Thursday, October 15, 2009

Struggling Through This Journey

I took a break from this blog for a few reasons.....

First, my husband and I went on vacation.... we took a road trip! We headed up the California coast - the sights were beautiful and it was nice to just be with each other. Of course our infertility is something we discuss often and it never goes away. We enjoyed 8 blissful days of vacation and though we did "treatment" while on vacation, it was easy - just taking pills. I was very hopeful that the relaxation month would leave to a BFP - BIG FAT POSITIVE, however, our wishes didn't come true that month.

Second, my husband wasn't all that thrilled that I was "airing" my business to others. Typically men are less open than woman and they have a hard time expressing their feelings anyway. He doesn't like to ask for help, and I think part of that is being the man of the house. BUT this extremely hard - and the blogging if nothing else helps me get my feelings out.

So where are we now? So we continued on our journey and choose to take a bit more aggressive approach - but still fairly minimal. We moved to a combo pills/shots. The pills are easy breezy, but the shots were a bit difficult to handle. More uncomfortable than anything else. My body had a slight reaction and so I had patches of red all over my belly. They also make you feel bloated and sometimes tired. But I would do it again and more to be a mother! Once again we got up at 3:00 a.m. and did our trigger shot and were ready for our insemination. Thinking positive thoughts the whole time. I even decided to try acupuncture and took the rest of the day off work. Then we had the two week wait.... which just ended....

4th cycle done .... and I'm struggling......My results came back and it was negative again. I was so positive it would be positive this month! I was having backaches, fatigue and just felt "different". Of course it was wishful thinking and likely just psychosomatic. But I really thought it would be positive and was devastated again - and this time I heard it from the nurse (who was very supportive). One thing that she said that hit home, these infertility patients, it is the persistence that pays off. There are so many times I feel I'm being tested, and I feel that I am passing these tests. God wants to see what type of parents we'll be, how will we handle struggles and I think we are passing the test.

So here we are.... still on our journey.... where do we go from here?

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Waiting... and waiting... and waiting.... it was driving me INSANE!! I called the lab again to make sure the test wasn't lost. "That test isn't done in-house, it is sent out for processing. So it is pending. You should hear within 5 days." Five days? Oh My! I felt like she just told me 5 years! But the good news was the test was done and I just had to wait..... waiting.... that thing I seem to be so good at..... NOT!!

Then I get an email.... your test results are in. Here we go again. Am I ready for this? Is it going to be "good" news. Regardless I need to know so I click on the email, open the link, close my eyes briefly and then open them. WOO HOO!!! The test confirmed (well not 100%) that ovulation had taken place this month. My body was doing what it needed to be going.... it was obeying. Of course the previous test that showed negative for pregnancy still stuck in my head. BUT I'm still holding onto hope that the sperm and egg wanted to meet this time and that it is just too early. Let's just hope "something" is going on in that uterus of mine.

Fortune from lunch today "You and your spouse will be happy in life together"

So I leave you with a Poem for Hope A Hong Kong Proverb
As long as we have hope,
we have direction, the energy to move,
and the map to move by.
We have a hundred alternatives,
a thousand paths and infinity of dreams.
Hopeful, we are halfway to where we want to go;
Hopeless, we are lost forever.

Hope.... I still have it :-)

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Today was my lucky day to get my blood drawn.... another poke. It was time to see what my body did this cycle. Was it doing what is was suppose to? Only time would tell.

Time... which seemed to be standing still. Then I got an email.... my results were in. My heart started to race and I got nervous. I called the hubby, "You stay on the phone with me as I open it up." and open I did..... my hands were shaking.... I could barely move the mouse to open the results.....

hCG <5.... so you all want to know.... what does that mean? Well it means that we aren't pregnant. hCG or Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin is the most common test used to detect a pregnancy in the very early weeks. The hCG hormone starts to be released into the woman's blood stream soon after the baby implants into the lining of her uterus at about 8 to 12 days after conception. The hCG blood level will initially start off very low (5 mIU/ml), but then rapidly increase, doubling every 2 to 3 days, so that within a few days, to a week or so the hCG level becomes high enough to be detected in the woman's urine, at about 50 to 80 mIU/ml. Once this level is achieved, a urine pregnancy test will show as being 'positive'.

BUT... the good news.... I'm still hopeful. We're still waiting on one blood test to confirm that I ovulated this cycle. Also, as I read more and more articles on the internet hCG can rise anywhere from 7-12 days after implantation. So... since I didn't get a surge until Sunday I likely did ovulate until Monday (or maybe even Tues a.m.) which means it has only been say 7 days.... there is still hope..... right?

Friday, August 7, 2009

Taking each day.... one at a time. Tried to have a nice few days and not worry about all the poking and proding.... and the hopeful end result. Stress isn't a good thing, so I tried my best to be cool, calm and collected - which meant trying my best to NOT think about it. Easier said than done.

I met a girlfriend for lunch and was able to gather alot of information from her as she just recently went through it all (and it blessed with two little ones via IVF!). Taking with people who've been through it before is helpful. It gives you another perspective and allows you to really understand the process and what all it might entail. She told me that they had decided they would do whatever it took to have little ones, even if it meant selling their house. Could I see us selling our house to pay for the fertility treatments? Would that be a wise decision? Would that help in our end goal? A very heavy and emotional load to carry. What would/will we do should it come down to this?

One thing she said however struck a cord with me.... It WILL happen, it is just a matter of when and how. Thinking of "it" happening brought a smile to my face and at that moment in time I saw myself as a mom :-)

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Can the natural energy found in certain gemstones actually increase your fertility and help you get pregnant faster? Well at this point it is worth a try right? My girlfriend Dawn is so thoughtful and always looking out for me (us). She did her research and found gemstones that are typically associated with increased fertility. So home I went with my brown bag filled with healing crystals.

The idea of healing crystals is that the gems contain an abundance of not only minerals, but also a type of natural energy that comes from those minerals and other elements of the earth. The “science” behind the use of “gemstone” therapy stems less from any “magical” qualities they may possess than from the ability of certain natural elements to impact our body chemistry in certain specific ways.One way to think of it is like taking a vitamin and mineral supplement. Not everyone needs them and not everyone benefits from them. But certainly there is a growing body of evidence to show that under certain circumstances they can certainly help. At this point in our journey them seemed like a natural fit!

Gemstone healing also focuses on the links between certainnatural gemstones and crystals, and the seven "chakras" or energy points in the body. Many believe that the stresses of modern day living - including stressing out over trying to get pregnant (I'm so tired of hearing don't worry it will happen.... my emotions are so up and down and I do worry!) - can cause these energy points to work less efficiently, ultimately affecting your overall health in myriad ways. When this is the case, certain gems and crystals are believed to have the ability to replenish and refocus these energy chakras to stimulate healing and promote optimum ealth and well being - including optimizing fertility. Once again a natural fit!

First step... you need to clear them. She said that the person who "needed" the stones had to do the clearing. So last night we "cleared" our stones under the water. Clearing is necessary before using any stone for healing. The clearer the energy of a healing stone, the more powerful it is. Crystals and healing gemstones need to be cleared as soon as they are purchased as well as clearing after every healing. Next step.... place them around..... we have some under our pillows and others on our nightstand. We had a lovely rose quartz piece that I noticed as I took it out of the bag had chipped off some. So I place the "big" portion on my nightstand and the other "little" portion on his nightstand. Maybe that was a good luck sign :-)

In case you are wondering what gemstones have been know to be associated with fertility here they are with a brief description:

1) Rose quartz (also known as the love stone): Stimulates both the heart and blood and consequently other organs as well. Also known to stimulate sexual energy and to enhance fertility. Place one (or more) on the body part of your choice, near your body or bodies, in your bedroom, or anywhere that the two of you meet for delicious intimacy or passionate love-making.
2) Amethyst: Bolsters the production of the hormones, and strenghtens the cleansing organs, the circulatory system and blood, the immune system, and body metabolism. Amethyst soothes the nervous system and aids in the transmission of neural signals.
3) Moonstone: Increases fertility, boosts ovulation
4) Green adventurine (also know as Stone of Heaven): An all-around healer (mental, emotional physical). It soothes, heals, and balances. It opens and soothes a wounded heart. Enhances intelligence. Increases opportunities and motivation. Brings luck and adventures in love and games. A Prosperity stone.
5) Lepidolite: (Also know as Dream Stone): It will protect the individual from nightmares, especially those caused by stress or an upset in personal relationships.

So here we are on day 3 on the two week wait.... armed with healing crystals too!! If nothing else they are beautiful to look at and bring a smile to my face.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

So I learn something new at each office visit! Sometimes I feel like I'm back in school, and all too often I'm asking TOO many questions.

Who knew that only 14% of sperm are "normal" shaped? Really? So you are telling me that 86% of them are "abnormal"? Well they are coming from men right. HA! What is up with the rest of them? Well... they let's see.... they could have: a big head, little head, long head, two heads, bent midpiece, two tails, or coiled tail. That's right.... there is ALOT that can go wrong with those little guys. Each "one" is examined and they look at the head, midpiece and tail. Can you imagine having that job? Looking at "stuff" all day long? No thank you!!

Is there any way to improve their shape? Or increase production? Vitamins? Diet? To date there has been no evidence of such. Some things know to affect the little guys are tobacco use, recreational drug use and alcohol.... but then you can also find people who have abused all and still have "nromal" dudes. So basically you're given what your've given. So that is what you have to work with.

We are now on the 2ww.... or the two week wait to see how this cycle goes. Will this cycle be the one? Trying not to think too far ahead and what the future holds (should this not be the cycle). But at some point decisions will have to be made..... but thinking/positive and hopeful for now
:-)

My faith is not yet broken!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Needing positive thoughts and prayers as we go in today at 2:45. Baby dust please!

Friday, July 31, 2009

Here comes the weekend.... perfect time for some rest and relaxation! And hopefully the perfect environment for those follicles to GROW!!! Hoping and praying this isn't a "dud" cycle and that my body just needed some extra time this month oh... and we want our sperm and egg to meet!

Checked 9 out of the 10 (whole milk is tough to swallow!). An easy routine to follow but not sure how effective it is. Worth the try though :-)

BOOST YOUR FERTILITY
1. Take a multivitamin with folic acid (400 mcg) and iron (40 mg).
2. Aim towards a healthy weight — either gain or lose weight depending on your current weight. And this applies to men, too.
3. Exercise vigorously for at least 30 min/day.
4. Avoid trans fat.
5. Don't smoke.
6. Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates.
7. Choose unsaturated fats.
8. Choose plant protein (beans, nuts) over animal sources of protein such as red meat.
9. Have one daily serving of whole milk or other full fat dairy.
10. Avoid soft drinks.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Did you know a "healthy" couple only has a 20-25% chance of conceiving each month? I swear when we were in junior high and high school we were led to believe it was like 100% Yeah... well that is NOT the case! Then throw into the mix some male and female "issues" and your odds go down from there. Not what I wanted to hear today.... but something I needed to here.

We started this journey slow and tried to take the least invasive and least expensive route. It has been an up and down battle. Had a new doctor today who I actually liked very much. Seemed very down to earth and explained things slowly and in detail. In fact, J asked a few questions... that is a miracle in itself!!!

So the news this cycle was I have two follicles growing but neither are big enough yet. This may be a "dump" cycle. I lost it briefly in the room then composed myself as J took the stethoscope placed it on my chest and said "Oh my are you alive?". He did bring a smile to my face.

We'll play the waiting game this weekend and see how the body responds.... hopefully my follicles will grow and we can "try" again this cycle. Of course this means we also get another $200 sonogram on Monday.... so lucky me instead of needing 2 (a baseline and mid-cycle) I'll have had 4 this month.

Could I just be normal?

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Wow… am I really talking about all of this? YES! I am! Discussing this will hopefully give me some clarity, some comfort, and maybe even some peace too. No modesty here!

As I continue on this journey I realize it is taking more of an emotional toll on me than I thought it would. Not to mention some side effects of medication… hot flashes (which are spectacular when it is hot and humid in SD!) and moodiness. Really how can I be bawling over The Bachelorette? It has me hooked but I really do think it is scripted… so why am I crying? Better yet is watching So You Think You Can Dance, which I LOVE by the way, and during a jazz routine I start tearing up? For heavens sake this wasn’t the “emotional” routine. At this point I think any and everything is emotional for me. The good, the bad, the ugly, it ALL affects me! Oh and the one thing that has me laughing (not really) is my complexion. I look like I’m back in junior high, or just ate a bag of M&M’s (which I’ve been know to do!) and had a torrential breakout. Really now where did all these things come from?

So, last night sleep was almost no existent. My mind was racing and I was WIDE awake at 5:19 a.m. after falling asleep after midnight. Laid in bed until 6:00 and then thought “What the heck am I laying here for? I should just get up and head into work early.” So up and at em' and into the shower for some deep breathing and relaxation. Yeah right... my mind is still racing and wandering again, what if, what if, what if. As my husband says these what ifs are my demise.

So I did some more research on treatments (and success rates of course). I stumbled upon a website that looked super professional offering assistance to infertile couples. A non-profit organization whose goal is to raise money and awareness for infertility issues, while also supporting women in the costs of treatments. Wow, that would be great! The catch… you had to donate $100 to their cause. After reading and doing some investigation I realize it is an elaborate scam to earn money. These people are praying on those who are looking for help and holding onto hope, and it makes ill!

Next doctor appointment is tomorrow where I have a list of 10 questions for the doctor. My notepad has each listed with room to write down his answers. Hoping to have a nice, relaxing evening tonight before the "heavy" stuff hits tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Havaianas

Here are a few samples of my "bling bling" swarovski flip flops! I can do sports... My Charger flip flops are below along with my SC flops. I can do almost any team, any color. I can also do plain flip flops (brown, black, white) with swarovski crystals, or plain with flowers as shown below or plain flips with a pattern of crystals.



Here we go....

WELCOME!!!

Infertility… the dreaded word that no one wants to hear! However, It’s not your fault. It's not their fault. It just is what it is. This is what we’ve been dealt with… and now we have to deal with it. Yes, it’s not fair but is life fair? Talking about infertility seems to be taboo in our society an often times couples feel lonely and don’t know where to turn. We are one of MANY couples going through this journey (possibly a long one) so that we can start our family. We are ready (and really who ever says they are ready?) and waiting!! And while there are many of you who we don’t know, we (though the husband skeptically) are inviting you to come along. We aren’t going to allow our infertility to get the best of us! We have faith and there is always hope!

What is this baby blog or bust here to do?
1) Raise money to help us become parents. We all know that the economy is in the dumps right now, but the reality for us is that infertility expenses aren’t covered by insurance. The average cost of a cycle of IVF is $15,000 and unlike other diseases and their treatments, though, infertility is not recognized by the medical insurance industry. Without the aid of medical insurance or other financial support systems, the cost of infertility treatments is currently precluding us from seeking IVF treatment.
2) To keep friends and family aware of what we are going through and to give others a look into the process as a whole. Despite the vast number of people suffering from this disease, there is a serious lack of education and a real need for increased awareness of the causes of infertility, available treatment options, and methods of prevention. Being the “researcher” I am, I constantly look on the internet – and sometimes this researching freaks me out! Maybe I’m here to help others through their process too.
3) To help us process what we are going through – let’s talk it out!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard: When are you going to have kids? You’ve been married 5 years already get on it! You’re only getting older. Kids will bring you such pleasure. Aren’t you guys going to pop some out soon?OK everyone, you can stop asking now. We are trying and want nothing more than to become parents. At first the questions didn’t bother me because at first we weren’t trying and then once we did start I thought it would happen so I could joke and say “We’re practicing.” But as the practicing became more than that and months and months and years went by…Joking was no longer there. Now it sucks when I have to paint big fake smiles and pretend we’re indifferent when it comes to this baby thing. As I said... We're ready and willing... now we just some help!

I enjoy crafting as a hobby and often make flip-flops, wreaths, birdhouses, trivets, etc. I will be posting samples of some on the website too and selling them to help raise money for our fertility needs.

We whole-heartedly thank you for your support and generous donations.

Here goes…..