Not the post I wanted to write (very long)

Once again, I apologize for not updating earlier; it’s been a really difficult week.

Last Thursday (9ish days ago), I arrived at my ultrasound and appointment with the perinatologist, ignorant, at best. I expected the standard detailed ultrasound, confirmation of genders, and had then planned to spend the remainder of the day with relatives visiting from out of town. That’s not what happened.

The ultrasound started as usual, lots of measuring little bones, counting bones in tiny pinkies, looking at the organs, and yes, confirming genders.

Baby A is a BOY!

Baby B is a GIRL!

Thinking back, I do remember noticing some blood flow irregularities on Baby A’s scan, but each time I’d start to concentrate on what I thought I saw, the tech would move the transducer, begin to talk about other organs, etc. I did say something about the lack of space, which she said was due to a contraction. She followed that by saying it wasn’t a big deal. I was surprised by the clarity of the ultrasound. She said they are the newest and best machines in the world, and went on to say how lucky the hospital is to have three of them, words that would later haunt me. An hour later, it was time to do the first cervical length ultrasound. It was like an IVF appointment all over again. She had to redo it later, since I was having another contraction.

My perinatologist entered the room, started scanning me again, looked at the hundreds of images the tech had taken, then said that he was “concerned about Baby A’s heart.” At first I wasn’t worried, then more people entered the room, and my doctor said he would explain what was happening, and draw me some pictures. A nurse walked over and asked if there was anyone she could call. Then I knew, it was serious. The tears started to fall. Pictures were drawn, more scanning, then the recommendation of an emergency amniocentesis, on both babies. I called my parents to let them know what was happening, and ask for prayers.

More people entered the room, supplies were brought in, and I was prepped for the amnio. Having worked in surgery for so long, I carefully watched my doctor sterilize my stomach. Good technique. The amnio hurt (probably the 1000s of heparin injections and subsequent scar tissue), but was over fairly quickly. In addition to the amnio, he ordered several blood tests. They are testing for “anything and everything” at this point. There were questions about whether Cystic Fibrosis runs on either side of our families, to my knowledge, it doesn’t. They are testing that too.

Then it was time for more discussions. It all seems like yesterday, but also so long ago, so I’ll try to remember what was said.

I will not be allowed to deliver at my chosen hospital, or with the high risk OB I want, and have worked with during both pregnancies. The baby will need open heart surgery within days, if not hours of birth. This followed by weeks, maybe months, in intensive care. I’ve been referred to a pediatric cardiologist, and he will do additional testing, and provide more information. I see him on November 1. They didn’t want to schedule anything sooner, since the babies are still so small.

I’m not going to identify the defect, until it’s confirmed by the pediatric cardiologist. When I ask the perinatologist what could have caused it, he said there’s a higher risk in IVF babies, twins, and sometimes just really bad luck, and that we’ll never know which one it was. I’ve also learned that there’s a higher rate of this defect in Caucasian males, versus females. My doctor spent over four hours with me, which was nice, though this is definitely a very serious condition, because four hours with a perinatologist is unheard of.

The following Monday, I had an appointment with my high risk OB. She walked into the room and just hugged me. The appointment was a lot of hugs, and a lot of tears. I’ve lost weight, and she said that while she understands that I don’t have an appetite, it’s dangerous to lose weight, especially with multiples. She suggested liquid protein shakes, anything to get some calories.

When I told her that the perinatologist said I wouldn’t be able to deliver with her, she confirmed it. I have to be at a university hospital with a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon. She said if the baby were to be born in this area, they’d fly him to the other hospital (a 4+ hour drive).

Even though I’ve always known her to be very pro breastfeeding, she recommended that I not even try this time. I had so many problems with Kate, and with a critically ill baby, it will just be too much stress. Plus, there’s no way to run in and out of the intensive care unit to feed the other baby.

During the appointment, she asked if I’d started searching for a nanny, yet. She said that if I write something up (job description, situation), she’ll make sure it’s posted in the NICUs. She said even if we don’t get an active NICU nurse, they usually stay in touch with former coworkers, and someone might be looking for a part-time job. She said especially in this situation, who better than a NICU nurse as our nanny.

Obviously it’s for the “team” at Children’s and the University to decide, but she thinks they’ll want me to move to the hospital at 34 weeks. Again, it’s up to the other specialists, but I’ll probably start regular appointments with the “team” before Thanksgiving. Wonderful, 4+hour drives, in the Midwest, in the winter.

My high risk OB does an ultrasound every other week. I told her that I just wanted her to do the scan, and tell me that she doesn’t see what the perinatologist saw. She said his machine is much better, and that he sounded “very sure” of the diagnosis when he called her. Again, a lot of hugs, a lot of tears.

Preliminary amniocentesis results (FISH)

The initial amnio results were scheduled to be back on Monday, but I had to wait until Tuesday. The MFM nurses were out (one had a family emergency) and my doctor was in another city learning to do “in utero transfusions on twins.” On Tuesday I met the genetic counselor to discuss the results. The initial amnio tests chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X, Y. So far, everything has come back normal, and there is definitely both a boy and a girl. The genetic counselor said the results (minus the gender results) could still change, but generally they don’t. We should have the remaining results next week. My doctor ordered an additional test called 22q; it’s not back, either. For now, it looks like this is ‘just’ a life-threatening heart defect.

I will keep you updated as I get more information. Prayers and good thoughts are very much appreciated. I’m still in shock.

16 week appointment

I am so far behind. Shame on me for updating with a 16 week appointment, when I’m now 17 weeks 2 days.

As usual, the appointment started with the nurse going over a few things; then she mentioned that since I’d just had the detailed ultrasound two weeks ago, my doctor would just listen to the heartbeats with the Doppler. When she entered the room, my doctor told the medical student to go get the ultrasound machine. Yay. Both babies looked great, moving all over. In other news, my doctor said she’s fine with me discontinuing the Crinone at this point, so if the perinatologist is okay with it (I see him tomorrow), I’m done. Blood pressure and labs continue to be great!

14 week appointment and med update

(apologies for the formatting issues, I've been fighting with Blogger for over an hour, and I give up)

Since I’m now 15 weeks 2 days, I thought I should probably update with the 14 week appointment. Where does the time go?!?!

First a med update:

12 weeks 6 days: done with estrogen tablets

14 weeks 3 days: done with Gestone (progesterone in oil)

Yes, this nasty stuff

15 weeks 1 day: done with Prednisone (may the puffiness in my face soon disappear)

Crinone, you are next to go (hopefully within 2 weeks)

Okay, 14 week appointment…

Baby A:

Baby B:

The ultrasound tech confirmed genders on both, and after discussing it with my husband, we will be sharing the news. I want to wait a little bit longer and have a few more ultrasounds (just to be sure). Also, after talking to some friends about what happened last time, the consensus is that some people are just rude and will therefore make inappropriate comments, but that’s certainly not a good enough reason to spoil the fun for everyone else. So yes, a gender announcement within two-ish weeks!

My doctor seems very pleased. My labs are great, BP was 106/68, and she checked my ankles for swelling, none. The medical student that was with her decided to use the Doppler to check the heartbeats and had I not JUST come from a 30 minute ultrasound, I would have been terrified; she couldn’t find Baby B’s heartbeat. Baby A was fairly easy to find, Baby B was, as usual, all over the place and impossible. Finally my doctor took the Doppler and even she was only able to find Baby B for a couple of seconds (not even the 6 seconds necessary to get a decent count).

She’d already received the ultrasound pics and report. Baby A is measuring at 17%; Baby B is measuring at 12%. She said she’s not concerned since they’re within 5% of each other. I did mention the perinatologist’s comment about wanting the babies out by 38 weeks. She said that they would absolutely be out between 37-38, probably closer to 37. There's just too much that can go wrong past that point and particularly with my risks, they're better out than in. Overall, a great appointment. I see her again on Monday.

13 weeks 3 days, first appointment with the new perinatologist

On Thursday, I had my first appointment with the new perinatologist. Things started as usual, going over medical history with the nurse, and then an ultrasound.

All but one picture I was given are 3-D, so if you find it creepy, sorry. The ultrasound tech guessed the gender of one of the babies, though it’s still really early, and honestly, after a comment we received when we shared Kate’s gender, I’m not sure if we’re going to tell this time, or not.

Babies: both are measuring well, within 2 days of each other (very important) and their heartbeats are great.

The perinatologist was impressive. We covered a lot (most of it was him asking questions and going over the game plan, though he continuously asked me if I had questions, too). Basically every risk with a singleton pregnancy is multiplied 4-5 times with twins. So while there was a great risk of fetal demise with Kate, it’s even worse this time. He wants the twins out by 38 weeks (he said especially because they are IVF twins, which I need to get more clarification on, since I’ve never heard of that before). Though he doesn’t expect me to make it to 38 weeks, anyway. He’ll do the anatomy scan and look for chromosomal issues at my next appointment (17 weeks) and at the 21 week appointment, he’s going to do a fetal echocardiogram. Apparently IVF babies have a slightly increased risk of cardiac issues, again, multiplied risk with twins.

At 32 weeks, if not before, I’ll start BioPhysical Profiles (non stress tests and ultrasounds) once or twice a week. I had them with Kate, and actually found it somewhat comforting to be monitored so closely.

As for travel, the short answer is no. He said that while he doesn’t know what kind of care is offered in Slovakia, he does know what’s offered in the U.S., and it would be too risky for me to travel. We talked about it in detail, but yeah, short answer, I’m not going to Slovakia. He said he “highly recommends against it.” So that’s that.

Tomorrow I see the high risk OB again, and I’m interested to hear her opinion after reading the perinatologist’s report.

12 weeks 5 days, visit to the ER

first Rhogam shot for this pregnancy

first, and hopefully last, ER visit for this pregnancy

So, I’ve been really bad about updating the blog, but once again, I’ve been plagued by first trimester cramping and spotting. For weeks I excused the cramping as uterine stretching, and it most likely is. Well, the other night the spotting increased, then bleeding, then intense cramping. By yesterday afternoon it was just too much.

And once again, the hotel shuttle driver to the rescue (It was just about time for Kate’s nap, plus my husband had packing to do, so it was easier to go alone). I just have to say once again, I adore the staff at the hospital I go to; EVERYONE I dealt with yesterday was professional and kind.

My first nurse had also done IVF, so I think she took a special interest in me. She was beyond sweet and attentive. When I was being wheeled to ultrasound, she said to be sure to push the call light when they brought me back, so she could check on me right away. I was wheeled back to ultrasound and very relieved to hear the words, “There are two heartbeats.” Both babies are measuring well.

Baby A: 6.3cm, measuring 12 weeks 5 days, heart rate 157 bpm

Baby B: 6.4 cm, measuring 12 weeks, 5 days, heart rate 161 bpm

The ER doctor recommended “total rest” until I see the perinatologist on Thursday. He also thought I should have a Rhogam shot, which I agreed with, but he wanted to discuss it with the OB on-call, first. I knew it was going to be a long wait as he walked out the door and I heard them call the first of MANY traumas.

I waited, and waited, and waited. The night nurse came back to tell me there was a problem in the pharmacy, and they “hoped” to have the Rhogam ready around 8pm. When she finally came to give me the shot, she apologized profusely for the delay. My response was, “Meh, it’s the ER, it’s life, it happens.” She said she wished everyone was as understanding.

Arrived in the ER: 3:15pm

Discharge papers printed and brought in: 4:58pm

Walked out of the ER: 8:46pm

It was a long evening, but the absolute most important thing is that both babies are alive and well.

11 weeks, nuchal scan

On Monday I had another big appointment (sorry it took so long to update, busy week).

First I had a meeting with the genetic counselor. She gave me several options for testing, including integrated versus sequential, and CVS, and an amnio, and more blood tests. I was already scheduled for the nuchal, not because we would have terminated had there been a problem, but because I’m a type A, organizer, planner extreme and if there were an issue, I would have had time to prepare and get the best specialists on board, etc. Anyway, I'm just not comfortable with the more invasive testing, given the miscarriage risk. I went ahead with the nuchal, as planned, though I learned that the blood test portion isn't really relevant because they can't tell what percentage of the numbers are coming from which baby. Interesting.

The genetic counselor also asked if I knew the conception date. I told her yes, that it was an IVF pregnancy. She asked if I'd had "real IVF." Err, yes, it *seemed* fairly real at the time. She said that a lot of women come in and say they've had IVF, meaning IUI. Wow. I seriously can’t imagine having a medical procedure performed and not knowing the proper name of it.

In other news, we talked about my upcoming appt with the new peri and she said he likes to follow his IVF patients very closely. Which might translate into, I'm not going to Slovakia. We have a lot to talk about. It sounds like between the new peri and my maternal fetal medicine doctor, I'll be in every other week until 20 weeks, then weekly. Wowza.

The ultrasound portion was fabulous. The tech spent a lot of time on each baby (neither was cooperating). And maybe this is normal for the U.S. (if so, I’m insanely jealous), but they had a huge flat screen monitor on the wall, so it was very easy to see what she was measuring and all of the details. Another woman was training to be board certified in the nuchal scan, so she came in after the test and spent another 30 minutes practicing with the ultrasound and taking pictures. During some of the first round of photos, Baby A reached up and wiped his/ her hand across its forehead, as if to say, too many pictures. Kate did the same thing during her nuchal scan. So cute!

The nuchal number was normal for both babies. Full report to follow.

At 11 weeks:

Baby A: measuring 11 weeks 0 days, CRL 4.08cm, heart rate 176

Baby B: measuring 11 weeks 2 days, CRL 4.51cm, heart rate 171

I’m concerned about the difference in CRL, but the ultrasound tech said it wasn’t a big deal.

Follow up: Yesterday a woman from the hospital left a voicemail for me stating that she had the results, and gave me 45 minutes to call her back before she was to leave for the day. Unfortunately I didn’t get the message until really late last night. Why she didn’t call my cell phone is a mystery. Anyway, I called this morning and of course she’s out until Tuesday. The good news is that the results were faxed to my high-risk OB. One brief message and returned phone call (within 20 minutes), and though she hadn’t read the full report, said that everything looks “great.” Great, coming from her, will more than get me through the weekend. Thrilled.

10 weeks, second U.S. appointment

I saw my high risk OB on Monday, and haven’t updated the blog, because I wasn’t sure what to share, how much to share, etc, until some decisions had been made. Since several days have passed and nothing has been decided, here is an update, and if you feel so inclined to offer a suggestion, I’d love to hear/ read it.

First, a few highlights from the visit. I got a big hug and very warm welcome back. I just feel so comfortable with this clinic. They are all wonderful, from the receptionists to the nurses to the doctors to the lab techs. Just great, great people.

So, my doctor said that the chance of a c-section goes way up with a twin pregnancy, so to prepare for that. I told her that I was prepared for a c-section last year and look how that turned out, so this time I might take a Lamaze class instead ;) She did an ultrasound in the office (sorry, no pictures were printed). Both babies looked great. Baby A was sleeping. Baby B was dancing all over the place as usual, leading to a discussion about their genders. So far, the general consensus has been one girl and one boy. My doctor agreed, for the sole reason that Baby B was so active. It will be interesting to find out if everyone is correct.

Okay, onto the bad news….

My doctor doesn’t want me to travel, specifically, outside of the U.S. Not only do I have all of the high risk issues I had during my pregnancy with Kate, but now I have all of the risks and potential issues that come with a twin pregnancy. To add even more fun to the mix, they also found that I have a Factor V Leiden mutation, which is honestly not a big deal, since I’m already on the recommended treatment (heparin and baby aspirin) for one of the autoimmune issues. My doctor is most concerned about premature rupture of membranes, cervical shortening, preterm labor, and also the ethical issues of whether a 20, 22 week pregnancy would even try to be saved in certain countries (most likely not). At least here, she would do her best to get the babies to viability, so they’d have a chance at survival.

She went on to say that if this were a fourth baby and I had no history of preterm labor, she’d have no problem with me traveling and returning to the U.S. within a reasonable timeframe. While I was getting dressed after the appointment, she consulted with a colleague, who completely agreed with her, particularly since it’s an IVF pregnancy. We’ve worked too hard to take risks, seems to be the standard opinion.

As of now, I’m scheduled for the nuchal scan and to meet with a genetic counselor on Monday. They’ve also scheduled an appointment with yet another perinatologist in a few weeks. Of course the earliest he could see me was the day after I’m supposed to fly from DC to Slovakia.

Needless to say, I haven’t been getting much sleep, stress is at an all time high and I honestly don’t know what to do.

9 weeks 1 day, first U.S. appointment

I had my first appointment in the U.S. on Tuesday. They had scheduled four hours of time, but I was out within 3 ½. The first appointment of the day was for an ultrasound. Baby A and Baby B still have heartbeats and are measuring well.

Baby A: 2.5cm, measuring at 9 weeks 2 days, heart rate 174.

Baby B: 2.4cm, measuring at 9 weeks 2 days, heart rate 174.

The next appointment was for an intake briefing with the nurse manager. She was absolutely lovely. We went over the usual medical history, family history, meds, travel restrictions (err, this could be a problem) etc.

March 18, 2012 will remain the official due date. She said they don’t adjust the date for twins, but just to be aware that I won’t make it. I didn’t think I would, considering that Kate was early.

On Monday, I see my high risk OB.

final appointment, 8 weeks 1 day

There are still two babies!! Dr. Fabulous did my scan. She spent so much time explaining everything, commenting on how cute they are, even saying they looked like they were about to reach out to hold hands :) Then she let me listen to both heartbeats. AMAZING!!

Baby A: 16.8mm, measuring 8 weeks 1 day, heart rate 169bpm

Baby B: 16.6mm, measuring 8 weeks 1 day, heart rat 161bpm

After the ultrasound, we sat and talked for a while. She is so, so sweet. I’m really going to miss everyone at the clinic. I brought in a large gift basket of chocolates and a thank you note, so hopefully everyone is going home with a smile tonight. Then it was time for my last intralipid infusion. Wow. I seriously can’t believe I’m done. Dr. Fabulous started the IV and it was by far the easiest infusion I’ve had. Lots of hugs and well wishes from the staff. It was hard to say goodbye.

After I left the clinic, I went to the pharmacy and purchased of all their in stock progesterone, heparin and other support meds. So much in fact that they didn't have enough heparin syringes to sell me. I’m honestly nervous to have purchased that many meds (as I still can’t believe this will last), but it was something I needed to do. We leave on Thursday. still so.much.to.do!

medical appointments in the U.S. are scheduled

Last week, I really, really wasn’t ready to make any medical appointments in the U.S., for fear of jinxing the pregnancy. However, knowing how well-regarded and popular my high-risk OB is, and having the doctors here reiterate the importance of setting up an appointment in the U.S. right away, I called.

The receptionist told me that my doctor is booked through the fall, and that she would try to get me an appointment with someone else in the practice, at least for the first one. I really, really didn’t want to meet with another doctor. I mean, I don’t mind having appointments with other doctors in the practice later on, and fortunately I did when I was pregnant with Kate, since my doctor didn’t deliver her, but yeah, for the first appointment, I wanted MY doctor. ::whine whine:: I even pulled the “can you please ask her nurse if she’d see me, and mention me by name” card. IT WORKED!

When I called back a few days later, the receptionist stated that my doctor said that of course she wanted to see me, and to make room in her schedule. HOORAY! The week prior to seeing my doctor, they’ve scheduled me for blood work, an ultrasound and then a 1 ½ hour intake meeting. WHOA! I have no idea what we’re going to discuss for over an hour. The receptionist said they’ve blocked a total of three hours for me. Again, WHOA! The appointment the following week is when I’ll actually be meeting with my doctor. The fact that the appointments are made and everything fell into place much too easily, is causing me great anxiety.

Tomorrow I go for my final appointment at the clinic here (another ultrasound and intralipid infusion). Hoping and praying there are still two heartbeats, but terrified that there are not.

the BIG news!!

It’s TWINS!!

Dr. Fabulous did my scan this morning and quickly announced that there were two, with heartbeats!!

Baby A: 6mm, measuring 6 weeks 3 days, heart rate 122bpm

Baby B: 6.8mm, measuring 6 weeks 4 days, heart rate 120bpm

I’m really pleased that they are both measuring so well; I’m 6 weeks 3 days today. Dr. Fabulous said that both the sizes and heart rates are excellent, and I’m still on lifting restriction, as much as possible. She said not to lift the “princess” too much (her name for Kate).

She was thrilled, gave me a big hug and said I deserved this after everything we’ve been through. I can’t get over how happy she was. It’s such a great feeling, especially knowing what a team effort IVF really is. Another nurse, whom I’ve worked with many times, came in and congratulated me as well. Then Dr. Fabulous took me downstairs for intralipids. Several nurses, including nurses from the operating theatre stopped by to congratulate me upon hearing the news. Word travels fast in that clinic.

My reproductive immunologist started my IV today, so I was able to ask him about additional intralipids. I did them throughout the first trimester with Kate, but we are leaving in two weeks, and I’ll only be 8 weeks 3 days. His suggestion was to have another infusion as close to our departure date as possible, then I’ll be covered through the first trimester. Sounds good to me. Dr. Wonderful, who did the transfer earlier this month, happened to stop by, so I was able to tell him as well.

When I went to pay today’s bill, my favorite receptionist was very happy to hear the news, even asking to see the pictures. The woman in the billing office next door came over to see the pictures, and offer congratulations as well.

I LOVE my clinic so much! Everyone just seems genuinely excited and happy. There is no way I could have done this without them, all of them.

It’s still VERY early and I know that I could lose one, or both, of the babies, but for today, I’m VERY, VERY happy!

ultrasound is rescheduled

A receptionist from the clinic just called and said they need to reschedule my ultrasound and intralipids. Apparently there's no doctor available on Friday afternoon. I probably should have taken an appointment next week (better chance to see a heartbeat if there is one), but I'm impatient and just couldn't wait. Thursday it is.

I'll be 6weeks 3 days. Has anyone seen a heartbeat that early?

okay, NOW the official third beta is in!

After yesterday's fiasco of first being told it was 1,400, then the answer being changed to 4,400, I wanted to see the results for myself.

Many, many phone calls and yes, resorting to getting the 'powers that be' at the embassy health unit involved, I present.....

4,400

Sorry the quality isn't great, it's a picture of the pdf document on my laptop screen.

third beta, finally

My doctor just called and said that the blood work is excellent, then went on to say that the hCG is 1400. I almost fainted, as that would be MUCH lower than where it should be. After a bit of back and forth, he then said it was 4,400. I asked three more times and he assured me, 4,400. For today I’m sticking with that, and will work on getting a paper copy of the results tomorrow (they are once again gone for the day). I had also requested that the progesterone level be tested and the results came back at >140. I was told by both the GP and the receptionist that the lab doesn’t give actual number values for progesterone. What?!?!

I called Dr. Fabulous and left a message for her, just giving her the results and said that I’d see her next week for the ultrasound and intralipids.

Hopefully all is well and the number is in fact, 4,400!

ICLW July 2011

If you haven't been here before, welcome. This is a bit of my IF history.

2005- married

2007- started TTC

2008- IVF #1, early triplet miscarriage

FET #1, failed

2009- IVF #2, success

2010- welcomed our beautiful daughter, Kate

2011- FET #2, failed

IVF #3, two decent betas, waiting for the results of beta #3. Absolutely no pregnancy symptoms, so I'm not very hopeful.

For a more detailed history, click on the infertility label to the right.

I'm looking forward to finding some new blogs to read this month!

hCG frustration

I’ve now taken six home pregnancy tests, all positive, including the one this morning. It’s kind of absurd to test, since I know I have hCG in my system, but seeing the second line is reassuring. Even though I’ve already had two betas at the clinic, I just couldn’t wait for the ultrasound next week, to hopefully indicate that everything is going as it should, so I scheduled an appointment with the GP for blood work (I needed my thyroid checked anyway). To be fair, I could have scheduled an earlier ultrasound or more betas with the clinic, but then I would have had the childcare issue with Kate, so taking her to the GP with me just seemed easier.

This morning I arrived at the appointment, my GP did the blood draw, then I asked when the beta results would be in. Response, “Late Thursday or Friday.” blink blink. I must have looked utterly shocked, because the answer then changed to “Perhaps this afternoon.” Progress. When I went to pay, I asked the receptionist to call me ASAP with the beta results, and was then told that they wouldn’t be in until at least tomorrow morning, since they (doctor and receptionist) don’t work on Wednesday afternoons. Oh, this was getting even better.

Frustrated, I stopped at a pharmacy on the way home and purchased a new digital test that is so sensitive it will tell you the week of conception (not that there’s any doubt). Sounded reassuring; except I took the test and it’s defective. Now I can’t help but think this is the universe’s way of holding off on telling me the bad news. And no, I still haven’t stopped googling late at night. bad, bad, bad

What does $1336.62 look like?

Well, $1336.62 or €946.94

This afternoon I went to the pharmacy to pick up a one-month supply of meds, just to keep me pregnant. And this does not include the almost $1000 a month of another med I have to take; I still have enough of it left over to keep me going for another three weeks. It is days like this that I hate our insurance company, which covers nada.

The regular pharmacist was out today, but her coworker was just as lovely. She couldn’t get over Kate, commenting on her cuteness, her outfit, etc. After she brought the bag of meds to the front, and totaled them, she asked the question I’m used to at the pharmacy, “Is this okay?" While I appreciate them asking, because yeah, it’s a lot of money, I’m never quite sure what to say. I mean, it has to be “okay.”

Honestly, right now I’m just hoping that next month I'll still have a reason to drop a couple thousand dollars on more meds. I scheduled an appointment with my GP on Wednesday, thyroid panel and another beta. The waiting is awful. Still no pregnancy symptoms, just a lot of cramping :(

11dp5dt, second beta

Dr. Fabulous just called! It doubled!! 244

She'll see me on July 29 for an ultrasound and another intralipid infusion. I'll probably have another beta next week when I'm at the GP, just so I know that things are okay.

11dp5dt, a morning of appointments

First it was off to the pediatrician for Kate’s one-year vaccines. Yes I know, I need to do a birthday post.

We LOVE her pediatrician and were very sad to say goodbye this morning. Kate received a total of 3 jabs (MMR, PCV and Meningococcal C). We’ll do Varicella/ Chicken Pox in the U.S., since it isn’t done here. Her doctor always spends so much time with us; it’s unreal. She also has the most beautiful office. It’s a gorgeous home, err mansion, in a residential neighborhood. I’ve only been on the main level and the walkout basement (the clinical room and waiting area are downstairs), but wow, what a house. I was going to ask if I could take a picture or two, but thought that might be a rather strange request. As we were leaving today, I thanked her for providing such great care for Kate, and she seemed really touched. It's hard to put your trust in someone, and find someone you work well with, especially in a a foreign country. She far exceeded my expectations, which I admit, are high. Again, we are going to miss her. Of course my sweet girl was not happy after receiving three separate shots, but so far she’s handling it well.

Then it was off to the clinic for me. I had a new nurse, quick blood draw and she said someone should call between 4-5pm with the results. I’m still not feeling very hopeful about this beta, and yes, still googling like mad. I had also put in a request for our records, which they had ready for me today. Color me impressed! It was not only free, but everything was organized in a nicely bound notebook. I didn’t see the embryologist’s report from our current cycle, but everything else seems to be in order. Now I’m just waiting for the beta call.

9dp5dt, appointment. Update!!

I arrived at the clinic and received a warm welcome at reception. I didn’t think the second receptionist knew me, but when I tried to give her my name, she responded by referring to me by first name, and said she had already marked me.

As I was sitting in the waiting area, a nurse came in and I heard her say that the computer system was down. There were maybe 7, 8 other women and couples in the room; she went to each and asked for their names, then asked if they were there for a scan. When she got to me, she called me by name and said that she “knew” me. Strange because I don’t remember working with her before, but I also realized that I am there so frequently, I probably shouldn't be surprised that I'm "known." Meep.

The blood draw was simple enough. Nurse gave it a good luck rub and sealed it in a bag. Results should be in after 4pm today.

And just an FYI, if you go to bed and spend hours on your iPad googling "low beta, chemical pregnancy and cramping", you probably won't get very much sleep.

UPDATE!

Dr. Fabulous just called. My beta is 93!!! I'll go back on Wednesday for a another test. She was very pleased with the number, and is going to call in some additional prescriptions to the pharmacy. She also said to rest and to try not to lift anything. Then we both had a good laugh, as I'm sure she heard Kate.

Today I'm happy with 93. Now we just need it to double!