I knew I wouldn't care too much about the beta numbers from yesterday when they came in today. Once I saw that little heartbeat, I knew things were moving smoothly. But, when they gave the numbers today, I went back to my old self and Googled them in a beta calculator. Relief. . . they are totally on track! Monday's beta was 10,069 and progesterone was 107. The doubling time is 1.9 days. I didn't need to look it up because the nurse told me it was all normal, but I kinda have an addiction.
Other than that, I tried to work in my classroom today. Although, I get there and don't really get too much done! There is no air conditioning, so I just get too hot and then don't want to work. Today I did a little bit and then decided my nice cool house would be so much more fun. Oh well, I'll try to put a full day in tomorrow.
Of course a day can't pass without me worrying about something. Today I got up from the couch and had a HUGE pain in my abdomen. It actually made me yell for a brief moment. I have no clue what it was. Felt like a muscle, but of course it's on my mind every five seconds. I tried to think of what I could have possibly done to bring that on, but nothing came to mind. At this rate, I'm going to have a long 34 weeks ahead of me. I really need to stop worrying. You know, I've actually thought about going to "talk to someone" regularly about all of this. I should have done that before the IVF, but I didn't. I think a lot of IF girls wish they would go and see someone. It's something for me to think about. I need someone to keep me grounded, and Mr. Later Than Most tries really hard, but he doesn't know any better. First, there is just no way men can be as vested as we women are. I mean, we feel every little thing and analyze every thing going on in our bodies. I know he's vested, but there is just no possible way for him to be as much as I am. Hey, at least I know this early on!
Well, here's to hoping that tomorrow is a worry free day!
August 10, 2010
August 9, 2010
Update!
My ultrasound #1 went fab today! I got to see the LO and. . . . . . the heartbeat! It was early at 5w5d but it was there! I'm so excited. I go back for another ultrasound next Monday and then I'll be released to my regular OBGYN. I'm so excited that I have nothing else to say!
August 7, 2010
While I'm Waiting
Monday's ultrasound cannot get here soon enough. I'm eager, excited, nervous and anything else you can name. I'm trying to pass the time as best as I can. Of course I'm dying for that ultrasound, but I'm also ready to hear if my IVF restrictions are still in place. Oh yes, there is a list of things I currently "can't" do. These will seem extreme to you, but think of the things IVF does to a person's body. Re's like to make sure that there is no chance you can ruin what you've worked so hard for.
So, there is a lifting limit of 10 pounds. I know that probably sounds decent, but I've been pretty strict on this. For instance, I ordered a shower gift from Crate and Barrel and it came yesterday. The box said it weighed 10.5 pounds. I didn't bring it in the house. Mr. Later Than Most got home 4 hours later and brought it in. Hey, no reason to not be cautious! Actually, I now wander around the house wondering how much things weigh.
House work can only be light. No vacuuming. Yup, no vacuuming. I'd like to tell you that this is going well, but this is day three that Mr. Later Than Most has forgot to vacuum. To make myself feel better, I pushed the Swiffer around the kitchen today. Actually, I cleaned for like and hour and then decided I shouldn't do more today. So, I've been watching movies ever since!
No baths and no swimming. Let me tell you, I'm dreaming about baths right now. Not that I've taken many in my life, but I've never wanted one more. Again, this is an extreme one, but they want absolutely no risk of infection. So, no chilling out in water.
Um, no intimate time with Mr. Later Than Most. Trust me, after two years of trying, we're kinda okay with this right now. :)
I'm still taking several medications. I've gotten used to the gross Endometrium inserts three times a day. The baby aspirin is kicking my ass. If you were to sit on my lap, I'd probably get a giant bruise. My arm is still very black and blue from last Monday's blood draw!
So, that's the list. Luckily, I'm a book addict and have been reading a bunch of stuff while I'm waiting for my appointment. I love to plan things and be overly prepared, so the baby books are on my daily reading list. Also, I've been doing some internet browsing as well. I know it's way too early, but I love shopping and it helps me stay positive. I truly haven't bought anything, but I love looking.
Tomorrow I have breakfast with some girlfriends. As I've mentioned before, one of them is onto me. So, I'll be having my first cup of regular coffee tomorrow morning. Yes, I will go that far to throw her off. I don't want people speculating and talking about me. They can wait until October to find out :)
Well, truly this is a boring weekend. Mr. Later Than Most is out golfing and then a BBQ with friends. I didn't want to go to explain the lack of drinking, so here I am. I have plenty to do to prepare for the upcoming school year and to get my classroom ready, however, I'm pretty sure those scissors weigh around 12 pounds, so I better put that work off just a little bit longer :)
So, there is a lifting limit of 10 pounds. I know that probably sounds decent, but I've been pretty strict on this. For instance, I ordered a shower gift from Crate and Barrel and it came yesterday. The box said it weighed 10.5 pounds. I didn't bring it in the house. Mr. Later Than Most got home 4 hours later and brought it in. Hey, no reason to not be cautious! Actually, I now wander around the house wondering how much things weigh.
House work can only be light. No vacuuming. Yup, no vacuuming. I'd like to tell you that this is going well, but this is day three that Mr. Later Than Most has forgot to vacuum. To make myself feel better, I pushed the Swiffer around the kitchen today. Actually, I cleaned for like and hour and then decided I shouldn't do more today. So, I've been watching movies ever since!
No baths and no swimming. Let me tell you, I'm dreaming about baths right now. Not that I've taken many in my life, but I've never wanted one more. Again, this is an extreme one, but they want absolutely no risk of infection. So, no chilling out in water.
Um, no intimate time with Mr. Later Than Most. Trust me, after two years of trying, we're kinda okay with this right now. :)
I'm still taking several medications. I've gotten used to the gross Endometrium inserts three times a day. The baby aspirin is kicking my ass. If you were to sit on my lap, I'd probably get a giant bruise. My arm is still very black and blue from last Monday's blood draw!
So, that's the list. Luckily, I'm a book addict and have been reading a bunch of stuff while I'm waiting for my appointment. I love to plan things and be overly prepared, so the baby books are on my daily reading list. Also, I've been doing some internet browsing as well. I know it's way too early, but I love shopping and it helps me stay positive. I truly haven't bought anything, but I love looking.
Tomorrow I have breakfast with some girlfriends. As I've mentioned before, one of them is onto me. So, I'll be having my first cup of regular coffee tomorrow morning. Yes, I will go that far to throw her off. I don't want people speculating and talking about me. They can wait until October to find out :)
Well, truly this is a boring weekend. Mr. Later Than Most is out golfing and then a BBQ with friends. I didn't want to go to explain the lack of drinking, so here I am. I have plenty to do to prepare for the upcoming school year and to get my classroom ready, however, I'm pretty sure those scissors weigh around 12 pounds, so I better put that work off just a little bit longer :)
August 5, 2010
Mixed Day
I made my first call to my IVF nurse today. Before I explain, if you are a "normal" person who hasn't dealt with IF, IF girls will sound a little irrational to you and sometimes even psycho. I say that in the nicest way. By psycho I mean, over-over analyzing everything. So, since my BFP, I've noticed that I have a sensitivity on my left ovary. If I stretch too tall I feel it. If I suck-in my stomach I feel it. If I push on the spot, I feel nothing. I've pretty much given myself this fear that I could have an ectopic pregnancy (tubal). Why? Because I think I feel a sensitivity on the left side, only when I suck-in. So, I called the IVF nurse and told her what I'm feeling. I also come right out and tell her that I've had ectopic pregnancy on the brain. I also asked her if ectopics happen with IVF. I mean, I literally saw my doctor shoot those embies and he said "perfect place to land". The landing spot was not a tube. I also asked her if all of those IVF drugs are still in my system and possibly if that's why I feel a sensitivity.
So, she says that ectopic does happen with IVF, but it's not very common. She said that I should worry if I'm in pain or I can't use the bathroom normally. Mind you, I'm peeing almost every hour and I have no pain, so I'm squared away there. She also said that I'm going to feel a lot of odd things as my body is changin, but my ultrasound on Monday is to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. Sounds great right? Not. So. Much. I was literally hoping she would just tell me that everything would be great, worrying is normal, and I'm in the clear. I'm very aware that this is not her job. I'm also aware that telling someone all of those things can give a person false hope, but I was still actually looking for it. After thinking about my situation more, I did have a little relief. Right after my IVF, I had pain on my left side. In fact, when I woke up from the procedure, I immediately asked for some pain killer because of it. So, it kinda makes sense that it could be the exact same spot that gave me trouble. So, that was my worry for today. Sometimes I feel much better writing it out in my blog. Also, I know I have girls following my blog that are doing IVF, and I want them to know that these feelings are totally normal. Speaking of normal, there is a Pregnant After Infertility board on the site I go on. I don't post on PAIF, but I always read the advice. Well, tonight I ventured over there to see if anyone was dealing with the same worries I'm having. BINGO. I immediately see a post similar to my concerns. Not about my specific worry, but a girl was explaining that she can't believe she can't be happy about her pregnancy because worry has taken over. After her post, about ten girls commented saying that they too are worrying all of the time. Some of those commenters are 36 weeks along. I was glad to come across this post. It let me see that my worries are rather normal and more than likely, for no reason. Now, on to a happier topic! I was in a class today with a bunch of teachers in my district. All of a sudden, we start talking about our insurance. One teacher said that our insurance sucks because we have no infertility coverage. My ears perked up right away! I couldn't believe that I was sitting a room with someone who dealt with IF! I know it exists, but this was nice and close to home. As if it couldn't get any better, THREE other girls (YES THREE) started agreeing. One said she's on Clomid and has to pay for it. Other girls said they had no coverage when they had their babies. IF is so common, but not talked about much. Well, I didn't chime in for several reasons, one being that some of my close coworkers were there and I'm obviously not announcing. I did get to chime in though and tell them to start spreading that word about our lack of IF coverage. If it's a popular concern, we can try to negotiate for some coverage on our next contract. It was an exiting moment for all of us. Although, I think one of the girls is onto me! She is pregnant and wearing a Be Band. I've also been wearing a Be Band due to the bloat. Well, I saw her scope my Be Band out! Oh well, I have other things to worry about ;) If you are still reading, you deserve a cookie!
So, she says that ectopic does happen with IVF, but it's not very common. She said that I should worry if I'm in pain or I can't use the bathroom normally. Mind you, I'm peeing almost every hour and I have no pain, so I'm squared away there. She also said that I'm going to feel a lot of odd things as my body is changin, but my ultrasound on Monday is to rule out an ectopic pregnancy. Sounds great right? Not. So. Much. I was literally hoping she would just tell me that everything would be great, worrying is normal, and I'm in the clear. I'm very aware that this is not her job. I'm also aware that telling someone all of those things can give a person false hope, but I was still actually looking for it. After thinking about my situation more, I did have a little relief. Right after my IVF, I had pain on my left side. In fact, when I woke up from the procedure, I immediately asked for some pain killer because of it. So, it kinda makes sense that it could be the exact same spot that gave me trouble. So, that was my worry for today. Sometimes I feel much better writing it out in my blog. Also, I know I have girls following my blog that are doing IVF, and I want them to know that these feelings are totally normal. Speaking of normal, there is a Pregnant After Infertility board on the site I go on. I don't post on PAIF, but I always read the advice. Well, tonight I ventured over there to see if anyone was dealing with the same worries I'm having. BINGO. I immediately see a post similar to my concerns. Not about my specific worry, but a girl was explaining that she can't believe she can't be happy about her pregnancy because worry has taken over. After her post, about ten girls commented saying that they too are worrying all of the time. Some of those commenters are 36 weeks along. I was glad to come across this post. It let me see that my worries are rather normal and more than likely, for no reason. Now, on to a happier topic! I was in a class today with a bunch of teachers in my district. All of a sudden, we start talking about our insurance. One teacher said that our insurance sucks because we have no infertility coverage. My ears perked up right away! I couldn't believe that I was sitting a room with someone who dealt with IF! I know it exists, but this was nice and close to home. As if it couldn't get any better, THREE other girls (YES THREE) started agreeing. One said she's on Clomid and has to pay for it. Other girls said they had no coverage when they had their babies. IF is so common, but not talked about much. Well, I didn't chime in for several reasons, one being that some of my close coworkers were there and I'm obviously not announcing. I did get to chime in though and tell them to start spreading that word about our lack of IF coverage. If it's a popular concern, we can try to negotiate for some coverage on our next contract. It was an exiting moment for all of us. Although, I think one of the girls is onto me! She is pregnant and wearing a Be Band. I've also been wearing a Be Band due to the bloat. Well, I saw her scope my Be Band out! Oh well, I have other things to worry about ;) If you are still reading, you deserve a cookie!
August 4, 2010
Anniversary Tomorrow
I swear this is been an interesting week (Thursday to Thursday). I'll have that BFP and one week will bring me straight to my anniversary, which is tomorrow! MH and I will be married for 3 years. Actually, it seems like forever. . . we met at 19 and we are both 32. We don't have any huge plans (that's just the way we roll), but I'm making him take me to dinner. Not that I have a taste for anything lately, but I saw this cute place called The Country House, and I want to see what it's like.
On the BFP front, today is actually 5 weeks. I know that is nothing, but right now each week is an accomplishment. I got a little excited when I read on my forum that many girls were getting morning sickness at 5 weeks. I'd love that reassurance (in a weird way).
Other than that, I have some sleepless nights lately. I toss and turn, followed by being wide awake, which is fun at 2am. It's not the IF Devil, so I'm not sure what it is. I do know that I'm freaking hot all the time (progesterone) and that makes me toss and turn. Poor Mr. Later Than Most, our air has been on at a steady 71 degrees. That'll be a fun bill!
I'm excited to see 20 followers. Although, I don't feel like I've been too entertaining on my blogs lately. Hopefully I can spice things up a bit for the readers :)
On the BFP front, today is actually 5 weeks. I know that is nothing, but right now each week is an accomplishment. I got a little excited when I read on my forum that many girls were getting morning sickness at 5 weeks. I'd love that reassurance (in a weird way).
Other than that, I have some sleepless nights lately. I toss and turn, followed by being wide awake, which is fun at 2am. It's not the IF Devil, so I'm not sure what it is. I do know that I'm freaking hot all the time (progesterone) and that makes me toss and turn. Poor Mr. Later Than Most, our air has been on at a steady 71 degrees. That'll be a fun bill!
I'm excited to see 20 followers. Although, I don't feel like I've been too entertaining on my blogs lately. Hopefully I can spice things up a bit for the readers :)
August 3, 2010
Each Day Gets Easier
Today I have not had a visit from the IF Devil. I'm so excited that I have been able to relax without worrying. Sometimes I'm too relaxed and I have to put myself into place. For instance, I may have scoped out some baby books on Amazon. First of all, I can justify any purchase, but this Amazon browsing is okay to me. :)
On my regular forum I post on, I made the jump from the Trouble Trying to Conceive board, to the April 2011 Moms board. I truly would have preferred to stay on TTTC for a while longer, but it is board etiquette for someone with positive betas to not stay a regular poster. They have a TTTC Graduates check-in once a week, and once in a while I will help answer some IVF questions. Otherwise, it looks like the April 2011 board will be my new home. It's a weird jump to make, but that's probably where I fit better.
As for real life (besides the Internet), I'm just enjoying my two days off from classes and I'm waiting for that August 9th ultrasound.
Life is good.
On my regular forum I post on, I made the jump from the Trouble Trying to Conceive board, to the April 2011 Moms board. I truly would have preferred to stay on TTTC for a while longer, but it is board etiquette for someone with positive betas to not stay a regular poster. They have a TTTC Graduates check-in once a week, and once in a while I will help answer some IVF questions. Otherwise, it looks like the April 2011 board will be my new home. It's a weird jump to make, but that's probably where I fit better.
As for real life (besides the Internet), I'm just enjoying my two days off from classes and I'm waiting for that August 9th ultrasound.
Life is good.
August 2, 2010
Beta #2
What a day this was. I thought for sure I would handle today pretty well, however, the wait was just killing me. My beta draw was at 8:30am. I made sure to ask the blood tech if she had my cell on file and she agreed that they did. So, I kept myself busy with preparing for the upcoming school year. Yes, that is how desperate I was.
Well, 2pm rolled around and I was getting impatient. By 2:30 I thought I was going to throw up. I'm not kidding here. All of a sudden my mind went crazy. I started imagining how the nurse was waiting to call me with bad news. I had visions of Dr. Miller himself calling to tell me how sorry he was. Yes, as you can see, this is my IF Devil at her finest. At 3pm I decided to call. I would just apologize for my impatience and I knew they would understand. The first time I called I got the office voice mail right away. DAMN IT! I hung up and called back in about 10 minutes. I got a hold of the receptionist, who passed me through to the nurse voicemail instead of the actual nurses. I was frustrated, but I knew the nurses would not leave without calling me back. So, I left a very kind voicemail saying that no one had called me yet, and I just wanted to make sure that I had not been skipped. At about 3:20 the IVF nurse called me back.
Nurse: Hi Melissa!
Me: Hi, how are you?
Nurse: I'm good Melissa. Look, your beta numbers are actually left on your office voicemail. Me: Oh, I had no idea! No one told me.
Nurse: Yea, after the first positive beta, we just leave you messages with instructions. Me: Okay great! Sorry about that. I really had no clue.
I hung up that phone so fast it's not even funny. I ran into the kitchen looking for my dial-in info for my office voice mail.
"Hi Melissa. This is Patti at Dr. Miller's office. Today is August 2nd and your levels look good. Your HCG (beta) is at 817 and your progesterone is 101. Make an appointment for your first ultrasound on August 9th and continue to take your baby aspirin, prenatals, and Endometrium three times a day."
HOLY CRAP! 817? I was praying for something around 600. That's a 1.5 day doubling time. I am so relieved and just all around excited. As I keep saying, I'm going to be cautious like any other girl. First trimester is a long time, but I promise, I'll be happy every single minute!
Well, 2pm rolled around and I was getting impatient. By 2:30 I thought I was going to throw up. I'm not kidding here. All of a sudden my mind went crazy. I started imagining how the nurse was waiting to call me with bad news. I had visions of Dr. Miller himself calling to tell me how sorry he was. Yes, as you can see, this is my IF Devil at her finest. At 3pm I decided to call. I would just apologize for my impatience and I knew they would understand. The first time I called I got the office voice mail right away. DAMN IT! I hung up and called back in about 10 minutes. I got a hold of the receptionist, who passed me through to the nurse voicemail instead of the actual nurses. I was frustrated, but I knew the nurses would not leave without calling me back. So, I left a very kind voicemail saying that no one had called me yet, and I just wanted to make sure that I had not been skipped. At about 3:20 the IVF nurse called me back.
Nurse: Hi Melissa!
Me: Hi, how are you?
Nurse: I'm good Melissa. Look, your beta numbers are actually left on your office voicemail. Me: Oh, I had no idea! No one told me.
Nurse: Yea, after the first positive beta, we just leave you messages with instructions. Me: Okay great! Sorry about that. I really had no clue.
I hung up that phone so fast it's not even funny. I ran into the kitchen looking for my dial-in info for my office voice mail.
"Hi Melissa. This is Patti at Dr. Miller's office. Today is August 2nd and your levels look good. Your HCG (beta) is at 817 and your progesterone is 101. Make an appointment for your first ultrasound on August 9th and continue to take your baby aspirin, prenatals, and Endometrium three times a day."
HOLY CRAP! 817? I was praying for something around 600. That's a 1.5 day doubling time. I am so relieved and just all around excited. As I keep saying, I'm going to be cautious like any other girl. First trimester is a long time, but I promise, I'll be happy every single minute!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)