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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Our infirtility journey continued...
It has been a while since I started this story so I will refresh.
Basically we tried for a year on our own with no success. Then we both got tested and nothing was found so we went to a fertility clinic and was put on Clomid (aka - the devil drug) for 6 months with no positive results. Throughout these 6 months I was only having to go to the doctor every other month, which was a blessing, because insurance did not cover any of the appointments. Ironically our prescriptions were covered, but not any of the appointments.
FYI - Clomid is a drug that basically makes the body produce eggs. It tends to make you produce a fewer amount of eggs, but larger ones.
So after the Clomid didn't work our doctor thought maybe it wasn't the size of my eggs,but the amount so he put me on another drug that helped my body produce eggs, just smaller ones, but more. It was called Follistem. It did it's job, we know this because I had to go in for sonograms each month for them to check and make sure. We tried this drug on its own for just two months. Then we decided to try this drug with an IUI. Also know as Intra uterine insemination - or artificial insemination. And yes, ladies it is as fun as it sounds.
To accompany our new method I was put on another drug called Ovidrel. This drug induces ovulation. Here is the best Part. It was in the form of a shot. There is no way I could do this to myself so Mark got to give me these shots. And this is where it really got fun. We had to schedule these appointments very carefully because if the doctor was available at 3:00 in the afternoon - I had to get the shot 36 hours before the appointment so yes that meant I had to have the shot at 3:00 in the morning. Mark and I would set an alarm at 2:00 to get he meds out of the fridge and then reset our alarm for 3:00 to take the shot. (These moments will not go down as any of the best times of our marriage) We went through this regiment for 4 months.
I know we sound crazy, but the first month of doing all of this was when we got pregnant. I took a home test on the 3rd of July and man oh man were we excited. The line was oh so very faint, but it was there. To make sure I wasn't crazy I took another test on the 4th and again there was a line. A very faint line, but a line none the less - and of course being a holiday we couldn't go to the doctor. On the fifth I of course went to the doctor for a blood test and just couldn't wait. I had to call a computerized system to get the results and they were supposed to be there in 2 hours. I called I think 50 times that afternoon and was getting really pissed (sorry mom and grandma if you are reading this, but I was) Then finally they called me and when I saw their number on caller ID I thought this is weird they are not supposed to call. That is when she told me that my HCG levels were way to low for this pregnancy to stick and that she was really sorry, but I would just need to wait to pass this baby and then when I did come in to see when we could start again. I know I'm making her sound heartless, but she wasn't she was very nice, it was just that I was literally heartbroken.
As you all know - that baby did not make it to met us, but that is why we were so motivated to keep trying.
I was getting good follicles (eggs) each month. two at the most. When I say good I mean the measurement. They had to measure each follicle to see if they were of good enough size to be vital targets. I had approx 8 eggs each month, but only one or two that would have been good to go.
After 4 months of doing this we were, physically, emotionally, and financially in need of a break so that is what we did. Well kinda...
We took a break from the center for reproductive medicine and I began to have appointments with Dr. Ron Ferris (a family practice doctor who specializes, personally, in infertility)
That is where I will stop for now, but don't worry there is plenty more where this came from. We are currently at Mark and I's 35th month of trying to start a family and as of today we have been trying for 54 months) There are many more pills and shot to discuss, but thank goodness, no more miscarriages.
Basically we tried for a year on our own with no success. Then we both got tested and nothing was found so we went to a fertility clinic and was put on Clomid (aka - the devil drug) for 6 months with no positive results. Throughout these 6 months I was only having to go to the doctor every other month, which was a blessing, because insurance did not cover any of the appointments. Ironically our prescriptions were covered, but not any of the appointments.
FYI - Clomid is a drug that basically makes the body produce eggs. It tends to make you produce a fewer amount of eggs, but larger ones.
So after the Clomid didn't work our doctor thought maybe it wasn't the size of my eggs,but the amount so he put me on another drug that helped my body produce eggs, just smaller ones, but more. It was called Follistem. It did it's job, we know this because I had to go in for sonograms each month for them to check and make sure. We tried this drug on its own for just two months. Then we decided to try this drug with an IUI. Also know as Intra uterine insemination - or artificial insemination. And yes, ladies it is as fun as it sounds.
To accompany our new method I was put on another drug called Ovidrel. This drug induces ovulation. Here is the best Part. It was in the form of a shot. There is no way I could do this to myself so Mark got to give me these shots. And this is where it really got fun. We had to schedule these appointments very carefully because if the doctor was available at 3:00 in the afternoon - I had to get the shot 36 hours before the appointment so yes that meant I had to have the shot at 3:00 in the morning. Mark and I would set an alarm at 2:00 to get he meds out of the fridge and then reset our alarm for 3:00 to take the shot. (These moments will not go down as any of the best times of our marriage) We went through this regiment for 4 months.
I know we sound crazy, but the first month of doing all of this was when we got pregnant. I took a home test on the 3rd of July and man oh man were we excited. The line was oh so very faint, but it was there. To make sure I wasn't crazy I took another test on the 4th and again there was a line. A very faint line, but a line none the less - and of course being a holiday we couldn't go to the doctor. On the fifth I of course went to the doctor for a blood test and just couldn't wait. I had to call a computerized system to get the results and they were supposed to be there in 2 hours. I called I think 50 times that afternoon and was getting really pissed (sorry mom and grandma if you are reading this, but I was) Then finally they called me and when I saw their number on caller ID I thought this is weird they are not supposed to call. That is when she told me that my HCG levels were way to low for this pregnancy to stick and that she was really sorry, but I would just need to wait to pass this baby and then when I did come in to see when we could start again. I know I'm making her sound heartless, but she wasn't she was very nice, it was just that I was literally heartbroken.
As you all know - that baby did not make it to met us, but that is why we were so motivated to keep trying.
I was getting good follicles (eggs) each month. two at the most. When I say good I mean the measurement. They had to measure each follicle to see if they were of good enough size to be vital targets. I had approx 8 eggs each month, but only one or two that would have been good to go.
After 4 months of doing this we were, physically, emotionally, and financially in need of a break so that is what we did. Well kinda...
We took a break from the center for reproductive medicine and I began to have appointments with Dr. Ron Ferris (a family practice doctor who specializes, personally, in infertility)
That is where I will stop for now, but don't worry there is plenty more where this came from. We are currently at Mark and I's 35th month of trying to start a family and as of today we have been trying for 54 months) There are many more pills and shot to discuss, but thank goodness, no more miscarriages.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Meeting
We had a meeting with the women from Westside Christian Counseling yesterday afternoon.
Mark and I had already asked off of work for Thursday afternoon as we were leaving town to come up here to KC for Marks brothers wedding. We had been trying to get ahold of Julie to see if we could meet her on Thursday, but hadn't gotten any replies. Then late on Thursday morning Julie called Mark and they scheduled a meeting for 2:00 yesterday afternoon. So we both went home after lunch - packed for the wedding and then went to our 'interview' and left straight from there to come to KC.
It went really well, we just visited about ourselves and what we are hoping for throughout this process. She was very nice and we are extrememly greatful that she is going to show our portfolio even though we did not go 'active' through her.
Thanks again for all the networking. I think I made 3 phone calls last week alone off of tips from family and friends. While we obviously still don't have a baby from those calls, it is still extremely helpful. If I have to make 50 phone calls that lead to nowhere to make one phone call that does then I'll do it. and without everyones help I'd never be able to make those 50 calls.
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!!!
Mark and I had already asked off of work for Thursday afternoon as we were leaving town to come up here to KC for Marks brothers wedding. We had been trying to get ahold of Julie to see if we could meet her on Thursday, but hadn't gotten any replies. Then late on Thursday morning Julie called Mark and they scheduled a meeting for 2:00 yesterday afternoon. So we both went home after lunch - packed for the wedding and then went to our 'interview' and left straight from there to come to KC.
It went really well, we just visited about ourselves and what we are hoping for throughout this process. She was very nice and we are extrememly greatful that she is going to show our portfolio even though we did not go 'active' through her.
Thanks again for all the networking. I think I made 3 phone calls last week alone off of tips from family and friends. While we obviously still don't have a baby from those calls, it is still extremely helpful. If I have to make 50 phone calls that lead to nowhere to make one phone call that does then I'll do it. and without everyones help I'd never be able to make those 50 calls.
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING!!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Networking!
I have to start this post by saying THANK YOU to everyone for spreading the word. We have received SO many e-mails about people who know people or who might know someone and it all helps. You never know what may happen. For instance:
Marks sister got a tip the other day from someone she e-mailed who e-mailed someone who knew someone (are you following this) and they knew of a 4 month old baby that needed a family RIGHT NOW! We were honestly perplexed by this offer as we REALLY want a baby, like fresh home from the hospital baby that we can name and love and cuddle from day one. At the same time, we REALLY want to be parents to whatever baby God sends us.
This situation worked itself out rather quickly and nicely. We didn't have to make a decision as this mother had given another child up previously and they contacted that family as to keep the siblings together which is wonderful.
This is where it gets good - the contact lady at West side Christian Counseling Services (This organization was also recommended to us by Aunt Barb who talked to someone at her work and let us know - THANKS) and she REALLY wants us to put our portfolio in with her. She basically does the same thing our lawyer does only for the counseling side of things instead of the law side. Well, we just can't afford to pay all the application fees to put our portfolio in a million different places, so while this sounded great it just wasn't that realistic.
She kept telling Mark how much she wanted us as she is running low on families and especially Catholic Families, but again, we just got put on the active list with our lawyer and aren't desperate yet, but she is so....
She is going to wave her fee for us to give her our portfolio!!! We have to fill out her paperwork and find a time to go have a personal interview with her, but that is FANTASTIC.
We have such wonderful family around us. Two different people got us connected to this organization and now we will be able to have MORE birth mom's look at our portfolio for FREE!!! Thanks to everyone, but for this tip, I need to thank Beth and Mike for their networking and for Barb for also letting us know about this organization.
We are so blessed and thank god everyday for our wonderful family.
Marks sister got a tip the other day from someone she e-mailed who e-mailed someone who knew someone (are you following this) and they knew of a 4 month old baby that needed a family RIGHT NOW! We were honestly perplexed by this offer as we REALLY want a baby, like fresh home from the hospital baby that we can name and love and cuddle from day one. At the same time, we REALLY want to be parents to whatever baby God sends us.
This situation worked itself out rather quickly and nicely. We didn't have to make a decision as this mother had given another child up previously and they contacted that family as to keep the siblings together which is wonderful.
This is where it gets good - the contact lady at West side Christian Counseling Services (This organization was also recommended to us by Aunt Barb who talked to someone at her work and let us know - THANKS) and she REALLY wants us to put our portfolio in with her. She basically does the same thing our lawyer does only for the counseling side of things instead of the law side. Well, we just can't afford to pay all the application fees to put our portfolio in a million different places, so while this sounded great it just wasn't that realistic.
She kept telling Mark how much she wanted us as she is running low on families and especially Catholic Families, but again, we just got put on the active list with our lawyer and aren't desperate yet, but she is so....
She is going to wave her fee for us to give her our portfolio!!! We have to fill out her paperwork and find a time to go have a personal interview with her, but that is FANTASTIC.
We have such wonderful family around us. Two different people got us connected to this organization and now we will be able to have MORE birth mom's look at our portfolio for FREE!!! Thanks to everyone, but for this tip, I need to thank Beth and Mike for their networking and for Barb for also letting us know about this organization.
We are so blessed and thank god everyday for our wonderful family.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
WE ARE ACTIVE!!!
Well, we got our homestudy back this week and we were waiting to hear from the lawyer offically before we posted anything and it is official - We have passed our homestudy!
The letter from our lawyer said that he had recieved all the neccessary paperwork from us: The Homestudy (that included approx 10 documents), the application paperwork (that lists what we are looking for, age, race, etc...) and our portfolio. We had also already completed our entrance interview with him and now all he needed was his money. So, Mark is bringing him a check tomorrow morning and that is it. Now we just get to sit and wait for the phone to ring.
That should be easy :)
Thanks in advance for the thoughts and prayers and please remember to spead the word, I will reiterate, you never know who knows someone that is thinking about giving up their baby.
The letter from our lawyer said that he had recieved all the neccessary paperwork from us: The Homestudy (that included approx 10 documents), the application paperwork (that lists what we are looking for, age, race, etc...) and our portfolio. We had also already completed our entrance interview with him and now all he needed was his money. So, Mark is bringing him a check tomorrow morning and that is it. Now we just get to sit and wait for the phone to ring.
That should be easy :)
Thanks in advance for the thoughts and prayers and please remember to spead the word, I will reiterate, you never know who knows someone that is thinking about giving up their baby.
Monday, April 6, 2009
slide show attempt
This is not all of the pictures in our portfolio, but some. You may notice that there is not a whole family picture of my family or any from Mark and I's wedding, etc... Many of the pictures included in our portfolio, including baby pictures of each of us had to be scanned in and they were not working right when I tried to include them into this slideshow. Please notice that you can speed up the pace of the pictures if you want to. I have never done one of these before so I hope it works. Also, we have our own copy of the portfolio and will try to keep it with us and we are more than willing to share it. The actual portfolio is a 8x11 hard bound book and it also contains our 'dear birth mother' letter on the front page and a prayer for the birthmother at the end.
I hope you enjoy.
I hope you enjoy.
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Playing around
I am going to try and play around with some pictures here. My next goal is to post a sideshow of some of the photos we used in our adoption portfolio. The picture above is one that we just took on our 5 year anniversary cruise, which was really the, celebrate no more fertility drugs/treatments so we can afford a cruise, cruise. We had a fantastic time on the trip and it was more relaxing than I thought it would be to not have to remember to swallow any pills or watch the clock for when to have Mark give me a shot. Ironically, I got sea sick the first night and ended up taking sea sick pills the whole cruise, but they were free!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Our infirtility Journey
Our infirtility Journey started in August of 2004 when we decided we were going to try and start a family. We were very naive back then and thought that because we had done everything right up until this point our reward was going to be that we were going to be able to have a child whenever we decided to try for one. That was a L O N G time ago and we are now the wiser. As you all know we tried unsuccessfully to conceive that August so long ago.
We tried with good spirits for the first 6 or 7 months. Then I began to get worried, but also knew that most doctors won't talk to you until you have tried for at least a year.
I actually talked my doctor, in Iowa, to see us after 10 months. Mark was tested as well as myself and we both passed with flying colors so the next step was for me to have what is called a die test. The doctor injects a fluid to travel through the fallopian tubes while they take x-rays to make sure that your tubes are open. I passed this with flying colors as well.
The next step was going to be that he prescribed me Clomid, but that is when Mark got transferred to Wichita so we had to wait until we got here to travel that road.
SO... We moved here (YEAH!!!) and I had to see a doctor that would refer me to see the doctors at the center for reproductive medicine. So, after paying this doctor an arm and a leg to visit with us for 20 min. (maybe) he prescibed us Clomid (which I like to refer to as the devil drug) I was on Clomid for 6 months and man on man was it a roller coaster. That medicine causes, mood swings, drowsiness, mood swings (yes, I put it twice for Marks sake) and my favorite, Hot flashes. Mark was a trooper through this as I complained quite a bit.
6 months is all the doctors like you to take this drug as they figure if it doesn't work by then you need something more powerful. It has proved to work for many people and quickly too which is such a blessing (Mike and Beth :) )
I am going to stop there with our story as the waiting period we are about the enter into may take a while and that way I can spread out your reading material.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, we truly appreciate it.
We tried with good spirits for the first 6 or 7 months. Then I began to get worried, but also knew that most doctors won't talk to you until you have tried for at least a year.
I actually talked my doctor, in Iowa, to see us after 10 months. Mark was tested as well as myself and we both passed with flying colors so the next step was for me to have what is called a die test. The doctor injects a fluid to travel through the fallopian tubes while they take x-rays to make sure that your tubes are open. I passed this with flying colors as well.
The next step was going to be that he prescribed me Clomid, but that is when Mark got transferred to Wichita so we had to wait until we got here to travel that road.
SO... We moved here (YEAH!!!) and I had to see a doctor that would refer me to see the doctors at the center for reproductive medicine. So, after paying this doctor an arm and a leg to visit with us for 20 min. (maybe) he prescibed us Clomid (which I like to refer to as the devil drug) I was on Clomid for 6 months and man on man was it a roller coaster. That medicine causes, mood swings, drowsiness, mood swings (yes, I put it twice for Marks sake) and my favorite, Hot flashes. Mark was a trooper through this as I complained quite a bit.
6 months is all the doctors like you to take this drug as they figure if it doesn't work by then you need something more powerful. It has proved to work for many people and quickly too which is such a blessing (Mike and Beth :) )
I am going to stop there with our story as the waiting period we are about the enter into may take a while and that way I can spread out your reading material.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, we truly appreciate it.
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