Hey guys! Just popping in real quick to fill you in on my new medication regimen. I hope you're taking notes cause there will be a quiz at the end of this process. ;)
Last night was the last of the Lupron shots and I literally just started my Progesterone (1mL, in the butt) about ten minutes ago. My sweet husband lovingly administered this shot, and I do have to admit, he did a great job! If I remember correctly from the last cycle, the few first doses of this were the worst because both sides of my rear were sore (like I'd done a hundred lunges), but then it got better after that. I sure hope the same is true this time, because if we do end up pregnant after the transfer, I'll be continuing these shots throughout the entire first trimester! That's over ninety shots in the tush...yikes!
I am also still taking the estradiol pills (two pills, two times a day). The nurse said I will continue these throughout the first trimester, too. I swear, between the vitamins, thyroid medication, estradiol, antibiotic courses, and stool softeners (sorry, TMI), I have more pills in my pill box (yes, I have to use a pill box...don't laugh) than some of my elderly patients! Geesh! lol
Well, that's it for the meds...for now! T-minus five days, folks! I am very excited that tomorrow morning I will be able to say "The FET is THIS week!" Eeeeeeek!
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
My New Motto
So the last two days have been a tad bit stressful around here...
It started when I received a text from my mom at 1:30am Thursday morning saying my dad was being admitted to the hospital because he was having heart palpitations and getting very dizzy, even when he was lying down. (He has had those palpitations for some time now, but the doctor could never figure out what was causing them and was never able to actually see them on the heart monitor.) She had taken him to the ER and they were able to capture his strange heart rhythms, with rates ranging from 155 to 37 (yikes). They decided to transfer him to another hospital where his cardiologist could see him. She included the words, "I don't want to alarm you..." in the text, which, of course, alarmed me! Needless to say, it took a while for me to go back to sleep.
She then called me at 5:30am to let me know he was safely in his room and what they had already given him medicine wise and what they were planning on doing until the cardiologist could get there in the morning. She told me she would keep me updated on how he was feeling and what the doctor said. I hung up feeling more uneasy than after the text, and had to take a minute and give it to God. He placed this simple phrase on my heart, which I am now adopting as my new motto: "I can't, but God can". After saying a prayer and silently repeating these words over and over, I began to feel that peace that only comes from the Lord...it's amazing what talking to the Father can do for you!
As it turns out, my dad needed a pacemaker to help keep his heart rate from dipping too low, and medications to keep the rhythm "normal" and within a safe range. He had the pacemaker placed today, and (PTL) is feeling much better now! He should go home sometime tomorrow if everything looks okay, and he will just have to be out of work and wear a sling to keep him from displacing the pacer for a few weeks.
Thinking about it now, after all this time of not being able to figure out what the problem was, God knew what it was the whole time. He knew that my dad would have to go through all those dizzy spells, all of those tests at the doctor's office, this ER visit and admission to the hospital, to pin point what needed to be done. He guided the surgeon's hands to correctly place the pacemaker that would fix the problem. Even when we have no clue what is wrong or what to do, God does. This leads me back to my motto: "I can't, but God can". We can't see His ultimate plan, but He can, and that's all that matters.
To add to the stress level, I had a mini freak-out after my appointment with Dr T this morning. (I know, shame on me, but I'm only human! lol) My lining measured at 6.1mm, whereas it was 7.2mm just two days ago. Um, hello?! That's the wrong direction! The u/s tech and nurse didn't seem alarmed, though, and told me Dr T would look at my labs results and be calling me later with orders. I went ahead and made an appointment for Monday morning, and I left feeling a little down because things were going so well! What if things got cancelled...AGAIN?
After a few minutes of moping, I suddenly felt ashamed of myself. What happened to trusting 100% in God's plan?? This, too, was a part of His plan, and something that He was totally in control of. I started praying that God forgive me for my momentary lapse of sanity (lol) and that He would continue His work in me, even if that meant a slight set-back. Again, I quoted my new motto: "I can't, but YOU can, Lord". I went off to work, vowing to leave all my worries at God's feet and my future in His hands.
I got the call from Denese around lunchtime...with great news! Dr T was not at all concerned about the measurement of my lining, since it still looked "plush" and thick, and my estrogen level was perfect. Although he adjusted my medication a little (I add another Estrogen pill to the mix, making 8mg), he said I didn't have to come back in Monday and everything was a go for next Thursday's transfer! Oh man, that was music to my ears! I had to take a second and praise the Lord for His awesomeness! God is SOOO good!
So, even after all of the "issues" of the last two days, I've found this to be absolutely, without a doubt, 100% true, 100% of the time: "I can't, but God can". Repeat that to yourself when you're in a tough situation, when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, when things get a little stressful, or when you just need a reminder that God is in control...I promise, you won't be disappointed! ;)
It started when I received a text from my mom at 1:30am Thursday morning saying my dad was being admitted to the hospital because he was having heart palpitations and getting very dizzy, even when he was lying down. (He has had those palpitations for some time now, but the doctor could never figure out what was causing them and was never able to actually see them on the heart monitor.) She had taken him to the ER and they were able to capture his strange heart rhythms, with rates ranging from 155 to 37 (yikes). They decided to transfer him to another hospital where his cardiologist could see him. She included the words, "I don't want to alarm you..." in the text, which, of course, alarmed me! Needless to say, it took a while for me to go back to sleep.
She then called me at 5:30am to let me know he was safely in his room and what they had already given him medicine wise and what they were planning on doing until the cardiologist could get there in the morning. She told me she would keep me updated on how he was feeling and what the doctor said. I hung up feeling more uneasy than after the text, and had to take a minute and give it to God. He placed this simple phrase on my heart, which I am now adopting as my new motto: "I can't, but God can". After saying a prayer and silently repeating these words over and over, I began to feel that peace that only comes from the Lord...it's amazing what talking to the Father can do for you!
As it turns out, my dad needed a pacemaker to help keep his heart rate from dipping too low, and medications to keep the rhythm "normal" and within a safe range. He had the pacemaker placed today, and (PTL) is feeling much better now! He should go home sometime tomorrow if everything looks okay, and he will just have to be out of work and wear a sling to keep him from displacing the pacer for a few weeks.
Thinking about it now, after all this time of not being able to figure out what the problem was, God knew what it was the whole time. He knew that my dad would have to go through all those dizzy spells, all of those tests at the doctor's office, this ER visit and admission to the hospital, to pin point what needed to be done. He guided the surgeon's hands to correctly place the pacemaker that would fix the problem. Even when we have no clue what is wrong or what to do, God does. This leads me back to my motto: "I can't, but God can". We can't see His ultimate plan, but He can, and that's all that matters.
To add to the stress level, I had a mini freak-out after my appointment with Dr T this morning. (I know, shame on me, but I'm only human! lol) My lining measured at 6.1mm, whereas it was 7.2mm just two days ago. Um, hello?! That's the wrong direction! The u/s tech and nurse didn't seem alarmed, though, and told me Dr T would look at my labs results and be calling me later with orders. I went ahead and made an appointment for Monday morning, and I left feeling a little down because things were going so well! What if things got cancelled...AGAIN?
After a few minutes of moping, I suddenly felt ashamed of myself. What happened to trusting 100% in God's plan?? This, too, was a part of His plan, and something that He was totally in control of. I started praying that God forgive me for my momentary lapse of sanity (lol) and that He would continue His work in me, even if that meant a slight set-back. Again, I quoted my new motto: "I can't, but YOU can, Lord". I went off to work, vowing to leave all my worries at God's feet and my future in His hands.
I got the call from Denese around lunchtime...with great news! Dr T was not at all concerned about the measurement of my lining, since it still looked "plush" and thick, and my estrogen level was perfect. Although he adjusted my medication a little (I add another Estrogen pill to the mix, making 8mg), he said I didn't have to come back in Monday and everything was a go for next Thursday's transfer! Oh man, that was music to my ears! I had to take a second and praise the Lord for His awesomeness! God is SOOO good!
So, even after all of the "issues" of the last two days, I've found this to be absolutely, without a doubt, 100% true, 100% of the time: "I can't, but God can". Repeat that to yourself when you're in a tough situation, when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, when things get a little stressful, or when you just need a reminder that God is in control...I promise, you won't be disappointed! ;)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
The Daily Happenings
Why hello again! Fancy meeting you here! ;) Ready for the rundown of today's happenings? Not too much too tell, but here it goes:
My lining is at 7.2mm today, so only a growth of 0.2mm since Monday. Not great, but it's in the right direction, so I'll take it! I have to increase my dose of Estradiol to three tablets a day, or 6mg. I'll take three pills today and tomorrow (one in the morning and then two at night), and then just one on Friday morning before my 7am appointment. The Lupron dose is still 5 units for now.
My TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) has gone up from 2.1 to 5.1, which was a little shocking, because the medicine had been controlling it so well. But Dr T isn't concerned because the hormones I'm taking right now can raise it (he said it will continue to go up once I'm pregnant, too), so he just doubled the dose of my medication for now (50mcg of Synthroid) and we will recheck it in a few weeks. In case you're curious, an under-active thyroid can effect a woman's ovulation, so I started medication right away when Dr T noticed my levels were borderline high in January. Even though we're doing the FET, so ovulation isn't an issue, there are still side effects of high TSH levels (exhaustion, balding, weight gain, hot flashes...no thank you!), so he likes to keep it under control.
Ba-deep, ba-deep, ba-deep, that's all folks! (Hahaha...sorry, that was corny, I know. But admit it---you know you cracked a smile!) Please keep those prayers coming! Even though it seems like nothing much is happening, I know God is continuing to work on His masterpiece, and I can't wait to see the finished product(s)! :)
My lining is at 7.2mm today, so only a growth of 0.2mm since Monday. Not great, but it's in the right direction, so I'll take it! I have to increase my dose of Estradiol to three tablets a day, or 6mg. I'll take three pills today and tomorrow (one in the morning and then two at night), and then just one on Friday morning before my 7am appointment. The Lupron dose is still 5 units for now.
My TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) has gone up from 2.1 to 5.1, which was a little shocking, because the medicine had been controlling it so well. But Dr T isn't concerned because the hormones I'm taking right now can raise it (he said it will continue to go up once I'm pregnant, too), so he just doubled the dose of my medication for now (50mcg of Synthroid) and we will recheck it in a few weeks. In case you're curious, an under-active thyroid can effect a woman's ovulation, so I started medication right away when Dr T noticed my levels were borderline high in January. Even though we're doing the FET, so ovulation isn't an issue, there are still side effects of high TSH levels (exhaustion, balding, weight gain, hot flashes...no thank you!), so he likes to keep it under control.
Ba-deep, ba-deep, ba-deep, that's all folks! (Hahaha...sorry, that was corny, I know. But admit it---you know you cracked a smile!) Please keep those prayers coming! Even though it seems like nothing much is happening, I know God is continuing to work on His masterpiece, and I can't wait to see the finished product(s)! :)
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Update and a Confession
Time for another update from my appointment yesterday!
I had to be there at 8am this time (due to the holiday office hours), so I figured being ten minutes early would give me a good advantage. Boy, was I wrong! There were nine cars already in the parking lot when I got there, and the waiting room was standing room only! Luckily, they're very efficient there, so it only took about twenty minutes or so for me to be taken back.
Dr T actually did my u/s this time, and he very pleased to see my lining has grown to 7mm. Way to go, uterus! (In case you don't remember, the goal is 10-13mm.) My estrogen level "looked good" (per Denese, the nurse), so I took my usual 5 units of Lupron and 2mg of Estradiol last night and will repeat it again tonight. He said based on tomorrow's labs and u/s, we might increase the dose of the Estradiol to 4mg, just to give my lining an extra boost. So, tomorrow, I have to be there at 7am...I'm thinking maybe I should camp out in the car the night before my appointments. Whatcha think? ;)
In other news, I got to meet my new OB/GYN today! (This was only my second of four appointments to have my va-jay "probed" this week...man, oh man, are my lady parts gonna be maaaaad at me! lol) Anyway, we will call him Dr S, and I think this one is going to work! He's very friendly (but not too friendly), answered all my questions, and didn't stand there with the door open while talking to me (yes, I've had this experience...that is why I'm changing doctors!)...sounds like a winner to me!
So, for today's appointment, he got a little history from me, did the usual exam (ouchie-wah-wah), and then said he can't wait to see me in hopefully just a few months for my prenatal exam! Eek---just the thought of me actually being pregnant makes me smile! :)
Well, that's it in the way of doctor's appointments (until tomorrow, that is). Just one more tidbit I'd like to discuss...or confess, lol.
(Now please, before proceeding, remember that I usually am a very sane, compassionate, mild-tempered person. But lately...)
I am having mood swings. Yes, mood swings. MUTANT mood swings, to be more precise. I feel like I'm either going through menopause or my ninth month of pregnancy--not sure which, but neither are fun! Dr T and Dr S have both assured me that this is completely normal because of the hormones I am taking every day and the changes going on in my body. But let me tell you, I feel like I'm going nuts! If I'm not feeling anxious (about nothing in particular), I'm wanting to cry (again, about nothing). One minute I'm happy-go-lucky and the next I want to pinch someone's head off (anyone, it doesn't really matter who). If I'm not extremely tired, I'm jittery. I'm starving all the time, but then my stomach gets upset. I can't sleep very well, which doesn't help any of this. O. M. G. These hormones are no joke! LOL
But on a lighter note, you want to know what's getting me through all these crazy side effects?? Remembering that in just eight days, we will be sitting in Dr T's office, looking at our beautiful embies, counting down the minutes, not days, until they will transfer them back "home"! That makes this whole journey so worth it...yes, even the mood swings! ;)
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Yesterday's Appointment
Sorry, guys! I am a day late on updating you all on yesterday's appointment with Dr T---how horrible am I?? ;)
I had to be there at 7am (yuck). They open at this time, and us IVF-ers have to go for our routine u/s and blood work between 7-9am. I have learned through trial and error that waiting until 7:30 or 8 is a bad idea, so I just suck it up and get there no later than 6:50am so I can wait in line at the door like the other ladies who have learned their lesson (yes, there is a line!). Luckily, I was the first person there and got in lickady-quick! Woohoo!
Ruthie (one of the super sweet medical assistants) drew my estradiol level and a blood pregnancy test (of course, it was negative, but juuuuuust in case ;) ), and then I moved on the u/s room. This u/s was a lot easier because they were only looking at my uterine lining (I thought they'd look at my ovaries, but the nurse said that's not necessary at this point), so it was literally a thirty-second exam. Needless to say, my lady parts were thankful for the brevity of the situation, lol.
So, my lining is currently 5mm thick, which is expected for this stage in the game (and since I am---TMI alert---being visited my Aunt Flo). It should grow to 10-13mm thick by the time of the transfer, so I was told to start my Estradiol pills (2mg) last night along with my usual 5 units of Lupron (shot). I will take this combo Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night and then be seen again in the office at 8am Monday morning (due to the holiday, there's only one time we can be seen)! Praying for a good report! :)
Now, time for some football with the hubs and a few friends! I hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!
I had to be there at 7am (yuck). They open at this time, and us IVF-ers have to go for our routine u/s and blood work between 7-9am. I have learned through trial and error that waiting until 7:30 or 8 is a bad idea, so I just suck it up and get there no later than 6:50am so I can wait in line at the door like the other ladies who have learned their lesson (yes, there is a line!). Luckily, I was the first person there and got in lickady-quick! Woohoo!
Ruthie (one of the super sweet medical assistants) drew my estradiol level and a blood pregnancy test (of course, it was negative, but juuuuuust in case ;) ), and then I moved on the u/s room. This u/s was a lot easier because they were only looking at my uterine lining (I thought they'd look at my ovaries, but the nurse said that's not necessary at this point), so it was literally a thirty-second exam. Needless to say, my lady parts were thankful for the brevity of the situation, lol.
So, my lining is currently 5mm thick, which is expected for this stage in the game (and since I am---TMI alert---being visited my Aunt Flo). It should grow to 10-13mm thick by the time of the transfer, so I was told to start my Estradiol pills (2mg) last night along with my usual 5 units of Lupron (shot). I will take this combo Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night and then be seen again in the office at 8am Monday morning (due to the holiday, there's only one time we can be seen)! Praying for a good report! :)
Now, time for some football with the hubs and a few friends! I hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!
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