My story started 11 years ago when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 19. Luckily, I only had surgery to remove a 15 lb. tumor - but I lost one ovary. Because of the risk of reaccurant cysts, I was put on BCP immediately, so I never knew if I was ovulating. We got married in '07 and I went of BCP 4 months after the wedding.
Though we TTC right away, I was charting and realized nearly 5 months passed before my period was "normal" again. At 7 months of trying, I talked to my OB who gave me a Rx for Clomid to start the next cycle. A few days later, I got a BFP. That pregnancy ended in a m/c at 13+w.
I had to have a D&C because my body was not rejecting the fetus. It literally took 78 days before the bleeding stopped. I tried pills to help remove the tissue, but I refused another D&C so I just had to deal with it. I was able to TTC again, 108 days after the D&C.
I had spotting while on BCP and it continued afterward, getting worse and worse, especially after the D&C. My doc was never concerned, so I did research of my own and tried self-medicating with B6 pills (I had side-effects). I got my next BFP only 3 months after we TTC again, but it ended at only 4w.
My doctor tested my ANA (auto-immune), Progesterone, and PTT levels (blood clot). I had an elevated ANA (Rheumatoid) and he put me on Baby Aspirin (81 mg) daily. He claimed the other levels were "normal".
I was fed up and refused to accept my spotting was for "no reason" so I bought progesterone cream from an Internet site. After two months of using that, baby aspirin, preseed (sperm-friendly lube), OPKs, and charting, I was pregnant again. This time, even with the progesterone I was spotting (red/pink) for nearly two weeks after the BFP.
My doctor wrote me a Rx for vaginal progesterone and it stopped immediately. I was taking 200 mg suppositories 2x a day till week 13.
The baby is doing well, dispite loosing the twin. My doctor still takes credit for the progesterone. "If I wouldn't have put you on it, that baby might not have been here right now."
Oh... but my self-medicating with the pro. cream didn't do anything, right? Sheesh!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Hallelujah!
Can we please celebrate the fact that at 17w4d I can still fit into ONE pair of my normal dress pants!!!
Sure, they were falling off before, but I choose not to dwell on the fine details.
Sure, they were falling off before, but I choose not to dwell on the fine details.
Late Update
August 7th, 2009 Appointment ~ 16w5d
It took a minute to find the heartbeat but it was there and healthy! Hooray!!
The BIG ultrasound is September 8th! (Unless my pregnancy brain is deceiving me...I better double check.)
We are so excited to see what this little one is going to be! Let the shopping begin!
I've been on Team Blue since the beginning, but lately I've had serious doubts. Maybe its because we have a girls name already, but a girl is what I'm starting to expect. Either way, I can't wait! I would love either a girl or boy so it doesn't matter much to me. :)
It took a minute to find the heartbeat but it was there and healthy! Hooray!!
The BIG ultrasound is September 8th! (Unless my pregnancy brain is deceiving me...I better double check.)
We are so excited to see what this little one is going to be! Let the shopping begin!
I've been on Team Blue since the beginning, but lately I've had serious doubts. Maybe its because we have a girls name already, but a girl is what I'm starting to expect. Either way, I can't wait! I would love either a girl or boy so it doesn't matter much to me. :)
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Telling my Side
Since mom only comes over thru a bribe, I pulled out a bunch of clothes I can no longer use and told her to come over and take whatever she wanted. Just under the first item, I hide a bright green onesie that said, “Grandma Loves Me”. Not long after she got there, I placed the bag in front of her and she picked up that first item—a pair of pants. She held them up, then threw them back on top of the onesie! She sat down with a thud on the couch and started to complain about work…. I was stunned for a second but then forced the issue. I made her stand up to see the matching jacket. Just when she went to throw it back onto the pile again, she glanced down and saw the onesie. She looked and said, “My Grandma what? What’s that for?” Just then she looked at me and I was just smiling.
She choked out another “What?... You’re…?” and then she started sobbing so hard she almost fell over. Luckily, she made it back to the couch but was balling uncontrollably into the dress jacket I gave her. I pulled it away, saying, “NO… You’ll ruin the jacket!” and I ran to give her a roll of toilet paper.
She continued to periodically cry as we continued to talk.
After things calmed down a bit, I text Jimmy a pic of the u/s with the phrase, “Uncle Jim, see you in January 2010”. He text “Congratulations” almost immediately so I called him. He seemed pretty excited—more so when he realized I “got mom off [his] back for a few years.” haha
This meant it was time to tell Grandma. We hatched a plan that I would call and stall her until mom showed up unexpectedly. We were discussing a TV show (I know Ed from Bachelorette) when mom walked in and made sure I heard her say “hi ma” to Grandma. At that point, Gramma tried putting me on the phone with mom! I knew I had to hurry so I just blurted, “Grandma. I’m pregnant.” [pause] “WHAT!?!?!?! Oh my G-d!” …over and over again. The rest was a blur since I’m not sure if she was talking to me or mom… but I definitely heard, “Well, thank God I’m lying down!”
I hurried to email everyone else. Not long after, Gramma called back to tell me how excited Uncle Dennis was. Then she begged me to let her tell Aunt Angie. She said, “I told Sadie [the cat] but that’s not enough!” So, of course I told her she could. Her reply? “Good. Now I’ve got to go so I can call her!” Click.
Tami saw her text when she got home. She called, crying. She said, “I was screaming until I heard the phone ring and I started to cry!” She’s too funny. Almost immediately she said, “Don’t worry. I’ll help your mom with the shower.”
Finally, by 9:30pm it was time to relax. In the morning, everyone (but Adam) emailed their congratulations.
She choked out another “What?... You’re…?” and then she started sobbing so hard she almost fell over. Luckily, she made it back to the couch but was balling uncontrollably into the dress jacket I gave her. I pulled it away, saying, “NO… You’ll ruin the jacket!” and I ran to give her a roll of toilet paper.
She continued to periodically cry as we continued to talk.
After things calmed down a bit, I text Jimmy a pic of the u/s with the phrase, “Uncle Jim, see you in January 2010”. He text “Congratulations” almost immediately so I called him. He seemed pretty excited—more so when he realized I “got mom off [his] back for a few years.” haha
This meant it was time to tell Grandma. We hatched a plan that I would call and stall her until mom showed up unexpectedly. We were discussing a TV show (I know Ed from Bachelorette) when mom walked in and made sure I heard her say “hi ma” to Grandma. At that point, Gramma tried putting me on the phone with mom! I knew I had to hurry so I just blurted, “Grandma. I’m pregnant.” [pause] “WHAT!?!?!?! Oh my G-d!” …over and over again. The rest was a blur since I’m not sure if she was talking to me or mom… but I definitely heard, “Well, thank God I’m lying down!”
I hurried to email everyone else. Not long after, Gramma called back to tell me how excited Uncle Dennis was. Then she begged me to let her tell Aunt Angie. She said, “I told Sadie [the cat] but that’s not enough!” So, of course I told her she could. Her reply? “Good. Now I’ve got to go so I can call her!” Click.
Tami saw her text when she got home. She called, crying. She said, “I was screaming until I heard the phone ring and I started to cry!” She’s too funny. Almost immediately she said, “Don’t worry. I’ll help your mom with the shower.”
Finally, by 9:30pm it was time to relax. In the morning, everyone (but Adam) emailed their congratulations.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Somebody else finally knows!
The (postponed) date for my MIL's birthday finally came, so DH & I presented her with a necklace I made. It had a "Grandma" charm with 5 birthstones (she has 4 grandkids + our little one)
Just when she opened it, my DH said, "We have ALL FIVE stones on there."
She said "how pretty!" and my FIL rushed to help her put it on. We just sat there.... I was hitting my husbands leg under the table.... he finally said, "Did you hear what I said? ALL FIVE stones."
They both gave us blank stares for about 20 seconds before my MIL said, "What? You mean YOU?!"
It was cute
Later, we got to tell my BIL & SIL. My SIL is very excited - the only niece/nephew they have (other side of the family) are teenagers. It'll be nice because their kids are young too so they'll be close in age to our LO.
It was such a relief to finally be able to tell! I'm *hoping* to bribe my mother into coming over this week so I can tell her, then I'll tell my boss sometime the second week of Aug (after 1 more doppler check).
Just when she opened it, my DH said, "We have ALL FIVE stones on there."
She said "how pretty!" and my FIL rushed to help her put it on. We just sat there.... I was hitting my husbands leg under the table.... he finally said, "Did you hear what I said? ALL FIVE stones."
They both gave us blank stares for about 20 seconds before my MIL said, "What? You mean YOU?!"
It was cute
Later, we got to tell my BIL & SIL. My SIL is very excited - the only niece/nephew they have (other side of the family) are teenagers. It'll be nice because their kids are young too so they'll be close in age to our LO.
It was such a relief to finally be able to tell! I'm *hoping* to bribe my mother into coming over this week so I can tell her, then I'll tell my boss sometime the second week of Aug (after 1 more doppler check).
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Cravings!
Pregnancy Tickers from WiddlyTinks.com
At 14w3d I've experienced an improvement in morning sickness but brushing my teeth is still hell!
Cravings include:
Sour (lemons, green apples)
Peach Jell-O
Tacos--always tacos.
Grapefruit
Potatoes/French Fries --I've been eating a baked potato with salsa every night for a snack--for 2 weeks!
Fried Chicken (on salads and in sandwiches)
Today's craving: Cottage Cheese.. with peaches! YUM
I've decided this baby will have dark hair, dark blue eyes, and a serious penchant for fruit and starch.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
12w1d appointment: 7/6/09
The appointment went well!
I *thought* it would be more intense, but all I had to do was pee in a cup, get weighed (yuck) and see the doc for a doppler check.
I've gained a total of 6 lbs., good!, but feels like so much more
Doc found the heartbeat on the doppler... and says I'm in the "safe zone" now! Yay, Baby Bean!
Extra good news: We found an infant car seat at Meijer for $23.99!!!!
7/11/09
WOO HOO! If this bean is a girl, her name will be Genevieve! Now for a middle name (Noelle?) and a boy name. FUN!
7/15/09
I'm officially in the 2nd trimester at 13w3d! Yippee!!
I *thought* it would be more intense, but all I had to do was pee in a cup, get weighed (yuck) and see the doc for a doppler check.
I've gained a total of 6 lbs., good!, but feels like so much more
Doc found the heartbeat on the doppler... and says I'm in the "safe zone" now! Yay, Baby Bean!
Extra good news: We found an infant car seat at Meijer for $23.99!!!!
7/11/09
WOO HOO! If this bean is a girl, her name will be Genevieve! Now for a middle name (Noelle?) and a boy name. FUN!
7/15/09
I'm officially in the 2nd trimester at 13w3d! Yippee!!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Dry Heaves. Thank Goodness
No. Really. I'm serious.
~Just when I begin to worry... "is baby still okay?" I get the dry heaves and everything is okay again.
~I was reading a post by a teenage mother-to-be on a message board I frequent: "Is it normal to have weird cravings at this stage? Yesterday I ate a pickle wrapped in cheese!" All I could think is, "Oh, now THAT sounds good! Yum-yum!"
~I'm 11w1d today and I've been using a hair tie to secure my pants for at least 8 weeks now. (use a thin hair tie, thread thru your button hole then use the loop to grab the button. An instant 1/2" - 1" increase of belly breathing room!)
~Did I mention I cried over pancakes? Well, I nearly cried over grilled cheese too.
.... Boy, I could go for one of those right now!
~My husband does't want me to buy a black onesie with a "Grandma" tattoo on the front. (Think of the old school "Mom" with a heart tattoos) I think my mom would love one! He's such a stickler for babies = cute. Ha! Our baby = Mom is Badass!
~I'm stuck at work listening to my insane coworkers love of K-100 (Country station). The song is something like "God is great, beer is good, people are crazy."
While I can't dispute the logic, it makes me think, "If this song plays one more time, I'LL SHOW THEM CRAZY!!!!"
Peace out. Preggo brain kicked in and I feel like its nap time once again.
~Just when I begin to worry... "is baby still okay?" I get the dry heaves and everything is okay again.
~I was reading a post by a teenage mother-to-be on a message board I frequent: "Is it normal to have weird cravings at this stage? Yesterday I ate a pickle wrapped in cheese!" All I could think is, "Oh, now THAT sounds good! Yum-yum!"
~I'm 11w1d today and I've been using a hair tie to secure my pants for at least 8 weeks now. (use a thin hair tie, thread thru your button hole then use the loop to grab the button. An instant 1/2" - 1" increase of belly breathing room!)
~Did I mention I cried over pancakes? Well, I nearly cried over grilled cheese too.
.... Boy, I could go for one of those right now!
~My husband does't want me to buy a black onesie with a "Grandma" tattoo on the front. (Think of the old school "Mom" with a heart tattoos) I think my mom would love one! He's such a stickler for babies = cute. Ha! Our baby = Mom is Badass!
~I'm stuck at work listening to my insane coworkers love of K-100 (Country station). The song is something like "God is great, beer is good, people are crazy."
While I can't dispute the logic, it makes me think, "If this song plays one more time, I'LL SHOW THEM CRAZY!!!!"
Peace out. Preggo brain kicked in and I feel like its nap time once again.
Friday, June 5, 2009
1st Ultrasound - The Results
It went wonderfully!
Of course, I was terrified, but it didn't take long before the tech found our healthy baby and let us hear the heartbeat! Baby measured exactly 7w,3d and had a healthy heartbeat of 152!
We were a bit suspicious at the time because she switched to a tummy u/s... as she said, "To be sure." Sure of what, we didn't know.
Later, while I was waiting for the exam, the doctor walked in and said, "Well, you know it was a twin pregnancy, but the other already stopped developing." HUH!!?! He went on to explain that the second sac was empty, like a blighted ovum. It will disappear as baby #1 continues to develop.
In retrospect, we both suspected something might be wrong, but when I heard that beautiful heartbeat it all washed away. At one point during the transvaginal u/s it looked like there may be an empty sac (after my last miscarriage, we're very aware of what that looks like) but I told myself it was probably just a 'bad view' of the same sac, since the baby was less than 1/2" at that point. When she did the tummy u/s, we could see the empty sac much clearer but still, she didn't say anything at the time. Only, "congratulations" for our baby.
Its sad to think we've lost a twin, but I choose to believe our baby has a guardian angel. One day, that is what we'll tell him/her.
Our Angel, Samuel 4/30/08 ~ 7/17/08
Gone too Soon, Our Angel Zipporah 1/2009
Our Baby's Twin Angel, Malachi 4/14/09 - 6/3/2009
Of course, I was terrified, but it didn't take long before the tech found our healthy baby and let us hear the heartbeat! Baby measured exactly 7w,3d and had a healthy heartbeat of 152!
We were a bit suspicious at the time because she switched to a tummy u/s... as she said, "To be sure." Sure of what, we didn't know.
Later, while I was waiting for the exam, the doctor walked in and said, "Well, you know it was a twin pregnancy, but the other already stopped developing." HUH!!?! He went on to explain that the second sac was empty, like a blighted ovum. It will disappear as baby #1 continues to develop.
In retrospect, we both suspected something might be wrong, but when I heard that beautiful heartbeat it all washed away. At one point during the transvaginal u/s it looked like there may be an empty sac (after my last miscarriage, we're very aware of what that looks like) but I told myself it was probably just a 'bad view' of the same sac, since the baby was less than 1/2" at that point. When she did the tummy u/s, we could see the empty sac much clearer but still, she didn't say anything at the time. Only, "congratulations" for our baby.
Its sad to think we've lost a twin, but I choose to believe our baby has a guardian angel. One day, that is what we'll tell him/her.
Our Angel, Samuel 4/30/08 ~ 7/17/08
Gone too Soon, Our Angel Zipporah 1/2009
Our Baby's Twin Angel, Malachi 4/14/09 - 6/3/2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
1st U/S
My first ultrasound is today. I am 7w, 3d.
I'm petrified.
Lord,
I thank thee for the blessed babe inside my womb. Let him be growning healthy and strong so that we may hear good news at the doctors today, Lord. Please give me strength to get thru this day no matter what may come.
Amen.
I'm petrified.
Lord,
I thank thee for the blessed babe inside my womb. Let him be growning healthy and strong so that we may hear good news at the doctors today, Lord. Please give me strength to get thru this day no matter what may come.
Amen.
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