I'm about to start back down the long, arduous road of fertility treatments. Sadly, there is still a huge stigma attached to the treatment of infertility. So, I was wondering if anyone would be interested in reading about my experiences in trying to conceive? I want to help erase the stigma and I was also inspired by Dan_raven's account of his son, Sasha's, adoption.
If no one's interested, that's fine, too. I don't want to take up space with a topic that people don't want to read.
[ April 15, 2005, 04:47 PM: Message edited by: Mrs.M ]
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Ms.M, I am happy to read your story. I have no experience with the issue but admire your perserverance and willingness to go through these treatments.
Posted by Insanity Plea (Member # 2053) on :
I would love to hear your story, and also wish you the best of luck :: hugs :: remember: Don't use condoms, they don't help Satyagraha
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
I'd love to read your accounts M.
Though I have to admit I had no idea about the stigma attached to treatment. What does it arise from?
Hobbes Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Mrs. M, I would love to hear it. I didn't know there was a stigma attached to fertility treatments. Out of five pregnancies, my mother's first four were from fertility drugs.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
I'm very interested, Mrs. M. My cousin recently went through this arduous process and it was very enlightening to hear her story.
edit: Hukt on fonicks...
[ August 18, 2004, 04:24 PM: Message edited by: PSI Teleport ]
Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :
I'm Hobbes's echo on this one. Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I'm very interested.
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
I also didn't know there was a stigma attached to fertility treatments... that would be like looking down your nose at someone undergoing chemo or something.
But yes, I would love to read your stories, and I hope that they'll soon have a happy ending!
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
I'll just join the chorus of people saying "there's a stigma attached to fertility treatments? Why on earth would that be?". Watch:
There's a stigma attached to fertility treatments? Why on earth would that be?
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Please, let us hear all about it.
Though you are probably gonna talk about all the oowy gooey yucky bits and pieces.
Yum.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Day 1: Day Before 1st Doctor Appointment August 18, 2004
There are a lot of forms to fill out. I have to give a full account of my medical history and a detailed account of my reproductive history. I've always hated filling out medical forms – I’m always afraid that I'm forgetting something crucial that will ruin my treatment. Plus, I'm a very private person and it makes me uncomfortable to share such intimate information with anyone, even my doctor. The reproductive history questions are understandably invasive, but it still embarrasses and upsets me to answer them. Even after 3 years, it hurts to have to write that my only pregnancy ended in a miscarriage.
What really bothers me is having to fill out these papers at all. I know that they're just the first step in what will be a long, difficult process with an uncertain outcome. I can feel the frustration welling up as I check off the appropriate boxes. Why do I have to go through this when it's so simple for everyone else?
Going to see our friends' new baby this past weekend was not a good idea. There was an impromptu barbecue and some of our other friends came over with their babies. Andrew and I were the only people there without children. It was like that song on Sesame Street, "Which of these couples is not like the other ones, which of these couples does not belong?" Even though Andrew reminded me that I'm much younger than all of these people, it didn't make me feel any better. It didn't help that all the babies stopped fussing when I held them and that everyone went on and on about what a great mother I'd be.
Our families are being very good about it, for the most part. Andrew's mother keeps telling me how much she wants to be a grandmother. I know that she means well, but it's wearing on my last nerve. My mother is doing her best not to make me more nervous than I already am. She's not doing such a good job. Then there's my Aunt Lynne, who has called me 8 times to tell me about progesterone suppositories, which is how she overcame her infertility. As much as I always appreciate unsolicited advice, I'm going to let my doctor decide on the best course of treatment. The worst part is that Aunt Lynne calls my mother, too, and then my mother calls me and asks, "Did Aunt Lynne tell you about the progesterone suppositories?" YES!!!!!!!
Andrew is being incredibly supportive and wonderful. He has such a reasonable and optimistic nature. He's not going with me to this appointment, at my request. This is the initial one and includes a pelvic, which he doesn't need to be a part of. He'll come to the later ones. This is hard for him, too, and it's at the worst time. He's teaching 3 new classes at a new college and finishing up a ton of item writing assignments. Actually, that probably helps distract him.
I keep thinking of all of the women who have whispered to me, "I did [insert any and all fertility treatments] to have my kids." Why did they feel that they had to whisper? Whispering is contagious, so I started to whisper when I talked about my own infertility. Some of my family and friends whispered when they said things like, "That's great and no one needs to know it was anything but natural," and "So-and-so had her baby by [insert fertility treatment] and you'd never know it." That's ridiculous, but it got to me. It touched the part of me that is ashamed that I am such a failure in something so basic that so many other women do without any effort. I don't want to whisper anymore. I don't want to hear any more stories about women who were ashamed to tell their own families about their infertility. I don't want to see tears of relief in the eyes of other infertile women when I talk about my condition and theirs in a matter-of-fact way.
So, I'm going to run a few errands and spend a quiet evening at home. Tomorrow, I'm going to take my time getting ready and make sure that I get to the doctor's office early. Wish me luck.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Mrs. M, I'm so happy that you trust us enough to share such a personal issue. And I'm so proud of you for taking a stand on this! I will be wishing you luck every step of the way.
My best friend from high school is due in March, after 2 miscarriages and 8 years of trying. I know from her story that fertility treatments can be frustrating (they started them a few years ago) so I will be thinking especially of you. But the smile on her face when she announced her pregnancy showed how worth it the struggle was. I hope that you and your husband will be similarly blessed, and soon.
space opera
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
MrsM, best of luck, and may Hashem see your hishtadlus, and bless you and answer your prayers.
If you wouldn't mind telling me your Hebrew name and that of your mother (here or via IM or email), I'd appreciate it. Posted by Dead_Horse (Member # 3027) on :
Mrs. M, I will rejoice in your success with the treatments, and support you in any way I can on your journey.
I myself do not have any children, and not for lack of trying. My husband does have a son from a previous marriage. I have never been in the position where I could afford fertility treatments. I also don't feel like bringing a child into my home would be in the child's best interest. I do love children, though, and spend my time caring for the children of others whenever I can. (Like yesterday when I took 5 children, ages 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 to McDonald's and the park while their parents worked and grandparents had doctor appointments two hours away. I'm so glad I can give them back at the end of the day
I know what part of the stigma is. Some people look at it as if the "barren" woman did something bad to deserve it or cause it. Of course, they are just wrong. Others have said, "with all the orphans in the world who need parents, why would you need to spend all that money just to have your own biological child. That is so selfish." They are wrong also.
I applaud your willingnees to share, as it may help someone else who needs support.
Rain
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Mrs M, thank you so much for sharing this with us. I understand how difficult the process must be and all my best wishes are with you for a happy outcome.
My uncle and aunt had huge fertility problems, and despite 3 rounds of IVF still hadn't conceived.
They now have a five year old girl, and twin boys who have just turned three. All the children are absolutely adorable.
My Aunt still gets upset when she remembers the process, the waiting and the disappointments. I know it can be really hard.
I really hope all goes well. (((Mrs M)))
[ August 19, 2004, 01:02 AM: Message edited by: imogen ]
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thank you, SO. Good luck to your friend, too.
Thank you, D_H. You totally nailed the stigma, btw. Also, some insurance companies actually do offer some coverage for fertility treatments. Andrew and I are on the Hollins insurance and we chose the HMO b/c it offers that coverage. We were very pleasantly surprised.
Toda raba, rivka. It's Keren Miriam bat Elisheva.
Thank you, imogen. I can't imagine doing IVF that many times, but what a happy outcome.
[ August 18, 2004, 11:42 PM: Message edited by: Mrs.M ]
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Good luck, Mrs. M - I, too, am interested in how this goes for you and your husband. Hugs -
[ August 19, 2004, 12:25 AM: Message edited by: Shan ]
Posted by from Cythera (Member # 6749) on :
Oh (((Mrs. M)))
Maybe part of the stigma from centuries ago when a woman's value was dependent upon the children she could produce is still hanging around. The wife was always deemed unworthy if she was barren.
Good luck, and thank you for sharing.
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
You write really well, Mrs. M. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Posted by Eduardo_Sauron (Member # 5827) on :
Best of luck, Mrs. M.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
In Illinois, insurance is required, by law, to provide access to fertility treatments.
I wish you the best of luck Mrs. M
AJ
[ August 19, 2004, 01:11 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Prayers for successful treatment.....
Keep us updated, and thank you so mich for sharing. We will celebrate this baby heartily!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Mrs. M, I understand what you're going through, I really do. That first appointment at the fertility clinic was one of the worst days of my life.
I also try to smash the stigma whenever I can - whenever I'm asked if twins run in my family I say "My twins are a result of fertility drugs and I thank God for modern technology."
I know your struggle has already been much tougher than mine ever was, but just know that I am thinking of you and praying for your situation.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thank you for the good wishes Shan, from Cythera, Zeugma, Eduardo_Sauron, AJ, romanylass, and Belle! I can't tell you how much they mean to me.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Day 2: First Doctor's Appointment August 19, 2004
What a day for the cable to go out. We get our internet connection through the cable company, so that meant no internet. It also meant a morning dealing with the cable company. I really hate that lady who tell you how important your call is to the people who have you on hold - I would dearly love to kick her in the shins. I don't think I'm alone in that. It turned out there was an outage in our area and the cable wasn't going to be back on until the afternoon.
I spent the morning quietly. I watched the third episode of Alias (we just got the first season on dvd) and took a long shower. I took extra care with my grooming rituals, which I always do for doctor visits. I had picked out my outfit in advance (black tunic with 3/4 sleeves and a plunging v-neck and new khakis), but I still had to pick out shoes. I went with black signature Ferragamos. Finally, it was time to head to the doctor's office.
Andrew kissed me good-bye and told me that he didn't need to wish me luck because he knew that everything would be fine. He also made sure that his cell phone was on. He has a very annoying tendency to leave it off, but he certainly didn't want to wait until I got home to hear the news.
I got to the doctor's office without incident. The waiting room was empty and there was only one lady behind the desk. She asked me if I was Kira and she even pronounced it correctly. She took my paperwork and made a copy of my insurance card. She told me to have a seat and wait for them to call me. The magazines were pretty boring - all Time and Sports Illustrated. So I just sat there and churned inside. It was only about five minutes before the nurse called me. She pronounced my name correctly, too, which is really unusual.
The nurse was very kind to me and did all the usual intake procedures - weight, temperature, etc. My heart rate and blood pressure were elevated, not surprising considering that I was a giant bundle of nerves. She explained what would happen in the visit. First, the doctor would come in and talk to me about my medical history and the reason for my visit. Then he would do a pelvic. Finally, he would come back and talk to me about the course of treatment. She also explained that it's just her and the receptionist and Ob/Gyn residents who monthly rotations (August's flavor of the month, as she calls them, was out today). I guess that's why the office had such a calm atmosphere. The nurse left and I churned some more while I waited for the doctor.
He came in after a couple of minutes. Dr. Slackman is soft-spoken, with an air of compassion and competence. He addressed me as "Mrs. Marx" when he shook hands with me. Some doctors (particularly surgeons) make it a point of squeezing your hand when they shake it, but Dr. Slackman didn't. His hands were very soft and cold. He sat down at the computer and we began to go over my medical history. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in 1998. It is an endocrine disorder that affects an estimated 6-10% of all women. Symptoms that characterize PCOS are:
Amenorrhea (no menstrual period), infrequent menses, and/or oligomenorrhea (irregular bleeding)
Oligo or anovulation (infrequent or absent ovulation)
Hyperandrogenism - Increased serum levels of male hormones. Specifically, testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS)
Infertility
Cystic ovaries
Enlarged ovaries
Chronic pelvic pain
Obesity or weight gain
Insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and diabetes
Dyslipidemia (lipid abnormalities)
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Hirsutism (excess hair)
Alopecia (male-pattern baldness or thinning hair)
Acne/Oily Skin/Seborrhea
Acanthosis nigricans (dark patches of skin, tan to dark brown/black)
Acrochordons (skin tags)
PCOS is a syndrome, rather than a disease, because the symptoms can occur in any combination, rather than having one known cause or presentation. I am very fortunate in that I do not have many of the more severe symptoms, like high blood pressure or cystic ovaries. . After Dr. Slackman had gone over my medical history with me, he left the room so that I could change for my pelvic. Southern doctors (and Yankee doctors who practice in the South) are very good about respecting women's modesty. The cotton gown actually fit me and they gave me a sheet to drape over my lap. The pelvic was like any other that I've had, except that Dr. Slackman has a feather touch, bless his talented heart. During the exam, he told me about his nephew, who is a NYC police officer and just got married in Hawaii. I liked that he spoke to me during the exam - it made it much easier for me to relax. The exam was very quick and Dr. Slackman and the nurse left me alone to dress.
After I finished dressing, Dr. Slackman came in to talk to me. Everything looks great and we're going to start treatment immediately. Here are the steps we are going to take (it gets a bit graphic here, so be warned):
1. Take a pregnancy test to make sure I'm not pregnant. You should always take a pregnancy test before starting fertility treatments, even if you're positive you're not pregnant. There's always a chance you could be and fertility treatments can harm the fetus. I took one earlier and it was negative. 2. Bring on a period with medroxyprogesterone. I start taking this tomorrow. 3. Perform a sonohysterogram to check my uterus for cysts or polyps. This is a procedure in which saline is injected into the uterus while an ultrasound is performed. I will be having the sonohysterogram on Wednesday the 25th. 4. Begin Clomid on the 3rd day of my period. Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is an ovulation-induction drug. It tricks your body into thinking it has less estrogen that it really does. This causes your body to produce more GnRH (gonotropin releasing hormone), causing the pituitary to pump out more of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), eventually triggering the release of an egg from the ovary. 5. Use a camera to see if the Clomid has worked. If there are, the doctor will give me a shot of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) to trigger ovulation. 6. Inseminate me. Dr. Slackman feels that I have a better chance of conceiving with insemination than with intercourse.
Dr. Slackman explained all of this in great detail to me, patiently answering all of my many questions. I am particularly happy that he is doing a sonohysterogram. There's a possibility that I could have cysts or polyps on my uterus. It's a small possibility, but it's very important to know for sure since they can cause a miscarriage. I am very nervous about the sonohysterogram and I'm glad that Dr. Slackman scheduled it so soon. I already knew, before my appointment, that his credentials were second to none. It's one thing to be a good doctor on paper; it's quite another thing to be one in person. Dr. Slackman is both and I feel secure and optimistic in his capable hands.
I left the doctor's office in high cotton. I immediately called Andrew and told him the good news. He feels confident that the sonohysterography will show no abnormalities. The insemination did give him pause, but he's fine with it now. I am pretty happy about it, actually. Fertility treatments are hard on a couple and having to worry about taking temperatures and timing and positioning can really suck the romance out of a couple's ... private life. That's one less tribulation we have to tolerate. Andrew will be coming with me to all of my other appointments. It's especially important to me to have him with me when I'm inseminated. We're already joking about our "baster baby" (as in turkey baster, which is how we refer to the syringe they use for insemination). I know it's lame, but we think it's hilarious for some reason.
I called my mother right after I hung up with Andrew. She showed heroic restraint and did not call me before the appointment. I knew that she would be good for nothing until I told her how it went. Once she understood the situation, she was thrilled. It took a while for her to wrap her mind around the difference between insemination and In Vitro. When I told her that I was being inseminated, her first question was, "With your own eggs?" Andrew has decided not to tell his parents. I'd like to tell them, but I feel that it's his decision to make. He thinks that the anticipation would be too much for them. He doesn't think he could deal with their anxiety, either.
We've jumped the first hurtle. The next big one is on Wednesday.
I wanted to let y'all know that I'd be happy to answer any questions that anyone might have.
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
Question: Do you totally rock, or what? (((((Mrs. M)))))
Hobbes Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
How many ways can you pronounce Kira?
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
How do you pronounce your name? I've always heard it as Keer-ah, like the character on Star Trek.
Good luck! Your doctor sounds great!
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
To be fair, I'm not a woman, nor am I interested in fathering children, so I wouldn't be aware of a stigma for fertility treatments.
I wish you the best for you and your family.
-Trevor
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I think some of the "stigma" is the same reluctance you have when discussing your medical history with anyone (unless it's on the internet... ), even with your doctor. If you aren't completely comfortable discussing it with family members and those close with you, why are you suprised others feel the same way?
I do think that there is a stigma attached to having any flaws, medicaly speaking, and reproductive issues are among the most sensitive issues that exists. I am sure part of that dates from before there were these types of drugs/procedures, when fertility was the most important thing a couple needed. They couldn't go to the doctor and fix the problems, so they reated by making fertility the most important virtue a woman/man needed.
Not just for women, either. Quite a few couples needing treatments need them because of the male, and that strikes very hard at mens masculinity for the same reasons.
Mrs. M, I hope everything goes well for you and your husband. I am sure that you will be a great mom, although if you have a girl I feel sorry for her future husband....Ferrigamos, indeed!
Please keep us informed, as much as you feel comfortable doing so.
Kwea
[ August 19, 2004, 10:06 PM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
quote:The pelvic was like any other that I've had, except that Dr. Slackman has a feather touch, bless his talented heart.
Keep that sense of humor going, Mrs. M! Congratulations on finding a gentle and respectful doctor!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Hobbes: Eh, maybe a little.
PSI, you'd be surprised. Some people say Ky-ra (ky rhyming with by) and some people say Key-raw. There is only one right way to pronounce it and Zeugma, you're exactly right!
Trevor, I can assure you that it exists although it's encouraging to hear that so many people have never encountered it.
Kwea, I never thought about it that way. I was raised to use euphamisms for sex organs and visits to the ob/gyn were always very hush-hush, so I just figured everyone was like that.
Many men do have problems with the idea of male infertility. So many couples try and try with no results because it never occurs to them that it could be a problem with the man. Andrew was tested in '99 and everything is fine with him.
Shan, he is indeed the holy grail of doctors.
Again, thank y'all so much for these good wishes and prayers.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Sounds like a great start. May it all go this smoothly. Thank God for wonderful doctors!
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
quote:Hobbes: Eh, maybe a little.
I'm not sur eif you meant it or not, but assuming you did... Yay! Simpsons quote, you do so totally rock!
Hobbes Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
I'm so glad you liked your doctor. Sounds like you and your husband both have a positive, upbeat attitude - not to mention a sense of humor - which always helps. I'll be crossing my fingers for you.
space opera
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, rivka. Amen.
Hobbes, I don't rock nearly as much as ZZ Top.
Thanks, Space Opera. Our sense of humor may be alternately grim, inappropriate, or totally lame, but it does help us through hard times.
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
quote: PSI, you'd be surprised. Some people say Ky-ra (ky rhyming with by) and some people say Key-raw. There is only one right way to pronounce it and Zeugma, you're exactly right!
Well, I knew this one. I had a Barbie named Kira. Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
I'm so glad it all looks good to go! It sounds like you found a great doctor.
Posted by DocCoyote (Member # 5612) on :
Mrs. M, if anyone in your or Andrew's family gets too intrusive about the process, be sure and mention the turkey baster. That will pretty much bring the conversation to its appropriate end.
I applaud you for sharing this process and how you're dealing with it with us. My best wishes and prayers to you, your husband, and the little one who is going to come to you hopefully very soon. You are amazing.
Lisa
Posted by Pixie (Member # 4043) on :
What good news for you and your husband, Mrs. M. I will be praying for you and keeping you in my thoughts. Please continue to keep us updated on how you and your family are doing - we're here for you and more than happy to listen. Best wishes and the best of luck to you .
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
I will send prayers your way Mrs. M. I have PCOS as well, luckily mild. The first two conceived easily but the third took 7 yrs and a lot of effort. For me it was taking medication to help with the insulin resistance (I can't remember the name of it now), loosing some weight and cutting the sugar out of my diet. I used clomid to get my cycles more regular too, it had been two months since my last clomid round that I finally ovulated and conceived. Its a rough road but so worth it. I've been very forthright with my experience and sometimes it really takes people aback. It is hard though to get those comments, so are you going to have any more? wow what a big gap between your kids.... anyway... I send the best of luck your way and pray for a happy outcome!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
PSI - I've bought all of the Kira Barbies (they retired them in '99). It was so great to finally have something with my name on it.
Thank you, romanylass. I am indeed very lucky.
Thank you, Lisa. That means a lot to me.
Thank you, Pixie. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the support.
Wendybird, I didn't know you had PCOS! That makes 4 of us on this board that I know of. I think that you probably took Metformin (aka Glucophage) to counter the insulin resistance. I'm on 4 pills per day. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers - I hope I get the same results that you did!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Days 3-7 August 20-24th
The hormones are making me incredibly fatigued. I feel like my head is in a fog. I am also having a lot of stomach upset. On the up side, I'm not having any mood swings. Only 5 more days on the medroxyprogesterone. Only 1 more day until the sonohysterogram.
Andrew's Aunt, Uncle, and cousins are visiting. They could not have picked a worse time. We told them that I'm having a "procedure" on Wednesday and luckily they didn't pry. They wear me out in the best of times, they are exhausting me now. C'est le vie.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Good luck with the "procedure!"
I know exactly how you feel about the hormone thing, I was never myself when I was taking any hormones, and I have run the full gauntlet of hormone treatments.
Funny story real quick - I am really close and good friends with the people at my gyn's office. Once when I was in the waiting room, an office manager from another office was talking to Demi (the gyn office manager) about the new software they had for coding diagnoses. Demi said they didn't really need it because they only used the same diagnosis codes over and over. So I chime in "Yes, and I've had them all at one time or another."
Demi answers "Well, except for the STD codes, Adrian, I believe you're right!"
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
(((Kira)))
I hope all goes well for you and you have a baby soon.
-o-
btw, I never got around to expressing my regrets for not being able to get together with you back in April or so. Cor's grandma's health deteriorated rapidly during that trip, and we just stopped keeping up contact with people. (She passed on a few weeks later.) I'm sure we'll be in Virginia again someday soon, and I look forward to meeting you then.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Belle, whoops.
Thanks, Icarus. Don't worry - I completely understand about family emergencies (having been through several myself). We're in western Virginia now, but we'd still love to have y'all come see us.
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
Ah yes glucophage! That is the one that gave me the upset stomach, though from what I remember the side effects only lasted a few weeks.
Keep us posted!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Belle, be glad they didn't say "Well, we have been meaning to speak to you about that..."...
Kira: I hope you are feeling "better" than ever soon as possible, if you know what I mean...
(was that beating around the bush enough?..lol)
Kwea
[ August 24, 2004, 10:44 PM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Day 7: Eve of Big Appointment August 24, 2004
Okay, it was a HUGE mistake to have out-of-town company. I had planned a trip to Natural Bridge ( www.naturalbridgeva.com ), one of the coolest places in the world, but no one woke up on time to leave at 10:30 a.m.! We didn't get out the door until 2:00 p.m. and ended up going to Target and the mall. I just don't understand these people. So I spent the afternoon and evening with three fighting, rude, noisy kids (ages 7-14) and their equally fighting, rude noisy parents. My nerves are totally shot and I really needed to be calm today. Andrew finally got them out the door so that I could unwind before going to sleep. They have to check out by 10:00 a.m. tomorrow, so I have to worry about that, too.
I am so scared about tomorrow. What if they find something that will delay or end our plans? I know it's important to be positive, but I've been so tense all day that it's more difficult than usual.
At least we'll know soon. Keep those good thoughts and prayers coming - they help so much.
[ August 24, 2004, 10:45 PM: Message edited by: Mrs.M ]
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Wendybird, the glucophage still gives me stomach problems unless I space my dose out.
Kwea, that was perfect - you could almost be Southern. Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
I'm glad that it's all going (well, apart from the nausea) well so far.
Keep up the reports - I'm finding them really interesting.
Good luck for the next stage.... I'm crossing my fingers for you.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Wow. If you're within day-trip range of Natural Bridge you're much closer to me than I thought.
Good luck - I hope everything goes well, and I'm praying for you.
And good on your husband for kicking them out. Sometimes it's just necessary to have your own space.
Dagonee
Posted by School4ever (Member # 5575) on :
Don't worry Mrs.M, everything will be fine. I have severe PCOS, so I am one of those few people for whom Clomid does absolutely nothing. There is a stigma with infertility treatments because they are "unnatural." I think the reasons for people's whispers are 1) I the person herself is dealing with infertility, they may not be comfortable talking about private things, 2) If the person is talking about someone else, she may feel like she is gossiping. (I use "she" because none of the men I have met in an infertile couple talk about it.) I have been dealing with infertility for a long time, and i have gotten used to highly invasive proceedures and questions. This makes me forget people are squeemish and don't really want to hear about my body. I usually don't remember this until I describe the ultrasound I had during my ectopic pregnancy, and by then it is too late for me to shut up. (The wand was at a 90 degree angle from the body part it was in - the ultrasound lady at the hospital couldn't find things like my overies, so she kept on digging).
Have you had your husband tested? This should always be done before you start treatment, he could have no sperm, and then you would have wasted time, money, and a piece of your sanity.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
imogen, I'm so glad you like reading my reports. I have this phobia that they're boring and I'm wasting everyone's time.
Dag, we're in Roanoke. It's about 45 minutes from Natural Bridge. We should get together sometime.
School4ever, I'm sorry you've had such a hard time! Ectopic pregnancies are terrible. I cannot believe the nurse couldn't find your ovaries - what a nightmare. Andrew was tested years ago, when we started treatment. I agree that it's very important that men be tested, too.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Day 8: Sonohysterogram Day August 25, 2004
I am nervous, but coping with it. I got some adoption info in my email, from an agency that I contacted months ago. It threw me through a loop - is it a good omen or a bad omen?
I have to rush to get ready because I have to make breakfast for everyone, which is the last think I want to do. I really hope Andrew's family checks out on time (they're staying at the campus guest cottage, which Andrew and I paid for).
I am going to take some Aleve soon and start getting ready. Only 5 more hours and I'll know.
Posted by Happy Camper (Member # 5076) on :
Good luck Mrs. M. And thanks for sharing all this. I have no real knowledge about this stuff, but I'm glad you are willing to share with us here.
I gotta admit I had another motive for posting. I notice you mentioned Hollins, and that you're in Roanoke, and that your husband teaches at a University. I'm guessing it's HU? How long has he been there? I ask because one of my good friends graduated from Hollins in 2003, and HU is a small school, so it's possible he had her in a class if he was there at the time.
Posted by Eduardo_Sauron (Member # 5827) on :
Mrs. M. I wish all luck in the world to you. Hopefully, everything will turn out just fine. Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, Happy Camper. My husband is at Hollins (I'm writing this from our apartment on Faculty Avenue), but this will be his first year, so he probably doesn't know your friend.
Thank you, Eduardo_Sauron. Kind thoughts are especially nice to hear today.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
Yikes, I was catching up on this thread Mrs. M, and what you posted about insulin resistance and PCOS was interesting. I've been browsing around on the internet out of curiousity. I didn't realize that PCOS upped the risk of diabetes that much, especially if you are overweight. The docs say I have it, but I've never worried about it too much since I don't want kids. But it looks like there's a lot of other crappy side effects I should keep an eye out for too. *sigh* looks like I should concentrate more on losing weight so that I have less risk.
Good luck with your own adventure and let us know how that test goes!
AJ
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Good Luck today...and every day, for that matter.
Anyone who wants children enough to go through all those invasive procedures will be a wonderful parent!
Even if she is shoe-crazy...
Kwea
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Good luck today! Just so you know, I have been reading your posts with great interest. Your courage in going through with these procedures and then sharing your experience with us is amazing.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Day 8: Sonohysterogram Day Aftermath August 25, 2004
Well, it's not the good news we hoped for. I have to have surgery to remove 2 polyps.
I was really on edge when we left for the doctor's office. Andrew's relatives were leaving to go back to NYC at the same time we were leaving for the doctor's office. Getting them out of the house took forever and Andrew and I were 10 minutes past the time I wanted to leave. These people take forever to go anywhere, even from the house to the car. Andrew's uncle is the worst offender - he has been known to take 45 minutes to say good-bye. He wanted to take pictures, for crying out loud. He had 3 days to take pictures and he chooses to do it when I'm late to an important medical procedure!?! Andrew's aunt and cousins were in their car and I was in mine as Andrew struggled to extract himself from his uncle's snares. I lost my temper and I did something I have never done - I leaned on the horn. Andrew was shocked and his uncle was unfazed, so I leaned on it again. This time Andrew ran to the car and got in. Finally we were on our way.
We got to the doctor's office in no time. Once again, it was empty. Andrew and I leaned against each other - we don't like to show much affection in public, but we both wanted comfort. He read a Hume book that he'll be teaching later this semester and I read a Reader's Digest issue on humor. I used the time to mentally prepare and calm myself.
The nurse came and got me and I got changed. My pulse and blood pressure were normal this time, despite my nerves. I learned how to physically calm myself down from shooting. The nurse was very pleased. She left and I waited for the doctor. He has a tricked-out ultrasound machine in his office and performs all of them himself. He came in and was his usual quietly cheerful self. He began by looking at the ovaries. They look perfect, which is very good. I watched the screen and he pointed everything out to me. The lights were turned off so that he could see better and that soothed me. After he looked at my ovaries, it was time to look at my uterus. He inserted the the catheter with the balloon and then the saline. It was uncomfortable, but not at all painful. I didn't even feel much pressure. He inserted the transvaginal probe and fell silent as he looked. I looked at the screen, too, but it just looked like blackish-grey static to me. He didn't say anything, as he had when he looked at my ovaries. I had a feeling he had found something, but I managed to keep myself calm. It was over very quickly. He left so that I could get changed and the nurse went to get Andrew so Dr. Slackman could talk to us together.
I changed back into my clothes and Andrew came in. He asked me if the doctor had found anything and I told him that I didn't know. I didn't know for sure, and I didn't want to alarm Andrew. Dr. Slackman came in and he and Andrew shook hands. Andrew stood up to shake hands and Dr. Slackman got the same surprised expression that everyone gets when Andrew stands up - it's impossible to tell he's 6'5'' when he's sitting down. Dr. Slackman told us that I have 2 polyps and he recommends having them removed before trying to conceive.
Endometrial polyps, also called uterine polyps, are overgrowths of tissue that protrude from the lining of the uterus (endometrium). They are usually benign, as mine are. Mine each have a radius of less than one centimeter. Dr. Slackman feels that they could act as an IUD (intrauterine device - a soft, plastic T-shaped device that prevents pregnancy) and prevent conception. He also feels that they put me at a higher risk of having another miscarriage. We have no way of knowing if they caused my miscarriage, but it is possible.
After my period, which is being brought on by medroxyprogesterone, we will do the surgeries. One is a hysteroscopy. This is a procedure that involves insertion of a narrow telescope-like instrument through the vagina and cervix into the cavity of the uterus (endometrial cavity). The uterine cavity is then distended with fluid and visualized. Dr. Slackman will place instruments (probably a CO2 laser) through ports in the scope that will allow him to remove the polyps. He will also be performing a laparoscopy at the same time. This procedure involves inserting a thin viewing device into the abdomen and pelvis to view the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. A small incision (8 to 10 millimeters) is made beneath the navel, and a needle is inserted into the abdominal cavity. A small amount of gas (usually carbon dioxide) is inserted into the abdomen to create space for entry of the laparoscope, an illuminated, fiber-optic telescope. Dr. Slackman is doing this as a precaution - there is a risk of perforating the top of the uterus during the hysteroscopy and he wants to avoid this. I will be under general anesthesia during these procedures.
The day before surgery, Dr. Slackman will insert a small strip of synthetic material (which he referred to as seaweed) into my cervix. This will absorb moisture overnight and make it easier for him to open it. He gave me percocet for that and for post-op recovery. I was going to try to do the seaweed insertion without it, because I try to avoid taking medication whenever possible. When I mentioned this to Dr. Slackman, he told me that I can do whatever makes me feel comfortable but he highly recommends taking the percocet. I decided to take his advice.
So, I'm going to call his office when I begin my period (in 3-5 days) and they will schedule the surgery. I am very glad that we're doing it soon. Dr. Slackman told us that we can resume conception attempts on the very next cycle, which will be in October.
It is a setback, but it could have been much worse.
[ August 25, 2004, 10:50 PM: Message edited by: Mrs.M ]
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Well then, I'm going to say congratulations, since the news is ultimately good. Hope everything continues to go well!
Dagonee
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) I hope the surgery goes well. Besto wishes for a positive outcome.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
romanylass, I think that's my first hug graemlin!
AJ, you have to pay attention to PCOS even if you don't want to have children. I think you should look for an Ob who has a thorough knowledge of PCOS and talk about treatment with him or her.
Shigosei, thank you very much.
Dag, that's a good way of looking at it. Thanks.
Thank you, Derrell. I'm confident that they'll go fine, but it's nice to go into it with good wishes.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
and Mrs. M -
I think the doc is right - good choice to take the perc.
Best wishes on the upcoming procedure - and congratulations on surviving your relatives!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
(((((MrsM))))) May all the bumps (because life is never smooth) be little ones!
October is a good month -- Succos often falls in it, like this year. So this year, your goal is to build two "nests" in October. (Ok, so the succah has to actually be built in September this year. Poetic license! )
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Well, it may not be what you wanted,but the overall news was good, so allow me to be the first to say....
Congratulations!
I hope it all goes smoothly!
Kwea
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Sorry to hear about the setback, but I'm glad that it looks like you'll be able to try to conceive in October. It sounds like the surgery will be complicated, but thank goodness for the modern miracle of minimally invasive surgery. I hope it goes very well for you.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Mrs M, I'm sorry to hear about your setback, but as Dagonee says it is good news in the end.
October conception - so that would be a July birth, right? How exciting - this time next year, you could have a one month old baby! Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Have you had laps before Mrs. M? If not, let me reassure you, I always recovered very easily from them. I think it is good news - if you only have to wait until october, that's great!
Posted by Eduardo_Sauron (Member # 5827) on :
again.
Posted by AmkaProblemka (Member # 6495) on :
Hard to wait a month, but knowing exactly what is going on in your uterus and that problems have been solved will give you peace of mind in October.
Take care!
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Sorry for the setback. KNowing and plannign to take care of it are one more step to your baby . Best wishes for a smooth surgery.
Posted by School4ever (Member # 5575) on :
You should definitely take a pain killer, trust me, I tried it without and regretted it!!
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Think of this as a good thing. Your doctor has found a potential problem and is going to remove it. Even though it puts a hold on things for another month, you'll know that one potential problem has been taken care of and your chances are that much better.
Kristine had a laproscopy to remove some endometriosous and cysts. I don't remember it being through an incision though. The doctor videotaped it all, as in what he was seeing through the scope. It was pretty cool.
I know Kristine got a lot of support from the forum at a website called Fertilitext. She got a lot of information and support from other women going through the same things she was.
Why is your doctor using clomid? I thought clomid was an older drug and there were newer ones that had less side effects. Maybe I'm remembering that wrong.
And finally, to get really personal, even though Andrew has checked out well, he still might want to take some supplements to improve his little guys even further. Every little bit helps. I remember reading that caffeine helped get the guys jazzed up, so I would stop and drink a Super Big Gulp of Mountain Dew on my way to make my donation.
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
quote: He will also be performing a laparoscopy at the same time. This procedure involves inserting a thin viewing device into the abdomen and pelvis to view the fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. A small incision (8 to 10 millimeters) is made beneath the navel, and a needle is inserted into the abdominal cavity. A small amount of gas (usually carbon dioxide) is inserted into the abdomen to create space for entry of the laparoscope, an illuminated, fiber-optic telescope.
I recently had this procedure performed when my gall bladder was removed. They went in and had a peak at my fallopian tubes, ovaries, etc. They provided pictures. I was sore for about a week afterwards. Pain killer does help.
Good Luck! Thank you so much for posting your experiences. They've been very informational.
((((Mrs.M))))
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Shan, the relatives were worse than the sonohysterogram!
rivka, you're right - October is a nice conception month.
Kwea, this is a thread of so many first graemlins for me - thanks for the wave and party!
Shigosei, you are so right. I am very thankful for all the modern medical technology - it is truly miraculous.
imogen, the first thing I did when Dr. Slackman said October conception was to calculate how old the baby would be this time next year.
Belle, this will be my first lap. I'm glad to hear the recovery is mild.
Obrigado, Eduardo (I hope I got that right).
Amka, that is exactly how I feel. I'll happily wait the month because it increases my chances of conception and decreases my chances of miscarriage.
Thanks, romanylass. I do find that it helps to visualize the process in steps.
School4ever, I caved when Dr. Slackman showed me the instrument he would be using.
zgator, very cool site. It's one I hadn't seen before and it's great. Thank you. Clomid is very widely used and has great success when taken with Metformin (which I take). I don't know how old it is, but the side effects are mild. I told Andrew about the caffine and he agreed to drink a triple espresso before his donation. BTW, did Kristine find the laparoscopy as cool as you did?
Tammy, I'm glad you've recovered. I'm definitely taking the percocet. I don't know if I want to see the pictures, though!
. It warms my heart so much to discuss this with y'all. It also makes it easier to talk about it with my family and friends.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I hate to say this again, but you should talk to your husband about getting tested again before October.
I think you said he was tested a few years ago, right? Things can change very rapidly for men, and I know a couple who went through all the tests and procedures before funding out that his count had dropped, and was the current reason they were having problems.
He had been tested and cleared, but by the time everything else had been "set up" it had been 2 years, and he never got re-tested.
He will probably be fine, but if his last check-up was 3=4 years ago it might pay to talk to him about it.
Hang in there, I'm sure it will work out...
Kwea
Posted by DocCoyote (Member # 5612) on :
Mrs. M, what a trooper you are! I'm so glad you're sharing this with us.
Lisa
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
Vitamin E is very good for fertility health, or so my friend with 5 kids tells me. She and dh took it for several weeks before trying for each of their kids and they got pg very easily. So it can't hurt to take a little right?
At least the news wasn't too bad, fairly easily fixed. This will be a time of faith building for you and your dh. I know it was for us. Boy, sometimes it really is hard to have faith that everything will turn out for the best.
(((Kira)))
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
I was conceived in October, it is indeed a very good month.
I hope everything goes well. I don't know what I can say that's comforting, but I am thinking of you.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Kwea, that's a good idea. I am going to talk to Dr. Slackman about it. Better safe than sorry, right?
Thanks, Lisa. It's my pleasure.
Wendybird, I think one of the vitamins I take has Vitamin E in it, but I'll have to check. Andrew doesn't take vitamins, so I guess it's time for him to start. Thanks for the tip.
blacwolve, it's a huge comfort just knowing that I'm thought of with love by people I respect and care about.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Day 14: Surgery Date Set August 31, 2004
I got a call back today from Dr. Slackman's office. My surgery (surgeries, really) will be on Thursday, September 9th.
I finished the medroxyprogesterone on Sunday and I started my period yesterday, right on schedule. I had this fear that it wouldn't be able to bring on a period, so I'm very relieved. It's always good when medication and your body do what they're supposed to. I called Dr. Slackman yesterday, like I was supposed to. Glenda (the office manager) told me that she would call me back tomorrow with a surgery date. I really love this practice - they're so on the ball. She called today - it's on.
On Wednesday, September 8th I will have my pre-op doctor's appointment with Dr. Slackman. He'll go over the procedure with us and then insert the dilator into my cervix. I'll be taking the percocet for that. Next, we go down the block to the hospital for the pre-op tests and instructions. You can pre-register at this hospital, which is fantastic.
The next day we arrive at 10 a.m for a noon surgery. Then it's slice, sear, sew and I'm home again better than before.
I'm a little nervous, but I think it's just the hormones and being excited for my first day of school, which is tomorrow. I'm taking French I, Drawing, and Behavioral Disorders in Childhood. This has nothing to do with my fertility situation, I'm just excited. It's a bummer to miss class, but it's better to do it so early in the semester.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Is it okay if I pray for you and your situation? (I can't remember what religion you are, or if you are religious, so thought I'd better ask first so as to not offend....)
Farmgirl
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Farmgirl, I appreciate any and all prayers. They are expressions of love, no matter how they are phrased or whom they are directed to. I'm Jewish, but the other day I was joking with my mother that I'm covered in all the major (and lots of the smaller) religions. Posted by ElvenWench (Member # 3113) on :
Mrs. M, (this is Belle under her other ID) I've said some prayers for you as well, I didn't think you'd mind.
I know what you mean about the excitement for school - I'm so hyped up I can't stand it. Instead of waiting until January, I went ahead and registered for the fall mini term in October. There's only one class offered then that I need, but hey, I want to get going so bad even that one class makes me feel like I'm doing something!
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Mrs.M, look into carnitine, flax seed oil and zinc for Andrew. It's been a while, but I believe those were some of the ones that might benefit him.
There have been numerous sudies that show carnitine helps. It's even sold now as a brand specifically marketed for that purpose, but it's much cheaper just to buy it generic.
He probably doesn't need it, but with all the time, money and emotion you two will be investing in this, it's a cheap way to make sure you've got one more base covered.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) I hope the surgery goes well and that you get to live the dream of being a mother. Thanks again for sharing this part of your life with us.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
I'll be thinking of you Mrs. M! I hope you know how much support you have here at Hatrack.
space opera
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
~~~~Ms. M~~~ sending out prayers too~~~~
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
XOXOXOXOXOXO
Kwea
Posted by ElvenWench (Member # 3113) on :
Mrs. M - on the lap.
Honestly, the most uncomfortable part was the gas they pump into your belly. The pain you get from that subsiding is worse, to me, than the pain from your incision sites. Although they aren't really incisions, more like puncture wounds.
Now, of course, the more work you have done the more pain you will have. Certainly my gall bladder operation had a longer recovery period than my exploratory lap. But I've had one very similar to what you're describing - laparoscopy/hysteroscopy with removal of adhesions and scar tissue and a D&C. I was back on my feet by the next day, and felt back to normal within a week.
Best of luck!
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
September 9th is my mother's birthday - I'm sure that's a good omen for you.
All my best wishes for the surgery.
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
I'll be sending you good thoughts and wishes, Mrs. M.
I might even ditch the clogs for a day, just for you. But I'd have to buy new shoes, and 10.5 is a difficult fit. Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Good luck. I hope that everything goes smoothly!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
EW, school is so much more fun this time around, but it's also kind of weirdly different. Thanks for the prayers, btw.
Thanks, zgator, I will check those out. You can't put a price on peace of mind.
Derrell, thank you for listening.
Space Opera, Hatrack's support (including yours) is helping me so much.
romanylass, I'm much obliged.
Back at ya, Kwea.
imogen, happy birthday to your mother! I think that is a good omen.
Sara Sasse, I love clogs. Especially Burberry clogs, which absolutely come in your size:
Boy did you pick the wrong person to tell that you can't find shoes in your size. Thanks for the good thoughts and wishes, too.
Merci beaucoup, Shigosei (I'm getting ready for my first French class, which is in 9 hours and 40 minutes).
[ August 31, 2004, 11:28 PM: Message edited by: Mrs.M ]
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
I'm just finally checking in, Mrs. M. And I am glad you are writing all this down to share with us. I have someone close to me just starting on infertility diagnosis. I hope I haven't stigmatized her, but I hadn't really thought about it.
My husband had a laparoscopic hernia repair and now he has 3 belly buttons.
So is there any chance that with the polyps removed, you might fall pregnant on your own? That is, if there were acting as IUDs... I suppose that in addition to being obstructive they secrete hormones or something. Well, I'm sure your doctor will take another pregnancy test before starting over with the treatments.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Just want to wish you well on the procedure. I hope it brings you closer to having your baby! Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Mrs M. Good luck tommorow with your appointment and thursday with the surgeries.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
We'll be thinking of you Mrs. M!
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) Best of luck.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Best of luck, Mrs. M.
Did I miss the date? I was going to make sure I noticed the date, but I didn't see it. Was that on purpose? If so, please excuse my rudeness in asking. If I'm just blind, where did I miss seeing it?
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Best of luck Mrs.M, I hope all go as well as possible for you.
Kwea
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
beverly, breyerchic04, Belle, Derrell, Kat, and Kewa, thank y'all so much for remembering me. I am really touched.
Kat, pre-op is today and surgery is tomorrow. I think the dates are somewhere on page 2 of this thread.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Wow. Thank you.
*hug* Will definitely be thinking of you. You're wonderful, Mrs. M, and you deserve the best of everything.
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
((((((((((Mrs. M))))))))))
I'll be thinking of you.
Hobbes Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Day 22: Day Before Surgery/Pre-Op Day September 8, 2004
It's raining buckets here and I've decided that is a good omen. It rained on my wedding day and that turned out pretty good. We've added 10 minutes to our travel time because the roads are flooded - there's not such good drainage in a valley. I wore my new backpack today and it is totally water-resistant. L.L. Bean makes the best backpacks.
I'm feeling pretty calm. I went to French this morning and that always puts me in a good mood. We are learning to speak with a Parisian accent and it is coming much more easily to me than Spanish did. Maybe it's because I took Spanish before. One of my goals for the next 2 years is to become completely fluent in French. I do have a huge problem, though - whenever my professor says, "Bonjour," I get this wild urge to answer, "Bonjour, you cheese-eating surrender monkey." Maybe there is such a thing as too much Simpsons.
I saw my rabbi yesterday and that also made me feel better. It's so comforting to have someone to help guide you in spiritual and family matters. We were so lucky to find such a wonderful rabbi and congregation here. Andrew even gets disappointed if we can't go to shul, which is pleasantly surprising to me.
The past week-and-a-half has been pretty nerve-wracking. My mother is with my grandmother in North Miami, right on Biscayne Bay and my grandmother refused to evacuate. They didn't even lose power, but I was very worried for a couple of days. I have loved ones all over Florida and Georgia and I worried about all of them. Thankfully, they're all okay.
I was also very anxious about my own health. I somehow got a cold and was really miserable for 4 days. My period also ran long and it just finished completely today. For a while it looked like the surgery would have to be postponed. That would be extremely inconvenient because the High Holidays are coming up and that is the busiest time of year for Jewish families. But everything worked out perfectly.
I'm going to relax for the next hour or so. Then it's off to the doctor. Au revoir, mes amies.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Merci, Kat and Hobbes. Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Good luck tomorrow!
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) I hope all goes well.
Posted by AmkaProblemka (Member # 6495) on :
Hope all goes well for you. Will keep you in my prayers.
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
~~~~~Mrs. M ~~~~~
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Good luck Mrs M!
***Australian prayers and hugs coming your way ***
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Wishing you good luck and a speedy recovery.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Oh no. Sorry about that cold.
Glad to see you are trying to relax, that's the best thing you can do.
Will be thinking of you - let us know about the outcome of the surgery when you feel up to it.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Shigosei, Derrell, AmkaProblemka, pooka, imogen, dkw, and Belle, thank you for your good wishes. Y'all helped to make this much easier for me than it would have been and I will always remember and appreciate it.
Pre-op went well. I did take the percocet and I'm glad that I did. I felt a sharp pinch when Dr. Slackman inserted that dilator, but that was it. It did (and still does, btw) feel very uncomfortable. Dr. Slackman and Nurse Glenna continue to be unnerved by what I guess they feel is my unnatural calm. I'm just not a screamer or a moaner. I find that it's easier for me if I concentrate on not making any noise and keeping still.
The tech who did my paperwork and bloodwork at the hospital told me that Dr. Slackman has a great reputation. She personally knows a woman with PCOS who has 2 children b/c of Dr. Slackman. It's always nice to hear other medical professionals praising your doctor.
There was one part that was very unpleasant and gross. Nurse Glenna asked me if I wanted to see the dilator that Dr. Slackman was going to insert into my cervix. At first I said no, then I changed my mind and looked. Always trust your first instincts. The dilator, which had been described by Dr. Slackman as seaweed, very closely resembled a rusty nail. I really wish I hadn't looked, especially since I got the giggles after Nurse Glenna showed it to me.
So we're headed to the hospital in about half an hour. I still feel very calm and I'm sure that everything will be fine.
Thanks, everyone, for all of your support.
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
*Crosses fingers for Mrs. M and keeps good thoughts heading her way*
(((Mrs. M)))
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*good thoughts for Mrs. M*
AJ
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
Do you want to see it? What was she thinking?
I guess without really thinking about it, I would have expected it to be green. Okay, well that's a line of thought that probably doesn't warrant further analysis. (((Mrs. M)))
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I can remember being asked if I wanted to see things after the birth of my children....and being fascinated. Neat to see where your children lived for nine months, I guess.
Then again - I'm not so sure I'd have wanted to see the dilator, but I'm pretty certain I would have. Morbid curiosity and all that.
Mrs. M - I'll be anxiously looking to see your post on teh outcome of the surgery. Best wishes!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Mrs.M, I hope today went well.
May the coming year bring you what you have been praying for. May you be written in the book of life, and in the book of new life.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Quick update b/c I'm exhausted. Surgery went great. I didn't need a laparoscopy. Yay. Polyps gone. Follow-up appointment Tuesday.
More later when I'm off painkillers. Thanks for all the loving support. Y'all rock.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) I'm glad it well. Best wishes for a succesful outcome.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
That is great, Mrs. M!
Have a very, very good Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur!
Let us know how you are doing after you get some rest!
Farmgirl
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
That is great. :goes to check on Derrell's mom thread:
Posted by PSI Teleport (Member # 5545) on :
I love drug-affected posts. I'm glad your surgery went well. Heal up quick.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Oh, yay!!! This is great. Glad you came through okay. Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Excellent. Rest up and feel better!
Posted by AmkaProblemka (Member # 6495) on :
Sweet! Very glad it went well. Now to continue the good vibes.
good vibe )))
good vibe ))) Mrs. M
good vibe )))
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
What a relief. I'm happy it all went well. We'll pray that things continue to be smooth for you Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Glad to hear it went so well!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Yay for surgery being done! Yay for no laparoscopy! Yay for polyps being gone!
Yay for good drugs! Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Congrats! Posted by Olivetta (Member # 6456) on :
I'm so happy for you! Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
What excellent news, Mrs. M.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
It's been a while since I updated this thread, but a lot has been going on. I still haven't finished writing my surgery account. I'll post it when it's finished.
The good news is that I had a pelvic ultrasound yesterday and there are 2 mature follicles in my right ovary. They're not big enough yet, but they should be ready by tomorrow or Tuesday. They have to get to 16mm in diameter - 1 is 14 and the other is 12X10. I'm having another pelvic ultrasound tomorrow and if they're big enough, Dr. Slackman will inject the hormone that will release the eggs. The day after that, I'll be inseminated.
Andrew refers to the eggs as Egg 1 and Egg B and I now refer to myself as The Eggs and I (as in The Eggs and I are too tired to fix supper tonight.). We're nervous and excited - especially me.
Also, on the way to the doctor's office Andrew and I had the following conversation:
Andrew: So you're having an ultrasound today? Kira: Yes. Andrew: Can I watch? Kira: I'm having a pelvic ultrasound. Andrew: So I can't watch? Kira: Do you know what a pelvic ultrasound is? Andrew: It's when they put the camera on your stomach. Kira: Not even close. It goes inside. Andrew: Ewwww.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Woohoo! About the eggs, not the dialog.
I hope everything continues to go as well as it has.
Dagonee
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
That is so exciting!!!! Sending little prayers your way, hoping by this time next month you're announcing twins!
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Myself and Tony are very excited for you, Andrew and the eggs.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
May y'all and the Eggs have a VERY good week. Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Oh, that is so wonderful!
Here's praying for some good results tomorrow!
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Eggses, precious...
Congrats to the two (four?) of you! I hope everything goes well.
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
I haven't said much, if anything, but have been reading with interest and good wishes. May you and yours be blessed with good fortune.
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Shigosei, was that a little LOTR's accent I heard there? It sounded distinctly, oh, like Gollum.
Mrs. M, good luck with your eggs and all, and thanks for sharing. I hope it all works out well for you and hubby and eggs.
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Yay for eggs!! Mrs. M., I'll be thinking of you and wishing those little eggs well.
space opera
Posted by Phanto (Member # 5897) on :
GL!
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Wishin' you and the Eggs the best....
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Best wishes for you, Andrew, and the eggs. Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks for the prayers and wishes, y'all.
I had another pelvic ultrasound today and we're on. There is one egg that is 15.5 and one that's 16.5. Dr. Slackman said that they 16.5 one looks perfect.
I got the shot and specimen bag (for Andrew's part) and went home. My hips, back, head, and breasts are all very achy, but that's to be expected. I had a tiny nervous spell right after the shot, but I'm over it now.
I'm being inseminated tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m.!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I'm so hoping that there will be good results for you from this, Mrs. M!
Posted by Lost Ashes (Member # 6745) on :
Wishing you the best!
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Hang in there little fellows!
(I'm using that term in the non-gender specific sense)
Why is there no "fingers crossed" graemlin?
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) Best wishes for a successfull insemination.
Posted by MaydayDesiax (Member # 5012) on :
(((((MrsM and Hubby)))))
Bernard and I both wish you the best!
Posted by Olivetta (Member # 6456) on :
*breaks out pom-poms*
Give us an M!
Gooooo TEAM!
*hugs*
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Best of luck Mrs M - I'll be thinking of you!
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
{{{{{{{{{{{{Mrs. M and Andrew and the egglets!}}}}}}}}}}
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Good luck to you, Andrew, and your respective gametes!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, everyone! Less than 2 hours to go!
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Good luck!
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Good Luck!
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
GO GAMETES!!
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
How very eggciting!
I hope everything goes really well! Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
I'll buck the trend and cheer for the sperm. May the best man win!
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming! Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
I just finished reading all the posts. I wish I had read through this thread earlier only so I could have shown my support from the beginning. I hope everything went well for you and your husband and the Eggs. Hopefully, they will be more than Eggs soon. Good Luck.
{{{{Mrs.M, hubby, and Eggsies}}}}
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
Wonderful, Mrs. M. All sort of good thought and fond hopes winging your way.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
I woke up extremely nauseous today. I don't think it could be morning sickness already, but I've never reacted to the hormone shot like this before. Andrew thinks it's a good omen. We'll see.
Posted by MaydayDesiax (Member # 5012) on :
::offers glass of water::
Aye, I hope it's a good omen too!
::crosses fingers::
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Ginger snaps are great at helping with nausea.
There's a wrist thingie that uses electric stimulus to help w/ motion sickness. I've used it and it works, but I don't know if it's safe during pregnancy.
*fingers crossed*
Dagonee
Posted by GradStudent (Member # 5088) on :
Good luck!
How soon will you know?
Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :
I've found my morning sickness to be a low blood sugar condition that was resolved by eating small meals frequently that are balanced in carb and protein content. Which is ironic because the last thing I would want is protein. But it really does help. Carbs alone may give an instant boost but cause more sickness a little while later.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Be careful with the early detection pregnancy tests. We got a false negative on one and it broke our hearts since we had decided that was going to be our last attempt. Several days later, Kristine had a feeling she should try again and our journey with Ryan began.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
I second what zgator said - in our first pregnancy test with Emily we had a negative and I was devastated, it was Christmas morning. According to the directions, we should have been able to test and I had this dream that I would find out on Christmas that the fertility treatments had worked, and I could surprise everyone when we got together on Christmas, instead I spent Christmas crying.
Only to spend a very, very happy New Year's Eve! So...I would try very hard to refrain from early testing if you can.
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
Cheese crackers or peanut butter toast helps curb sickness-hoping this is the real thing!!!
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Woot! (It feels odd to be wishing someone continued nausea... )
I hope it keeps going well.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, y'all. I drank an entire bottle of diet caffine-free ginger ale today. It doesn't taste so good.
I'm actually more afraid of a false positive. I don't think I'll be able to trust any home pregnancy test results - I'm not going to believe it until we get the blood test back.
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
I had a false positive and it was devastating. I will continue to pray for you and Andrew. I knew a lady who got morning sickness just a few hours after she conceived. Here's hoping Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
[Inigo]I hate waiting.[/Inigo]
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I hope everything kkeps going the way is has so far...it sounds like everything is right on track.
I would say break a leg, but they don't have legs, they have tails, and if that is broken...
Kwea
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Ohhhh, Mrs. M - I'm keeping my fingers crossed . . . and hugs!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
It's so heartening to come back to this thread and have more people to thank. Y'all have my continued gratitude for your support.
I can't sleep for a change. Only one week until we find out if the insemination worked. It's going to be a very long week. At least our anniversary is this Friday.
Here's the first part of the surgery account. Sorry its taken so long.
Day 23: Surgery (Part 1) September 9, 2004
I slept well last night, thanks to the Percocet. I got up and went through my normal morning routine – showered, blew my hair dry, made the bed. They told me to wear loose clothes, so I wore khakis and a pink workshirt that is very soft. I was not supposed to wear any makeup, but I have to confess that I cheated a little and used some concealer and the tiniest bit of powder. Since all of my makeup is light coverage, I didn’t think it would cause a problem. Just in case, I packed some makeup remover. I had to take the polish off of my nails, which I had just had done. I saved this for the very last moment because I have tips and wearing tips without polish is like driving a car that just has primer.
Andrew and I left early. Neither of us felt much like waiting around. There was very little traffic and we go to the hospital quickly. Andrew parked in the wrong lot, which annoyed me. It was mostly nerves, I think. We got in and I gave my name and sat down to wait. There were no good magazines in the waiting room, but there was a television. Andrew and I had both brought books. I only waited for a few minutes when they called me to come back. Andrew would wait until they called him. A very nice female nurses’ assistant took me back into a room, where there was a lovely and flattering hospital gown waiting for me. I put it on and got into the bed. They only gave me one hanger for my clothes, which was annoying. I didn’t wear socks, so they had to give me those bootie things. Now I know to wear socks whenever I have surgery. When I was settled in the bed, they brought Andrew in. We discovered that the chair next to the bed was a recliner, which made Andrew very happy. I also had a great view of Mill Mountain and the Star. ( http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/kira_marx/detail?.dir=b859&.dnm=c1cf.jpg&.src=ph )
Two nurses came in to put in my I.V. They gave me a shot of novicaine before putting it in. I am a very easy stick, because I have very translucent, pale (think Albino) skin. The nurse was excellent and I hardly felt a thing. I had very little bruising afterwards and I usually have huge bruises. The other nurse had gotten me a heated blanket and she tucked it around me, taking care not to jostle my I.V. I hadn’t even realized how cold I was. The level of care I was receiving did a lot to ease my mind.
The nurses left and Dr. Slackman poked his head in to say hello. He left quickly to get prepped because he had another surgery after mine. Andrew was fairly calm, but I could tell that he was anxious. I forget what we talked about, but at one point he raved about how adorable and pretty I looked. He’s crazy because let me tell you, it was not my finest moment appearance-wise.
Posted by Rappin' Ronnie Reagan (Member # 5626) on :
Oh whoa, you live in Roanoke. My brother lived there for at least a year, I think, while he went to graduate school at Hollins, and I visited him a few times.
Good luck! Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I can't wait, Mrs. M, and I would liek to thank you again for being so open about this. Hatrack is a special place, and is much more inviting than any other place I have been on the web, but it still can't be easy for you to be writing all of this.
JenniK and I wish you the best, as usual.. ..and I hope that you have good news to share with us this week, be even if you don't I am sure it will work out in the long run.
Kwea
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
In one weeks time, I'll have finished sitting my administrative law exam.
I'm glad I have your news that I can get excited about!
I'll second Kwea's thanks - I really do enjoy reading all this and I thank you for sharing.
Plus, after reading the last one, when I grown up I want to be as glamorous and ladylike as you. At the moment I think folding my sweaters in the wardrobe is a big step.
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
((((Mrs.M))))
quote: I had to take the polish off of my nails, which I had just had done. I saved this for the very last moment because I have tips and wearing tips without polish is like driving a car that just has primer.
Have you tried Gel Nails? Perfect polish all the time. The color is in the gel. You can put it over tips or your natural nail.
quote: I forget what we talked about, but at one point he raved about how adorable and pretty I looked. He’s crazy because let me tell you, it was not my finest moment appearance-wise.
Listen to the man! He loves you! Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) I hope all goes well.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Merci, y'all.
Tammy, I have tried gel nails. The drying lamp burned my nail beds.
Good luck on you exam, imogen! I didn't feel very glam that day, but thanks.
Kwea, my pleasure.
RRR, I live at Hollins - Andrew is a Visiting Professor here. I am there right now.
Thanks, Derrell.
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
Always so slow, but always such good news. Each step bringing you closer. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
(((Mrs. M)))
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Tomorrow I'm taking the home pregnancy test. It's going to be a long night.
I got through today just fine. I went to the range and did drills with my teacher. He's also the firearms trainer for the Sherrif's Dept., so he's amazing. I shot really well. We did one-handed drills and, for some reason, I shoot better with my left hand than with my right (I'm right-handed). I left the range relaxed and pretty happy - there's nothing like shooting well to lift your spirits. I got my nails done and went to the market. Then I studied for my psych test tomorrow, which I really couldn't care less about right now.
Here's another installment of my surgery account for your reading pleasure:
After a while, they came to get me. Andrew told me that he loved me and that I would be fine several times. As soon as we were out of earshot, the nurses' aide said, "He's real nervous." I, on the other hand, felt completely calm. She wheeled me into what I can only describe as a loading dock for patients. There were about 8 stations, with equipment like blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, etc. I got docked at one next to a giant monitor and keyboard. The nurses were talking about the passwords, which really bothered me. I wanted to fuss at them about password security, but I wanted them to like me more. To this day I remember that the password had been changed from mercy to grace. One of the nurses went over my chart and took my blood pressure (normal). Dr. Slackman poked his head in and waved. After a few moments, the anesthesiologist came in. He was quite a character.
After going over my chart, he commented on my name and asked me if I had ever seen The Dark Crystal. I thanked my lucky stars that I had and told him it was a classic (which it is). He was very happy to hear that, as it’s one of his favorite movies of all times. [For those of you who have never seen The Dark Crystal, Kira is the girl Gelfling.] He also commented that I am the same age as his wife. Whoo hoo. I REALLY wanted him to like me - I have a very high tolerance for anesthesia and I did not want to wake up during this surgery (like I did for almost every other one). After he looked at my teeth, he asked me if they were my real teeth. I must have looked at him like he was nuts, because he smiled and said, "This is Appalachia." I told him that I'm from Georgia and that I still have all of my own teeth. I shared my concerns about waking up and he assured me that I'd be under the entire time. He was kind of a doof, but I found that oddly reassuring.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Mrs M I will be thinking of you all today and tonight.
My exam didn't go so well, but I'm taking that as a good omen for you - all my good luck must be flowing your way. (I sure hope so).
Best wishes!
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) Best of luck. I hope you pass the pregnancy test.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Oh my goodness - I am saying a prayer for you right now!
But remember - this is only one cycle - not the end all be all.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Negative. Sigh.
I have a call in to the doctor. We'll see what he says.
Andrew told me that this is what happened the last time - I got a false negative 2 days before getting a positive. That whole time is a blur to me, but I believe him. He is holding on to hope that it is the same this time, but I don't think so.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Still praying for you, MrsM.
Good luck!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Mrs. M, I got a false negative and it was a week before I finally got the positive. So it IS possible. But, as you said - not this cycle doesn't mean not ever. It's a disappointment but it's not the end of the road.
(((Mrs. M)))
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Ryan was a false negative, so don't give up hope. But like Belle said, this was only the first try. Our doctor even warned us not to get our hopes up too much because the first try was always used to help determine the proper dosages for the next round.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
(((((MrsM)))))
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
*hugs Mrs. M*
Thanks for letting us share. There is still hope - even if it wasn't a false negative, there will be another time.
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
((((Mrs M))))))
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
*good vibes*
Hang in there!
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM)))
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Aww, I'm sorry to hear the test was negative. Good luck next cycle!
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
I'm really sorry to hear that Mrs M.
Here's wishing you and Andrew better news in the next cycle, if things don't turn out this time.
(((Mrs M)))
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
I'm so sorry Mrs. M.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks everyone. It wasn't a false negative - I started my period today. I'm actually relieved. At least there won't be three more days of wondering and we can get on with the next cycle.
I will probably start the Clomid again on Thursday.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Good luck with the next cycle.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Good luck Mrs. M,I am praying for you. I wouldn't mention my name to God if I were you though, he might want the back rent. Once he knows you know me he will keep on calling and calling.......
Kwea
[ November 09, 2004, 10:43 PM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :
I think that the worst part of infertility is the emotional rollercoaster you go through every cycle as your hope is renewed only to be dashed one more time.
I am so, so sorry.
Posted by Allegra (Member # 6773) on :
I am so sorry. It will happen for you. Sometimes these things just take a while. I cannot imagine what you must be going through. If there is anything I can do do not hesitate to ask. ((((((Mrs. M)))))) edit: forgot an r
[ November 09, 2004, 11:49 PM: Message edited by: Allegra ]
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
Mrs. M, you will be in my thoughts today. Sending you all the strength and good thoughts I can. Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, y'all.
My current cycle is a bust, too. My doctor wants to check my ovaries for cysts (which may have developed in response to the treatment) before doing another round of clomid. Of course, he's out of town. I'm pretty frustrated.
We're going to start our home study - I need something positive to focus on. If we get pregnant, wonderful. Home studies are good for up to 2 years and we'll just wait. If I don't get pregnant, then we don't have to wait to have a child.
On a completely different, and more positive, note, I've been asked to become an NRA recruiter. I'll be working mostly at gun shows. I'm also going to be taking classes to become a licensed firearms instructor. Andrew was saying yesterday that I'll be the weirdest teacher ever - my subjects will be K-1 Hebrew alphabet and pistol shooting.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:I'll be the weirdest teacher ever - my subjects will be K-1 Hebrew alphabet and pistol shooting.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
(((Mrs M)))
I'm sorry to hear that.
I am continously impressed by your courage and good spirits. Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Keep hanging in there, I am sure it will work out in the end.
((((Mrs. M))))
Kwea
Posted by MaydayDesiax (Member # 5012) on :
(((Mrs. M and Mr. M)))
Bernard and I are very sad to hear that you missed this cycle, but there's always next month!
::settles in for the long haul::
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
So, tomorrow I have a baseline ultrasound to see what's going on with my ovaries. Then we'll start all over again.
Here's the latest installment of my surgery account:
A few minutes after the anesthesiologist left, they wheeled me into the O.R. A whole team of nurses came to get me, which I thought was neat. One of them was very pregnant. We got the to O.R., which was smaller than I thought it would be. The table was much narrower, too, and it had extended arms. I climbed oh-so-gracefully onto it. It was freezing, but the nurses put a new heated blanket over me and they even put an extra one over my outstretched arms. I wasn’t nervous at all, but I did start to get the giggles. The anesthesiologist (I really wish I could remember his name), put the juice into my I.V. and told me that the room might spin and things might get a little psychedelic. I told him not to worry, that it would remind me of college. Everyone laughed and then I was waking up in the recovery room.
The nurses there were as excellent as I had come to expect from this hospital. They were shocked that I had woken up so soon – 20 minutes ahead of schedule. For some reason, I was very talkative and I explained that I was having this procedure so that I could have a baby. I also told them that I wanted a boy, because we planned to adopt a girl. I just could not shut up. I felt groggy, but not nauseous. I wasn’t in too much pain, either. After however many minutes, they wheeled me back down to my room. Andrew was there and he was really glad to see me. He asked my how I was and I gave him a thumbs-up. Normally, I would have mocked him for such a ridiculous question, but I was still too groggy. They told me that they would discharge me as soon as I drank something. I asked for ginger ale and turned over on my side. That freaked Andrew out for some reason. He also told me that I didn’t have a laparoscopy, which explained why I was recovering so easily. Normally, I would have asked why I didn’t have one, but I fell asleep before I could even think to ask.
When I woke up, I was really nauseous. I told Andrew and he rang for a nurse. She put something magical in my I.V. and the nausea went away. I was very, very happy and about 99% coherent. Dr. Slackman came in to check on me and explained that the polyp was in such a visible position that he hadn’t needed to look at it from another angle. He told us that everything went great. We thanked him and he went on his way. The nurses’ aide came in with ginger ale and I drank half of it. Andrew later told me that he had never heard me sound so Southern. He said that I sounded like I came from a place where they don’t fly the Stars and Bars because it’s not Southern enough. I had a thick accent when I was younger, but years of stage training helped me to be able to speak with a non-regional accent. I lived in NYC for 5.5 years and I was always careful to hide my accent. Even now, I tone it down, but it comes out when I’m nervous or upset or tired.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
We'll be thinking about you for that ultrasound!
Thanks for sharing this really, I know it can't be easy, but it really does highlight the emotional ups and downs and the struggles of infertile couples. Something that needs to be brought to light.
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
(((Mrs. M)))
I'll bet the accent was adorable. I'm so glad that it went well! Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) Best wishes for a successful result.
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
((((Mrs. M)))) Hang in there. I will continue to send good thoughts your way.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Let us know when you can....
Kwea
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
The cycle is saved. Hooray.
I had a pelvic ultrasound today. No cysts on my ovaries and my uterine lining hasn't thickened. So I am starting the clomid today and having another pelvic ultrasound November 30th. If all goes well, I'll be inseminated again on December 1st of 2nd. I am so happy that I don't have to wait another month to try again. Dr. Slackman is optimistic and that makes me optimistic.
Of course, I'll be awash in a sea of raging hormones just in time for Thanksgiving with my in-laws, but c'est le vie.
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Great news, Mrs. M! I hope everything goes well for you.
I giggled at your post about the surgery, and how talkative you were afterwards. Because it reminded me of when my oldest son was just 9, and had an appendectomy. This kid is so shy and quiet I'm usually lucky to get five words from him all day long. But when he had that surgery (and again a few years later when they pulled his wisdom teeth) both times when he came out from under anesthesia, he was just a talking machine -- couldn't get him to shut up for a breath. Sometimes silly, but very coherent stuff. Makes me laugh again just thinking about it.
Farmgirl
Posted by MaydayDesiax (Member # 5012) on :
Yay! (((Mrs. M))) Good luck with the in-laws over Thanksgiving, sweetheart. I'm sure they'll understand, though.
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Good luck with the in-laws, Mrs. M. Don't let 'em get to you.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) Best wishes for a successful insemination.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Here we go again. I had a pelvic ultrasound today and there are 2 eggs in my left ovary. Again. This time, though, they're huge. One in 23cm in diameter and the other is 27cm. Dr. Slackman was pleased. I got the super-painful shot and I'm being inseminated tomorrow at 1:30pm. I hope it works this time, b/c I'm getting really tired of this - I don't know how much longer I can keep doing it. Y'all's support has really helped me to cope. It would have been twice as hard without it.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
are you sure you didn't mean millimeters? (or something even smaller)
AJ
Sorry I'm wishing you the best, but the engineer in me is coming out with the units. 23cm is 9.1 inches, which is almost as big as an entire baby. even 23mm = 2.3 centimeters is almost an inch... 23 nanometers might be too small though.
AJ
[ November 30, 2004, 11:49 AM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) Best of luck.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
She did say they were huge.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Not sure at all. I never learned the metric system in school. They looked pretty big on the monitor, though.
In fact, yesterday my French prof. was telling us about how far diesel cars can go on one tank and we all just stared at him blankly b/c none of us know how many kilometers in a mile.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
1.6
Posted by rubble (Member # 6454) on :
Best of luck!
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Best of luck, Mrs. M. I don't know how you're feeling, but I do remember my friend who struggled with infertility talked of feeling the same way - like she just couldn't do it anymore. She hung in there, and I just attended her baby shower a few weeks ago. I hope that's somewhat encouraging news for you.
I'll be thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way.
space opera
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
You and the Eggs 2.0 hang in there now! Good luck with the insemination!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
You need the Wonder Twins of Sperm to get there and do it right...I can see it now...
Wonder Twins power...Activate...the form of a....
Well, you know.....
(Sorry, just trying to make you laugh a bit...if it was too far out of line I will delete it... )
Go M's!
Kwea
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
*crosses fingers, closes eyes, and wishes for a baby for Mrs. and Mr. M*
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
*crosses fingers very hard* Ouch ! *well a little less hard - but will be thinking about U two with all her heart*
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, y'all. This thread is keeping me from getting too down or crazy.
I got basted today. Now comes the wait. Luckily, I have a ton of things to do, so I'll be busy. Still, it's a long 2 weeks.
I am also trying hard to avoid the omen trap. Like, thinking, "This time, the follicles are bigger. This time, the shot hurt longer, but in a smaller area. Maybe it's a good sign that my new carry permit arrived today. Etc. Etc."
Posted by Zan (Member # 4888) on :
Wondertwin, reporting for duty!
You want me to take the form of a what? Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
quote:Maybe it's a good sign that my new carry permit arrived today.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
A bucket of What?
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Thank you, Kwea, for causing me to decorate my screen with hot tea.
I may never forgive you.
*continues laughing as she ponders "form of a . . . " and imagines things better left unsaid*
(((Mrs. M))), keeps fingers crossed, and giggles more at the "don't worry, it'll just remind me of college" comment . . .
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Posted by margarita (Member # 6856) on :
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you, Mrs. M!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
I can't believe it's come to this. Yesterday, Andrew and I watched Elf and I cried at the end. Andrew couldn't believe it. Stupid hormones are making me crazy and all of these holiday commercials are making me cry. I am not a crier normally.
I don't feel pregnant and the thought of going through this again is really unpleasant. The though of going through it two or three more times is really, really unpleasant. I'm so tired.
The holiday season is both helping me and getting me down. On one hand, I have finals and faculty parties and JSA and Hebrew school parties and presents to buy and wrap. My holiday card list is topping 50 this year. So I'm keeping busy. On the other hand, where's my Hanukkah miracle? We had a Bat Mitzvah at my shul on Saturday and it was great, but I asked for grape juice instead of wine and a dozen people asked me if I was pregnant. Then I asked for decaf and another dozen people asked me if I was pregnant. I just told them no - I didn't feel like explaining. Plus, a ton of people called me Jessica (the only other girl at shul my age, who looks a lot like me), which annoyed me way more than it should have.
But enough of the pity party. I just bought some pretty new clothes, which did cheer me up some. If only they had decent shoe stores in Roanoke.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*hugs Mrs. M*
AJ
Posted by ginette (Member # 852) on :
Hi Mrs. M, I'll cheer you up with some smilies
(((Mrs. M)))
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, AJ and ginette.
I just bought some Kiss My Face stuff online, which will make me feel better when it arrives. Specifically, my chapped hands.
Posted by ginette (Member # 852) on :
Now what kind of stuff is THAT, Kiss My Face ???
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
(((Mrs M.)))
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, Anna.
ginette, it's an all-natural skin care line. I love it - their Honey and Calendula Moisturizer saves my hands every winter.
((((hugs)))) I like Kiss My Face peaches and cream hand soap. Yummy.
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
(Mrs M.)
Hormones suck. I remember one time my husband and I were watching a comedian and I was laughing so hard. And I don't laugh or cry. I laughed and laughed, and my husband laughed and then started looking at me, then I burst into tears and cried for 10 minutes. Not the pleasant tears streaming down the face, but the full on can't breathe sobbing, snot running down your nose awful crying.
I don't remember who the comedian was, but he was talking about drive-thru windows at McDonald's or Burger King and having worked at both places, what he said was so true and funny that I just laughed. But that laugh/cry thing is a lot like the love/hate thing. Very close. Apparently, I was a little tense and needed some tension relief. My husband still makes fun of me for that.
(On a positive note, I was pregnant at the time, so, fingers crossed that it's the same for you.)
Posted by ginette (Member # 852) on :
Thanks for the link Mrs. M, KissMyFace sounds wonderful, and their products are not expensive.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks ketchupqueen and Kayla.
Kayla, I think I remember that comedy thing. Was it the guy who worked at the BK drive-thru and everyone screamed at him? He was hilarious. I'm glad I'm not the only hormonal crier.
Oh, goodness, Mrs. M, I'm not prone to crying generally, but with hormones, anything can happen. I remember driving to work one day when I was pregnant with my son. It was a 10 minute drive, and I started off the drive happier than anyone else in the entire world. Nothing could possibly go wrong and I was sure I could sing birds out of trees, I was so happy. About nothing in particular. By the time I got to work I was sobbing. Sobbing. The world sucked and it was all gray, and no colors could dare exist. Nothing except a couple of minutes seperated the two extremes.
It was a bizarre experience.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
((((Mrs M))))
When I win lotto, we'll go shopping here. Hormonal crying or not.
I hope things get better for you. *thinking of you*
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) Continued best wishes for a happy ending to this odyssey.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Hang in there Mrs.M, it isn't easy but it will be worth it. I am sure it will be, and I hope sooner than later.
Kwea
Posted by ginette (Member # 852) on :
Hm. Imogen! I picked one of these boots and they were 585 dollars. 585! Is that what you pay in the US for a pair of boots or is this just an expensive shop?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
It's expensive. Only crazy people with lots of money shop there. But it's worth it, because -- and I'm surprised they don't mention this anywhere on the site -- each boot comes with two people to follow you around and compliment you on your sense of style for as long as you own the footwear.
[ December 07, 2004, 11:11 AM: Message edited by: TomDavidson ]
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, jeniwren, Derrell, and Kwea.
imogen, I'm there! Jimmy Choo is so much better than Manolo.
ginette, that's actually pretty reasonable for Jimmy Choo boots. He's an upscale designer and all of the shoes and boots are handcrafted.
Tom, okay already. Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Okay, that was funny.
*hugs Mrs. M* Here's hoping for you, dear.
[ December 07, 2004, 02:35 PM: Message edited by: katharina ]
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, Kat.
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
((((hugs Mrs M)))))
The Honey and Calendula moistouriser is the only thing that clears up Livvie's mysterious rashes...seriously, it is better than prescription stuff.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
quote: Only crazy people with lots of money shop there
I did say when I win Lotto. Now I'm thinking of a *big* win, which would result in a little temporary craziness at least.
Certainly enough to cover some Jimmy Choos.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
quote:Kiss me mother, kiss your darlin Lay my head upon your breast Throw your loving arms around me I am weary let me rest
Thanks dread pirate romany and imogen.
Tomorrow begins round 3. I have my pelvic ultrasound and, if there are mature eggs, painful hormone shot. I'll be inseminated the next day.
I'm weary. I'm not optimistic or pessimistic about the outcome, I'm just sick of this. The crying is exhausting me.
This is the last time we are doing this - we move up to daily injections if it doesn't work.
Andrew wants to go with me to the insemination this time, which is fine with me. He thinks that it's good luck to have it done on such an auspicious day - New Year's Eve. We'll see.
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
Wow. I had no idea how much it can take to become pregnant, nor how badly a person can want it. It just sounds taxing in every way possible.
I hope things go very well for you Mrs M. It sounds like you've been through a lot.
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
I'll say a prayers Mrs M...it does sound exhausting.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
(((((Mrs.M))))) Third time's the charm. You're in my prayers.
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Auspicious days are good. Ryan was conceived on Christmas Eve.
I'll keep praying for you.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*hugs*
AJ
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((((MrsM)))))
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
(((Mrs. M)))
You are in my thoughts today.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, y'all. Sorry about the pity party. Andrew's been gone all week, which didn't help. He's coming home tonight, though.
I'm actually feeling a bit better - I just exfoliated with a new sugar scrub and it was great.
Plus, the Steelers are having such an amazing season that I can't get too down. Except I'm worried sick about Ben Roethlisberger and Jerome Bettis - I don't care about Sunday's game, but I want them 100% for the playoffs.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
I didn't know you were as Steelers fan!
AJ
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
All my life. Born into a Steelers family. My parents lived there for a while before I was born and I spent some time there with friends of the family when I was younger. It's a great town.
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
quote:I'm actually feeling a bit better - I just exfoliated with a new sugar scrub and it was great.
Plus, the Steelers are having such an amazing season that I can't get too down. Except I'm worried sick about Ben Roethlisberger and Jerome Bettis - I don't care about Sunday's game, but I want them 100% for the playoffs.
*glares at God*
Come on, man... this woman DESERVES a child!
*stops glaring, what with the smiting and all*
Good luck, Mrs. M... the Bogs will be rooting for you!
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Hang in there, Mrs. M. Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
My thoughts and paryers are with you tonight, and I will make sure they are on NYE as well.
You just got the second slot after midnight....the first isstill reserved for Jenni and Me....
Kwea
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Good luck, Mrs.M. I'm glad you're feeling a little better, and hopefully this will be the one.
Dagonee
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
The follicles are at 12mm and they need to be at 16. I'm having another pelvic ultrasound on Sunday and if everything is okay, insemination on Monday. Maybe 2005 will be luckier than 2004.
Thank you, y'all, for your support - it's a huge part of how I'm getting through this.
Go Steelers.
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
I had a dream about you last night. Well, about your screen name anyway. I don't remember the particulars, but I woke up in a good mood.
Guess I've been thinking about you even more than I thought. Best wishes.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Happy New Year Mrs. M. Jenni and I were thing about you tonight, and you were in my prayers.
I am pretty sure God should notice, as I don't do it very often....
Then again, maybe I shouldn't have mentioned you at all...
Kwea
[ January 01, 2005, 08:25 PM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
at Kwea.
I'm keeping you and Andrew in my prayers too, and I'll be thinking of you this weekend especially.
I love that you mentioned exfoliating with a sugar scrub and wanting the Steelers to be 100% for the playoffs in almost the same breath. It made me happy.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Mrs. M, Even though the Pats are destined to win again, and you chose a loser-filled team, I sincerely hope you are right about 2005. Best of luck!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Oddly enough, God answered me last night.
He said that you should be happy, one out of two isn't too bad.
So you really should be rooting for the Pats with us.
Kwea
[ February 01, 2005, 08:29 AM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
quote: I Am Weary (let Me Rest) The Cox Family
Kiss me mother kiss your darlin' Lay my head upon your breast Throw your loving arms around me I am weary let me rest
Seems the light is swiftly fading Brighter scenes they do now show I am standing by the river Angels wait to take me home
Kiss me mother kiss your darlin' See the pain upon my brow While I'll soon be with the angels Fate has doomed my future now
Through the years you've always loved me And my life you've tried to save But now I shall slumber sweetly In a deep and lonely grave
Kiss me mother kiss your darlin' Lay my head upon your breast Throw your loving arms around me I am weary let me rest I am weary let me rest
I love that song.
Good luck, Mrs. M.
[ January 01, 2005, 11:53 PM: Message edited by: Storm Saxon ]
Posted by Trisha the Severe Hottie (Member # 6000) on :
(((Mrs. M))) Winter is an especially stressful time, I think that's why we have the holidays when we do. I conveniently can't remember what the silliest thing was that I ever cried over. But when a boyfriend told me that his mom cried during the Ewok battle the first time they saw ROTJ, I thought I could definitely relate.
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
*holding you close in my thoughts
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
I'm glad you had a good dream about me, Boon. I'd hate to give anyone nightmares.
Thanks for the special New Year's prayers, Kwea. BTW, I will NEVER root for the Patriots.
Elizabeth 34:20 Steelers on Halloween. Don't get your Super Bowl hopes up.
Narnia, I am a Southern woman after all.
Stormy, I LOVE the O Brother soundtrack. It's nice to know that others appreciate its greatness.
Trisha, I am sure that I would cry at the ewok battle, too. Especially when that one gets killed. I'm getting a little choked up thinking about it.
Sara, that warms my heart.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
So I had another pelvic ultrasound today. I feel like I could do it myself, I've had so many. I was staring at the instruments while I was waiting for Dr. Slackman, contemplating the logistics.
I had one two days ago and the largest follicle was 12x12. It needs to be at least 16mm in diameter. The growth rate is 2mm per day, so we should have been ready to go today. Unfortunately, all of the follicles were still at 12mm. Dr. Slackman didn't even need to tell me, I saw on the screen that nothing was going on.
It's impossible to tell why I didn't respond to the clomid this cycle. We know from previous cycles that I do respond to it. Dr. Slackman told me not to stress - it happens. However, he agrees that it's time to take it to the next level. So, next cycle we will be doing injections. Into my stomach. Every day.
I'm disappointed, but not crushed. I'm glad that we're stepping it up. I'm going to a mini class on how to do the injections. You can be assured that I will be paying very close attention.
Steelers 10, Bills 3 in the first.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
((Mrs.M))
Posted by Sara Sasse (Member # 6804) on :
You're a trouper. Pretty soon, you'll be able to teach courses on it.
If it is any help, the abdomen is one of the four injection sites for insulin for diabetics (arms, legs, belly, butt). There is a lot of information and experience about how to do this safely. From what I've been told, the tummy injections creep you out at first, but it is something you can get used to.
[BTW, I don't say this to minimize the ickiness of what you face. ALso, I am not doing this to myself, so I wouldn't have room to talk! Just that the technique is one which has been used many many many times, and it isn't like you are being guinea-pigged. Some comfort, I hope.]
Go, Mrs. M!
[ January 02, 2005, 01:57 PM: Message edited by: Sara Sasse ]
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
*Cheers with a big foam finger* You can do it!!
I have a special place in my heart for the Steelers as my Daddy has always been a big fan of theirs.
Hang in there dear, you're gonna make it through this. We all love you!!
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Mrs. M,
Halloween Schmalloween. In general, it is not a question of whether the Pats will win, but rather, by how much.
That said, good luck with your tummy injections. I had them for two weeks in the hospital, three times a day. I can HONESTLY say that I got used to them. I cannot honestly say that they did not hurt each time. They did. I hope, hope, hope that they work!
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Good luck Mrs M!
My thoughts and best wishes are with you, and Andrew.
** My grandfather, a type I diabetic has administers his insulin via stomach injections. He seems to have it down pat by now - I am sure you will too! Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Yeah...your team can barely win when half the Pats are hurt and not in the game!
Funny part of this is that my family is from PA and use to be huge Steelers fans back in the day....
Good luck with the new treatments!
Kwea
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
((((crosses fingers)))))
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
(((Mrs. M)))
You'll do fine! Hang in there!
Posted by BotaLadyG (Member # 7053) on :
I am new to these forums and have never posted before now....
But I must say that I have been reading this topic with great interest and sincere prayers for your fertility...
I am hoping and praying for your next round of treatments to be effective for you and your husband.
I can honestly say that I have never had a problem getting pregnant... (I've been called "fertile Myrtle" a few times...) and I have 2 very beautiful children, a 7 year old girl and a 1 year old boy... I am getting off track...
What I am curious about is whether you and your husband have ever considered having a surrogate? Is that even an option for you, or does your medical condition prohibit it (I believe it was PCOS? <-- correct me if I am wrong)?
The reason I ask is that at 1 time after I had my daughter I had considered doing it for a friend of mine however her and her husband split up so the need never panned out...Also I wonder if it would cost as much or be more of a cost to you...
If I am over stepping my bounds please let me know. I will still keep you in my prayers Mrs. M
Nicole
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Welcome, BotaLadyG! Thank you for your interest and prayers. My husband, Andrew, and I never considered surrogacy. I do have PCOS, which shouldn't prevent me from carrying a child to term. My ovaries and uterus are relatively healthy (except for the PCOS). I would not be able to watch another woman carry and give birth to my baby. I would also be worried that the surrogate would change her mind and try to get custody. We have decided against open adoption for a similar reason - we could not bear to have a child taken away from us.
I do think that being a surrogate mother is one of the most generous and beautiful things you can do for someone. It was so wonderful of you to even consider it.
I have needle class tomorrow. I'm not looking forward to it, but there is a certain grim humor in the situation.
Well, the Steelers wrapped up a historic season with a win against Buffalo. Here's hoping that everyone's healthy for the playoffs.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
(((Mrs M.))) You're very courageous. I hope, hope it will work ! *crosses fingers*
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Have you seen the Steelers NFL ad campaign using the Steelers? My dad and I laughed at it (as we were suppose to) this New years Day.
It opens in the living room of two Steelers fans watching the NFL draft this year. There are two fans watching, a father and son, both older. One is on the couch to the right, and the father is in a chair to the lest, and they are both wearing the Steelers colors.
All the sudden you hear a voice from the kitchen yelling "What was the name of that quarterback the Steelers drafted again?", and the son, without getting up from the couch yells back " Ahhh, Rothle-something or other, I think!
There is silence for a few seconds, and then the person in the other room answers, in a voice heavy with sarcasm, " Nice one there, Cowher..."
We laughed a lot to that one, because as our family is from Pittsburgh we know that that is very accurate. A lot of people in PA thought that.....
And look where they are now.
I am looking forward to gloating once the Pats beat your team, even if this is a huggie-feelie thread. It is a different game with Dillon, Law, Seymore,and Branch in the game, even without Rothel-something or other still being punch drunk a bit.
24-18 Pats...if he plays, and you get lucky.
Kwea
Go Patriots!
[ April 07, 2005, 01:49 AM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
That's hilarious, Kwea. We haven't seen it here. I'll let you hold onto your illusions for now.
I'm a little nervous about needle class. I'm worried that I won't be able to stick myself. Oh, well, I'll do what I gotta do.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Good luck, Mrs. M!
(but not with the Steelers)
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Needle class was uncool. It was unnerving and upsetting. I didn't cry, but I did have a tiny nervous laughing fit. I got the needle pen and learned how to use it and we went over the unbelievably complicated chart of my cycle and what I'm taking when. I'll post it another time.
There was one point in the video where the woman asked what happens if you dial past your dosage on the pen. At the same time I said, "You're SOL lady," Andrew said, "No baby for you." We 're such jerks.
On Friday I start the Provera to bring on my period. I won't get one naturally because I didn't ovulate this cycle.
Oh, and the hot flashes are getting really bad.
But I have a good feeling about this. Our insemination date is between 2/2 and 2/5. February has always been a good month for me. Even if it doesn't work, then I will get to take the next cycle off and that will be a relief at this point.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
(((hugs))) *avoids possibly sore tummy* I hope this works for you. I am sending all my good wishes that at this time next year, you'll be too sleep-deprived to post.
Edit to clarify: because of a screaming infant who hasn't learned to sleep yet.
[ January 13, 2005, 12:39 AM: Message edited by: ketchupqueen ]
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) (((Andrew))) Best wishes for a happy ending to this quest.
Posted by BotaLadyG (Member # 7053) on :
{{{ Mrs. M}}}
My prayers are with you still... hopefully all goes well *fingers and toes crossed*
Nicole
Posted by Tink (Member # 7267) on :
Mrs.M, I'm a newcomer to this thread, but just wanted to tell you a)what a great writer you are, and b)what a trooper you are! I appreciate your sharing this journey with us, and wish you all the best with it. *hugs*
Reading this thread has made me think twice about my OB - I have had friends tell me I might have PCOS (I have many of the symptoms), and I have been trying for a third child for over 18 months - but his take on it is that it DOESN'T EXIST. Hmm. Hard to be treated for something my doctor thinks is imaginary! His main fertility advice thus far is "lose weight." Real helpful, ay? Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
I just watched a Sex in the City episode, and (forget her name) gets a shot in the hiney. How come you have to get yours in the belly?
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
ketchupqueen, I actually got it before the edit. That's my dream.
Kwea, Derrell, BotaLadyG
Thank you, Tink! I'm horrified that your doctor thinks that PCOS doesn't exist. I recommend that you switch doctors immediately. If you have not been able to conceive naturally for at least 6 months, then you are supposed to see a fertility specialist. Most PCOS women have problems losing weight, btw.
Elizabeth, it was Charlotte. She was getting what I think is HCg. It's a one-time shot that causes the ovaries to release the mature egg(s). The shots that go in my stomach are for 10-14 days and cause the follicles in the ovaries to mature. I will have the one shot of hCg if the pelvic ultrasound shows that follicles in my ovaries have matured.
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
Mrs M, I actually have several patients I diagnosed with PCOS who had been told in the past three years by various gyns that they didn't have PCOS. It's really amazing. The reasons the doctors gave for it not being PCOS varied widely, too.
[ January 13, 2005, 08:44 PM: Message edited by: Theca ]
Posted by Amka (Member # 690) on :
Mrs. M,
Maybe you could plan on having something nice for you right after the shot every day. Pamper yourself just a bit, and have some variety to it. A pastry, a cup of chamomille tea, a piece of chocolate, or something you might not normally allow yourself.
I hope it works out, and I'll keep you in my prayers.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Tink, I have to echo Mrs. M's advice - find another doc!
I have PCOS, and I underwent fertility treatment for my last three children (had the first without help) While losing weight certainly isn't going to hurt, it isn't the answer to fertility problems by itself if you have PCOS!
Mrs. M, you amaze me. I love your and Andrew's comments, that sounds like what Wes and I would do, too.
I am going to be sending all the best wishes I can for February! Here's hoping it is indeed a good month for you, and turns out to be your all-time favorite month. (((Mrs. M)))
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Theca, that is so disturbing. Thank goodness they got themselves to you.
Amka, that's a great idea. There's not much I don't allow myself, so I'll have to think about it.
Thanks, Belle. We just can't seem to help ourselves.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
If I read the description well, I think I have it. I learnt that from an echography I had a few years ago because my gynecologyst thought I might ave a big cyst. I didn't think it was that severe. My gynecologyst didn't seem to worry at all - and I told her I was getting married and wanted to have babies in the years to come. Maybe there are different levels ? I mean, I know my mother had it and my two sister have it, my mother had 3 children without any medical aid and both my sisters have one child with no medical aid either.
[ January 14, 2005, 09:39 AM: Message edited by: Anna ]
Posted by Amka (Member # 690) on :
There is a difference, I understand, with a single cyst or cyclical cysts; and PCOS. I have had cyclical cysts in the past and am currently experiencing this pregnancy with a cyst that, while not apparently harmful, is not a simple corpeus luteum.
If I understand correctly, one of the symptoms of PCOS is that the cyclical cysts do not go away at the end of the cycle, but stay. I had a cousin with it. We were all suprised when, after (not during) her first pregnancy, she gained a lot of weight. It seemed like within months, this little whisp of a girl became severely overweight. We didn't connect it to the fact that she was also unable to get pregnant again. A couple of years ago she was diagnosed with PCOS. She isn't as skinny as she was at 18, but she has lost a lot of weight now and has a months old baby as well.
I'm very surprised that a doctor would think such a thing was all imaginary. But that is the case with a lot of diseases that seem to have clusters of symptoms but no real cut and dry connection.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
That's it : I have multiple little ovarian cysts that don't go away. Do you think I could have fertility problems because of them ?
Posted by Amka (Member # 690) on :
I think it is definately worth gathering some info on and approaching your doctor with.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
I will. *is worried*
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Don't be worried too much - it's treatable for the most part (Mrs. M obviously has had much more fertility trouble than I did, so cases can vary in degrees), but it's something you will need to be aware of.
Please understand too, that PCOS doesn't just affect your fertility or your reproductive system, it also can affect your overall health. With PCOS you're at a higher risk of developing heart problems and Type II diabetes. Theca can tell you more about that than I can. But it's nto a minor thing, it should be diagnosed and treated.
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
There are so many kinds of ovarian cysts, Anna, that the mere presence of cysts, no matter how much they LOOK like PCOS is not usually enough to diagnose PCOS. PCOS is more of a clinical diagnosis and usually involves irregular periods and less frequent ovulations which is part of the problem with fertility in PCOS. Asking your doctor to explain your ultrasound in more detail and having a frank discussion about your general health, possible risk factors, and so on does sound like a good idea.
(You can directly ask about PCOS and your fertility also)
[ January 14, 2005, 12:46 PM: Message edited by: Theca ]
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
(((((Ms M)))))
Can I say thos elook like auspicious dates? Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Anna, you can't go wrong listening to everything that Theca says (and Belle too). I wouldn't be worried, but I would be concerned.
PCOS is a spectrum disorder - PCOS women can have varying degrees of the symptoms. For example, I don't have any cysts on my ovaries.
dpr, neato. I certainly hope they become auspicious for me.
Posted by School4ever (Member # 5575) on :
The folicles are measured in millimeters, each folicle gets to be about the size of the overy. This is why the more folicles you have the more painful it gets. When I had 13 folicles I thought I was going to die, and some people get up to 40.
Posted by School4ever (Member # 5575) on :
I also have PCOS, but mine is very severe. I have the facial hair, the acne, the obesity, the balding, the infertility, the wacky hormone levels (I guess that is obvious), but I do not have the cysts. As already mentioned, Type II Diabetes is one health risk, but heart disease is another. Even if a person with PCOS is not trying to lose weight, she should get regular exercise. The only reason I exercise so much is because I am afraid of getting these diseases, and exercising will greatly reduce the risk. Another problem people with PCOS face is endometrial cancer. The risk for this increases when a person has fewer periods than normal.
By the way, the belly needle is not bad. The HCG needle is pretty bad, but the worst shot of the whole process is if you do IVF and have to get progesterone shots. That one also goes in the butt, but it is a much bigger needle. I loved the belly shots after having my first one of those.
Posted by Trisha the Severe Hottie (Member # 6000) on :
Did he say PCOS didn't exist or that it wasn't a real disease? The second would be strictly accurate, the first is dangerously misinformed.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
So, I finally got my period. I was beginning to freak out, because if I didn't get it by 2/3, it would have meant something was wrong. I usually get it right after finishing the Medroxyprogesterone and this time it took a week.
I was also freaking out b/c Andrew had to go from Texas right to his interview in Minnesota because the Roanoke airport closed due to a whole 2 inches of snow. Of course his interview clothes are here in Roanoke. He had to get a new suit at the Brooks Brothers at the Mall of America. Their sales staff is very nice and professional - I spent a lot of time on the phone with them. His interview is today and my pelvic ultrasound is today, too. It's a big day for the Marx family.
Tomorrow or the day after, I will start the clomid (not looking forward to the hot flashes and crying jags). A couple of days after that, I will start the injections.
I got a gorgeous new gray cashmere cardigan for a song, which can only be a good omen. Also, I figure I'm owed because of the tragic and incomprehensible Steelers loss to the Patriots.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*hugs* Mrs. M. I think of you a lot, pretty much every morning when I get dressed. "What would Mrs. M say?" has become my clothing theme. But I think of you, and your journey here, not just the clothes.
Also I figured you would laugh at my accidental fashion sense that I discovered recently. I bought these comfy pajamas with flannel pants at Costco a while back. The were a little pricy but looked really comfortable and I couldn't resist.
While folding clothes I read the label and it suddenly clicked thanks to your education.
The label read "Oscar de la Renta"
AJ
[ January 31, 2005, 12:36 PM: Message edited by: BannaOj ]
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
"tragic and incomprehensible Steelers loss to the Patriots."
Well, dear, you can feel better watching The Pats stomp all over the Eagles. The Steelers, at least, had the chance to make it a good game.
Good luck with all this! May your gray sweater be a portent of good things to come.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Gray cashmere sweaters are wonderful, aren't they? I pray for you every night when I go in to check on my baby before bed. I pray that you will be able to have strength through this and that you will be able to have a healthy, gorgeous, wonderful little one of your own, because I know it will get so much love and it is so longed for.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thank you, AJ. I'm in your head now.
I don't know, Elizabeth, McNabb is having a great year and he's focused.
kq, your prayers are greatly appreciated.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Marx family? Say hello to Groucho, Chico, Zeppo, and Harpo for me. Just a little humor to help you relax.
Best wishes for a happy endiing. *crosses fingers, eyes ,and toes*
Posted by Allegra (Member # 6773) on :
Mrs.M-I really admire the strength that you have shown in this process. Good luck
[ January 31, 2005, 03:41 PM: Message edited by: Allegra ]
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
quote: Mrs. M. I think of you a lot, pretty much every morning when I get dressed. "What would Mrs. M say?" has become my clothing theme
If I did that, I would look in my closet, crawl back into bed in despair, and never get out.
Praying the Clomid works.....
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Well, it's not the outcome I was hoping for. I have a small cyst on my left ovary, probably because of the clomid. Dr. Slackman wants me to go through another cycle, as it will probably go away on its own. If it doesn't, I'll have surgery.
So the target conception date is pushed up to March, which is my birthday month. I'm freaking out just a little b/c every year older I get, the less fertile I am. Although when I told the resident who was doing her reproductive endocrinology rotation how old I'll be, she laughed at me. It was in a nice way and it actually made me feel better.
Derrell, believe it or not, I was the first person to ever make a Marx brothers joke to Andrew and his brother, his dad, and his uncles.
Thanks, Allegra. Some days are harder than others, but this thread helps me a lot.
dread pirate romany, I'm sure it's not so bad as that. You can always email me if you have any fashion questions or dilemas.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) I'm sorry to hear about the setback. Let's see, there's Groucho,Harpo,Zeppo,and Chico. Oh, I left out the forgotten Marx brother, Karl. Feel free to hit me in the face with a bananna cream pie.
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
(((((((Mrs. M))))))) If you want to add some natural things to the mix, red raspberry tea is good for overal female health, while I've been told false unicorn root is good for fertility. At any rate the red raspberry tea tastes good and can be relaxing. I'll continue to hold you in my prayers. I know how hard this struggle is.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Good Luck Mrs M, hopefully your birthday month will bring luck.
Oscar De La Renta pajama's at CostCo? Wow that's really impressive.
Posted by skrika03 (Member # 5930) on :
:looks down at pajama pants and husband's old T-shirt: Werd, romany.
But here's hoping for March.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
(((Mrs. M))) I'm thinking of you a lot too. Thanks for the update and here's to a very fertile March!! It can only be a good omen that it's your birthday month...and mine too. Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
You sure you want a Capricorn? Capricorns tend to be pessimistic, rigid, overly conventional, miserly and fatalistic.
On the other hand, they are also practical, prudent, ambitious, disciplined, patient, careful, humorous and reserved.
Isn't it amusing that if you are born on December 20 you are fatalistic and pessimisic, when if you'd only been born hours earlier, you'd be blindly optimistic?
Other traits for Sagittarius include careless, irresponsible, superficial, tactless, and restless. The good ones are optimistic, freedom-loving, jovial, good-humored, honest, straightforward, intellectual, and philosophical.
Posted by BotaLadyG (Member # 7053) on :
Here is hoping for a good March... My son was concieved in March and he was born Dec 20th 2003 so good luck, My Prayers are with you Mrs.M
Nicole
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
Mrs M, I think of you and Andrew quite often. I hope everything will be OK for you. I even have a stupid advice for you : hot flashes are know to make sweat, right ? Well, I just bought the best deodorant in the world, nearly no odour of itself but you can't smell your own either, so if you think you could need it, send me an e-mail and I'll send you the name.
[ February 01, 2005, 05:02 AM: Message edited by: Anna ]
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Mrs.M, when in March? Jenni and I are both March babies....
I was looking for you after the Pats game. Oddly enough I couldn't find any Steelers fans for a while after it. Hmmmm, go figure.
That is what happens when 2/3 of the Pats are healthy.
Just think how many interceptions there would have been if Ty Law had been healthy too...
Honestly, it was a win-win game for me. I am glad to see the Steelers do so well this year, it has been a long time coming, hasn't it? I think they have a real winner there with their quarterback, and the future look pretty bright for them.
Just not this year!
Good luck in March, it seems to be a lucky month around here.
Kwea
[ February 01, 2005, 08:40 AM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
(((Mrs. M)))
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
Mrs. M, I grow organic red raspberry leaf and dry it-I brew it by the pitcher and keep it in the fridge. If you'd like some, I can send you some of this year's crop and a nice linen teabag.
Posted by School4ever (Member # 5575) on :
Mrs. M I really hope everything goes well for you in March, I am sorry about the cyst. I missed it, but what surgery are you going to have if everything does not work out?
Side Note: Will someone please respond to one of my posts. The only ones who bother are Mr. Porteiro Head and Beverly, and that is because they know me. I have been reading posts at Hatrack since 2002, so I feel like I know everyone. I realize you don't know me because I am a terrible poster, but I feel very shunned and I don't know what I did wrong.
Mrs. M, I am very sorry to put that bit in my post because it has nothing to do with your fertility odyssey. I feel like I have committed a huge faux pas, but I am frustrated. Just so you know, I really am infertile, my husband and I have been trying to become parents for over 8 years (We have been approved for adoption for almost five years but have not yet had a child placed in our home). I really do have PCOS. Maybe my comments aren't helpful. I just feel like I've been there, done that and I want to help by letting you know that someone else on Hatrack has been where you are.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Don't worry about it, 4ever, I'm sure she appreciates your thoughts, having gone through some of this yourself.
I would start a new thread about the other stuff (although I think someome has done that for you, if you look at the front page)if you want to discuss it more, though.
Kwea
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Sorry for the delay in responding, y'all, but Andrew came home yesterday and I was busy welcoming him back.
skrika03, I wore Andrew's t-shirts when he was gone. They come to my knees b/c he's so tall and are very, very unflattering. Comfortable, though.
Cool, Narnia. I'm the 9th, when are you?
Kayla, I think Andrew's a Capricorn - he's Jan. 9th. He's pretty optimistic, though, and very impatient.
Thanks, Nicole. Not much longer till the terrible twos, huh? Good luck.
Thanks, Anna. Actually, I have a condition where I barely sweat. It's crummy, because my body can't cool itself down. I've passed out from heat exhaustion more times than I can count (once on a NYC bus - yuck). I'd still like to know about the deoderant, though - all the ones I can find are heavily scented, which I hate.
Kwea, I was walking around in a daze, trying to figure out what happened. I have never seen anything like that game. Next year. So we're up to 4 March Hatrack birthdays. Cool.
Belle
dread pirate romany, that is such a kind offer and I think I am going to take you up on it! Thank you!
School4ever, we do know that there's a chance that we'll never have a biological child. We're going to adopt a little girl from China. We plan to do that whether or not we do have biological child, because it's very, very unlikely that I'll be able to have more than 1 successful pregnancy and we want more than 1 child.
You haven't committed a faux pas at all. I'm glad that you spoke up and I'm sorry that you're feeling shunned. I am glad to hear from another PCOS sufferer, b/c I know that you really understand what I am going through. I'm sorry you've had to wait so long to adopt. I think that's the worst thing about battling infertility - the waiting. Month after month goes by and nothing happens. Meanwhile it seems like everyone you know is having babies. It's so frustrating. I'd love to talk more with you about it. I tried to email you, but you don't have your address in your profile. Please email me if you ever want to talk. And keep posting - the more you're around, the more folks will talk with you.
BTW, your comments have been very helpful. You reminded me that I need to exercise more, because it's so important for women with our condition.
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
E-mail me your address at cymoril3 at yahoo...I will try to get it right out (one of the kids 'misappropriated" the packing tape.)
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
(((Mrs. M)))
Just a hug, that's all.
space opera
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
quote: trying to figure out what happened.
Pretty simple, Mrs.M...we were the better team. By a lot.
Just like I told you we were!
Still, I was impressed with Ben being able to come back so strong in the second half. It wasn't nearly enough, but it speaks volumes about his ability and character, and bodes well for the future of PA football.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Aso, if you hate sented deodorents, try using Mitchem, it is great. I have a condition that develops under my arm sometimes in the summer, and it can be painful. I have been using Mitchem for years because of it, and it is great.
Kwea
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
I'm the 22nd.
So Mrs. M is the 9th I'm the 22nd.
Kwea is...? JenniK is...?
We need to have a March birthday party here on hatrack. Posted by hansenj (Member # 4034) on :
I just read through this thread for the first time, and I wanted to add my good wishes to those that have already been given. I had no idea about all that was involved in a process like this. I admire your strength.
Oh, and I'm rooting for the March conception as well, because it's my birthday month too (the 11th). We definitely should have a Hatrack party.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Today I'm having my ten thousandth pelvic ultrasound to see whether the cyst went away on its own. If it hasn't, we'll schedule the surgery. If it has, we'll start the needles.
Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Good luck.
Posted by Leonide (Member # 4157) on :
I hope everything goes well, Kira Sr.
((hugs))
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
My hopes are with you, Mrs. M
quote: We need to have a March birthday party here on hatrack.
Narnia, if you look in the Birthday thread there are lots of March Birthdays, including myself . And twinky, although not listed there, also seems to be a March birthday (see the hatrack.ca thread).
It's a good month to be born in .
[ March 14, 2005, 02:22 PM: Message edited by: Teshi ]
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Fingers crossed!
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) I hope all goes well.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
I'm praying for you.
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Good luck!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Whoo Hoo!
Finally, some good news - no cysts. I start the clomid today and the shots next week. I am so relieved that I'm almost not nervous about the shots.
I also had an EKG for a study on the effects of clomid on heartrates. My heart is fine.
As always, thanks for the loving support. It is a great comfort to me.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Best wishes for a successful outcome.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I had been wondering how all this was going. I am glad that everything seems to be going OK now, and I am still thinking and praying for you are your family.
Kwea
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
Good luck for the shots, hopefully march really was the good luck you were looking for.
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
I TOLD you that March was the best month. I will keep my fingers crossed!!
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Yay! Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Good luck!
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Hooray!
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Yayy!
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
WONDERFULL!!! I hope March is the month. How does a New Year's baby sound?
Posted by BotaLadyG (Member # 7053) on :
I am so happy to hear some good news... I have been wondering and praying for you... yay!! Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
Yay ! I'm happy for you !
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
And now we're at the point in this fun process where I completely lose all control over my emotions. Which is a big deal for me, because I'm both repressed and high-strung. Not to mention the OCD. I knew it was going to happen and I knew that they had me on a much higher dose of clomid, but it still freaks me out. Today, I sobbed when the church choir sang This Little Light of Mine on some show. It wasn't even that well done. I also cried nonstop from about 10pm til about 1am for no reason whatsoever. I have cried more these last few months than in my whole life. Literally. I'm not a crier. My mother says that I rarely cried, even as a baby. She even took me to the doctor because of it.
I also became hysterical with laughter while I was asking Andrew stupid questions about game theory. See, a hobby of mine is to ask astonishingly stupid questions about subjects that people have a humorless interest in (I mean that they are humorless about their interest, not that their interests are humorless). Their reactions are priceless and I don't feel guilty at all because I have no sympathy for humorlessness (I don't understand it either - I love making fun of myself). I find this to be particularly true with certain types of hard-core sci-fi fans. Andrew's not that hard-core, but he does have some things that push his buttons. Like Battlestar Gallactica - the new version. I watched a couple of episodes with him (see, I gave it a chance) and asked him why the robots hate humans and why don't they all fly back to earth. He gave me this long explanation about how they made the robots and earth got blown up or something and they're looking for a new planet they can live on and all this. And at the end of the spiel, I gave him my pretty look #6 and asked, "Why don't the robots help them?" He practically screamed, "The robots are their enemies!" Which, of course, led me right back to the beginning, "How can robots have enemies?" Anwway, I couldn't even get through my first stupid question about game theory (which was, naturally, which game are they talking about?).
In other news, new Alias tonight. I love Alias.
Posted by Mormo (Member # 5799) on :
My emotions have been whipsawed recently too Mrs. M.
Hope you feel better. ((Mrs. M)) Morbo
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
Your question game sounds really evil. Mrs M.
Whenever I am sick, I get very emotional. It's so startling. I'll start sobbing at sad commercials, good previews, touching online posts, you name it. I can't imagine purposely taking hormones that do that. Hopefully you won't have to do this for very long.
[ March 16, 2005, 04:15 AM: Message edited by: Theca ]
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
"Whipsawed" is a fantastic word, Morbo. Very apt. I'll ask him, but then he might tell me.
Theca, it is a pretty evil, but extremely fun. It's certainly provided me with countless hours of entertainment.
I'm nervous today, again for no reason. I have a voice lesson and I'm nervous about that, even though my professor is extremely nice and patient (and talented). Oh well.
At least Alias is on tonight. I'm obsessed with that show and with reading the recaps on TWoP and watching the seasons 1-3 dvds.
[ March 20, 2005, 06:47 PM: Message edited by: Mrs.M ]
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) I hope all goes well.
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
Moodswings are goooood. I think becoming a mother, from the very beginning, even pre-conceprion, permenantly rewires our brains to cry at things that never would have phased us before.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
My sympathies are with you, Mrs. M - I remember well the clomid mood swings.
Maybe it's a sign you'll have a good outcome, as I did?
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, Derrell, dpr, and Belle.
Yesterday I did my first injection. It was much, much easier than I'd anticipated and didn't hurt at all. I did it in the dining room - I cleared and sterilized the table and laid all of the paraphernalia. I made Andrew wait in the living room - things like this are easier for me to do without an audience, but I wanted him nearby. I got the pen ready and went for it. I felt like a jerk when it was over - that's what I've been dreading? Oh well, chalk it up to hormones.
Two more days of injections, then I see the doctor for yet another pelvic ultrasound and blood work.
On an unrelated note, I really like my new iPod mini.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Good for you; I think I'd really have trouble injecting myself.
Still praying and hoping things go well for you.
Posted by Theca (Member # 1629) on :
*Grin* I knew you'd find the injections amazingly easy. No way you'd have believed me beforehand, though. Great!
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Continued best wishes for a successful outcome.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
wOOt!
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Mrs. M, I wish you a March conception too!
*sprinkles baby dust on Mrs. M*
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, y'all.
I had my appointment today. There are lots and lots of follicles, which is good. So many that Dr. Slackman is reducing my Follistim dosage. It was kind of weird hearing him call out the sizes for all the follicles - there's usually only 2 and this time he kept going and going.
I've had a lot of unpleasant hot flashes yesterday and today, but I'm crying much less. I'm utterly exhausted, though.
I have another appointment Thursday and we'll find out where to go from there.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*cheers the follicles on*
AJ
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
*sends virtual chocolate and virtually fans Mrs. M*
Posted by Emily W (Member # 7504) on :
I know it’s not the same type of egg, and they are kind of talking about eating them, but there is still a lot of egg love there.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
There are 18 mature follicles. 18!!! That's a lot, considering that we were aiming for 6-12. Dr. Slackman is pleased. My estrogen levels are good, so I am getting the hCg shot this afternoon (right before shul - Purim supper tonight). Insemination will be Saturday.
I really hope this works - I'm so very tired.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Congratulations on the good news so far and good luck!
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
That's great news, Mrs. M!
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
That's great ! I'm so happy for you ! *hugs*
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Yay! I hope this works out for you!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Doing the happy follicle dance!
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
Woo-hoo! I will be praying this works.....
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Best wishes for a happy ending.
Posted by Taelani (Member # 7562) on :
<hugs>
Best wishes from Alabama, I hope all goes well this time around. Posted by mothertree (Member # 4999) on :
18!
Posted by BotaLadyG (Member # 7053) on :
I hope and Pray for you MrsM...
Nicole
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, y'all. Only 2 more days until I find out if it worked. However, there's been a complication that may or may not be a good sign. I have developed Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
This is a relatively rare disorder that can be caused by fertility treatments. The symptoms include enlarged ovaries, abdominal pain, and fluid leaks into the abdomen and chest cavity. It can also result in bloating, pressure, nausea, shortness of breath, increased abdominal measurement causing clothes to feel tight, thirst, and weight gain. I have almost all of these (I'm not thirsty, although now that I'm thinking about it, I'm starting to get thirsty). It can last for up to 10 weeks, though it does stop when a woman gets her period.
I spoke to my doctor today. He is somewhat perplexed that I have this because my estrogen levels weren't that high when they were checked last week. I am seeing him for an ultrasound tomorrow and I think it's going to be a regular (non-pelvic) one.
OHSS is frequently associated with pregnancy and I'm praying that's the case with me. I'll gladly endure 10 weeks of this if I'm pregnant. Honestly, I'd agree to have this for the rest of my life if I could have a healthy baby.
Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
*Hugs*
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
(((hugs)))
*prays*
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
((((hugs hugs hugs hugs HUGS)))))
{But not too tight hugs because of the OHSS}
I hope so much that it is because you are pregnant, Mrs M.
*Best wishes*
[ April 07, 2005, 01:09 AM: Message edited by: imogen ]
Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
Why is there no crossed fingers smiley?
Posted by dread pirate romany (Member # 6869) on :
crosses fingers, toes and anything else....
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Mrs. M, reading the symptoms, I was thinking, gee, that sounds like pregnancy. I sure hope that is what it is a sign of!
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Mrs. M,
I hope things go well for you. Yay for future promises kept.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
::::holds breath:::::
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Y'all, I really can't tell you how much your support means to me. This past round hasn't been easy for me, but it would have been much harder if I hadn't had y'all there for me at every turn.
I wish I could make all y'all rocky road brownies and pecan tartlets. Except those of you who are allergic to nuts - you'd get blueberry cobbler.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I want all three if this works. I have been in here since the beginning...
Besides, the Pats won, as I said they would. I should get something for that, right? Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
(((MrsM))) I hope it turns out well.
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
*fingers crossed*
Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
I hope it does turn out to be a baby! More good thoughts coming your way, Mrs. M.
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Tell you what Mrs M - in a couple of years when Tony and I have finally saved up enough money for our round the world trip we will come visit you, Andrew and (fingers crossed) your beautiful toddler.
Then you can make me all the pecan tarlets I can eat. Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
quote: It can also result in bloating, pressure, nausea, shortness of breath, increased abdominal measurement causing clothes to feel tight, thirst, and weight gain.
Yep, that sounds like my pregnancies although I realize you are saying it is something else.
You are still in our thoughts and prayers that this turns out very successfully for you and your hubby.
Farmgirl
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
(((Mrs. M and Andrew)))
I hope this turns out to be a good cycle, and sorry you're enduring the OHSS.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Praying that you get the good indicated by the bad here. Good luck!
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Hang in there Mrs. M!! I'm praying for you this week!! I can't wait to find out! Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
I so want you to have a baby start! You are so ready to be a wonderful Mommy.
*lights a candle*
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
(((Mrs. M))) I hope this is the magic month!
space opera
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Because I'm pregnant.
I just got the call and I've been trying to compose myself.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I am so thrilled for you!!!!!!!!!
*cries*
Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
(((((((Mrs. M)))))))
Posted by Jenny Gardener (Member # 903) on :
YES! Now we can be pregnancy buddies! When are you due?
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
That is such great news! Bring on the sleepless nights and baby poop.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I am going to make something for this baby. In fact, I am going to make something for JG's and SO's babies, too. But this one will have a few extra tears shed over it.
Are you going to find out if it's a boy or a girl? Or be surprised?
Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
congrats!
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
YIPPEEE!!!
(when I saw the thread title "is over" I was so downcast and disheartened. But now I see it was good news!)
Farmgirl
Posted by Portabello (Member # 7710) on :
That's awesome. Posted by hansenj (Member # 4034) on :
Hooray! Finally! Congratulations! Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
That is so so wonderful!!! I have no craftiness, but I have a present for this miracle baby!!
Posted by blacwolve (Member # 2972) on :
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
What wonderful news! I'm so happy, excited, and completely thrilled for you!!!! To echo Jenny, we can be pregnancy buddies, and when are you due? Take good care of yourself!
space opera
Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :
YAY ! I would shout it loud if I was alone in the room Mrs M. , I'm so so glad you are going to be a Mom ! I know how great you'll be in that role !
Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :
Ooh, I should do baby gifts too--they're fun to knit, and a good way to break up the monotony of a big project. *starts planning*
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, y'all. I'm still kind of freaking out - my hands are shaking. Andrew's giving a test, so he had to turn off his cell phone.
I'm due December 27th and we are definitely going to find out the sex. I'm way too compulsive not to know.
BTW, all y'all are invited to the bris or naming. Or both - OHSS is often associated with mutliples.
Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Woo-hoo! That makes 3 Hatrack babies in a row - October, November, and now December!
Umm, did anyone else physically jump up and down? I did!
space opera
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote: Or both - OHSS is often associated with mutliples.
*starts praying that all goes well with the baby or babies*
*rejoices in the possibility of an opportunity to make matching baby outfits* Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :
YAY!!!!!!!
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
OH WOW! Congrats, Mrs. M!!!!
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
Oh my goodness Mrs.M! I'm so happy for you and you have my best wishes for the coming months!
CONGRATULATIONS!
[ April 07, 2005, 02:04 PM: Message edited by: Teshi ]
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Yay!!!!!!
That's wonderful!!
Posted by Arthur (Member # 4026) on :
Congrats!!! I am so Happy for you! Posted by Uhleeuh (Member # 6803) on :
Congratulations, Mrs. M! I haven't posted much in this thread but I've been watching it all along and I'm thrilled that you're going to be a mom.
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Woohoo!
quote:I'm due December 27th and we are definitely going to find out the sex. I'm way too compulsive not to know.
Reasonable but small chance it'll happen on my birthday (5 days earlier).
But I'll be happy for you even if you don't pull that off. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Yeah, my husband's b-day is the 28th. Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
WooooooooooooHOooooooooo!!!
Congrats Mrs. M and Andrew!!! I am so glad that you shared this experience with us. It makes this announcement mean that much more!
Can you tell that we're excited?! I can't even imagine how YOU must be feeling. *leaps up and down!!*
Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :
Congratulations! How wonderful. Best wishes for the rest of the journey!
And is there any doubt that Mrs. M will be one of the most stylish pregnant women ever?
Posted by Desdemona (Member # 7100) on :
Congratulations!!!
Posted by Vána (Member # 6593) on :
Wow!! *dances around* I am so, so happy for you two! *dances some more*
Posted by imenimok (Member # 7679) on :
You must be 2 days late. Just so you know.
Congratulations Posted by Goo Boy (Member # 7752) on :
*sigh* (of relief)
Goodness, Mrs.M. Like Farmgirl, I interpreted the lack of exclamation points in the thread title to mean the news was bad!
Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :
Congratulations, Mrs.M. That is completely fabulous!
And oh my goodness, the Hatrack babies!
Posted by Zeugma (Member # 6636) on :
Posted by Pixie (Member # 4043) on :
Congratulations!!!!
I'm so excited for you! Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :
Hooray!! I'm so happy for you! Good luck, and have a safe pregancy. Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
HUZZAH!
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
Congrats. Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :
You know that lumpy feeling you get in your throat right before you cry? I have that!
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
Yeehah! Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
I just got the cutest knit baby hat pattern today that is very vogue and adorable, I will make several pairs for these new hatrack babies! Congratulations Mrs. M, or would Mazel Tov be appropriate here (i've always seen it in reference to weddings)!
Posted by no. 6 (Member # 7753) on :
!
Congrats...!
Posted by Christy (Member # 4397) on :
My heart stopped as well! I'm so glad to hear the good news!
Congratulations! And continued thoughts and best wishes.
Posted by ctm (Member # 6525) on :
Oh Mrs. M, you faked me out too, I thought it was sad news. I'm so delighted that isn't! Blessings and prayers to you and hubby and baby. Babies are the best!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Oh my gosh.
This brings back so many memories, it's making me cry.
I know what it's like to hear that news - and I can't imagine what it's like for you and Andrew, since your fertility odyssey was longer and tougher than mine was.
I'm just....so happy for you I can't express it.
I feel like, in some small way, we were on the journey too - and now it's just unbelievable that we get to share your joy. What a loved, precious child this is going to be. Or children - when will you find out if it's multiples or not?
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
B'sha'ah tovah u'mutzlachas! Posted by JaneX (Member # 2026) on :
YAY! Congrats!
I've been lurking in this thread too, and I'm so happy it's finally worked out for you! Good luck.
~Jane~
Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
Oh, my goodness! This is wonderful news, Mrs. M! You need to go celebrate or something before pregnancy takes the edge off of the euphoria.
One word of advice: Do try not to spoil this baby rotten. Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
I actually yelled out loud, YAYYYY!!
I'm so happy for you Mrs. M!!!!
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote: Do try not to spoil this baby rotten.
Yeah, that's what everyone else is for! Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Posted by LadyDove (Member # 3000) on :
Congratulations!
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Yippee-yip-yip-yip!!
I am so thrilled for you Mrs M. Tony sends his congratulations also.
quote: Umm, did anyone else physically jump up and down? I did!
No, but I did yell "Woo-hoo" loud enough so Tony heard me from the shower.
Posted by Taelani (Member # 7562) on :
Congrats!!!
I hope everything goes well and your baby or babies is/are healthy.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
That is so wonderful, Mrs. M! The best news!
*hopes to re-join the pregnant club soon*
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
I'm so happy for you, Mrs. M. This is wonderful news! Posted by BotaLadyG (Member # 7053) on :
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would be shouting hooray if my own lil munchkins weren't sleeping above me! I am so happy for you Mrs M! (incase the exclamation points didn't give that away )
I did start clapping like a giddy school girl though and my husband is looking at me like "are you all right?" LOL!!!
*good thoughts heading to Mrs. M and Andrew!!*
Nicole
Posted by Scythrop (Member # 5731) on :
And now that I'm out of the shower at at my computer at work (and therefore not writing, even though I should be...) I'd like to echo Imogen's congratulations from us! Looking forward to the virtual patter of tiny feet here at Hatrack at the end of the year
Onya, Mrs.M and Andrew !
Tony
[ April 07, 2005, 11:20 PM: Message edited by: Scythrop ]
Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
I know I ahven't posted much on this thread before but I'm so happy for you!!!
Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :
Oh my! I am so happy I almost used a smilie!!
How did I miss this thread all freakin day???
I am so gld you are feeling like crap for a great reason!
Hooray for nausea!
Hooray for bloating!!
Posted by Coccinelle (Member # 5832) on :
What wonderful news! I am so happy for both you and your husband!
Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :
Oh... Mrs.M.... this is such beautiful news!!!! I am so happy for both of you. I am literally dancing in my seat right now.
Yay!!!!!
Posted by unicornwhisperer (Member # 294) on :
Congratulations!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I am still pretty wound up. I have been talking to my mother for hours. This is going to be the most overdressed, overmothered child (children) ever. My mother has already been to the French baby boutique.
Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :
I think we should start a hatrack pool for how many multiples you'll have. My bet is more than 3 , but that's an easy bet. I'd put my money on 4.
Yay for fertility drugs .
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I know you're very stylish. Do you object to home-made baby clothes? I want to make special clothes for your baby (babies) to be photographed in; you know, the traditional white flowing dress or little white outfit lying on a pile of silk or something pictures. But if you prefer other colors or something, let me know, and tell me as soon as you know the gender(s)!!!
I've been so anxious for you to get to have a baby, I need to celebrate, and making things is how I do that. Posted by Dead_Horse (Member # 3027) on :
Happy Day, Mama M! I'm so glad for you. Rain
Posted by TMedina (Member # 6649) on :
*grins* Good job Mrs. M!
-Trevor
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
Congrats Momma M
Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
WAHOOOO! That is absolutely fabulous news! I hope I can join this next batch of new hatrack mommies. Please continue to keep us in the loop of the whole journey I love baby stories and yours is so special!
Wendy
Posted by Aunty Eem (Member # 7743) on :
I really needed some happy news--I don't know you Mrs.M but god bless and congrats
Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :
Congrats to Mrs. M and Andrew!!!!!
Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :
Right on, Mrs. M! Congratulations to you and the hubby!
Posted by mothertree (Member # 4999) on :
I also wondered what the "Is Over" entailed. Glad to hear it is good news.
Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :
Woooooohooooo! Congratulations. I hope the pregnancy goes well snd there's not too much morning sickness.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
It's late here, and I almost yelled..but I didn't. I did however jump up and down in my chair.
And now I have tears of happiness running down my face.
Congrats! I know you will be a great mother, and now you AND your children are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kwea
[ April 09, 2005, 01:02 AM: Message edited by: Kwea ]
Posted by Morbo (Member # 5309) on :
YAY!! I'm so happy for you both! Mazel Tov!
Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :
I'm so happy for you, Mrs. M. Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
Always remember to forget The things that made you sad. But never forget to remember The things that made you glad.
Always remember to forget The friends that proved untrue. But never forget to remember Those that have stuck by you.
Always remember to forget The troubles that passed away. But never forget to remember The blessings that come each day.
-Irish Blessing
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
YAY!!!!!!!!!
Posted by DocCoyote (Member # 5612) on :
Hip, hip, hooray! Your news is the best news! I didn't get on the computer the past few days, so I didn't get into Hatrack.
Can't wait for the ultrasound pix to be posted!
Lisa
Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :
Congratulations! Posted by School4ever (Member # 5575) on :
Mrs. M-
I am really NOT trying to be a downer. I really do hope you are pregnant, but how do they know you are actually pregnant? Did you have an HCG shot to ovulate? The HCG stays in your blood stream for 10 days. Since that is the hormone they test for pregnancy, if you still have it in your blood stream, the tests will still show you as pregnant when you are not. Trust me I know, this happened to me. A doctor told me I was pregnant because of the HCG still in my blood stream after I went in because of my OHSS.
If you did not have the shot, or if it has been more than 10 days since the shot, ignore all of my above comments, and
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Posted by Leonide (Member # 4157) on :
I don't think Mrs. M would post unless she was certain.
(((Kira Sr.)))
I am beyond happy for you. Posted by School4ever (Member # 5575) on :
When a doctor tells you you are pregnant, you are sure, until you find out he or she was wrong.
Before I made this post I counted back from due date to conception date using two different methods, and calculated when the trigger shot would have been given (always 36 hours prior to ovulation). I would not even have done this if she had not posted on the same day that she would not find out for a week.
I did not post in haste. I am praying that even if this test was too soon, she is pregnant because I do not want her heart to be broken. I also hope she gets to have more than one, though I would not hope for four or more because of the risks to mother and baby. I also hope and pray sincerely that if she is pregnant, that she does not have OHSS, or that if she does have it, it will be mild. She has not explained to you that OHSS can kill. She has not told you that when you are not pregnant it gets better once you have your period, but if you are pregnant it generally worsens during the first trimester.
Maybe I am negative because most of the bad and none of the good has happened during my fertility journey. At this point I would not tell people if I was pregnant until the baby was developed enough to live outside the womb (being fat, I could hide the pregnancy).
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Well, I hope she is right about her pregnancy, but I don't think you are boing rude or insensitive about this issue. Mistakes can be made, either way. I know someone (or I use to) who had no idea she was pregnant until 6 months...she kept having her period, and only gained a little weight, and she had been sick and lost a lot (like 20 lbs) of weight, so she just tought she was regaining it back at first.
I am sure they have thought of that, but it is good you mentioned it, considering it happened to you.
However, I probably would have made mention of it through e-mail, myself. Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
School4ever, I know that you're just concerned and I'm not at all offended. I haven't been very clear on how I found out and I didn't elaborate about OHSS.
I went to my doctor on Thursday, 14 days after I got the hCg shot (March 24th). He officially diagnosed me with OHSS (he had told me on the phone the day before that he thought that was what I had) and ordered a number of blood tests, including a pregnancy test. There is a risk of blood clots with OHSS, so he needed to see if I needed to go on blood thinners - I don't. The pregnancy test came back positive and he called me himself to tell me the news.
I actually took an EPT test today, just because I've had so many negative ones that I wanted to see a positive one. It was positive.
We have told a lot of people, but not everyone we know - we've told our parents, my grandmother, our rabbi, 2 women in the shul (1 who has twins from IVF and another whose daughter went through fertility treatments), my best friend, and everyone here. Compared to last time, we're being very restrained. I know it's usually better to wait, but I feel so confident that everything is going to be okay.
Andrew couldn't resist being a jerk when he told his father. He spoke to him for 5 minutes about other stuff and waited until he asked how I am. Then he said, "Pregnant."
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
quote:Andrew couldn't resist being a jerk when he told his father. He spoke to him for 5 minutes about other stuff and waited until he asked how I am. Then he said, "Pregnant."
That tickles me.
Another reason to hate daylight savings time: now some of my favorite posters can't post until much later on Saturday.
Dagonee
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
quote:That tickles me.
That figures - it's such a guy thing. Hey, you're both lawyers (well, you're still in law school and Andrew doesn't practice, but still).
BTW, my due date is actually December 16th. I don't know what happened, I guess I was just so overwhelmed that I entered the info wrong. It's definitely the 16th, though.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I can't wait to know what you're going to get! *begins to plan elaborate little girl dresses and adorable little boy outfits*
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Posted by School4ever (Member # 5575) on :
Mrs. M
Thanks for responding, you don't know how relieved I am. I am still worried about the OHSS, but I am glad it is not a false positive.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Congrats!!!!!
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thank you everyone!
I had blood test yesterday and as Dr. Slackman put it, I am progressing beautifully. My hCg level was 119 on Thursday and it was 429 yesterday, which is right where it should be. I am having an ultrasound on the 22nd. I can't wait.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I am so excited!
Posted by amira tharani (Member # 182) on :
Yay Mrs M! I'm thrilled for you! Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Couldn't be happening to anyone who deserves it more. I am so happy for you! Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
Mrs. M - my due date with Natalie was the 16th of December! And she was born Christmas day!
Oh, I know you don't celebrate Dec. 25th, but it still would be neat if you delivered the same day I delivered Natalie, if we had the same due date!
Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
Well she sure would start celebrating the 25th if that did happen, Belle.
Posted by rubble (Member # 6454) on :
Mrs. M.
(belated) Congatulations. I'm so happy things are working out. Keep us updated!
Posted by Amka (Member # 690) on :
Mrs. M,
I have been thinking about you this past month. I'm ecstatic and hope everything goes well.
Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :
Thanks, y'all. That would be pretty cool, Belle.
I had a blood test today - my hCg is at 2200, which is great. I'm so happy it's going up the way that it should.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Yay! We pray for you and your baby/ies every night.
[ April 15, 2005, 04:48 PM: Message edited by: ketchupqueen ]
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
This really is so freaking cool. Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :
Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :
Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :
Of COURSE it's going up the way that it should! You're really pregnant and you're going to have a lovely roly poly baby! Wooohooo!! I can't wait!!
Posted by School4ever (Member # 5575) on :
those are great numbers!!! Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :
Congratulations! Posted by ginette (Member # 852) on :
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
What does it arise from? ![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
Andrew has decided not to tell his parents. I'd like to tell them, but I feel that it's his decision to make. He thinks that the anticipation would be too much for them. He doesn't think he could deal with their anxiety, either. ![[Laugh]](graemlins/laugh.gif)
![[Group Hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Kiss]](graemlins/kiss.gif)
![[Mad]](mad.gif)
Andrew's aunt and cousins were in their car and I was in mine as Andrew struggled to extract himself from his uncle's snares. I lost my temper and I did something I have never done - I leaned on the horn. Andrew was shocked and his uncle was unfazed, so I leaned on it again. This time Andrew ran to the car and got in. Finally we were on our way.![[Blushing]](graemlins/blushing.gif)
![[Eek!]](eek.gif)
and ![[Hail]](graemlins/hail.gif)
Mrs. M - ![[The Wave]](graemlins/thewave.gif)
![[Party]](graemlins/party.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Sleep]](graemlins/sleep.gif)
![[Hat]](graemlins/hat.gif)
![[Angst]](graemlins/angst.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
![[Evil]](graemlins/evil.gif)
![[Taunt]](graemlins/taunt.gif)
34:20 Steelers on Halloween. Don't get your Super Bowl hopes up.![[Grumble]](graemlins/grumble.gif)
![[Cool]](cool.gif)
Best wishes for a successful outcome.
![[Cry]](graemlins/cry.gif)
I'm so happy for you!!!