Well, I have been "shooting up" as I like to jokingly say to my husband every night. =) It has been going very well. The very first jab was a little unnerving at first. I am not scared of needles at all, but I have also never stuck myself. I had to count down and say, "1,2,3, go...". But to my surprise it didn't hurt at all! Easy peasy...until the next night I had too much confidence and stuck it in too slow that I had to start again. I am now sporting a bruise in that injection site where, I had mutiple jabs. The third night was the charm. I didn't even have a drop of blood after pulling out the needle, and I couldn't even tell where I injected. LOL! I plan on having my husband give me the PIO shots just to include him, but I was watching y.ou t.ube videos of those last night and am pretty sure I can give them to myself if I had to. Good to know in case he is not around at the time they are needed.
As far as side effects, I thought I was experiencing the common headache (known for Lupron) 24 hours after my first dose. But I haven't had one since. I have been having a sore throat and fighting a slight cold before I started the meds, so that must have been the headache's source. Every now and then I feel some hot flashes and bit sweaty, but it is no different from the last few days before my normal period arrives. I know this is only the beginning, but I am counting my blessings up to now. (I hated the constant headache Clomid gave me for the whole month, even though you only take the pill for 5 days!) The only side effect I have noticed, which is hilarious and not in the paperwork (LOL) is I talk alot! I am typically a quiet and reserved girl (who will talk when needed) especially if I am in a public situation. But I cannot control my mouth wanting to talk non-stop! I had the same effect on the Estrace lining trial. I wonder if it is the meds or the excitement of it all? My best friend told me the other day that she has not heard me talk this much...ever. So funny, but mentally disturbing to me because I am not used to voicing my thoughts all the time or putting myself out there. I have been joking that this must be what it is like to be a "real girl" who likes to talk. =) So I will stop talking/typing now....
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Willing Pin Cushion
Today marks the next step in a journey that God has led us on. Can't wait to see what He has in store for us. Tonight is my first Lupron shot. I hope that I will get to avoid the side effects of everthing...Ha ha...wishful thinking. I hated being on the Clomid those four times...but I am willing to be drugged up to rescue some babies. =)
The Lupron package came yesterday as planned. So no worries, I become a pin cushion tonight...=)
The Lupron package came yesterday as planned. So no worries, I become a pin cushion tonight...=)
Monday, August 23, 2010
One month! (& Meeting call #3)
Well, it is strange to think that one month from now (9/22) I will hopefully be having our adopted snowflakes transferred into my uterus. I am excited to see what will come. Although I find myself with mixed emotions...I am started to get guarded when I talk to others about the upcoming transfer. I don't want to think of it as a sure thing and then be really hurt when the time comes. I like to keep things in a reality check.
On another exciting note we had our third phone meeting with our mediator. She had talked to our donor family to see what they wanted in the open agreement contract. She had also had gotten some history from them and what their family is like now. I am excited to say that they want the exact same thing that we do and the vibes we get from them are great! They don't want to be too involved and welcome any updates we would like to send. I think we will start with 1-2x a year minimum and then go from there and see how our relationship evolves. They have a 6 yr old natural miracle boy and 2 year old twin boys from the 1st IVF cycle leaving 5 of the 7 blastocysts formed. Knowing their family was complete, they donated the embryos 1 1/2 years ago. Their RE told them all the embryos were very viable and healthy. Hopefully, the majority will survive the thawing process. It is so nice to have another unknown removed from the equation. We should receive our contract for review tomorrow or Wed.
On the down side, I noticed that the pharmacy sent me Estradiol instead of the name brand Estrace that Dr. K requires. So I called the clinic and they forwarded a new Rx. I called the pharmacy and they told me that the first Rx did not specify name brand only. I asked if I had to pay for the new one also or if they credit me for a med that I don't need. The girl had to check with her manager, so I am waiting for a call back. But I am not worried since I don't need it for a while and I still have 27 pills left from the trial lining check.
The countdown begins...=)
On another exciting note we had our third phone meeting with our mediator. She had talked to our donor family to see what they wanted in the open agreement contract. She had also had gotten some history from them and what their family is like now. I am excited to say that they want the exact same thing that we do and the vibes we get from them are great! They don't want to be too involved and welcome any updates we would like to send. I think we will start with 1-2x a year minimum and then go from there and see how our relationship evolves. They have a 6 yr old natural miracle boy and 2 year old twin boys from the 1st IVF cycle leaving 5 of the 7 blastocysts formed. Knowing their family was complete, they donated the embryos 1 1/2 years ago. Their RE told them all the embryos were very viable and healthy. Hopefully, the majority will survive the thawing process. It is so nice to have another unknown removed from the equation. We should receive our contract for review tomorrow or Wed.
On the down side, I noticed that the pharmacy sent me Estradiol instead of the name brand Estrace that Dr. K requires. So I called the clinic and they forwarded a new Rx. I called the pharmacy and they told me that the first Rx did not specify name brand only. I asked if I had to pay for the new one also or if they credit me for a med that I don't need. The girl had to check with her manager, so I am waiting for a call back. But I am not worried since I don't need it for a while and I still have 27 pills left from the trial lining check.
The countdown begins...=)
Friday, August 20, 2010
Exciting Box
We had a special box on the doorstep today! Most of my meds came today, everything but the Luprolide...the story follows...which is what I need next Wed! I ordered my meds from the recommended mail order pharmacy as soon as I received the medication protocol.
(I didn't order them sooner, because I wasn't sure if we were in this round of transfers or not. We almost were going to be in July if our homestudy came through soon enough. But it didn't...that is another whole story I need to recap eventually before I forget. In short, we had a our mock transfer in April and didn't want to order the meds until everything was a go.)
So they checked with my Rx insurance for coverage, etc. and called me back the following Monday. Everything was covered except the Lupron. They suggested trying through the mail order pharmacy that my insurance is through. I called and had everything forwarded to them. They got back to me Tuesday to say that they needed prior authorization for the Lupron from the Dr. As if a rx is not enough? But hey if it covers then great...but they said that the Progesterone is not covered through them...So I called pharmacy #1 and said to ship everything to me but the Lupron. Thus the exciting package received today. I then proceeded to call and leave messages at pharmacy #2 on Wed. and Thurs. to check on the authorization status. Finally, today at work I received the awesome call that we now have authorization and coverage for the Luprolide kit. So now only a $12 copay vs. $99 retail. Yay! I think the savings was totally worth the extra hassel. So they will be shipping it out to arrive on Tuesday! Talk about cutting it close! Even if it does come even one day later we have until 9 pm Wed. night until it is needed. =)
Being in the medical field (though dental), I can't wait to get started...I am not the least bit scared of needles. I think the meds just signal that we are that much closer to our transfer date!
(I didn't order them sooner, because I wasn't sure if we were in this round of transfers or not. We almost were going to be in July if our homestudy came through soon enough. But it didn't...that is another whole story I need to recap eventually before I forget. In short, we had a our mock transfer in April and didn't want to order the meds until everything was a go.)
So they checked with my Rx insurance for coverage, etc. and called me back the following Monday. Everything was covered except the Lupron. They suggested trying through the mail order pharmacy that my insurance is through. I called and had everything forwarded to them. They got back to me Tuesday to say that they needed prior authorization for the Lupron from the Dr. As if a rx is not enough? But hey if it covers then great...but they said that the Progesterone is not covered through them...So I called pharmacy #1 and said to ship everything to me but the Lupron. Thus the exciting package received today. I then proceeded to call and leave messages at pharmacy #2 on Wed. and Thurs. to check on the authorization status. Finally, today at work I received the awesome call that we now have authorization and coverage for the Luprolide kit. So now only a $12 copay vs. $99 retail. Yay! I think the savings was totally worth the extra hassel. So they will be shipping it out to arrive on Tuesday! Talk about cutting it close! Even if it does come even one day later we have until 9 pm Wed. night until it is needed. =)
Being in the medical field (though dental), I can't wait to get started...I am not the least bit scared of needles. I think the meds just signal that we are that much closer to our transfer date!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
"Meeting" call #2
Well, we had our second conference call with our B.ethany negotiator. She is so nice and very good at her job. She went over the normal feelings and relationship issues with the donor families that she has seen over the years. It was very informative. She got our feelings on what we are comfortable with and any questions we have for the donor family. She will be talking to them on Thurs. evening to get a feel for what they are thinking in this open process. I am just so curious and have so many questions for them. She is going to find out their life story and how many resulting children they have and how old, etc. We will be meeting with her again next Sunday to start narrowing down the criteria. I am so nervous about this part, I think because it is so unknown. I am excited to think we may have a great relationship in the future with the donors. It is such an amazing blessing that they value life enough to donate their children to a couple like us!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
My Medication Protocol & My Dog's Allergy Protocol Received Today
I received our medication protocol today! I am so excited that this adoption is finally starting to come true. I thought this day would never get here. =) I am to start the Lupron shot on 8/25. I called the mail order pharmacy today to order my meds, and they are going to check with my insurance to see if they cover any of the medications. I sure hope they do despite the fact that they don't cover fertility treatments being the Rx insurance is separate from the medical. They have been covering most of the cost of the pills that have been filled at my regular pharmacy. They will be calling me back on Monday to give me the cost...yikes, I hope it is not a lot! I will also have to travel 1 1/2 hours away to the nearest fertility doctor twice to get an ultrasound to check my lining and whether the meds are working properly. That is a crucial part to whether this cycle will continue on. God is in control!
I also picked up the allergy test results on our dog today. She is always so itchy and scratching and shedding, it drives me nuts...well her too...but she had 25 positives and 5 borderlines of just the environmental and food allergies common for dogs in our area. No wonder she is uncomfortable! So now I am off to find a food she can eat since 7 of them are food allergies...at least the results suggested foods without those ingredients: beef, corn, eggs, lamb, oat, barley, and alfalfa. That is like what is in all dog foods and treats! Well, at least we figured it out now when she is only two years old, and we can remove at least the food triggers. The environmental ones she will just have to tolerate...she can't live in a bubble and stay inside all the time. She is a 110 pound G.erman Sh.epherd that needs to run. =) I think she will be alot better with the food ones removed and hopefully we won't have to do allergy shots, because she stays inside majority of her day. She is the best dog ever, but there is always something to deal with...I will take allergies over disease or not house broken or defiance any day.
I also picked up the allergy test results on our dog today. She is always so itchy and scratching and shedding, it drives me nuts...well her too...but she had 25 positives and 5 borderlines of just the environmental and food allergies common for dogs in our area. No wonder she is uncomfortable! So now I am off to find a food she can eat since 7 of them are food allergies...at least the results suggested foods without those ingredients: beef, corn, eggs, lamb, oat, barley, and alfalfa. That is like what is in all dog foods and treats! Well, at least we figured it out now when she is only two years old, and we can remove at least the food triggers. The environmental ones she will just have to tolerate...she can't live in a bubble and stay inside all the time. She is a 110 pound G.erman Sh.epherd that needs to run. =) I think she will be alot better with the food ones removed and hopefully we won't have to do allergy shots, because she stays inside majority of her day. She is the best dog ever, but there is always something to deal with...I will take allergies over disease or not house broken or defiance any day.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
God's timing
I love how God knows the timing and what is best, so I keep trusting that for things that I may not forsee. (Change that to things I will definitely forsee.) I was really hoping for our homestudy to be done in time for a July transfer. Looking back that would have been really difficult time since my brother got married the week after the transfer date. We had to travel 11 hours one way to the wedding and spend a few days there and then travel back. From what I understand from the side effects of the shots, etc., I don't think that I would have been comfortable traveling as well as the difficulty of keeping on schedule with my meds on top of trying to help out at the wedding. If the pregnancy failed, I would have wondered if the whole trip had an effect on it.
I am still waiting to see if the contract with our donor couple will go through in time since I am supposed to start medication soon, and have yet to order my medications. I guess I am also waiting for the medication protocol from the nurses. I guess everyone is waiting on these negotiations to see if it happens next month. The mediator went on vacation this week, so we are patiently waiting for our next phone call on Sunday. That is one thing about going through this process in the summer, everyone that is crucial to the timing of things has vacations to take in the middle of everything. I am too excited to wait another 2 months, but if that is God's timing, I will have to trust Him because He does know best.
I am still waiting to see if the contract with our donor couple will go through in time since I am supposed to start medication soon, and have yet to order my medications. I guess I am also waiting for the medication protocol from the nurses. I guess everyone is waiting on these negotiations to see if it happens next month. The mediator went on vacation this week, so we are patiently waiting for our next phone call on Sunday. That is one thing about going through this process in the summer, everyone that is crucial to the timing of things has vacations to take in the middle of everything. I am too excited to wait another 2 months, but if that is God's timing, I will have to trust Him because He does know best.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Transfer Date!!!
I emailed the pt. coordinator today in order to get a better idea of when our September transfer will be. She emailed back saying that we are scheduled for Sept. 22 until furthur notice. So barr any mishaps, (donor contract not signed, lining/cycle doesn't cooperate, snowflakes don't survive, etc.) we will be PUPO for the first time ever. =) I am so excited and can't wait until the time comes. That Wed. is a good day too, so that my husband can be home in time for the Saturday ten miler which he runs every year. I ran it with him last year, but I know that I won't be able to do that this year. =) I will be carrying our adopted children. Can't wait!
Saturday, August 7, 2010
"Meeting" call #1
We had our first meeting with the Be.thany mediator yesterday. It went really well despite our nevousness waiting for the phone to ring. After 30 mins. past the time she was supposed to call, I decided to call her in case she lost our number or we were supposed to call her. She had just got done with the previous call and was getting ready to call us. She just went over all the medical procedures and scenarios in order to educate us, then the legal aspects of em.bryo adoption. We really liked her and are looking forward to working with her some more. After her time on vacation, she will be calling us back on Sunday, August 15 for some work on the actual open agreement.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Semi-open agreement negotiations begin
Just wanted to thank all of you for your encouragement and prayers for our upcoming adoption/snowflakes. Per request of everyone, here is the most recent update. I got a call today to set up a meeting/conference call with the adoption social worker who handles the open agreement contract negotiations. She will be calling us at 5pm on Friday for an hour or two to figure out what we would like in our semi-open adoption compared to the couple who donated the embryos. Hopefully we are similar (which is the point of matching donors and recipients). Please pray that this important meeting will go well and that we will be able know what we want in this relationship with the genetic parents. This sets the ground work for rest of the child(ren)'s lives should any result in a live birth. Honestly, this is the most scary part for us, but we know this is what God wants at this stage of the adoption. I am open to any suggestions or opinions that I may have not considered.
I should be ordering medications soon, and in a couple of weeks starting my protocol for prepping my body for the embryo transfer in September. It will be here before I know it. Thank you for all your prayers and support!! I don't think I could have kept my sanity this long without God's grace and peace. He is a faithful God no matter what, and I trust Him with my life. =)
I should be ordering medications soon, and in a couple of weeks starting my protocol for prepping my body for the embryo transfer in September. It will be here before I know it. Thank you for all your prayers and support!! I don't think I could have kept my sanity this long without God's grace and peace. He is a faithful God no matter what, and I trust Him with my life. =)
Monday, August 2, 2010
Joining the Blogging World
I have thoroughly enjoyed following the blogs of fellow embryo adopters. It has been a great infertility support group through the virtual world. =) I was told by a friend to write down the adoption process and how God has worked in our lives through this process so that I could share it with our future children and tell them how much God wanted them here. I have finally decided that it may benefit someone else, like all the others have me, if I put it in a blog. That way too, if anyone wants to be updated on my process, they can follow along and I don't have to repeat myself or keep track of who I have told, etc. We will see how this goes, because I am a very quiet, private person. I will try to back track and write down everything that I can remember over the last few months that God has orchestrated in our lives.