Dear 2010,
It's been a while. I mean, it's June of 2011. But, can we go back for just a few and discuss how you finished out?
In a word... awesome.
In many words...
1. Pregnancy Overview
Wow, I loved being pregnant. I've never been so happy to have my belly hanging over my pants, spending hours of the day rubbing it and pretending to hold my darling baby, and dreaming of the day when I could feel the real back of the baby forming inside. I know that this may disgust some people, but I seriously loved every second of that experience. It wasn't easy, by any stretch. But it was FABULOUS. The heartburn, nausea, exhaustion, swelling (or maybe it was the 40 POUNDS that I gained), I wouldn't have traded it for anything. The less than lovely parts include being deemed a High Risk pregnancy because I had high blood pressure starting early on in the pregnancy, which could be an indicator for Preeclampsia. That just means that I got to see a special doctor, a Perinatologist, regularly during the pregnancy, then weekly after 32 weeks. Then there was the low amniotic fluid around 33 weeks (caught by the perinatologist), and subsequent hospitalization for IV fluids... oh yeah and the orders of bedrest for the duration of the pregnancy. At first, I was all... "Yay, I'm so tired, and can finally rest!" Then, a week went by... and another... and another... a total of 5. It is surprisingly difficult to suppress the desire to nest however, I really wanted to take care of my bun as best as I could. So, my sweet family helped me do things over and over again. Including organizing the clothes. Three times. The bedrest worked, at least for a couple of weeks, when my Perinatologist found that there was a fluid level of... drumroll... ZERO. Do you know what that means? I do!! INDUCTION:)
2. Birth Overview
I wish I loved the birth experience like I loved the pregnancy experience, but... no. After being put on the cervical softening thingy overnight, with little change, the pitocin was started the following morning but with hesitation from my nurse, Debbie Downer. Let's just summarize by saying, there were some "issues", and since the baby's heart rate was not rising and falling like it should, we decided to do an unplanned C-Section. Decision made at 12:00, wheeled into the operating room immediately for the admission of the epidural, and then I laid back to let the doctors and nurses do their work. With Kirk by my side, we heard the sweetest sound in the world, as Jackson was born at 12:33pm, weighing 6lb, 5oz, and 20 inches long. The feeling of finally meeting this sweet angel from Heaven was overwhelming, but watching Kirk hold our son for the first time is something I'll never forget.
Regretfully, the rest of that day was pretty much a blur, with visitors pouring in to meet the new addition, and trying to manage the pain of being split in two, well, it's not the picture I was dreaming of in my head. It wasn't what I expected.
3. Becoming a family of THREE overview
Coming home from the hospital was something I dreaded. On discharge day, I cried every time someone walked into our room, including poor Brenda, the sweet lady who brought meals in to me for the past 6 days. She gave me a hug and told me that I'd be okay, she had faith in me. And you know what? I was okay, after a couple of weeks. Adjusting to being a Mom, still unable to function like a normal person due to the recent cut, and add to that the fact that none of us were sleeping? Wow, maybe that's why it was such a blur! Even still, I would not trade one single tear filled sleepless night for anything. The joy that being Jackson's mom has given to me is immeasurable. Seeing Kirk as Jackson's dad is awe inspiring. Watching our families fawn over this new little person is perfection. Our days are filled with smiles and our nights are filled with dreams. Well, there is still plenty of crying, and many nights are not filled with sleep, but... isn't that the beauty of all this?
So, 2010, I know it's late, but I bid you a dear farewell. You've changed my life, and I will always remember you fondly.
XOXO
Kelly
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Ketch-up, Part 2
Time, is on my side. Yes, it is! It's also on my front, back, and other side. That's how much time I have when I'm waiting for results. During the neverending time, I'm thinking things like... what if it didn't work? what if it did? what is our next step? did that bag of puffy's I just devoured ruin the whole thing? I shouldn't move so much, right? I don't want to shake anything out, you know. (BTW, I asked Dr. O about that, and he told me that my uterus is like a balloon, and no matter how many times you shake it, if it's had a couple of drops of liquid in it, nothing leaks out. He's smart.)
Cut to the chase. Beta is on Dec 17th, a Thursday morning at my usual 7am. Or so. I see all of my sweet friends, Valerie the most cheerful front desk person that you've ever met, and my favorite blood drawer ever, Anna, who ALWAYS gets my blood on the first shot. She even remembers exactly where the vein is without even feeling it because I have a little freckle very near to the special "spot". She follows up with a hug, and everyone wishes me the best. I get to work and try to focus on the tasks at hand, of which there are many. Allow me to remind you that I work at a corporate retail office and Christmas is such a crazy time that our office celebration wasn't until the first week of February this year. I turn off my cell phone because I can't stand the thought of hearing these results until I'm safely at home and able to lose it. Either way. My heart beats so much that I swear I'm borderline having a heart attack, and I try to close my eyes and pray for peace, and lots of deep breaths.
I was supposed to have a financial review that day, but for whatever reason, it was postponed until the following week, so I left exactly at 5:00. Keeping my phone off until I pulled into the driveway, I see the message indicator on my phone telling me that the information I seek is there and waiting. Kirk met me at the door, and we called my VM, put the phone on speaker, and held eachother.
Sweet Nurse Stephanie's voice came on, and it said something like this: "Congratulations, we have a positive pregnancy result! Your level was 399 and we like it to be at least over 100, so you are well on your way! Dr. O would like to see you on Monday for a repeat beta, to confirm that your levels are rising apropriately. Continue taking your medication, and we will see you at 7am on Monday morning! Congratulations again, and tell Kirk that we are so happy for you both!"
Kirk and I are crying, jumping up and down, (forgot my fear of the "shake" at this point"), and shaking with excitement. I am in absolute shock. Let's replay that message, make sure we heard it correctly. So we played it another 2 or possibly 34 times, every time laughing and crying as soon as she said the words "positive pregnancy result". The feeling that I've been looking for for 30 months was here, and in such a real way. I had become so accustomed to hearing the negative results, and I honestly didn't know how to act with this information. So, what did we do? Well, we ate dinner, then I high tailed it to the computer so I could start googling everything pregnancy related that I could think of.
Since we were one week away from Christmas, and we would have our entire families over for dinner to our house, we decided to wait until then to share our wonderful news. We ended up calling our parents a couple of days later, which, in hindsight, I wish we could have planned some more special way to tell them, but regardless, everyone was absolutely thrilled for us.
There is a new song out by Josh Wilson, called Before the Morning. And the chorus goes something like this:
Would you dare, would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing?
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.
So hold on, you gotta wait for the light.
Press on and just fight the good fight.
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning.
I know that this whole process has been the hardest thing I've ever gone through, and I don't think for a minute that I'm out of the woods. I also know that God has given me a tangible reminder of His grace and mercy. He is good, no matter what He gives or takes away. The whole thing just really takes my breath away.
Cut to the chase. Beta is on Dec 17th, a Thursday morning at my usual 7am. Or so. I see all of my sweet friends, Valerie the most cheerful front desk person that you've ever met, and my favorite blood drawer ever, Anna, who ALWAYS gets my blood on the first shot. She even remembers exactly where the vein is without even feeling it because I have a little freckle very near to the special "spot". She follows up with a hug, and everyone wishes me the best. I get to work and try to focus on the tasks at hand, of which there are many. Allow me to remind you that I work at a corporate retail office and Christmas is such a crazy time that our office celebration wasn't until the first week of February this year. I turn off my cell phone because I can't stand the thought of hearing these results until I'm safely at home and able to lose it. Either way. My heart beats so much that I swear I'm borderline having a heart attack, and I try to close my eyes and pray for peace, and lots of deep breaths.
I was supposed to have a financial review that day, but for whatever reason, it was postponed until the following week, so I left exactly at 5:00. Keeping my phone off until I pulled into the driveway, I see the message indicator on my phone telling me that the information I seek is there and waiting. Kirk met me at the door, and we called my VM, put the phone on speaker, and held eachother.
Sweet Nurse Stephanie's voice came on, and it said something like this: "Congratulations, we have a positive pregnancy result! Your level was 399 and we like it to be at least over 100, so you are well on your way! Dr. O would like to see you on Monday for a repeat beta, to confirm that your levels are rising apropriately. Continue taking your medication, and we will see you at 7am on Monday morning! Congratulations again, and tell Kirk that we are so happy for you both!"
Kirk and I are crying, jumping up and down, (forgot my fear of the "shake" at this point"), and shaking with excitement. I am in absolute shock. Let's replay that message, make sure we heard it correctly. So we played it another 2 or possibly 34 times, every time laughing and crying as soon as she said the words "positive pregnancy result". The feeling that I've been looking for for 30 months was here, and in such a real way. I had become so accustomed to hearing the negative results, and I honestly didn't know how to act with this information. So, what did we do? Well, we ate dinner, then I high tailed it to the computer so I could start googling everything pregnancy related that I could think of.
Since we were one week away from Christmas, and we would have our entire families over for dinner to our house, we decided to wait until then to share our wonderful news. We ended up calling our parents a couple of days later, which, in hindsight, I wish we could have planned some more special way to tell them, but regardless, everyone was absolutely thrilled for us.
There is a new song out by Josh Wilson, called Before the Morning. And the chorus goes something like this:
Would you dare, would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing?
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming.
So hold on, you gotta wait for the light.
Press on and just fight the good fight.
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning.
I know that this whole process has been the hardest thing I've ever gone through, and I don't think for a minute that I'm out of the woods. I also know that God has given me a tangible reminder of His grace and mercy. He is good, no matter what He gives or takes away. The whole thing just really takes my breath away.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Ketch-up, part 1
Anyone seen Pulp Fiction lately?
So... back to where I left off.
The Egg Retrieval
Date- Sunday, November 29, 6:15 PM
In a word, EXCITING! Mom came with us for some moral support, which I thought was a very sweet gesture. We arrived at the Rockville office, ready for some action! The nurse asks me how I am, and I say "Super stoked to be here." And I mean it. Of course, I'm nervous, and my BP is a little on the highish side, but I am anticipating the best things. Steve the anesthesiologist hooked me up with a sweet IV, and we waited for "The Right Time" aka, 6:15 PM. Kirk waited with me, for the most part. Draw your own conclusions, people. I cannot spell out everything for you! So... once it was time and I had "emptied my bladder" (I love that term!), Steve & I walked into the operating room. I met the on-duty embryologist, recited my ssn, and hopped up onto the table. As I was saddling up, I asked what they were listening to, and it was the soundtrack from Pretty Woman! LOL! I love that movie, and I think I started to talk about it to one of the nurses in the room, and that's really all I remember. I woke up in the recovery area, freezing cold, and the doctor that performed the retrieval said that I had 22 folicles retrieved! And then, to be funny, I said (to the doctor), "What would that be called? Twenty-two-a-tuplets?!" I think I am SO funny. He is not amused. Okay. Nevermind then. We gather our things, get dressed, and trek out to the car. By this point, I'm feeling a little bit nauseous. Kirk starts driving home, and, to keep this clean, had to take 2 pitstops because it was the side of the road or the car. Gross. But, it tasted like nothing. No flavor. Perks to everything, I tell you. Got home, went to bed. Took off work the next day and slept on the couch. It was wonderful.
Days following Retrieval
Nurse Stephanie calls to tell me that I had 18 eggs retrieved, (not every follicle contains an egg). Of the 18, 11 had fertilized, and were growing. I get a few more calls like this, and this is when I start to pray for all of the embryos that are growing in the Lab. I realize that there are families waiting for calls every day, just like us, and I wanted to lift them all up to God. This whole process is so scientific, but, without Him, it's meaningless.
So, Nurse Stephanie calls on Wednesday to tell me that my transfer is Friday @ 11:30, be there at 11:00. No prob, I tell the boss I'm taking another sick day, get Kirk to take the day off, and prepare for the big event! Friday morning, we are getting ready to leave the house, and Nurse Stephanie calls to say that my transfer was pushed to Saturday, because Dr. Osheroff wanted another day to watch the embryos. Not a problem, we hadn't left yet. Kirk and I decide to go to Hanover, PA, and get started on our Christmas Shopping! We had lunch out and really enjoyed this free day!
The Embryo Transfer
Date- Saturday, December 5, 11:45 AM
Again, we travel to Rockville, but, alas, I find out that my very own Dr. Osheroff is doing the transfer! I do not have to tell anyone out there how important relationships are with our doctors. I truly believe that he has our very best interest at heart, and that is very comforting to someone in my situation. He greets us, me with a hug, and Kirk with a manly hand shake, and tells us about the progress of our embryos. We have 2 that are in condition that he calls "pristine". This thrills me. He strongly advises that we put back one, and freeze the other. We trust him, and agree. At this point, I am crying because it's just an overwhelming thing, and I'm about to pee myself because they told me to drink 20-30 oz of water before the procedure! So, the sonographer checks my bladder, finds it to be plenty full, (shocking!) and tells me I can tinkle for a 15 count. I am so nervous about not being able to stop that I slow off after 10, but still. That. Was. Relief. Back to the table. Dr. Osheroff inserts speculum, then cathetar, while sonogram lady pushes on my belly with the little machine thingy. Dr. O shows me on the screen where my uterus is, and calls for The Embryo. As he pushes it through the cathetar, he makes a funny "blip" sound signaling that it's in! I see a teeny tiny flash, but it was more the "blip" that excited me! The embryologists check the cath to make sure the embryo is not stuck in it, and confirm that it is in position. I'm officially PUPO. Pregnant Until Proven Otherwise. I stay reclined for another 10 minutes, while the discharge nurse comes in to review my instructions- bedrest for 24 hours, (not a prob, I'm doing it for 48!), no caffeine, no alcohol, no lifting anything over 25 lbs, you know, act like your pregnant until your pregnancy test. Uh, okay, cause I know what that means! But it's cool because I got a bunch of papers to tell me what I can and can not do. I'm good.
We leave, and as we are driving home, (in a blizzard, mind you!), I am constantly focused on the pic they gave me of our transferred embryo. I think it looks like a snowflake, and can not believe that this could be the beginning of a baby. Once we arrive home, I go straight to bed! Kirk makes us some lunch, and then joins me for a nice long nap. Or, maybe he didn't nap at all. I have no idea. I napped. And it was snowing. An excellent combination. That's pretty much what I did for the rest of Saturday and all day Sunday, until dinner time. Kirk, (I heart him!), made a delicious dinner- chicken alfredo! So, I moseyed down to the dining room to enjoy a dinner with my darling husband. Then I moved to the recliner, where we watched more TV, and finally, went to bed after Desperate Housewives. (I know.)
So... back to where I left off.
The Egg Retrieval
Date- Sunday, November 29, 6:15 PM
In a word, EXCITING! Mom came with us for some moral support, which I thought was a very sweet gesture. We arrived at the Rockville office, ready for some action! The nurse asks me how I am, and I say "Super stoked to be here." And I mean it. Of course, I'm nervous, and my BP is a little on the highish side, but I am anticipating the best things. Steve the anesthesiologist hooked me up with a sweet IV, and we waited for "The Right Time" aka, 6:15 PM. Kirk waited with me, for the most part. Draw your own conclusions, people. I cannot spell out everything for you! So... once it was time and I had "emptied my bladder" (I love that term!), Steve & I walked into the operating room. I met the on-duty embryologist, recited my ssn, and hopped up onto the table. As I was saddling up, I asked what they were listening to, and it was the soundtrack from Pretty Woman! LOL! I love that movie, and I think I started to talk about it to one of the nurses in the room, and that's really all I remember. I woke up in the recovery area, freezing cold, and the doctor that performed the retrieval said that I had 22 folicles retrieved! And then, to be funny, I said (to the doctor), "What would that be called? Twenty-two-a-tuplets?!" I think I am SO funny. He is not amused. Okay. Nevermind then. We gather our things, get dressed, and trek out to the car. By this point, I'm feeling a little bit nauseous. Kirk starts driving home, and, to keep this clean, had to take 2 pitstops because it was the side of the road or the car. Gross. But, it tasted like nothing. No flavor. Perks to everything, I tell you. Got home, went to bed. Took off work the next day and slept on the couch. It was wonderful.
Days following Retrieval
Nurse Stephanie calls to tell me that I had 18 eggs retrieved, (not every follicle contains an egg). Of the 18, 11 had fertilized, and were growing. I get a few more calls like this, and this is when I start to pray for all of the embryos that are growing in the Lab. I realize that there are families waiting for calls every day, just like us, and I wanted to lift them all up to God. This whole process is so scientific, but, without Him, it's meaningless.
So, Nurse Stephanie calls on Wednesday to tell me that my transfer is Friday @ 11:30, be there at 11:00. No prob, I tell the boss I'm taking another sick day, get Kirk to take the day off, and prepare for the big event! Friday morning, we are getting ready to leave the house, and Nurse Stephanie calls to say that my transfer was pushed to Saturday, because Dr. Osheroff wanted another day to watch the embryos. Not a problem, we hadn't left yet. Kirk and I decide to go to Hanover, PA, and get started on our Christmas Shopping! We had lunch out and really enjoyed this free day!
The Embryo Transfer
Date- Saturday, December 5, 11:45 AM
Again, we travel to Rockville, but, alas, I find out that my very own Dr. Osheroff is doing the transfer! I do not have to tell anyone out there how important relationships are with our doctors. I truly believe that he has our very best interest at heart, and that is very comforting to someone in my situation. He greets us, me with a hug, and Kirk with a manly hand shake, and tells us about the progress of our embryos. We have 2 that are in condition that he calls "pristine". This thrills me. He strongly advises that we put back one, and freeze the other. We trust him, and agree. At this point, I am crying because it's just an overwhelming thing, and I'm about to pee myself because they told me to drink 20-30 oz of water before the procedure! So, the sonographer checks my bladder, finds it to be plenty full, (shocking!) and tells me I can tinkle for a 15 count. I am so nervous about not being able to stop that I slow off after 10, but still. That. Was. Relief. Back to the table. Dr. Osheroff inserts speculum, then cathetar, while sonogram lady pushes on my belly with the little machine thingy. Dr. O shows me on the screen where my uterus is, and calls for The Embryo. As he pushes it through the cathetar, he makes a funny "blip" sound signaling that it's in! I see a teeny tiny flash, but it was more the "blip" that excited me! The embryologists check the cath to make sure the embryo is not stuck in it, and confirm that it is in position. I'm officially PUPO. Pregnant Until Proven Otherwise. I stay reclined for another 10 minutes, while the discharge nurse comes in to review my instructions- bedrest for 24 hours, (not a prob, I'm doing it for 48!), no caffeine, no alcohol, no lifting anything over 25 lbs, you know, act like your pregnant until your pregnancy test. Uh, okay, cause I know what that means! But it's cool because I got a bunch of papers to tell me what I can and can not do. I'm good.
We leave, and as we are driving home, (in a blizzard, mind you!), I am constantly focused on the pic they gave me of our transferred embryo. I think it looks like a snowflake, and can not believe that this could be the beginning of a baby. Once we arrive home, I go straight to bed! Kirk makes us some lunch, and then joins me for a nice long nap. Or, maybe he didn't nap at all. I have no idea. I napped. And it was snowing. An excellent combination. That's pretty much what I did for the rest of Saturday and all day Sunday, until dinner time. Kirk, (I heart him!), made a delicious dinner- chicken alfredo! So, I moseyed down to the dining room to enjoy a dinner with my darling husband. Then I moved to the recliner, where we watched more TV, and finally, went to bed after Desperate Housewives. (I know.)
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thanksgiving- the Ultimate Thankful Thursday
Here's the Thanksgiving list, a couple of days late:
4 BIG
1. My relationship with Jesus- can we say... a work in progress? Jesus teaches me every day that He is in control, and all I have to do is to bring glory to His name. Simple. Beautiful. Jesus.
2. Family- I love our family. Every person is so crazy in their own way and I love that.
-My brother married his dream girl in July, and I can't tell you how much I love her. She is an amazing addition to our family. She & my bro prepared the Thanksgiving turkey- deep fried. I'm thankful that I can now blame my weight gain on that dinner, rather than the fertility drugs! For now, anyway!
-My sister has been giving herself injections for psoriatic arthritis for years- weekly shots in her upper thigh. Without her encouraging words and clear strength, I couldn't have taken that first shot of Follistim months ago.
-My parents rock. My Dad & I go to breakfast several times a month, and even though he doesn't quite like to talk about my uterus, he listens and offers support through his hugs & his "I Love You"'s. My Mom is my best friend. There's never been a day where I have to explain why I'm crying or why I'm shouting. She just knows. I hope I'll be that kind of mom to my kids some day.
-Kirk's entire family- they are crazy!! Only a couple of them know about our sitch, but even those who don't are so funny and loud that I can forget about the shots, the pills, the procedures and the monitoring while I'm with them. Possibly because I can't hear myself think, but I appreciate the breaks from my reality, even if for just a couple of hours!
3. Friends- Kirk & I are surrounded by people who love us, right where we are. We're involved in an amazing community group through our church, and our best friendships have formed as a result of that. The women in the group know exactly where we are in our cycle, and they provide countless hours of gentle listening, support, and, of course, tears & smiles. I thank God every day for dropping us exactly where we are.
4. My job- ONLY because, if you don't experience something that you don't love, when you finally do find something that makes your heart beat faster you won't truly appreciate it. I am grateful that I have a job that affords us the ability to pay for treatment, and save for our future baby's needs and wants.
4 little
1. Our house is almost completely decorated for Christmas and I LOVE it!
2. Candles that are scented like the ocean. Actually, they smell nothing like the beaches I've ever been to, but they smell delicious and I quite enjoy them.
3. Chic-Fil-A breakfast sandwiches, with half Sweet Tea and half Lemonade.
4. Scented pillows.
There you have it. Daily, we should reflect on the things in our lives that make living a little sweeter. You don't have to look very far. They're all around.
4 BIG
1. My relationship with Jesus- can we say... a work in progress? Jesus teaches me every day that He is in control, and all I have to do is to bring glory to His name. Simple. Beautiful. Jesus.
2. Family- I love our family. Every person is so crazy in their own way and I love that.
-My brother married his dream girl in July, and I can't tell you how much I love her. She is an amazing addition to our family. She & my bro prepared the Thanksgiving turkey- deep fried. I'm thankful that I can now blame my weight gain on that dinner, rather than the fertility drugs! For now, anyway!
-My sister has been giving herself injections for psoriatic arthritis for years- weekly shots in her upper thigh. Without her encouraging words and clear strength, I couldn't have taken that first shot of Follistim months ago.
-My parents rock. My Dad & I go to breakfast several times a month, and even though he doesn't quite like to talk about my uterus, he listens and offers support through his hugs & his "I Love You"'s. My Mom is my best friend. There's never been a day where I have to explain why I'm crying or why I'm shouting. She just knows. I hope I'll be that kind of mom to my kids some day.
-Kirk's entire family- they are crazy!! Only a couple of them know about our sitch, but even those who don't are so funny and loud that I can forget about the shots, the pills, the procedures and the monitoring while I'm with them. Possibly because I can't hear myself think, but I appreciate the breaks from my reality, even if for just a couple of hours!
3. Friends- Kirk & I are surrounded by people who love us, right where we are. We're involved in an amazing community group through our church, and our best friendships have formed as a result of that. The women in the group know exactly where we are in our cycle, and they provide countless hours of gentle listening, support, and, of course, tears & smiles. I thank God every day for dropping us exactly where we are.
4. My job- ONLY because, if you don't experience something that you don't love, when you finally do find something that makes your heart beat faster you won't truly appreciate it. I am grateful that I have a job that affords us the ability to pay for treatment, and save for our future baby's needs and wants.
4 little
1. Our house is almost completely decorated for Christmas and I LOVE it!
2. Candles that are scented like the ocean. Actually, they smell nothing like the beaches I've ever been to, but they smell delicious and I quite enjoy them.
3. Chic-Fil-A breakfast sandwiches, with half Sweet Tea and half Lemonade.
4. Scented pillows.
There you have it. Daily, we should reflect on the things in our lives that make living a little sweeter. You don't have to look very far. They're all around.
The Big Day.
So... It's been a while since my last blog. Lots has happened. Lots is about to happen. Real soon. So, let's cut to the chase.
IVF Injections = complete! I started out with the morning shots of Lupron, piece of cake. Had my Lupron Evaluation, follicles are present, so that's great! That evening I started my Follistim & Menopur shots. Two problems here:
1. Follistim comes in these little cartriges and you have to put them into a pen before injecting. (The Smarty Pants that I am, I declined the IVF Injection class, telling Nurse Stephanie that I had no problems with the other injections, I don't need your silly class! But thanks for the offer!)Kirk & I watched the video at least 4 times, making the same jokes each time about the "soap" that the demonstrator used to wash her hands and how it looked more like sunscreen than soap. Ha. Ha. I decided to do the Follistim injection first, because it seemed like the harder shot to do. Bottom line, it was easy peasy, lemon squeezy. A little tricky, only because it was different, but only about a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 for pain. Yay! Onto the next!!
2. Menopur comes in powder format, and you have to mix it with diluent using this big giant needle. A little scary, but honestly, it's just mixing. Who cares? The needle that I used to inject it was much smaller, a 27 gauge, maybe 1/2 inch needle? Nothing too scary at all. I push the shot in, and then it hits me. The PAIN! Holy goodness, this thing burned like a fire in my belly. For several minutes, I was close to tears. But, as a nurse in the Rockville office told me, I can use a 30 gauge needle to lessen the pain a little bit. (30 gauge is smaller than 27 gauge, don't ask me why.) It still hurt, up until the last shot, but I discovered that holding my breath while I did the shot made it a bit easier.
I've been monitored 5 times this past week, and finally on Friday I had met the criteria to trigger ovulation and schedule Egg Retrieval. I had one follicle that was measuring at 20mm, one at 19, and two at 18, with a bunch more at 16. I had to work on Friday, in order to satisfy a silly requirement at my job, (BUT- the silver lining is that, since I worked on a company paid holiday, I get to use another holiday any time I want, so there!) Waiting all day for my instructions, I finally got the call from the nurse at 7:05pm Friday night. Do you believe this? I mean, I was in their office on Thanksgiving Day, and on Black Friday, someone was still making calls after 4:00 in the afternoon! This place rocks my world. So, Nurse Karen tells me that I'm scheduled for my Egg Retrieval on Sunday at 6:15pm, and that I'll need to take my trigger shot at 6:15am Saturday. Let me tell you about the final injection- the injection that Kirk had to give me in my toukas- specifically, the upper outer quadrant of my toukas. He had to come home from work to do this, bless his heart. He gave me the injection like a pro. It didn't hurt at all, a 2 in fact. Now, it kind of feels like it might be bruised a bit, but that's the nature of the injection, nothing to do with his mad skills as a shooter. Other instructions are pretty simple- nothing to eat after 11am, nothing to drink after 2pm, which is in 10 min... brb- I'm going to get a bev real quick... okay, I'm back, and hydrated! So, tonight, in simple terms, the doctors are going to go through my lady business with a ultrasound probe, and slide a teeny tiny needle next to it, and suck out my follicles through the walls of my ovaries. The more follicles, the better. This procedure is done under IV sedation, so I won't feel or remember a thing. It a word, I'm super stoked. Can't wait. Really really excited. I am so grateful to the doctors and nurses at Shady Grove, I just want to hug and kiss every single person that works there. After the procedure, they'll let me know how many eggs they retrieved, and then I'll receive daily calls to let me know how the fertilized eggs, or embryos, are developing. Then, either on Wednesday or Friday, they will put back the best of the best, and if there are any others that are in great condition, they will be frozen for future transfers. That's about it for what's going on in my life.
What's new with you?
IVF Injections = complete! I started out with the morning shots of Lupron, piece of cake. Had my Lupron Evaluation, follicles are present, so that's great! That evening I started my Follistim & Menopur shots. Two problems here:
1. Follistim comes in these little cartriges and you have to put them into a pen before injecting. (The Smarty Pants that I am, I declined the IVF Injection class, telling Nurse Stephanie that I had no problems with the other injections, I don't need your silly class! But thanks for the offer!)Kirk & I watched the video at least 4 times, making the same jokes each time about the "soap" that the demonstrator used to wash her hands and how it looked more like sunscreen than soap. Ha. Ha. I decided to do the Follistim injection first, because it seemed like the harder shot to do. Bottom line, it was easy peasy, lemon squeezy. A little tricky, only because it was different, but only about a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 for pain. Yay! Onto the next!!
2. Menopur comes in powder format, and you have to mix it with diluent using this big giant needle. A little scary, but honestly, it's just mixing. Who cares? The needle that I used to inject it was much smaller, a 27 gauge, maybe 1/2 inch needle? Nothing too scary at all. I push the shot in, and then it hits me. The PAIN! Holy goodness, this thing burned like a fire in my belly. For several minutes, I was close to tears. But, as a nurse in the Rockville office told me, I can use a 30 gauge needle to lessen the pain a little bit. (30 gauge is smaller than 27 gauge, don't ask me why.) It still hurt, up until the last shot, but I discovered that holding my breath while I did the shot made it a bit easier.
I've been monitored 5 times this past week, and finally on Friday I had met the criteria to trigger ovulation and schedule Egg Retrieval. I had one follicle that was measuring at 20mm, one at 19, and two at 18, with a bunch more at 16. I had to work on Friday, in order to satisfy a silly requirement at my job, (BUT- the silver lining is that, since I worked on a company paid holiday, I get to use another holiday any time I want, so there!) Waiting all day for my instructions, I finally got the call from the nurse at 7:05pm Friday night. Do you believe this? I mean, I was in their office on Thanksgiving Day, and on Black Friday, someone was still making calls after 4:00 in the afternoon! This place rocks my world. So, Nurse Karen tells me that I'm scheduled for my Egg Retrieval on Sunday at 6:15pm, and that I'll need to take my trigger shot at 6:15am Saturday. Let me tell you about the final injection- the injection that Kirk had to give me in my toukas- specifically, the upper outer quadrant of my toukas. He had to come home from work to do this, bless his heart. He gave me the injection like a pro. It didn't hurt at all, a 2 in fact. Now, it kind of feels like it might be bruised a bit, but that's the nature of the injection, nothing to do with his mad skills as a shooter. Other instructions are pretty simple- nothing to eat after 11am, nothing to drink after 2pm, which is in 10 min... brb- I'm going to get a bev real quick... okay, I'm back, and hydrated! So, tonight, in simple terms, the doctors are going to go through my lady business with a ultrasound probe, and slide a teeny tiny needle next to it, and suck out my follicles through the walls of my ovaries. The more follicles, the better. This procedure is done under IV sedation, so I won't feel or remember a thing. It a word, I'm super stoked. Can't wait. Really really excited. I am so grateful to the doctors and nurses at Shady Grove, I just want to hug and kiss every single person that works there. After the procedure, they'll let me know how many eggs they retrieved, and then I'll receive daily calls to let me know how the fertilized eggs, or embryos, are developing. Then, either on Wednesday or Friday, they will put back the best of the best, and if there are any others that are in great condition, they will be frozen for future transfers. That's about it for what's going on in my life.
What's new with you?
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Kit
When it was time to order my drugs, sweet Nurse Stephanie told me to expect a call from a particular pharmacy. A different pharmacy called me with my order, gave me a grand total (whoa- keep breathing here!! It's only money!!) and told me they'd process my order for a Wednesday delivery. The next day, after talking to Stephanie, she told me that the wrong pharmacy had been faxed my order, and that the correct pharmacy would call me anytime. A day or two later, they called, processed my order, gave me a less grand total saving me lots of moolah. (Thankful!) The kit came on a Friday, which is Community Group night, so I was only able to quickly scan it when we were on our way out the door. In a word? OVERWHELMED. There were bags of needles, syringes, alcohol wipes, medication in boxes, zip packs, bottles... It was like a shmorgasboard of dope. My theme for this IVF is to take thngs one step at a time...
Step 1- Birth Control Pills... check!
Step 2- Lupron... started that on Tuesday morning, will continue until Stephanie tells me to stop! It's a subcutaneous injection in the belly- not a problem at all... check!
Step 3- Lupron Evaluation next Thursday... what are we checking for? I have no idea.
Step 4- I have no idea.
I know that there are a lot of steps. That is the extent of my knowledge on this proces.
I told Kirk the other night that I was a little (or a lot) scared. Are we making the right choices? tops my list of concerns that keeps me awake at night. According to my Mom, (who knows best!), God wouldn't lead us down this path if this wasn't where he wanted us to be. I'm choosing to believe that. I am not sure that I believe it deep deep down in the dark part of my heart, but in my head, I am choosing to rest in Him. He knows what He's doing. He knows step 3, step 33, step 33333. I'm just going to follow His lead.
Step 1- Birth Control Pills... check!
Step 2- Lupron... started that on Tuesday morning, will continue until Stephanie tells me to stop! It's a subcutaneous injection in the belly- not a problem at all... check!
Step 3- Lupron Evaluation next Thursday... what are we checking for? I have no idea.
Step 4- I have no idea.
I know that there are a lot of steps. That is the extent of my knowledge on this proces.
I told Kirk the other night that I was a little (or a lot) scared. Are we making the right choices? tops my list of concerns that keeps me awake at night. According to my Mom, (who knows best!), God wouldn't lead us down this path if this wasn't where he wanted us to be. I'm choosing to believe that. I am not sure that I believe it deep deep down in the dark part of my heart, but in my head, I am choosing to rest in Him. He knows what He's doing. He knows step 3, step 33, step 33333. I'm just going to follow His lead.
Thankful Thursdays- part 2
This week has been tough. Long. Busy. Stressful. But, in the midst of it, there are always silver linings:
1. It's Thursday- the best night of the week for good TV- Survivor, The Office, Project Runway... it's all great.
2. I was sick earlier in the week and am now feeling 98% better! (Kirk is now sick, but hey, he'll be thankful next week that he's feeling 98% better!)
3. The weather has cooled down, and I just know that one day soon we'll start our first fireplace fire & relax and enjoy the warmth.
4. It's almost time to start decorating for Christmas! My co-workers are already sick of me singing Christmas Carols all afternoon long! Just trying to pass the time, people. It could be worse. Much worse. (Last week, I attempted to "rap" instead of sing- Me + Flow Rider = DISASTA!)
5. Grilled Cheese sandwiches always remind me of my childhood. Since I work in the town in which my parents still live, I often call my Mom to see if I can come over for lunch- she makes delicious lunches- occasionally Grilled Cheese sandwiches. I go for the company, the food is an added bonus.
Your turn!
1. It's Thursday- the best night of the week for good TV- Survivor, The Office, Project Runway... it's all great.
2. I was sick earlier in the week and am now feeling 98% better! (Kirk is now sick, but hey, he'll be thankful next week that he's feeling 98% better!)
3. The weather has cooled down, and I just know that one day soon we'll start our first fireplace fire & relax and enjoy the warmth.
4. It's almost time to start decorating for Christmas! My co-workers are already sick of me singing Christmas Carols all afternoon long! Just trying to pass the time, people. It could be worse. Much worse. (Last week, I attempted to "rap" instead of sing- Me + Flow Rider = DISASTA!)
5. Grilled Cheese sandwiches always remind me of my childhood. Since I work in the town in which my parents still live, I often call my Mom to see if I can come over for lunch- she makes delicious lunches- occasionally Grilled Cheese sandwiches. I go for the company, the food is an added bonus.
Your turn!
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