This is Jenn:
Yep, got the results of my lab work and ultrasound today - all is well with the surrogate!! I'm exactly where I should be :) Woohoo!! Next appointments are Tuesday for both Allison & I. We'll keep ya posted, I promise!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Well whadda ya know?
This is Allison ~
I had my first U/S and labs this morning since starting back on meds. I have been feeling that things were going to be good this time. I don't know if it's the acupuncture that gave me that feeling or if it was all in my head, but I've felt like things were going to be good. But as I got closer and closer to the clinic, I started feeling nervous. The dr came in and did my U/S and said that my lining was 3.8, which is good. He said I had a few follicles on both ovaries. My left ovary apparently was trying to hide because he was having a hard time finding it. OUCHIE!!!!! Also, NO CYSTS. Woohoo!!!!!
After the U/S came the bloodwork, then off to work. At lunch I was wondering when I would hear from the nurse about the results. As I was on the elevator coming back from lunch, my phone started vibrating. I looked down and it said Houston IVF. My heart starting beating so fast. I was almost scared to answer. I got off the elevator and answered. She said, everything looks good to go!!! I almost cried. I was like...are you serious? She said my estrogen was right where it should be. Holy Cow.
So, I now start my Menopur and Gonal-F on Saturday. My next U/S and labs will be Tuesday morning. If everything is good, I will probably have another appt that week as well. Then Doug will have his FDA labs done. If things are on track, the egg retrieval will be that next week, then the transfer 3 or 5 days later. So, we could be looking at a transfer date of 16th, 17th or 18th or somewhere in there.
Wow, this is really happening. I'm so darn excited!!!! The show is on the road folks.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers everyone.....
I had my first U/S and labs this morning since starting back on meds. I have been feeling that things were going to be good this time. I don't know if it's the acupuncture that gave me that feeling or if it was all in my head, but I've felt like things were going to be good. But as I got closer and closer to the clinic, I started feeling nervous. The dr came in and did my U/S and said that my lining was 3.8, which is good. He said I had a few follicles on both ovaries. My left ovary apparently was trying to hide because he was having a hard time finding it. OUCHIE!!!!! Also, NO CYSTS. Woohoo!!!!!
After the U/S came the bloodwork, then off to work. At lunch I was wondering when I would hear from the nurse about the results. As I was on the elevator coming back from lunch, my phone started vibrating. I looked down and it said Houston IVF. My heart starting beating so fast. I was almost scared to answer. I got off the elevator and answered. She said, everything looks good to go!!! I almost cried. I was like...are you serious? She said my estrogen was right where it should be. Holy Cow.
So, I now start my Menopur and Gonal-F on Saturday. My next U/S and labs will be Tuesday morning. If everything is good, I will probably have another appt that week as well. Then Doug will have his FDA labs done. If things are on track, the egg retrieval will be that next week, then the transfer 3 or 5 days later. So, we could be looking at a transfer date of 16th, 17th or 18th or somewhere in there.
Wow, this is really happening. I'm so darn excited!!!! The show is on the road folks.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers everyone.....
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Voodoo Hippy stuff
This is Allison
Yes, this is what Doug said about my idea to try acupuncture for him, me and Jenn. He thinks we're all crazy (well, it's debatable, but that's beside the point) and that it's all voodoo hoodoo, quacky crazy stuff. Well, to be honest, I have no idea. I don't know enough about it to even have an opinion. MY point is that if there's a possibility that it could make a difference, I'm all for it. If there is anything I can do to make this dream a reality, I'm on board. So, here we are.
I do think the acupuncture appointment was very relaxing. I just closed my eyes and let myself experience whatever it was that was going on. It sounds like Sheri put needles on me in the same spots as she did Jenn. The only one that I had to say "ouch" to was one that went in my ear. She put 2 in each ear, but only one hurt for a second. Mostly you don't feel the needles, if you do, it's just a little prick, not much at all. Once she was done, she left the room and like Jenn said, put on some relaxing music for about 30 minutes. I laid there with my mouth closed (for those who don't know - I am a mouth breather - when I sleep at night, it's wide open trying to catch flies or whatever, or Doug would say peeling the paint off the ceiling) and was just breathing. I was wondering when my mouth would open since I was relaxing more and more. Well, unless I was asleep, I don't think it ever opened. Which is WAY weird because I kept expecting it to open. (I have no clue why I'm saying all this - other than it was just odd to me) About half way through my 30 minutes of relaxing, I heard Doug ask her where the restroom was. She said, through there, you can go through. So, he opened the curtain and walked by me. I kept my eyes closed the whole time. I knew when he saw me that he was thinking it looked weird. Laying very still, eyes closed, needles everywhere. It was so hard not to laugh. I was thinking....I'm going to scare him when he comes back through. So, as I heard him walking through, I opened my eyes REALLY wide.....and he looked at me. It was so funny, I almost busted out laughing. Later on he said, you looked so weird laying there. HA
Well, after that little episode, I got back to just laying there. Then I started thinking......am I snoring? Seriously, I couldn't tell if I was in a light sleep or not. Who knows. I asked Doug if he heard me snoring and he said no, but he had his ipod on so how would he hear me??? I should have asked Sheri.
Oh well, there ya go for my first acupuncture visit. We have our 2nd appt this Saturday. Doug really did not want to do this at all. I mean, really did not. I had to do quite a bit of begging and a little crying (kidding, kinda) to get him to say yes. So, I really owe him for agreeing to do it. I know he hates it and doesn't believe in it and just doesn't like this kind of thing. But hey, taking one for the team sometimes isn't the funnest (is that a word) thing in the world. But I love him for it and for doing it for us. I'm just so thankful he hasn't spewed any awful verbal language in front of her. Whew
I started my Lupron and Dexamethasone Monday. My last BCP was last night. My first scan and bloodwork is next Wednesday. Please Lord, let my levels be good this time. If you don't remember, my estrogen and progesterone weren't cooperating last time for about a 4 week period. Hopefully this time we will be right on track and no delays.
Until next time.......
Yes, this is what Doug said about my idea to try acupuncture for him, me and Jenn. He thinks we're all crazy (well, it's debatable, but that's beside the point) and that it's all voodoo hoodoo, quacky crazy stuff. Well, to be honest, I have no idea. I don't know enough about it to even have an opinion. MY point is that if there's a possibility that it could make a difference, I'm all for it. If there is anything I can do to make this dream a reality, I'm on board. So, here we are.
I do think the acupuncture appointment was very relaxing. I just closed my eyes and let myself experience whatever it was that was going on. It sounds like Sheri put needles on me in the same spots as she did Jenn. The only one that I had to say "ouch" to was one that went in my ear. She put 2 in each ear, but only one hurt for a second. Mostly you don't feel the needles, if you do, it's just a little prick, not much at all. Once she was done, she left the room and like Jenn said, put on some relaxing music for about 30 minutes. I laid there with my mouth closed (for those who don't know - I am a mouth breather - when I sleep at night, it's wide open trying to catch flies or whatever, or Doug would say peeling the paint off the ceiling) and was just breathing. I was wondering when my mouth would open since I was relaxing more and more. Well, unless I was asleep, I don't think it ever opened. Which is WAY weird because I kept expecting it to open. (I have no clue why I'm saying all this - other than it was just odd to me) About half way through my 30 minutes of relaxing, I heard Doug ask her where the restroom was. She said, through there, you can go through. So, he opened the curtain and walked by me. I kept my eyes closed the whole time. I knew when he saw me that he was thinking it looked weird. Laying very still, eyes closed, needles everywhere. It was so hard not to laugh. I was thinking....I'm going to scare him when he comes back through. So, as I heard him walking through, I opened my eyes REALLY wide.....and he looked at me. It was so funny, I almost busted out laughing. Later on he said, you looked so weird laying there. HA
Well, after that little episode, I got back to just laying there. Then I started thinking......am I snoring? Seriously, I couldn't tell if I was in a light sleep or not. Who knows. I asked Doug if he heard me snoring and he said no, but he had his ipod on so how would he hear me??? I should have asked Sheri.
Oh well, there ya go for my first acupuncture visit. We have our 2nd appt this Saturday. Doug really did not want to do this at all. I mean, really did not. I had to do quite a bit of begging and a little crying (kidding, kinda) to get him to say yes. So, I really owe him for agreeing to do it. I know he hates it and doesn't believe in it and just doesn't like this kind of thing. But hey, taking one for the team sometimes isn't the funnest (is that a word) thing in the world. But I love him for it and for doing it for us. I'm just so thankful he hasn't spewed any awful verbal language in front of her. Whew
I started my Lupron and Dexamethasone Monday. My last BCP was last night. My first scan and bloodwork is next Wednesday. Please Lord, let my levels be good this time. If you don't remember, my estrogen and progesterone weren't cooperating last time for about a 4 week period. Hopefully this time we will be right on track and no delays.
Until next time.......
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Relax
This is Jenn:
Ever wonder what it feels like to have a needle stuck into the top of your head? How about the little crease in between your big toe and the one next to it (what's the called, the pointer toe?). And all over your abdomen, a few in the arm & hand, and, oh yes, my favorite, in your ears?
The special appointment that Allison referred to in her previous post was acupuncture. And yes, Allison, Doug & I all went to our first appointment on Saturday, and it was very enlightening. And VERY relaxing - yes, even the one in the head! I was truly surprised by how much it didn't hurt - well except for the ears, and she warned me about them before she did it, then waited to see if the stinging would stop - and it did :)
Before going in, I had it all figured out in my mind - I would go in, lay down with my ear buds in my ears so that I could tune out the world - and the fact that Sheri was pushing little needles into my skin, all over my body - and focus on my music. Yeah, didn't happen! We chatted, she told me to lay back, and she started, all while continuing to chat. I was shocked at how fast it all went, and when she was done, she turned out the light, turned on some calming "music" and left the room. And.I.dozed.off! I think I actually took a few minutes' nap :)
And then it was over - until tomorrow when I go in for my 2nd appointment!
The reason? Research has shown great improvement in assisted reproduction (IVF) and infertility treatments when acupuncture is involved. Dramatic improvements actually! It increases blood flow throughout the body, causes the uterus to relax more (especially when you do a treatment directly after transfer, which we are planning to do), reduces the chance of miscarriage or rejection of the embabies, increases ovarian production (egg-making) in egg donors and intended mothers, "swimmer" motility for intended fathers, etc. So, with a recommendation from a surro friend who is currently preggo with twin girls (after having a failed chemical pregnancy about a year ago), we decided to give it a try! Why not? If it will only improve our chances for pregnancy on the 1st try, then we'll do whatever it takes, right guys???
More to come...stay tuned! We're getting closer to our transfer date...first appointments for suppression checks and lining checks next week - woohoo!!! Keep the prayers coming!!!!
Ever wonder what it feels like to have a needle stuck into the top of your head? How about the little crease in between your big toe and the one next to it (what's the called, the pointer toe?). And all over your abdomen, a few in the arm & hand, and, oh yes, my favorite, in your ears?
The special appointment that Allison referred to in her previous post was acupuncture. And yes, Allison, Doug & I all went to our first appointment on Saturday, and it was very enlightening. And VERY relaxing - yes, even the one in the head! I was truly surprised by how much it didn't hurt - well except for the ears, and she warned me about them before she did it, then waited to see if the stinging would stop - and it did :)
Before going in, I had it all figured out in my mind - I would go in, lay down with my ear buds in my ears so that I could tune out the world - and the fact that Sheri was pushing little needles into my skin, all over my body - and focus on my music. Yeah, didn't happen! We chatted, she told me to lay back, and she started, all while continuing to chat. I was shocked at how fast it all went, and when she was done, she turned out the light, turned on some calming "music" and left the room. And.I.dozed.off! I think I actually took a few minutes' nap :)
And then it was over - until tomorrow when I go in for my 2nd appointment!
The reason? Research has shown great improvement in assisted reproduction (IVF) and infertility treatments when acupuncture is involved. Dramatic improvements actually! It increases blood flow throughout the body, causes the uterus to relax more (especially when you do a treatment directly after transfer, which we are planning to do), reduces the chance of miscarriage or rejection of the embabies, increases ovarian production (egg-making) in egg donors and intended mothers, "swimmer" motility for intended fathers, etc. So, with a recommendation from a surro friend who is currently preggo with twin girls (after having a failed chemical pregnancy about a year ago), we decided to give it a try! Why not? If it will only improve our chances for pregnancy on the 1st try, then we'll do whatever it takes, right guys???
More to come...stay tuned! We're getting closer to our transfer date...first appointments for suppression checks and lining checks next week - woohoo!!! Keep the prayers coming!!!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thursday update
This is Allison
Doug and I went to HIVF today to re-sign our consents. Like Jenn said on Tuesday, they have to be current, which is within 6 months. So muuuuccccchhhh signing. It is comparable to doing the paperwork for getting a mortgage. Fun stuff.
I'm so excited to start meds. I start Monday with Lupron and Dexamethasone. Crap, as I'm writing this, I'm just wondering when Doug is supposed to start his Doxycycline. I wonder if it was this past Monday? Oh dear.......ugh, I'll have to e-mail the nurse. Now I feel sick, but I'm sure it won't hurt anything if it was supposed to be Monday. I don't remember her telling me when he should start. SIGHHHH
Ok, now I'm all worked up and I need to e-mail her.
Oh, we're going for some special appointments Saturday. We'll probably update you soon about that.
Doug and I went to HIVF today to re-sign our consents. Like Jenn said on Tuesday, they have to be current, which is within 6 months. So muuuuccccchhhh signing. It is comparable to doing the paperwork for getting a mortgage. Fun stuff.
I'm so excited to start meds. I start Monday with Lupron and Dexamethasone. Crap, as I'm writing this, I'm just wondering when Doug is supposed to start his Doxycycline. I wonder if it was this past Monday? Oh dear.......ugh, I'll have to e-mail the nurse. Now I feel sick, but I'm sure it won't hurt anything if it was supposed to be Monday. I don't remember her telling me when he should start. SIGHHHH
Ok, now I'm all worked up and I need to e-mail her.
Oh, we're going for some special appointments Saturday. We'll probably update you soon about that.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuesday Update
This is Jenn:
Michael & I went for our labs today; he didn't' faint, or even almost faint this time :) And, before he jumps me for saying that, I should clarify that he didn't faint the last time either - just almost! I'm so proud!! Labs were done more than 6 months ago, so that's why we had to have them done again. This isn't a good thing when you are a needle-phobe like my sweet DH. But, they are testing for communicable diseases...I'm pretty sure that since we didn't have any last time, we're still good, but the FDA is so picky about this sort of thing! Although, I hope I didn't inadvertently pick something up from drinking out of the stray water bottle that was left on the table in the waiting room today! (yes, I picked it up, took a big drink, put the lid back on, then almost lost it when I realized that I didn't bring my water bottle inside with me!!!)
And, on the injectional front (don't think that's a word is it?), I'd like to say that 2 days of Lupron shots have resulted in no headaches!
I probably just jinxed myself, huh? Where's the Tylenol...
Michael & I went for our labs today; he didn't' faint, or even almost faint this time :) And, before he jumps me for saying that, I should clarify that he didn't faint the last time either - just almost! I'm so proud!! Labs were done more than 6 months ago, so that's why we had to have them done again. This isn't a good thing when you are a needle-phobe like my sweet DH. But, they are testing for communicable diseases...I'm pretty sure that since we didn't have any last time, we're still good, but the FDA is so picky about this sort of thing! Although, I hope I didn't inadvertently pick something up from drinking out of the stray water bottle that was left on the table in the waiting room today! (yes, I picked it up, took a big drink, put the lid back on, then almost lost it when I realized that I didn't bring my water bottle inside with me!!!)
And, on the injectional front (don't think that's a word is it?), I'd like to say that 2 days of Lupron shots have resulted in no headaches!
I probably just jinxed myself, huh? Where's the Tylenol...
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Got some meds today
This is Allison -
Well, we're gearing up for Round 2 of meds. I received my Lupron and trigger shot today. It's making it seem more real. Jenn will be starting hers tomorrow. Woohoo! Hopefully we're going to be on track this time and get this show rolling.
I had dinner last night with Jenn and Michael and two other couples. We had a great time. One of the girls is pregnant with twins for the other couple. I hate to say it, but I was feeling a little jealous. I just want it to be us. I don't want to seem greedy though. I have never had the feelings of some women that I read about......about not being able to go to baby showers, getting worked up around others who have children, etc. I really don't know why I don't have those feelings, but the feeling of a little jealousy came over me a little last night. I just want it to be my turn. :) I'm just excited and am just praying this all works out right and we end up with a little munchkin or two. :)
Anyways.....hopefully our blog will become a little more exciting in the next few days, weeks, etc. Being in that limbo the last couple of months has been so yucky. Waiting is just so hard to do. But once you get where you were waiting on....it doesn't seem that long.
Thanks for everyone's prayers and we'll update as things happen.
Over and out......
Well, we're gearing up for Round 2 of meds. I received my Lupron and trigger shot today. It's making it seem more real. Jenn will be starting hers tomorrow. Woohoo! Hopefully we're going to be on track this time and get this show rolling.
I had dinner last night with Jenn and Michael and two other couples. We had a great time. One of the girls is pregnant with twins for the other couple. I hate to say it, but I was feeling a little jealous. I just want it to be us. I don't want to seem greedy though. I have never had the feelings of some women that I read about......about not being able to go to baby showers, getting worked up around others who have children, etc. I really don't know why I don't have those feelings, but the feeling of a little jealousy came over me a little last night. I just want it to be my turn. :) I'm just excited and am just praying this all works out right and we end up with a little munchkin or two. :)
Anyways.....hopefully our blog will become a little more exciting in the next few days, weeks, etc. Being in that limbo the last couple of months has been so yucky. Waiting is just so hard to do. But once you get where you were waiting on....it doesn't seem that long.
Thanks for everyone's prayers and we'll update as things happen.
Over and out......
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Operation Baby Obert - take 2
This is Jenn:
We got official word today that I will be starting my med calendar the week of July 12th, Allison will follow-suit the week of July 19th :) Egg retrieval will be the week of the 9th, and Embryo transfer will happen around August 14th or 16th!! Woohoo!!! Progress feels good :)
We got official word today that I will be starting my med calendar the week of July 12th, Allison will follow-suit the week of July 19th :) Egg retrieval will be the week of the 9th, and Embryo transfer will happen around August 14th or 16th!! Woohoo!!! Progress feels good :)
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