Tuesday, June 17, 2008

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Obgyn...

Ok, so, she's no longer an OB. But, I wish she was so I'm just going to call her that. Living in denial... I had my appointment with her yesterday afternoon. I hadn't seen her since last April before all the IVF madness. I completely forgot how nice and AWESOME she is! She got an update on everything that's been going on, asking questions, stuff like that but it wasn't anything that I hadn't already discussed with Doc S or considered. She seemed quite puzzled and didn't understand it. I said, well, it's hubby's sperm. She said, and you saw the urologist, right? I told her, there's nothing they can do for him. She was really nice about it, just trying to be helpful. She asked if there was a brother and I told her that wasn't an option for us. Then, she asked about donor sperm. I told her, we'll cross that bridge but right now we want to exhaust this option.

She's got me scheduled for the biopsy that I need done, she'll be doing it next Thursday. I asked her how much pain I should expect, she was like it's nothing, after what you've been through the past year, you'll be fine. That's when I got a funky look from the nurse. I'm going to go with the nurse on this one!! Oh well, it needs to be done.

I had talked to her about the fact that she's no longer delivering. She said all the other doctors in her office were delivering but once I get pregnant to see the midwives in her other office. She said, this way you'll get the TLC I need and if they need a doctor, she'll come in if she's in town. I thought that was really nice but I don't expect her to do that. Either way, one thing at a time. Let's hope I need to worry about that one.

She did an exam, everything was fine, and sent me on my way. I really don't know why I was so nervous, she really is so nice. I think that's why she's the only Obgyn that I've ever seen not counting the REs. I also emailed my CCRM nurse in hopes to get some sort of idea if I can atleast start bcp next cycle!

Monday, June 16, 2008

Peak on CD 15???

I can't believe it, yesterday, I got a high on my CBEFM. This morning, right on schedule, cd 15, a PEAK! I'm wondering, is my body finally pissed off enough that it's willing to cooperate?? Today couldn't have been more perfect. I have my annual this afternoon w my obgyn. I need it before starting a cycle with Dr. S in Denver. AND, I also need to discuss the biopsy with her and sure enough, I can tell her exactly the days it needs to be done. How's that for perfect??

I'm not sure why but I am very nervous to see my obgyn. It's been over a year now. I am hoping she's willing and able to do this test for me. I'm not quite sure why I'm so nervous, I need some words of ease...

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

One Day Workup at CCRM in Denver


Before I get started, as you can see, I posted a picture of CCRM. It's quite an impressive facility, just opened in January and is 40,000 square feet. They have other facilities but this is the main one where ERs and ETs are done. The area is very nice, near a hospital. The area is growing and has a GORGEOUS view of the mountains.

On Monday, we had our one day workup at CCRM in Denver. I must admit, I was VERY nervous. So, we had to be there at 7:45am and had a whole schedule of events to occur that day. Of course, our first meeting of the day was with Dr. Schoolcraft. There really wasn't much to say being we had spoken via telephone already. I did ask him a few questions just for reassurance as he asked some questions as well. The two things that he said that stood out the most were that he did think he could make this work and that he wished all his cases were like mine. I know, most people would be thrilled and it does make me happy BUT, my former RE also told me that he'd get me my baby several times. I realize that Dr. S is more competent but regardless, I'll believe it when I'm holding my baby. So, after Dr. S, hubby had to do his thing for the antibody testing, poor guy. Off he went, while I waited in fear as to what was going on, if everything was okay and he was gone for about 30 minutes. So, I had too much time to stress! After that, we were off to the financial department. We were told all the fees and signed the financial agreement, of course, we left a deposit. Next, we went over all the consents, what to do if my hubby dies, I die, we divorce, and what we want done with embryos that we don't use. It went fairly quickly, we've done that before. Then, we met with the nurse. She was nice, friendly, went over their procedures, what to do, who to call, stuff like that, basically CCRM's protocols. We went over all the tests I need to have when I get home since they have to be done later in the cycle. I need to get a biopsy 9-11 days past ovulation and cd 3 bloodwork. Then, we decided on what bloodwork would be done and off we went to get stuck! So, after that, I was relieved, atleast one of my "procedures" were done. Of course, the two worst were still lingering and I was so dreading them.

We had two hours for lunch since things didn't take as long as expected. I think they need an express session for those who have done IVF before. We grabbed subs at subway and headed to Target. I think we visited Target atleast once a day while there. After lunch, we met with the nurse again to go over meds. I had taken every medication except one. So, it was short. She did show us how to use the follistim pen since we've mixed with menopur in the past. After that, the dreaded procedures began. First, the ultrasound, not a biggie, of course, but not fun either. I had about 22 resting follies and the blood flow in the uterus was normal. She did see a fibroid but she didn't think it was in the way. Great, something else I have...

Of course, we're still ahead of schedule and the most dreaded thing was left and with Dr. Schoolcraft. So, I have to wait until he's available. Finally, they called me back and the nurse said T should wait and would be called for the regroup. I was kinda annoyed, I wanted him there while having the hysteroscopy. I didn't understand either because I didn't know about the regroup. The hysteroscopy wasn't bad. He said I got an A+ and everything looked fine. And, that was it! So, really, no new discoveries and there wasn't a regroup.

So, now, I have to get my annual updated with my obgyn which is scheduled for Monday. I am going to discuss the biopsy with her as well. I know she can do it but I don 't know if she can with only 10 days notice so I'll need to discuss that with her. Then, once my period arrives, I'll get the cd3 bloodwork. The blood needs to be shipped to CCRM so they gave me a kit for that. So, over the next few weeks, I'll start to get some answers on the other tests we did there. Of course, I have these few to do locally as well. Once all that is done, I'll get a protocol and a calendar. I am so hoping to start bcp next cycle but we'll see!

The day was very long as I said before. I left with the worst migraine, now cramping after the hysteroscopy and bleeding. I was cranky to say the least. After some rest, we headed to dinner and Grand Lux Cafe and got a BIG piece of chocolate cake to go. We went back to the hotel, packed, ate that cake!! :) I'll probably post a blog about the weekend in general in a few days. I have some other pictures to post for that too.

Keep those good vibes coming, we seem to be having some good luck...

THIS JUST IN!!! BREAKING NEWS!

ok, so, the long awaited test results that my hubby did for my local RE are in. Yes, that's right! He sent two samples to Washington, DC to see if the necessary chromosomes were even there to make a baby. You know the ones, the ones that everyone has asked about weekly. The ones that were suppose to take several weeks to get in but took two months! The ones that my RE said if were even 50% abnormal, he'd tell me to go donor sperm.

um, ok, enough supense and buildup, the nurse told my hubby, they are normal, all normal. HOORAY! isn't that great?? did you all hear that big sigh of relief? yeah, and a few tears of joy as well.

And, I promise, give me a few days and I'll have an update on my workup at CCRM.

UPDATE - I have to share this because everyone has asked what took so long! I finally have answer to that. When we got home, the fax was waiting for us. I was expecting a formal report but it was only an email from the doctor in Washington DC. AND, it was dated 3 weeks ago, so, there you have it, my doctor sat on it for 3 weeks... nice, huh? oh, I should say my OLD doctor. He officially put the last nail in his coffin.

MAMASOON***** - how do I get to your blog??

Monday, June 9, 2008

Today was a LONG day!

Today was an extremely long day. Once everything was done, I had a migraine. After a few aleve and a good meal, I do feel better but I am just exhausted. We have to be up at 5am to get to the airport so I need to finish packing and get to bed. I know everyone is wanting an update which I promise to post. But, long story short, there really isn't much to say. He didn't find anything I didn't know about except a fibroid that isn't in the way. We still need to wait on a few of the test results so maybe we'll learn something from those. Plus, I have a few tests that need to be completed in a few weeks once I return home. Thanks for all your thoughs, prayers and good vibes, keep them coming my way!! :)

Saturday, June 7, 2008

We are in Denver, Safe, Sound,

on time and with our luggage! That was definitely a smooth trip as far as a 10 hour day trip can be. We checked into the hotel and we are getting ready to get something to eat and relax for the night. While it's now 3:30PM, my body thinks it's 5:30PM and is getting hungry! :)

Thanks everyone for the comments, so nice logging on to such nice supportive comments! I have to admit, today was a bit overwhelming, just having to comprehend the need to travel to another state to see a doctor in order to have a baby. But, unfortunately, our circumstances are a bit too complicated for the local doctors. Let's hope he has some good news for us in the next few coming months.

Friday, June 6, 2008

3 more days!! Woo hoo!

Finally! June 9th is right around the corner. I can't wait!!! We are leaving for Denver tomorrow!!! :) I pray that our travels aren't a complete disaster, no missed connections or serious delays. We seem to have that kind of luck. We are scheduled to arrive in Denver late afternoon. I'm looking forward to just relaxing, settling in and trying to adjust to the new time since Denver is 2 hours behind Florida. On Sunday, we are heading to lunch with friends and then to a Rockies Game! Fun stuff...

On Monday, we have a long day, starts at 7:30 and scheduled to end at 3PM but I've been told since we've done IVF, it'll go much quicker. I'm a bit nervous about Monday. What will he find? something new? And, if any of these tests/procedures are going to hurt? I'm sure I'll be fine, I've survived much worse. But, I'll just be glad to have it over and done with. I just want to get the show on the road. It's time for some answers and a NEW plan. Of course, most importantly, a NEW DOCTOR! Being, it's been 3 months since we've last talked to our old RE and almost two months since my hubby's chromosome testing on his sperm. And really? where are those results? I was told several weeks. It's been two months. We've called to follow up and we're told don't call us, we'll call you. Good thing we didn't wait and rely on that bc it's obviously not going to happen. I'm quite disappointed in that whole thing but whatever, moving on, again. So, I hope this new RE can get things going!

I really can't thank everyone enough for all these comments the past week or so. I have read some of the nicest comments. I can't tell you how awesome it is to receive support from people I don't know and, of course, from those I do know that are commenting. It helps more than you will ever know. The past week has been difficult and frustrating. I've been feeling quite a bit of aggravation, sadness and bitterness. It's so helpful to receive the support. I already feel so isolated as it is in daily life.

The hotel does have internet access, hopefully, I will be able to log on and update my blog. Otherwise, I'll be home Tuesday and try then if it's not too late. So, if you pray, say a few for me, if you don't, all good vibes are greatly appreciated! send them my way!