Wednesday, November 17, 2010

It's Still a Go!

To start out, the hysteroscopy went well. They didn’t find anything (yay!) and the worst part was having to go without eating or drinking until the actual procedure, which was about 1:00 pm. Oh, and I’m now classified as a “hard stick” when it comes to IV’s. They kept complaining that I was so dehydrated. Of course – I couldn’t have anything to drink! But we were out of there by about 2:30, and I got to eat then. It’s like super drunk eating – yum, can’t really taste it, not that hungry but I’ll still eat anyway. Went home and slept if off. Got up for about an hour last night, then back to bed, and today I feel like a champ. I’m a little crampy, but not much. And I’m not groggy or anything. I have a little spotting, but it’s not bad either. Thanks to everyone for your well wishes and advice – I really appreciate it!

My MIL has been great. She was so sweet, and helpful. I went to pick her up Monday night (the hubs had to get up early the next morning, so I volunteered to pick her up). She got in the car, and promptly asked me what was going on. She had no idea what I was actually having done, all she knew is her son called her and asked her to come down and help, and she said yes. She was so funny, “so why am I here?” I explained to her everything, and she’s so horrified at all the procedures and medications and everything, but very supportive. Finally she worked up the courage to ask me a question. She was stumbling letting it out, but I finally said, “Let me summarize what I think you are asking. You want to make sure that your son isn’t pressuring me into doing something I don’t want to do. It’s my body, and this involves a lot of procedures, and complicated stuff, and injections, appointments and so on. And you want to make sure that your son isn’t the only one that wants to do this, especially considering that it’s my body that will have to go through all this. And that you know that I’m adopted, so I probably would be fine with an adopted child. But the hubs isn’t, so maybe he wants a biological child more than me. But you want to make sure that I know that you would be happy with any kind of grandchild. Is that it?” And yes, that was it. I explained to her that the hubs and I made this decision together, that I personally have a huge desire for a biological child, or at least I’m not ready to move on until I’ve exhausted all options. She was so happy to hear that I want to do all this. I can’t believe how lucky I am to have her as my MIL.

She even wanted to go to my teaching appointment with me. We went to the clinic this morning to learn about all the medications that I will be taking, and how to administer them. She was so overwhelmed and amazed. And then the nurse was explaining the calendar, and I finally asked about leaving town for Thanksgiving. I don’t know why I didn’t ask earlier, but it would have been fine with the IUI’s I’ve done. But it most certainly was not ok with the IVF procedure. The nurse was adamant that I either couldn’t leave town or had to push everything back a week. And so, we’re pushing everything back a week… All that means is I have to start BCP again, take them until Monday, and then next Friday while I’m in Colorado, I’ll start the meds. It’s really fine, doesn’t really delay much. So no big deal – look how good I’m being with changed schedules! This is usually not like me at all.

It’s actually good. We’re still waiting to find out our insurance group and ID numbers – I’m so frustrated that we’re still in this process. The company says we’re insured starting November 8, but they haven’t sent our info to the insurance company yet, so that company can’t recognize us! Hopefully by tomorrow – we’ll see. The other thing is I got my results for the NK cell testing back. Based on my rudimentary knowledge, they look fine. And I even sent them to Kristi, because with all her experience, she has unfortunately gained a lot of knowledge about NK cells. We agreed that they looked kind of fine, but of course Dr. Sher needs to interpret. Well, I just heard from Sher’s nurse that the NK cell results are “abnormal.” I got my consult with him moved up to this Friday, but it will definitely be interesting to see what he says, and what he recommends. And if he recommends any treatment, then I have to get my local doc to agree and prescribe that treatment for me! My understanding is any kind of treatment should be started 2 weeks before transfer, and that is currently scheduled for around December 11. So pushing the start of the IVF helps with that as well.

I’m a little frustrated with all the moving parts, but I’m very happy that my hysteroscopy results were great, and that we’re still moving forward. And I’ll still know by Christmas! On another note – do you think it will be too risky to fly at Christmas? We’re talking a 2 hour flight, just over the weekend. I asked the nurse today, and she said it should be fine. But will I be in that mode where I don’t want to leave my house? Seriously, will I be too nervous to fly? I flew during my last pregnancy, but of course we all know the end result… Oh God – I just looked at the dates. I don’t know why I never made this connection. I flew the weekend before I found out I had no heartbeat. I went to the doc on a Wednesday, saw and heard a super strong heartbeat, for the second week in a row. Then on Thursday, I got on a plane and came back on Sunday. Then on Tuesday, there was no heartbeat. Oh shit. I know it shouldn’t mean anything, or at least I think I know. But now how do I get on a plane knowing this in early pregnancy? Of course, I’m assuming I’ll get pregnant. Oh the rollercoaster and I haven’t even started…

21 comments:

  1. Your MIL sounds wonderful!

    I'm so happy that the surgery went well and everything looks great :-)

    Glad you can tweak your cycle so you don't need to cancel plans.

    As for Christmas plans, I might suggest that you plan to stay home. You will either be recovering from a BFN (which I doubt) or pregnant and scared about flying (whether or not it's okay, I'm not sure, but if something happened you might always question yourself).

    Just my thoughts :)

    Excited for you!

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  2. So glad things went well with the hysteroscopy and especially that things are moving forward for your IVF. MIL sounds like a doll!!

    As far as flying, I flew several times early on (at about 5 weeks, 6 weeks and either 9 or 11 weeks - can't remember which) and all was luckily fine for me. Having said that though, I was nervous about it and you have to do what makes you most comfortable - because this IVF is going to be a success!

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  3. First, if you think you'll be uncomfortable flying, then maybe you shouldn't. You know there's nothing wrong with flying, but if that's how you're feeling...

    It sounds like you have a wonderful, wonderful MIL.

    What did your NK cell results say? (Besides "abnormal")

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  4. You sound so positive and strong. I am glad you have support and it sounds like you are being very realistic and flexible. I think it is great that you are assuming it will be successful because sometimes it is hard to let yourself be hopeful!
    I feel the same way about flying although all of the doctors tell me there is no reason to think it will do anything. I think you should do whatever makes you comfortable!

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  5. Glad to hear that your Hystero went good and nothing wrong:) Gosh Im so interested in seeing what Dr. Sher has to say about the results because like I said from what I can see things looked normal but Im also more used to the way Dr.Kwak test than Reprosource...Only thing I can come up with is maybe borderline on a couple of areas that may require intralipid before and after x-fer...Hmmmm very interesting

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  6. Just sending hugs. I'm glad the Hystero went well and that you have more information now with your NK results. It's great that your MIL is so supportive, too, and that she wanted to make sure you were going through IVF because YOU want to. That's so sweet. :)

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  7. Your MIL is amazing - how great to have positive energy like that around you.

    My doctor treats my elevated NK cells with Humira injections (2, 2 weeks apart), and then Intralipid infusions (my immunology numbers were good going into the cycle due to the Humira, so we did an Intralipid with egg retrieval and will do another next week). I would expect that you could incorporate Dr. Sher's recommendations into local treatment.

    I agree with others -- if you're nervous about flying, maybe don't do it.

    Sending good thoughts your way!

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  8. So much to think about at once, Alex! The holidays make decisions just that much more difficult. Sending good thoughts and hugs to you as you sort through everything. Glad to hear the hysteroscopy went well!

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  9. Hi my friend! First of all I'm so happy the hysteroscopy went well! And your MIL is really fantastic, reading about your conversation nearly brought tears to my eyes. And you know, when I did the immune testing, the results to me and the nurse looked normal too, but it was only when I had a consult with the doctor after a failed FET that he said those results were definitely borderline and that to be on the safe side he recommended the steroids and intralipid. And I may have told you this before but there may be a correlation between activated immune system and ectopic pregnancies (as if the embryo is looking for the least aggressive place). So I'm delighted your doctor is taking this seriously.
    As for flying, I know sweetie that this makes you uneasy given the past experience, I've been through the same also. It seemed that if I ever had a trip planned a couple of weeks after a transfer, the outcome was always terrible. So I stopped booking trips. But this last time I just went with the flow and got on with my life, and it happened that I went on holidays 4 days after the BFP! Big hugs to you my friend, you are in great hands.

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  10. YaY! Sounds like a sweet MIL. Look at you for being so flexible, kudos to you!

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  11. I am interested to see what your dr. says about the NK cells. And I'm super excited for this cycle for you. I agree that you shouldn't fly if you are going to be stressed about it. Ha ha - More of: go with your gut, Alex!

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  12. Your MIL sounds just like what the dr (would) order(Ed)! I am glad the hysteroscopy went well. Check that box off!! I hope you get helpful info from Dr Sher tomorrow...what is it about IVF that makes us feel like one armed jugglers? Especially with balancing regular life....like travel & holidays. I have heard both schools of thought on flying. My acupuncturist was the most against it.(it ended up being moot as I couldn't fly as I was miscarrying anyway that day). I would not rule out the positive impact of being with family at the holidays on you.

    Did you also know that you need to keep your feet nice & warm as there are points on the foot that impact pregnancy? So, wear sock my dear!!!

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  13. wow, can you loan out your MIL she sounds amazing? I am so glad that all went well and that you are being taken care of.
    Good luck with this cycle. We will probably be cycling together so I am glad to have the company :)
    As far as the air travel, I have no good answers for you. You need to do what feels most comfortable.
    thinking of you....

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  14. Is there a way you can do a last minute booking? That way you can wait to see if your pregnant before you go? I know the two are probably not related (the plane and the heartbeat) but if your going to be really stressed and upset about it, its not going to be any fun. I am a bit of a worrier myself and I would have a really hard time getting on that plane. Thats just my opinion, I don't want to make the decision harder for you, but I also don't want to see you stressed out over the holidays!

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  15. You MIL really sounds great! And, I'm glad the hysteroscopy went well. Good luck with the changes!!

    I've got no answers for you about the flights. I think it will probably be OK -- but I know that the stress it might add will be difficult to deal with.

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  16. Alex - so great to hear things are going and going well. Take care and try not to stress out about things in the future (I know, I'm laughing hysterically at myself while I'm saying this ;-) )

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  17. Very happy to hear your hysteroscopy went well! Your MIL sounds wonderful!

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  18. Glad to hear everything went well. Yeah for a great MIL!

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  19. Yay - glad to hear the results! I've been thinking of you! Take care!!!

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  20. Great about the hysteroscopy.

    Another one who wants to see what your actual NK results are.

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  21. So glad your hysteroscopy went well, and very thankful you have an amazing mother-in-law. People like that can make such a difference!

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