Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Sonograms at 13 Weeks 2 Days
Friday, November 9, 2012
8 Weeks 5 Days of our Little Bean
Alhamdullillah, This video was taken on 8W5D. Both of us excited and happy. InsyaAllah a healthy 9 months, grow baby grow. Mommy and daddy cannot wait to see you in 7 months.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
8D5W ULTRASOUND (25/10/2012)
I will be lied if I not worry for this ultrasound. First of all, it over two weeks since my 6w4d ultrasound on the 10/10/2012. Secondly, I don't have much symptoms that majority of my friends had when they pregnant. Thirdly, I always hear stories about friends had miscarriage. It a long hard two weeks, but I managed to calm myself after knowing majority girls in my family don't have symptoms when they pregnant, and hoping I am the lucky one that have easy pregnancy.
My appointment was at 8:15am., my Dr. really friendly and nice. I think by now he know me so well. His patient that trying so hard to get pregnant for years. His nurses and him sharing my joy. What made it special and notice probably because his own daughter also did IVF just one day after me and got pregnant. So he understand my journey. All this time probably he knows a lot of women trying to get pregnant, but when his own daughter involved in IVF, and only a day apart from me, that something that we can relate.
My huuhaaa down there really irritate from the Crinone that I have to use daily until 12.5 weeks. My Dr. notice it and said it worth it. We saw the bean wiggle, Kevin and I cannot stop smile. The measurement 8w4d. The heartbeat 186BMP! My Dr. said, everything looks good and should be glad I don't have symptoms. Alhamdulllillah.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
6W4D Ultrasound (10/10/2012)
We are extremely nervous and excited for the ultrasound today. Since morning I cannot concentrate on my work. Early in the morning I went to the clinic to do the bloodwork and at 3:30pm ultrasound appointment with Dr. Akin.
I tried to make myself busy at work, and time flies. Hubby will meet me at the clinic from his school. I cannot wait, I want to know how the baby doing, whether he/she or they okay.
The time come, and the nurses and Dr. Akin all so excited. It such an incredible suspense, then we saw the heartbeat flutter! It is 126BMP! We all so happy. The baby measure about right. For now we only see 1 healthy baby.
I am so THANKFUL and GRATEFUL. Thanks Allah for all the 'rezeki' and joy you give us. My next ultrasound will be on 25 October 2012.
My Beta and Progesterone level also good. Alhamdullillah.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
BETA RESULTS
24/9/2012 (16dpo) - 272
26/9/2012 (18dpo) - 512
04/10/2012 (26dpo) - 10,190
10/10/2012 (32dpo) - 28,233
Alhamdullillah, so far so good.
26/9/2012 (18dpo) - 512
04/10/2012 (26dpo) - 10,190
10/10/2012 (32dpo) - 28,233
Alhamdullillah, so far so good.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
2ND BETA RESULT (26 September 2012 - 18dpo)
My 2nd beta test was on Wednesday 26 September 2012 which is my 18dpo. For the entire day I was nervous waiting for the result. I think the nurse might get irritate with me of calling few times to check the result. But she said she totally understand and will do the same if it's her.
Around 3:00pm, I got a call. It is 512! It not double but almost. Anything doubling between 48 to 72 hours is good. So my calculation, from 1# Beta 272 and 2# Beta 512 is about double in 52 hours. So I am thankful and relief. I text Kevin to informed him the good news, he was in class at his school but he replied immediately.
My nurse told me that my next appointment will be in 2 weeks. It will be the ultrasound and another test. If everything okay I will be released to my local provider. It will be a long 2 weeks. I am praying and hopeful that this will be a smooth journey. I don't really have much symptoms yet. Just feel tired and sleep a lot.
Around 3:00pm, I got a call. It is 512! It not double but almost. Anything doubling between 48 to 72 hours is good. So my calculation, from 1# Beta 272 and 2# Beta 512 is about double in 52 hours. So I am thankful and relief. I text Kevin to informed him the good news, he was in class at his school but he replied immediately.
My nurse told me that my next appointment will be in 2 weeks. It will be the ultrasound and another test. If everything okay I will be released to my local provider. It will be a long 2 weeks. I am praying and hopeful that this will be a smooth journey. I don't really have much symptoms yet. Just feel tired and sleep a lot.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
BETA RESULTS AND PANIC DAY!
Went for my beta (Hcg test). I was nervous, waiting until 3pm until I heard the result. It was really good and I can take a deep breath.
My beta for 13dp13dt (16dpo) is 272 and the progesterone is around 61.
Somehow, on this day I don't feel like going to pee at all, so I didn't go to the toilet until I went home. Furthermore I was extremely busy with the reports that need to go out that day. At home, around 6:00pm I noticed that I had bleeding, I almost fainted and sad. I got panicked. Call dear hubby and I can see his face like seeing a ghost. He told me to call the nurse. I did and the nurse ask me if its red or brown. I told her it's dark brown and soaked pantyliner, but not red. She also said that my beta really looks good. She said that's pretty normal for early pregnancy because the embryos trying to bury deeper and sometimes may be old blood. It made us feel better. I checked and it totally dark brown and not red. I was prepare for the worst, at night I was wearing pad.
When I woke up in the morning, I only had so little spot, dark brown discharge. I praying that it only just a normal one. At work I don't get any bleeding. Just very little discharge of what looks like old blood. I feel relief and Thankful.
Tomorrow will be another beta test. This worry never end, and as my nurse said "positive thought' and for us is a lot of prayers. Praying this will be a healthy 9 months.
My beta for 13dp13dt (16dpo) is 272 and the progesterone is around 61.
Somehow, on this day I don't feel like going to pee at all, so I didn't go to the toilet until I went home. Furthermore I was extremely busy with the reports that need to go out that day. At home, around 6:00pm I noticed that I had bleeding, I almost fainted and sad. I got panicked. Call dear hubby and I can see his face like seeing a ghost. He told me to call the nurse. I did and the nurse ask me if its red or brown. I told her it's dark brown and soaked pantyliner, but not red. She also said that my beta really looks good. She said that's pretty normal for early pregnancy because the embryos trying to bury deeper and sometimes may be old blood. It made us feel better. I checked and it totally dark brown and not red. I was prepare for the worst, at night I was wearing pad.
When I woke up in the morning, I only had so little spot, dark brown discharge. I praying that it only just a normal one. At work I don't get any bleeding. Just very little discharge of what looks like old blood. I feel relief and Thankful.
Tomorrow will be another beta test. This worry never end, and as my nurse said "positive thought' and for us is a lot of prayers. Praying this will be a healthy 9 months.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Pee On A Stick (POAS)
Okay, I admitted that I totally gone crazy testing my hcg trigger out of my system. I started on day 8 after the trigger (6dpo or 3dp3dt). The line actually never go away, it gets lighter on day 10 and 11 and come back darker and darker. I was praying the line never go away and my prayers answered. Thanks Allah.
I tested the trigger until 18 days past trigger. They said it only stay in your system the most 10 days but some probably up to 12 days. Rarely have 14 to 15 days. It all up to the dose and your metabolism.
Once I feel comfortable that I have hope, I purchased FRER don digital and digital. Below the pic. On the day it stated Yes+ I called my husband to check it out and he just hugged me so tight. Both of us still cannot believe it, it so unreal and amazing feeling ever. Alhamdullillah.
Today is my BETA day. I will update the result once I received it. I am grateful and thankful and hopefully it will be a healthy 9 months.
p/s: To my friends that following my posts, please keep this to yourself, I don't want to announce it on my FB yet.
I tested the trigger until 18 days past trigger. They said it only stay in your system the most 10 days but some probably up to 12 days. Rarely have 14 to 15 days. It all up to the dose and your metabolism.
Once I feel comfortable that I have hope, I purchased FRER don digital and digital. Below the pic. On the day it stated Yes+ I called my husband to check it out and he just hugged me so tight. Both of us still cannot believe it, it so unreal and amazing feeling ever. Alhamdullillah.
Today is my BETA day. I will update the result once I received it. I am grateful and thankful and hopefully it will be a healthy 9 months.
p/s: To my friends that following my posts, please keep this to yourself, I don't want to announce it on my FB yet.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
EGGS TRANSFER (ET)
I am happy that they decided to do the transfer on day 3 instead of 5. We would like to maximize our chance. As you know, our first IVF cycle, the embryos slow grow on day 4. I read a lot of women who did their day 3 have success. Furthermore, they are saying that embryos do better in their natural environment rather than in the lab.
Our transfer fall on Saturday. My appointment was at 8am. I was the first one and they are very quick. The nurse really friendly and she asked where I am from. When I said Austin, Texas, she and other nurse start singing a song! And it was hilarious. I was laughing so hard. Luckily I have empty bladder, otherwise I will pee in my gown.
Kevin was with me on the transfer day. The embryologist came and asked me if I have anything to ask. I said no. My RE not available today, so Dr. M will do the transfer for me. At first I feel I am not comfortable to have another RE, but then something just feel right, may be he can do better and may be this is what Allah planned for me. Everything should have reasons.
Dr. M came in, he seems very nice, showed me the embryos. I was happy to see the pictures and thankful that all 4 growing nicely on day 3. He asked me how many to transfer. I said ALL. He kind of surprised and silent...and asked my age. When I said I am 40 and had slow grow embryos on my first IVF, he understand and agreed.
Dr. M start the mock transfer, trying to find a good spot to put the embryos. He really took his time, very-very patient and I can tell how passionate he is with his job. My first one quite rushing, it done not even in 10 minutes. Probably my original RE have more experience. But somehow I have good feeling about Dr. M. I read embryos transfer is one of the most critical steps. You can have wonderful embryos but embryos can be damaged if not transfer properly. It took him about 15 minutes to find a good spot, I told him that I have tipped uterus, he said that's okay. Once he confident where to put the embryos, he called the embryologist to bring them to him and slowly, gently and very carefully he transfer the embryos. Once done, the nurse told me to rest on bed for 15 minutes. I reserved an acupuncture with their facility. Good thing about this place, they have the massage and acupuncture in the same building. I received one free acupuncture.
We went back to the hotel and I just rest. I have a little bit spotting, not much. Next day it was gone and I don't have any cramps. I can tell Dr. M did a good job. For the first one, I had cramp after transferred.
Most of the time we just rested in the hotel room, especially Kevin need to do web conference for his school. I feel rested and relax. We ordered a lot of chinese food and took it back to the hotel room. It was such a relax trip. We changed our tickets to Friday instead of Saturday and flew back from Albany rather than La Guardia New York airport (about 3 hours drive from Albany). We arrived at Austin at noon on Friday. I continue to rest until Sunday before start my work on Monday. Overall, even after had such obstacles after my first IVF, I feel much more relax and hopeful. And somehow I feel positive feeling. I am very grateful to Allah for this smooth retrieval, transfer, health and trip.
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Fertility Report (FR) and Fertilization
I was worry last night, thinking 'what if' the eggs not fertilize. Especially when Kevin need to give his second sample due to the first one do not have any sperm in it. But THANKFULLY the second sample okay. I barely can sleep last night, my brain keep thinking about the news that I will get today.
I checked my Patient Portal and saw that my ET will be on Tuesday (Day 3) instead of Day 5. I kind of relief because I want the embryos to be inside me not in the lab. I was worry that the development will slow like the last time. There still a lot of debates what the difference of Day 3 and Day 5 transferred will make. But I would take the chances rather than make it arrest on Day 5. Praying and hoping the natural environment in my body will keep it alive.
Around 9:00am I got a called from the clinic, the nurse told me that my transferred will be on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 (what a date). She told me out of 6, 4 fertilized. I am so 'bersyukur' that 4 fertilized, that's more than 50% ratio. Please eggs, divide nicely and stay strong and be a great embryos and babies.
Today, I starting to take my Crinone and Estrace vaginally. Not as hard as I expected. My tummy is itchy from the injections bruise. Hopefully it will be healed soon. I am waiting for Tuesday anxiously and deep in my heart, it's all Allah will and whatever He choose, He knows better and He has plan for me. I just have to have faith and till then....I am praying, that my prayers are answered this time :)
I checked my Patient Portal and saw that my ET will be on Tuesday (Day 3) instead of Day 5. I kind of relief because I want the embryos to be inside me not in the lab. I was worry that the development will slow like the last time. There still a lot of debates what the difference of Day 3 and Day 5 transferred will make. But I would take the chances rather than make it arrest on Day 5. Praying and hoping the natural environment in my body will keep it alive.
Around 9:00am I got a called from the clinic, the nurse told me that my transferred will be on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 (what a date). She told me out of 6, 4 fertilized. I am so 'bersyukur' that 4 fertilized, that's more than 50% ratio. Please eggs, divide nicely and stay strong and be a great embryos and babies.
Today, I starting to take my Crinone and Estrace vaginally. Not as hard as I expected. My tummy is itchy from the injections bruise. Hopefully it will be healed soon. I am waiting for Tuesday anxiously and deep in my heart, it's all Allah will and whatever He choose, He knows better and He has plan for me. I just have to have faith and till then....I am praying, that my prayers are answered this time :)
Saturday, September 8, 2012
ER (Egg Retrieval) Day and Trip to Albany, NY
We flew from Austin on Thursday, 6 September 2012. We have connecting flight from Baltimore to LGA, NY. Due to weather issues, our flight delayed almost 5 hours. We only arrived at LGA around 11:30pm and drove from there to Albany. It took us 3 hours. By the time we checked in, it already 3:30am. Both of us really exhausted. We slept until 1pm the next day! Good thing we arrived one day earlier so we had a resting day. The part that really hard is to find a place for me to do my trigger shot exactly at 8:00pm. Luckily we still at the ground in the waiting area. Both of us found a secluded area behind a door and did all the mixing and injections. The timing for trigger really critical. If the Dr. said 8pm, you have to do it at 8pm. Not earlier, not later. Trigger shot is the last injection before the eggs retrieval to mature the eggs.
On 8 September 2012 was my retrieval day. We were at the clinic around 6:45am. Very early. No one actually there except the nurse. It is Saturday also. Kevin went back to the hotel with his collection cup. Eventhough they have nice room for that purposes, Kevin really not comfortable doing it at a different place rather than the room.
The nurse called me in around 7:00 am! Prep me and prepared me for the procedure. The nurses were hilarious! There were two of them, when they knew I came from Texas, the sang a cowboy song and I cannot stop laughing. Kevin still not ready, so they said they have to proceed. It only took them 20 minutes. Overall, they retrieved 6 eggs (more 1 than last one). I am praying this time I have quality eggs.
On 8 September 2012 was my retrieval day. We were at the clinic around 6:45am. Very early. No one actually there except the nurse. It is Saturday also. Kevin went back to the hotel with his collection cup. Eventhough they have nice room for that purposes, Kevin really not comfortable doing it at a different place rather than the room.
The nurse called me in around 7:00 am! Prep me and prepared me for the procedure. The nurses were hilarious! There were two of them, when they knew I came from Texas, the sang a cowboy song and I cannot stop laughing. Kevin still not ready, so they said they have to proceed. It only took them 20 minutes. Overall, they retrieved 6 eggs (more 1 than last one). I am praying this time I have quality eggs.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
STIMMING DAYS
First of all, I got my period by surprised. Two weeks earlier than expected. I don't even finished my estrace regimen and starts the Prometrium. In other word, I am happy because I get my period back after 3 months missing it. It amazing when you do infertility how important is period.
My nurse in NY asked me to do Baseline on my first heavy flow period. I went and see quite a bit of follicles. Nothing much to see.
On starting my stimming on Saturday, 23 August 2012 with 300 (4 vials Menopur) and 300 (4 vials Bravelle). I was so busy at home that I don't pay attention to my bloodwork results until Friday. My nurse mentioned that do not worry about it, the number super low on Stimming Day 5. Only 100. By Day 7 it rise to 301 which is a good thing, but still low. I read somewhere that because I am using Estrace at the beginning that my reading not accurate. This not going hand in hand with the size of follicles that I have. I have the biggest of 14mm, 11mm, 10mm and few more around 8mm. Probably about 7 to 8 total.
On Stimming Day 8 I started my Centrotide. I got few bruises from the injections. I feel that I lost weight also, which is good!
Tomorrow will be super very important ultrasound and bloodwork and fall on the public holiday (Labor Day in US). Great, so I have to run around to find a place that do bloodwork on holidays and weekends and thankfully they have one in Austin. I have to go downtown around 7am, take the blood samples, then run to my obgyn office to see the weekend Dr. for my ultrasound. There are so many obstacles this time....but I know it worth it when I success. Amin.
My nurse in NY asked me to do Baseline on my first heavy flow period. I went and see quite a bit of follicles. Nothing much to see.
On starting my stimming on Saturday, 23 August 2012 with 300 (4 vials Menopur) and 300 (4 vials Bravelle). I was so busy at home that I don't pay attention to my bloodwork results until Friday. My nurse mentioned that do not worry about it, the number super low on Stimming Day 5. Only 100. By Day 7 it rise to 301 which is a good thing, but still low. I read somewhere that because I am using Estrace at the beginning that my reading not accurate. This not going hand in hand with the size of follicles that I have. I have the biggest of 14mm, 11mm, 10mm and few more around 8mm. Probably about 7 to 8 total.
On Stimming Day 8 I started my Centrotide. I got few bruises from the injections. I feel that I lost weight also, which is good!
Tomorrow will be super very important ultrasound and bloodwork and fall on the public holiday (Labor Day in US). Great, so I have to run around to find a place that do bloodwork on holidays and weekends and thankfully they have one in Austin. I have to go downtown around 7am, take the blood samples, then run to my obgyn office to see the weekend Dr. for my ultrasound. There are so many obstacles this time....but I know it worth it when I success. Amin.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
IT'S AUGUST!
I have not updating my blog since May. Honestly so many things going on. I also have complication after the polyp removal. Drive me nuts when every time I see the Dr., he said everything okay, it just my body try to adjust to all the meds and the surgery. It's normal...bla bla bla. What's not normal, I know my body! Everytime when I suppose to get period, I feel the terrible cramping for 2 days and then it's stopped. Means something was going on in my body.
I was confirmed ovulated few weeks ago, so I know that I should get my period within 14 to 16 days, but it never came. I got so mad and tired of the run around by my Dr. I called them and set an appointment. But he was on vacation. I feel great because I will see another Dr. and she listened to me. After 5 minutes, she already figure out what went wrong. All these times, I was not imagining things, I actually have period, it just stucked inside my uterus. The condition that I am in because of the polyp surgery and it close my uterus, so the blood pool inside. In other name it called cervix/uterus stenosis.
The new Dr. inserted a rod and it went okay into the cervix, means my cervix is okay. Then she did ultrasound, saw fluid in the uterus. She said it may be blood that cannot come out. She told me hopefully the simple procedure she do will fix it. She inserted the rods deeper and it was painful...it cramped badly. After few minutes, the blood all came out. I feel so much better. At the same time, I was angry and upset because my regular Dr. not listening to me.
Yesterday I went for baseline blood work and got the result today. The NY clinic asked me to start my regiment with Estrogen Priming Protocol with Estrace and Prometrium. He said it call Estrogen/Progestin Priming. I will be on Estrace for 30 days twice a day starting today and on the August 27, 2012 will add Prometrium 1 daily. Once I get my period I have to call the clinic and they will go from there. The nurse my baseline result looks really great.
I really praying and hope that this time it's working.
I wish to all my Muslim friends a Bless Ramadhan and Selamat Hari Raya.
I was confirmed ovulated few weeks ago, so I know that I should get my period within 14 to 16 days, but it never came. I got so mad and tired of the run around by my Dr. I called them and set an appointment. But he was on vacation. I feel great because I will see another Dr. and she listened to me. After 5 minutes, she already figure out what went wrong. All these times, I was not imagining things, I actually have period, it just stucked inside my uterus. The condition that I am in because of the polyp surgery and it close my uterus, so the blood pool inside. In other name it called cervix/uterus stenosis.
The new Dr. inserted a rod and it went okay into the cervix, means my cervix is okay. Then she did ultrasound, saw fluid in the uterus. She said it may be blood that cannot come out. She told me hopefully the simple procedure she do will fix it. She inserted the rods deeper and it was painful...it cramped badly. After few minutes, the blood all came out. I feel so much better. At the same time, I was angry and upset because my regular Dr. not listening to me.
Yesterday I went for baseline blood work and got the result today. The NY clinic asked me to start my regiment with Estrogen Priming Protocol with Estrace and Prometrium. He said it call Estrogen/Progestin Priming. I will be on Estrace for 30 days twice a day starting today and on the August 27, 2012 will add Prometrium 1 daily. Once I get my period I have to call the clinic and they will go from there. The nurse my baseline result looks really great.
I really praying and hope that this time it's working.
I wish to all my Muslim friends a Bless Ramadhan and Selamat Hari Raya.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Hysteroscopy and Updates
Sorry I have not updating my blog for sometimes. It such a busy month. After my failed 1st IVF, I had super heavy period, took me 8 days heavy flow and over 10 days bleeding. It like waterfall! I suppose to go straight to my 2nd IVF with my next period after that. But before the treatment, Dr. A will do Hysteroscopy to remove one 1cm polyp that he saw few months ago.
So I was scheduled to have my Hysteroscopy on 27 April 2012 (few days before my normal time for ovulation). I estimated I will have period within 2 weeks of the surgery which was on 14 May 2012. I was wrong, until today (30 May 2012) my period has not come. It been 45 days since my last period. This the first time I don't have period in my life over a month! The surgery whacked my cycle. What worst, on the day that I suppose to get my period, I had this terrible cramping, extremely hurt for 24 hours, but no bleeding.
To make sure things okay, I went to see Dr. A twice, at first he said I suppose to get my period anytime, but after another week went by with no period, he did another ultrasound and there is nothing and my lining only 4mm. I done all bloodwork to see where I am in my cycle.
My RE in New York suggested I go ahead and take Provera to induce my period, so now I am taking it for 10 days and should get my period 10 days after I stop Provera. I will call my RE once I get my next period.
Other than my whack cycle, life has been busy. I am really worry about my increase in weight. The meds makes me bloated. I feel huge. I try to do some exercise and go to the gym.
So I was scheduled to have my Hysteroscopy on 27 April 2012 (few days before my normal time for ovulation). I estimated I will have period within 2 weeks of the surgery which was on 14 May 2012. I was wrong, until today (30 May 2012) my period has not come. It been 45 days since my last period. This the first time I don't have period in my life over a month! The surgery whacked my cycle. What worst, on the day that I suppose to get my period, I had this terrible cramping, extremely hurt for 24 hours, but no bleeding.
To make sure things okay, I went to see Dr. A twice, at first he said I suppose to get my period anytime, but after another week went by with no period, he did another ultrasound and there is nothing and my lining only 4mm. I done all bloodwork to see where I am in my cycle.
My RE in New York suggested I go ahead and take Provera to induce my period, so now I am taking it for 10 days and should get my period 10 days after I stop Provera. I will call my RE once I get my next period.
Other than my whack cycle, life has been busy. I am really worry about my increase in weight. The meds makes me bloated. I feel huge. I try to do some exercise and go to the gym.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Estrogen Priming Protocol (EPP)
For my 2nd IVF, I will be going to do Estrogen Priming Protocol (EPP). Here how it work:
Call with the first day of your menses.
Go for baseline bloodwork and ultrasound then on day 21 of your cycle will start lupron 10u and estrace 2mg 1 pill twice a day.
Will take those 2 medications daily for 7 days then stop taking them.
Will call with your next period and go for baselines again then will start high doses of your stimulation meds 300 units of each with dexamethasone and prenatal vitamin.
Will be on these medications for approx 10 - 12 days just like last time and once your follicles are big enough you will start cetrotide which ever I have along with my stimulation medications
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
2ND IVF CYCLE
I am gearing towards the 2nd IVF Cycle. The preparation quite hectic. First of all I have to schedule the surgery for the polyp. As todate it already scheduled on 27 April 2012.
I cannot stop thinking how expensive is medical in United States. Even with health insurance, it still crazy expensive, imagine for those who cannot afford it. For this surgery I have to pay in advance for $1056.96! That's because I have to meet my $2400 deductible. That's what I said crazy, even you have insurance, means you not 100% can be happy that it cover, you still have to pay certain portions of it. Until today I totally cannot understand all the things in the health insurance.
I also received my next protocol, which will be Estrogen Priming Protocol. Sounds rocket science. But my RE think this will help me to get more follicles and eggs, and hopefully the quality one. The only issues, the medications will be double dose! You know what that means also? More money! Luckily I have a little bit left over from my first cycle but it's not enough.
Here my meds list:
1. Bravelle 40 vials
2. Menopur 40 vials
3. Lupron (1/2 weeks kit)
4. Novarel #1 (HCG trigger)
5. Dexamethasone #60
6. Estrace #60
7. Cetrotide #6
8. Crinone Gel #30
What I managed to get:
1. Bravelle - Purchased online 16 vials ($450) - TOTAL 40 COMPLETED
2. Menopur - Purchased online 16 vials ($450) - TOTAL 40 COMPLETED
3. Lupron / Leuprolide - Apothecary Pharmacy ($99) - COMPLETED
4. Novarel - Freedom Pharmacy ($69) - COMPLETED
5. Dexamethasone - Will get thru Medco
6. Estrace - Will get thru Medco
7. Cetrotide #4 - Purchased online 4 boxes ($120)
8. Crinone Gel #30 - Purchased online ($80)
Let me tell you, the price of Bravelle is about $49.99 per vial and for the Menopur is $71.99 per vial. I need additional 16 vials.
Today I emailed few girls that want to let go of their meds. I managed to get Cetrotide and Novarel for $180. Not bad at all, if I purchase from Pharmacy it will cost me easily over $600. Just now found a girl from NY willing to let go her Bravelle and Menopur for $950. That saved me over $800 if I purchase from pharmacy. Now I need to look into Lupron, and Crinone. For Dexamethasone and Estrace I can order it from my medical insurance company. They cover it and it cheap. As todate, I calculate total that that I spent almost $2000. That's not all yet. IVF not only stressful to your physical but also to your financial. Hopefully we will get through this.
I cannot stop thinking how expensive is medical in United States. Even with health insurance, it still crazy expensive, imagine for those who cannot afford it. For this surgery I have to pay in advance for $1056.96! That's because I have to meet my $2400 deductible. That's what I said crazy, even you have insurance, means you not 100% can be happy that it cover, you still have to pay certain portions of it. Until today I totally cannot understand all the things in the health insurance.
I also received my next protocol, which will be Estrogen Priming Protocol. Sounds rocket science. But my RE think this will help me to get more follicles and eggs, and hopefully the quality one. The only issues, the medications will be double dose! You know what that means also? More money! Luckily I have a little bit left over from my first cycle but it's not enough.
Here my meds list:
1. Bravelle 40 vials
2. Menopur 40 vials
3. Lupron (1/2 weeks kit)
4. Novarel #1 (HCG trigger)
5. Dexamethasone #60
6. Estrace #60
7. Cetrotide #6
8. Crinone Gel #30
What I managed to get:
1. Bravelle - Purchased online 16 vials ($450) - TOTAL 40 COMPLETED
2. Menopur - Purchased online 16 vials ($450) - TOTAL 40 COMPLETED
3. Lupron / Leuprolide - Apothecary Pharmacy ($99) - COMPLETED
4. Novarel - Freedom Pharmacy ($69) - COMPLETED
5. Dexamethasone - Will get thru Medco
6. Estrace - Will get thru Medco
7. Cetrotide #4 - Purchased online 4 boxes ($120)
8. Crinone Gel #30 - Purchased online ($80)
Let me tell you, the price of Bravelle is about $49.99 per vial and for the Menopur is $71.99 per vial. I need additional 16 vials.
Today I emailed few girls that want to let go of their meds. I managed to get Cetrotide and Novarel for $180. Not bad at all, if I purchase from Pharmacy it will cost me easily over $600. Just now found a girl from NY willing to let go her Bravelle and Menopur for $950. That saved me over $800 if I purchase from pharmacy. Now I need to look into Lupron, and Crinone. For Dexamethasone and Estrace I can order it from my medical insurance company. They cover it and it cheap. As todate, I calculate total that that I spent almost $2000. That's not all yet. IVF not only stressful to your physical but also to your financial. Hopefully we will get through this.
Friday, April 13, 2012
BETA Day
I woke up early for my Dr. appointment this morning. Did another HPT test, and again stark white. So I kind of knowing what my result will be today.
I kissed Kevin before walked out the door. Drove to the hospital and surprisingly I feel okay. I still have slight hope, wishing that probably the embryos are the late implanters. But I am ready for the word 'you're not pregnant'.
The blood draw very quick. Only took few minutes and I went to work. It pretty easy day with most of my jobs done fast than I thought. When you have time in your hand, so does your brain. At lunch I went out with Reggie, my buddy from work. She such a nice lady, always there for me. She is a good listener, and surprisingly understand and care about my situation. Not that my other friends not care. Everybody care in different ways, and I appreciate that.
I called the Austin office few times checking about the result. Finally, at 2:30pm they said the word that I think I already knew "You're BETA is less than 5". I feel okay, very calm as I expect that. Sometimes I surprised myself that actually I can handle things and news that I would think I could not. In my heart, I am thankful for whatever Allah decisions. Whether it a success or a fail, Allah know best. What we can do just keep trying and hopefully one day Allah will granted our dreams, InsyaAllah.
I kissed Kevin before walked out the door. Drove to the hospital and surprisingly I feel okay. I still have slight hope, wishing that probably the embryos are the late implanters. But I am ready for the word 'you're not pregnant'.
The blood draw very quick. Only took few minutes and I went to work. It pretty easy day with most of my jobs done fast than I thought. When you have time in your hand, so does your brain. At lunch I went out with Reggie, my buddy from work. She such a nice lady, always there for me. She is a good listener, and surprisingly understand and care about my situation. Not that my other friends not care. Everybody care in different ways, and I appreciate that.
I called the Austin office few times checking about the result. Finally, at 2:30pm they said the word that I think I already knew "You're BETA is less than 5". I feel okay, very calm as I expect that. Sometimes I surprised myself that actually I can handle things and news that I would think I could not. In my heart, I am thankful for whatever Allah decisions. Whether it a success or a fail, Allah know best. What we can do just keep trying and hopefully one day Allah will granted our dreams, InsyaAllah.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
5 ET Embryos
I managed to scan the embryos that we transferred on the 04/04/2012. As you can see 2 on the right are the Morulas (Day 4 development). It should be a Blast at this time (Day 5), but the RE told me that ours are one day behind. We transferred 3. The bottom one probably not a good embryos, but who knows.
As todate, I don't feel optimistic and kind of knowing and feel that this cycle is not working. I hope I am wrong.
I did pee on the stick (HPT test starting from the Day 3 of the transfer), I got very faint line from the Novarel trigger, so after Day 6, it totally gone. I only have 3 more days before my BETA (HCG) blood test. Can this a miracle to us? I am praying that it will be.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
IVF and Implantation
How long does an embryo take to implant into the uterine wall after an ivf transfer?
In case you're curious, here's the snapshot answer:
How long does an embryo take to implant into the uterine wall after an ivf transfer? Below is for Blsttocyst (for what Day 5 embryo should be), mine is Morula (Day 4), so it should be all another extra day.
1dpt....Blastocyst hatches out of shell on this day
2dpt.. Blastocyst attaches to a site on the uterine lining
3dpt.. Implantation begins, as the blastocyst begins to bury in the lining
4dpt.. Implantation process continues and morula buries deeper in the lining
5dpt.. Morula is completely implanted in the lining and has placenta cells & fetal cells
6dpt...Placenta cells begin to secret HCG in the blood
7dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops
8dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops
9dpt...HCG levels are now high enough to be immediately detected on HPT
For those of you who plan on taking hpt's (home pregnancy test) during your 2WW, I recommend holding out until at least 9dpt when HCG levels can be detected on HPT.
In case you're curious, here's the snapshot answer:
How long does an embryo take to implant into the uterine wall after an ivf transfer? Below is for Blsttocyst (for what Day 5 embryo should be), mine is Morula (Day 4), so it should be all another extra day.
1dpt....Blastocyst hatches out of shell on this day
2dpt.. Blastocyst attaches to a site on the uterine lining
3dpt.. Implantation begins, as the blastocyst begins to bury in the lining
4dpt.. Implantation process continues and morula buries deeper in the lining
5dpt.. Morula is completely implanted in the lining and has placenta cells & fetal cells
6dpt...Placenta cells begin to secret HCG in the blood
7dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops
8dpt...More HCG is produced as fetus develops
9dpt...HCG levels are now high enough to be immediately detected on HPT
For those of you who plan on taking hpt's (home pregnancy test) during your 2WW, I recommend holding out until at least 9dpt when HCG levels can be detected on HPT.
Back to Austin
We already back to Austin. I feel bloated and cramping once a while. Here a brief summary of what happen from our transfer day.
04/04/2012
Today is our 9th anniversary. Both of us so excited to do the transfer. We went to the clinic around 8am for my acupuncture. The healing center is amazing. Beautiful facility and decorations. The waiting time very quick. I don't have to wait long when a Chinese lady called me in. She immediately do her work, poke me with needles. Took about 45 minutes and they took me to OR.
The nurse super sweet, she told me that we need full bladder for the transfer. She said I may have to wait 45 minutes. Kevin came in to be with for the process. Do you know when you always have this kind of feeling? That something is not right? I always like that. For me I am a positive person, but always worry along the line.
When the RE came in, he briefed us about the 5 embryos. He said all of them 1 day behind! I was like...I knew it...as always there will something. As always, why it so hard for us. He assure us that the embryos still looks good just slow in growing. Yeah right....they sure don't want you feel negative, so they probably sugar coat everything.
Funny I don't feel really upset...I just feel numb. It just like...okay, another obstacles. May be it meant that we will not having kid if this so difficult. But why bother, hurry up and stick that embryos inside me and get over it.
It was weird because when I read other girls blog, they have embryologist explain before the transfer about the embryos but only my Doctor in there to explain it to me. And after the transfer, they asked me to stay on bed for 30 minutes before I can go back to the hotel. The nurse came in and showed me the pictures of the embryos. Honestly? If you asked my opinion? The don't even look like what I saw on internet. We put back 3 out of 5. The Dr. said 1 looks good, 1 okay and another one so so...hmmmm....the so so like a dying one. The good one doesn't look round. I asked if he can give his opinion, he seems rushing and said, they don't really want to rely on grades, for him sometimes bad looking eggs makes baby. But what worry me, he is not being honest that my embryos probably is in stage of 'arresting'...means dying. Not slow. But oh well, he is the Dr.
As usual, after back to the hotel, I kept comparing our embryos pictures online, I found out that the embryos probably about early Morulas, looks okay to me, but I still feel it won work. I have that feeling, I will see that 'negative pregnancy test' over and over again.
Kevin tried to reassure me to relax and think positive. How could I? We failed so many times. But miracles can happen.
04/05/2012
We checked out early and drove to Warwick, Rhode Island for our returning flight. It was an easy drive, feel this trip taking so long....I feel restless, I cannot wait to be back on my routine.
We checked out at Radisson hotel close to the airport, it very nice hotel. We really impress. Since we did not celebrate our wedding anniversary yesterday, we decided to have a nice dinner. So I look around for a great seafood restaurants. I told Kevin that since we're close to the ocean, it must be good seafood also which very hard to find in US. Finally I found one, it just next door to the hotel! It is Legal Seafood. I ordered lobster, mussels and bunch of other thing. Kevin ordered fish and chips. When the order arrived, my eyes almost popped out! The lobster huge, full intact! You rarely see that in US! So you can tell how excited I am. All the times when I ordered lobster, it will be just the little tail. But this time I cannot wait to eat every part of it (of course not the head)....haha. Even I want to, I don't want to make myself look weird in that classy restaurant..hehe. Both of us enjoyed our food tremendously. It cost us almost $80.00 but it's worth it.
We did not do much after that, went back to the hotel and just rest.
04/06/2012
I ordered nice breakfast for Kevin and I to the room. Feel that we pamper ourselves, which I don't mind. We have not having nice vacation for a long time. It really feel we spend so much time together and I still feel the same way as I feel when the first day I met my husband. It really easy to forget all those when you already married after 9 years, but Kevin always a good husband, loving and care.
We asked for late check out and they allow us to stay until 3pm. Our flight not until 6:15pm that evening. We had connecting flight in Atlanta. But from Atlanta to Austin, I felt restless, and cannot wait for us to arrive, it only for 2 hours, but felt like 10 hours! I feel so happy to be home, it's true when people say, home sweet home :)
04/04/2012
Today is our 9th anniversary. Both of us so excited to do the transfer. We went to the clinic around 8am for my acupuncture. The healing center is amazing. Beautiful facility and decorations. The waiting time very quick. I don't have to wait long when a Chinese lady called me in. She immediately do her work, poke me with needles. Took about 45 minutes and they took me to OR.
The nurse super sweet, she told me that we need full bladder for the transfer. She said I may have to wait 45 minutes. Kevin came in to be with for the process. Do you know when you always have this kind of feeling? That something is not right? I always like that. For me I am a positive person, but always worry along the line.
When the RE came in, he briefed us about the 5 embryos. He said all of them 1 day behind! I was like...I knew it...as always there will something. As always, why it so hard for us. He assure us that the embryos still looks good just slow in growing. Yeah right....they sure don't want you feel negative, so they probably sugar coat everything.
Funny I don't feel really upset...I just feel numb. It just like...okay, another obstacles. May be it meant that we will not having kid if this so difficult. But why bother, hurry up and stick that embryos inside me and get over it.
It was weird because when I read other girls blog, they have embryologist explain before the transfer about the embryos but only my Doctor in there to explain it to me. And after the transfer, they asked me to stay on bed for 30 minutes before I can go back to the hotel. The nurse came in and showed me the pictures of the embryos. Honestly? If you asked my opinion? The don't even look like what I saw on internet. We put back 3 out of 5. The Dr. said 1 looks good, 1 okay and another one so so...hmmmm....the so so like a dying one. The good one doesn't look round. I asked if he can give his opinion, he seems rushing and said, they don't really want to rely on grades, for him sometimes bad looking eggs makes baby. But what worry me, he is not being honest that my embryos probably is in stage of 'arresting'...means dying. Not slow. But oh well, he is the Dr.
As usual, after back to the hotel, I kept comparing our embryos pictures online, I found out that the embryos probably about early Morulas, looks okay to me, but I still feel it won work. I have that feeling, I will see that 'negative pregnancy test' over and over again.
Kevin tried to reassure me to relax and think positive. How could I? We failed so many times. But miracles can happen.
04/05/2012
We checked out early and drove to Warwick, Rhode Island for our returning flight. It was an easy drive, feel this trip taking so long....I feel restless, I cannot wait to be back on my routine.
We checked out at Radisson hotel close to the airport, it very nice hotel. We really impress. Since we did not celebrate our wedding anniversary yesterday, we decided to have a nice dinner. So I look around for a great seafood restaurants. I told Kevin that since we're close to the ocean, it must be good seafood also which very hard to find in US. Finally I found one, it just next door to the hotel! It is Legal Seafood. I ordered lobster, mussels and bunch of other thing. Kevin ordered fish and chips. When the order arrived, my eyes almost popped out! The lobster huge, full intact! You rarely see that in US! So you can tell how excited I am. All the times when I ordered lobster, it will be just the little tail. But this time I cannot wait to eat every part of it (of course not the head)....haha. Even I want to, I don't want to make myself look weird in that classy restaurant..hehe. Both of us enjoyed our food tremendously. It cost us almost $80.00 but it's worth it.
We did not do much after that, went back to the hotel and just rest.
04/06/2012
I ordered nice breakfast for Kevin and I to the room. Feel that we pamper ourselves, which I don't mind. We have not having nice vacation for a long time. It really feel we spend so much time together and I still feel the same way as I feel when the first day I met my husband. It really easy to forget all those when you already married after 9 years, but Kevin always a good husband, loving and care.
We asked for late check out and they allow us to stay until 3pm. Our flight not until 6:15pm that evening. We had connecting flight in Atlanta. But from Atlanta to Austin, I felt restless, and cannot wait for us to arrive, it only for 2 hours, but felt like 10 hours! I feel so happy to be home, it's true when people say, home sweet home :)
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Latham, New York
03/29/2012 - Thursday
We flew out from Austin on early Thursday morning. Our flight was at 6am. We reached Providence, Rhode Island around 1:05pm. Rent a car and drove 3 hours away to Albany and Latham, New York.
We didn't get enough sleep. So driving feel way far from it should be. About few yards to the hotel, our car involved in an accident. All of us fine, but the rental car quite damage. We called the rental car to replace the car because we don't want to mess it more than it should be.
03/30/2012 - Friday
I woke up early, nervous because today is my egg retrieval day. We staying at the hotel close enough to the clinic. We arrived around 10:00am, filled necessary forms and Kevin decided to do his specimen collection in the hotel room rather than the clinic. The clinic parking looked full and I can tell it a busy clinic. We went in and I am impressed with the deco and the staff. They are very friendly.
I waited until 11:00am in the lobby, many other women there, some for ultrasounds, some for egg retrieval and some for other things that I don't know of. They asked if I want to do the acupuncture before and after the transfer. I said yes.
Kevin got his 'love container' and went back to the hotel, and I pray he don't have any difficulties to get the specimen. From old experience he will having issues if he feel depress. One of our IUI almost cancelled because took him over 2 hours to get it out. I was watching the clock, it was 11:00am and the nurse called me in. Asked me to change into hospital gown. I had trouble to tie it, took me longer than it suppose to. Once ready the nurse took me into the room and I asked if she can checked if my husband already arrived. She said she will do that after prepping me.
Ten minutes later Kevin came in with a hospital gown and hat...he wanted to stay with me entire time. The Dr. allow it. I met the embryologist, the anesthesiologist, and my RE, Dr. Grossman. They seems very nice.
The anesthesiologist start the procedure and I start feeling very sleepy, then nothing. Last thing I remember they told me they got two eggs. Two eggs??? They retrieved from five follicles, so I may have more. I am quite disappointed if it only two. But after few minutes the nurse came back and told us they actually got five. I am grateful and thankful to Allah at that time. Even it not many, but I hope I have few that will make it. We went back to hotel and I slept until night and then woke up and then slept again. Kevin told me actually while the big needle went it, I moved and made a sound, so they added more meds, I don't remember that at all! He also said that I was snoring and the anesthesiologist laughed. Heheh.
03/31/2012
I continue my Dexamethasone and prenatal vitamin today. The nurse added Endometrin and Estrace and also baby aspirin 81 mg. I kept watching the clock, I know the clinic going to call me today to update us the eggs progress. Around 10:30am, the nurse called and told me that my transfer will be on Day 5 (Wednesday the 4th). That will be our wedding anniversary! She told me that all 5 fertilized. Alhamdullillah. I feel tons of weight lifted at that time. I am praying that it keeps strong until the day of transfer. I am not sure why my RE prefer to transfer on Day 5 instead of Day 3. But I trust they know the best. I will get my fertility report again on Monday, April 2nd. Please embies growing and growing. Stay strong.
In the evening I craving for Thai, so we went to downtown Albany at Sukhotai Thai Restaurant, they have good Thai food. From there we went to the nice mall close by. Did few shopping and just having our time together. I have not feeling such an ease go shopping with my husband so long. Most of the time we did shopping because of my online business. But this is different, we shopped stuffed mostly for ourselves. In few days will be our 9th wedding anniversary. I am thankful and grateful to have a husband that love and always on my side. May Allah blessed our dream and life.
We flew out from Austin on early Thursday morning. Our flight was at 6am. We reached Providence, Rhode Island around 1:05pm. Rent a car and drove 3 hours away to Albany and Latham, New York.
We didn't get enough sleep. So driving feel way far from it should be. About few yards to the hotel, our car involved in an accident. All of us fine, but the rental car quite damage. We called the rental car to replace the car because we don't want to mess it more than it should be.
03/30/2012 - Friday
I woke up early, nervous because today is my egg retrieval day. We staying at the hotel close enough to the clinic. We arrived around 10:00am, filled necessary forms and Kevin decided to do his specimen collection in the hotel room rather than the clinic. The clinic parking looked full and I can tell it a busy clinic. We went in and I am impressed with the deco and the staff. They are very friendly.
I waited until 11:00am in the lobby, many other women there, some for ultrasounds, some for egg retrieval and some for other things that I don't know of. They asked if I want to do the acupuncture before and after the transfer. I said yes.
Kevin got his 'love container' and went back to the hotel, and I pray he don't have any difficulties to get the specimen. From old experience he will having issues if he feel depress. One of our IUI almost cancelled because took him over 2 hours to get it out. I was watching the clock, it was 11:00am and the nurse called me in. Asked me to change into hospital gown. I had trouble to tie it, took me longer than it suppose to. Once ready the nurse took me into the room and I asked if she can checked if my husband already arrived. She said she will do that after prepping me.
Ten minutes later Kevin came in with a hospital gown and hat...he wanted to stay with me entire time. The Dr. allow it. I met the embryologist, the anesthesiologist, and my RE, Dr. Grossman. They seems very nice.
The anesthesiologist start the procedure and I start feeling very sleepy, then nothing. Last thing I remember they told me they got two eggs. Two eggs??? They retrieved from five follicles, so I may have more. I am quite disappointed if it only two. But after few minutes the nurse came back and told us they actually got five. I am grateful and thankful to Allah at that time. Even it not many, but I hope I have few that will make it. We went back to hotel and I slept until night and then woke up and then slept again. Kevin told me actually while the big needle went it, I moved and made a sound, so they added more meds, I don't remember that at all! He also said that I was snoring and the anesthesiologist laughed. Heheh.
03/31/2012
I continue my Dexamethasone and prenatal vitamin today. The nurse added Endometrin and Estrace and also baby aspirin 81 mg. I kept watching the clock, I know the clinic going to call me today to update us the eggs progress. Around 10:30am, the nurse called and told me that my transfer will be on Day 5 (Wednesday the 4th). That will be our wedding anniversary! She told me that all 5 fertilized. Alhamdullillah. I feel tons of weight lifted at that time. I am praying that it keeps strong until the day of transfer. I am not sure why my RE prefer to transfer on Day 5 instead of Day 3. But I trust they know the best. I will get my fertility report again on Monday, April 2nd. Please embies growing and growing. Stay strong.
In the evening I craving for Thai, so we went to downtown Albany at Sukhotai Thai Restaurant, they have good Thai food. From there we went to the nice mall close by. Did few shopping and just having our time together. I have not feeling such an ease go shopping with my husband so long. Most of the time we did shopping because of my online business. But this is different, we shopped stuffed mostly for ourselves. In few days will be our 9th wedding anniversary. I am thankful and grateful to have a husband that love and always on my side. May Allah blessed our dream and life.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Kev's Excitement to Poke Me
Somehow I think Kev enjoy poking me with needles everyday :)
I noticed, every time it close to the time, he already ready to mix my meds, sometimes it early and I have to remind him, he have to stick to the time. I also noticed he like to swirl the powder and liquid mix. But he do a good job doing it. I am thankful and glad he willing to do all those for me without complaint.
Other than that, we are ready to go to New York this Thursday (March 29, 2012).
Flight tickets - Checked!
Hotel room - Checked!
Rental Car - Checked!
Eggs - Hmm..hopefully they are excited as I am :)
I noticed, every time it close to the time, he already ready to mix my meds, sometimes it early and I have to remind him, he have to stick to the time. I also noticed he like to swirl the powder and liquid mix. But he do a good job doing it. I am thankful and glad he willing to do all those for me without complaint.
Other than that, we are ready to go to New York this Thursday (March 29, 2012).
Flight tickets - Checked!
Hotel room - Checked!
Rental Car - Checked!
Eggs - Hmm..hopefully they are excited as I am :)
Friday, March 23, 2012
2ND Ultrasound and Bloodwork
Today is my 2nd round of ultrasound and bloodwork (Cycle Day 6). Hopefully the follicles is cooperating.
1st U/S:
3 follicles on left (biggest 5mm)
4 follicles on right (biggest 6mm)
Lining - 6 mm
E2 - 22
HCG - <5
Other results are pending.
2nd U/S:
Everything looks fine so far. I stay with my original dosage of meds, except I have to add Centrotide on my Day 5 stim (Cycle Day 7). Kevin getting expert in mixing my meds. It still sting but I starting get use to it.
3 follicles on left (biggest 12mm)
5 follicles on right (biggest 11mm)
Lining - 8 mm
1st U/S:
3 follicles on left (biggest 5mm)
4 follicles on right (biggest 6mm)
Lining - 6 mm
E2 - 22
HCG - <5
Other results are pending.
2nd U/S:
Everything looks fine so far. I stay with my original dosage of meds, except I have to add Centrotide on my Day 5 stim (Cycle Day 7). Kevin getting expert in mixing my meds. It still sting but I starting get use to it.
3 follicles on left (biggest 12mm)
5 follicles on right (biggest 11mm)
Lining - 8 mm
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Menopur and Bravelle Injections - It hurt
I don't really scared of needle, but the first time I have the injections of Menopur and Bravelle, it hurt! It sting! My husband Kevin helping me mixing them both and sticked the needle in my tummy as the video below.
Today, is my second day, my friend told me to really pinch hard on the tummy so I don't really feel it. It worked and I feel better. I have to go through at least another 11 days!
Today, is my second day, my friend told me to really pinch hard on the tummy so I don't really feel it. It worked and I feel better. I have to go through at least another 11 days!
Monday, March 19, 2012
First Week Meds Dose
Received my medications dosage today. I am not sure what I feel, nervous? worry? or just scared? It all mix feeling. Here the dosage that I have to take from March 20th through March 23rd.
Menopur - 2 powder vials
Bravelle - 2 powder vials
Mixing all the above medications into 1 shot with 1 cc of the mixing liquid.
I will also be taking a prenatal vitamin 1 per day and 1 dexamethasone daily as well. I will remain on that dosing until Friday, March 23, 2012 and then I will need further monitoring on Friday the 23rd, Monday the 26th and Wednesday the 28th with potential retrieval on the 30th of March.
The blood work I will need on these days is estrogen, progesterone and lh and also ultrasound on those dates.
Menopur - 2 powder vials
Bravelle - 2 powder vials
Mixing all the above medications into 1 shot with 1 cc of the mixing liquid.
I will also be taking a prenatal vitamin 1 per day and 1 dexamethasone daily as well. I will remain on that dosing until Friday, March 23, 2012 and then I will need further monitoring on Friday the 23rd, Monday the 26th and Wednesday the 28th with potential retrieval on the 30th of March.
The blood work I will need on these days is estrogen, progesterone and lh and also ultrasound on those dates.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Menses
It amazing how the Fertility Friend calendar prediction about ovulation and period can be on spot! So today, I got my menses. What a big deal? Well, because this means that I am going to start my first cycle of IVF! I am nervous and also worry if my tests doesn't come back good and there are still many things that probably can be wrong. I pray that this going to work.
I have my menses on Sunday, means the Fertility clinic in New York is close. But I email the out of town patient coordinator, and she is very efficient. She replied my email in an hour! I asked her when I should do all my tests. She asked me to do it on Tuesday and tests must be ready by 11:00am. She will call me in the afternoon after she get the result.
So what test I have to take?
Baseline:
1. Beta HCG (Quantitative)
2. Estradiol
3. FSH
4. LH
5. Progesterone
6. TSH
7. Ultrasound (Transvaginal)
If everything going as planned, we will be in NY early of April, means we will celebrate our 9th Anniversary there and probably have transfer on our anniversary. I pray and asking Allah to make this dream come true. InsyaAllah.
I have my menses on Sunday, means the Fertility clinic in New York is close. But I email the out of town patient coordinator, and she is very efficient. She replied my email in an hour! I asked her when I should do all my tests. She asked me to do it on Tuesday and tests must be ready by 11:00am. She will call me in the afternoon after she get the result.
So what test I have to take?
Baseline:
1. Beta HCG (Quantitative)
2. Estradiol
3. FSH
4. LH
5. Progesterone
6. TSH
7. Ultrasound (Transvaginal)
If everything going as planned, we will be in NY early of April, means we will celebrate our 9th Anniversary there and probably have transfer on our anniversary. I pray and asking Allah to make this dream come true. InsyaAllah.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Sad Week
This week is really sad week for me. Why? I feel sad for my friends. Both got pregnant at the same time. One naturally, but she really excited and want the baby so badly, but ended with blighted ovum in 7 weeks.
The other fried struggle for a long time like me, did her IVF last few weeks and got positive with twins! She lost one baby heart beat and then another one. I feel for them.
Other than that, I still have cough and runny nose. I hope all be gone in 2 weeks for my transfer. I am awaiting my period to start and proceed to the IVF. Praying that everything goes as plan.
I don't know what I feel...I think I just prepare for worst. It is hard to be positive when you failed so many times, so long and don't know what are the reasons. I hope I will find my finish line one day...amin.
The other fried struggle for a long time like me, did her IVF last few weeks and got positive with twins! She lost one baby heart beat and then another one. I feel for them.
Other than that, I still have cough and runny nose. I hope all be gone in 2 weeks for my transfer. I am awaiting my period to start and proceed to the IVF. Praying that everything goes as plan.
I don't know what I feel...I think I just prepare for worst. It is hard to be positive when you failed so many times, so long and don't know what are the reasons. I hope I will find my finish line one day...amin.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
March Delay Ovulation
February such a 'sick' time for me. I was sick almost 4 weeks. It dragging from fever, coughing and cool. Not to mention the stress from work and my online business. But I managed. Kevin was so nice in helping the chores at home. He went extra mile to help me with cleaning the house. Thanks honey.
Other than that, I have a delay ovulation this month. I always ovulate either Cycle 14 or 15. But this month it delayed to Cycle 17 or even maybe 18. I only got my positive OPK on Cycle Day 17 morning. Sickness and stress can delay the ovulation. This probably delay my period two to three days. That also will change our plan for the IVF for few days. I have few more days waiting for my next period and starting my baseline test and IVF meds.
Other than that, I have a delay ovulation this month. I always ovulate either Cycle 14 or 15. But this month it delayed to Cycle 17 or even maybe 18. I only got my positive OPK on Cycle Day 17 morning. Sickness and stress can delay the ovulation. This probably delay my period two to three days. That also will change our plan for the IVF for few days. I have few more days waiting for my next period and starting my baseline test and IVF meds.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Freedom Pharmacy
I received my meds from Freedom Pharmacy today. It complete my medications for this cycle. But not without issues. They double charged me on certain meds, but everything taking care of today. I found out they are very helpful and friendly, but sometimes there is different answers on different calls I made. But I am glad so far things taking care of. Hopefully it won't repeated in the future.
If everything going as plan, I will start my first IVF cycle in two weeks.
If everything going as plan, I will start my first IVF cycle in two weeks.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
eIVF Patient Portal
Have you heard about eIVF Patient Portal? It is a portal where you can get all your medical history, x-ray, results, emails, prescriptions and many more. It very helpful if you need to get quick information.
I can contact my Dr., nurses and others at the facility in this portal. It pretty neat and great for out of town patient.
I can contact my Dr., nurses and others at the facility in this portal. It pretty neat and great for out of town patient.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Changed Pharmacy
My clinic ordered my prescription from Apothecary by Design. They charged me $119 per vial of Cetrotide and around $100 for HCG injections.
I called around and got cheaper price from Freedom Pharmacy. $71.99 each for Cetrotide and $60 for HCG injections (with $10 enrollment of H.E.A.R.T member). I saved over $300.
When doing expensive self pay treatment like IVF, we need to save as much as we can to cut cost :)
I called around and got cheaper price from Freedom Pharmacy. $71.99 each for Cetrotide and $60 for HCG injections (with $10 enrollment of H.E.A.R.T member). I saved over $300.
When doing expensive self pay treatment like IVF, we need to save as much as we can to cut cost :)
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Received My Bravelle and Menopur Today
The box is huge! There are so many small boxes in it. I was freak out! And that's not all yet, I still have few more meds to be ordered before my cycle next month.
Kevin is excited because he think he can have fun 'poking' me everyday with the needles. Good thing he has experience as EMT before. So he is good with needles (he said..., but who knows..haha).
For now I just need to put aside the meds and deal with it with the time comes.
Kevin is excited because he think he can have fun 'poking' me everyday with the needles. Good thing he has experience as EMT before. So he is good with needles (he said..., but who knows..haha).
For now I just need to put aside the meds and deal with it with the time comes.
Cetrotide
Okay, I have all the medicines taken care of, now I just need to find 6 x 0.25 vials of Centrotide. The pharmacy quote me for $800 for it.
If you're self pay patient and under strict budget, you need to be creative. My colleague who got pregnant from her IVF told me she always buy her meds from a forum. I kind of skeptical because I don't want to get scam or get bad batch of meds. But she assured me that most ladies in there who are in the same situation and know how to taking care of their meds. But she said just follow your guts, if you don't feel comfy about someone, don't buy it. Normally she said, she email back and forth with the person and will get a good vibe about it before agreed to purchase.
So far I found a lady from New Jersey who willing to sell Cetrotide for $400. That's a good deal compare to what I have to pay to the pharmacy.
Here the link where many girls get their discounted meds. Most of these ladies have extra, already got pregnant, or cancelled their cycle.
www.topix.com/forum/health/infertility
I still not decided yet, for now I am trying to check with my clinic if they have any extra that they can give to me.
If you're self pay patient and under strict budget, you need to be creative. My colleague who got pregnant from her IVF told me she always buy her meds from a forum. I kind of skeptical because I don't want to get scam or get bad batch of meds. But she assured me that most ladies in there who are in the same situation and know how to taking care of their meds. But she said just follow your guts, if you don't feel comfy about someone, don't buy it. Normally she said, she email back and forth with the person and will get a good vibe about it before agreed to purchase.
So far I found a lady from New Jersey who willing to sell Cetrotide for $400. That's a good deal compare to what I have to pay to the pharmacy.
Here the link where many girls get their discounted meds. Most of these ladies have extra, already got pregnant, or cancelled their cycle.
www.topix.com/forum/health/infertility
I still not decided yet, for now I am trying to check with my clinic if they have any extra that they can give to me.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
All the Stregth that I Have
Do you know that I never in years thinking I can do IVF because of financial issues? First, I don't make much money with my job, we do okay, but since Kevin in school full time, we have to really have to be careful of what we spend. Between payments for house, car loan, utilities, child support, student loans and yada-yada...we only can get by. Thankfully I have a side income from my online biz that started as hobby. But again, means I have two jobs which I took both seriously.
You can say I am a very hardworking person, I am very determine in what I do. Probably because I become so independent since I was 12 years old. My dad passed away when I was about 11.5 years old. We really close, I miss him dearly even until today. The time that we spent together was short, but there are so many beautiful memories about him, my dad really care about me. He always there when I need him and really supportive.
When I was 12 I got an offer from a boarding school. In M'sia, boarding schools are not for 'bad' kids. Boarding schools in M'sia means you're selected from so many students in M'sia, means you're best of the best academically. They grooms you to become highly professional and mostly becomes Doctors, engineers and others. You have to have A's in all subjects otherwise you in trouble. For five years I was in the boarding school. Then I went to college for 3.5 years. So most of my young age I was away from my mom and siblings. We only met few times a month. I paid my college tuitions with my own money, I worked every semester break as a Cashier at the mall or sell cookies to friends. Three months before graduated, I already got a job, the company willing to wait until I finished my school. I feel bless.
I am very different from my sibling. I love being adventure. When I do something, I am serious about it. I don't stop trying. I know what it felt when I failed, and it never stopped me to keep trying. Probably all these that helping me still going through with this journey of having a child.
I've been travelled to many places. Some places that I never think I will go. I went to Canada, drove from south to north, to Sarajevo just few years after war, to Germany, to Korea and many more. And finally I am in the US with my husband who I love dearly :).
I will put the IVF cost in details when I have time this week.
You can say I am a very hardworking person, I am very determine in what I do. Probably because I become so independent since I was 12 years old. My dad passed away when I was about 11.5 years old. We really close, I miss him dearly even until today. The time that we spent together was short, but there are so many beautiful memories about him, my dad really care about me. He always there when I need him and really supportive.
When I was 12 I got an offer from a boarding school. In M'sia, boarding schools are not for 'bad' kids. Boarding schools in M'sia means you're selected from so many students in M'sia, means you're best of the best academically. They grooms you to become highly professional and mostly becomes Doctors, engineers and others. You have to have A's in all subjects otherwise you in trouble. For five years I was in the boarding school. Then I went to college for 3.5 years. So most of my young age I was away from my mom and siblings. We only met few times a month. I paid my college tuitions with my own money, I worked every semester break as a Cashier at the mall or sell cookies to friends. Three months before graduated, I already got a job, the company willing to wait until I finished my school. I feel bless.
I am very different from my sibling. I love being adventure. When I do something, I am serious about it. I don't stop trying. I know what it felt when I failed, and it never stopped me to keep trying. Probably all these that helping me still going through with this journey of having a child.
I've been travelled to many places. Some places that I never think I will go. I went to Canada, drove from south to north, to Sarajevo just few years after war, to Germany, to Korea and many more. And finally I am in the US with my husband who I love dearly :).
I will put the IVF cost in details when I have time this week.
Checklist
Since I am going to do Out of Patient treatment, there are so many things that I have to plan earlier such as flight, accommodation, rental car, inform my boss that I will be away about a week. Keep in mind that I have to do this with the best budget and save as much as we can. So here my list:
1. Inform my boss I probably out the last week of March (about 7 days).
2. Flight - I cannot reserve the flight until I know my response to the meds.
3. Hotel - Found affordable and clean and good review hotel about 0.7 miles from the clinic, which is Microtel Inn Albany Airport. It less than $60.00 per night. Found coupon for $48.00 per night but only for Walk In. I don't think I want to take the chance the room fully book by the time we arrive there. I like to plan my travel as early as possible.
4. Rental car, which is easy to make even for last minute.
5. Will purchase acupuncture with CNY Fertility before and after the eggs transfer.
6. Call CNY on my first day of period.
7. Call my Obgyn for bloodtest and ultrasound on the 2nd or 3rd day of my period.
8. Start my meds protocol
I will be out of office a lot for the monitoring. I already informed my boss and he is okay with it. I am so bless to work at a place that really flexible and understanding.
1. Inform my boss I probably out the last week of March (about 7 days).
2. Flight - I cannot reserve the flight until I know my response to the meds.
3. Hotel - Found affordable and clean and good review hotel about 0.7 miles from the clinic, which is Microtel Inn Albany Airport. It less than $60.00 per night. Found coupon for $48.00 per night but only for Walk In. I don't think I want to take the chance the room fully book by the time we arrive there. I like to plan my travel as early as possible.
4. Rental car, which is easy to make even for last minute.
5. Will purchase acupuncture with CNY Fertility before and after the eggs transfer.
6. Call CNY on my first day of period.
7. Call my Obgyn for bloodtest and ultrasound on the 2nd or 3rd day of my period.
8. Start my meds protocol
I will be out of office a lot for the monitoring. I already informed my boss and he is okay with it. I am so bless to work at a place that really flexible and understanding.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Jess from CNY Fertility Call to Mail my Bravelle and Menopur
Today Jess from CNY Fertility called to inform that they will mail my Bravelle and Menopur via FeDex 2 Days Saver. It cost me about $19.00. I am very grateful that CNY willing to help with donated meds. Thank you CNY!
So far, my experience with CNY via phone is good and they are really friendly and helpful. It is hard to communicate without seeing the person. I am doing this treatment as out of town patients. So all my monitoring will be done in Austin. I only see them on my eggs retrieval (ER) and eggs transfer (ET).
I cannot wait for the process to begin. It will be an emotional journey. I also have to learn how to do the injections myself. They have tons of video showing how to do it in Youtube and also in their website.
So far, my experience with CNY via phone is good and they are really friendly and helpful. It is hard to communicate without seeing the person. I am doing this treatment as out of town patients. So all my monitoring will be done in Austin. I only see them on my eggs retrieval (ER) and eggs transfer (ET).
I cannot wait for the process to begin. It will be an emotional journey. I also have to learn how to do the injections myself. They have tons of video showing how to do it in Youtube and also in their website.
Monday, February 20, 2012
First IVF
Alhamdullilah...I never thought I can go into this step due to the financial issues. IVF extremely expensive. But after long research and non stop determination, I managed to find a place that willing to help. I found a place in Albany, New York. Yes, I will be traveling to New York for my IVF, but after all the cost, it still cheaper than Austin, Texas. Furthermore, none of the fertility clinics in Austin willing to work with the payments. The most they can do is to make you get a private loan with extremely high interest. This loan not only expensive, but it also will put you into debts for over 5 to 10 years. Imagine if it failed, and you still have debt about IVF until you're 50?
I am so grateful and thankful that this facility so willingly to work with the payment and the medicines. I able to get 3 IVF cycles with them. The cost so much cheaper than other places. Not only I managed to split the payments for 12 months without interest, I also got free meds which really ease the burden. The only meds I have to buy for my first cycle is the Cetrotide for about $800. That is consider a lot less than $5000.
Few days ago, the Fertility clinic ordered my meds which are:
Bravelle
Menopur
Cetrotide 0.25 mg - Injection
Dexamethasone 0.5 mg - Tablets
Estrace 2 mg - Tablets 2 mg
HCG 10,000 U Vials 10000 units - Injection
If everything go as plan, I will be having my first IVF around mid March. I am so excited and also nervous.
I pray to Allah that this will be a successful journey.
I am so grateful and thankful that this facility so willingly to work with the payment and the medicines. I able to get 3 IVF cycles with them. The cost so much cheaper than other places. Not only I managed to split the payments for 12 months without interest, I also got free meds which really ease the burden. The only meds I have to buy for my first cycle is the Cetrotide for about $800. That is consider a lot less than $5000.
Few days ago, the Fertility clinic ordered my meds which are:
Bravelle
Menopur
Cetrotide 0.25 mg - Injection
Dexamethasone 0.5 mg - Tablets
Estrace 2 mg - Tablets 2 mg
HCG 10,000 U Vials 10000 units - Injection
If everything go as plan, I will be having my first IVF around mid March. I am so excited and also nervous.
I pray to Allah that this will be a successful journey.
Recap
For a long time I wanted to do a blog about our struggle to infertility journey.
We're married over 9 years, not trying not preventing about 5 years. The last 15 months we timed our baby dancing (BD), 6 cycles of Clomid, 3 failed IUIs and now towards our first IVF.
I am nervous, excited and scared. Not sure what we expect. I purchased 3 cycles IVF packages just in case our first try not successful.
This year really a tough year for me. I never though it will be so hard for us. In a month I will be 40, and I get scared that I will not be able to have my own children. There is a space in my heart that empty. I am grateful and fortunate to have a loving husband that always on my side and very supportive.
I have many friends gets pregnant this month. Some not even trying, some through IVF. I am happy for them. But for those who not trying they really don't understand what I went or going through. It hard to talk to them because they never been 'there'. But as a friend, you need to listen to them talking about their pregnancy, talking about their symptoms, asking you to accompany them to shop with them because they cannot fit in their pant or shirt anymore.
I pray and hope one day I will be a mom.
We're married over 9 years, not trying not preventing about 5 years. The last 15 months we timed our baby dancing (BD), 6 cycles of Clomid, 3 failed IUIs and now towards our first IVF.
I am nervous, excited and scared. Not sure what we expect. I purchased 3 cycles IVF packages just in case our first try not successful.
This year really a tough year for me. I never though it will be so hard for us. In a month I will be 40, and I get scared that I will not be able to have my own children. There is a space in my heart that empty. I am grateful and fortunate to have a loving husband that always on my side and very supportive.
I have many friends gets pregnant this month. Some not even trying, some through IVF. I am happy for them. But for those who not trying they really don't understand what I went or going through. It hard to talk to them because they never been 'there'. But as a friend, you need to listen to them talking about their pregnancy, talking about their symptoms, asking you to accompany them to shop with them because they cannot fit in their pant or shirt anymore.
I pray and hope one day I will be a mom.
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