, great heartbeat. Then he says 'oh look at this, that's interesting' Mum quickly said 'what is interesting we don't need any problems this time' OB says 'Oh there is just another baby that is all' Mum and I 'WHAT???!!!??? Jenga has a sibling in there!!!!

Jenga and Jue are both ahead of schedule, both measuring at 9w4d with great heartbeats. Mum and I are both very much in shock at the moment

OMG OMG!!! 2 for the Price of One!!!

I only had one embryo put back - OMG

19th October 2010

12 Weeks 1 Day

The day of my 12 weeks scan, for weeks I had been stressing about this day. All of the what if's, scary thoughts of everything that could be wrong. The lady who was doing the scan was running late and I had drunk 1 litre of water one and a half hours before hand so that the scan could be done. OMG I thought that I was going to burst.

Finally it was turn, Mum and my Sister came in with me to share in what ever would happen. With in moments you could see 2 little heads

WOW!!! Is all I could think, the OB was right there were 2 in there. Then it was on to measuring them both. The lower baby was first 'Jenga' who was busy moving around kicking and squirming. Great news 'Jenga' was a healthy size of 12 weeks 4 days and the little bit on the back of the neck - the NT was very very small, well with in the right and safe range and in the low risk group. With a great heart beat of 177 bmp. Phewwwww.......

Then it was on to the upper baby, 'Jue' who was playing a little hard to get. Great news again 'Jue' was also a healthy size also at 12 weeks 4 days with the NT well within the normal range and in the low risk group too. With a slightly lower heart rate of 169 bmp. Double Phewwww.........

More good news, they are sharing a placenta but are both in their own sacks, which makes things a little easier. Now all I have to is wait for my OB appointment Wednesday for the official all clear and stats.

Here are some more shots from the scan.

Jenga's Profile

Jue's Profile

All this worrying and stress has made me sick though, I am home sick with a Sinus Infection that doesn't seem to want to let up so have bitten the bullet and decided to take the Antibiotic. I am slowly coming off of the progesterone, I am now back down to two a day and I will be down to just one in a few days and will be off them totally within the week.

I hope now that I can relax a little more and start enjoying this pregnancy.

Cycle 8 ~ The Results

2010-09-12T16:02:00.003+10:00

Well the moment that you have been waiting for, the results of my 8th cycle.

25th July - Cycle Day 1
3rd August - Cycle Day 10 - First Blood Test - E2 Levels were 160+
5th August - Cycle Day 12 - Second Blood Test - E2 Levels were 204
6th August - Cycle Day 13 - Follicle Scan
8th August - Cycle Day 15 - Double Trigger of Ovidril
10th August - Cycle Day 17 - Ovulation
14th August - Cycle Day 21 - Transfer of one great looking Blastocyst Embryo
25th August - Cycle Day 32 - Pregnancy Blood Test

OK so I have known for awhile but I needed to get my head around it before I shared it here. So a picture is worth a thousand words so check it out.

My numbers are good,

DPO16
HCG ~ 192
Progesterone ~ 60.8

DPO21
HCG ~ 2635
Progesterone ~ 63.1
That made my doubling rate every 44.46 hours so all was looking good

DPO30
HCG ~ 16076
Progesterone ~ 58.6
Doubling time 64.39 hours (or 52.6 from my first BT to my 3rd BT) which is really good

Between the 2nd and 3rd blood tests I had some bright red spotting that scared me no end. It didn't last long but I decided that rest is what I needed, so spent most of last week on the couch. I was told by one of my clinic nurses to double up on my progesterone pessaries, which I have done and the bleeding has not returned. I will continue doing the progesterone until 12 weeks, my levels are good but it's better to be safe then sorry and it's a small price to pay for a little piece of mind.

On Friday I had my 6.5 week scan with my Specialist, Everything looks good and it was confirmed that my little one 'Jenga' had a great heartbeat and was the right length for it's age.

Jenga at 6.5 weeks 6mm long with a little heartbeat

My Due Date is the 2nd of May 2011, Although I am happy to be pregnant again I am so worried of history repeating itself, but will have to wait for the results of my 12 week scan to know all is well.

I have decided this time to go with a private OB and have booked in for my first anti-natal appointment with him and the midwife on the 29th of September. I am continuing my acupuncture sessions once a week until at least 12 weeks just to keep as relaxed as possible. I have been warned that my new OB doesn't approve of it, but I wont be stopping it as it makes me feel good and that can't be bad.

Now it's more waiting, this time for my 12 week NT scan. I am hoping and praying that this time it is good news.

The Things I Do To Get Pregnant

2010-09-08T17:51:00.001+10:00

Acupuncture ~ Many bruises over many sessions, here are just 2 of them

Right in the middle of my lower back

3 Days After Acupuncture

Same one a week after

Ear Pressure Points ~ I had to rub them every time I thought about it, around 10 times a day until they fell off.

Right Ear

Left Ear

Stay tunned for the results of my 8th cycle, not long now.......

Natural FET Cycle Costs

2010-09-01T22:35:00.002+10:00

Ok here is the costs of this cycle.

13209 Planning and Management (assisted reproductive technologies)
Fee - $1,055.00
Rebate -$78.00
Total OOP - $977.00

13218 Preparation of frozen or donated embryos or donated oocytes.
Fee - $1,321.25
Rebate - $1,193.20
Total OOP - $128.05
Hospital Admin Fee $50 (as I have already paid my excess for this year.)

Subtotal - $1105.05

Medication
Ovidril (trigger) x2 - $69
Progesterone Pessaries - 3x $60 = $180
Medibank Private Pharmaceutical Refund - $-107

Total Out of Pocket - $1247.05

Also I did Acupuncture twice a week
1 Sessions @ $70

5 Sessions @ $60 ($300)

Medibank Private Rebate - $154.90

Subtotal - $215.10

Grand total for this cycle - $1462.15

Not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I am really giving my private health cover a work out, real value for money IMO. Stay tuned for a cycle update sometime late next week.

Cycle 8 ~ May It Be Gr8t

2010-07-28T14:43:00.000+10:00

I have finally started my natural FET cycle. After stopping the pill on Wednesday the 21st, AF finally graced me with her presents on Sunday the 25th.

The Plan
25/7 - Day 1
3/8 - Day 10 - Blood Test to check hormone levels
4/8 - Day 11 - Get blood test results from day 10

From the results of the blood test, my FS and clinic will decide if I need to have another blood test or if I am ready to have a scan to check if I have a good uterine lining and to check how big my follies are. Then when the time is right I will trigger ovulation with 2 injections of Ovidrel. 36 hours later I will ovulate then I wait another 5 days to have transfer. After transfer I will start on Progesterone Pessaries twice a day until the results of my pregnancy blood test are known.

I am feeling good, I have just come back from holidays with my family and now I am ready and very excited to get on with this cycle. I am feeling more positive about this cycle then any other FET cycle so far, but only time will tell if the changes will help my little embryo become my future child in arms.

So far it feels a little strange not to be actively doing anything other then taking my daily vitamins and supplement. All I have to do is sit back and wait for day 10 to roll around, then the fun will begin.

'Please Universe let this be the cycle, All I am asking for is a health baby'

Answers

2010-06-23T19:31:00.011+10:00

I had my appointment with my specialist today and to my shock I now have a new plan for my next FET.

Q) Why did my cycle break through with my last HRT FET cycle?
~ On DPO12/CD28 I started to spot and that continued
~ On DPO 14-15/CD30-31I started bleeding
He was a little confused what I meant by this, I had to explain that AF came while still on all medications and days before my blood test. He then asked me if I had had gastro or had been sick at anytime in the cycle, to which I answered not at all. He thought for a bit and looked over my file and then said I could do another HRT FET cycle but it could happen again. Then he suggested that a Natural FET Cycle might be better for me. OK I said and then he did all the paper work to change my cycle from a HRT FET to a Natural FET.

Q) Is it possible to have a BT to check progesterone and any other levels of anything else every 2 days or so from transfer - just so we can start to track what is actually going on?

This wont be needed as I will be doing a natural cycle, with a trigger and progesterone support.

Q) Is there any other medications that I can try that might help? eg. pregnyl and progesterone after any future transfers just to help out a bit more ?

I will be triggering with Pregnyl / Ovidrel and will be doing progesterone two times a day after transfer.

Q) My cervix
~ Is there a problem with it? If so what can be done about it?
~ How much scaring is there?
~ If it needs to be clamped next time, can it please be numbed first?

There isn't much scaring it just that my cervix is tilted and faces backwards, there is nothing that can be done to fix this but a fuller bladder might help. (not sure that it could be any fuller without peeing all over him). He also agreed to inject a local to numb it if it needs clamping again.

Q) Progesterone
~ What were my levels for each cycle?
~ Do I need more support?

With the natural cycle my body should be making it's own progesterone, that and the trigger and the progesterone pessaries should be all the support that I need.

So now I have to do some more waiting, I started the pill last week and as my clinic shares staff with another clinic I will remain on the pill now until mid July. One the 21st of July I will stop the pill and wait for AF to arrive, then on day 10 of my cycle I will commence having blood tests to see when my E2 levels rise and then I will go up for a scan. When the time is right I will trigger ovulation and then just over 6 days later I will have transfer.

It feels really good to have a different plan, doing the same old same old was really doing my head in. I wasn't expecting to get anything changed, all I wanted today was to make sure he knew what was happening. He really surprised me today, I was expecting the these things happen speech and it's a number game but I didn't.

Questions ~ Where to from here?

2010-06-22T13:58:00.001+10:00

Tomorrow I have an appointment with my specialist, I need answers, I need to know what is going on. I am give it my all, I don't drink, smoke, or live life hard. I have cut my coffee intake to half a cup a day and still I am not getting anything in return. I know it's a matter of time and to just keep trying, but to keep doing the same thing over and over again is just not working.

So here are my questions that I will be putting to FS tomorrow.

1) Why did my cycle break through with my last HRT FET cycle?
~ On DPO12/CD28 I started to spot and that continued

~ On DPO 14-15/CD30-31I started bleeding

2) Why is it not working, is it too soon after my miscarriage? Should I wait longer?

3) Is it possible to have a BT to check progesterone and any other levels of anything else every 2 days or so from transfer - just so we can start to track what is actually going on?

4) Is there any other medications that I can try that might help? eg. pregnyl and progesterone after any future transfers just to help out a bit more ?

~ Aspirin ?

~ Vitamins?

I am currently taking

*Elevit

* Folic Acid 5mg

* Fish Oil

* CoQ10

* Vitamin E

* Kelp

5) My cervix

~ Is there a problem with it? If so what can be done about it?

~ How much scaring is there?

~ If it needs to be clamped next time, can it please be numbed first?

6) Progesterone

~ What were my levels for each cycle?

~ Do I need more support?

7) Testing

~ Should I be tested for anything else?

~ ANA Antibodies (blood test), NK cells (endometrial biopsy), clotting disorders etc.

8) What quality are my embryos?

Is there anything else that I should be asking? something that I am forgetting?

I am not expecting much to come from this appointment, I am betting on him saying that we will just keep doing what we are doing and see what happens with my next cycle. I just need him to know that I am not happy to keep doing it by the clinic's schedule anymore. We are not all the same and should not be treated as such.

The Cost of My HRT FET Cycle ~ June 2010

2010-06-15T21:07:00.002+10:00

Ok here is the costs of this cycle.

13209 Planning and Management (assisted reproductive technologies)
Fee - $1,055.00
Rebate -$78.00
Total OOP - $977.00
13218 Preparation of frozen or donated embryos or donated oocytes.
Fee - $1,321.25
Rebate - $1,193.20
Total OOP - $128.05

I was $26 off the safety net when I started so almost all of it was over the safety net. But classed as the first FET cycle for the calendar year which is a slightly different rebated.

Hospital Admin Fee $50 (as I have already paid my excess for this year.)

Subtotal - $1105.05

Medication
Progynova - $22
Progesterone Pessaries - $180
Medibank Private Pharmaceutical Refund - $-84

Total Out of Pocket $1223.05

Also I did Acupuncture 3 times
4 Sessions @ $75 each
Medibank Private Rebate - $-92

Subtotal - $208

Total Out of Pocket $1431.05

Test Day ~ The Results

2010-06-15T20:51:00.000+10:00

OK well after a long 2 week wait and I have the results.......

But first a log of what happened....
Transfer to DPO9 was normal, taking my medications and resting and relaxing

DPO10 ~ I started Spotting but wasn't worried to much as it's a sign of implantation and it happened last time and that was a BFP. This was also the day that the stress of my Dad breaking his elbow started.

DPO11 ~ More spotting but still wasn't all that concerned as it was like this last time too. Still very stressed and away from home as my Dad was in hospital in Rockhampton with a shattered ulna head (elbow bone)

DPO12 ~ I started POAS (Peeing on a Stick) which was showing no sign of a second line no matter how hard I looked. The Dramas with Dad's arm continued

DPO13 ~ on one POAS I saw a second line and was getting my hopes up just a little. Spotting still so was thinking it hadn't worked. Still having dramas with Dad

DPO14 ~ (Friday before the public holiday) The spotting became more red so I rang my clinic to report the problem. I was told that it was a bit abnormal to be spotting/bleeding on HRT but to keep taking all of my medications not matter what happened over the long weekend and to have my blood test on the Tuesday. Dad finally had his surgery to replace the head of the Ulna with a titanium joint.

DPO16 ~ Still getting BFN on the POAS and the spotting had become heavier and more constant

DPO17 ~ My first day back at work, the spotting became more of a flow and I knew that that was it! It was all over. But as per instructions I remained on all of the medications. But every time I took the medication I had intense cramps OMG!!!!

DPO18 ~ Blood Test Day - I woke up and thought what the hell just one more POAS, you never know I might be lucky enough to get a second line. NOPE!! So I went in for my blood test and then I commenced waiting but the phone. By 2pm I rang my clinic to let them know that I was still waiting on my results, they hadn't come in yet but they would phone me when they did. I waited all day then finally at 6:10pm I get the phone call. I knew it was negative but being told officially that it was crushed my heart all over again.

So this cycle is over and again all I have to show for it is an empty womb, an empty bank account, a broken heart, a cycle that is stronger then 3 HRT tablets (6mg) and 2 Progesterone pesseries (400mg) a day and an AF that is out for revenge!!!

Thursday I will start the pill to give my body a break from all of the hormones, I think I might need it.

Where to from here well I have to decide ............ who knows???

TTCing After A Loss

2010-06-03T20:38:00.015+10:00

Well it's been awhile since I have updated my blog and lots has been happening. After having my miscarriage my fertility specialist told me I had to wait 2 full cycles before I could cycle again for both emotional and physical reasons. I got my first AF (period) 29 days after my D&C and OMG It was a cyclonic (cat 4) - cramps, floods, the whole force of her will. Well she had been putting out warnings for almost a week, so far enough.

While waiting for AF again I started prepping my body again, I start taking Elevit again daily and my GP put me on a mega dose of Folic Acid (5mg). I also started taking extra Vitamin E (1000), CoQ10 (75mg), Fish Oil (2000) and Kelp (1000) for an added kick.

On the 13th of May AF finally arrived again and she was back to her old self, in no way cyclonic. So I was now ready to start my next FET Cycle.

May/June 2010 HRT FET Cycle - The Plan
13th May - Start taking Progynova 2mg HRT 3 times a day
26th May - Ultra Sound Scan to check lining (must be 6-8mm)
28th May - Start Progesterone 200mg Pessaries twice a day
2nd June - Frozen Embryo Transfer
15th June - Blood Test

Scan day was on my 32nd Birthday, a girl has to do what she has to do so I had a lining scan for my birthday. Thankfully my lining was 12mm thick on day 14 so everything was set to go. I started the Progesterone Pessaries on Friday morning, oh the joys! The evening before transfer I had my usual acupuncture session ready for transfer.

Transfer was set for 1:45pm with an admit time of 1:30pm. Mum, Honor and I drove up early and had some lunch before hand. While Mum waited outside in the waiting room, Honor and I went in for transfer. Patrick the Embryologist came in and talked to me about how the embryo thaw went. Thankfully they only had to thaw one, and it was doing well. FS (Fertility Specialist) arrived and I was ready to go. After a few moments I got that feeling of deja vu yep that's right my cervix was clamped shut and was facing backwards like last time. FS didn't mess around this time and decided to clamp my cervix to make it easier but unlike last time he didn't numb it first, OMG!!!!! But still he had problems getting the catheter through my cervix even after using a dilator or 2. After about 20 minutes I was ready for transfer. FS said that I had some scaring to my cervix for the miscarriage and D&C which also didn't help matters. Honor and I watched on the monitor as my little embryo 'Inc' (this little embryo's name) was released into my uterus, It was such a magical moment to share with her. After the catheter was checked under the microscope my cervix as released from the grasps of the clamp (thank god!!!).

I am now on holidays from work for almost 2 weeks so I will be doing lots of resting and relaxing and hoping. This next 2 weeks are going to be a little longer that they normally are, but not as long as it was waiting 2 weeks for my Amnio that is for sure.

My blood test will be the Tuesday the 15th of June, please universe please let this little one be the one!!!!

My Genetic Tests Are Back

2010-04-30T14:49:00.001+10:00

Just wanted to update you all on where I am. Yesterday I got my genetic test results back. I have 23 normal sets of chromosomes, YAY!!! It's really nice to know that what happened to Echo was not something that I did genetically.

I have been given the all clear to go ahead with cycling as early as next month. May May be my month?? That remains to be seen.

Watch This Space For My Next Update............................

Well the results are in.......

2010-04-07T11:12:00.002+10:00

Just got that call, It's not good news and it's not bad news, it's no news

The lab couldn't grow anything in the culture, so after 3 weeks of checking they called it. So no results at all, couldn't even find out what sex Echo was. I'm not sure what to feel, I was really hoping that I could get some answers. Just my luck that I would be the one that draws the short strew in the percentage odds.

Now I am going to have to go and be tested myself

New GP and Feeling Much Better

2010-03-31T13:27:00.004+10:00

I had my first visit yesterday with my new GP. An old school friend recommended her, She bulk bills and specializes in female health. Well I could not fault her, she checked me all over, did my BP without me having to ask for it to be done. She even felt my belly ( That hasn't been done properly since I first went to my FS) and gave me my flu needle. She took great interest in all of my test and scan results, that I had with me. My old GP faxed though some of my files, but it seemed that there wasn't all that much to them even thou I have been at the clinic for over 10 years and with my old GP since I was born Luckily I kept a copy of my referral to Dr Carmady and also the copy of the report that he sent to my GP as they all were left off of my medical file that was sent. Tomorrow I am off to have some blood and urine test to check a few things and she urged me to see my FS as soon as possible, she said that I should have a scan to check my uterus etc as I seem to be very tender still. I had already made an appointment for Tuesday next week and she happily gave me a new referral to my FS so that no information goes back to my old GP.

She even made time to ask me how I was feeling emotionally and checked that I had lots of support and offered me counselling if I felt I needed it. I told her I had a great support network at home and here on the forum. She said that sometimes families can give to much support I totally agreed.

I feel so much better knowing that I have been checked over and that my concerns were listen to and heard. I didn't have to explain to her that I just had a feeling something wasn't right, she knew what I meant.

Now all I need now is Echo's test results to come back and to be checked over by FS and I think I am almost ready to start TTCing again. So much so that I rang my clinic this afternoon to check if they are doing a FET cycle in May (Remember that everyone cycles together at Monash Rockhampton). I am to ring when I have day 1 and we will go from there

Honouring My Little Echo

2010-03-31T13:05:00.000+10:00

In honour of Echo, I commissioned a photo pendent last weekend. It arrived and it looks great I feel the need to wear something that reminds me of Echo and what is better then a picture. As my Mum said we can tell it's a scan picture of a baby but others might just see it as a black and white pendent and that is OK, it's for me not them. I am also going to get a little charm with 'Echo 10.3.10' on it, but I just haven't found the right charm yet.

Amanda Jo Charms did a lovely job. - http://amandajocharms.com.au/sales/M...r_Own_Picture/

How Echo got His/Her Name

2010-03-31T12:52:00.002+10:00

I have been wanting to explain for sometime how I came to the name Echo.

Echo was my 5th Egg, so I decided that I should just keep with a letter system. Echo is E in radio talk.

Also I watch Dollhouse on Pay TV, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135300/

In the show there is a women and her code name is Echo. She can be anyone, do anything. Just what I wanted for my Echo, to do what ever it wanted to do So the name stuck.

Echo's Story

2010-03-13T17:07:00.001+10:00

I am sorry is if it's long but it's the only way I know how to process. Also TMI warning as it does get very gross towards the end.

As you all know I had my NT scan at 12 weeks and it showed a nuchal translucency of 7mm on Echo's back and neck all the way up to the top of it head. I was given the odds of 1:3 of T21 (Down syndrome) and a 1:16 of T13 & 18. My GP sent me for an Amnio set for the Tuesday 9/3/10 in Brisbane.

About a week before our trip I got the feeling that things were not quite right. So on the Friday before my trip to Brisbane I went to my GP and asked for a heartbeat check. I just felt the something had happened and what was the point of going all the way to Brisbane if there was no heartbeat. Well my GP decided that she would pander to me, bringing out the oldest doppler that she could find, knowing full well that she wouldn't find it. Instead she had a quick feel and told me that everything felt normal.

So Mum and I went to Brisbane, just making it for my appointment. After about 10 minutes of taking thought how the amnio works it was time for the scan. The bad feeling that I was having got worse as I climbed up on the bed, unzipped my skirt and lifted my shirt. Just as she was about to start the scan she said to me that with the amount of translucency on the baby's neck that there was a possibility that my baby would not have a heart beat. Both Mum and I said that we knew and that we both didn't have a good feeling, thinking that there would be no heartbeat. With in moments of starting the scan I just knew that there was no movement and I could see very clearly that there was no heartbeat. Echo had turned and was now up the right way but with no movement and no heartbeat she asked it she could do an internal scan to confirm. I agreed and with in a few minutes she confirmed that there was indeed no heartbeat and the Echo was only measuring 12w at the most.

We were then moved to another room where we waited for Dr Carmody. He walked in took one look at me and mum and said 'What a Bugger, such a crappy thing to happen' Then he proceeded to talk us through what the scan showed. After we talked about what would happen now he phoned my GP to talked to her about his findings. After saying who he was he went on to say 'The poor little thing doesn't have a heartbeat'. Just at the moment I looked over at him seeing tears running down his check. I felt so touched that he felt my pain.

After about 20 minutes we were given the plan of what would happen now, we were allowed to leave. The ladies at reception we very kind asking if I needed anything and only billed me for a gyny scan. They then offered me a CD of the images from the scan, I said that I would very much like to have them to keep, as morbid it sounds I just really need to have them.

Mum and I booked in to our hotel room and just sat for what seemed like for ever, then Mum decided that we needed to get out!! She made me change, wash my face, put my shoes on, then she walked me to the train station. A little retail therapy was in order, we walked thought the Queens street mall window shopping all the way. Then Mum had another brain wave, she could see that I could not stop crying so she took me to the best place to cry without people thinking that you are strange - The Movies! We saw 'The Blind Side' from what I remember it was a great movie, I love Sandra Bullock. After the movie we headed back to the hotel stopping to getting comfort food along the way.

We both had a really rough night, Knowing that Echo had gone, but was still in there was one of the hardest things to handle. We got up early and went in to Roma st to have b-fast and to make a few phone calls before we headed out to the airport. We flew out at noon and we landed an hour later. Just as I stood up to get off of the plane I felt what I can only decried as a 'gush' I looked down at my legs to see fluid running down my leg. As quick as I could I walked off of the plane and in to the terminal where I was greeted by my sister with a big hug. I quickly rushed off to the toilets to check, sure enough it was what I thought it was, my waters had broken. We rushed home so that I could get changed and then we were off to see Dr Bush (one of only 2 OBGYNs in town), My GP had rang to him telling him that I was coming in and he was there waiting for me as we walked thought the door. He went though all of the step with me and booked me in for a D&C in the morning. When we finally finished all of the paper work, other checks etc. we headed home about 3pm.

Mum set me up on couch with a warm chocolate milk and a Krispy Cream donut that she got at the airport. To take our minds off of it we turned the TV on and watched some TV shows. Well not even 10 minutes after we started I fell another 'gush' lucky the pad caught most of it. Off to check it again it was more of my waters. Dr Bush had said to come back in if I was bleeding, so I changed my pad and made myself comfy on the couch again. Well 5 minutes later another 'gush' happened, I quickly ran to the toilet. I looked down as I felt something slide out, sure enough it was Echo. Calling out to Mum I felt another 'gush' this time it was blood. Mum run in, I told her what happened. Quick thinking Mum rushed to get a little bag and a glover and retrieved Echo for the toilet. Mum sent me to get dressed while she ran the hospital telling them that we were coming in.

Getting dressed took me almost 10 minutes. As every time I had almost finished I need to change the huge over night pad. I went though 6 in 10 minutes. They clearly were not going to cut it so it was on to the old towels. The drive to the hospital took for ever (well 10 minutes) but it felt like for ever. We got to the hospital, I had to check in at the desk and then I walked over to the nurses station where they sat me on a chair while the worked out which room they were putting me into. The midwife on duty decided on the end room (the one the furtherest away from the nursery). Just as I walked in to the room sat on the side of the bed, Dr Bush walked in. He waited over in the corner as the nurses did my obs and got all of the info that they needed. I was still in no pain and apart from the 'gush' every few minutes I felt clear headed and in control. Dr Bush asked me when I had eaten last, 3:30 I said Hmmmmm we will have to wait he said and see how we go before making any decisions. I was admitted at 5:03pm. I was sent in to the toilet to change my pad (towel) they gave me a huge pad the went from my belly button all the way back to my lower back. In 2 hours I had changed it 7 times, they were all taken away to weigh and check. By 8pm I had lost over 1.5kg of blood and clots, and it was time for an injection to stop the bleeding and calm my uterus down. If I didn't stop bleeding by 9pm I was going to be rushed to theater for an emergency D&C. Thankfully the bleeding stopped/slowed by 8:50pm so no emergency trip to theater. Then the cramping began!!!! OMG now I have a high pain threshold but this was like 20x stronger then any period pain and the cramps were so powerful I could fell them on the outside of my tummy. I was offered paracetamol for the pain but nothing else. Mum stayed all night never leaving my side, she slept in the chair beside my bed waking to check on every little move or noise I made, Bless her.

At midnight I was still in pain, the night nurse offered more paracetamol and a heat pad. No other pain meds were offered and I was nil by mouth after midnight. The heat pad was fantastic it was a little electric blanket that was set on high. By 6am I was in so much pain the new day nurse and the student nurse (that I had yesterday and think that I scared her with all of the blood loss) decided that I needed more pain relief. THANK GOD!!!!! They rang my dr and got me some Tremadol which took the edge off of the pain but didn't take it away. By 8am I was prepped for surgery for 10:30am. By 11:30 I was wheeled back in my room where my sister Honor was waiting for me. She had convinced Mum to go home and get some rest but as long as Honor rang her when I can out of surgery. By 12:30 Mum was back and I was ready to go home, all we had to do was wait for the Dr to come and see me. By 5pm we were still waiting. Finally at 5:30pm we asked how long he would be, the nurse said that she would find him and get back to me. 10 minutes later she came back and handed me my discharge papers and told me to make an appointment in 2 weeks to see Dr Bush. I was given no advice of what to expect and was not told if I needed to take anything.

After getting home I had something to eat and showered then went to bed. I slept for 11 hours and also slept most of the day away yesterday. Only being woken up by mum every few hours with cups of tea, food, and paracetamol. Finally I felt awake at about 5pm, I decided that I should have a shower and wash my hair. Getting ready for the shower I noticed that my breasts were leaking, thick white milk was running down my chest - yet another cruel blow from my body for me to cope with.

Now all that is left to do is wait for the test results, Echo was sent off for testing Wednesday and we should get the results back at my appointment Thursday week. More resting, recovering, processing, crying, dealing, talking and graving to be done but I am sure that I will be alright. I am even thinking about TTCing again ASAP, as soon as they let me.

Thank you all for your kind words, thoughts and messages over the pass few weeks.

Bad NT Test Results

2010-03-08T11:07:00.004+10:00

Well I had my 12 weeks scan the other week, at 12 weeks 3 days.

I had just got home from my scan, and I get a phone call from my GP herself saying that she needs to see me right away.

My test results were rushed though and she got a phone call from the Scanning unit. This are not good.

My Numbers are -

Background Risk of trisomy 21 - 1 :504 {Based on Age}
Adjusted Risk of Trisomy 21 - 1:3 {Based on Scan and Blood Results}
Background Rick of Trisomy 13+18 1 -909 {Based on Age}
Adjusted Rick of Trisomy 1:16 {Based on Scan and Blood Results}

Abnormal increased nuchal translucency of 7mm.

My GP has made my appointment and reffed me to a Specialist in Brisbane for an Amnoi on the of 9th March at the Wesley Hospital.

I know not to trust the results from my blood tests as all of the IVF drugs can mess with the results, but it's the scan results that are say that things are not right.

So tomorrow Mum and I fly out to Brisbane for my Amnio and I should get the first lots of results some time the following day, then some more at 48 hours and then the final ones 2 weeks after.

It's been the hardest 2 weeks of my life waiting for this appointment.

Please wish me luck and please do not comment about this on my Facebook as I am not ready for the world to know just yet.

Gemma

+ Result

2010-02-05T12:39:00.003+10:00

Yes that is right I am pregnant.

I had totally written this cycle off as I had spotting and cramping and I was sure it was all over. But to my amazement I kept getting positive results on the POAS (Pee on a stick) every day they got darker and darker.

I went in for my Blood test on the 29th of December and I had the great news by lunch time.

My HCG levels where 386 and progesterone was 49.8 so all was going well and I was well and truly pregnant. I retested on the 5th of January and my HCG where 5355 Progesterone was 60. My scan with my FS (Fertility Specialist) was made for the 27th of January, but I could wait that long to know that everything was where it should be so I went to my GP and asked to a scan.

I had my first scan on the 15th of January. Echo's (in utero name) heartbeat is 143bpm and is measuring 6w5d. So all is about right. Oh what a relief

I had my second scan with my FS at 8.5 weeks and Echo had double in size and was moving and kicking it's little legs, Oh how amazing

My next scan and blood test is at 12 weeks 23rd of February. After I get those results I will be ready to tell the whole world ~ LOL that is the half that I haven't already told.

ICSI Cycle Costs December 2009

2010-01-16T16:58:00.011+10:00

Here is the costings of my December Cycle.

Total bill taken to Medicare - $8293.10

Hospital - $250 excess + $50 bed fee (Medibank Private) - $300 not covered by Medicare.
Sperm - $340 - Not covered by Medicare.
Anesthetist - $682
Monash ICSI Cycle - $7611.10
Pre-Cycle Bloods - $6
Synarel (medication) - $101
Subtotal - $9040.10
Medicare Rebate - $6672.95
Medibank Private Rebate - $42.85
Medibank Private Pharmaceutical Refund - $36.40
Total Out of Pocket - $2287.90

I also had Acupuncture - 4x $75 = $300
Medibank Private Rebate - 4x $23 = $92
Total Extras - $208

As of October I was covered by Medibank Private. Which saved me on the hospital (would have been $1020 with out cover). I also saved some off of the cycle fee ($400 or so) with my cover. In November Monash upped their prices so the saving of the $400 that I got from my medical fund was about the same as the increases.

Blasting Off ~ Please be the one

2009-12-18T15:17:00.001+10:00

I had transfer yesterday and it didn't go so well. We started at 9:15am but my Specialist had lots and lots of trouble getting my cervix open - it was clamped shut and facing backwards, it would not let the catheter though at all. So after about 40mins of pocking and prodding he gave me two options he could try again with a local to numb it so that he could move it around and clamp it so that we could transfer or do it under general. I chose the local as I really wasn't that uncomfortable and I really didn't want another general so soon after the other one. 10mins later we were finally getting somewhere Making it over an hour try to transfer. After all of that I have one great hatching Blastocyst (nicely developed 5 day embryo) and 3 conformed to be frozen with another 2 that they where letting grow till today to see if they are suitable to freeze.

I now have to take the weekend off as my Specialist thinks that I need to rest after such a difficult transfer.

My blood test to see how it has all gone is set for the 29th of December, so just Christmas to get though and then hopefully I get what I want for Christmas.

Day 1 Magnificent Seven Update

2009-12-14T14:41:00.000+10:00

Got an update from the lab this afternoon. They are all doing well all about 4-6 cells

I am holding my breath waiting for tomorrows update. I hope that they all behave themselves over night.

My Magnificent Seven

2009-12-13T15:42:00.000+10:00

Yesterday I went for EPU (Egg Pick Up). I was feeling really bloated and sore but was happy as the scan showed that I had about 7 follies on Tuesday.

As my EPU was on a Saturday, the hospital put me into a private room I was admitted at 6:45am and was headed to theatre by 8:30am. I woke to the news that all seven follies had eggs. WooHoo!!!!!! I was in a fair bit of pain after traveling home but nothing that a few painkillers didn't fix. I sleep the best sleep ever last night almost 12 hours

Today I hung out all day for the news from the Lab, OMG what a long wait that was!! Last time they rang me at 11:30. Well I waited till 12 before I rang, but alas no answer I had almost given up hope but at 2pm I finally got the call. All seven fertilized I can't believe how lucky I am to have all of them fertilize.

I am hoping to do a blast transfer (day 5 embryo) on Thursday.

Now I can't wait to phone them in the morning to see how they are going.

Come on My Magnificent Seven hang in there!!!

The Plan Christmas ICSI Cycle

2009-11-06T17:39:00.000+10:00

I only just made it into this cycle as I only just finished the HRT FET cycle on the 2nd of November and I had to get AF (period) and start the pill before the 7th November

THE PLAN
6th Nov - Start Pill
15th Nov - Start Synarel 2x Daily
21st Nov - Finish Pill
24th Nov - Blood Test #1 - Period
28th Nov - Start FSH Gonal F Injections Dose 300 (Doubled from last time)
3rd Dec - Blood Test #2
7th Dec - Blood Test #3 and Scan at 11:15am
?? Dec - Blood Test #4
?? Dec - Trigger of 2 x Ovidrel
?? Dec - Egg Pick Up (36 hours after Trigger)
?? Dec - Start Crinone Gel (2 days before Embryo Transfer)
?? Dec - Embryo Transfer (6 days after Egg Pick Up)

So that means that my blood test for find out if this has all worked will fall somewhere in the middle of Christmas *Come on Santa all I want for Christmas is a BFP!!!* (Big Fat Positive)

The Cost of My HRT FET Cycle

2009-11-06T17:20:00.001+10:00

I thought that I would keep a record of how much it cost for this cycle.

Total bill taken to Medicare - $2020.00
Embryo T'fet FET - $593.65
Spec Planning and Management - $1426.35
Medicare Rebate - $-1748.20
Subtotal Out of Pocket - $271.80

Hospital Admin Fee $300

Medication
Progynova - $22
Progesterone Pessaries - $152.40
Medibank Private Pharmaceutical Refund - $-36.40

Total Out of Pocket $709.80

Also I did Acupuncture 3 times
2 Sessions $110 (Sill waiting to get Medibank Private refund)
Pre-Transfer for $70 -
Medibank Private Rebate - $-23

Real total Out of Pocket $866.80

The Results of my HRT FET Cycle

2009-11-06T17:01:00.000+10:00

Well again it isn't good news, after I had Frostie transfer on the 21st of October. I rested took it easy and just waited. I had my blood test on Monday and it was as I suspected - Nothing at all to show for all the time, effort, heartache and not to mention the money.

Ready for Transfer - Frostie

2009-10-18T21:49:00.000+10:00

Well it's been awhile since I have updated my blog.

I had my scan on the 15th of October and everything is great. Lining was measured at 11mm - planner states that it needed to be 6-8mm, so much more then I need which is great. Transfer is set for the 21st of October at 1:15pm so not long now.

All of the medications have really hit me this time. The HRT (Progynova) really messed with my emotions and reduced me to tears on more then one occasion. Last week I came down with a sinus infection so I was also on Antibiotics to help clear that up before I went for transfer. Friday I started on the Progesterone Pessaries, lets just say that they are gross and leave it at that. On top of all of that I have been very forgetful lately, like forgetting what I was going to do just moments before. Also I have been finding it hard to concentrate for more then a few minutes at a time.

Thank goodness for Acupuncture as it seemed to make me more emotionally centred and able to focus better after. I am planning an Acupuncture session before transfer, like I did last time. Who knows if it helps or not, all I know is that I am more relaxed with it then without it.

Now I have to just play the waiting game. I have to wait until Tuesday afternoon to find out if Frostie has defrosted and has begun to grow again. As I only have one Embryo frozen if it fails to defrost and or start growing then my cycle will be cancelled and I will be back to where I started.

HRT - FET The Plan

2009-09-23T14:36:00.000+10:00

Well finally I go my planner in the mail today. I felt like a little kid waiting for my birthday card to be delivered by the Postie.

17th Sept 2009 - Started the Pill
30th Sept 2009 - Take last Pill
3rd Oct 2009 - Period (Maybe last time it took 5 days)
3rd Oct 2009 - Start taking Progynova HRT 3 times a day
15th Oct 2009 - Ultra Sound Scan to check lining (must be 6-8mm)
? Oct 2009 - Start Progesterone Pessaries twice a day
?? Oct 2009 - FET

This of course might be all in vain as I only have one frozen embryo and if it fails to thaw or fails to resume dividing then I am back to the beginning again without even getting to transfer.

It seems a little strange as I have not been told about any blood tests - will have to ring the clinic tomorrow to ask about a few things.

I am feeling better now that I have a plan - it makes me feel in control again. Ahhhhhh

The Waiting Is Over For Now

2009-09-18T12:38:00.002+10:00

Well it's been a rough week for me

It hasn't been an easy ride and I am sad to say that I got a negative result on my blood test on Monday.

All though I was getting positives on quite a few Home Pregnancy tests the test line had gotten darker and then began to get light. Which is not a good sign. The blood test showed that I did have a pregnancy, my hormone level was up but was not high enough. It was classed as a Chemical Pregnancy, meaning that there was a pregnancy but for what ever reason it did not progress. The good news is that I now know that I can get pregnant, it's just a matter of getting it to stick.

I had a rough couple of days, but I now feel ready to move forward. I had to have another blood test to make sure that my levels had returned to normal so that I could start a new cycle. I now have a new plan from the clinic to do an Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) next month and Also another plan in place if for another Full Stim Cycle before the end of the year (Before all the changes to Medicare come in, in January 2010), if the FET doesn't work.

I will update on the new plan when I get it, waiting for my new plan and kit in the mail. LOL More Waiting!!!!

The Cost of My IVF Cycle

2009-09-08T20:39:00.002+10:00

Total Bill taken to Medicare was - $7997.90

Hospital - $1020 (Not covered by Medicare)
Sperm - $240
Anesthetist - $595 ($100 of for paying before 21days) $495
Monash ICSI Cycle - $7462
Pre Cycle Bloods - $40.90
Synarel - $127 (Medication)

Subtotal - $9344.90
Medicare Rebate - $6635.35
Total Out of Pocket - $2709.55

I all so had Acupuncture once a week for 5 weeks at $55 each and then before Transfer I had one at the cost of $85. So a total of $360
Medibank gave me $111.70 and I still have to take one receipt into them. So out of Pocket about $250 for Acupuncture.

ET and The Waiting Game

2009-09-08T20:37:00.001+10:00

I had Embryo Transfer (ET) Thursday, I had one Blastocyst put back in and was lucky enough to be able to freeze one for later. The other embryo wasn't strong enough and didn't make it to day 5. I had a very lovely Acupuncture session before transfer, it was a little different to my normal session. Heat was apply to the needles, really not sure why but it was nice. I have been resting since before transfer, taking over a week off of work so that I can relax and take it easy.

Sunday morning I woke up with a sore throat and a head cold, it is slowly getting better and I am feeling OK. I have had no symptoms of Pregnancy as of yet and I really can't tell one way or the other what the out come will be. The Two Week Wait (2WW) is not as hard as my previous experiences, I am not driving myself as crazy with thinking about it and I am not second guessing every little twinge or cramp. If it works it works, if it doesn't well I will just start again. I have a blood test on Monday the 14th of September. But who knows what will happen before then

Big Weekend - EPU

2009-09-01T20:44:00.004+10:00

Well it's been a big weekend for me.

A long slow drive to Rockhampton with really thick fog, we just made it for the early admit time for EPU. I waited with Mum in the waiting room for what seemed like ages before being called in for a meeting with my nurse. Then it was off to the day surgery until to do some more waiting, before I had to get changed it to the the lovely gown and sexy paper undies that tied at the side  then some more waiting before I saw the Anesthetist for a quick check. My op time was changed from 10am to 9:15am so it wasn't long before I was being wheeled in to the OR. Where I had to wait for FS, I heard someone say that he had just got into the car park - it wasn't long before I had my IV set up and then it was time to have a sleep. Then all of a sudden I was in recovery being told it was time to wake up. The first thing that I did was ask how many, the nurse was lovely and told me that I had 4 lovely little eggs.  I felt a little bit let down with the number but I quickly got over it when I heard the the lady after me only got 2. I was allowed to go home just before noon  After getting home I rested for the rest of the day and then went to bed really early.

Sunday I woke up and felt great  I hung out by the phone for the report from the Embryologist - it was a long wait till 11:30am. The report was good with 3 of my eggs being fertilised and the other being to little to be fertilised. So I have a 75% fertilisation rate which is really good

Sadly that afternoon I found my elderly cat Ollie not very well in the garden. Knowing that it was mostly likely his time I brought him inside and made him as comfortable as I could. It was heart breaking to watch him in his last few hours but I would not have wanted him to go though that alone. Thankfully I had my Brother with me when he finally went to pussy cat heaven, We both held him as he left us. Just over 15 years ago I watched him being born, be had become blind a few years ago but still managed to find his way around the house, the yard and the street for that matter. He had a good long life

Monday morning I rang the clinic about 10:30 for my daily update - The news is good  My three little ones had become 2x4 cell embryos and 1x5 cell embryo

This morning I rang for another update and got to speak to the embryolioigest and he told me that they were all doing well when they where checked early this morning 1 with 6 cell, 1 with 8 cells and the other had hit the 10 make.  I will call again in the morning for another update.

My Embryo transfer has been set for 8:45am Thursday with an acupuncture appointment in Rockhampton at 7am. So Mum and I are going to over night it this time so that we don't have to content with the fog in the morning.

I can't believe that I have made it this far - every day I think that this is not going to happen, but every day I am surprised

Ready Set...............

2009-08-27T11:58:00.000+10:00

OK I am set for EPU, just got off of the phone from the clinic. I will trigger tonight at 8pm with 2 x Ovidrel (New research suggests that doing 2 might help when a little over weight ) Then it's a drug free day for me tomorrow and then I will be admitted at 8am Saturday for EPU at 10am WooHoo!!!!!

The Ups and Downs ~ Scan Day

2009-08-26T23:00:00.003+10:00

Yesterday was scan day!

I got up early so that I could have by Blood Test and have the results by the time of my appointment. Got there even before the Lab opened

The Scan went well, I have 4-5 follies on the Right and about 5-6 in the Left. They have a little more growing to do but I have been scheduled for Egg Pick Up Saturday Morning. I was hoping for more but you never know what you are going to get until the day so I am holding out hope that there are more hiding in there somewhere

I have just done my last Gonal F injection tonight and tomorrow morning I am to have another blood test to check my hormone levels are OK and then the clinic will contact me with the time of the trigger injection.

I can't believe how fast the last part of this cycle has gone. I have done a total of 11 injection and I only have one to go I have my last sniff tomorrow morning and then I am all done with the meds until after EPU

Today I also had my last Acupuncture session - not as relaxing as I hoped as I was so not comfy on my tummy and just couldn't get in to the zone. But did manage a short nap while on my back.

I really haven't been sleeping all that well at the moment - a combination of not being able to sleep on my tummy, and getting really hot and then really cold as Winter has gone AWAL at the moment here in Queensland. What is it Doing? 30 degrees C in winter is not winter!!!

Injecting and Sniffing

2009-08-19T20:14:00.000+10:00

I have been injecting now for four days
The gonal f injections have been OK, they don't really hurt. But ever since about day 2 of injecting I have felt my ovaries ache and I now have a tight tummy and a really full feeling most of the time. I am hoping that that is a good sign. I have had a few hiccups with the needles - mainly hurting myself with them as I am not paying attention to what I am doing - I got myself in the thumb with the end side of the needle when it got stuck in the sharps bin thing. I felt like such a dill! thinking that I could just push the needle head in with my thumb. Must be all of the drugs going to my head. I have even been stuffing up me sniffing

I had another Acupuncture appointment today I think that I went to sleep before she even left the room the first time and then the second time would have only been about 30 seconds after she turned off the light Then after I got home I put my God Daughter Mia to bed for her afternoon nap and I am sure that I fell asleep before she did I was only laying down with her until she feel asleep. Sadly I only have one more Acupuncture session before EPU and then another one just before ET. I am so going to miss them - What am I going to do for relaxation during my 2WW?

I have another blood test Friday morning to see how I am going *Finger Crossed* that everything is going well and then I have another one on Tuesday morning and my scan is booked for the afternoon. This time next week I am hoping to have a time and date for EPU OMG I can't wait!!!

Totally Down Regged and Paid Up

2009-08-12T20:12:00.001+10:00

I had my first blood test yesterday morning to check if I have down regulated enough to start the injecting.

Got a phone call this morning to tell me that I have down regged perfectly with a hormone level of under 30 - Real not sure what that all means. The Nurse also told me that AF might not show herself, so that's another plus Lets just see if she stays away!

Then two minutes later I got another phone call from the Clinic Manager to let me know that my drugs had been packed up and are ready to be sent to me - Via a approved medical courier and that I needed to make payment for my treatment before they were picked up. I was ready with my 2 credit cards (one a Visa Debit) to make the almost $8000 payment. I waited all afternoon for the courier to ring to let me know that they were ready to be picked up - but now that it is after 5:30pm I will have to wait until tomorrow now

I am having another Acupuncture session tomorrow and I am oh so looking forward to starting my injections Sunday Night!!!!! YAY!!!!!

Sniff Sniff Sniff Sniffing

2009-08-05T20:11:00.000+10:00

I have been sniffing now for 4 days. I am amazed how good I am feeling at the moment (Hoping not to Jinx myself). I have been sleeping really well and I have finally got around to fully cleaning out my bedroom. Getting rid of all of my old fat clothes, keeping any that might become handy in a few months and I am even planning to flip my mattress

On the other hand I have noticed that I have been quick to yell and have been feeling a little more madder then usual, but I am not sure whether it is the drugs or some issues that I am having at work at the moment. Only time will tell if it's the meds or not

I have another acupuncture appointment tomorrow - am so looking forward to it. Pitty I have to go to work and spoil the relaxation.

Counting down now till I finish down regging ~ Only 3 more little pills to go ~ can't wait until I move to the next stage.

Pins and Needles

2009-07-29T20:08:00.000+10:00

Today I had my first Acupuncture appointment today. OMG I feel great and oh so relaxed

The Acupuncturist (Jo) was so lovely. She has given up her lunch hour next Thursday as there where no appointments left and she said that I need to have it done weekly while cycling. An hour of relaxation a week OMG I think I can handle that and only $55 a go that is MBP covered

It's such a strange feeling afterwards - she said that I might feel light-headed or away with the fairly for a few hours. Well let me say I had such a hard time concentrating on driving on the way home. Then after about an hour or so I felt the fairies coming to get me. They kept me for about 2 hours and then I was oh so relaxed and calm even with my Beautiful God Daughter Mia (23months) (who I had today as she is sick with her 5th ear infection in 4 months) screaming and crying for my attention every minute of the afternoon.

Nurses Appointment and Info Night

2009-07-25T20:05:00.001+10:00

Yesterday I had my IVF injecting section with the Nurses at the clinic. My plan has now changed

THE PLAN
Start Pill before 25th July
2nd August - Sniffing Synarel Morning and Night
8th August - Stop The Pill
11th August - Blood Test (Period of some sort)
16th August - (If all well with blood test) start FSH injections (Puregon Pen 150mg)
21st August - Blood Test 8am
25th August - Blood Test 8am and Scan 1:15pm (Moved to the next day so I can have my scan done in My Town as FS had a clinic day here then)
Sometime from the 27 - 29th EPU is planned.
This time I will be triggering with Ovidrel and not Pregnyl
Then a few days after EPU I will start on Crinone Gel which will continue until my BT 16 days after EPU.
ET is planed for 5days after EPU so I will be going to Blast

This new plan is much better as it means lest travel for me. It's also better for the clinic as they have 26 cycling this month and as we are all cycling together they have decided to put some of us back a day so that the 2 FSs are not rushed with the scans. The Clinic is also going to send me my medication, so that is an other trip that I don't have to make.

The information night covered everything that was involved in IVF and how to contact the clinic in an emergency and when not to. It was mostly aimed at the people that have never headed of IVF before, so really there was no information overload for me. Mum did come with me to both the nurses appointment and to the information night and she said after, that I had told her almost all of the information already So now we both know that we were not walking blindly into this. Thanks to SMC and all of you lovely sharing ladies

Oh and BTW - The customer (her name is Mel) when we meet up at the hospital waiting area the first thing that she said to me was - So where is your partner? To which I replied - I don't have a partner Well her reaction was great she smiles and congratulated me on courage to go for this alone. I am really not sure when she is cycling, really didn't get a chance to chat to her much as I was the last to leave the information night as the nurse has some paper work for me to sign and wanted to protect my right to privacy by not talking about it in front of all the other couples. LOL it was just the drug form that she had forgotten to get me to sign. Nothing that really needed to be done in private.

Feeling OK!

2009-07-20T20:03:00.000+10:00

Well the little white pills are not effecting me at all at the moment, in fact I am feeling great!!! - YAY I really thought that I would have every side effect under the sun. LOL plenty of time yet I suppose.

I thought that I would just update on the Customer Story - I talked to her today and she is doing the induction at the hospital and has also got an appointment at the clinic at the same time as me!!! So I am going to have to bite the bullet and tell her my story, well at least I will have someone else cycling with me in town . We must be having the same injecting lesson. Still really not sure why I am so worried about telling her, maybe it's because I am at work and really don't want to talk to much about it in front of my juniors.

I have warned the other supervisor at work that I might be away at the end of August and that I might ring her and ask her to do some of my shifts if I am to hormonal AKA Hormonal Witch to work with my really lovely juniors. Really don't want to bite their heads off it I can at all help it. LOL but then again me being cranky might actually get them to behave a little better then what they have been lately.

It All Begins With Tiny Little Pills

2009-07-17T19:59:00.001+10:00

Well I am off and running so to speak I started taking the Pill last night!!
Finally feels like I am back to actively doing something other then waiting to wait Now all I have do is remember to take them on time it's not going to be easy, I am terrible at remembering to take anything on time. I have a Alarm set on my phone to remind me, it's set on the highest volume and also set so that it will keep going off until I stop it.

I spoke to a lovely lady that is also cycling at my clinic, she is doing her fourth IVF cycle at the same time as me. She suggested I not wait for the clinic to tell me to make an appointment for my scan with my FS, as they fill up fast with everyone cycling together. When I rang this morning there was only two spots left for the 24th of August (the day set for the scan on my planner from the clinic). Other wise I would have had to have an appointment for the following day and may have missed my window. So my scan is set for 12pm on the 24th with EPU anytime after that.

Next Friday I have an appointment with the clinic nurses to learn how to inject and go through the plan etc. Mum has agreed to come in with me so that I have a second pair of ears so to speak. Then that night I have an Information / Induction at the hospital. So it's going to be a very big information overload kind of day! I will be returning home with empty pockets and a full head of info. At least I have most of the lingo down so that shouldn't be an issue.

Finally Starting!!!! OMG I can't believe it!!!

Waiting for My IVF Journey to Begin

2009-06-27T18:54:00.000+10:00

At the moment I am waiting to start my IVF Journey. The plan is to start down regging on day 2 of my next cycle (before the 25th of July) and then start sniffing on the 2nd of August. Monash IVF Rockhampton has everyone cycle together so they can do EPU all in one week every 6 weeks.

I have chosen a new donor and have made arrangements to extend my credit card limit so that I don't have to be out of pocket while I wait for medicare to pay me back.

I have a nurses appointment on the 24th of July to go through all of the meds and learn how to use the injector pen Then that night I have an information night at the hospital that all first time IVFers have to attend before starting. All I can think of is that I will be the only single one there. Might have to take my Mum along so she knows where to take me for EPU

The funny thing is that one of my customers at work will also be attending the information night, she has been telling me all about how her and her husband are starting IVF and I have let her know that I am too. The only thing is that I don't think that she has got the fact that I am doing this by myself. I haven't said to her that I am, but have made suggestions in the way that I talk - eg. I am doing IVF, I am going to the information night, I am using monash etc.

So now I am freaking out that more people that I know will be there too. why am I bothered by this? I have been up front to almost everyone and now that I have to do IVF I really want to keep it to myself.

My Story So Far

2009-06-20T19:16:00.000+10:00

I was 29 when I first started looking in to becoming a Solo Mum by Choice. I embarked on a research journey of discovery, finding that I was not alone and in fact there where more then just one way to become a Mum with out a man in your life. So after finding out the different ways of conceiving without a partner I decided to go the safest route for me.

I made an appointment to see my GP and hopefully get a referral to my chosen Fertility Specialist. My regular GP refused to refer me as I was young and I have lots of time to have a family. Well not taking that as my answer I left that doctors room and made an appointment to see my family GP for the next week. Needles to say that I got referral with lots of well wish and a promise to keep her up to date with what was happening. I then went home and made my first appointment with my FS (Fertility Specialist)

I had to wait for about 8 weeks for my first appointment with FS, but it was well worth the wait. We talked about my history which included a full family medical history and then he did a scan and sent me for lots of test. Another 8 weeks later I was back to get my test results and discuss my options, I was told that I should start with a natural IUI/DI (Inter Uterine Insemination with Donor Sperm) cycle. I decided to wait about 6 months as my little sister was getting married and I was her Maid of Honor to start with my first cycle. But in the mean time I did all the required appointments with the Councillor, Clinic Nurses and choose a ID release donor from my clinic's list.

I had my first IUI cycle in February 2009 , my second in March 2009 and then my third in May 2009. Sadly none of them worked and I was back at my FS's office to see where to from here. He told me that I should stoop wasting my time and money with IUI's and go to IVF/ICSI for my next cycle. So I headed home to do some more research and after a few day I had decided to go down the IVF route.