Nov. 30 2009

Nov. 30 2009

I'm still having pain in my ovaries and i'm going to call the doc today. I only have 14 days left of the progesterone injections/shots and then my body gets to take over from there:)

Nov. 24 2009

I'm still having duel aches in my right side and back:( I've been using the heating pad and it relaxes me enough. I called Dr. Chow today to find out the results of my labs, but they were not back yet. I guess i'll just find out more at my apt. on Dec. 4th.

Nov. 24 2009

8 weeks pregnant ~ not a good pic....i need my own personal photographer;p

Nov. 23 2009

Nov. 23 2009

            My pain was minimal yesterday and gone today! I am just going to lay low and not over do anything so I don’t rupture another cyst. So this a.m. while I was injecting progesterone I think I hit a blood vessel, because blood shot across the kitchen floor. 3 more weeks and I’ll be done giving myself shotsJ YAaAa I just wanted to keep you all informed and let you know I’m doing better. Now I just have to decided if I’m going to make the 3 hour trip (on a good day with no traffic) to VA for Thanksgiving.

More info

Hemorrhagic cyst
A third type of functional cyst, which is common, is a Hemorrhagic cyst, which is also called a blood cyst, hematocele, and hematocyst.[2] It occurs when a very small blood vessel in the wall of the cyst breaks, and the blood enters the cyst. Abdominal pain on one side of the body, often the right side, may be present. The bleeding may occur quickly, and rapidly stretch the covering of the ovary, causing pain. As the blood collects within the ovary, clots form which can be seen on a sonogram.[3][4] Occasionally hemorrhagic cysts can rupture, with blood entering the abdominal cavity. No blood is seen out of the vagina. If a cyst ruptures, it is usually very painful. Hemorrhagic cysts that rupture are less common. Most hemorrhagic cysts are self-limiting; some need surgical intervention. Even if a hemorrhagic cyst ruptures, in many cases it resolves without surgery. Patients who don't require surgery will experience pain for 4 - 10 days after, and may require several days rest. Studies have found that women on tetracycline antibiotics recover 25% earlier than the majority of patients, a surprising correlation found in 2004. Sometimes surgery is necessary,[5][6] such as a laparoscopy ("belly-button surgery" that uses small tools inserted through one or more tiny slits in the abdomen).[7]

Nov. 20 2009

Nov. 20 2009

            I had my first visit with my OB doc today. This is the third docs opinion in the past week. Dr. Chow agreed I have large cysts on my ovaries causing me much pain, but as for them leaking into my uterus she does not agree. She believes the blood to be near where the baby has implanted. She wrote down that I am a threatened miscarriage. But I came home and read that at my point in pregnancy the placenta is attaching all it’s vascular connections and can leak blood. So I am holding on to that. It’s very emotional! And after a month of pain I’m really not holding up as well. My next OB visit is Dec. 4^th. Oh I forgot to mention that she  had my labs done, all 23 tubes of blood to check everything in the book. I can call on Tuesday to see how everything checks out, but if something is wrong, then they will call me.

Nov. 19 2009

The doc from the OB clinic called me this a.m. and said he wants to see me tomorrow instead of waiting until Monday.

More info i found:

Cysts are generally tricky, but nothing can be trickier than cysts on ovaries during pregnancy. This is because, not one, but two lives are on the line - the mother's and the baby's. However, by knowing the nitty-gritty and the risks involved when cysts on ovaries during pregnancy are involved, you'll find that it's not really as bad as it sounds.

A Bundle With Your Bundle

The formation of cysts in your ovaries is part of your regular menstrual cycle. In essence, a fluid-filled sac builds up on the inside or on the surface of your ovaries. This is the egg that is starting to mature. When the egg has fully matured, the sac will burst and the fluid, along with the mature egg, will then enter the fallopian tube to wait for fertilization. These are called functional cysts, and are rarely found during pregnancy.

The cysts on ovaries during pregnancy which should be of concern are the large, solid, or semi-solid masses that form not out of the regular bodily processes, such as dermoid cysts. The problem with cysts on ovaries during pregnancy, regardless of size and whether they're benign or not, is that these cysts may rupture and cause sepsis, or torque (twist on themselves). Needless to say, this will cause a lot of pain.

A cyst is considered large when it exceeds six to eight centimeters. These types of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy will not only place the woman in significant pain, they can also put pressure on the developing fetus, considering the fact they are in the same general area and are essentially competing for space. One can only imagine how cramped it can get in there with the presence of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy.

Treatment and Removal

The removal of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy is not a new procedure and is often necessary to save both the mother and the child. In fact, a vast majority of the procedures for the removal of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy have led to successful deliveries. But before the removal of cysts on ovaries during pregnancy, an ultrasound must be performed to determine the best course of action, seeing as how two lives will be affected by any treatment - surgery or otherwise.

If surgery is warranted, the best time to remove cysts on ovaries during pregnancy would be sometime in the second trimester - that is to say, between the fourth and sixth month of pregnancy - when the child is well into its development. Very rarely do cysts on ovaries during pregnancy turn out to be cancerous (the odds are around 1 in 25,000), but they do have to be removed as they pose a danger for miscarriage or pre-term labor.

While surgery may be needed to remove cysts on ovaries during pregnancy, which may include a large and open incision, most of the time, all that is needed is a laparotomy - a procedure that's not as invasive, but one that easily takes care of the problem.

by Werner Wichmann from http://www.cure-cysts-on-ovaries.com helps numerous women around the world who struggle with cysts on ovaries and cannot find any relief from drugs prescribed by doctors and face the scary prospect of surgery often not necessary or successful.

Nov. 18 2009

Nov. 18 2009

            After yesterday’s ultrasound and no explanation to why I had been cramping for over 2 weeks and why I had blood in my uterus, I decided to go to ER. I did a urine sample; hopping maybe I just had a kidney/bladder infection. Nope it was fine. Then they drew blood to check my liver function, white blood cell count, and if the HCG levels were rising. Liver fine, white blood cells fine, and a perfect HCG level of 14,000. So then I had an ultrasound. I got to see baby who was comfortably oblivious to it allJ After the doc saw the images it all made perfect sense, like why couldn’t I figure that out. I have Hemorrhagic Cysts on both ovaries. So the cramping and pain I’ve had is due to that and they are leaking blood into my uterus. I found this on line about Hemorrhagic cysts:

Hemorrhagic Cysts

An ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid within the ovary that is surrounded by a thin wall. Many types of ovarian cysts exist, and many do not exhibit any symptoms. Ovarian cysts can be small or large in size but usually range from pea-sized to grapefruit-sized.

Most ovarian cysts, about 95 percent, are harmless and benign. They can occur in women of any age but most often affect women who are in their childbearing years. Some ovarian cysts can rupture, bleed or cause pain and may need to be removed through surgery.

One common type of ovarian cyst is the hemorrhagic cyst. Hemorrhagic cysts are also known as blood cysts, hematoceles and hematocysts. Hemorrhagic cysts occur when a blood vessel in the wall of a cyst breaks, causing blood to enter into the cyst.

Hemorrhagic cysts are a type of functional cyst, meaning that they occur normally during the course of the female menstruation process. Functional cysts, also known as simple cysts, have nothing to do with disease. They can be treated normally and often resolve themselves without the need for treatment or any type of surgery.

Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

Generally, hemorrhagic cysts will cause abdominal pain, usually just on one side of they body and they may also cause bleeding and the rapid stretching of the wall of the ovary, which will also cause pain. Blood clots will generally form in the ovary and can be seen using a sonogram.

Hemorrhagic cysts can sometimes rupture and release blood into the abdominal region. This will cause severe pain for the woman, but rupturing hemorrhagic cysts are far less common. Most often, hemorrhagic cysts will regulate themselves. They may, however, require surgical removal. In some cases, even hemorrhagic cysts that rupture can resolve themselves without the need for surgery.

For minor pain and symptoms of hemorrhagic cysts or other types of ovarian cysts, medication or pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be prescribed. Narcotics and prescription pain medications may also be prescribed by a medical professional.

Heating pads, hot water bottles and ice packs can also be helpful for hemorrhagic cyst symptoms and can release tension and stimulate circulation, as can certain herbal teas, vitamin supplements and avoiding caffeine.

Women who have hemorrhagic cysts or any type of ovarian cyst that lasts longer than two or three menstrual cycles and women with a family history of ovarian cancer should speak to a medical professional about their symptoms and treatment options to avoid more serious problems in the future.

I have my 1^st apt with my OB doc on Monday. One of the docs from the OB clinic was there tonight. The doc said I’d be observed carefully and have more ultrasounds so see if the cyst are growing or getting better. Oh the reason I have these cyst is due to Hyper stimulation of the drugs I was on to produce multiple follicles/eggs and grow them. I just can’t wait to have the weeks go on so we can get out of the woods. This is a bit nerve rattlingL

Nov. 17 2009

Nov. 17 2009

            Today was bitter sweet! One of our babies did not make it. We had our ultrasound today and saw our little bean’s heart beat at a healthy 125 beats per minute. There is a BUTL I have a lot of bleeding in my uterus and we’re not sure why. So far it posses no threat to the baby, but it does explain my painful stabbing cramp’s I’ve been having for 2 weeks. The doctor wants to do another ultrasound in a week and a half, the day before Thanksgiving to see if my body has absorbed the blood. This does scare me, because at 6 months gestation with my last child I had 50% abruption. I am hopping our little bean is a fighter! Baby is measuring smaller than my estimated due date. This is normal in IVF pregnancy’s because she may have been a late implanter. I had a lot of things on my calendar the next few days, but it looks like I’ll be in bed with my feet up.

Nov. 14 2009

6 weeks and 5 days. And to think i was so thin less than two months ago:)

$$$

I have no words to thank my parents for the gift they have given us. They are truly the most amazing grandparents and dote over the four grand children they already have. THANK YOU MOM AND DAD!
I'm posting this to help other's know all the hidden financial costs. We did not expect a few.


Single IVF Cycle = $8,900 but they are giving us a 25% military discount

Micro sort consultation = $150
IVF consultation = $300
IVF = $6,675
Micro sort = $3,500
Prescriptions = $3,017.66
Hystosonigram = $998
ICSI = $1,850

For a grad total of = $16,490.66

Growing

Make a pregnancy ticker

Nov. 10 2009

Nov. 10 2009

            I drove to VA this a.m. for a blood draw. The nurse just called and said my Beta HCG levels were great at 2,500. I believe this is 19 days after our transfer. We schedualed the ultrasound for Nov. 17. We are all so excited!!!

Nov. 7 2009

Today is my birthday and I am 30 =o I just wanted to update a bit. I drive to VA again for another blood draw on Tuesday. I will have my ultrasound a week from then. I have been having pains in my lower side. I experienced this with my second child 10 years ago, so i'm not to worried. It's said to be my ligaments or uterus stretching. It happens when i'm over doing it, like cleaning the house. Anywhos i'm still trying to comprehend that i'm pregnant. Seems to good to be true! I can not wait to have that growing reminder on the front of me:) LOL Here's a photo that only shows the 10 extra pounds i gained while on progesterone and the bloated feeling. My hubby wants to do monthly photos as my tummy grows. So this is the first one.....today i am 4 weeks and 6 days. BUT if you go off the 1st day of my last period like every doc does, then i am 6 weeks pregnant.

Nov. 3 2009

Nov. 3 2009

            I had a positive Beta HCG blood test of 123 today and I am 4 weeks and 1 day pregnant. We’ll go in and have another blood draw a week from today. So today I decided to bless someone els with $700 in prescriptions I did not use and gave them to the nurse to give to the appropriate person. It’s a hefty price tag, we had not figured in the  $2,900 in prescriptions for this IVF process. So if I can help someone out with giving them un-used meds…I’d love to help them on their journeyJ Anywhos we can’t be more excited and blessed and just on cloud 9! Thank you all for your prayers!!!

For future reference: The 18 gage needles i was inserting into my body were not the correct ones:( OUCH! The pharmacy forgot to give me the other needle heads to switch out after i drew up the meds. When the nurse found out she was mad and said she was going to give them an ear full. The needles i've been using i could have pierced my belly button with all over again;p