Saturday, August 23, 2014
Monday, April 29, 2013
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
35 week update
Can.not. believe that we are at week 35 already! It is amazing how quickly this pregnancy has gone by. Sad and exciting all at the same time. :-)
I had my final progesterone blood draw at the lab yesterday. Level was still just below level 2 (see chart at top) but NaPro doc says I can go down to 100mg for 2 more injections and then be done. Hooray for no more needles!!!
Home visit with the midwives is this Friday so I am furiously intending to clean the house the next few days. Ha ha! We'll see what I actually get done. I have had a lingering cold for almost 6 weeks now and am just starting to feel a bit better. I tell ya - it is no fun to have sudden, intense coughing fits while having a 5# baby squishing your bladder. I also pulled a belly muscle during one fit, thankfully that healed up quickly as it was rather painful.
Otherwise, I am feeling good. Very little swelling, blood pressure still fine, blood glucose readings have been good, urine stick readings are all good, baby is moving lots. Little monkey still likes to go breech and transverse often, but seems to be starting to settle down in a good position. I am still visiting the chiropractor weekly for adjustments and that keeps me walking at least. I have regained all the weight I worked so hard to lose last year, but that is just how it goes. It's been hard to exercise the latter part - especially with this cold.
All birth supplies are gathered and ready to go. It's amazing to imagine birthing our baby. I can't wait! I love birth - yes, it is hard work but it is such an incredible process and the reward is like none other. Prayers for all to go well are much appreciated.
Birth story will likely be when you hear from me again - in the next 6 weeks or so, unless something exciting happens in the meantime!
I had my final progesterone blood draw at the lab yesterday. Level was still just below level 2 (see chart at top) but NaPro doc says I can go down to 100mg for 2 more injections and then be done. Hooray for no more needles!!!
Home visit with the midwives is this Friday so I am furiously intending to clean the house the next few days. Ha ha! We'll see what I actually get done. I have had a lingering cold for almost 6 weeks now and am just starting to feel a bit better. I tell ya - it is no fun to have sudden, intense coughing fits while having a 5# baby squishing your bladder. I also pulled a belly muscle during one fit, thankfully that healed up quickly as it was rather painful.
Otherwise, I am feeling good. Very little swelling, blood pressure still fine, blood glucose readings have been good, urine stick readings are all good, baby is moving lots. Little monkey still likes to go breech and transverse often, but seems to be starting to settle down in a good position. I am still visiting the chiropractor weekly for adjustments and that keeps me walking at least. I have regained all the weight I worked so hard to lose last year, but that is just how it goes. It's been hard to exercise the latter part - especially with this cold.
All birth supplies are gathered and ready to go. It's amazing to imagine birthing our baby. I can't wait! I love birth - yes, it is hard work but it is such an incredible process and the reward is like none other. Prayers for all to go well are much appreciated.
Birth story will likely be when you hear from me again - in the next 6 weeks or so, unless something exciting happens in the meantime!
Thursday, December 6, 2012
21.5 week update and progesterone chart
Quick update. All is going well with pregnancy. I am feeling good, blood pressure is good, blood sugar readings are good. Weight gain - well... we are at 17# gained so far, which is hard for me after working so hard to get it off BUT at the same time, I am not swelling, I am walking 2 miles a day and watching my diet pretty closely SO I am not going to worry, it's for a good cause! :-) I am having some pubic symphisis pain and am seeing a chiropractor every week or two which seems to be helping. All of these appointments and labs are pretty crazy - I am running somewhere at least 1 day a week!
My Dr in Richmond is "unexpectedly out of the office for an undetermined amount of time" and so my progesterone monitoring has been transferred to Dr Poehailos in Charlottesville. I met with her yesterday to get established under her care. She said all is good and wrote me a new lab order and new rx (closer compounding pharmacy and cheaper - yay!). My results from this week were lower, just barely down into level 1 so we have bumped my doseage back up to 200mg 2x weekly. She gave me a chart and we plotted my results for the pregnancy thus far - it also shows expected level and treatment for the various trimesters. I love the visual and being able to see where we are and want to be! :-) I will post it at the top of the blog here and keep it updated so those interested can see and be praying.
That's about it for the update so far. I have a good bit of the "nursery" (a corner in our room) done and have recieved my first order of cloth diapers. I will post pics soon.
My Dr in Richmond is "unexpectedly out of the office for an undetermined amount of time" and so my progesterone monitoring has been transferred to Dr Poehailos in Charlottesville. I met with her yesterday to get established under her care. She said all is good and wrote me a new lab order and new rx (closer compounding pharmacy and cheaper - yay!). My results from this week were lower, just barely down into level 1 so we have bumped my doseage back up to 200mg 2x weekly. She gave me a chart and we plotted my results for the pregnancy thus far - it also shows expected level and treatment for the various trimesters. I love the visual and being able to see where we are and want to be! :-) I will post it at the top of the blog here and keep it updated so those interested can see and be praying.
That's about it for the update so far. I have a good bit of the "nursery" (a corner in our room) done and have recieved my first order of cloth diapers. I will post pics soon.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Progesterone Levels update
Here are the nitty gritty details of my progesterone levels through this pregnancy:
Week 5 - 10 progesterone / hcg 1374 (started 200mg injections 2x weekly)
Week 7 - 16.2 progesterone, still level 1
Week 9 - 16.5 progesterone, still level 1 / hcg > 118,000
Week 11 - 19.7 progesterone, still level 1 (added 300mg suppositories 2x daily)
Week 13 - 36.1 progesterone, level 2 (stopped suppositories, continued injections)
Week 15 - 34.9 progesterone, level 2
Week 17 - 46.3 progesterone, level 2 (lowered dose to 100mg injections 2x weekly)
All progesterone is natural, bio-identical. I much prefer the injections (which my husband gives) to the suppositories (messy and time-consuming!). Hoping I get to wean off more soon though. :-)
Care is through my NaPro Doctor and the recommended levels/doses for PCOS (corpus luteum deficiency) patients. So thankful for them!
Week 5 - 10 progesterone / hcg 1374 (started 200mg injections 2x weekly)
Week 7 - 16.2 progesterone, still level 1
Week 9 - 16.5 progesterone, still level 1 / hcg > 118,000
Week 11 - 19.7 progesterone, still level 1 (added 300mg suppositories 2x daily)
Week 13 - 36.1 progesterone, level 2 (stopped suppositories, continued injections)
Week 15 - 34.9 progesterone, level 2
Week 17 - 46.3 progesterone, level 2 (lowered dose to 100mg injections 2x weekly)
All progesterone is natural, bio-identical. I much prefer the injections (which my husband gives) to the suppositories (messy and time-consuming!). Hoping I get to wean off more soon though. :-)
Care is through my NaPro Doctor and the recommended levels/doses for PCOS (corpus luteum deficiency) patients. So thankful for them!
Time is flying by!
I cannot believe that it has been so long since I last posted here. Life is very full and busy.
Let's see... from about 8 weeks until 14 weeks I had nausea in the afternoons starting around 2pm through the evening. I had no vomiting, just felt icky and had some food aversions. I could not stand water AT ALL... I liked bready/salty foods and not so much the sweets. I was able to eat pretty well, though gave in to a bit more processed carbs than normal for me.
Around 11.5 weeks, I began to feel the first little flutters of movement. I was so excited to be feeling that and when we had our first midwife appointment at 12 weeks and she was looking for heartbeat with the doppler, I felt baby move and that is exactly the spot she found him/her so it confirmed for me for sure that it was baby and not just gas! I felt my last 2 full-term babies this early too.
Baby's heart rate has been in the 150's both times we have listened in. Here is a video of the first time (well, audio - it's a video but I asked Tom to cover the camera with his thumb so you don't see my belly but do hear the baby! :-)
Audio of baby heart beat at 12 weeks.
So, now at 17.5 weeks I am wishing I could slow time down a bit. I want to savor each moment and it just keeps flying by! I am feeling much better now, nausea gone, energy returning. I am driven to get this house organized and decluttered, making space for this little one.
So far, I have been able to find a jogging stroller, infant car seat, and dresser/changing table at nice prices. I am planning to get a pack 'n play for baby in our room and have a new one picked out to buy soon. I have ordered cute cloth diapers through a co-op and can't wait for them to get here. It's so fun with all the options now! I have been given maternity clothes, baby clothes, a baby tub, a Medela breast pump, a few types of slings/carriers to try. Most of the *must haves* are taken care of already and we have little space for all the accessories, so just have a few *would likes* on my baby registry still.
Last night, Tom and I both were able to feel the baby squirm under our hands for the first time. So very, very exciting and we are so happy and thankful to God for this gift.
That's about it I guess. Here is a pic of me from election day on Tuesday!
Let's see... from about 8 weeks until 14 weeks I had nausea in the afternoons starting around 2pm through the evening. I had no vomiting, just felt icky and had some food aversions. I could not stand water AT ALL... I liked bready/salty foods and not so much the sweets. I was able to eat pretty well, though gave in to a bit more processed carbs than normal for me.
Around 11.5 weeks, I began to feel the first little flutters of movement. I was so excited to be feeling that and when we had our first midwife appointment at 12 weeks and she was looking for heartbeat with the doppler, I felt baby move and that is exactly the spot she found him/her so it confirmed for me for sure that it was baby and not just gas! I felt my last 2 full-term babies this early too.
Baby's heart rate has been in the 150's both times we have listened in. Here is a video of the first time (well, audio - it's a video but I asked Tom to cover the camera with his thumb so you don't see my belly but do hear the baby! :-)
Audio of baby heart beat at 12 weeks.
So, now at 17.5 weeks I am wishing I could slow time down a bit. I want to savor each moment and it just keeps flying by! I am feeling much better now, nausea gone, energy returning. I am driven to get this house organized and decluttered, making space for this little one.
So far, I have been able to find a jogging stroller, infant car seat, and dresser/changing table at nice prices. I am planning to get a pack 'n play for baby in our room and have a new one picked out to buy soon. I have ordered cute cloth diapers through a co-op and can't wait for them to get here. It's so fun with all the options now! I have been given maternity clothes, baby clothes, a baby tub, a Medela breast pump, a few types of slings/carriers to try. Most of the *must haves* are taken care of already and we have little space for all the accessories, so just have a few *would likes* on my baby registry still.
Last night, Tom and I both were able to feel the baby squirm under our hands for the first time. So very, very exciting and we are so happy and thankful to God for this gift.
That's about it I guess. Here is a pic of me from election day on Tuesday!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Progesterone levels
My progesterone at 5 weeks was at 10 ng/mL and yesterday at 7 weeks was 16.2 ng/mL. It has gone up, but not enough. It is level 1 for this point of pregnancy. I need to get to level 4 before we can discontinue injections.
I do (well Tom gives) the progesterone injections on Mondays and Thursdays, 200mg IM. The blood draws to test progesterone levels are every other Monday before the injection. The life of the injected progesterone in the body is 72 hours, so the blood draw gives us the baseline (without meds) level that my ovaries are making on their own.
I was hoping for better results, but we will continue praying and injecting. :-) Just please pray that the progesterone I am getting will ensure a safe, cushy uterine lining for this baby to grow strong and healthy!
Here is a good article by Dr. Poppy Daniels who quotes Dr. Hilgers' research on progesterone use in pregnancy.
http://community.fertilityflower.com/blog-home/miscarriage-what-should-you-do-for-the-next-pregnancy/
Here is an article by the PPVI Institute. Click on the "progesterone support in pregnancy" link near the top to jump to that section. It has a chart similar to the one my Dr is using to evaluate my results. It has been updated since this chart.
http://www.popepaulvi.com/ncfwh-evaltreat.htm#prog
I do (well Tom gives) the progesterone injections on Mondays and Thursdays, 200mg IM. The blood draws to test progesterone levels are every other Monday before the injection. The life of the injected progesterone in the body is 72 hours, so the blood draw gives us the baseline (without meds) level that my ovaries are making on their own.
I was hoping for better results, but we will continue praying and injecting. :-) Just please pray that the progesterone I am getting will ensure a safe, cushy uterine lining for this baby to grow strong and healthy!
Here is a good article by Dr. Poppy Daniels who quotes Dr. Hilgers' research on progesterone use in pregnancy.
http://community.fertilityflower.com/blog-home/miscarriage-what-should-you-do-for-the-next-pregnancy/
Here is an article by the PPVI Institute. Click on the "progesterone support in pregnancy" link near the top to jump to that section. It has a chart similar to the one my Dr is using to evaluate my results. It has been updated since this chart.
http://www.popepaulvi.com/ncfwh-evaltreat.htm#prog
Friday, August 17, 2012
Update on our little "monkey wrench"
Thought that would be a cute little nickname for our bun in the oven. The most wonderful monkey wrench ever, but still brings things to a splendid halt and forces us to change gears in a sense. :-) Since Tom's a plumber, it was just that much more fitting!I am feeling well, no nausea yet - symptoms are peeing a lot, Tom's sweat smells like vinegar to me, being hungry for little meals often, my back is sore and legs are achey (cal/mag and a body pillow are helping with that).
I had labs drawn on Monday this week and then the appt with my NaPro Dr. H. on Wed. I like her a lot. We got the results from the labs, went over general health info and chatted about future care. My hcg level is good (1300's), which means that the baby is doing well. My progesterone was at 10 and they'd like to see it at 25, so my corpus luteum (on the ovary) is not producing progesterone like it should in order to keep my uterine lining thick and nourishing for the baby to nestle in real good. I got a prescription for natural compounded progesterone injections and am starting 200mg twice a week with labs every 2 weeks to check levels and adjust meds as needed. Dr. H. should be able to take care of monitoring all that long-distance (good since she is 2 hours away), and I will start care with the local homebirth midwife at 12 weeks. They are intramuscular injections in a thick oil carrier, so pretty painful. Tom has commited to administering them, he is so amazing! The official diagnosis is Corpus Luteum Insufficiency Syndrome.
I am so thankful to my Creighton teacher LaDean Barnes for her care over me. As soon as I e-mailed her telling her I was pregnant, she insisted that I call Dr. H's office and get labs done and in for an appt asap to get progesterone checked. I did not realize the urgency of this or how common it is an issue for PCOS ladies (weak ovaries). She likely saved our baby's life. Thank you LaDean! It was so good to see her after my appt for a hug and to chat a bit. She has been hugely responsible for starting the Fertility and Women's Health center in Richmond and getting the NaPro doctor there. I was the very first patient at the center and I am amazed at God's hand in this! If I had not worked with LaDean and learned all I did through Creighton, I likely would not have known my ovulation date and that something was up as soon as I did.
There are so many things to be thankful for and answered prayers that I am still realizing as I look back. Two that stand out to me right now: I prayed over the years that when I became pregnant, it would clearly be the Lord's doing and He would receive all glory. I also prayed that at some point in my life I would be surprised by a pregnancy test turning +. Both of these were answered clearly. Fun stuff!
I am having such a hard time concentrating on anything else right now! I really need to be getting lesson planning all finished up by the end of the month and I will be starting school (high school for Heather!) Sept 4. I also have a lot of office work to catch up on. In addition, we really need to figure out soon what we will be doing for housing - we clearly need more space but are uncertain of the best way to do that. New home? Market not good for selling now though... Adding on? Garage with storage space and really minimizing our belongings? We also are looking long-term at having the space to care for our parents as they need/want it.
See what I mean about a monkey wrench? I can literally see us at this crossroads of New Baby / Caring for Parents / Starting High School / Housing Needs... what does God have planned? Either way, I have much work to do in the next 8 months cleaning out the house and de-cluttering while schooling. :-) Prayers appreciated!In the meantime, I am loving the subtle changes in my body and my husband's smile whenever he hugs me with a new light in his eye, the way the kids are more willing to help me when asked, thinking of the future with a baby in it. I can't stop adding things to the Baby Registry on Amazon and even looking at maternity clothes. I am determined to enjoy each moment and thank the Lord for each and every day with this gift of a child. He loves this baby more than I do even, and I know He knows what is best for each of us and will be with us through whatever the future holds. It is an amazing thing to be the vessel for such a miracle as new life and I am awed that He has blessed us with the opportunity to parent this fabulous little monkey wrench.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
I'm Preggers!!!!
It's the most amazing thing! God is so good. Completely unexpected, surprised beyond belief, overjoyed and so, so, so excited! We had begun to think that God was telling us no, that we were done and needed to move on and find other ways to serve Him. Here's the story so far...
Okay, as far as ttc... almost 2 years ago we had learned the Creighton method of charting and in Oct 2010 we saw a specialist, tried a few meds. In Jan of this year the Dr moved to St Louis into a teaching position... that threw me completely into a funk and I stopped meds but continued temping/charting. In January this year I also got very motivated on weight loss and that has been my focus this year. I have lost 38# as of this morning. I really didn't expect it to be this much of a help so quickly though!
To be honest, Tom and I both had pretty much given up. We had started to look at the good side of having older children, enjoy the freedoms it gave us and I was beginning to look at taking courses for midwifery so that when the kids were old enough, I could consider pursuing that. Also, we had just begun to look into foster care a bit. The Lord had put on Tom's heart that we should be doing more to help others and share Him, and this was a way that we saw might work for us. I had just 2 weeks ago met with a friend to learn about the specifics and their experiences with fostering.
Another funny, Tom's parents are looking at retiring here with us and we have been in discussions on how to best fit them into our home and give them what they need so that we can help them as they age. An addition onto our home was our initial thought, and then we had the past 2 weeks begun to look at houses for sale in our area to see what was available. Guess we'll be stepping the timeline up a bit on that now and adding another bedroom!
I had not been temping or charting at all for the past 2 cycles (since June 11 actually), but due to my training I knew my ovulation date based on how I felt and had calculated that my period should start on Thurs Aug 2. I spotted just a tad on Fri Aug 3 and I assumed it was on the way but then it disappeared. I have had a handful of days in the past week where just one time a day I will have a slight pink tinge on the tissue.
So, Sat Aug 4 I took a test - it was neg but I remember looking at it twice thinking maybe there was a little something there. I was trying not to overanalyze so tossed it and went on. When this past Thurs arrived, I realized I was a week late. Since I wasn't temping I wasn't sure what to make of it and really was just kinda frustrated because I had thought I had made huge steps in understanding my body.
Thursday morning, Tom woke us all up early to go run at the local track (we've been doing this on Tues/Thurs/Sat mornings for a couple months now). I was half asleep and I remember being kinda mad and grabbing the stupid test out of the cabinet and peeing on it. Tom and the kids were out doing their stretching in the living room. The test was positive very quickly. I was shaking and started crying and asking God if this was for real. I got dressed and we left to run. I didn't say a word! I was so shocked, and I wanted to be sure. The test was a blue-dye one which I had read were not as reliable, it had been in the cabinet a while, yada yada yada... I walked the track for 30 min and prayed and sang and thought and my world spun and reeled around me.
When we got home, Tom showered and I got some breakfast together. He left for work, and I ransacked the bathroom cabinets for more tests. I found two!!! Completely different brands and I took them immediately. Both positive instantly. Okay, now I was beginning to really believe it! I went outside to do the milking and couldn't help standing on the deck and screaming (hushed, so kids didn't hear from inside) "I'm pregnant!"
We had plans for the day to go to a friends and watch her kids for her and then she was watching Rose and Will while Heather and I went to the library to do her assessment tests. I grabbed the tests and put them in a baggie on my way out the door. I was there from 10-12:30 and got to enjoy her 1yo little man in a whole new way, snuggles and smiles and playing peek-a-boo! Heather and I left for the library and while she tested, I googled "ways to surprise husband with pregnancy" and looked up due dates and 5 week baby images and got absolutely no lesson planning done!
When we left the library, I made Heather stay in the van while I went into the Dollar Tree and got a little bottle and some baby decor items, a gift bag and tissue paper. I put the tests in the little blue bottle and closed the lid, put a little pink "baby" sign on it and then put it in a white gift bag with a bunch of yellow tissue paper. I couldn't wait to give it to him!
We went and picked up Rose and Will and then had plans to meet Tom at Sam's Club for dinner and then take the kids to Putt-Putt for a night of celebrating their completion of assessment testing. We pull into the parking lot next to Tom's truck and the kids all pile out. I made them all get back in the van telling them I needed to talk to daddy. So, yes, in the middle of the Sam's Club parking lot I gave him the little gift bag! He pulled out the bottle and saw the tests, and (this cracks me up) says "are these yours?". (no honey, I asked random women to pee on sticks so I could give them to you?) :D I could only smile and tearfully nod and he hugged me a long time and prayed with me for our new baby and thanked the Lord for this gift.
I called my mom Thursday night, late, she was kinda worried by the hour at first but was SO happy I had called. She cried and has sent me pictures of blankets she is starting on for the baby. She is beyond excited and happy for us.
I wanted to come up with a fun way to tell the kids the next day, just savor the news between the two of us for a little while. I was thinking something clever at dinner-time. Tom could *not* wait though! He managed to make it until morning, but Friday morning, he was banging on doors calling a family meeting. The kids were all protesting that it wasn't a run day, so they wanted to sleep in. Tom came in and told me he was getting the kids up and I stared at him trying to remember what day it was and thinking I had planned to sleep in too. Took a minute for me to remember what he was so anxious about! :-) He sat them all down on the couch and said something about convening the family meeting and first order of business was to let them all know that he is handsome. They roll their eyes and are very confused but suspicious because I had pulled out the video camera. He said next was to find out what they thought about having a new brother or sister? Heather started crying and crying and sobbing. Rose let out a "whoop" and then hugged Heather. Will grinned from ear to ear.
Will has been cracking me up, you can just tell he is processing it all... when Tom said something about a brother OR sister, his smile kinda fell and he realized he wasn't guaranteed a brother, that's taken a bit of thinking. At WalMart yesterday, we walked down the baby aisle and he loved some little pink booties and a snuggie he thought we should get if she is a girl. I overheard him talking to Rose though, he said we should name the baby Thomas William Sullivan III if it's a boy. We told him that was his job since he was Jr, he could have a III if he wanted to and we'd think of a different name. He thought for a minute, and said "I'll probably have all girls though. If I do Rose, I'll just give them to you. I'll say - 'go see your Aunt Rose'." Silly little man! He also told me that when the baby is 10, if it's a boy, he will buy him a football for his birthday. :-)
Tom called his parents, brother, and sister and our pastor during the day on Friday. I stopped by my sister Amanda's house and gave her the same gift bag I'd given Tom. She was so fun, shock and happy tears flowing, love it!!!
We had plans to go to the park to see my friend Amy and so I gave her the same gift bag. Heather says "It's the present that makes everyone cry!" It's been fun to be able to surprise people who have been praying with and for us for so long! I got in touch with my brothers throughout the day.
Okay, as far as ttc... almost 2 years ago we had learned the Creighton method of charting and in Oct 2010 we saw a specialist, tried a few meds. In Jan of this year the Dr moved to St Louis into a teaching position... that threw me completely into a funk and I stopped meds but continued temping/charting. In January this year I also got very motivated on weight loss and that has been my focus this year. I have lost 38# as of this morning. I really didn't expect it to be this much of a help so quickly though!
To be honest, Tom and I both had pretty much given up. We had started to look at the good side of having older children, enjoy the freedoms it gave us and I was beginning to look at taking courses for midwifery so that when the kids were old enough, I could consider pursuing that. Also, we had just begun to look into foster care a bit. The Lord had put on Tom's heart that we should be doing more to help others and share Him, and this was a way that we saw might work for us. I had just 2 weeks ago met with a friend to learn about the specifics and their experiences with fostering.
Another funny, Tom's parents are looking at retiring here with us and we have been in discussions on how to best fit them into our home and give them what they need so that we can help them as they age. An addition onto our home was our initial thought, and then we had the past 2 weeks begun to look at houses for sale in our area to see what was available. Guess we'll be stepping the timeline up a bit on that now and adding another bedroom!
I had not been temping or charting at all for the past 2 cycles (since June 11 actually), but due to my training I knew my ovulation date based on how I felt and had calculated that my period should start on Thurs Aug 2. I spotted just a tad on Fri Aug 3 and I assumed it was on the way but then it disappeared. I have had a handful of days in the past week where just one time a day I will have a slight pink tinge on the tissue.
So, Sat Aug 4 I took a test - it was neg but I remember looking at it twice thinking maybe there was a little something there. I was trying not to overanalyze so tossed it and went on. When this past Thurs arrived, I realized I was a week late. Since I wasn't temping I wasn't sure what to make of it and really was just kinda frustrated because I had thought I had made huge steps in understanding my body.
Thursday morning, Tom woke us all up early to go run at the local track (we've been doing this on Tues/Thurs/Sat mornings for a couple months now). I was half asleep and I remember being kinda mad and grabbing the stupid test out of the cabinet and peeing on it. Tom and the kids were out doing their stretching in the living room. The test was positive very quickly. I was shaking and started crying and asking God if this was for real. I got dressed and we left to run. I didn't say a word! I was so shocked, and I wanted to be sure. The test was a blue-dye one which I had read were not as reliable, it had been in the cabinet a while, yada yada yada... I walked the track for 30 min and prayed and sang and thought and my world spun and reeled around me.When we got home, Tom showered and I got some breakfast together. He left for work, and I ransacked the bathroom cabinets for more tests. I found two!!! Completely different brands and I took them immediately. Both positive instantly. Okay, now I was beginning to really believe it! I went outside to do the milking and couldn't help standing on the deck and screaming (hushed, so kids didn't hear from inside) "I'm pregnant!"
We had plans for the day to go to a friends and watch her kids for her and then she was watching Rose and Will while Heather and I went to the library to do her assessment tests. I grabbed the tests and put them in a baggie on my way out the door. I was there from 10-12:30 and got to enjoy her 1yo little man in a whole new way, snuggles and smiles and playing peek-a-boo! Heather and I left for the library and while she tested, I googled "ways to surprise husband with pregnancy" and looked up due dates and 5 week baby images and got absolutely no lesson planning done!
When we left the library, I made Heather stay in the van while I went into the Dollar Tree and got a little bottle and some baby decor items, a gift bag and tissue paper. I put the tests in the little blue bottle and closed the lid, put a little pink "baby" sign on it and then put it in a white gift bag with a bunch of yellow tissue paper. I couldn't wait to give it to him!
We went and picked up Rose and Will and then had plans to meet Tom at Sam's Club for dinner and then take the kids to Putt-Putt for a night of celebrating their completion of assessment testing. We pull into the parking lot next to Tom's truck and the kids all pile out. I made them all get back in the van telling them I needed to talk to daddy. So, yes, in the middle of the Sam's Club parking lot I gave him the little gift bag! He pulled out the bottle and saw the tests, and (this cracks me up) says "are these yours?". (no honey, I asked random women to pee on sticks so I could give them to you?) :D I could only smile and tearfully nod and he hugged me a long time and prayed with me for our new baby and thanked the Lord for this gift.I called my mom Thursday night, late, she was kinda worried by the hour at first but was SO happy I had called. She cried and has sent me pictures of blankets she is starting on for the baby. She is beyond excited and happy for us.
I wanted to come up with a fun way to tell the kids the next day, just savor the news between the two of us for a little while. I was thinking something clever at dinner-time. Tom could *not* wait though! He managed to make it until morning, but Friday morning, he was banging on doors calling a family meeting. The kids were all protesting that it wasn't a run day, so they wanted to sleep in. Tom came in and told me he was getting the kids up and I stared at him trying to remember what day it was and thinking I had planned to sleep in too. Took a minute for me to remember what he was so anxious about! :-) He sat them all down on the couch and said something about convening the family meeting and first order of business was to let them all know that he is handsome. They roll their eyes and are very confused but suspicious because I had pulled out the video camera. He said next was to find out what they thought about having a new brother or sister? Heather started crying and crying and sobbing. Rose let out a "whoop" and then hugged Heather. Will grinned from ear to ear.
Will has been cracking me up, you can just tell he is processing it all... when Tom said something about a brother OR sister, his smile kinda fell and he realized he wasn't guaranteed a brother, that's taken a bit of thinking. At WalMart yesterday, we walked down the baby aisle and he loved some little pink booties and a snuggie he thought we should get if she is a girl. I overheard him talking to Rose though, he said we should name the baby Thomas William Sullivan III if it's a boy. We told him that was his job since he was Jr, he could have a III if he wanted to and we'd think of a different name. He thought for a minute, and said "I'll probably have all girls though. If I do Rose, I'll just give them to you. I'll say - 'go see your Aunt Rose'." Silly little man! He also told me that when the baby is 10, if it's a boy, he will buy him a football for his birthday. :-)
Tom called his parents, brother, and sister and our pastor during the day on Friday. I stopped by my sister Amanda's house and gave her the same gift bag I'd given Tom. She was so fun, shock and happy tears flowing, love it!!!
We had plans to go to the park to see my friend Amy and so I gave her the same gift bag. Heather says "It's the present that makes everyone cry!" It's been fun to be able to surprise people who have been praying with and for us for so long! I got in touch with my brothers throughout the day.
We left the park and took dinner over to my dad's. Once Tom got there and we gathered everyone for prayer, I had dad open the gift also. We ate dinner and relaxed with them a bit and then headed home and I zonked out as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Thursday was completely surreal, yesterday exciting and exhausting, today has been calm and happy.
I'm having a few symptoms here and there which are reassuring, a bit of nausea when I took my prenatals in the morning (switched to evening and it's better), hot at night, peeing a lot, Tom's sweat smells like vinegar to me, lower back is sore, crazy dreams, some twinges and little cramps. Overall I am feeling calm and confident, peaceful.
My Creighton teacher strongly recommended that I get progesterone and hcg levels checked. I am more prone to miscarriage with PCOS and having had 2 I know this. I am going to call the new NaPro doc in Richmond in the morning and have her order the labs locally for me so we can keep an eye and supplement the progesterone if needed. I also contacted the local midwife about meeting with her. We will see, not sure what we will do yet.
I'll keep everyone posted on our progress as things unfold. I appreciate prayers for this sweet little life the size of a sesame seed that we already love so much!!! For the record, I am 5 weeks along and officially due April 14, but have gone late with all of mine, so probably nearer the end of April. Looking forward to a spring baby! :-)
Thursday was completely surreal, yesterday exciting and exhausting, today has been calm and happy.
I'm having a few symptoms here and there which are reassuring, a bit of nausea when I took my prenatals in the morning (switched to evening and it's better), hot at night, peeing a lot, Tom's sweat smells like vinegar to me, lower back is sore, crazy dreams, some twinges and little cramps. Overall I am feeling calm and confident, peaceful.
My Creighton teacher strongly recommended that I get progesterone and hcg levels checked. I am more prone to miscarriage with PCOS and having had 2 I know this. I am going to call the new NaPro doc in Richmond in the morning and have her order the labs locally for me so we can keep an eye and supplement the progesterone if needed. I also contacted the local midwife about meeting with her. We will see, not sure what we will do yet.
I'll keep everyone posted on our progress as things unfold. I appreciate prayers for this sweet little life the size of a sesame seed that we already love so much!!! For the record, I am 5 weeks along and officially due April 14, but have gone late with all of mine, so probably nearer the end of April. Looking forward to a spring baby! :-)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
New Me in 2012
Happy New Year!
So... it's been a while since my last update. I have honestly been in quite a "funk" for several months now. Since my NaPro Doc moved and couldn't care for me anymore, I've been floundering. It shouldn't have affected me so badly, but it did. Then my flopped progesterone shut-down cycles were a bit depressing too. I am getting over it and while I am still tracking my fertility, I am trying to adjust my focus (since there isn't much "more" to do right now in that arena).
I gained about 20# during my "funk". Working on that in earnest now. The whole family is working on healthy eating and moving more, trying to trim our waists and feel better. Last week we lost a combined total of 31#! That was exciting. We have some fun rewards and good support in place, so I think we will accomplish much.
For now, I am charting my temps and noting CM, but that's about it. I am trying to be habitual and relaxed about it. I am still ovulating, but my cycles have gotten much longer due to my weight, diet and not taking my Metformin. I do plan to start back on that soon.
I'll pop in here and there, and my weight loss ticker will be the thing to watch!
So... it's been a while since my last update. I have honestly been in quite a "funk" for several months now. Since my NaPro Doc moved and couldn't care for me anymore, I've been floundering. It shouldn't have affected me so badly, but it did. Then my flopped progesterone shut-down cycles were a bit depressing too. I am getting over it and while I am still tracking my fertility, I am trying to adjust my focus (since there isn't much "more" to do right now in that arena).
I gained about 20# during my "funk". Working on that in earnest now. The whole family is working on healthy eating and moving more, trying to trim our waists and feel better. Last week we lost a combined total of 31#! That was exciting. We have some fun rewards and good support in place, so I think we will accomplish much.
For now, I am charting my temps and noting CM, but that's about it. I am trying to be habitual and relaxed about it. I am still ovulating, but my cycles have gotten much longer due to my weight, diet and not taking my Metformin. I do plan to start back on that soon.
I'll pop in here and there, and my weight loss ticker will be the thing to watch!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Cycle 2 of shut-down, also a fail!
Well, not going to try the "third times a charm" theory. I used the progesterone cream days 7-26 and still ovulated on day 37 and had a 15 day luteal phase (longer than usual - unless TCOYF and I are both off on O date?). I don't think that I will go for another shut-down cycle, seems to not be doing what it's supposed to do and just delaying ovulation rather than suppressing it which is making for longer cycles than before even! So.... not really sure what's next. Menses started today, will think more about it tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Progesterone shut-down cycle FAIL!
Well, this was an interesting cycle to be sure.
I was attempting to suppress ovulation, take lots of progesterone to correct the ration of estrogen to progesterone in my body and give myself a wee break from the ttc madness. The plan was to do 3 cycles. I took 96mg of USP progesterone cream on day 7-26. I took my temp regularly though didn't always chart them right away. I noticed cm and other symptoms but kept shoving them back in my brain telling myself I was "on break". I did not record in my journal, have not eaten well, have rarely exercised. I was really taking a break... or so I thought.
I just this afternoon went to enter the last 5 days of bbt temps in my TCOYF chart and realized, huh, those have all been higher. Entered the data and lo and behold the chart gave me an ovulation date of cd 25 - about a week ago. If I think back, yep, did have a bit more cm around then - yep, I do remember feeling tender/sore and yep, I did also have abdominal twinges around then. It wasn't as severe as recent cycles but the signs were there.
So, guess we're in the 2 week wait - about a week through it actually, which is nice. I don't expect much, but will be watching with interest.
Will be considering future cycles, will probably continue as planned, I don't know?
I was attempting to suppress ovulation, take lots of progesterone to correct the ration of estrogen to progesterone in my body and give myself a wee break from the ttc madness. The plan was to do 3 cycles. I took 96mg of USP progesterone cream on day 7-26. I took my temp regularly though didn't always chart them right away. I noticed cm and other symptoms but kept shoving them back in my brain telling myself I was "on break". I did not record in my journal, have not eaten well, have rarely exercised. I was really taking a break... or so I thought.
I just this afternoon went to enter the last 5 days of bbt temps in my TCOYF chart and realized, huh, those have all been higher. Entered the data and lo and behold the chart gave me an ovulation date of cd 25 - about a week ago. If I think back, yep, did have a bit more cm around then - yep, I do remember feeling tender/sore and yep, I did also have abdominal twinges around then. It wasn't as severe as recent cycles but the signs were there.
So, guess we're in the 2 week wait - about a week through it actually, which is nice. I don't expect much, but will be watching with interest.
Will be considering future cycles, will probably continue as planned, I don't know?
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Progesterone shut-down cycle #1
Today is day 26 of my cycle. I used 96mg of progesterone cream (32 in AM and 64 in PM) each day from day 7 - today. Tomorrow I will not use it and hopefully within a couple days will get a period (withdrawal bleed). I have had quite a few side effects / symptoms this cycle, most notable being:
1) Moodiness - tense and "on edge" much of the time. Teary and weepy other times.
2) BBT higher - fairly steady around 97.7, some fluctuations at a couple points during the cycle but no ovulation which is one goal.
3) Acne - my skin has been the worst it's been in a LONG time, my face has had several places break out, not all over but the ones that were there were big and red and sore. :-(
4) Sleep disturbances - night sweats and restlessness, lots of dreams which is very rare for me.
5) I had some abdominal cramping off and on, days 22-24 I was sore and tender like around ovulation but it didn't happen.
6) Sore breasts on a few days but not all cycle.
I think that's it. I'll update when my cycle starts over and let you know how that goes, any changes, etc... It's been interesting. I hope that next cycle is better, it did get better toward the end of this one and I am attributing much of this to the temporary rise in estrogen and activation of receptors that is expected at the beginning. I plan to do 3 total cycles and I'll keep you posted!
Monday, August 22, 2011
The beginning...
New cycle began yesterday. I had another 16-day luteal phase with the help of hcg, which is great, whole cycle was 39 days long. We have decided to do a 3-month "break" during which I will use progesterone cream on days 7-26 of 3 cycles. It will help dissolve any cysts, reduce estrogen dominance and just give my body a break. This amount of progesterone will suppress ovulation (thus the break from ttc), when I stop the progesterone on cd26 it will induce a "period" (actually withdrawal bleed) and create a better pattern of shorter cycles. We will begin ttc again in December. I will also be working on exercising more and returning to better eating habits during this time. I hope to lose about 20# before December. This will also give us a financial break from the meds and appts. We may try to do a couple more diagnostic tests toward the end of the break to make sure things are clear and a "go" for December. Hopefully all will line up that month and we can have a fall 2012 baby!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Radiology report
NaPro Dr kindly forwarded me the radiology report so I could read for myself all the details (fitting, since they ARE my ovaries - why we don't get them automatically is beyond my understanding!).
Here we go - FINDINGS:
"Examination shows endometrium to be normal for age with the uterus measuring 8.5 x 3.1 x 4.9 cm. Calcification is suggested adjacent to the cervix which could be seen secondary to prior inflmmation or delivery. The right ovary measures to 3.7 and the left to 3.4 cm in size. Multiple cysts are seen bilaterally within the ovaries with the largest on the right measuring 2.3 cm and the largest on the left measuring 1.9 cm. No free fluid is identified. Small nabothian cyst is noted which may reflect earlier inflammatory or post surgical change."
My NaPro doc said that the larger cysts are consistent with physiologic follicles (follicles preparing to release an egg). He also said that he can't tell from this report whether my ovaries are consistent with PCOS or not. The cyst and calcification on my cervix was not mentioned to me by either doctor, but is a bit alarming to me.
So... now what? I don't know. My NaPro Dr. has moved to MO and requested that I find local care. :-( The family doc here offered me a referral to the ob/gyn in their practice and I may take them up on that for further testing and treatment. Planning to sit down with my hubby tonight for some R&R and discussion.
Here we go - FINDINGS:
"Examination shows endometrium to be normal for age with the uterus measuring 8.5 x 3.1 x 4.9 cm. Calcification is suggested adjacent to the cervix which could be seen secondary to prior inflmmation or delivery. The right ovary measures to 3.7 and the left to 3.4 cm in size. Multiple cysts are seen bilaterally within the ovaries with the largest on the right measuring 2.3 cm and the largest on the left measuring 1.9 cm. No free fluid is identified. Small nabothian cyst is noted which may reflect earlier inflammatory or post surgical change."
My NaPro doc said that the larger cysts are consistent with physiologic follicles (follicles preparing to release an egg). He also said that he can't tell from this report whether my ovaries are consistent with PCOS or not. The cyst and calcification on my cervix was not mentioned to me by either doctor, but is a bit alarming to me.
So... now what? I don't know. My NaPro Dr. has moved to MO and requested that I find local care. :-( The family doc here offered me a referral to the ob/gyn in their practice and I may take them up on that for further testing and treatment. Planning to sit down with my hubby tonight for some R&R and discussion.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
ANNOUNCING!
My new book is ready! It can be purchased through lulu.com and I think you will be very pleased with it. Here's why:
1) Great size, 6x9 that can be slipped into a purse
2) Sturdy glossy covers and spiral binding
3) 2-page spread for each day; 100 days worth of pages
4) Spaces to record weight, bbt, opk, foods, supplements, medications, appointments, etc...
5) In the front, there are 4 bbt charts to fill in if desired and be able to show your doctor
6) A sample page in the front to help clarify what the different fields are for
7) A blank page for each day to record extra symptoms and journal your feelings
8) Pre-filled common fertility supplements and medications make it easy to check off
9) Extra spaces to customize your own supplements
10) This journal can be used by those struggling with infertility, and those who are trying to avoid naturally through fertility awareness.
All of these things have been an immense help to me on my fertility journey and I hope it will be to you also! I am so excited to offer this journal to you. Click on the links here, or in the sidebar to purchase. :-)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Ultrasound
Went in for the ultrasound of my ovaries today. All I know is that she took about 50 pictures, made quite a few measurements and I am pretty sure that I saw dark areas that indicate cysts (monitor was turned away from me though)... Tom was able to see the screen more clearly and I have showed him pics online of various types of cysts and he doesn't seem to think he saw anything other than normal follicular cysts. We'll see though! I should get results in the next couple days and then we will see what the docs have to say.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Appt yesterday and another Monday
My NaPro doctor moved from NC to MO and he has been helping me via e-mailed charts and prescriptions, etc... This last cycle just was not looking as good BBT wise as the previous one and I was asking him what else we could do. We discussed upping my meds dose and he recommended getting an ultrasound of my ovaries prior to that so that we could make sure there were no large cysts or a lot of unruptured large follicles. I found a family doctor locally who would see self-pay patients (harder than I imagined)! I met with him yesterday. We talked for a while about my history, current treatment, what I needed and he palpated my belly and pretty quickly found my right ovary seemed enlarged and likely cystic. I guess with PCOS, that isn't a big surprise, but I was still disappointed. We have the ultrasound scheduled for Monday afternoon to get a good look and see what is going on there, how many cysts, how large, what kind and how the follicles are looking. It's a relief to finally be getting a "look-see" but intimidating nonetheless. I am also considering and discussing with both doctors trying to get an hsg done to check on blockages and see what my tubes and uterus are looking like... costly, but seems worth it? We are also going to check into getting a semen analysis done, it hasn't been pushed by doctors since Tom is "proven" :-) but a lot can change in 10 years and he is around a lot of chemicals and nasties in his work, so probably worth another check. We figure that throwing over $200 at meds a month, we should be good and certain nothing else is blocking the way. So, that's the update here. It's funny, now that the Dr. pressed on my ovary and I felt what it felt like (tender), I can find it now and feel the cysts. Eeek! I am nervous about the news of what all we find in there.
I've been feeling a little more "off" for the last 2 1/2 weeks. Ever since 10dpo last cycle, not sleeping real well, night sweats, temps erratic. Grrrr.....
I've been feeling a little more "off" for the last 2 1/2 weeks. Ever since 10dpo last cycle, not sleeping real well, night sweats, temps erratic. Grrrr.....
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Fertility Journal rewrites
Got some great feedback from my fertility journal "testers" and am beginning final edits tomorrow and hope to have them done by the end of the week. I hope to have them available for sale before too long!
May & June cycles
We gave in and have tried some new meds the last 2 cycles. I have taken Femara (letrazole) days 3-7 and hcg injections days 3,5,7 and 9 dpo. These are to stimulate a stronger ovulation and to jump start the corpus luteum into producing progesterone. The cycles have definitely improved, but I am not yet pregnant. They have both been 35 days long and ovulation occurred around day 20 which makes my lp go from 12 days to 15 days - very nice! I am encouraged by these things and thankful that my follicular (estrogen dominant) phase and luteal (progesterone dominant) phase are waaaay more balanced - this is so much healthier for me over all. My bbt chart the 1st cycle on the meds was beautiful and I was very hopeful. The 2nd cycle (ended yesterday) was not as good, temps went up a bit, went up some more but then by 10dpo they were dropping and stayed just barely above coverline the rest of my lp. I also had a tiny bit of spotting on 10dpo and a headache the day before menses (with migraine "aura" the night before the headache), all of this indicates low progesterone to me. So... keeping on keeping on. Sent an e-mail to my Dr and FP tonight to see what's next and if any changes are in store for the next cycle.
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