Friday, April 20, 2012
Fail #2 - onto a rest cycle
AF showed up on Monday April 16. I went in for my scheduled appt April 17 for my routine blood draw just to make sure I'm not pregnant. John and I have decided to take a month to rest from the drugs and appts. As you can imagine, it can get overwhelming.
John had his 3 month post surgery follow up appt at the Urologist. They took a look at his SA and said it's pretty much the same as October. This is better news than I would have thought. I was thinking it would get worse before it got better. So here's to hoping it only gets better from here. He goes back in another 3 months.
We will return to the study as soon as my next cycle starts. Until then...
Friday, April 13, 2012
Research Study IUI cycle #2
It's been since finding out that cycle #1 didn't work that I've felt like updating. I think I took it a little better than I anticipated although it's still very sad.
Cycle #2 feels a little more promising to me for some reason. I had great response to the meds again. Had 4 maybe 5 mature follicles at the time of trigger shot which was 4/1. IUI was the morning of 4/3 and a little more painful this time. I think due to the girl being more inexperienced than the first lady.
I was most upset at John's numbers. They were extremely low with very low motility. Basically it showed that we only had 10,000 good sperm. It sounds like a high number unless you know how much men really should have. We are talking millions and millions they should have. But I have read that woman have gotten pregnant with those numbers so I can't rule this cycle out quite yet. Although our chances are more slim than the average couple, stranger things have happened. We are also thinking that maybe his vericocele vein surgery may have something to do with it. It's been 3 months since the surgery and it takes 3 months for sperm to regenerate. So if any trauma or sickness happens, usually it takes about 3 months to show any change in a man's sperm count and quality.
Today I am 10pdiui (dpiui=days past iui). I go in on Tuesday 4/17 for my pregnancy bloodtest. That is, if I make it that far. Last cycle I started my cycle before the testing day. I have a busy weekend ahead of me so the time should fly by. Keep the prayers coming. Lord knows we need it! Thanks again for everyone's support :)
Cycle #2 feels a little more promising to me for some reason. I had great response to the meds again. Had 4 maybe 5 mature follicles at the time of trigger shot which was 4/1. IUI was the morning of 4/3 and a little more painful this time. I think due to the girl being more inexperienced than the first lady.
I was most upset at John's numbers. They were extremely low with very low motility. Basically it showed that we only had 10,000 good sperm. It sounds like a high number unless you know how much men really should have. We are talking millions and millions they should have. But I have read that woman have gotten pregnant with those numbers so I can't rule this cycle out quite yet. Although our chances are more slim than the average couple, stranger things have happened. We are also thinking that maybe his vericocele vein surgery may have something to do with it. It's been 3 months since the surgery and it takes 3 months for sperm to regenerate. So if any trauma or sickness happens, usually it takes about 3 months to show any change in a man's sperm count and quality.
Today I am 10pdiui (dpiui=days past iui). I go in on Tuesday 4/17 for my pregnancy bloodtest. That is, if I make it that far. Last cycle I started my cycle before the testing day. I have a busy weekend ahead of me so the time should fly by. Keep the prayers coming. Lord knows we need it! Thanks again for everyone's support :)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Onto the next cycle
AF showed up this morning. Don’t really feel like talking about it. So we move onto the next cycle. I always said that I didn’t want to have a December baby, but at this point, I don’t care. I just want a healthy baby to hold. I am waiting to hear back from the study coordinator on whether I still go in tomorrow for bloodwork or if me starting my period changes things up a bit. I still feel blessed that we have 3 more chances at this without paying a dime out of pocket. I really don’t have a choice but to keep my chin up and move forward.
Off topic, today marks 5 years of John’s dad’s passing. I was really hoping that this month we would conceive so that it would be like his dad blessing us in a way. But it’s ok. I know he is still looking down on us, rooting us on ;-)
Off topic, today marks 5 years of John’s dad’s passing. I was really hoping that this month we would conceive so that it would be like his dad blessing us in a way. But it’s ok. I know he is still looking down on us, rooting us on ;-)
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
In the 2ww of our first IUI
I want to be better at blogging our every move through this journey but it’s other parts of our life that pulls me away.
Just an update on our appointments so far during our first IUI cycle with the research study. I responded really well to the meds given to me. I had several maturing follicles. A few that were actually sizable for the IUI. So far I have had 6 appointments this cycle and I have 2 more to go. Each and every time I have had to have bloodwork (b/w) done and majority of them including an ultrasound (u/s). I went in on Monday March 5 for u/s and b/w. Found out that my body was gearing up to ovulate on it’s own. So they had me come in Tuesday morning for more b/w and u/s to make sure that I hadn’t ovulated yet. If I was starting to, they would have to cancel the IUI and this cycle would have been a bust. But my body hadn’t yet, so they gave me the HCG trigger shot Tuesday morning and then I returned Wednesday morning for the IUI. John had to arrive at 7:30am and I came in at 9:30am. All went well and now we are in what’s called the 2 week wait (aka 2ww). Tomorrow I go in for b/w and u/s to confirm that I did ovulate and check my hormone levels. They do not check pregnancy at this appointment as it would be too soon. Then I go back the following Wednesday, March 21st for b/w and that’s when I will find out the results. EEEEK…. I can’t believe I have to wait a whole other week.
I’m doing fine. I have positive days and not so positive days. The days I'm positive I think we have gone through so much, why wouldn't this work and maybe this is exactly what we needed. Why else did this research study fall into our lap? The other days I figured the IUI didn't work because why would it? If we have been trying for over 2 years now, why would this simple procedure be the answer to our prayers? The odds and success rates aren't that great, so why would it work for us? But I really am trying to overcome those feelings and just take it all in stride. I’m a bit anxious and calm at the same time. Make sense? HA! Will try to update after appointment tomorrow.
Just an update on our appointments so far during our first IUI cycle with the research study. I responded really well to the meds given to me. I had several maturing follicles. A few that were actually sizable for the IUI. So far I have had 6 appointments this cycle and I have 2 more to go. Each and every time I have had to have bloodwork (b/w) done and majority of them including an ultrasound (u/s). I went in on Monday March 5 for u/s and b/w. Found out that my body was gearing up to ovulate on it’s own. So they had me come in Tuesday morning for more b/w and u/s to make sure that I hadn’t ovulated yet. If I was starting to, they would have to cancel the IUI and this cycle would have been a bust. But my body hadn’t yet, so they gave me the HCG trigger shot Tuesday morning and then I returned Wednesday morning for the IUI. John had to arrive at 7:30am and I came in at 9:30am. All went well and now we are in what’s called the 2 week wait (aka 2ww). Tomorrow I go in for b/w and u/s to confirm that I did ovulate and check my hormone levels. They do not check pregnancy at this appointment as it would be too soon. Then I go back the following Wednesday, March 21st for b/w and that’s when I will find out the results. EEEEK…. I can’t believe I have to wait a whole other week.
I’m doing fine. I have positive days and not so positive days. The days I'm positive I think we have gone through so much, why wouldn't this work and maybe this is exactly what we needed. Why else did this research study fall into our lap? The other days I figured the IUI didn't work because why would it? If we have been trying for over 2 years now, why would this simple procedure be the answer to our prayers? The odds and success rates aren't that great, so why would it work for us? But I really am trying to overcome those feelings and just take it all in stride. I’m a bit anxious and calm at the same time. Make sense? HA! Will try to update after appointment tomorrow.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Qualified!
We are officially qualified for the study! I am so excited! I still can't believe we were given this opportunity. My appointment on 2/13 consisted of a preliminary ultrasound to just check everything out. They said it all looks good. They took some blood and I was on my way. Next day I was told we were good to go for the study and to call them when my next cycle started. My cycle started on 2/23. I had an appt on 2/24 for ultrasound, bloodwork and to get my meds. I was randomly selected for pills. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get the injectibles, but I'm ok with it now. Pills are simply easier. I started those Saturday. It's 5 days worth of pills. I am on day 3 today. I go back on Friday for an ultrasound and more bloodwork. They are going to measure my follicles to see how I'm responding to the meds. I may or may not have to come back 1 or 2 more times for ultrasound depending on the size of the follicles and if they are mature. Once they give me the go ahead, I will be given a trigger shot (HCG shot) to force my body to ovulate. 36 hours after the shot I will go in and have the IUI done. This will happen next. Cross your fingers and toes, pray real hard and think positive thoughts that this works for us. The more people on our side the better :-) Thank you everyone! We love you all!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Could 2012 be our year?!?
It’s already February….of 2012!! Blows my mind how fast time has gone since 9/19/09…our wedding anniversary. The very day we decided to try to get pregnant. Why waste time? I already have a child, let’s get this show on the road. And what a long road that has been. Never in our wildest dreams did this ever cross our minds.
This time, I have good news! No, I’m not pregnant, BUT it’s about getting there. John and I are in the qualification process to participate in a research study through Wayne State University on unexplained infertility. My co-worker was listening to the radio and heard an ad about this research study needing participants on unexplained infertility. She gave me the number to call. I called on a Wednesday after work and left a message. They called me back Thursday morning and I scheduled my first appointment for Friday. It happened so quick! The first appointment was answering a lot of questions about my health, family health history and etc. Then they drew some blood for some testing. I have to provide copies of our past tests like my HSG, PAP, and his latest SA. I have another appointment February 13th for an ultrasound and some additional bloodwork. Once I pass everything and John’s SA shows at least 5 million motile sperm, we are in the study! I don’t think we will have a problem qualifying.
This study covers up to a maximum of 4 months of medicated IUIs. We get put into the system and are randomly selected for 1 of 3 fertility drugs. 2 of which I have already taken before. Clomid, Menopur and Femera. I have taken 2 months of Clomid before. That stuff is evil. Bad side effects and I didn’t respond that great to it. I took Menopur which is the injectable kind, back in October for only one month. I responded really well to that drug and I pray I get selected for it for the study. Femera is a pill form just like Clomid. I have never used Femera but have heard good things about it compared to Clomid. Less side effects for sure. One thing is, is that if I get selected for a pill form drug, I, nor the doctors will know which one it is. They have the pills coated exactly the same. We won’t know until after the study is over. But if I get selected for Menopur, I will know because it’s the only one that is injectable.
And for those who aren’t sure what IUI is…it stands for Intrauterine Insemination. It’s where they inject the sperm into my uterus to get them closer to my egg at the right time. At my RE office, this procedure is $1000 per month and that doesn’t include the meds. So we are getting all of this at no cost to us!
All of this could happen as early as the end of this month when my new cycle starts. Seems so surreal that this really could be what we need.
Oh and John is doing great post-surgery. We did let the study coordinators know about John’s recent surgery. We are not sure what the surgery has done to his swimmers thus far. It’s only been about 5-6 weeks. He isn’t due to provide an SA until end of March. The study coordinator didn’t seem concerned and said that all we need to do is provide his latest SA and as long as he has 5 million motiel sperm, he qualifies. During our first IUI, they will take a look at his sperm to get a better look at what the surgery has done so far. For all we know, it could be worse before it gets better. She said if he doesn’t qualify for the study during the first IUI, then we can hold off a few months and jump back into the study. So I am very hopeful.
Will update after my next appointment. Wish us luck!
This time, I have good news! No, I’m not pregnant, BUT it’s about getting there. John and I are in the qualification process to participate in a research study through Wayne State University on unexplained infertility. My co-worker was listening to the radio and heard an ad about this research study needing participants on unexplained infertility. She gave me the number to call. I called on a Wednesday after work and left a message. They called me back Thursday morning and I scheduled my first appointment for Friday. It happened so quick! The first appointment was answering a lot of questions about my health, family health history and etc. Then they drew some blood for some testing. I have to provide copies of our past tests like my HSG, PAP, and his latest SA. I have another appointment February 13th for an ultrasound and some additional bloodwork. Once I pass everything and John’s SA shows at least 5 million motile sperm, we are in the study! I don’t think we will have a problem qualifying.
This study covers up to a maximum of 4 months of medicated IUIs. We get put into the system and are randomly selected for 1 of 3 fertility drugs. 2 of which I have already taken before. Clomid, Menopur and Femera. I have taken 2 months of Clomid before. That stuff is evil. Bad side effects and I didn’t respond that great to it. I took Menopur which is the injectable kind, back in October for only one month. I responded really well to that drug and I pray I get selected for it for the study. Femera is a pill form just like Clomid. I have never used Femera but have heard good things about it compared to Clomid. Less side effects for sure. One thing is, is that if I get selected for a pill form drug, I, nor the doctors will know which one it is. They have the pills coated exactly the same. We won’t know until after the study is over. But if I get selected for Menopur, I will know because it’s the only one that is injectable.
And for those who aren’t sure what IUI is…it stands for Intrauterine Insemination. It’s where they inject the sperm into my uterus to get them closer to my egg at the right time. At my RE office, this procedure is $1000 per month and that doesn’t include the meds. So we are getting all of this at no cost to us!
All of this could happen as early as the end of this month when my new cycle starts. Seems so surreal that this really could be what we need.
Oh and John is doing great post-surgery. We did let the study coordinators know about John’s recent surgery. We are not sure what the surgery has done to his swimmers thus far. It’s only been about 5-6 weeks. He isn’t due to provide an SA until end of March. The study coordinator didn’t seem concerned and said that all we need to do is provide his latest SA and as long as he has 5 million motiel sperm, he qualifies. During our first IUI, they will take a look at his sperm to get a better look at what the surgery has done so far. For all we know, it could be worse before it gets better. She said if he doesn’t qualify for the study during the first IUI, then we can hold off a few months and jump back into the study. So I am very hopeful.
Will update after my next appointment. Wish us luck!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Holidays, Shopping and Surgery...OH MY!
It’s been about 6 weeks since my last post. Busy with holidays. We hosted Thanksgiving for my mom, brother, Aunt, Uncle and Aunt’s son. It was perfect. Small but wonderful crowd, great food, and wine. We had no plans on going out Black Friday but guess what? We did! Who were we trying to fool. We didn’t get up at the ass crack of dawn. We mosied on out around 10:00 and went to Best Buy. Not crowded at all and no line. So we scored big without having to wait in crazy ass lines for hours. We hosted Christmas for my dad’s side of the family at the beginning of December.
Among getting ready for the holidays, John was scheduled for his surgery to repair his vericocele vein. It was scheduled for the beginning of December and was canceled days before due to insurance issues. Surprise surprise! Story of our life. Basically it came down to that John’s Urologist was in network, but the hospital in which the procedure was going to take place was NOT in network. So insurance wouldn’t cover the procedure if it was done at the out of network hospital. Now, I’m sure to people who work for insurance companies, this makes perfect sense, but us real people in the real world dealing with real issues, this is by far the most frustrating and asinine rule EVER! Something that seems like a simple fix is actually the most complicated fix. We had a couple options. The best option for us was to have another in network Urologist at the same office that we have never met do the procedure at a hospital that is in network. Confused yet? You’re probably asking “why couldn’t his original doctor just do the procedure at this other in network hospital”. Exactly what we asked! But apparently, it doesn’t work that way. What do we know anyway? We are just real people in the real world dealing with real issues and know nothing about insurance. Yet we pay lots of money for it. UGH!!!!
So, his procedure was scheduled for Monday December 19th. I took the day off to drive him to and from and take care of him. He came out of surgery and the doc came to speak with me. He said that all went well and that he was able to successfully tie off a couple rather large veins. I was surprised that he said couple. I was under the impression there was only one. He said typically they see results within 6-9 months. Seems so far away. He was in quite a bit of pain. He stayed home Tuesday and went to work Wednesday but ended up coming home half way through the day because he was really uncomfortable. Thursday he did ok, and he only worked a half day Friday. Then we both had the following week off for the holidays. It actually worked out quite well.
As of today he has had a follow up visit and is healing quite nicely. They had to make an incision really low on the left side. Similar to a C-section but a much smaller incision. Doctor said that it may be up to a year before he feels normal in that area again because they cut through muscle. He goes back in 3 months for a repeat SA to see how it’s effected his numbers so far. And repeat every 3 months after that to, hopefully, continue to watch them get better. I won’t be returning to the RE until we are ready again. Right now, we aren’t trying but not preventing. We just want to see how he heals and go from there. Who knows what the future holds but right now, it’s nice not have to worry about a bunch of appointments and tracking my cycle. Don’t get me wrong, it still kinda sucks to continue seeing pregnancy announcements and all that jazz, but I try to take it day by day for now. I have my good days and bad days.
Among getting ready for the holidays, John was scheduled for his surgery to repair his vericocele vein. It was scheduled for the beginning of December and was canceled days before due to insurance issues. Surprise surprise! Story of our life. Basically it came down to that John’s Urologist was in network, but the hospital in which the procedure was going to take place was NOT in network. So insurance wouldn’t cover the procedure if it was done at the out of network hospital. Now, I’m sure to people who work for insurance companies, this makes perfect sense, but us real people in the real world dealing with real issues, this is by far the most frustrating and asinine rule EVER! Something that seems like a simple fix is actually the most complicated fix. We had a couple options. The best option for us was to have another in network Urologist at the same office that we have never met do the procedure at a hospital that is in network. Confused yet? You’re probably asking “why couldn’t his original doctor just do the procedure at this other in network hospital”. Exactly what we asked! But apparently, it doesn’t work that way. What do we know anyway? We are just real people in the real world dealing with real issues and know nothing about insurance. Yet we pay lots of money for it. UGH!!!!
So, his procedure was scheduled for Monday December 19th. I took the day off to drive him to and from and take care of him. He came out of surgery and the doc came to speak with me. He said that all went well and that he was able to successfully tie off a couple rather large veins. I was surprised that he said couple. I was under the impression there was only one. He said typically they see results within 6-9 months. Seems so far away. He was in quite a bit of pain. He stayed home Tuesday and went to work Wednesday but ended up coming home half way through the day because he was really uncomfortable. Thursday he did ok, and he only worked a half day Friday. Then we both had the following week off for the holidays. It actually worked out quite well.
As of today he has had a follow up visit and is healing quite nicely. They had to make an incision really low on the left side. Similar to a C-section but a much smaller incision. Doctor said that it may be up to a year before he feels normal in that area again because they cut through muscle. He goes back in 3 months for a repeat SA to see how it’s effected his numbers so far. And repeat every 3 months after that to, hopefully, continue to watch them get better. I won’t be returning to the RE until we are ready again. Right now, we aren’t trying but not preventing. We just want to see how he heals and go from there. Who knows what the future holds but right now, it’s nice not have to worry about a bunch of appointments and tracking my cycle. Don’t get me wrong, it still kinda sucks to continue seeing pregnancy announcements and all that jazz, but I try to take it day by day for now. I have my good days and bad days.
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