I just need to rant a little to someone who cares. I think you might care? I have not even gone in for my pre-IVF financial meeting, but I am already fired up about why insurance doesn't at least cover some of infertility costs. My husband and I have had this conversation a few times and agree that apparently, we live in the wrong state. If we lived in Massachusetts we'd be covered. I found a handy-dandy list of state coverage here ASRM: State Infertility Coverage . In fact, Massachusetts covers a lot. I couldn't take the cold weather, but I am jealous! Virginia covers NADA, nothing, zippo, kapoot!
These states have some sort of coverage:
Arkansas
Hawaii
Illinois
Maryland
Massachusetts
Montana
New Jersey
Ohio
Rhode Island
West Virginia
States that require insurers to offer coverage, but employers don't have to accept:
California
Connecticut
New York
Texas
I don't know if that is a political thing, but I'm guessing that the states that are covered are pretty blue?
My insurance covered my hysteroscopy, my HSG, and all of the other diagnostic stuff, but that was it. Once I started taking clomid they cut me off. So we are about to drop, I think, $23,000 for 4 IVF's with ICSI. I think we are doing the shared risk thing. If we do them alone, I think they are over ten grand a pop. And people make babies for FREE? Luckily we have built up quite a bit of equity in our home, and thank you house, we are using a home equity line. Of course, we could really use that money for home improvements, which is what the loan was originally intended for.
Do I want to pay for other people to have babies? Maybe. According to RESOLVE it'll only raise premiums about $3.00 per employee a year. And even if it did cost a bit more than that, with ten percent of people not being able to conceive naturally, I think it might be something worth looking at. Of course, I'm biased.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Taboolous Talkin'!
Why is talking about infertility STILL a taboo subject for so many people?
I really like to talk. I mean, I like to hear myself talk. I am fabOOlous at talking, (well, if I never again heard myself say "sit down" or "be quiet", I'd be ok with that--but that is a different subject). Talking about something soothes me and just the very act of communicating seems to make me feel like I'm proactive. For me, talking is like REM sleep when your brain is reviewing the day and problem solving. I'm working out the details as I tell you about them. And for that reason, I hate to admit it but a lot of the time when I am talking it is pretty selfish. I'm working it out in my brain and spewing details to some poor smuck who is the victim. Disclaimer: I am also a damn good listener and will always return the favor.
Of course over the past (holy crap, I just counted) TEN months, I've wanted to talk about my infertility issues at times. But to my surprise, not everyone wants to know about the going's on of my uterus!
Example #1: My close friend and I went out for dinner last week, and talked about everything under the sun, but when we got to my uterus, the awkwardness emerged. There was silence and some "oh, that's a hard thing to go through". And more silence.
Example #2: Another friend of whom old enough to be my mom doesn't really seem to like talking about it. Maybe it's a generational thing? Maybe uterus' are just a taboo subject with her generation?
I could give more examples, but you get the point.
Why is this still such a taboo subject? There is nothing shameful about being infertile and having science help you out in the reproductive area. It is a medical condition. Echoing several blogs I've read in the past few weeks about J.Lo's utter and blatant LIE about conceiving naturally (twins at 39?), I just don't understand why people get weirded out and others feel that that infertility is just unmentionable.
What's up with that?
********************************
And that's why I love you. You listen. Thank you, my blogsistas! So, on that note here are my findings of the day. I went by the RE's office and got the IVF packet. I've only begun reading, but here is the official list of dumb tests that I need to do. I cannot imagine that we will be able to begin next cycle, what with the tests and the birth control and whatnot.
Birth control? Then I read that it prevents cysts or something like that, but STILL, Birth control?
Here is what my center requires:
I really like to talk. I mean, I like to hear myself talk. I am fabOOlous at talking, (well, if I never again heard myself say "sit down" or "be quiet", I'd be ok with that--but that is a different subject). Talking about something soothes me and just the very act of communicating seems to make me feel like I'm proactive. For me, talking is like REM sleep when your brain is reviewing the day and problem solving. I'm working out the details as I tell you about them. And for that reason, I hate to admit it but a lot of the time when I am talking it is pretty selfish. I'm working it out in my brain and spewing details to some poor smuck who is the victim. Disclaimer: I am also a damn good listener and will always return the favor.
Of course over the past (holy crap, I just counted) TEN months, I've wanted to talk about my infertility issues at times. But to my surprise, not everyone wants to know about the going's on of my uterus!
Example #1: My close friend and I went out for dinner last week, and talked about everything under the sun, but when we got to my uterus, the awkwardness emerged. There was silence and some "oh, that's a hard thing to go through". And more silence.
Example #2: Another friend of whom old enough to be my mom doesn't really seem to like talking about it. Maybe it's a generational thing? Maybe uterus' are just a taboo subject with her generation?
I could give more examples, but you get the point.
Why is this still such a taboo subject? There is nothing shameful about being infertile and having science help you out in the reproductive area. It is a medical condition. Echoing several blogs I've read in the past few weeks about J.Lo's utter and blatant LIE about conceiving naturally (twins at 39?), I just don't understand why people get weirded out and others feel that that infertility is just unmentionable.
What's up with that?
********************************
And that's why I love you. You listen. Thank you, my blogsistas! So, on that note here are my findings of the day. I went by the RE's office and got the IVF packet. I've only begun reading, but here is the official list of dumb tests that I need to do. I cannot imagine that we will be able to begin next cycle, what with the tests and the birth control and whatnot.
Birth control? Then I read that it prevents cysts or something like that, but STILL, Birth control?
Here is what my center requires:
- Infectious disease testing
- Antibiotic Treatment - Doxyclyline or Erythromycin and intravaginal metrogel
- Day 3 FSH
- Clomid Challenge - Done that
- Uterine Cavity Assessment - Saline sonogram OR HSG (hoping for the sonogram!)
- Trial Embryo Transfer
- Antral Follicle Count
And then my husband has to have some tests too.
I guess that isn't too, too bad. I guess. IVF, maybe in SEPTEMBER? (sarcastic smile)
Thanks for your ear. Or um... eyes? :)
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Yep. More tests.
Thanks for your comments about the testing you had. Funny that after googling pre-ivf tests I felt like I had taken most of those tests, but nope. There are more.
I talked with the IVF nurse today. I'm gonna stop by and get the big IVF packet tomorrow, but today I got a few tidbits.
I have to wait until the next cycle. Damnit. That really bums me out. It's only two weeks, but hey, it's two weeks!
Some of the things I have to have done because it has been more than six months since I've had them, which is annoying. I think she said I'd need another hysterosalpingram (HSG), and a sonohystogram. Sigh. I feel like I just went through that. I may be wrong on the HSG. She rattled off the tests and it all started to muddle together.
They have to do a mock transfer, Aids and Hep B tests on both of us, and another semen analysis on my husband. I find it funny how some men are ok with that, because my husband is not. It makes him incredibly uncomfortable to do that, THERE.
Anyway, that's that. It really is a rest month. I should start the next cycle right after I get back from my vacation (isn't that convenient?), around April 11th. Then we get serious.
Do you guys like the new blog look? I LOVE gerber daisies! They are simple, yet perfect - the way life should be. :)
I talked with the IVF nurse today. I'm gonna stop by and get the big IVF packet tomorrow, but today I got a few tidbits.
I have to wait until the next cycle. Damnit. That really bums me out. It's only two weeks, but hey, it's two weeks!
Some of the things I have to have done because it has been more than six months since I've had them, which is annoying. I think she said I'd need another hysterosalpingram (HSG), and a sonohystogram. Sigh. I feel like I just went through that. I may be wrong on the HSG. She rattled off the tests and it all started to muddle together.
They have to do a mock transfer, Aids and Hep B tests on both of us, and another semen analysis on my husband. I find it funny how some men are ok with that, because my husband is not. It makes him incredibly uncomfortable to do that, THERE.
Anyway, that's that. It really is a rest month. I should start the next cycle right after I get back from my vacation (isn't that convenient?), around April 11th. Then we get serious.
Do you guys like the new blog look? I LOVE gerber daisies! They are simple, yet perfect - the way life should be. :)
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
More Tests?
OK you guys who are playing in the big league of IVF, can you let me know what kind of tests you had prior to your first IVF cycle?
I grew impatient today and called the RE's office. The receptionist said that I'd have to talk with the IVF nurse, who would tell me about taking more tests and set up a calendar for me. A calendar, I LOVE the sound of that--as I am anal that way. But, more tests? Of course neither nurse was available and I left a messege.
Thoughts?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OK it's later and I've done some research. I think the receptionist must not have had my chart, because I've had almost all of those tests that I see. Except the Hep B and Aids, or maybe something called a cervical swab test if my lab does that.
I'm still curious to know what kind of tests you guys had.
Also, thanks for all of the kind doggie comments! :)
I grew impatient today and called the RE's office. The receptionist said that I'd have to talk with the IVF nurse, who would tell me about taking more tests and set up a calendar for me. A calendar, I LOVE the sound of that--as I am anal that way. But, more tests? Of course neither nurse was available and I left a messege.
Thoughts?
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
OK it's later and I've done some research. I think the receptionist must not have had my chart, because I've had almost all of those tests that I see. Except the Hep B and Aids, or maybe something called a cervical swab test if my lab does that.
I'm still curious to know what kind of tests you guys had.
Also, thanks for all of the kind doggie comments! :)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Fur Kids!
For all of my dog lover blogsisters! This is Jackson again, isn't he handsome? Nine months old. Last August when we got him, I could hold him in my arms. Now my husband lovingly calls him "ox". He's a lot of fun!
He has a chewing problem. I know that Denise showed pictures of her dog chewing the couch, well he has been working on the house. Literally, he has chewed the siding off of our cedar shingled 60 year old home. Lovely.
He has a digging problem. Our backyard looks like a landmine.
But, he is so lovey. He loves to cuddle next to you on the couch (yes, the couch. He is spoiled). He loves to talk to you, and we also affectionately call him "woo woo" because that is the sound me makes when he talks. He also loves to go on walks, and is SOOO good on a leash. But his favorite place is the dog park. He is always the ringleader when we take him, and starts a whole, "catch me if you can" or "lookie what I've got" chasing game. He will pick up ANYTHING in his mouth and show you, or another dog - always proudly.
Plus, he's been a great distraction amongst all of this IF stuff.
I passed the test!
Does your RE have a 1 -800 number that you can call to get test results? You just call the number and enter a code, and there is a messege from the nurse. It's pretty cool. I got my bloodwork results this morning and FSH and estrodiol are normal. I didn't get numbers. They don't seem to like to give numbers. But I'll take normal! I guess I have to wait until they call again to see what the next step is.
yay! Let's do this thing!
yay! Let's do this thing!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Much Ado About Nothing
Warning: Pretty boring post ahead.
Weekends are so restorative for me, especially long weekends! I have enjoyed the stress-free days and thoughts of troubled children and frustrations have almost left my mind. Ahhh...
Go see Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day! It was the excellent Saturday movie for my date with my cute husband. He actually really liked it also.
On the IF front, I hate waiting!!! Waiting for my Clomid Challenge results are almost as bad as the two week wait. I go for the last bloodwork tomorrow, and should know something by Tuesday. I think I was a bit presumptuous the other day when I posted that I didn't have any reason to be concerned that there might be a problem. Apparently, it IS really possible to have ok counts on day 3 (well, it was day 4), and then high counts for day 11. So I am not out of the woods yet -- which makes me antsy.
Hope you all are having a good weekend!
Weekends are so restorative for me, especially long weekends! I have enjoyed the stress-free days and thoughts of troubled children and frustrations have almost left my mind. Ahhh...
Go see Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day! It was the excellent Saturday movie for my date with my cute husband. He actually really liked it also.
On the IF front, I hate waiting!!! Waiting for my Clomid Challenge results are almost as bad as the two week wait. I go for the last bloodwork tomorrow, and should know something by Tuesday. I think I was a bit presumptuous the other day when I posted that I didn't have any reason to be concerned that there might be a problem. Apparently, it IS really possible to have ok counts on day 3 (well, it was day 4), and then high counts for day 11. So I am not out of the woods yet -- which makes me antsy.
Hope you all are having a good weekend!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Stress and Fertility
Is stress really such a huge factor in conceiving? I mean, isn't it just a matter of science doing its thing? Isn't it a fact that the sperm and egg do their little dance, and there ya go? (I'm no dummy, I know it's way more complicated than that, but just go with it for a second here). Do the sperm and eggs really care that your job is stressful?
Maybe.
Everyone keeps saying, "you'll probably get pregnant this summer when you are relaxed and taking it easy". And mind you, I am SOOO lucky that I have a job that allows me to be slothful in the summer. But I've already farted around and my ovaries are not getting any younger. Waiting, is not an option.
I love teaching, but this year I've had an been exceptionally difficult group of children.
So, maybe our failed IUI's have been due to poor sperm morphology. When only one percent of of the sperm aren't freakishly misshapen, it ain't good. That is science. It is a pure and simple fact.
However, it seems to me that we are ALWAYS hearing news that stress is related to ________ fill in the blank-health condition. So, maybe the sperm and egg need to have good fung shui or just be very zen to do their little dance properly.
Maybe.
Everyone keeps saying, "you'll probably get pregnant this summer when you are relaxed and taking it easy". And mind you, I am SOOO lucky that I have a job that allows me to be slothful in the summer. But I've already farted around and my ovaries are not getting any younger. Waiting, is not an option.
I love teaching, but this year I've had an been exceptionally difficult group of children.
So, maybe our failed IUI's have been due to poor sperm morphology. When only one percent of of the sperm aren't freakishly misshapen, it ain't good. That is science. It is a pure and simple fact.
However, it seems to me that we are ALWAYS hearing news that stress is related to ________ fill in the blank-health condition. So, maybe the sperm and egg need to have good fung shui or just be very zen to do their little dance properly.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Update
The nurse called. Apparently this happened yesterday as I have been ignoring my phone. When I was getting my bloodwork done on Monday, she said they only give the results AFTER the whole thing is over.
So she called yesterday to let me know the results are completely normal. She said I seemed concerned and she wanted to make sure that I knew. Kinda nice, eh? I really have no reason to think it wouldn't be normal, but of course it is possible. And a lot is riding on it. As I read, chances are low of conceiving if the test comes back abnormal. I would hate to have come this far, only to have the door shut at this point.
Jen said they moved her into in vitro in the same cycle! I hadn't even considered that. Hmm... Lupron on vacation. Fun, fun. Can you still drink with Lupron? I don't want to get sloshed every night, but I do really want to sit with my friends on the beach and have a beer!
So she called yesterday to let me know the results are completely normal. She said I seemed concerned and she wanted to make sure that I knew. Kinda nice, eh? I really have no reason to think it wouldn't be normal, but of course it is possible. And a lot is riding on it. As I read, chances are low of conceiving if the test comes back abnormal. I would hate to have come this far, only to have the door shut at this point.
Jen said they moved her into in vitro in the same cycle! I hadn't even considered that. Hmm... Lupron on vacation. Fun, fun. Can you still drink with Lupron? I don't want to get sloshed every night, but I do really want to sit with my friends on the beach and have a beer!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Whew, that was close!
I almost let a whole cycle go by, because I was unclear about what to do next! Or, my doctor wasn't clear. Or something. Anyway, I am relieved that we can move forward.
I got my day 4 bloodwork done today and I start clomid tomorrow. I should know by next Monday whether we can do IVF or not. Hopefully my eggs are all good, and there are enough to work with.
In other news, today was show PJ your new baby day. One of my students wanted me to see her baby brother. OH MY GOSH, he is so tiny and cute! He was just born on the February 18th. And then there were two babies in the office. And well, you've got to be polite. One was all clad in shamrocks. It was ridiculously cute. I love to see them but then later it hits me, I really want one!!!
Yay, we are moving forward!!!
I got my day 4 bloodwork done today and I start clomid tomorrow. I should know by next Monday whether we can do IVF or not. Hopefully my eggs are all good, and there are enough to work with.
In other news, today was show PJ your new baby day. One of my students wanted me to see her baby brother. OH MY GOSH, he is so tiny and cute! He was just born on the February 18th. And then there were two babies in the office. And well, you've got to be polite. One was all clad in shamrocks. It was ridiculously cute. I love to see them but then later it hits me, I really want one!!!
Yay, we are moving forward!!!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Duh!!!
OK, this is probably a boring post and too much info, but if anyone has any thoughts or advice, that might be helpful.
I think I wasn't listening well when I went to the doctor. Of he wasn't clear. Or I misunderstood. Or maybe I did understand and am just second guessing myself. Or something.
I can't even blame it on hormones or drugs. Maybe nerves?
Anyway, I am now thinking, wondering, (hoping?) the RE meant to do the clomid challenge THIS month. That would make more sense. It would still be a rest month, which he said "rest month". He DID write me a script for clomid.
Of course it is Sunday and I can't just call up the office and ask. Well, I did. I left a messege with the answering service for the nurse. She'll probably call me tomorrow. It'll be day 4, I think--which should be ok for bloodwork.
I say, "I think it will be day 4", because ever since December, when I started fertility drugs, my cycle has been weird. Like this month it was spotty and light on day 28, nothing on day 29, spotty on day 30, and regular on what I guess I should count as day 1. It was exactly like that the last two months also. Which means, I guess, that my ultrasound was maybe early.
Normally, I have very regular cycles. So I don't really get the weirdness of it.
Anyway, so I'll be getting in touch with the doc or nurse tomorrow, and hopefully we can move forward this month instead of standing still. Unless, I was right before and he wanted the meds from the last three months to leave my system before the challenge?
It's gonna be a long day.
I think I wasn't listening well when I went to the doctor. Of he wasn't clear. Or I misunderstood. Or maybe I did understand and am just second guessing myself. Or something.
I can't even blame it on hormones or drugs. Maybe nerves?
Anyway, I am now thinking, wondering, (hoping?) the RE meant to do the clomid challenge THIS month. That would make more sense. It would still be a rest month, which he said "rest month". He DID write me a script for clomid.
Of course it is Sunday and I can't just call up the office and ask. Well, I did. I left a messege with the answering service for the nurse. She'll probably call me tomorrow. It'll be day 4, I think--which should be ok for bloodwork.
I say, "I think it will be day 4", because ever since December, when I started fertility drugs, my cycle has been weird. Like this month it was spotty and light on day 28, nothing on day 29, spotty on day 30, and regular on what I guess I should count as day 1. It was exactly like that the last two months also. Which means, I guess, that my ultrasound was maybe early.
Normally, I have very regular cycles. So I don't really get the weirdness of it.
Anyway, so I'll be getting in touch with the doc or nurse tomorrow, and hopefully we can move forward this month instead of standing still. Unless, I was right before and he wanted the meds from the last three months to leave my system before the challenge?
It's gonna be a long day.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Clomid Challenge Test?
OK, I had a baseline ultrasound. I was confused about what that was because there ARE baseline bloodwork tests too. But Jen was right.
So I am in the waiting room, and a woman brought in her baby. At first I was selfishly a little annoyed, but then I realized why she'd brought him in. He was a success story! She brought him in to show the RE, who came out and held him, and said, "hey little guy, you started here"! That was reassuring. It DOES actually work sometimes!
My appointment was with the other doctor. There are two. I REALLY prefer my doctor. He is just way more personable, and I know they are experts and read charts, etc. But I just feel like my guy knows me. He's on vacation. Yesterday I thought we should insist the receptionist call him, pleading, "We really like him! He SAID he'd get me pregnant! Please have him come back to talk with me!" But I refrained. I have some dignity left. :)
Anyway, an ultrasound while on your period--not the most pleasant thing. No cysts, but a black blob that he thought should be smaller by now. I can only assume it was the corpus luteum, but he didn't say.
Well, first he said that yes, we should move to IVF. He said that we needed to try the Clomid Challenge Test to see how my ovarian reserve was. Has anyone done that? So, I get to take a month off of fertility treatment. I have mixed feelings about that because, you know I was ready to rock and roll!!! No looking back me, let's get moving, yada, yada. But. On the other hand, we will be going to Ft. Lauderdale in April. I have not had a drink in three months. I think I will make up for it and have a good time, no stress and all. Work has been super stressful also, so it's probably a good thing mental health-wise.
So then, next month I am to do a blood test at the beginning of the cycle, take clomid, and then do another blood test on day 10. We go from there.
Dats the latest.
So I am in the waiting room, and a woman brought in her baby. At first I was selfishly a little annoyed, but then I realized why she'd brought him in. He was a success story! She brought him in to show the RE, who came out and held him, and said, "hey little guy, you started here"! That was reassuring. It DOES actually work sometimes!
My appointment was with the other doctor. There are two. I REALLY prefer my doctor. He is just way more personable, and I know they are experts and read charts, etc. But I just feel like my guy knows me. He's on vacation. Yesterday I thought we should insist the receptionist call him, pleading, "We really like him! He SAID he'd get me pregnant! Please have him come back to talk with me!" But I refrained. I have some dignity left. :)
Anyway, an ultrasound while on your period--not the most pleasant thing. No cysts, but a black blob that he thought should be smaller by now. I can only assume it was the corpus luteum, but he didn't say.
Well, first he said that yes, we should move to IVF. He said that we needed to try the Clomid Challenge Test to see how my ovarian reserve was. Has anyone done that? So, I get to take a month off of fertility treatment. I have mixed feelings about that because, you know I was ready to rock and roll!!! No looking back me, let's get moving, yada, yada. But. On the other hand, we will be going to Ft. Lauderdale in April. I have not had a drink in three months. I think I will make up for it and have a good time, no stress and all. Work has been super stressful also, so it's probably a good thing mental health-wise.
So then, next month I am to do a blood test at the beginning of the cycle, take clomid, and then do another blood test on day 10. We go from there.
Dats the latest.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Well it's past my bedtime but...
(note that it's 9:50 on a school night!) Oh. My. God. I am old and boring!
More about dogs sometime when I am not sleepy. :)
Well, for Denise and Io, whom have both posted doggies in the past few days, here are my lovely children. My husband's mom calls them the "granddogs".
Haha!
So sad.
Anyway, this is Beckley. He is 8, we think. He was found injured along the highway in Beckley, WV by one of my husband's coworkers. And they already had a few dogs, and a few kids, and so we adopted him.
And this is our newest distraction, and baby, Jackson. He is a German Shorthaired Pointer. This picture was taken several months ago. We need to take pics now, because he has grown. OH MY GOSH, he's grown! He is nearly 70 pounds now! Very cute. Very, very smart. And a handful to keep up with!
More about dogs sometime when I am not sleepy. :)
BTW, I'm calling the RE tomorrow. I think the way I "deal" is by moving forward. Reflection is for wussies. (sorry reflectors) I'm ready to get whatever comes next started. :)
Monday, March 10, 2008
FSH Terrorist
Well, I'm impatient and I tested. My husband kept asking me to, plus I'm supposed to get AF tomorrow anyway.
I'm not as bummed as I was last time, although maybe it just hasn't set in. Of course, there is the possibility that our next round will be IVF. Last month I called the RE immediately after I got AF, and insisted that we go to IVF if this 3rd IUI doesn't pan out. But then I got a really good response with the follicles, so I keep wondering if we'd had more follies the first two times, would it have worked? I'll have to talk with the RE. Maybe one more round of IUI? I don't know. Then again, I think with all I've read about poor sperm morphology, I'll bet they are just unable to penetrate the eggs--maybe no matter how many there are. I think what we really need is to graduate to IVF with ICSI. You know, me with my Google MD and all.
Right now I just want to know what's next so that I can plan my vacation (or not).
I can bring my needles with me, right? On the plane? They are ok with needles? Although, I might be a terrorist, "turn the plane around or I'll shoot you with FSH"!!!
I'm not as bummed as I was last time, although maybe it just hasn't set in. Of course, there is the possibility that our next round will be IVF. Last month I called the RE immediately after I got AF, and insisted that we go to IVF if this 3rd IUI doesn't pan out. But then I got a really good response with the follicles, so I keep wondering if we'd had more follies the first two times, would it have worked? I'll have to talk with the RE. Maybe one more round of IUI? I don't know. Then again, I think with all I've read about poor sperm morphology, I'll bet they are just unable to penetrate the eggs--maybe no matter how many there are. I think what we really need is to graduate to IVF with ICSI. You know, me with my Google MD and all.
Right now I just want to know what's next so that I can plan my vacation (or not).
I can bring my needles with me, right? On the plane? They are ok with needles? Although, I might be a terrorist, "turn the plane around or I'll shoot you with FSH"!!!
Saturday, March 8, 2008
When to test II
OK, first SE thanks for your comments as always! I enjoy hearing what you have to say.
Next, I found this nifty site that I wanted to share. http://www.peeonastick.com/ It's got lots of answers about stuff that I've pondered.
Notice number 37 on the HPT link (cracked me up!)
I smoked some pot, drank a lot of beer, took Advil, am on the Pill, had sex, and had Chinese food for dinner. Can that affect my test results?
But I still want to know what YOU GUYS do! And what's a baseline?
Thanks!
Next, I found this nifty site that I wanted to share. http://www.peeonastick.com/ It's got lots of answers about stuff that I've pondered.
Notice number 37 on the HPT link (cracked me up!)
I smoked some pot, drank a lot of beer, took Advil, am on the Pill, had sex, and had Chinese food for dinner. Can that affect my test results?
But I still want to know what YOU GUYS do! And what's a baseline?
Thanks!
When to test?
When do you guys do your home pregnancy test? I know everything I've read says to do it on the day you are supposed to start your period. But then there are the tests that you can get that are supposed to detect HCG up to five days before your expected period. I'm tempted. However, I'd hate for that HCG from the trigger to still be in my system and give me a false positive. I just am torn about this.
Plus all that depends on if we can go on vacation in April to Ft. Lauderdale -- A vacation that we desperately need! Oh flip flops and shorts, how I miss you! I'm so sick of winter.
Also, a baseline. What exactly is that? My RE said that if I got AF then we should do a baseline. Is that doc speak for ultrasound, or bloodwork, or what?
Thanks for all of your wisdom!
Plus all that depends on if we can go on vacation in April to Ft. Lauderdale -- A vacation that we desperately need! Oh flip flops and shorts, how I miss you! I'm so sick of winter.
Also, a baseline. What exactly is that? My RE said that if I got AF then we should do a baseline. Is that doc speak for ultrasound, or bloodwork, or what?
Thanks for all of your wisdom!
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
A Different Perspective
I'm an elementary school teacher. Kids are my life. I'm good at kids. I get kids--most of them anyway.
I've taught at public and private schools. I've taught kids who came from money, and most recently those who do not. I've taught the gifted, and the struggling learners, and everything inbetween. I'm immersed in kids.
A teacher that I am close with tells me about a teacher she used to work with who struggled with infertility. She struggled with the constant everyday reminder of her difficulties in conceiving.
In regards to my frustration with my infertility, it doesn't bother me to be around them, like you might think. They keep my mind active, engaged, entertained. They amuse and frustrate me, sometimes all in the same day.
What bothers me the most deeply, is the parents who don't seem to understand what a blessing a child is. I sometimes think, sometimes out loud, how they don't deserve a child. Why wouldn't I think that, when I work with children who have come from abuse, neglect (so much neglect), and just generally sad homes.
I sound like one of my students, but I often think "it's so unfair". It's unfair that Brittany Spears' sister can get pregnant, and I can't! It's unfair that a crack whore can get pregnant, and I can't! I've cut out caffeine for god's sake! Sorry... that was angry. But hey, if you can't vent on a blog, then where can ya vent?
I vividly remember growing up, my dad used to say "if I only had that kid for a week or two, I'd straiten him up". He said that all of the time. I find myself thinking that too. I'd right all of the wrong. OK, maybe I'd need more than a week or two, but I'd be a good parent. I'd be a better parent.
Not that I think parenting is easy. The parenting side if teaching is the hardest part. I can get up in front of the class, and get them excited about inflectional word endings, or how many vertices a rectangular prism has. But the dealing with organization and feelings and just generally making nice to one another is the hard part. I get that. Parenting is hard. I do.
My husband keeps telling me that I have a different perspective and not to take it all so seriously. The world isn't a fair place. He's right. But you know, when I DO get pregnant, and I WILL get pregnant, I will know what a blessing I have. I will know, because I have a different perspective.
I've taught at public and private schools. I've taught kids who came from money, and most recently those who do not. I've taught the gifted, and the struggling learners, and everything inbetween. I'm immersed in kids.
A teacher that I am close with tells me about a teacher she used to work with who struggled with infertility. She struggled with the constant everyday reminder of her difficulties in conceiving.
In regards to my frustration with my infertility, it doesn't bother me to be around them, like you might think. They keep my mind active, engaged, entertained. They amuse and frustrate me, sometimes all in the same day.
What bothers me the most deeply, is the parents who don't seem to understand what a blessing a child is. I sometimes think, sometimes out loud, how they don't deserve a child. Why wouldn't I think that, when I work with children who have come from abuse, neglect (so much neglect), and just generally sad homes.
I sound like one of my students, but I often think "it's so unfair". It's unfair that Brittany Spears' sister can get pregnant, and I can't! It's unfair that a crack whore can get pregnant, and I can't! I've cut out caffeine for god's sake! Sorry... that was angry. But hey, if you can't vent on a blog, then where can ya vent?
I vividly remember growing up, my dad used to say "if I only had that kid for a week or two, I'd straiten him up". He said that all of the time. I find myself thinking that too. I'd right all of the wrong. OK, maybe I'd need more than a week or two, but I'd be a good parent. I'd be a better parent.
Not that I think parenting is easy. The parenting side if teaching is the hardest part. I can get up in front of the class, and get them excited about inflectional word endings, or how many vertices a rectangular prism has. But the dealing with organization and feelings and just generally making nice to one another is the hard part. I get that. Parenting is hard. I do.
My husband keeps telling me that I have a different perspective and not to take it all so seriously. The world isn't a fair place. He's right. But you know, when I DO get pregnant, and I WILL get pregnant, I will know what a blessing I have. I will know, because I have a different perspective.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
My Big Mouth
Actually, regarding the post below, I probably wouldn't actually say any of those things. But just the thought of it! Could you imagine?
I really have a big mouth regarding the infertility treatments. Sometimes I wonder what I'll do when I actually do get pregnant, because you know there will be no waiting out the first trimester (like my husband seems to think we'd be able to do). What people really keep that all in? It'll kill me!
Plus, I leave work constantly for doctor's appointments. I feel like I have to explain. I imagine they would all think I have some horrible somethinganother if I didn't explain it was for a good cause. Not that infertility isn't a lousy thing to have.
How much to you tell? Who do you share with?
I really have a big mouth regarding the infertility treatments. Sometimes I wonder what I'll do when I actually do get pregnant, because you know there will be no waiting out the first trimester (like my husband seems to think we'd be able to do). What people really keep that all in? It'll kill me!
Plus, I leave work constantly for doctor's appointments. I feel like I have to explain. I imagine they would all think I have some horrible somethinganother if I didn't explain it was for a good cause. Not that infertility isn't a lousy thing to have.
How much to you tell? Who do you share with?
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