tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46123564216437705602024-02-19T05:08:01.460-05:00Gestational Surrogacy JourneyMy Journey through Gestational SurrogacyTiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-89982503413861567942011-02-14T10:04:00.000-05:002011-02-14T10:04:07.055-05:002 weeks and 2 days to go!I can't believe it's getting so close...WOW!<br />
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So, in the past week...<br />
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I have been on lupron, 20cc's in the morning. I was supposed to start my period by Friday, the 11th of Feb. and it never came, so Dr. P called me personally and told me to come in Friday morning and he did an ultrasound and my lining had thinned out on it's own. At my previous (1st baseline u/s appt) on Monday, my lining was at 9.5 mm which is optimal for implantation, but I was due for a period, so it was inevitable it would thin. Friday it was 5.9 mm, so it did it's job. He went ahead and put me on the estrogen patch and I have had 2 on every other day, and I am starting supplemental pills tomorrow as well. My next baseline is Wednesday morning so they can tell if they need to up the estrogen or what. I had to call the office this morning and tell him I had indeed started my period, as I had awful, horrible, cramps. It seems just 3 hours later the blood is nearly gone and the cramps are non-existent. Hmm...Dr. P said it's probably old blood and everything is fine. So, we are still on. Also got my contract signed and it is in the mail to the Lawyer.<br />
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So, after Wednesday, I get my final calendar with my progesterone and antibiotic protocol. Transfer as of right now, is set for March 2nd, which is in 2 weeks and 2 days. Eeks! Egg retrieval is set for Feb. 25th.<br />
If it works, my due date would be Nov. 18th 2011. If only one embryo sticks. If they both stick (lets hope not) it would be around Halloween they would be due. I'm getting excited!!!<br />
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Oh, can't forget...Happy Valentine's Day!!! Tomorrow is Thomas' Birthday too!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-22435967649458451452011-02-07T22:14:00.000-05:002011-02-07T22:14:22.424-05:00I need to vent....Now in reality, we all make mistakes. I made an "oops" and I am getting bickered at and I am not happy about it. <br />
I get this disorganized half assed calendar from the RE's nurse with TODAY's date at the top and stuff from January that's passed and stuff for Feb. that hasn't happened yet all mixed in this "calendar" that is nothing more than a list, which I received mid Jan.<br />
After my first appointment Dr. P gave me crap about my BP being too high for him, then my pap was abnormal. So upon sending me everywhere to get my BP checked and to the GYNO for a colposcopy AND I moved in the process, and my folks are moving, I've been freaking busy. I FORGOT! The contract isn't even signed yet and I am hormonal as hell from the lupron and I am getting flack for forgetting to stop taking my birth control pill. Wait, hold up. He told me once I stopped the first pack, to start the new pack immediately, skip the inactive pills. So, my brain doesn't tell me I am going to be stopping them anytime soon. Why would I seek that on my calendar? Am I supposed to be some kind of whiz or mind reader? I was doing what I was told. It's not like I'm a pro at his protocol or anything like his nurse is supposed to be.<br />
Another thing, he's threatening to cancel the cycle because our blood work isn't done. Woah, hold on. I've been on lupron a week. His nurse told me within the month of starting the meds we needed to have labs done. I got them done today, but that's not the point. Then she didn't give me the consent forms needed to even do any of the stuff that's already started, which I finally got today and I am livid because she tried to blame me for that. I set her straight and told her I may have lost the calendar, but I didn't get the blue sheets/consent forms. She said "it was such a crazy day when you were here". Um, ok. Is that the excuse?<br />
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Whatever. I'm so ready to just stop this whole thing. Dr. P is so nice while I'm there and he didn't scold me, it was his damn nurse and my agency. Though Soaud was nice about it, the point got across. I am human, I do make mistakes. <br />
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One thing in life people need to learn is to walk in someone else's shoes before passing judgement on them or any decisions or mistakes they have already made or may make.<br />
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Arg!!!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-57699471100264266112011-02-03T11:42:00.001-05:002011-02-03T11:42:53.511-05:00News from previous blog....So, last Thursday, per Dr. P's request, I went and saw a GYNO and had a colposcopy done. I went this morning for the results and it was.....NEGATIVE!!<br />
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(Weight is lifting off shoulders...)<br />
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I am so excited and happy this is FINALLY working out!<br />
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I go in Monday for my baseline ultrasound and get my full calendar for the estrogen and progesterone and probably a closer inital transfer date.<br />
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Contratcs should be done by tomorrow!! So excited!!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-52440253523444765452011-01-25T20:11:00.000-05:002011-01-25T20:11:23.467-05:00So. I have news...The day turned out better than I thought it was gonna!<br />
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So, my IP's were ready to go and sign a waiver if Dr. Pabon was going to give us anymore grief about my blood pressure, but he got the documentation on how it runs on a normal basis and personally called me to tell me we are good and that he was proud of me. =D<br />
They ordered my meds and I actually get them tomorrow, but I start them Thursday.<br />
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There is a slight catch, but nothing that is going to hinder anything....my pap came back with abnormal cells...so Dr. Pabon said he would feel like a better Dr. if he sent me to see a GYN to look at my cervix. He said she may or may not need to scrape (do a colposcopy) because I had a level 1 pre-cancer tissue. It's something that may need to be scraped before transfer, but unlikely, it just depends.<br />
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So, that is where we stand with everything. So excited!!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-44230946042254871022011-01-25T07:10:00.000-05:002011-01-25T07:10:17.339-05:00Party DayWell, today is my Son's birthday. He was officially 8 years old at 3 a.m. this morning. I can still remember his birth like it was yesterday.<br />
He is and always will be my baby, at least until I have more kids, if ever that happens.<br />
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I am still young though, 29 with 6 months to go until I hit the big 3-0.<br />
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Anyway, since my last post there has been this rigamorale with Dr. Pabons office about my blood pressure. It's fine at home, but when I am out driving and stressed out, it goes up. It always will, no matter what. Just 1/2 hour ago it was 124/82, which is a beautiful BP. At Dr. Pabon's it was 136/94, which is a jump, but still not threatening enough to disqualify me. He will not be happy unless my BP is 90/60 I'm sure, so this has been a very stressful couple weeks. Finally, yesterday Soaud talked with Marianne (my IM) and she is requesting a waiver to sign so we can get this show on the road. I am supposed to be starting Lupron on Thursday, which means they need to order it today so I can have it by Thursday to start.<br />
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There is much to do today while I await my fate with the surrogacy....I am throwing my son a surprise party. He thinks he is going bowling this weekend, which he is, but he thinks that all he is getting. I have to clean up the house, go get food and cake for tonight and wrap his gifts.<br />
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I will update in a few days as to whether or not everything pans out with the surrogacy. I'm hoping not to be cheated out of this experience yet again. These Dr.'s....the first never checked my BP, but also didn't do other needed tests, so though I got to take the meds and go through transfer, he just was not as good as we thought and the one embryo did not stick. Things are much different this time and much more promising.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-31441066121353941282011-01-13T17:24:00.000-05:002011-01-13T17:24:30.605-05:00It's odd...I am checking this and I notice that I titled my last blog with today's date, yet yesterday when I was thinking about it, I looked in my notebook and I had wrote Friday's date as my Dr. appt. Luckily, I was smart enough to call!<br />
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So I had my appointment today. Let me just say, WOW!<br />
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Dr. Pabon was not at all what I expected. He was much nicer and much more accomodating than all the reviews I read. He was very gentle and told me everything he was going to do before he did it. He was constantly asking me if I was ok or uncomfortable. After all the testing I was sitting with his nurse and he asked how I was feeling and I told him I had a headache from no caffine plus I didn't get to eat lunch because there was a car accident. Let me back that up. My appointment was at 10, I had the consult, then he had a prior luncheon or something, so I was told to come back at one with a full bladder for the testing.<br />
I had to go get my Dad from work then we were stuck in traffic for a solid 45 minutes because of an accident and we were literally a mile from home. It was insane. So I had enough time to drop him off at home, go inside and pee and leave again. I gulped down a bottle of water on my way back and managed to get to the 1 p.m. appt. at 1 p.m. He still was not there yet, but that's besides the point.<br />
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Anayway, I had informed him I hadn't gotten a chance to eat and he asks me if I like cheese sticks that he would get me a snack, and I was starved, so I agreed on a cheese stick. He brings me in a plate with a chicken sandwhich (pre packaged, microwaved), a cheese stick (the peel-able mozarella one), a peanut bar with caramel on it, I don't know the brand....and a cup and a fresca, cold. He also put a mayo and ketchup packet on the plate. The DOCTOR brought this in to me...I know it doesn't seem like much, but in all the experiences I've seen my Mom go through with Dr.'s, it was odd to me. But I was thankful and I ate everything lol<br />
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Anyhoo, all my tests were good and he did A LOT of tests. Pap, he did a mock transfer, put a catheter in my uterus and pushed fluid through it, biopsied it, did several ultrasounds, checked my lining and follicles (eggs in the ovaries).<br />
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My BP was 134/96 so he was concerned. I have to go in next week with good BP's. I had a super stressful day, so it was going to be high. It will be fine tomorrow after I've licked this headache and got my kids home.<br />
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But as of right now, I start BCP (birth control pills) tonight and lupron on the 27th. Contracts are next week, so things are rolling as they should be!!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-29275674428233532822011-01-10T12:08:00.001-05:002011-01-10T12:09:08.416-05:00Thursday 13th of Jan. is....My appt. at Dr. Pabon's! Souad plans to go with me, but it depends on her schedule. I am excited and nervous. This is the first "official" step towards the next journey. Super duper excited!!<br />
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Not a lot to blog about with this until the appt. I am a little nervous as I've heard some good and some bad about him. I am wondering about his med protocol. I need to start a list of questions...<br />
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Let me get on that and the 8 other things I need to do today. I was sick all night, like something I ate didn't agree with me.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-31379590736166718382011-01-05T09:55:00.000-05:002011-01-05T09:55:08.955-05:00Starting Over....Well, here we are Jan. 5th 2011.<br />
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Happy New Year! That's what I intend for this to be. Last year, kinda sucked. Between the move to Bradenton from Jacksonville being sudden, both my Parents literally died and were brought back and the failed surrogacy journey, it wasn't a good year. I am hoping this year is much better.<br />
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On that note, my Mom is doing better, she is about to go on to Peritoneal Dialysis (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peritoneal_dialysis">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peritoneal_dialysis</a>) and stop having to go to a dialysis center 3 days a week where her BP drops severely...that's why she technically "died" last year, the Nurses weren't doing their jobs and her BP drops every time she has dialysis. Anyway, that's a good thing and should help her to pep up some since her BP will be under control. My Dad had a massive heart attack in 2009 and he had a little relapse after hearing my Mom died and then he walks into the E.R. thinking he is going to see a corpse and she's sitting up in bed talking....that's a day I will never forget. Anyway, new subject...<br />
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We've been living in a kinda run down apartment while we got on our feet and it's finally (after 5 months) time to get into a better place. Just so happens that my Parents need our help, financially and physically so we are willingly getting a place with them. I say willingly because there have been a few times it's been out of sheer necessity because we couldn't afford where we were living. Anyway...we are currently looking for something big enough and accomodating for all of us, yet still affordable. Thomas got an excellent job, one he can retire from. Benefits, PTO, Paid Holidays, OT, 401K...all that jazz. I am working at home for a Staffing company and scheduling banquets, so it's all good. Can't wait to get away from the drug dealers and assholes. One neighbor brings me all her drama...it sucks because I know her Husband is cheating on her and I can't say anything because I don't want any part of it. He'll automatically know it came from Thomas cause Thomas told me. The guy is big, like muscle big and he's an asshole. Maybe I will say something or send an anonymous letter after I move. Who knows?<br />
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Next on my list is a new journey. Surrogacy journey that is. I waited a while and looked and talked and found my IP's. I had lunch with them yesterday and I am so excited about this couple. They live close by and are very open. They are great! I am still making youtube videos...so if you wanna look me up my SN on youtube is Tiffymm589....go to the surrogacy playlist and it's the first one on there. I could post a link, but honestly, I just don't feel like it. LOLTiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-32699603318442624152010-12-10T10:50:00.000-05:002010-12-10T10:50:15.988-05:00Well....I got a nice long letter from Paul and Nicole this morning explaining that they spoke with Dr. Akerman and he said everything was fine with me and fine with the embryo, sometimes these things just don't work.<br />
He (Paul) also said they weren't sure if they were going to do the next cycle, that they were still contemplating it. I strongly feel that they are not going to. If I am wrong, I will certainly update.<br />
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On the plus side of things, my retched, horrible, painful period is O-V-E-R!! AND....<br />
I talked with agency and they have other couples looking for surrogates, and she asked me if I minded working with gay couples, to which I responded no, because I actually was hoping for that!<br />
So, if they decide no more, than I have another couple to move on to and it's all good.<br />
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I just am now back in "waiting" mode with this surrogacy to see if Paul and Nicole want to go forth. I have to wait since I am contracted with them. Ok...will update when I have some answers.<br />
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<3-TiffTiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-89520441336456876632010-12-05T10:50:00.000-05:002010-12-05T10:50:43.643-05:00Post Beta...Well, it's been 5 days since the negative beta. I am finally ok with the fact that it failed, but the meds and coming off them is hard as hell to do. I've been super emotional, like worse than pregnant. I cry over literally, nothing. It's almost as if I am depressed, like seriously depressed. My emotions right now are similar to those I felt when I was divorcing my first husband. It stinks.<br />
I have Christmas to look forward to, there is nothing like watching Children open gifts you bought them, nothing. But, when I am getting back on my feet from a layoff for both my Husband and I, it's tough to be extremely happy about it. I know I am not going to be able to get them the type of stuff they would have gotten if I were pregnant right now. (sigh) Anyway....we are also moving to a big house with my Parents so I can take care of my Mom, which is out of this little mini ghetto and quiet. I am so looking forward to that.<br />
Plus, Thomas got a really good job, with really good benefits after 90 days and paid Holidays as opposed to the job he got laid off from where it was under the table pay with no benefits or paid time off. Plus he will be making more money and getting 40+ hours a week. I have a lot to look forward to in my world, it's just tough getting through the "right now" and being in a holding pattern. But, if there is one thing I've learned, in surrogacy, there is ALWAYS a holding pattern.<br />
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I will be on my period today or tomorrow as AF has reared her head and showed her normal first signs of coming on. I am still waiting to hear if we are doing another transfer and all that stuff that's next. My period is starting soon, so it would be nice to know. Again with the holding pattern. My IP's are "devastated" as they put it in the e-mail and still upset. I understand they are upset, but normally I am the type of person who looks at the bright side of things and I told them to remember, there is still an embryo left to transfer...one more chance....<br />
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I guess we'll see. I'll update again when I know something.<br />
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I'm noticing how nice it is to blog...I actually kinda feel better getting that off my chest. I talk to my Husband as he is my best friend too, and I do feel better afterwards, but it just kinda recycles itself and comes back.<br />
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Who knows.<br />
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Later everyone.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-70268468107010603142010-11-30T17:34:00.000-05:002010-11-30T17:34:58.794-05:00Beta day....Well, it's 5:30 p.m. and Marci just called me....beta results are in at a whopping 2.<br />
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It's negative and I am honestly, not surprised. I didn't think it had worked, but I told myself to stay positive and it wound up back firing.<br />
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So next transfer I am going into this a little less blindly and lot more cautious.<br />
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I am extremely upset that I can't tell Nicole she's getting her baby girl. And it's her Birthday, but fortunately, Marci will tell them the bad news. I know that's selfish, but I'm already taking the blow hard enough. I'm not sure how I could even begin to break the news to them.<br />
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We do have another emby, and we will do another transfer it's just maddening wondering what you did wrong....could you have done anything to make this work?<br />
I already know it's up to god...it's just so upsetting....<br />
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At least I get a break from the shots and meds for a while, which is nice for me because those things are tough on your body, well the shots are anyway.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-8313460624918104902010-11-28T11:58:00.002-05:002010-11-28T11:58:44.816-05:00Pain....I've been having some mild period like cramps on my left side. I'm not sure what to think of them. They have calmed down some now, but it was so bad this morning no matter what position I was in I couldn't ease the pain. Now it has let up and only hurts a little when I walk, but I am also having some mild shooting pain in my vaginal area, almost like it feels when I have a stone. Well, that only lasted a minute or so then went away and comes and goes intermitently as it pleases. <br />
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I am worried about this. I am 6 days past transfer, hpt's are still BFN....but I've read and heard everyone tell me not to worry about it, it's still too soon since there was only one emby transferred. But I can't help but be like wtf?<br />
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I hate waiting, but I knew it was inevitable with this. We'll see what happens.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-72641160104236882672010-11-25T11:30:00.000-05:002010-11-25T11:30:53.228-05:00The dreaded 2WW....Ugh! On SMO I always thought some of those women were goofy for going grazy during the 2 week wait for their beta numbers.<br />
LOL Now I am one of them and it's a bit tense. More tense that I thought it was going to be. It's like, they put a baby in you to grow and you wanna know if it's growing and if there's more than one. Wondering what your numbers will be and so much more.<br />
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And seriously...these PIO shots are a bit much. And if this emby attaches, I have 14 more weeks of it.<br />
Daily shots of this stuff. Ugh...<br />
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Anyway, I am going to take a HPT tomorrow (Friday) which will be 4dp5dt and probably every day until my beta on Nov. 30th. I hope to get a good number for Nicole, as it is her Birthday! What a great gift to give someone right? I'm praying for positive pregnancy test at least by Sunday, could always be a late implanter or I could be a non HCG on the pee stick producer lol who knows.<br />
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Anyway, it's also Thanksgiving and I want to tell anyone who reads Happy Turkey Day!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-76433934119742238972010-11-22T18:16:00.000-05:002010-11-22T18:16:04.734-05:00Transfer Day!!So here we are nearly 5 hours after transfer, which was at roughly 1:05 p.m. this afternoon. I've put in a video Thomas took of the transfer from my youtube page. Below it are a couple pictures. The first is just a pic of me on the table lol Thomas was camera happy. The second, is Caroline, her at a healthy 5 day blastocyst, which the Dr. said and I've been reading have a much higher chance of taking since they are ready to attach and over 100 cells. <br />
All in all this was a different experience and honestly I would do it again =D I am just hoping it takes!<br />
I need sticky thoughts! Beta is November 30th...which is a week from tomorrow and also Nicole (my intended Mother) birthday.<br />
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I'm excited, but ready to get the hell out of Miami. This place is awful, people are rude and this is worst city by far to drive in. Anyway....more in a week, hopefully I can report a good beta!!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HllNPySfV7U?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYgBVyw-DpiUkvXnGloHoc_mwtQgmC-qNMq4bq6TMTx9TwAHxOxHrglcQNLdSEL5pTVNue97GqfETt13NJm-8LPDOCHQ-cEGbOM3vFxW6l2Rdf-7Ll297Qbo07YzW7J-rpIQcpgSwlvJW/s1600/metransferday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYgBVyw-DpiUkvXnGloHoc_mwtQgmC-qNMq4bq6TMTx9TwAHxOxHrglcQNLdSEL5pTVNue97GqfETt13NJm-8LPDOCHQ-cEGbOM3vFxW6l2Rdf-7Ll297Qbo07YzW7J-rpIQcpgSwlvJW/s320/metransferday.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mC9OBauUby06qKahox04vOuK_txfUc9u02x0-W6PYLOP8vJBzNTTM7E_OmyahXO7HaHns50XpHcjIAyQ-gE8YCv6jA-tEUUIb4Ck7PKhiDOl2Gwi_ZHshyCvNwtkX95lkFyVfcEhOd08/s1600/5dayblast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mC9OBauUby06qKahox04vOuK_txfUc9u02x0-W6PYLOP8vJBzNTTM7E_OmyahXO7HaHns50XpHcjIAyQ-gE8YCv6jA-tEUUIb4Ck7PKhiDOl2Gwi_ZHshyCvNwtkX95lkFyVfcEhOd08/s320/5dayblast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-36229243125291518902010-11-21T12:37:00.000-05:002010-11-21T12:37:42.056-05:00Day before transfer...So, we got in Miami about 8:30 in the morning Saturday, 45 minutes early but they took me right back for blood work. Thomas could not believe the clinic. It's so shabby, let me tell you. I will take a couple pics tomorrow and also upload the transfer pics because transfer is around 11 a.m. tomorrow. They called me at 11 yesterday and said we had 8 good, healthy fertilized embryo's all sent off for gender testing and that my blood work was excellent and to be in the office for transfer at 11 a.m. tomorrow, Monday the 22nd.<br />
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I am so excited and bored lol Thomas and I are in a nice hotel room, but not without consequence. We had a horrible time getting in here. I worked till 11 Friday night, came home and unwound and slept from 1-4 a.m. then drove 4 hours to Miami, Did my blood work and we can't even check into the hotel until 3 p.m. she says. I explained what's been going on and asked for a room as soon as it was clean, so Thomas and I walked around this shopping center and killed 2 hours time. Came back, sat in the lobby for 20 minutes and our room was ready. That was also the time I got the call from the clinic. I slept like a baby last night when I fell out at 10:30 and woke at 4:30 to Thomas waking from someone blaring music. (Strange, I know! but it's the NASCAR Ford something race going on this weekend here, go figure) anyway, we went back to sleep and woke up on our own to no kids, no music or loud neighbors at 8:30....so nice!!!<br />
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Anyway, I will update more tomorrow after transfer, I am about to have my weekly routine webchat with Paul and Nicole. This one will be different for sure since we are in Miami and transfer is tomorrow! So excited!!!<br />
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More to come tomorrow...from the bed!!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-17801255611081322622010-11-18T14:24:00.000-05:002010-11-18T14:24:33.767-05:00Almost Miami time....So, I am driving my car to Miami...rental car was too hard to do.<br />
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Anyway....They got 15 eggs from the donor! Holy sh*t!<br />
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Normally, only ONE egg is released during ovulation....see this article...http://www.americanpregnancy.org/gettingpregnant/understandingovulation.html<br />
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Anyway, I took those awful patches off yesterday morning, I've not had to take any headache medicine and I feel better. But, the progesterone is kicking my tired butt. LOL give and take!<br />
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Anyway...next blog will be Saturday after my bloodwork and hotel check in.<br />
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Laterz!!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-88036914616044983842010-11-17T10:58:00.000-05:002010-11-17T10:58:32.475-05:00PIO shot/ Egg RetrievalSo, here we are it's egg retrieval day. I've decided that I would much rather take a rental car to Miami than to fly in plane, then pay $30 shuttle to the hotel and be stranded for 2 days or worse pay a cab a ton of money to travel the city on our downtime. When I went there for my initial testing, it was $30 in a shuttle from the airport to the clinic, then from the clinic back to the airport in a cab was like $35....plus airfare for both Thomas and I would be like $400-$500, no thanks. A simple economy car would cost $150 with unlimited mileage and the gas from here to Miami is $40 each way. Plus, no baggage costs, airport delays etc. Yeah.<br />
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Anyway, I took my god awful patches off this morning and feel sooooooooooo much better. Also took my last lupron shot (yay!) and now I am on Progesterone in oil shot (ladies, this hormone is the reason for being so tired during pregnancy) and I put a video up of me doing the first so you have an idea. I have estrace pills, which are tiny (another plus) and beginning Friday for 4 days I have to take an antibiotic and steroid for the transfer.<br />
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I'm still in a little shock it's so close, but ya know I've been waiting for this damn day to come for years. More "officially" since June 2010.<br />
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Most journies don't take this long, but my IP's couldn't decide on the right egg donor. That's another blog I've already posted.<br />
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Anyway....here is the video...Will update in a couple days when I am in Miami!!<br />
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<object height="295" style="background-image: url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/VBlFEyotiA0/hqdefault.jpg);" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VBlFEyotiA0?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VBlFEyotiA0?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-9926326640996693132010-11-15T15:36:00.000-05:002010-11-15T15:36:43.452-05:00EEEEKKKK!!! ER and Transfer day set!!!Well it's all set, donor does her trigger shot tonight and egg retrieval is Wednesday!!<br />
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I will be having a 5 day transfer on the 22nd. It's a 5 day because the IP's are doing gender selection my Nurse Coordinator, Marci said that they take the embryo's at day 3 and pull cells from them and determine the gender that way and we won't have the results until 5 day, so that's when it is.<br />
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Also, my estrogen patches....omg...bad reactions (see previous blog), so it finally got bad enough that I complained about it and Marci talked to Dr. Akerman and ordered me the pills. I will have them tomorrow and then Wednesday I start my progesterone shot and take my last lupron shot. Thankfully it's the only day I have to have 2 shots. After that it's just the nightly PIO shot and estrogen pill.<br />
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I'm sooooo excited. A trip away from all the stress and drama!!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-31813123454775720262010-11-15T10:39:00.000-05:002010-11-15T10:39:08.658-05:00My appt.,Patches and misc.Ok, first, the patches. Holy Sh*t!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Pictures...the first I took this morning. I put on 4 new patches on the left side of my tummy. On the right (where the tattoo is) I had 4 on, they are 2 days old. See all that black crap around the 4 patches?</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSVsk_azUJr9oqE3EVOYJxW_YKj6Bizdr8G2sE0n8zyW9rUgr2fCHMx3aJKckMkJMlL7_TwHCX0B4tLdA1VZXD-CZROky_7aSQomgHGurp9iDnLcfz_91FdrnCslJKB1VvXj7HIavM_1W/s1600/ickypatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRSVsk_azUJr9oqE3EVOYJxW_YKj6Bizdr8G2sE0n8zyW9rUgr2fCHMx3aJKckMkJMlL7_TwHCX0B4tLdA1VZXD-CZROky_7aSQomgHGurp9iDnLcfz_91FdrnCslJKB1VvXj7HIavM_1W/s320/ickypatches.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, this picture shows what that black stuff does to my skin once the patches are removed.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOl1DjmXzt2KxewtcGz45lMLEukG0IDzGoJ4dq03xJruBtoYisfwyVqaNC2jtP6G10i93FMMpJKI-3ZjQZLEJUNEFC4KO7dxbPo9bM4HO1CsCAZ35zUYPzRwtNLSEfuTyS4ykt-Bij0JN/s1600/ickyrash2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOl1DjmXzt2KxewtcGz45lMLEukG0IDzGoJ4dq03xJruBtoYisfwyVqaNC2jtP6G10i93FMMpJKI-3ZjQZLEJUNEFC4KO7dxbPo9bM4HO1CsCAZ35zUYPzRwtNLSEfuTyS4ykt-Bij0JN/s320/ickyrash2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>You can clearly see the outline of the previous patches. And this is fresh, like an hour ago I took them off.<br />
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Anyway-------<br />
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I went and waited and waited for my Ultrasound yesterday....finally got it. My lining is beautiful at a 9.6mm. Optimal to carry a baby. I'm still waiting for my blood work and for Marci to call. I need to get my calendar up to date. The donor has been in Miami since Saturday to get monitored daily for Egg Retrieval and now when Marci calls we should have a set date and I can make all my plans for the transfer.<br />
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This honestly is torture....waiting! I hate waiting lol<br />
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Oh, another patch issue....Massive, massive headaches. I've had a headache a day minimum since starting the patches and some are so bad I can't function or move. I've gotten some bad one's at night too, so bad NOTHING works to take them away and I finally sleep from crying so much from the pain.<br />
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Anyway, once I hear from Marci on what's going on, I will probably post another blog. We'll see how things go.<br />
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</div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-47921263683054995542010-11-13T19:33:00.000-05:002010-11-13T19:33:55.412-05:00A week to go before transfer...So, the countdown is on, we are looking at a week before my 3 day transfer (if everything goes according to plan, that is). By this time next week, Thomas and I will either already be in Miami or we will be leaving at the weee hours of the morning Sunday morning, so we'll probably be packing and going to bed this time next week.<br />
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When I talked to Julie on Thursday (11/11/10) she said the donor had to lower her dose of the stim meds because they are working too well. She also had to have 2 more ultrasounds than planned and I'll have the final word on Monday about when to expect her to do her trigger injection. Below is a snipet of an article (I will include the web address so you can see the entire page) of why, when etc.<br />
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<em>The next step the IVF treatment is triggering the oocytes to go through the last stage of maturation, before they can be retrieved. This last growth is triggered with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Brand names for this include </em><a href="http://drugsaz.about.com/od/drugs/ovidrel.htm"><span style="color: #3366cc;"><em>Ovidrel</em></span></a><em>, </em><a href="http://drugsaz.about.com/od/drugs/novarel.htm"><span style="color: #3366cc;"><em>Novarel</em></span></a><em> and </em><a href="http://drugsaz.about.com/od/drugs/pregnyl.htm"><span style="color: #3366cc;"><em>Pregnyl</em></span></a><em>.</em><br />
<em>Timing this shot is vital. If it's given too early, the eggs will not have matured enough. If given too late, the eggs may be “too old” and won't fertilize properly. The daily ultrasounds at the end of the last step are meant to time this trigger shot just right. Usually, the hCG injection is given when four or more follicles have grown to be 18 to 20mm in size and your estradiol levels are greater than 2,000pg/ML.</em><br />
<em>This shot is typically a one-time injection (yeah!). The timing of the shot will be based both on your ultrasounds and blood work and when your clinic schedules your retrieval.</em><br />
<em>(<a href="http://infertility.about.com/od/infertilitytreatments/ss/ivf_treatment_5.htm">http://infertility.about.com/od/infertilitytreatments/ss/ivf_treatment_5.htm</a>)</em><br />
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I had a long conversation with my IP's via Skype this afternoon and they are super excited as well.<br />
We are going to do some pictures and videos of the transfer and I will, of course, take pictures of the trip to Miami. We are staying in a nice hotel (NOT a Super 8 or Motel 6) and it's by the hospital. Pictures of the transfer, the clinic (Which is really nice BTW) and some of the flight. <br />
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The Patches (Which I can't wait to get off of!) are causing my headaches and a little bit of a rash. I posted pictures below (don't judge, I have 2 kids lol) but I am ready to be off of them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfN8aB_bUrpDMVRaRCRyGUUQJlbhxbyXe99hp4iXjMhqcDdO21f5_RcPc9g114KZDS9EEeixXlr1o6glZ5molb6kE-u811oAgoK3viSqRvppNZWgReGEeCTgUY5IDy3PjaKNtU6HJOm0g/s1600/leftside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfN8aB_bUrpDMVRaRCRyGUUQJlbhxbyXe99hp4iXjMhqcDdO21f5_RcPc9g114KZDS9EEeixXlr1o6glZ5molb6kE-u811oAgoK3viSqRvppNZWgReGEeCTgUY5IDy3PjaKNtU6HJOm0g/s1600/leftside.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JWEXgv_syYi4XqvX3cdrQwsS83TkyWiD3sCfbHlwQnnTQ9Gln_VbelwmDXwf345TrosdSWNXqiEN_sd8CbN4V6Ijm7MV42YqlZs_i6qKQmq-kezrmXKHshzzmsbNEu6ZTDsEk4oNs69B/s1600/rightside.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JWEXgv_syYi4XqvX3cdrQwsS83TkyWiD3sCfbHlwQnnTQ9Gln_VbelwmDXwf345TrosdSWNXqiEN_sd8CbN4V6Ijm7MV42YqlZs_i6qKQmq-kezrmXKHshzzmsbNEu6ZTDsEk4oNs69B/s320/rightside.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br />
So, tomorrow is my ultrasound in the morning, so I will know everything I need to know Monday and I will update then, probably on here and youtube.<br />
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Have a good week everyone!!Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-68220584309168107262010-11-07T13:44:00.000-05:002010-11-07T13:44:23.517-05:00Nov. update thus far....So here is my first November update...<br />
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As of right now, my donor starts her stimms today (The stimulation medication that makes her ovaries produce lots and lots of eggs to be fertilized) and I started wearing 2 patches, which is protocol by the clinic. I think they said the patches are what thickens your uterine lining, and come Tuesday I will have 4 on and change them every 2 days, for 3 changes (6 days total) then back down to 2 a day, depending solely on what my lining check says during the ultrasound I have a week from Monday.<br />
Anyway, I was pretty ticked at first that she messed up but then I realized nothing can be done about it so to just deal with it.<br />
They moved all the dates as well, so now we have potential 3 day transfer on the 21st and 5 day transfer on the 23rd. I am having this feeling that the one embryo they put in me is going to split.<br />
I hope not, but who knows.<br />
Another bit of good news is we get the 3 bedroom in our complex a lot sooner than we expected and I so excited about that. A huge place, nearly double what we currently have, and that's only adding one more bedroom and bathroom. The rent goes up $240 a month but so what? It's worth it for the peace and quiet.<br />
So, to me there's some exciting stuff coming up. Woot!!<br />
Anyway, I will be posting more youtube videos soon, I got one I did today, so you can check that out if you want.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/tiffymm589">www.youtube.com/user/tiffymm589</a><br />
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Laterz~<br />
TiffanyTiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-43110815420488299532010-10-31T21:55:00.001-04:002010-10-31T22:03:36.382-04:00Our 2010 Halloween<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">So, as of last blog I was waiting for numbers and I don't remember what Marci told me exactly, but she told me they were good, and that's what counts. She did send me my new calendar with the estrogen patch schedule and my progesterone schedule as well and the antibiotics and steriods I have to take the week of transfer. I actually have my first patch on as of this morning. Lets just say I feel like my boobs have grown at least a cup size. Wow.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Oh yeah and um, check out the bruise next to my patch...not sure why I have a bruise from my shot, I did it on a stretch mark...wonder if that counts...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh92ifhK9MerFAnBw5zeWhstFdPCyRCAb5ktKSP8o471nW-CvFhnLipD_xBij7SHk1ChF74s-Xx8FMEHsHEz92ZAAtpr_aQXeG8biOBGjXl1xBqdSwuzOdZYao_VW67UilVtpCQtPwYD9/s1600/hall2+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBh92ifhK9MerFAnBw5zeWhstFdPCyRCAb5ktKSP8o471nW-CvFhnLipD_xBij7SHk1ChF74s-Xx8FMEHsHEz92ZAAtpr_aQXeG8biOBGjXl1xBqdSwuzOdZYao_VW67UilVtpCQtPwYD9/s320/hall2+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Anyway, it's halloween!! So, I made a little video to show everyone how the night went with some video and pictures included. Enjoy!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Happy Halloween!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><object height="344" style="background-image: url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/KzHquO2AnS4/hqdefault.jpg);" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KzHquO2AnS4?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KzHquO2AnS4?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div>Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-78988787780765384872010-10-28T15:11:00.000-04:002010-10-28T15:11:08.389-04:00First Lining Check U/S and Blood work...Well, my appointment went well this morning. She says my lining is good and solid at 6.9. Time for estrogen!<br />
The medicine I am taking, Lupron, is suppose to stimulate my ovaries and then shut them off. The pituitary gland controls the hormones that control ovulation and the Lupron controls the Pituitary gland. So, anyway I am still in the part of the protocol where the Lupron over stimualtes before shutting down, so I had 8 eggs in my right ovary and 4 in my left....for those who don't think that's much, a woman normally produces one egg in one ovary when she ovulates, sometimes two, which is when twins occur, every month. So I am producing lots and lots of eggs and my ovaries will shut off soon. Anyway, I am still waiting on final bloodwork from the Miami Clinic. The information I have right now is from the Nurse Practioner who did my U/S this morning.<br />
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I find I keep going back and checking IVF stats on all these web sites, but then I have to remember these stats are for women who have never had Children before...as a surrogate, I <em>can</em> carry Children and have already done so. But, I got my own statistic this morning....one of my blog/youtube/facebook friends who I will meet soon in person (since she lives in St. Pete) is using the same clinic for the same thing and she got her BFP this morning!! I'm so happy for her!! That means good things for me too, as our numbers are similar. Hope my embryo quality is just as good as hers!! <br />
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I will have official bloodwork results late today or tomorrow. I will probly post when I get them if there is anything significant.<br />
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Thanks for reading everyone. <br />
**HUGS**Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-12839427824793614012010-10-23T09:25:00.000-04:002010-10-23T09:25:04.273-04:00Lupron Side Effects...Well, so far the main side effects have been just outright exhaustion. I lay my head down at night and I am out. I've been a little hungrier than normal and wayyy more emotional. Also, some serious heartburn!<br />
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Also a little TMI action for ya, some extra discharge, but hey, you wanted to know or you wouldn't be reading.<br />
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I had Thomas give me my shot this morning. He did really good and I think he got a little too excited. He didn't leave the needle in me long enough just injected and pulled it out, so I hope it took. I'm sure it did. I think I may make a video of him doing it tomorrow lol just for fun.<br />
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I go Thursday for an ultrasound and bloodwork to see how my lining is doing and my hormones and ovaries and see if the Lupron is doing its job.<br />
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Anyway that's all I have for now.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4612356421643770560.post-78166220267647585202010-10-17T09:17:00.000-04:002010-10-17T09:17:30.623-04:00Day 3 of Lupron shots & My Loving husbandSo, I have this uber massive cold that my Daughter had last week and passed to me, and I feel like hell has taken over my head. I have no appetite, can't smell or really hear much because I'm so clogged up and sneezing is awfully painful. Not to mention my throat feels like someone took an ice pick to it and started jabbing it.<br />
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Aside from that, I'm on my 3rd day of Lupron shots and well, it's pretty simple. I am bruised, but not too badly from the needle. Last night I had some hot flashes and barely slept, but I don't know if it's from the Lupron or if it was from cold. My husband is adamant it's the Lupron, but we'll see once this cold subsides. All I know is I am tired as heck.<br />
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Another thing last night I asked him to make me a club sandwich minus the lettuce, I don't like it unless it's in a salad and that's it, anyway he didn't toast the bread, and that was all the bread we had, he had slathered it with mustard for me, so he wiped it off and put it in the broiler cause he didn't want to toast it with the mustard on it in the toaster, well he brought it back to me burned. I had him walk to my Parents house and get more bread and do it right. I cried every time he brought it to me wrong, 1. Not toasted, 2. Burned, 3. toasted correctly, but not cut. So, on the 4th try it was right. Whew. That was a fiasco. I am not sure I am looking forward to the other hormonal changes, I hope it gets better. But he was a trooper and apologized and fixed it without complaint every time I needed something different to be done. I think I have a winner here folks.Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10413398773204388890noreply@blogger.com2