Well, last week started with some interesting news. While my husband was out at a soccer activity, he was approached by another person he works with. She was telling him about a meeting that was going to be held after work the following Monday. The meeting was regarding the air quality of the building he works at. Apparently, the air quality has been pretty poor over a number of years. I don't have any specifics. The interesting part is that some feel there may be links to cancer as well as infertility problems.
We literally don't have any information or know what exactly is going on but, isn't this interesting?? When we found out the test results from the doctor he said that morphology of the sperm can change sometimes because of where you work. When you think of this type of job you think of someone working at a chemical plant or another job where the risks are pretty obvious. I just can't believe it.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
IVF- Day 24: It's All About Suppression
I am currently in the SUPPRESSION OF EGGS stage. During this stage I will have daily injections of a drug called Lupron.
What the heck is Lupron?
Lupron, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, is used to "turn off" ovulation. It will actually put my ovaries to sleep so the doctors have control over the cycle and it also reduces the risk of eggs being released from the ovaries before they can be retrieved.
Lupron acts by suppressing the pituitary gland (the gland which is normally responsible for triggering ovulation). However, before suppression occurs, Lupron will briefly stimulate the pituitary causing an increase in the pituitary hormones LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). This is called the agonist or flare phase. If the Lupron is continued, it will eventually stop the pituitary from producing LH and FSH. This is known as the suppression phase.
Administer: Subcutaneous injection: The medicine is delivered under the skin. I use a half-inch needle and place about an inch below my belly button.
Possible Side Effect: headaches, hot flashes, sweats, breast tenderness, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, moodiness, vaginal dryness, and irritation at injection site
CURRENTLY:
I am on Day 3 of the injections. I haven't felt any different. The only side effect I see is after the injection is complete it is a little red and itchy for a few minutes afterwards.
What the heck is Lupron?
Lupron, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, is used to "turn off" ovulation. It will actually put my ovaries to sleep so the doctors have control over the cycle and it also reduces the risk of eggs being released from the ovaries before they can be retrieved.
Lupron acts by suppressing the pituitary gland (the gland which is normally responsible for triggering ovulation). However, before suppression occurs, Lupron will briefly stimulate the pituitary causing an increase in the pituitary hormones LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). This is called the agonist or flare phase. If the Lupron is continued, it will eventually stop the pituitary from producing LH and FSH. This is known as the suppression phase.
Administer: Subcutaneous injection: The medicine is delivered under the skin. I use a half-inch needle and place about an inch below my belly button.
Possible Side Effect: headaches, hot flashes, sweats, breast tenderness, constipation, dizziness, fatigue, moodiness, vaginal dryness, and irritation at injection site
CURRENTLY:
I am on Day 3 of the injections. I haven't felt any different. The only side effect I see is after the injection is complete it is a little red and itchy for a few minutes afterwards.
Friday, April 19, 2013
IVF- Day 22
There are just some days I wish I wasn't so scared and KNEW that all of this was going to DEFINITELY work.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
IVF- Day 21
Things are about to start getting REAL!!! Woke up this morning at 5:00, showered, got myself ready for work, and went for my very first morning blood test. 7:15 A.M. This is early even for me and I paid for it pretty much all day. I am like a child when I am tired and tend to cry about anything and everything. SO that is what I did...twice today.
7:15 AM appointment: Pregnancy blood test (Nurse said if they don't call to go ahead and starts Lupron tonight.)- NO ONE CALLED
*I also met with the financial person. (This is what set the waterworks off first.) Obviously, I know we have to make a payment. Every time I talk to anyone in the office I always ask when the entire payment is going to be do. The only answer I ever got was at the first appointment which I assumed for some reason to be the baseline (which is in May). Anyway, long story short, I felt like a complete idiot when I got there and wasn't ready to pay today AND I was suppose to have the financial consent signed which the lady never told us about. I was also a little pissed because no one could ever give me a definite answer of what the price was going to be. OH WELL!!! Can't stress about it. Nick transferred our payment of $8450, I call on Monday with my credit card information, and will bring the consents to the May 2nd appointment.
First Shot...Lupron...NAILED IT!
7:15 AM appointment: Pregnancy blood test (Nurse said if they don't call to go ahead and starts Lupron tonight.)- NO ONE CALLED
*I also met with the financial person. (This is what set the waterworks off first.) Obviously, I know we have to make a payment. Every time I talk to anyone in the office I always ask when the entire payment is going to be do. The only answer I ever got was at the first appointment which I assumed for some reason to be the baseline (which is in May). Anyway, long story short, I felt like a complete idiot when I got there and wasn't ready to pay today AND I was suppose to have the financial consent signed which the lady never told us about. I was also a little pissed because no one could ever give me a definite answer of what the price was going to be. OH WELL!!! Can't stress about it. Nick transferred our payment of $8450, I call on Monday with my credit card information, and will bring the consents to the May 2nd appointment.
First Shot...Lupron...NAILED IT!
Monday, April 15, 2013
A Little Guilt
I have been feeling a little guilty today. I've been very upfront with people since the very beginning of our fertility issues and told EVERYONE everything. When Nick and I decided to start a cycle in April we were happy because it was sooner than planned but it also gave us the choice to keep it private. I love that we are keeping it private. Honestly it kind of feels good to have control. Just like we would if we were trying naturally.
With all that being said, I still feel really bad for lying. If any of you are reading this now.....I'm Sorry!!
With all that being said, I still feel really bad for lying. If any of you are reading this now.....I'm Sorry!!
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Mail Call
Take a look at what came in the mail yesterday.
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| Lupron, Follistim, HCG, and Progesterone. The needles shown are for the Progesterone Oil and HCG. Not Shown: Needles for the Lupron |
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| This is the needle (pen) used for the Follistim. |
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| HOLY SHITBALLS!! This is the one that freaks me out!!! |
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Medication Ordered
My IVF meds are ORDERED. They should be arriving Friday. One step closer...
Nick and I were thinking the medication would be about $3000 and planned on not having any insurance coverage. I called today and gave the pharmacist all of my information...she called me back a couple hours with the total. It's going to be (drum roll please)...$712.19.
Sounds like a lot but it is a HELL of a lot less than 3000. The awesome nurse at the practice gave us a $300 coupon for the Follistim and the Lupron was covered by insurance. I am seriously shocked. I just wonder if there will be more medication to order in the future or if all meds are ordered at one time????
Anyway, at this point it is all about the little things. Now, I am going to sit back, have a beverage, and enjoy the awesome weather we have been having. CHEERS!
Nick and I were thinking the medication would be about $3000 and planned on not having any insurance coverage. I called today and gave the pharmacist all of my information...she called me back a couple hours with the total. It's going to be (drum roll please)...$712.19.
Sounds like a lot but it is a HELL of a lot less than 3000. The awesome nurse at the practice gave us a $300 coupon for the Follistim and the Lupron was covered by insurance. I am seriously shocked. I just wonder if there will be more medication to order in the future or if all meds are ordered at one time????
Anyway, at this point it is all about the little things. Now, I am going to sit back, have a beverage, and enjoy the awesome weather we have been having. CHEERS!
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Calendar Set
I received my calendar in the mail yesterday which isn't really a calendar but more like an outline of dates and things I need to do.
- Period started 3/29: use barrier contraception from this point forward and begin taking Pre-Natal Vitamin and 4mg of Folic Acid.
- Call nurse by 4/11 to order IVF medication from pharmacy
- Schedule a pregnancy test in the office for 4/18
- Begin Lupron 20 units once daily on 4/18: continue this until instructed to stop.
- Make appointment for a baseline ultrasound and bloodwork with the nurse/doctor before 10 am for 5/3: a new calendar will be given this day
Tentative Retrieval is schedule for the week of 5/14: an exact date will be given when I start medication to stimulate my ovaries
Embryo Transfer is scheduled for two to three days following the egg retrieval
Other new information: NO traveling for at least 10 weeks after the retrieval
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