Finally, the last medical test has been completed. Had to go for one last round of bloodwork Monday and the results came back in our favor. Which means, according to the fertility doctor, that we are cleared for takeoff whenever my cycle is synced up with the egg donor. The earliest would be in one month, but more than likely it will take a couple of months of hormones (oral and injectable) to get us on the same groove. I have to be at the correct point in my cycle for my body to accept the egg from the donor, and that is a very small window of opportunity.
The 38 page contract has been signed and notarized.
I am working out like crazy to get in the best shape possible for this 37 year old body to be prepared for a third pregnancy.
My kids have decided that they want to name the baby "Giggles". I told them it was really up to the parents, but we could call the baby Giggles while it is in my tummy.
I've been taking prenatal vitamins since January so I would have the right amount of folic acid in my system for whenever I get preggers.
I find myself looking at maternity clothes and deciding where I want to take prenatal yoga, which is a must.
I am ready.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Hormones and needles and ice packs, oh my...
Just about to wrap up my two weeks of trial hormone shots, and so far, so good. Having my needle-phobic husband only get nauseous once during this whole time has been a major accomplishment. Let me walk you through the process.
First, hubby has to draw up the correct amount of Delestrogen with one needle, cap it off, then put a MUCH bigger needle on the syringe. While he is doing this, I'm laying on my tummy with an Elmo ice pack on my bum to numb the area up a bit. After about 3 minutes, he counts down, I turn my toes inward, and he injects me. Much to my surprise, the Elmo ice pack really works. I haven't felt any of the shots, despite the size of the giant needle. The only effects have been tiny bruises at the injection site. We switch cheeks each time to give each side a break, but I still look like I have a polka-dotted booty.
The very first time we did this, I'm pretty sure Russell was terrified. After I told him I truly didn't feel a thing, he confessed that he almost passed out. Really glad he didn't do that while poking me with a needle. So we only have one more shot to go before I go in to the doctor to have an ultrasound and bloodwork. We have to check to make sure my uterus has responded properly and thickened up the appropriate amount. The whole point is to make sure that my body does what it would do if my own egg was about to implant itself in the uterine wall. So once again, my uterus is in the spotlight :) I'll keep you posted...
First, hubby has to draw up the correct amount of Delestrogen with one needle, cap it off, then put a MUCH bigger needle on the syringe. While he is doing this, I'm laying on my tummy with an Elmo ice pack on my bum to numb the area up a bit. After about 3 minutes, he counts down, I turn my toes inward, and he injects me. Much to my surprise, the Elmo ice pack really works. I haven't felt any of the shots, despite the size of the giant needle. The only effects have been tiny bruises at the injection site. We switch cheeks each time to give each side a break, but I still look like I have a polka-dotted booty.
The very first time we did this, I'm pretty sure Russell was terrified. After I told him I truly didn't feel a thing, he confessed that he almost passed out. Really glad he didn't do that while poking me with a needle. So we only have one more shot to go before I go in to the doctor to have an ultrasound and bloodwork. We have to check to make sure my uterus has responded properly and thickened up the appropriate amount. The whole point is to make sure that my body does what it would do if my own egg was about to implant itself in the uterine wall. So once again, my uterus is in the spotlight :) I'll keep you posted...
Monday, March 5, 2012
Crying
Those close to me know that I am a total sentimental basketcase. I get weepy over my children's accomplishments, sweet moments, even dental appointments. Outside of sentimentality, I don't cry. My default reaction if something is painful or bothersome is "suck it up, Buttercup". Today was an exception to that rule.
I had an HSG screening today, which is another test to make sure my lady parts are working the way they should before we implant the embryo. Since I had a similar screening a couple of weeks ago, I wasn't too concerned. I'll spare you the graphic details, but basically it involves filling my uterus with dye and taking x-rays after administering a numbing medication via needle. Yep, a needle near the lady parts. Not a good thing, but not the worst part of the procedure, which is mercifully short. Before the procedure, the doctor explained everything and told me I would experience cramping and bleeding off and on all day. No biggie, I thought. They said that with the last procedure and it was a piece of cake. Not so this time. Everyone experiences this in a different way, but for me, it was extremely uncomfortable. More cramping than I have ever experienced in my life, 10 times worse than any period. It brought tears to my eyes. And at that moment, a question the nurse had asked me before the procedure began popped back into my head. "Have you ever had this done before?" My answer was no, but at the moment I started crying I remembered that the intended Mother has been through this SEVERAL times. Each time in the hopes that this would be the time she would get pregnant and stay pregnant. So yes, I cried because it hurt like hell, but I also cried for her. I cried for the blessing that is my healthy body, the blessings that are my children, the unexpected blessing that allowed my husband to be there with me last minute.
The test went perfectly. My uterus, once again, passed with flying colors. All of you moms reading this, however your motherhood status was achieved, bless you. And if you know anyone who has been through struggles with fertility issues, give them a high five and a chest bump. They deserve it.
I had an HSG screening today, which is another test to make sure my lady parts are working the way they should before we implant the embryo. Since I had a similar screening a couple of weeks ago, I wasn't too concerned. I'll spare you the graphic details, but basically it involves filling my uterus with dye and taking x-rays after administering a numbing medication via needle. Yep, a needle near the lady parts. Not a good thing, but not the worst part of the procedure, which is mercifully short. Before the procedure, the doctor explained everything and told me I would experience cramping and bleeding off and on all day. No biggie, I thought. They said that with the last procedure and it was a piece of cake. Not so this time. Everyone experiences this in a different way, but for me, it was extremely uncomfortable. More cramping than I have ever experienced in my life, 10 times worse than any period. It brought tears to my eyes. And at that moment, a question the nurse had asked me before the procedure began popped back into my head. "Have you ever had this done before?" My answer was no, but at the moment I started crying I remembered that the intended Mother has been through this SEVERAL times. Each time in the hopes that this would be the time she would get pregnant and stay pregnant. So yes, I cried because it hurt like hell, but I also cried for her. I cried for the blessing that is my healthy body, the blessings that are my children, the unexpected blessing that allowed my husband to be there with me last minute.
The test went perfectly. My uterus, once again, passed with flying colors. All of you moms reading this, however your motherhood status was achieved, bless you. And if you know anyone who has been through struggles with fertility issues, give them a high five and a chest bump. They deserve it.
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