Proof of Preggo

On Thanksgiving I took another test and then another test on the Sunday after Thanksgiving both said positive. What I didn't know was whether or not it was a healthy pregnancy moving in the right direction. I would have to wait for the Beta test on 11/30 to confirm that.

When I went to get my blood work done, the phlebotomist asked if I cheated and took a HPT. "Of course," was my reply. "And," she said. " Positive," I replied.

She told me it would take 2 hours to confirm the blood work and that any number over 30 would indicate a positive test. I also had to make an appointment for Wed and Fri as well. They want to monitor my blood to make sure that my HCG levels are doubling every other day like they are supposed to. On one hand it is a pain in the ass to keep getting my blood drawn and on the other hand it is nice to be monitored so I can have reassurance that my pregnancy is moving in the right direction.

I went back to work wondering if my numbers were going to come back okay. A few hours later I got the call that my number was 972 and my progesterone was a 32. The nurse both numbers were good. So I am off to a positive start. Now I can't wait to find out if I have twins or not.

I am hoping to have an ultra sound next week.

Symptoms:

fatigue ( minor)
frequent urination
increased hunger
sore boobs
cramping
bloating
gas- mainly burping
Cravings for peppers
Early on dizziness but now I only get this if I go too long without eating or drinking water

THE HPT

This time after the IUI I felt some different symptoms. For starters, I had sharp pains and cramping much more than last time. My boobs don't just hurt, they are killing me. Like it hurts to put on a bra. A few days this week I was so incredibly tired I went to be at like 7:30 and 8:30 and slept through the night. I also have increased hunger, smell sensitivity (slight), major dizziness (almost passed out a few times) and very slightly nauseous.

Last time I took HPT way too early. This time I waited a little longer. The first test I took in the bathroom at work. I used a first response test. This was 8 days past IUI #2. I figured by this time the trigger shot should be out of my system because last time, I took the HPT I tested out the trigger and by day 7 after the IUI the shot was already gone.

HPT FS # 1 11/18/15 8 days after IUI #2- Came up negative, but there was a tiny piece of pink on the second line. It didn't go all the way down. I counted this a negative, but I had hope since it was so early. Plus it was in the middle of the afternoon, which is not the most concentrated urine.

HPT FS #2- 11/19/2015 9 days after IUI#2-  I took it first thing in the morning and it showed up with a very faint pink line. It was positive.

HPT # 3- 11/20/2015 10 days  cheap Rite Aid brand- I took this at work again in the middle of the afternoon and it came up negative.

HPT #4- 11/21/15 11 days after IUI #2- Cheap rite aide brand- I got a very faint blue plus sign first thing in the morning. 



I will keep testing in the mornings because it seems like that is the best time. My beta is scheduled for 11/30, so I am a ways away. I expect that the tests should continue to get darker in the next few days. I guess we will find out.

2nd IUI

The month of November is our second try with IUI, 100 mg of Clomid and a HCG trigger shot.
This time the process seemed to go much smoother with 1 minor hiccup, which I will explain later.

Anyway, I took my Clomid on days 5-9. Symptoms of bloating, burning and overall discomfort were much less prominent than last time. I could however feel that my left side was the one developing again. It was slightly more tender and bloated than the other side. This cycle was more on track because we started the Clomid on the actual days 5-9. Unlike last time where we started later in the month. I think that did effect my cycle.  At first the nurse called me and said the doctor was recommending 50 mg of Clomid. I questioned that because I knew it was supposed to be 100 mg. they called back saying the doctor apologize for misreading my chart.

I did the usual ordering of my sample from Xytex. They were friendly and helpful. I placed my order, paid extra for quicker shipping, and also paid for the higher sperm count. I was told that the sampel would be deliver by 11/5 before noon. I also ordered a trigger shot through my insurance company so I didn't have to put out another 100.00 up front like last time. Even though I got reinbursed the last time, I figured the less to put out the better. I have good insurance and they have covered all my meds so far.

I thought all was going well until I checked my e-mail over the weekend. I was all scheduled to go in for my ultrasound and blood work on Monday when I got an e-mail Saturday afternoon that said that my shipment was delivered but the doctors office was closed. "WHAT?" I thought to myself. This is not good. I had no idea if the sample would be safe in the dry ice container until Monday when the doctor's office opened. Of course at this point, XYTEX and the doctor's offices were both closed so all I could do is e-mail XYTEX and bitch them out for screwing up my order.

When I went in for the Ultrasound on 11/9 I realized that there were actually two things that were being delivered. 1 by FEDEX and 1 by UPS. The UPS was the one that was delayed which was the HCG shot. It was not the sample. "What a relief!"

Anyway, so 11/9 I got blood work and then the doctor gave me an ultrasound that revealed two mature follicles. Since I only need 1 good one to get preggo, two only increased my chances. He said it looked good and based on my blood work, he would recommend that the insemination be done the next day. So we went through the routine again on 11/10/15. IU #2.

the doctor said the sample was excellent. 45 mil count with 80% motility. He said my hormones and blood work looks good nothing to indicate an issue. He explained that there really is a probability and each time you try it is only a 14% chance of success. Those number are low. He also said the chance of twins was 10%. I guess that is kinda high given that there is only a 14% chance of success. He also said that at my age of 37, only about 60% of my eggs are viable on any given cycle. Some cycles may be better than others and there is really no way to determine that.  So basically this whole process that costs me 1500.00 per try is a giant crap shoot. I left feeling somewhat discouraged, but knowing that I would try at least 2 more times if I was not successful this time around.

Childhood pics of the donor