Fit For Future Families - July 2011

abeare

Hey Jalara,
I have a few questions about the hospitals in Halifax, I get that I’m in a larger city and therefore have more medical choices, but I’m surprised to hear that our systems are so vastly different. Are there no RE’s that’ll take you without a referral? I went to my RE without one, but I think that may be because Montreal has so little OB’s in comparison to the population that none are taking on new patients (even if the patient is pregnant she can be refused). The clinic I went to is partly private (Yup, we’re getting those in Canada too now) and because of this my wait for my first appointment was only 3 months.
I’m also surprised and saddened to hear that your OB is so uninterested, I understand they’re busy but you’d think that out of all patients they’d a little more attention to it’d be for those in the health care system too like yourself. To anyone else I’d have given tips and advice on how to be assertive about your own health and fertility, but I’m positive you out of all people would be doing that already. What are you planning to do or say in September at your next appointment? I’m actually hopping she’s right and that you’ll be pregnant by then, but if you’re not has she indicated that she’ll give you that referral or will she simply offer to do more testing?

godblessourhome

took my first pregnancy test today (it's early) and it was negative. i have felt fine since the one throwing up incident. i had hyperemesis gravidarum with both boys, so i fully expect to be sick with this one (if i am). so i will try again tomorrow. starting to worry that maybe it didn't happen this month.

yesterday, we heard the news from my husband's best friend that they are pregnant. with twins. i am happy for them, but i also feel this horrible case of jealousy. that was supposed to be my news, ya know? also three friends from high school announced they are pregnant on facebook yesterday. it kind of bummed me out. everyone around me either is pregnant or just had a baby (my sister-in-law, my best friend from college, one of my close friends from high school, etc.).

please Lord, please Lord, please, please Lord. i know you have a plan for me that is good. i beg for it to includes a baby soon. i am needy.

godblessourhome

At our last appt the OB didn't even care about my charts or temps and told me I didn't need to focus too much, because I was concerned about having a short luteal phase, and that everything was fine and she'd "see me pregnant in her office in September."

from her lips straight to God's ears. praying in agreements with this. amen.

godblessourhome

I'm back. Pregnancy lasted 8 wks.

so sorry for your loss. hugs!

christinaburns

That's so odd! I've always heard that you should BD every other day around the time of ovulation, to give your husband's sperm a change to re-generate. I've heard that havign sex multiple times per day or even every single day can actually diminish the number of swimmers in his semen!

christinaburns

Oops! I meant to quote Jalara's TMI/TTC post on that. Sorry ladies!

sdavisneill

Wow, when I promised that I would keep up better this week, I had no idea there would be so much activity in a day and a half! In general, I just want to say that I believe in all of you and together we're much, much stronger than the weight of everything we're going through. Hang tough and sending lots of positive thoughts, baby dust and motivation out to y'all.

Welcome TALDIE, THEBURNETTS & FITNHEALTHY MOM! As you can see, we're a very active board and ready to tackle just about any topic. Wish you the best on your journey and jump right in the mix anytime!

ASHLEY, Thanks for the encouragement! And rock on about the new clothes! Shopping does get more and more fun the healthier I get. Can't wait to see your little black dress pics!

PAM, stay strong. I know everything seems discouraging, especially with the SA news and random other health challenges, but know this: everything you find out more or eliminate just helps you get closer to the goal! And I think your scale has honestly just gone looney! I'm sure that heat, AF, & water is working against you. You'll be back on track in no time!!

ELIZABETH, Continued good thoughts this last month before the trial. I'm with your hubby on getting a BFP before then. That's just the crazy, wonderful thing that is worth hoping for!

AMANDA, Thanks! & totally understand about work busy! Hoping you get a few minutes for you in all this madness!

KAREN, *HUGS* Remember, a journey, not a short trip. You're allowed to take a detour ever now and then. And YES, doing something is ALWAYS better. I try to remember the days when I really wasn't active at all and it makes even 10 minutes of yoga seem awesome!

CHRISTINA, Awww, that's so sweet. Glad you're following along. Please feel free to jump into the conversation anytime!

DCG8R, Biggest *HUGS* to you! I'm so sorry about the m/c. I hope that your body is healing so you can get back to your plan and do everything you want. The stars will eventually align, I'm sure!

KIM, Wow! What a crazy summer. Your program sounds really cool. Looking forward to having you back when things get calm for you again.

JALARA, I wish I could send you a perfect moment of fluffy bedding, no commitments, and lots of indulgences like bad tv and brownies that are super yummy but have no calories (or gluten)! I understand your frustration - EXHAUSTING is exactly the right word to describe this whole process. It really isn't the same as when you first got together and couldn't get enough of each other. Some of that is the TTC process and some of it is just maturing as a couple. I think your Vegas trip will do you a world of good. Sometimes even the smallest change can shake things up. Wishing you lots of luck and know we are here for you!

FIONA, Sorry you're still having tech issues. We miss you!

GBOH, Ah yes, the green-eyed pregnancy envy monster. I too deal with this often! I'm beginning to think it is an indication of our natural instinct for montherhood. Wanting, even needing to care for something. I've been focusing on pouring that negative energy into more positive things, but it is still hard. Thinking good thoughts for you on this!

AFM...
I generally don't enjoy when DH travels, but the past two days have just been wonderful to have to myself. I really could focus on doing exercises that I like and aren't boring to him, eat those lean cuisine meals which require no effort and that he doesn't really care for, and watch all the tv programs he makes fun of me for. Oh yea, and work late without feeling guilty about not getting home on time. Bad news though is I think these were my fertile days too. The Yin/Yan balance of the universe sometimes does not make a lick of sense to me! Oh well, he gets home tonight so maybe I'll still be within range.

Good news, on track for my 60+ min of exercise per day this week!

:flowerforyou: Stephanie

meggamix

Wow Jalara, sounds like you've been really through the run-around. It's a huge decision to take the next step. My husband and I haven't been TTC for as long, but I've been of BC for a year now and nothing. Because of family history on his end I set an appointment a few months ago with a fertility specialist for us to get tested. His results were less than hopeful and we were basically told trying on our own probably wouldn't be successful. -Which is what I expected to hear, but still wasn't happy about it obviously. So we set a time limit. Six - seven months of REAL trying (hard core tracking, OPK's, the works) on top of the year we already had without BC and to us, that felt like enough. So by November if we haven't been successful then we'll move on to the next step. For us maybe that's clomid, but I don't really know. Our doc wanted to move straight to IUI, but we don't know yet.

I'm obviously no expert, but if you feel like you've done what you can do on your own, maybe it's time. Maybe taking the next step will rekindle your hope and give you something else to look foward to. I'm way frustrated for you reading about your experience and feeling like you're just handed some pills and then sort of let go. This is such an important thing you really want to feel like you have a doc out there tracking you and following up. I can only imagine how terrible that would leave you feeling. I had some mixed feelings after our appointment too because the doc didn't remember anything about our history and who we were or anything. And the stress of BDing...I'm with you there! It's exhausting trying to make sure it gets done at the right time...and constantly for that week or so!

HOPE!

TampaMom

Sure I would like to join. I am working on getting back to pre-baby size. I refuse to get pregnant again until I am at a healthy weight. My son is 14 months old and it is time I got healthy. I know that the longer I am overweight the harder it will be to lose it.

jalara

Dcg8r – I’m so sorry for your loss, and hopefully we can give you what you need here.

Pam – I know you’ve been having a rough time the last couple of months. The only advice I can give is to keep trying, no matter what. I know the weight issue is always hard and the fertility is worse, but I’m here for you (we all are) and we’ve already seen what you can do. Give yourself a break and try not to beat yourself up – you’ve come too far and achieved too much to have it overshadowed by a rough patch. Hugs.

Karen – I remember what Clomid did to you… yuck! Hopefully forewarned means forearmed?

Kcurtis – Nice to see you again! We missed you around here! Hopefully this month is your month :flowerforyou:

Bhurley – thanks for the support. I can’t remember if you’ve already done IVF?

abeare - I've heard QC is quite a bit different from other provinces but I wasn't sure in what way. The way it works is that your GP needs to refer you for EVERYTHING here, otherwise MIS (our provincial health card) won't cover it AND you won't be given an appointment. At the IWK hospital, my OB is part of the reproductive/endocrine clinic, which has REs on staff, so if she wanted to consult she could.

Pixie – hugs back to you

GBOH – hopefully the emesis is a good sign! I really hope it is and my fingers are crossed for you!

Christina – Since my husband’s sperm analysis was beyond stellar they aren’t concerned with him having enough time to regenerate, so I suspect that’s why she told us to BD that often.

Sdavis – that sounds like a little epiece of heaven right now, and thanks to you I indulged in some chocolate pudding with whipped cream and some Gossip Girl (can you believe I just discovered whipped cream last week – I had thought it was horrible before that). Also, I’m gald you have found the silver lining to your husband being away, even if the timing is bad.

Megga – thanks for the kind words, you really did make me smile and helped me feel a bit better, which I appreciate.

Tampa - welcome to the group!

AFM. Well, my DPO7 blood work never made it from the blood collection place to the lab at the hospital, and some of the tests that made it from CD3 were cancelled due to “collection criteria” not being met. And my OB is away until mid August anyway so I won’t even be able to get a new req for more blood work and the blood collection place…. Well let’s just say that they got more than an earful today. If she would have been in front of me I honestly think I would have physically harmed her. So the little bit of testing (the ONLY testing ) that’s been done didn’t get done properly. Joy. :explode:

I asked about switching docs but the only other OB in the infertility area of the hospital has more than a year long waiting list for an appointment, and 2nd opinions are last priority. The other OBs in the area only deal with delivering babies. Oh joy. It turns out my GP sent the original referral to the hospital and they hospital chose my doctor.

I went and picked up some info from the fertility clinic about IUI and IVF today. Your initial apt with them is $165 so I booked it, but the soonest I could get in was August 29th, but she said that’s the only wait that there is, and after that you don’t have to wait at all. The information they gave me was very details and even had the cost of the medications listed. (For those that don’t know, nothing is covered for IVF here at all, and private insurance won’t touch it either).

Right now I’m thinking we’ll go the that appointment and talked to them, see what they have to say, and then go to our F/U apt with the OB on Sept 7th and demand she be more proactive. BUT here’s the other kick-in-th-*kitten*…. My OB also worked at the Fertility Clinic!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about a conflict of interest! Dh is really concerned about that. And I don’t want here anywhere near me while I’m there. But I have no idea how to handle this at all, and I wish I had someone to help me navigate through it.

I’m a wreck and have no idea what to do with myself right now.

Sorry for the novel!

bhurley1424

Bhurley – thanks for the support. I can’t remember if you’ve already done IVF?

Yes, I have done IVF. That's how we conceived my DD. And nothing was covered when we did it either; we paid for everything out of our pockets. I'm so sorry for what your going thru; I can't imagine having to deal with the system in Canada. I think it would have driven me to a breakdown or something. I hope your visit to the clinic in August is productive and you get some answers!

newmrsdec10

Hey guys! Long time, no chat! I was gone to Puerto Rico during the 1st week (sooo much fun!) and I joined a couple of challenges and got busy updating/responding to those threads. I completely forgot that a new thread gets started each month and was wondering why the last response was a week ago?!?! haha

I haven't had time to read through so I hope everyone is doing well and I'll be back with specifics.

AFM: My first AF since my D&C showed up on day 2 in Puerto Rico o_0 Thanks a lot lady. Happy and a bummer, ykwim? I got a on my CB OPT yesterday, so I expect to O any day now. We were sort of doing the sperm-meets-egg plan (EOD and then ED for 3 nights after you get a positive OPT), so here's hoping!

jalara

Holy crap on a cracker I think we have may have a plan, and I am feeling a little better because of it.

So we're going to the clinic appointment and then we're going to go to the next OB appointment. If the OB isn't willing to do what she's supposed to (and we can't get any satisfaction) then we'll likely proceed with COH (Controlled Ovarian Hyper-stimulation) & IUI. We'll do that for 3 or 4 cycles and then see where we stand.
I didn't think I'd be interested in it because I was under the impression that's just IUI but with the COH on top of it I feel much better. And the monitoring that will be done for my follicles and blood work is akin to the normal monitoring for Clomid in the States (from what I understand on The Bump), so that was reassuring. It will work like this:
CD1 - Call to schedule
CD2 - start Clomid 100mg x 5 days
CD6 - Blood work for estrogen & LH levels (may continue daily for a few days) and an injection of gonadotropins
CD9 - Transvaginal Ultrasound to assess number & growth of follicles, blood work for estrogen and LH
Unknown day - HCG injection to trigger ovulation
12-18 hours later - IUI (washed down)

So that's the plan - at least we have one. We should be starting that treatment the beginning of October.
I seem to still be crawling out of emotional place, but at least it's a plan.

godblessourhome

i'm glad you have a plan jalara, and that having it makes you feel better. i always feel better knowing we have a plan.

newmrsdec10

Just got caught up and wanted to say that I'm glad you have a plan that you're pleased with Jalara. I saw you mentioned that includes something akin to being monitored on the Clomid. I'm not on it but was going to mention that the ladies on the Bump were just discussing how important that is when I saw you say the same thing. Good luck!

kah78

Hi all!

Jalara--I'm glad you feel a little more balanced. It just sucks to feel so out of control. Your protocol scheduled for October sounds a lot like what we are planning on doing for our treatment round this month. I'm glad we all feel comfortable enough that we can vent this out in here, rather than spewing it all out on others in our lives who probably don't deserve the wrath it brings.

dcg8r--I am so sorry that you are back. I wish there were something more we could do, but as always, we are here to listen if you need to talk.

AFM: My pre-IUI appt is Friday morning. Then we see where we go next on this merry-go-round. Yeehaw!

Devon_Bates

Hello Everyone. I am 21 and married to my wonderful hubby. We been married for 3 years and almost 3 months. We have been trying to conceive since we got married when I was 18. I had a miscarriage November of 2008 and 2009 and last November I did get pregnant and I carried until May 18th, 2011 when I had to give birth to my stillborn son. I was 28 weeks. Its been 9 weeks and been trying to lose weight to get ready to try again. I haven't had a period and wondering whats going on. I have Poly-cystic ovarian syndrome and it was hard to get pregnant. I finally accepted that I am not pregnant and my son is gone and hoping that we can get down to a better weight before November. It seems like that's my most fertile month. Any advice?

ElizabethRN59

Holy crap on a cracker I think we have may have a plan, and I am feeling a little better because of it.

So we're going to the clinic appointment and then we're going to go to the next OB appointment. If the OB isn't willing to do what she's supposed to (and we can't get any satisfaction) then we'll likely proceed with COH (Controlled Ovarian Hyper-stimulation) & IUI. We'll do that for 3 or 4 cycles and then see where we stand.
I didn't think I'd be interested in it because I was under the impression that's just IUI but with the COH on top of it I feel much better. And the monitoring that will be done for my follicles and blood work is akin to the normal monitoring for Clomid in the States (from what I understand on The Bump), so that was reassuring. It will work like this:
CD1 - Call to schedule
CD2 - start Clomid 100mg x 5 days
CD6 - Blood work for estrogen & LH levels (may continue daily for a few days) and an injection of gonadotropins
CD9 - Transvaginal Ultrasound to assess number & growth of follicles, blood work for estrogen and LH
Unknown day - HCG injection to trigger ovulation
12-18 hours later - IUI (washed down)

So that's the plan - at least we have one. We should be starting that treatment the beginning of October.
I seem to still be crawling out of emotional place, but at least it's a plan.

I'm sorry you have bene having so much difficulty with everything lately, but i am really happy for you that you have a plan and feel good about it. This plan sounds very similar to the plan we will be on with the study we will be starting next month (wow next month already). Basically at our lost appt, our MD explained that with clomid he ALWAYS does transvaginal u/s to determine the # of follicles and then does the (washed) IUI. He kind of implied to DH and I that otherwise, clomid is good, but with this process you "get more out of the medication". That was just my understanding of what we were told... ?!? I have my fingers (and toes) crossed for you that this plan is the one that kicks your body into gear and that you get the amazing miracle that you and DH deserve!!!

ElizabethRN59

took my first pregnancy test today (it's early) and it was negative. i have felt fine since the one throwing up incident. i had hyperemesis gravidarum with both boys, so i fully expect to be sick with this one (if i am). so i will try again tomorrow. starting to worry that maybe it didn't happen this month.

yesterday, we heard the news from my husband's best friend that they are pregnant. with twins. i am happy for them, but i also feel this horrible case of jealousy. that was supposed to be my news, ya know? also three friends from high school announced they are pregnant on facebook yesterday. it kind of bummed me out. everyone around me either is pregnant or just had a baby (my sister-in-law, my best friend from college, one of my close friends from high school, etc.).

please Lord, please Lord, please, please Lord. i know you have a plan for me that is good. i beg for it to includes a baby soon. i am needy.

I hear you GBOH! DH and i just heard of another of my cousins that is expecting, as well as multile FB friends from college and HS in the past few weeks. UGH! I think it gets harder to hear every time... :ohwell:

One of my BF's had a little girl on the 12th this month (and they were slightly (SLIGHTLY) disappointed b/c they wanted a boy!) and then this weekend if have another BF's baby shower- her first child (oh and this couple, they didnt even tell ppl she was preggers until she started to show at like 5 months b/c they "weren't planning for it" and "weren't really excited at first"!!!) Some people just upset me more than others... And then those friends that are pregnant, they just complain and complains about how they can't stand being pregnant, and they just want this over already... let me tell ya, DH finally said enough is enough, he said something to them about how upset they make me, esp knowning the TTC part for us, thankfully that helped a little, they don't complain at least around me anymore :ohwell:

I want you to know that I have you in my prayers and i know that the Lord does have a plan for both of us (to include babies)! It's just "all in God's timing" as DH likes to say... Thinking of you and praying for the BFP soon!!!

abeare

Jalara, first off I’m so happy to hear you’ve found a plan that you’re happy and comfortable with! As for the province things, we’re supposed to be referred for everything too in QC but because of the lack of GP’s most people have to go to an emergency room to be admitted to see a Dr. either because they don’t have a family GP or the wait is 6-8months. I have a GP and am the only one out of my friends that does, granted my GP is getting really old (70’s) and don’t know how much longer I’ll have her. When she stops practicing there aren’t enough Dr’s to take on her patients so I’ll be left with none too. I had been referred to an OB by her a while back but that didn’t help either because no OB would take on new patients even with a referral. That’s when I decided to go to the fertility clinic (which is partly private) and have been very happy with them. It seems like you guys have fertility clinics too, and so I’m super happy that you got an appointment there. Dealing with the run around of Dr’s is never fun regardless which province.

Karen, my fingers are crossed for you that you are O’ing from the good side and that you can have this IUI this month!

Devon, Welcome and I’m sorry to hear about your loss. We have several people here with PCOS so you’re in good company.

GBOH, my fingers are still crossed for you that this is your month! Keep us updated.

Elizabeth, wow, nothing is worse than hearing someone complain about being pregnant when that’s all you’ve been trying to do for a while. Hugs!

Pam, haven’t seen you a around in a while, hope all is good. I know you were having a rough patch but I wanted to let you know we’re all here for you any time you need it!

AFM, I have my first acupuncture appointment today. I made the appointment a while ago (as some of you may remember) but the acupuncturist was on vacation so my first consultation is today. Anyone have any suggestion on things to ask or look for? I feel knowledgeable in the western medicine part of TTC but a total fish out of water for any Chinese medicine related topics!
Oh, and I got the slightest + on my OPK Tuesday and a full + yesterday, but DH went out to his families place last night and came home around 22h30 and told me he was to tired to BD (even though I told him that morning I got the +)!!!!!! Hopefully the bding we did Tuesday night and yesterday morning was enough, either way I’m not impressed with him right now.