My RE appointment last month went really well. He agreed with me that we should start were we left off – Fe.ma.ra – rather than doing any tests. He also said we could do an IUI the first cycle or wait until I am ready. I got pregnant with Grace using Fe.ma.ra and having an IUI.
I started Fe.mar.a this cycle. We were going to be at a ski lodge during the fertile days – day 14-16 based on my previous Fe.ma.ra cycles, so I wasn’t sure how often I would be able to use the OPK’s to test. It turns out zero since I forgot the tests and OPK’s are not in the markets on the top of a mountain!
I must have ovulated because this morning – cycle day 31, I got a positive! A light line on FR and a ‘pregnant’ on a CBE digital. My RE was even able to get me in for blood work this morning with results back this afternoon. They just called – my beta is 20. I was devastated, but the nurse said it isn’t bad since I haven’t really missed a period before. My normal periods are really long, but my periods on Fe.ma.ra are more normal. I looked back and on cycle day 32 my beta with Grace was 211. I go back in on Monday to see if it doubled. The nurse remained really positive and congratulated me, but I can’t help but be pessimistic.
Has anyone heard of such a low beta turning into a viable pregnancy? I know I could have ovulated late, so I am holding out hope that is the case here.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Tubes and more
Grace is getting tubes! While I am not looking forward to surgery, I am really glad that she will have relief from constant ear infections. The ENT said recurrent ear infections during non-ear infection season are a good sign that she needs tubes. I asked about side effects and he said one complaint he hears a lot is increased mobility! It makes sense that her balance gets screwed up with an ear infection but I thought it was a pretty funny side effect of surgery.
In other news, my husband had hernia surgery on Monday. What an ordeal that was! We were told to show up at 10:30. The surgery is a 15 minute procedure, so I figured we would be home at 3 at the latest – in plenty of time to pick Grace up from daycare. Wrong! We left the house at 9 and pulled back in at 9 at night! Other than that, the surgery went well. He is at home recovering. My new challenge is trying to convince him not to do too much. Some men are babies when they are sick/recovering, but he is the extreme opposite. He gets offended if he so much as thinks he is being babied and generally tries to do more than he is allowed to by the doctor. This should be a fun couple of weeks!
I am finally getting to go on a girl’s weekend, sans baby! I am so excited! Originally I was waiting until Grace was weaned. Then we found out about the hernia surgery, so I wanted to wait until he was completely healed from it before leaving him with Grace. Not only do we have the weekend planned, but I bought plane tickets so it is official! Yay!
In other news, my husband had hernia surgery on Monday. What an ordeal that was! We were told to show up at 10:30. The surgery is a 15 minute procedure, so I figured we would be home at 3 at the latest – in plenty of time to pick Grace up from daycare. Wrong! We left the house at 9 and pulled back in at 9 at night! Other than that, the surgery went well. He is at home recovering. My new challenge is trying to convince him not to do too much. Some men are babies when they are sick/recovering, but he is the extreme opposite. He gets offended if he so much as thinks he is being babied and generally tries to do more than he is allowed to by the doctor. This should be a fun couple of weeks!
I am finally getting to go on a girl’s weekend, sans baby! I am so excited! Originally I was waiting until Grace was weaned. Then we found out about the hernia surgery, so I wanted to wait until he was completely healed from it before leaving him with Grace. Not only do we have the weekend planned, but I bought plane tickets so it is official! Yay!
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Sinus Hell
I started getting sinus infections for the first time this past April. From April – July I was treated by our military clinic or urgent care centers. In July I finally received a referral to go to an ENT. They determined that I am allergic to just about every spring blooming tree. I am still unclear on why I have never had a sinus/allergy problem until now and how I got another infection in September (when all the spring trees have already bloomed).
Today was my follow-up appointment to see if the second round of antibiotics cleared up the infection. The CT scan revealed a fully blocked sinus. It was unbelievable to see the blockage on the left side of my face – from my jawbone to my eye socket. They took a culture and it turns out that this infection is resistant to all but 4 drugs, and only one of those drugs is in oral form the others are in IV form. The infection is a form of resistant strep, which apparently is not good at all.
I am on the oral medicine for a three week trail. If this doesn’t work he said they will have to put a picc line in to give me the IV meds. The other option is surgery. I was floored! I still can’t believe what I thought was a simple sinus infection has turned into a freaking nightmare.
He wants to see Grace immediately because he thinks there is a possibility she has it too – in the form of recurrent ear infections. Either way he thinks she is ready for tubes (6 ear infections since 4 months old) but he wants to see her soon to make sure she doesn’t have anything else. She has an appointment tomorrow afternoon. I am worried but since I am still so confused on everything I am not even sure what to google before the appointment - which is probably what is saving my sanity right now.
On the TTC front he told me to stop trying for now. This type of infection is something that needs to be completely cleared before getting pregnant. Plus the meds I am on now have not been tested for pregnancy. I am really glad I stopped nursing when Grace turned one otherwise I wouldn’t have any options for meds.
All in all today has been a huge shock for me. I hope to get more answers when I go back with Grace tomorrow.
Today was my follow-up appointment to see if the second round of antibiotics cleared up the infection. The CT scan revealed a fully blocked sinus. It was unbelievable to see the blockage on the left side of my face – from my jawbone to my eye socket. They took a culture and it turns out that this infection is resistant to all but 4 drugs, and only one of those drugs is in oral form the others are in IV form. The infection is a form of resistant strep, which apparently is not good at all.
I am on the oral medicine for a three week trail. If this doesn’t work he said they will have to put a picc line in to give me the IV meds. The other option is surgery. I was floored! I still can’t believe what I thought was a simple sinus infection has turned into a freaking nightmare.
He wants to see Grace immediately because he thinks there is a possibility she has it too – in the form of recurrent ear infections. Either way he thinks she is ready for tubes (6 ear infections since 4 months old) but he wants to see her soon to make sure she doesn’t have anything else. She has an appointment tomorrow afternoon. I am worried but since I am still so confused on everything I am not even sure what to google before the appointment - which is probably what is saving my sanity right now.
On the TTC front he told me to stop trying for now. This type of infection is something that needs to be completely cleared before getting pregnant. Plus the meds I am on now have not been tested for pregnancy. I am really glad I stopped nursing when Grace turned one otherwise I wouldn’t have any options for meds.
All in all today has been a huge shock for me. I hope to get more answers when I go back with Grace tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Frustrated!
We still have not been able to get the seasonal flu vaccine for Grace! Her one year check-up was two weeks ago and the dr's office is still out of the vaccine. I just spoke to the receptionist who advised me to call back on Friday to see if they have received the vaccine. She said they are not even being told when to expect it. I am so frustrated!
Grace had her first stomach bug last week which gave me a peek into how terrible the flu could be. She was so sad and listless, even after she stopped puking. Thankfully it was just a 24 hour bug, but it sure was a crappy 24 hours!
Is anyone else having a problem getting the seasonal flu vaccine?
Grace had her first stomach bug last week which gave me a peek into how terrible the flu could be. She was so sad and listless, even after she stopped puking. Thankfully it was just a 24 hour bug, but it sure was a crappy 24 hours!
Is anyone else having a problem getting the seasonal flu vaccine?
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Starting Again
I can't believe it has already been a year - time really does fly by. We didn't have a big party for Grace, just a few friends and family. She HATED the cake, which I find very surprising becuase I love sweets and B has a sweet tooth too. He is really proud of her - thinks this is the start to good, clean healthy living for her! :)
I decided to make an appointment with my RE. I have been off the pill since Grace was about 3 months old, but we haven't been officially trying - i.e. taking temps, OPK's, etc. Since we don't know what was wrong in the first place we decided to start back with the RE. The appointment is Nov 2 and is a consultation. I hope he will just have us start where we left off - Fe.ma.ra and IUI. I really don't want to put my body through any more tests or meds when we know what finally worked last time. We'll see if he agrees with me.
Grace enjoying her cake!
I decided to make an appointment with my RE. I have been off the pill since Grace was about 3 months old, but we haven't been officially trying - i.e. taking temps, OPK's, etc. Since we don't know what was wrong in the first place we decided to start back with the RE. The appointment is Nov 2 and is a consultation. I hope he will just have us start where we left off - Fe.ma.ra and IUI. I really don't want to put my body through any more tests or meds when we know what finally worked last time. We'll see if he agrees with me.
Grace enjoying her cake!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Over
Thanks for the concern - I really appreciate the support. I started bleeding yesterday afternoon. The ob's office called today to tell me that the pregnancy is not viable. After finding out I already started bleeding they asked me to come in later this week for another blood test to make sure my number goes back to zero. Awesome.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Friday, July 10, 2009
Confusion
I went to the doctor today to find out for sure if I am pregnant. Even though I have had four positive tests I was still nervous. Turns out I had good reason to be nervous - the pee test at the clinic came back negative...twice. They did a blood test and just called me with the result. She said my HCG is 15 - and congratulated me. Isn't this bad news? I assume she was giving me my beta. My beta at 18 dpo when I miscarried was 14. My beta at 14 dpiui with Grace was 211. I have no idea when I ovulated, but I still don't think a 15 sounds like reason to celebrate.
This was not my ob/gyn office, it was our crappy military clinic that I have to go in order to get a referral to my ob/gyn. I was pretty upset when I got the negative at the clinic, and given my history they were nice enough to give me a referral to see my regular dr this afternoon. The ob/gyn office also took bloodwork which won't be back until Monday. I am not feeling optimistic.
This was not my ob/gyn office, it was our crappy military clinic that I have to go in order to get a referral to my ob/gyn. I was pretty upset when I got the negative at the clinic, and given my history they were nice enough to give me a referral to see my regular dr this afternoon. The ob/gyn office also took bloodwork which won't be back until Monday. I am not feeling optimistic.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Car seats and more
We are now in the market for the next stage of car seats. We have narrowed it down to a Britax – either the Marathon or Boulevard. They are so freaking expensive! I’ve found a few places online to get them cheaper, but still expensive. Oy!
Grace is still well below the limits of her infant seat, but we will be driving to Boston in a few weeks and I thought she might be more comfortable in the bigger seat. Not sure it will make much of a difference to her, but will make me feel better about having her in it for so long!
In other news, my contract at work is expiring at the end of the month. After about a month of working full-time I decided I couldn’t handle it. Grace goes to sleep around 7-7:30, so I only got to spend an hour or two with her each night. Plus my husband is out of town about 50% of the year, which just made things tougher. I know people do it every day and my hat is off to them! My work has been great and offered me part-time on a 6 month contract. My boss says he still needs me based on workload, but has to go up two levels in the chain of command to get it approved. I should be finding out any day now. Keeping my fingers crossed – I am going with the ‘no news, is good news’ mindset.
And in still other news – I finally got my period at the end of May. The 16 months or so of no period was glorious! I still have not gotten period #2. My cycles were long and irregular in the past – at least 40 days. I realized that Sunday was day 41 and since I had a leftover pregnancy test and I love to pee on sticks, I decided to take a test. Negative. I repeated this insanity yesterday and had a VERY faint line resembling an absorption line. I thought I checked it in the right amount of time, but I couldn’t be certain. I promised myself I would wait to test again until at least Thursday…until this morning when I tested again. And again got a VERY faint line. This time I know I checked at the 2 minute mark. The line is no darker than yesterday and all but disappears when I fully extend my arm away from my face. So a foot away from my face I can see a faint line and 2+ feet away from my face (yes, I have very long arms) I can no longer see the line.
I have no idea what to think, so I am pretending nothing has happened since in reality no sane person would think anything really has happened. I haven’t even told my husband because there is no reason to get his hopes up if it turns out to be nothing. Long story short – I have three tests left and I am going to try to hold off on taking them for a few days.
Grace is still well below the limits of her infant seat, but we will be driving to Boston in a few weeks and I thought she might be more comfortable in the bigger seat. Not sure it will make much of a difference to her, but will make me feel better about having her in it for so long!
In other news, my contract at work is expiring at the end of the month. After about a month of working full-time I decided I couldn’t handle it. Grace goes to sleep around 7-7:30, so I only got to spend an hour or two with her each night. Plus my husband is out of town about 50% of the year, which just made things tougher. I know people do it every day and my hat is off to them! My work has been great and offered me part-time on a 6 month contract. My boss says he still needs me based on workload, but has to go up two levels in the chain of command to get it approved. I should be finding out any day now. Keeping my fingers crossed – I am going with the ‘no news, is good news’ mindset.
And in still other news – I finally got my period at the end of May. The 16 months or so of no period was glorious! I still have not gotten period #2. My cycles were long and irregular in the past – at least 40 days. I realized that Sunday was day 41 and since I had a leftover pregnancy test and I love to pee on sticks, I decided to take a test. Negative. I repeated this insanity yesterday and had a VERY faint line resembling an absorption line. I thought I checked it in the right amount of time, but I couldn’t be certain. I promised myself I would wait to test again until at least Thursday…until this morning when I tested again. And again got a VERY faint line. This time I know I checked at the 2 minute mark. The line is no darker than yesterday and all but disappears when I fully extend my arm away from my face. So a foot away from my face I can see a faint line and 2+ feet away from my face (yes, I have very long arms) I can no longer see the line.
I have no idea what to think, so I am pretending nothing has happened since in reality no sane person would think anything really has happened. I haven’t even told my husband because there is no reason to get his hopes up if it turns out to be nothing. Long story short – I have three tests left and I am going to try to hold off on taking them for a few days.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
MIA
If there was an award for the worst blogger of the year, I would probably get it. I have become the dreaded blogger who doesn’t update once the baby is born.
I doubt there is anyone out there who will check back in with me after 8 months of being MIA – but just in case I wanted to update.
Grace is truly the light of my life. She is almost 9 months old and is crawling all over the place. I can’t believe she has been in our lives for this long…it seems like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant.
This community gave me so much support during our TTC journey – I definitely would not have gotten through the process without it, at least not with my sanity. I still read your blogs all of the time, although I am about as good of a commentor as I am blog updater.
I have tossed around the idea of starting a family/baby blog – I feel a bit uncomfortable using this blog (which I started solely as an outlet for my IF problems) as a baby blog. Of course I will probably be just as crappy at updating there as I am here so I am not so sure. When/if I start a baby blog I will post a link for anyone interested.
Here are some pictures of Grace. She sure has changed since the last time I posted pictures!
Showing off her new teeth!
At her baptism
Playing in the pool with Molly:
I doubt there is anyone out there who will check back in with me after 8 months of being MIA – but just in case I wanted to update.
Grace is truly the light of my life. She is almost 9 months old and is crawling all over the place. I can’t believe she has been in our lives for this long…it seems like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant.
This community gave me so much support during our TTC journey – I definitely would not have gotten through the process without it, at least not with my sanity. I still read your blogs all of the time, although I am about as good of a commentor as I am blog updater.
I have tossed around the idea of starting a family/baby blog – I feel a bit uncomfortable using this blog (which I started solely as an outlet for my IF problems) as a baby blog. Of course I will probably be just as crappy at updating there as I am here so I am not so sure. When/if I start a baby blog I will post a link for anyone interested.
Here are some pictures of Grace. She sure has changed since the last time I posted pictures!
Showing off her new teeth!
At her baptism
Playing in the pool with Molly:
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