I had a great weekend....busy but kept my mind off of babies and such. Of course that didn't stop us since I am ovulating ;) Thank God that I am! So excited to see that little egg indicator on my fertility monitor this morning. Yipppeee!
I was very happy to see a friend of mine at Ariel Dance yesterday. She knows about my fertility struggles and offered to give me books and some things. She gave me a very cute rabbit ceramic figurine. She said she use to keep it under her bed to help her get pregnant. I was so grateful for the gift and her kindness. I am hoping it brings me good luck!
I had another acupuncture appt today and it went great! Wow...I fell asleep. I was happy that the appt went much longer then it should have. I got a good one hour of relaxation. After that, I headed over to see Kate to have a Reiki session. It was a cool experience. I saw all of these bright colors and then it faded to dark on several occasions. Not sure what it meant but it was cool. Kate told me that my energy was good and that a lot of things she felt last week, she didn't feel this week. She did say that one reoccuring energy was on my right side ovary area. I told her that is where I feel the sensations the most when ovulating, but never on my other side. We will see if Thursday the energy is still there in that area. If so, it might be something to address with my doctor. She also said that I have something stuck in my throat and that I am holding back words that I want to say. Not sure what it is yet...maybe eventually I will figure it out and express myself. Definitely a great experience tonight and looking forward to Thursday night with her!
I received a really cool fortune tonight with dinner in my cookies. It said that I would going to be making a new important relationship soon. I wonder if it might be a baby! I can only hope....
That is it for now!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
First Appt with the RE today
Today went much better then expected. I was nervous to meet my RE (reproductive encronologist)because several reviews online said his bedside manner wasn't very good. Such a nice surprise to meet him and like him. He was thorough and informative and did not rush me. Nothing I hate more then being rushed especially when it's something important.
He was concerned about my FSH and estradiol levels and felt both were too high. He can't seen any other problems with me except those two but they are a cause for alarm. Without them under control, this whole process could be long and emotional.
He wants me to have my progesterone tested 7 days after I ovulate first. Then after that, if I get my period, to have my Day 3 lab tests again for FSH and estradiol and see if it has made any changes. After that, he wants to schedule me for an ultrasound exam and check out my ovaries. When all of these are done, we will meet again to go through results and see where to proceed next. I am really hoping the acupuncture will make a difference with my lab results. I am not ready for drugs, shots or hormones quite yet!
Been researching like crazy and getting lots of great information from my "The Infertility Cure" book. My guess right now just from what I have read is that my blood needs help. I need better blood flow to my ovaries which is why I am doing acupuncture. From the past just having anemia and the bout with unexplained anemia back in 2001, I really think I need to get my blood in check. I am doing better to avoid dairy products right now and cut back on soy. Also trying to maintain eating and drinking warm things rather then cold. It's hard since I am always craving ice tea but I can certainly cut it out for now.
Also the doctor recommended that I chart my temperatures everyday, so I need to run to Kaiser sometime this weekend and pickup a basal thermometer and get started charting! Should be interesting to see how my body temperature changes!
Still staying positive!
He was concerned about my FSH and estradiol levels and felt both were too high. He can't seen any other problems with me except those two but they are a cause for alarm. Without them under control, this whole process could be long and emotional.
He wants me to have my progesterone tested 7 days after I ovulate first. Then after that, if I get my period, to have my Day 3 lab tests again for FSH and estradiol and see if it has made any changes. After that, he wants to schedule me for an ultrasound exam and check out my ovaries. When all of these are done, we will meet again to go through results and see where to proceed next. I am really hoping the acupuncture will make a difference with my lab results. I am not ready for drugs, shots or hormones quite yet!
Been researching like crazy and getting lots of great information from my "The Infertility Cure" book. My guess right now just from what I have read is that my blood needs help. I need better blood flow to my ovaries which is why I am doing acupuncture. From the past just having anemia and the bout with unexplained anemia back in 2001, I really think I need to get my blood in check. I am doing better to avoid dairy products right now and cut back on soy. Also trying to maintain eating and drinking warm things rather then cold. It's hard since I am always craving ice tea but I can certainly cut it out for now.
Also the doctor recommended that I chart my temperatures everyday, so I need to run to Kaiser sometime this weekend and pickup a basal thermometer and get started charting! Should be interesting to see how my body temperature changes!
Still staying positive!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Resentment in my Spleen
Today was awesome....did a lot as far as dealing with my infertility. I had a great acupuncture session and after that went to see my friend Kate for my Reiki session with her at her home. She welcomed me with open arms and a new hair do and escorted my upstairs to her meditation room with her table. She explained to me what she was going to do and told me to just relax and close my eyes on the table. She was going to run her hands over my body to feel my energy. It was a pretty relaxing session. The only thing I noticed was in the beginning my ankles twitched a little bit (like tiny bubbles popping in them) and when I breathed out, I got a little lightheaded for a few minutes. Kate explained that it might have been the part when she was "grounding" me. I also had pressure in my sinus passages the whole time that is not normally there when I am lying down. I had a warm mentholy sensation coming from my toes as well. Nothing extraordinary about the sensations I felt but enough for me to notice them. She felt my energy for about 30 minutes. When she woke up me told me a few things that were very interesting.
-the top of my head has lots of positive energy
-my stomach area holds my emotions. She sensed something holding me down in that area.
-my right ovary she felt an energy from
-my spleen had a resentful energy. She stated that I hold a lot of feelings about how people will feel or react if I don't have children. I never thought about how others would react but it certainly could be a subconscious feeling.
-she felt an energy from my left knee but could not figure out what it is
She told me to start imaginging myself with a child in a beautiful room. Imagine that the child is mine and that this will happen. If we imagine ourselves in the sitaution we want, our energy will help us to obtain our goals.
It was a very nice and relaxing session with her! I asked if I could do something for her like take her to dinner or something but she was happy to do these sessions with me. She gets a lot out of them as well and for her benefit to learn. She has been practicing Reiki for 3 years and it's more of a side hobby then anything. She works as an engineer full time and does this to relax. I will see her on Monday and practice my visual homework about imaging myself with a beautiful baby in a beautiful room. In fact...I am going to go further, I am going to imagine myself with TWINS! Why not....it can't hurt to wish ;)
-the top of my head has lots of positive energy
-my stomach area holds my emotions. She sensed something holding me down in that area.
-my right ovary she felt an energy from
-my spleen had a resentful energy. She stated that I hold a lot of feelings about how people will feel or react if I don't have children. I never thought about how others would react but it certainly could be a subconscious feeling.
-she felt an energy from my left knee but could not figure out what it is
She told me to start imaginging myself with a child in a beautiful room. Imagine that the child is mine and that this will happen. If we imagine ourselves in the sitaution we want, our energy will help us to obtain our goals.
It was a very nice and relaxing session with her! I asked if I could do something for her like take her to dinner or something but she was happy to do these sessions with me. She gets a lot out of them as well and for her benefit to learn. She has been practicing Reiki for 3 years and it's more of a side hobby then anything. She works as an engineer full time and does this to relax. I will see her on Monday and practice my visual homework about imaging myself with a beautiful baby in a beautiful room. In fact...I am going to go further, I am going to imagine myself with TWINS! Why not....it can't hurt to wish ;)
Reiki
I started reading "The Infertility Cure" and it has been great! Learning tons of information about Traditional Chinese Medicine going hand in hand with Western Medicine. I am still on the bandwagon that I want to do this as holistic as I possibly can.
So last night, I opened up again to people who don't know about my infertilty. I have been taking a Meditation class now for a couple of months with Paul and Kate. They live in Willow Glen and open up their home to people who want to meditate and also discuss self awareness. It has been such an invaluable resource to me right now. I don't think they fully understand how much they effected me until maybe now. Paul asked everyone last night about Mustard seeds and if we had any over the past two weeks. I was a bit nervous to share at first so I let another person go ahead of me. Finally....I released my feelings about what was going on with me and explaining how I had decided to be as natural about this as possible. I want to avoid pills, shots and hormones right now and with acupuncture, meditation and eating well. Kate and Paul were so loving about all of it and asked if Kate could do a Reiki session with me. I wasn't really sure what Reiki was but after doing some research it's healing with your hands which also promotes relaxation. I am really looking forward to my first session with her tonight at 6:30pm. I feel like i need to do something nice for her and for Paul. I am just not sure what yet. Do I pay them? I have no idea....I guess I could offer. I am just not sure but I am looking forward to my session with Kate tonight. I also have an acupuncture appt at 5pm. I have lots of healing to look forward to tonight!
A friend of mine told me today that her 20 year old niece is pregnant. This niece has been trying to get pregnant for some time and is currently engaged. I guess she feels she has to do it now and dosen't want to get too "old". This news broke my heart....why can't that be me!? She is too young to be having babies but I need to stop being judgemental and realize that it isn't my life and I need to accept that. Hopefully my time will come and it will be wonderful and special.
I have my first RE appt tomorrow at 2:30pm. Looking forward to it...not sure what to expect really. Kinda nervous though. Hsien won't be with me and I wish he would be there with me. After the appt, I am heading out to Sonora with M.E. so that is something to look forward to and her and I can talk in the car on the way there about what has been happening.
I am thinking about changing the name of my Blog....thinking maybe it's a bit negative. I will have to think up a better Blog name that is a bit more positive. I need positive energy right now!
So last night, I opened up again to people who don't know about my infertilty. I have been taking a Meditation class now for a couple of months with Paul and Kate. They live in Willow Glen and open up their home to people who want to meditate and also discuss self awareness. It has been such an invaluable resource to me right now. I don't think they fully understand how much they effected me until maybe now. Paul asked everyone last night about Mustard seeds and if we had any over the past two weeks. I was a bit nervous to share at first so I let another person go ahead of me. Finally....I released my feelings about what was going on with me and explaining how I had decided to be as natural about this as possible. I want to avoid pills, shots and hormones right now and with acupuncture, meditation and eating well. Kate and Paul were so loving about all of it and asked if Kate could do a Reiki session with me. I wasn't really sure what Reiki was but after doing some research it's healing with your hands which also promotes relaxation. I am really looking forward to my first session with her tonight at 6:30pm. I feel like i need to do something nice for her and for Paul. I am just not sure what yet. Do I pay them? I have no idea....I guess I could offer. I am just not sure but I am looking forward to my session with Kate tonight. I also have an acupuncture appt at 5pm. I have lots of healing to look forward to tonight!
A friend of mine told me today that her 20 year old niece is pregnant. This niece has been trying to get pregnant for some time and is currently engaged. I guess she feels she has to do it now and dosen't want to get too "old". This news broke my heart....why can't that be me!? She is too young to be having babies but I need to stop being judgemental and realize that it isn't my life and I need to accept that. Hopefully my time will come and it will be wonderful and special.
I have my first RE appt tomorrow at 2:30pm. Looking forward to it...not sure what to expect really. Kinda nervous though. Hsien won't be with me and I wish he would be there with me. After the appt, I am heading out to Sonora with M.E. so that is something to look forward to and her and I can talk in the car on the way there about what has been happening.
I am thinking about changing the name of my Blog....thinking maybe it's a bit negative. I will have to think up a better Blog name that is a bit more positive. I need positive energy right now!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Why can't I be born rich?
Some things have happened since I last wrote. I have done tons of research on high FSH and ready to tackle this "diagnosis". I found a new acupuncturist that is more affordable and is caring and compassionate about infertility. I am hoping that my time with her will help my FSH. It's expensive unfortunately and Hsien and I had a long talk about it this afternoon. He dosen't understand why I just don't see what the RE says and start taking shots and hormones. I REALLY don't want to do that yet. I want to give acupuncture a shot first (no pun intended). I know it's expensive but if I can be proactive and do this now, I might be able to avoid us having to go down the IVF route which will be a lot more expensive and daunting physically and emotionally. It's all so emotionally draining and hurting our bank account already.
It pisses me off that crack addicts and alcoholics can get pregnant without even trying and someone like me has to go through all these hoops to even conceive. I tell ya...life is not fair!
I read "Inconceivable" over the weekend and it helped me a lot. The woman in the book also has high FSH but hers was a bit extreme. She was 42 at the time and had a level of 42. At least mine at 13.3 is someone do-able in getting under control. I am anxious to see how my FSH levels do the next blood test. Please please please please show some sign of improvement so that I can prove to Hsien that I am not crazy!
Excited also about my RE appt on Thursday. Hopefully they don't shove IVF down my throat off the bat. I want to see other options first as hormone free as possible!
Well I am off to start reading "The Infertility Cure" now...hoping to be enlighted by another fertility book. Staying positive!!
It pisses me off that crack addicts and alcoholics can get pregnant without even trying and someone like me has to go through all these hoops to even conceive. I tell ya...life is not fair!
I read "Inconceivable" over the weekend and it helped me a lot. The woman in the book also has high FSH but hers was a bit extreme. She was 42 at the time and had a level of 42. At least mine at 13.3 is someone do-able in getting under control. I am anxious to see how my FSH levels do the next blood test. Please please please please show some sign of improvement so that I can prove to Hsien that I am not crazy!
Excited also about my RE appt on Thursday. Hopefully they don't shove IVF down my throat off the bat. I want to see other options first as hormone free as possible!
Well I am off to start reading "The Infertility Cure" now...hoping to be enlighted by another fertility book. Staying positive!!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
I shared
I finally shared my Blog for the first time today...it took a lot of guts for me to do it, but I did it. Having my dear friend M.E. read it helped me to know that I can't be ashamed or alone in all of this. I am lucky for my friend M.E. *waving to her!* who is so selfless and loving and such a dear dear friend to me. I am glad I am sharing.....
I got my two books in the mail that I ordered...."Inconceivable" and "The Fertility Cure". Going to start reading after I am done blogging here.
Today was a good day...no tears were shed. I think going to the acupuncture helped and just research in general has helped me. Funny thing...I had a friend reach out to me today and I had no idea that she knew I was struggling with fertility. Maybe it was my totally random posts and videos I put on FB and she put two and two together. She asked me if I would like to have two fertility books of hers. Took me totally off guard since her and I are not that close. We dance together and she is a dance teacher at the studio I go to. I guess she saw a few things I posted on FB. That is the only way but I am glad she reached out to me. I asked her if she had struggled with fertlity as well. I know it's a lot to ask of someone but I felt like maybe her and I could talk about it if she did. Her kids are older...13 and 9 and she is in her mid 40s (I think!). I wonder what she will respond back with!
Okay I am rambling...off to read my fertility books now and learn!
Thanks M.E. for reading my blog! Not sure when I will be ready to let others read quite yet. Not sure I am ready for people to read my personal thoughts yet....
I got my two books in the mail that I ordered...."Inconceivable" and "The Fertility Cure". Going to start reading after I am done blogging here.
Today was a good day...no tears were shed. I think going to the acupuncture helped and just research in general has helped me. Funny thing...I had a friend reach out to me today and I had no idea that she knew I was struggling with fertility. Maybe it was my totally random posts and videos I put on FB and she put two and two together. She asked me if I would like to have two fertility books of hers. Took me totally off guard since her and I are not that close. We dance together and she is a dance teacher at the studio I go to. I guess she saw a few things I posted on FB. That is the only way but I am glad she reached out to me. I asked her if she had struggled with fertlity as well. I know it's a lot to ask of someone but I felt like maybe her and I could talk about it if she did. Her kids are older...13 and 9 and she is in her mid 40s (I think!). I wonder what she will respond back with!
Okay I am rambling...off to read my fertility books now and learn!
Thanks M.E. for reading my blog! Not sure when I will be ready to let others read quite yet. Not sure I am ready for people to read my personal thoughts yet....
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
A few changes....
After talking with Hsien about the acupuncturist and his prices, we decided to see if Kaiser had a discount program. Well wouldn't ya know it...they do! 20% off! Maybe it's 25% off...I forgot but whatever...that is great! So I did some research on Yelp of every Acupuncture doctor listed on Kaiser's provider list and I think I found one! Not only is she much less but she is closer to work/home. Yahoo! I called and actually got to talk to the doctor for a moment. I told her my concerns and problems and she specializes also in fertility and has had a lot of success with helping women get pregnant. What a relief...and now we can save some money as well. I made an appt to see her next Monday and will be cancelling my other appointment. *phew* This stuff takes some time, research and dedication but glad it worked out. Hopefully this new doctor will be just as awesome as Dr. Lee.
Today, I had two fried eggs with some hot sauce. Trying to follow the doctor's orders of eating an egg a day. I hardboiled a few more to take to work with me everyday as well.
I also got some Jasmine oil that helps with fertility. Going to put that on twice a day. It smells so pretty! It's funny how you will do just about anything to achieve one big thing.
Did a detox session with Diane who has been such a lifesaver to me. She is such a sweet and carrying soul and really wanting to help me get pregnant. I did a foot bath detox today for the first time which was really interesting. All of these toxins came out of my feet! I also did a colon hydro-cleanse as well which seems to be helping release toxins from my body. I love going to see her. I wish I could afford to see her more!
Went for a 30 minute run today as well...first time ever that I have ran 30 minutes without stopping. I am getting better at this! My "Couch to 5k" program has really helped me to run again and get good at it. My acupuncturist says that exercise is good for circulation so I will continue the running and exercises that he suggests I do every day.
Looking forward to a date night with some girlfriends to see "Eat Pray Love"...it will be nice to take my mind off of myself for a while ;)
Today, I had two fried eggs with some hot sauce. Trying to follow the doctor's orders of eating an egg a day. I hardboiled a few more to take to work with me everyday as well.
I also got some Jasmine oil that helps with fertility. Going to put that on twice a day. It smells so pretty! It's funny how you will do just about anything to achieve one big thing.
Did a detox session with Diane who has been such a lifesaver to me. She is such a sweet and carrying soul and really wanting to help me get pregnant. I did a foot bath detox today for the first time which was really interesting. All of these toxins came out of my feet! I also did a colon hydro-cleanse as well which seems to be helping release toxins from my body. I love going to see her. I wish I could afford to see her more!
Went for a 30 minute run today as well...first time ever that I have ran 30 minutes without stopping. I am getting better at this! My "Couch to 5k" program has really helped me to run again and get good at it. My acupuncturist says that exercise is good for circulation so I will continue the running and exercises that he suggests I do every day.
Looking forward to a date night with some girlfriends to see "Eat Pray Love"...it will be nice to take my mind off of myself for a while ;)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
My first blog....an update sort of.
Well....now you know my struggles. I have been diagnosed with "infertility". Such an ugly word and a word I never thought I would ever have to breath outloud. Sort of like the word cancer...you never think it will happen to you. I look forward to coming back to this first post with a smile on my face, a tear in my eye and a baby in my arms.
So really...what is going on? Hsien and I decided to start trying for a family in September of 2009. I felt young, vibrant and ready for this. I honestly thought it would only take maybe 3 months max to get knocked up. I read every article online on tips and advice on the quickest ways to get pregnant....bought ovulation sticks....timed my ovulation...planned sex with my husband....the whole nine yards. Emotionally and mentally draining but making the best of it all.
In March 2010, my period was 4 days late and I had really really bad cramping. Worst cramps I have ever experiened. I thought maybe, just maybe they were implantation cramps and that I was finally pregnant! Period didn't come and I was estatic! Finally the pain got to be too much and I called Kaiser and got an appt that day with my Ob/Gyn that I had never met before. He was kind, considerate and thorough. He told me I was probably miscarrying. Great. Wonderful. The next day on Wednesday March 17, 2010, I miscarried at home. It wasn't as scary as I had imagined a miscarriage would be. Just bad cramping, blood and physically and emotionally exhausted after. I actually miscarried....again, never thought this was something that I would ever have to go through.
The next month after being frustrated with the Ob/Gyn that I saw who never returned calls or e-mails back to me to explain what the heck was going on...I found a new doctor and thank God I did! I had an initial phone interview with Dr. Sylvia Teran in April and I explained my worries and fears. She instructed me to sign my husband and I up for the Infertility Class first in May which I did. Waiting a whole month was torture but I am slowly realizing that a lot of this stuff is basically a waiting game.
May 10th, Hsien and I went to the class along with about 10 other scared and worried couples. We learned about ovulation (which I am a pro at knowing now....I know it all! hehe), different types of treatments and costs. Thank God we have insurance....thank you God! There is no way we could afford to do any of this without good 'ol Kaiser insurance.
June, Hsien and I had our first face to face consultation with Dr. Teran. I couldn't wait for this day! She was very kind and informative. She asked us TONS of personal and weird questions and made notes in our file. Hsien took it all in stride and I was really glad he was there. Through all the tears I shed, he is always there for me. Dr. Teran asked Hsien to do his semen analysis and gave him two sterile cups. She also asked me to call Kaiser radiology the day I get my next period so that they could schedule an HSG for me. If you don't know what an HSG is, google it and you will find lots of information. Unfortunately I tried to cut and paste a link into my blog and wasn't able to. I am still learning this whole "blogging" stuff.
About a week later, Hsien did his semen analysis. What an exciting morning that was because we had to have the semen specimen to Kaiser FREMONT in less then an hour. We don't exactly live real close to Fremont but we made it with a few minutes to spare. It was sort of like a ready...set...go kind of morning LOL! He did his thing, I grabbed my purse and out the door we went with a semen analysis sitting warm between his legs. Dropped it off, paid the $10 co-pay and off to work we went that Friday morning. Luckily his semen analysis came back really positive. Good results and he was not the issue. I was happy but also sad....that was the day I found out that all of this was because of me. It's hard not to blame yourself.
So I got my period and called Kaiser radiology. They had me come in on Monday July 19th for my HSG. I was able to work the morning at work and take the rest of the day off. My Mom met me at home about noon and drove me to the hospital. She sat and waited in the waiting room while I had the HSG. What a weird and crazy experience. You undress completely with a skimpy robe to cover yourself and they have you lay on this really big x-ray type machine. Basically the doctor goes into your vagina with a long needle like thing, through your cervix and inserts dye. This dye will tell the doctor if my fallopian tubes are open. The procedure is painful and very crampy. I almost passed out on the table. You are able to watch the dye on the monitor which is very cool. My tubes are open and clear which was good news. The doctor also told me I had a small uterus which I guess is good for me to know. I am sure it has nothing to do with not getting pregnant but it was a good tidbit of information for me to learn. After the procedure, I changed back into my clothes and had to wear a pad for a few days. Believe me...this stuff leaking out was yucky and smelly. I met my Mom back in the waiting room where I had to sit for a few moments. I didn't feel well and felt lightheaded. We got some iced tea in the hospital cafeteria which helped me a lot. Then Mom took me to Starbucks where we got to talk and chat and drink tea. It helped to sit and be outside and within a few hours I was feeling okay and took a nap. I felt yucky for 2 days later but happy to have the procedure done and behind me. According to my online research, the chances of getting pregnant after an HSG was very high...so I was feeling really hopeful that this would be our month.
Dr. Teran called me a few days later about my procedure and was happy to report that I had open tubes and that everything went well. She next wanted me to do a blood test on Day 3 of my next period. I was HOPING so badly that I wouldn't get my period again...or at least not for another 10 months or so but it came and I was crushed to pieces.
My period came on a Friday but luckily Kaiser's lab is open on Sunday mornings so I was able to have my Day 3 blood work done. I was feeling hopeful and excited but also hoping that some news would comeout of this blood test. I wanted answers....and well...I got them!
The next morning I got my blood test results e-mailed to me:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): 13.3
Estradiol: 89
Prolactin: 6
What do these results mean? I had no idea but luckily my online support group helped me plus a phone call from Dr. Teran clarified what was going on. I have high FSH which is not good in trying to conceive.
The bad news is, if I don't get my FSH level below 10, I will not be able to get pregnant. The good news is, there are ways even natural ways to get the levels lowered possibly. It really depends on how my body reacts to different treatments but I am feeling hopeful.
This is where acupuncture comes into my life. With the help of acupuncture there is a possibility that my FSH level could be lowered. My friend referred me to her acupuncturist who had helped her get pregnant after 3 months and she is 39 years old. I talked to Hsien and told him that I think this is our best option right now and that I want to avoid pills, hormones and shots until I know we have no other options. He agreed and I was relieved....totally relieved! So much research online directed me to trying acupuncture.
I called Dr. Lee's office yesterday and was able to get an appointment that day. Only problem is the office is all the way over in Mountain View plus their fees are a lot more then I expected: $100 a session. I went anyways and met with Dr. Lee who is a really nice guy. He definitely knew what he was doing and that his success rate of helping women with infertility is 70%! He informed me that most of his patients are over 40 trying to get pregnant so my chances are very good. He also understood about FSH levels which surprised me. That made me feel better...finally someone who gets it and understands. He didn't seem too concerned that acupuncture couldn't help me and asked me to come back every week. He also gave me some exercises to do twice a day to help with getting blood circulated to my ovaries. He informed me to eat an egg a day, avoid cold drinks and to chew my food slowly and carefully. I could do all this! The acupuncture session was really nice...I fell asleep the entire 40 minutes and woke up refreshed and hopeful. Unfortunately the only down fall is that his rates are so high especially for infertility. Usual treatment is $70 but I would have to pay $100. I just didn't think I could pay that every week. I paid the fee and made an appt for next Monday and also bought some fertility tea to try which cost an arm and a leg. Yikes! But I bought it...desperate ya know. Hoping anything will help me right now!
So this is where I am right now.........
So really...what is going on? Hsien and I decided to start trying for a family in September of 2009. I felt young, vibrant and ready for this. I honestly thought it would only take maybe 3 months max to get knocked up. I read every article online on tips and advice on the quickest ways to get pregnant....bought ovulation sticks....timed my ovulation...planned sex with my husband....the whole nine yards. Emotionally and mentally draining but making the best of it all.
In March 2010, my period was 4 days late and I had really really bad cramping. Worst cramps I have ever experiened. I thought maybe, just maybe they were implantation cramps and that I was finally pregnant! Period didn't come and I was estatic! Finally the pain got to be too much and I called Kaiser and got an appt that day with my Ob/Gyn that I had never met before. He was kind, considerate and thorough. He told me I was probably miscarrying. Great. Wonderful. The next day on Wednesday March 17, 2010, I miscarried at home. It wasn't as scary as I had imagined a miscarriage would be. Just bad cramping, blood and physically and emotionally exhausted after. I actually miscarried....again, never thought this was something that I would ever have to go through.
The next month after being frustrated with the Ob/Gyn that I saw who never returned calls or e-mails back to me to explain what the heck was going on...I found a new doctor and thank God I did! I had an initial phone interview with Dr. Sylvia Teran in April and I explained my worries and fears. She instructed me to sign my husband and I up for the Infertility Class first in May which I did. Waiting a whole month was torture but I am slowly realizing that a lot of this stuff is basically a waiting game.
May 10th, Hsien and I went to the class along with about 10 other scared and worried couples. We learned about ovulation (which I am a pro at knowing now....I know it all! hehe), different types of treatments and costs. Thank God we have insurance....thank you God! There is no way we could afford to do any of this without good 'ol Kaiser insurance.
June, Hsien and I had our first face to face consultation with Dr. Teran. I couldn't wait for this day! She was very kind and informative. She asked us TONS of personal and weird questions and made notes in our file. Hsien took it all in stride and I was really glad he was there. Through all the tears I shed, he is always there for me. Dr. Teran asked Hsien to do his semen analysis and gave him two sterile cups. She also asked me to call Kaiser radiology the day I get my next period so that they could schedule an HSG for me. If you don't know what an HSG is, google it and you will find lots of information. Unfortunately I tried to cut and paste a link into my blog and wasn't able to. I am still learning this whole "blogging" stuff.
About a week later, Hsien did his semen analysis. What an exciting morning that was because we had to have the semen specimen to Kaiser FREMONT in less then an hour. We don't exactly live real close to Fremont but we made it with a few minutes to spare. It was sort of like a ready...set...go kind of morning LOL! He did his thing, I grabbed my purse and out the door we went with a semen analysis sitting warm between his legs. Dropped it off, paid the $10 co-pay and off to work we went that Friday morning. Luckily his semen analysis came back really positive. Good results and he was not the issue. I was happy but also sad....that was the day I found out that all of this was because of me. It's hard not to blame yourself.
So I got my period and called Kaiser radiology. They had me come in on Monday July 19th for my HSG. I was able to work the morning at work and take the rest of the day off. My Mom met me at home about noon and drove me to the hospital. She sat and waited in the waiting room while I had the HSG. What a weird and crazy experience. You undress completely with a skimpy robe to cover yourself and they have you lay on this really big x-ray type machine. Basically the doctor goes into your vagina with a long needle like thing, through your cervix and inserts dye. This dye will tell the doctor if my fallopian tubes are open. The procedure is painful and very crampy. I almost passed out on the table. You are able to watch the dye on the monitor which is very cool. My tubes are open and clear which was good news. The doctor also told me I had a small uterus which I guess is good for me to know. I am sure it has nothing to do with not getting pregnant but it was a good tidbit of information for me to learn. After the procedure, I changed back into my clothes and had to wear a pad for a few days. Believe me...this stuff leaking out was yucky and smelly. I met my Mom back in the waiting room where I had to sit for a few moments. I didn't feel well and felt lightheaded. We got some iced tea in the hospital cafeteria which helped me a lot. Then Mom took me to Starbucks where we got to talk and chat and drink tea. It helped to sit and be outside and within a few hours I was feeling okay and took a nap. I felt yucky for 2 days later but happy to have the procedure done and behind me. According to my online research, the chances of getting pregnant after an HSG was very high...so I was feeling really hopeful that this would be our month.
Dr. Teran called me a few days later about my procedure and was happy to report that I had open tubes and that everything went well. She next wanted me to do a blood test on Day 3 of my next period. I was HOPING so badly that I wouldn't get my period again...or at least not for another 10 months or so but it came and I was crushed to pieces.
My period came on a Friday but luckily Kaiser's lab is open on Sunday mornings so I was able to have my Day 3 blood work done. I was feeling hopeful and excited but also hoping that some news would comeout of this blood test. I wanted answers....and well...I got them!
The next morning I got my blood test results e-mailed to me:
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): 13.3
Estradiol: 89
Prolactin: 6
What do these results mean? I had no idea but luckily my online support group helped me plus a phone call from Dr. Teran clarified what was going on. I have high FSH which is not good in trying to conceive.
The bad news is, if I don't get my FSH level below 10, I will not be able to get pregnant. The good news is, there are ways even natural ways to get the levels lowered possibly. It really depends on how my body reacts to different treatments but I am feeling hopeful.
This is where acupuncture comes into my life. With the help of acupuncture there is a possibility that my FSH level could be lowered. My friend referred me to her acupuncturist who had helped her get pregnant after 3 months and she is 39 years old. I talked to Hsien and told him that I think this is our best option right now and that I want to avoid pills, hormones and shots until I know we have no other options. He agreed and I was relieved....totally relieved! So much research online directed me to trying acupuncture.
I called Dr. Lee's office yesterday and was able to get an appointment that day. Only problem is the office is all the way over in Mountain View plus their fees are a lot more then I expected: $100 a session. I went anyways and met with Dr. Lee who is a really nice guy. He definitely knew what he was doing and that his success rate of helping women with infertility is 70%! He informed me that most of his patients are over 40 trying to get pregnant so my chances are very good. He also understood about FSH levels which surprised me. That made me feel better...finally someone who gets it and understands. He didn't seem too concerned that acupuncture couldn't help me and asked me to come back every week. He also gave me some exercises to do twice a day to help with getting blood circulated to my ovaries. He informed me to eat an egg a day, avoid cold drinks and to chew my food slowly and carefully. I could do all this! The acupuncture session was really nice...I fell asleep the entire 40 minutes and woke up refreshed and hopeful. Unfortunately the only down fall is that his rates are so high especially for infertility. Usual treatment is $70 but I would have to pay $100. I just didn't think I could pay that every week. I paid the fee and made an appt for next Monday and also bought some fertility tea to try which cost an arm and a leg. Yikes! But I bought it...desperate ya know. Hoping anything will help me right now!
So this is where I am right now.........
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