Sorry, this blog may be seriously TMI.
Period watch '09 can officially be called off. Yes, that's right, my period arrived this morning. Or, something slightly resembling a period. It isn't quite as, uhm, forceful as I was expecting. It is really more spotting than anything. But I don't give a what, it is close enough and I am deeming today officially cycle day 1. I feel like singing Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This". But I'll spare you all.
So you know the first thing I did was call the doctor. I left a message for my IVF nurse, Beth, with all my stats and vitals and waited for her call. I must say that when she called back she was much nicer than she had been when telling me I had to wait. Or maybe my attitude had changed. Either way I have my official Final IVF appointment scheduled for... February 16th. Yeah, I was a little disappointed too. I was thinking I'd be going in on Monday but no such luck. Yes, after all the waiting to start my period I now have to wait three more weeks. God, could this take ANY longer?!
Joe and I will go in together on February 16th at 10:45 am. I have to fast prior to the appointment so that they can draw blood. I'm sure I'll be in a very pleasant mood after fasting until 10:45am. I also have to arrive with a full bladder so they can do a "mock transfer". I guess they like to make sure they won't have any problems getting the catheter through my cervix. I've already had 4 IUI's and had no problem with the catheter during any of them so I don't know why they need to do it again but whatever. After that we'll meet with my doctor and he'll go over my protocol (FINALLY!) and then we'll spend some time with the nurse going over injections. It makes me so happy to know that I'll finally have all the information I've been waiting for. I don't know what I'm going to do for the next three weeks though. Actually I do, I have to start birth control again on Sunday. Fun, fun.
If you don't mind, I do want to give my opinion on the lady with the Octuplets. When I first heard the story I immediately thought, what kind of irresponsible doctor would allow that to happen? I've heard different reports and rumors that the lady went through IVF. I call total bullshit on that. There is no way, unless she went to Tijuana or something, that any responsible doctor would do an IVF on a woman in her "late twenties" and transfer back 8 embryos. Not a chance. Even if they only transferred 4 embryos and those all split into twins I find the story a little far fetched. The rule in my doctor's office is 1-2 embryos for those under 30. I think the maximum they'll transfer is 4 and that is only if the woman is in her 40's, has had several failed IVF cycles, or has poor embryo quality.
My guess is this woman was on some kind of medication to stimulate follicle growth and was either unmonitored (ultrasounds and blood work) or she was being monitored, her doctor tried to cancel her cycle because she had too many follicles but she didn't listen and had sex anyway. I just find it so irresponsible that someone in her twenties with six children under the age of seven would proceed with fertility drugs anyway. She was obviously capable of conceiving and carrying a baby to term. It just makes me really sad for the babies. After seeing little Pierce and pictures of baby Mia born prematurely and struggling, I can't imagine what those babies are going through. I mean, thank goodness that Mia and Pierce didn't have any long term complications from being premature but there is no guarantee with preemies. And some of those babies weigh little more than a pound! It is just really sad that they are subjected to all of this because their mother was immature and irresponsible. Sad, sad. You can all rest assured that that will definitely NOT be me. I want one (maybe two) not a litter.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Year of the Ox
I haven't paid much attention to my horoscope for a while because, despite my wanting to interpret what it says in my favor, it almost never comes true. But, I've got a lot coming up this year so when I saw an article online about the Chinese New Year I had to read my predictions for the Year of the Ox.
According to my birth year, I am a goat. And apparently, 2009 isn't going to be much better for the goat than 2008 was. Here's what the Internet has to say about the year ahead for me:
Goat
1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
Goat Overview
This may not be as favorable as a year that you desire. Coming off the year of the Rat, you may be seeking relief from the difficult year. Don't let up now. The Goat is artistic in nature and you may have difficulties finding a way to express your creative passions. It will take an extra effort to rely on the help of others to make it through these times, but if you keep a steady focus on your goals and display painstaking efforts, you will be pleased to see the fruits of your labor arrive next year. Don't fret, as you may learn a lot about yourself in the process. You may learn that you are more versatile, as well as resourceful, than you ever imagined.
Goat Rating
32% (5 neutral and 7 unfavorable months)
Goat Career
Career prospects are fair this year for the Goat. It is wise to take a conservative approach to your work this year. Stay focused on what you are accomplishing, the end result. Projects and goals may not mature until the early part of next year and this could create a sense of frustration and pessimism if you allow it. Break your year down to short term goals and focusing on accomplishing them. This will detract from the patience it will take from your long term situation. Have faith in your skills and don't let anyone deter you from your path.
Goat Relationships
The Goat may find solace in your family relations this year, as they will offer you the support you need to see through challenging situations. You may also see a lot of new faces in your life, as you are prone to meet new people this year. Relationships fare well for you, but you may have to be a little more outgoing than you are used to being, in order to see your relationship progress to a higher level. The single Goat may be blessed to have several suitors this year.
Goat Health
If you don't make some changes in your routine, you may experience health issues this year. Watch what you eat, as this will go a long way towards living a healthier life. Be patient, as you may experience an illness in the winter months that zaps your energy for a longer period of time than you desire. Make sure that you get plenty of rest to counter these possibilities.
Goat Wealth
Finances could be an issue this year. You may find that even with your conservative efforts, you are coming up short on your budget. If you manage your spending and plan your finances, you will make it through the year. You may have to wait until next year to see the fruits of your labor, as it promises to be more profitable than this year.
::SIGH:: I guess only time will tell if this is a good year for me. I'm trying hard to stay in my positive frame of mind and dismiss this as some other dumb story I found on the Internet. But, the pessimist in me is ready to throw my hands up and call it quits. Damn Chinese New Year and its dismal predictions!
According to my birth year, I am a goat. And apparently, 2009 isn't going to be much better for the goat than 2008 was. Here's what the Internet has to say about the year ahead for me:
Goat
1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
Goat Overview
This may not be as favorable as a year that you desire. Coming off the year of the Rat, you may be seeking relief from the difficult year. Don't let up now. The Goat is artistic in nature and you may have difficulties finding a way to express your creative passions. It will take an extra effort to rely on the help of others to make it through these times, but if you keep a steady focus on your goals and display painstaking efforts, you will be pleased to see the fruits of your labor arrive next year. Don't fret, as you may learn a lot about yourself in the process. You may learn that you are more versatile, as well as resourceful, than you ever imagined.
Goat Rating
32% (5 neutral and 7 unfavorable months)
Goat Career
Career prospects are fair this year for the Goat. It is wise to take a conservative approach to your work this year. Stay focused on what you are accomplishing, the end result. Projects and goals may not mature until the early part of next year and this could create a sense of frustration and pessimism if you allow it. Break your year down to short term goals and focusing on accomplishing them. This will detract from the patience it will take from your long term situation. Have faith in your skills and don't let anyone deter you from your path.
Goat Relationships
The Goat may find solace in your family relations this year, as they will offer you the support you need to see through challenging situations. You may also see a lot of new faces in your life, as you are prone to meet new people this year. Relationships fare well for you, but you may have to be a little more outgoing than you are used to being, in order to see your relationship progress to a higher level. The single Goat may be blessed to have several suitors this year.
Goat Health
If you don't make some changes in your routine, you may experience health issues this year. Watch what you eat, as this will go a long way towards living a healthier life. Be patient, as you may experience an illness in the winter months that zaps your energy for a longer period of time than you desire. Make sure that you get plenty of rest to counter these possibilities.
Goat Wealth
Finances could be an issue this year. You may find that even with your conservative efforts, you are coming up short on your budget. If you manage your spending and plan your finances, you will make it through the year. You may have to wait until next year to see the fruits of your labor, as it promises to be more profitable than this year.
::SIGH:: I guess only time will tell if this is a good year for me. I'm trying hard to stay in my positive frame of mind and dismiss this as some other dumb story I found on the Internet. But, the pessimist in me is ready to throw my hands up and call it quits. Damn Chinese New Year and its dismal predictions!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Mish-Mash
Hello all. I hope you had a nice weekend. Mine was very nice. I am especially loving the warmer weather that we've had today and yesterday. I was getting pretty sick of the cold snap that we had last week. I've got a few things going on so I guess this blog will just be a mish-mash of everything that's been happening.
Speaking of the cold snap we had last week. I know all you northerners are going to say, "get over yourself", but it was freaking cold here. It got into the very low 30's here a couple of nights last week. We got a terrible frost that destroyed all the beautiful inpatients that Joe and I planted a couple months ago. We did our best to protect them with sheets but it was no use. Pretty much everything in the whole city is dead. I read somewhere that if you cut the inpatients back and water them well that they may recover. So that's what I did today. My front yard looks like a war zone with my flowers all hacked up but hopefully they'll start to come back soon.
In other news, I finished the first book in my book club reading. We read, Fashionistas, by Lynn Messina. I really didn't like it. It certainly did not compare to my current favorite books, the Confessions of a Shopaholic series. It was actually like a very bad ripoff of The Devil Wears Prada. Since finishing my "required" book club reading I was able to read Shopaholic and Sister and have started Shopaholic and Baby. My book club partner and I went to the buy/sell/trade book store in town and I was able to trade in some of the old books I've already read for credit and we each got two new books to read next. Our next reading choices are Tangled Up In You or Apocalipstick. I'll keep you posted on what we read next.
I'm still waiting for my period... I'm actually on some medication to bring it on. I'm hoping sometime towards the weekend it'll show and I'll be able to FINALLY make the appointment for my IVF kickoff. I know, I know, you're all dying to hear more about my period.
So, taking a break from "Period Watch '09" I'd like to discuss the topic of Girls Behaving Badly. Now, the story I will be referring to did not happen to me. I'm passing it on as a PSA to all the ladies out there (and the ones that should act more like ladies) so that maybe we can finally all just get along. I recently was told a story about a bachellorette party gone awry and I think that it happened because some of the girls at the party don't know yet how to behave in the post-high-school-modern-world.
Now, let's start by discussing wardrobe selection. God, I feel like Miss Manners. Unless one is in the bedroom or on a stripper pole, it is never appropriate to wear a dress so short that passersby can actually see your vagina. No one needs to know you that well. Also, it is never classy to pair said dress with clear plastic shoes. Actually, it's not ok to pair ANY dress with clear plastic shoes. Gross. Also, reprimanding a girlfriend for wearing a sweater to your bachellorette party is not polite. It's cold outside and some women don't enjoy icicles on their labia.
Moving on. When participating in a bachellorette celebration, it is usually customary for the women involved to chip in to pay for dinner/drinks/taxis/hotel rooms so that the bride-to-be doesn't have to pay. Usually the terms of these agreements are hammered out ahead of time. Once agreed, you should never back out of those agreements. It is hurtful and costly to those who do follow through with their promises. It should also be noted that if you don't pay up, you will not be enjoying the comfort of a hotel room bed. You may end up sleeping on the floor of someone else's hotel room. And I don't think that dress you're wearing is going to make a very good blanket. Oh, and ordering room service to someone else's room because you're mad at them is not only wasteful but, surely, annoying to hotel staff.
Finally, I've come to the cardinal rule of going out with your girlfriends. Leave no girlfriend behind! It is beyond rude and incredibly dangerous to leave a girlfriend at a bar while you go off ho-ing somewhere else. Responsible bar hopping involves sticking together to make sure no one gets molested/drugged/or has lipstick on their teeth. That's what we're supposed to do, look out for each other! So, in closing I'd just like to say, grow up and stop acting like a spoiled, little fucking brat. You're not in high school anymore, you're a grown woman about to get married. And please, please, please give up the vagina dress and plastic shoes. If not for your husband then for all woman-kind!
Thank you, end of PSA.
Speaking of the cold snap we had last week. I know all you northerners are going to say, "get over yourself", but it was freaking cold here. It got into the very low 30's here a couple of nights last week. We got a terrible frost that destroyed all the beautiful inpatients that Joe and I planted a couple months ago. We did our best to protect them with sheets but it was no use. Pretty much everything in the whole city is dead. I read somewhere that if you cut the inpatients back and water them well that they may recover. So that's what I did today. My front yard looks like a war zone with my flowers all hacked up but hopefully they'll start to come back soon.
In other news, I finished the first book in my book club reading. We read, Fashionistas, by Lynn Messina. I really didn't like it. It certainly did not compare to my current favorite books, the Confessions of a Shopaholic series. It was actually like a very bad ripoff of The Devil Wears Prada. Since finishing my "required" book club reading I was able to read Shopaholic and Sister and have started Shopaholic and Baby. My book club partner and I went to the buy/sell/trade book store in town and I was able to trade in some of the old books I've already read for credit and we each got two new books to read next. Our next reading choices are Tangled Up In You or Apocalipstick. I'll keep you posted on what we read next.
I'm still waiting for my period... I'm actually on some medication to bring it on. I'm hoping sometime towards the weekend it'll show and I'll be able to FINALLY make the appointment for my IVF kickoff. I know, I know, you're all dying to hear more about my period.
So, taking a break from "Period Watch '09" I'd like to discuss the topic of Girls Behaving Badly. Now, the story I will be referring to did not happen to me. I'm passing it on as a PSA to all the ladies out there (and the ones that should act more like ladies) so that maybe we can finally all just get along. I recently was told a story about a bachellorette party gone awry and I think that it happened because some of the girls at the party don't know yet how to behave in the post-high-school-modern-world.
Now, let's start by discussing wardrobe selection. God, I feel like Miss Manners. Unless one is in the bedroom or on a stripper pole, it is never appropriate to wear a dress so short that passersby can actually see your vagina. No one needs to know you that well. Also, it is never classy to pair said dress with clear plastic shoes. Actually, it's not ok to pair ANY dress with clear plastic shoes. Gross. Also, reprimanding a girlfriend for wearing a sweater to your bachellorette party is not polite. It's cold outside and some women don't enjoy icicles on their labia.
Moving on. When participating in a bachellorette celebration, it is usually customary for the women involved to chip in to pay for dinner/drinks/taxis/hotel rooms so that the bride-to-be doesn't have to pay. Usually the terms of these agreements are hammered out ahead of time. Once agreed, you should never back out of those agreements. It is hurtful and costly to those who do follow through with their promises. It should also be noted that if you don't pay up, you will not be enjoying the comfort of a hotel room bed. You may end up sleeping on the floor of someone else's hotel room. And I don't think that dress you're wearing is going to make a very good blanket. Oh, and ordering room service to someone else's room because you're mad at them is not only wasteful but, surely, annoying to hotel staff.
Finally, I've come to the cardinal rule of going out with your girlfriends. Leave no girlfriend behind! It is beyond rude and incredibly dangerous to leave a girlfriend at a bar while you go off ho-ing somewhere else. Responsible bar hopping involves sticking together to make sure no one gets molested/drugged/or has lipstick on their teeth. That's what we're supposed to do, look out for each other! So, in closing I'd just like to say, grow up and stop acting like a spoiled, little fucking brat. You're not in high school anymore, you're a grown woman about to get married. And please, please, please give up the vagina dress and plastic shoes. If not for your husband then for all woman-kind!
Thank you, end of PSA.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Spice things up
I've realized over the past couple of months that I have become increasingly bored/boring. It seems like all I do is sit on the couch and watch TV. So, in an attempt to spice up my life I'm making some changes that will hopefully be very positive for me. And, hopefully, will help pass the time while I wait to get started on my IVF.
This weekend was a jumping off point into my new adventures. It actually started on Thursday when I got my hair cut and colored. I'm now a full-on brunette again. Not that that is such a big deal, I've been brunette before, but change is change. Also, yesterday I tried out a new recipe for Indian food! I've never eaten Indian food, besides curry and couscous, and thought the recipe sounded interesting so I went for it. It was a chicken and rice dish and had about a hundred thousand ingredients and took me 2 hours to prepare. Then it turned out good, not great. Joe and I both liked it but I don't know if the work was worth the final product. But, at least I tried Indian food and prepared it successfully.
I also went out on a date with a girlfriend yesterday. We went to the bookstore and to get coffee and decided that we're going to start our own little book club. But, what makes our book club special is that we don't read any in depth, serious stories. Nope, we are all about fluff. Any book that revolves around a twenty-something who loves to shop and is trying to find love/a job/her place in the world is right up our alley. Our first book is called Fashionistas, has a hot pink cover and a quote from Lindsey Lohan on the cover. Definitely not what you'd call heavy reading but it's fun nonetheless.
Another idea I had to help spend more time connecting with my friends is a girls-only movie night. We'll get together once a month and watch the movies that our husband's won't watch with us. It'll be very casual, pajamas/stretchy pants are encouraged. I'll provide popcorn and some drinks and everyone else can bring a snack of their choice and we'll hang out, talk, and watch our favorite girly movies. Every month we'll nominate our favorite movies and then pick one out of the hat for the next month. I think it'll be so fun just to relax together and I hope all my local gals will participate.
So, there are a few ideas on how I will be keeping myself busy in the upcoming months. I'm also looking into a Bikram Yoga class, which is yoga in a heated room, but I don't have all the details on that yet. I'll keep you all posted on how my new endeavours are going. My 30th birthday is also only a short 3 months from now so I'll definitely have to start thinking about what I want to do for that. So far my thoughts are vacation or party. I started a guest list for a party and it is practically anorexic so I don't know if that one will work out. Anyway, more on that later. Happy Monday to you all!
This weekend was a jumping off point into my new adventures. It actually started on Thursday when I got my hair cut and colored. I'm now a full-on brunette again. Not that that is such a big deal, I've been brunette before, but change is change. Also, yesterday I tried out a new recipe for Indian food! I've never eaten Indian food, besides curry and couscous, and thought the recipe sounded interesting so I went for it. It was a chicken and rice dish and had about a hundred thousand ingredients and took me 2 hours to prepare. Then it turned out good, not great. Joe and I both liked it but I don't know if the work was worth the final product. But, at least I tried Indian food and prepared it successfully.
I also went out on a date with a girlfriend yesterday. We went to the bookstore and to get coffee and decided that we're going to start our own little book club. But, what makes our book club special is that we don't read any in depth, serious stories. Nope, we are all about fluff. Any book that revolves around a twenty-something who loves to shop and is trying to find love/a job/her place in the world is right up our alley. Our first book is called Fashionistas, has a hot pink cover and a quote from Lindsey Lohan on the cover. Definitely not what you'd call heavy reading but it's fun nonetheless.
Another idea I had to help spend more time connecting with my friends is a girls-only movie night. We'll get together once a month and watch the movies that our husband's won't watch with us. It'll be very casual, pajamas/stretchy pants are encouraged. I'll provide popcorn and some drinks and everyone else can bring a snack of their choice and we'll hang out, talk, and watch our favorite girly movies. Every month we'll nominate our favorite movies and then pick one out of the hat for the next month. I think it'll be so fun just to relax together and I hope all my local gals will participate.
So, there are a few ideas on how I will be keeping myself busy in the upcoming months. I'm also looking into a Bikram Yoga class, which is yoga in a heated room, but I don't have all the details on that yet. I'll keep you all posted on how my new endeavours are going. My 30th birthday is also only a short 3 months from now so I'll definitely have to start thinking about what I want to do for that. So far my thoughts are vacation or party. I started a guest list for a party and it is practically anorexic so I don't know if that one will work out. Anyway, more on that later. Happy Monday to you all!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Oh, so that's how it happens?
Well, we've checked off another milestone on our way to IVF. We had our mandatory seminar last night. It was everything I thought it would be. Actually, it was a little less than I thought it would be. I expected a presentation on the process and maybe some demonstrations of injections. But, what we were treated to was pretty much a sci-fi biology class.
The class was VERY basic. They started out by going over some IVF "buzz words" like IVF= In Vitro Fertilization, and Oocyte = egg... stuff that I hope everyone in there already knew. We also got to learn the history of IVF and that the first IVF baby was born in England in 1978. All very interesting stuff. Does sarcasm translate well over the Internet? We also got a lesson on the female anatomy before they moved on to the actual process. The whole presentation was very dumbed down and I felt like I already knew way more than they were telling me.
I was very surprised at the crowd we were surrounded by. Joe and I were probably one of the youngest couples there. There were many, many heads full of gray hair in the crowd. I would guess the average age of the crowd was somewhere between 36-40. There were mostly couples but some threesomes as well. One couple came with her mother in tow (don't get any ideas mom). There was one lesbian couple in attendance. They brought along an old man who I assume was the sperm donor but I can't be certain. Another group was comprised of two ladies and one man but I couldn't figure out their scenario. My best guess is that one of the women was an egg donor or a gestational surrogate. Another genius couple decided that it would be a good idea to bring their toddler to an IVF seminar. Yep, a talking, laughing, noise making toddler, to a seminar full of people who can not conceive. Talk about insensitive. It was really inappropriate and I'm honestly pretty surprised they weren't asked to leave. All in all there was probably close to a hundred people in attendance.
Now that we've got this hurdle out of the way, we're on to the next. Another bump in the road already. I've been on birth control pills since December. We thought it was the best way to make sure I get a regular period in a reasonable amount of time. Without birth control it could be months before my period shows on its own. And I have to wait for my next period so I can schedule my final IVF consult and get started with treatment. Well, now even that isn't reliable. I took my last pill last Thursday evening and expected a period by the weekend. Well, here I am, a week later, and still no sign of a period. I called my nurse to see what she thought I should do and she was so frustrated for me. She can't understand why my body won't do anything right either. But she wants me to give it until Monday and if I don't start by then, she'll have to prescribe me something to get it going. So, we're probably looking at least 10 days of medication so I can get a period. Then, I think its back on birth control to start out my treatment.
I'm telling ya, I never thought having a baby was this complicated. Well, I guess for some people it isn't. I think most of you would be amazed that anyone is able to get pregnant on their own if you saw everything it takes for it to happen. This is definitely a lot different from those sex-ed classes in high school. Back then there was no medication or anesthesia or embryologists or petrie dishes. Oh well, whatever it takes, right?!
The class was VERY basic. They started out by going over some IVF "buzz words" like IVF= In Vitro Fertilization, and Oocyte = egg... stuff that I hope everyone in there already knew. We also got to learn the history of IVF and that the first IVF baby was born in England in 1978. All very interesting stuff. Does sarcasm translate well over the Internet? We also got a lesson on the female anatomy before they moved on to the actual process. The whole presentation was very dumbed down and I felt like I already knew way more than they were telling me.
I was very surprised at the crowd we were surrounded by. Joe and I were probably one of the youngest couples there. There were many, many heads full of gray hair in the crowd. I would guess the average age of the crowd was somewhere between 36-40. There were mostly couples but some threesomes as well. One couple came with her mother in tow (don't get any ideas mom). There was one lesbian couple in attendance. They brought along an old man who I assume was the sperm donor but I can't be certain. Another group was comprised of two ladies and one man but I couldn't figure out their scenario. My best guess is that one of the women was an egg donor or a gestational surrogate. Another genius couple decided that it would be a good idea to bring their toddler to an IVF seminar. Yep, a talking, laughing, noise making toddler, to a seminar full of people who can not conceive. Talk about insensitive. It was really inappropriate and I'm honestly pretty surprised they weren't asked to leave. All in all there was probably close to a hundred people in attendance.
Now that we've got this hurdle out of the way, we're on to the next. Another bump in the road already. I've been on birth control pills since December. We thought it was the best way to make sure I get a regular period in a reasonable amount of time. Without birth control it could be months before my period shows on its own. And I have to wait for my next period so I can schedule my final IVF consult and get started with treatment. Well, now even that isn't reliable. I took my last pill last Thursday evening and expected a period by the weekend. Well, here I am, a week later, and still no sign of a period. I called my nurse to see what she thought I should do and she was so frustrated for me. She can't understand why my body won't do anything right either. But she wants me to give it until Monday and if I don't start by then, she'll have to prescribe me something to get it going. So, we're probably looking at least 10 days of medication so I can get a period. Then, I think its back on birth control to start out my treatment.
I'm telling ya, I never thought having a baby was this complicated. Well, I guess for some people it isn't. I think most of you would be amazed that anyone is able to get pregnant on their own if you saw everything it takes for it to happen. This is definitely a lot different from those sex-ed classes in high school. Back then there was no medication or anesthesia or embryologists or petrie dishes. Oh well, whatever it takes, right?!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Hurry up and wait
Time seems to be practically standing still as I wait for things to get started with my IVF. We have our IVF seminar on Wednesday and I'm really anxious to hear what they have to say. Although, I bet it is just a big class on how to give injections, which I already know. But whatever, it's mandatory so I have to do it. I'm hoping that they give a timeline and info on what kind of medications they'll prescribe. I have to have a final appointment with the doctor also so I bet that's where I'll find out all the info I really want to know.
While I'm waiting for things to get started I've been furiously searching the Internet for any information I can find. I feel like I know how the procedure will go but I'm looking for tips and personal experiences and anything that I may not already know. I found some helpful info on nutrition that I'm trying out already. I've started taking fish oil capsules which are supposed to be helpful for insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a huge part of my infertility and is what causes me not to ovulate. I've also started taking wheat grass, which is supposed to help with egg quality. And I haven't added it yet, but I'm going to start drinking pomegranate juice, which is supposed to increase the uterine lining to aid the implantation of the embryos. There is so much info out there it is hard to know what to believe but these things are easy and relatively inexpensive so I figured what the heck.
All these supplements are pretty new to me. I've always read about different things being beneficial to your health in general but never really felt the need to take them until now. The fish oil is very easy because it is in capsule form but the wheat grass is not good. At all. I was hoping to find the frozen shots that are already prepared but all I could find was the powder, so I have to mix it myself. Yesterday I mixed it with iced tea. Not a good idea. It was very gritty and very grassy tasting. Today I put it in a smoothie and it was much better. I actually couldn't taste it at all. So that's probably how I'll continue to take it. If any of you have good smoothie recipes, definitely pass them on.
I've also been looking at more info about Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the beginning of our quest to have a child, I saw a lady who did acupuncture on me and evaluated me based on the teachings of TCM. She was either still in school or just out so I don't think she really knew exactly what she was doing so I didn't find her treatments all that helpful. But I do remember her telling me that I had a "cold uterus". I've looked that up online (isn't Google the best?) and found that it can hinder implantation of embryos because there isn't good blood flow to the uterus. Some of the remedies for that are to keep your body warm all the time (I'm always cold), to eat warm foods and "warming" foods such as ginger, don't eat ice cream or drink iced drinks. You're also supposed to soak your feet and legs in a warm bath. I figure it is worth it to try out some of these things too.
I'm also going to start doing yoga again, which is good for blood flow, and I'm going to try to take at least 10-15 minutes a night to relax and meditate. I have this really great relaxation program on my i-phone that I'm going to use. I think it'll be nice to get away from the constant background noise from the TV and just take some time to be with my own thoughts. Lord knows I've got plenty of them. Maybe I'll do the relaxation thing while I'm soaking my feet. I can turn the lights out in the bathroom, light some candles and listen to my relaxation noises.
I really hope that all my effort pays off in the end. At least I'll know that I did everything I possibly could to be successful. We're making such a huge investment, emotionally and financially, that I just want to give us the best chance at success. And who knows, maybe I'll learn to be less neurotic in the process. Doubtful, but you never know.
While I'm waiting for things to get started I've been furiously searching the Internet for any information I can find. I feel like I know how the procedure will go but I'm looking for tips and personal experiences and anything that I may not already know. I found some helpful info on nutrition that I'm trying out already. I've started taking fish oil capsules which are supposed to be helpful for insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a huge part of my infertility and is what causes me not to ovulate. I've also started taking wheat grass, which is supposed to help with egg quality. And I haven't added it yet, but I'm going to start drinking pomegranate juice, which is supposed to increase the uterine lining to aid the implantation of the embryos. There is so much info out there it is hard to know what to believe but these things are easy and relatively inexpensive so I figured what the heck.
All these supplements are pretty new to me. I've always read about different things being beneficial to your health in general but never really felt the need to take them until now. The fish oil is very easy because it is in capsule form but the wheat grass is not good. At all. I was hoping to find the frozen shots that are already prepared but all I could find was the powder, so I have to mix it myself. Yesterday I mixed it with iced tea. Not a good idea. It was very gritty and very grassy tasting. Today I put it in a smoothie and it was much better. I actually couldn't taste it at all. So that's probably how I'll continue to take it. If any of you have good smoothie recipes, definitely pass them on.
I've also been looking at more info about Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the beginning of our quest to have a child, I saw a lady who did acupuncture on me and evaluated me based on the teachings of TCM. She was either still in school or just out so I don't think she really knew exactly what she was doing so I didn't find her treatments all that helpful. But I do remember her telling me that I had a "cold uterus". I've looked that up online (isn't Google the best?) and found that it can hinder implantation of embryos because there isn't good blood flow to the uterus. Some of the remedies for that are to keep your body warm all the time (I'm always cold), to eat warm foods and "warming" foods such as ginger, don't eat ice cream or drink iced drinks. You're also supposed to soak your feet and legs in a warm bath. I figure it is worth it to try out some of these things too.
I'm also going to start doing yoga again, which is good for blood flow, and I'm going to try to take at least 10-15 minutes a night to relax and meditate. I have this really great relaxation program on my i-phone that I'm going to use. I think it'll be nice to get away from the constant background noise from the TV and just take some time to be with my own thoughts. Lord knows I've got plenty of them. Maybe I'll do the relaxation thing while I'm soaking my feet. I can turn the lights out in the bathroom, light some candles and listen to my relaxation noises.
I really hope that all my effort pays off in the end. At least I'll know that I did everything I possibly could to be successful. We're making such a huge investment, emotionally and financially, that I just want to give us the best chance at success. And who knows, maybe I'll learn to be less neurotic in the process. Doubtful, but you never know.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Table Topics
I forgot to tell you all that Santa (aka Joe) got me that Table Topics game for Christmas. We've flipped through the cards a couple of times and I even made him answer some. He answered them "lightening round" style and, of course, gave all silly answers. It was pretty funny. Some of the questions could be really interesting if you did actually think about them for a while. Others are lighter and funnier. I browsed through the deck and pulled out a couple of questions that I'll answer for you. Feel free to participate in the comments.
1. Would you prefer money for a housekeeper, cook, gardener, or personal secretary?
I think you all know what my answer will be to this one. Being that I HATE cleaning, I would definitely have to go with the housekeeper. Imagine all the free time! Yes, that would be bliss.
2. What fashion trend you followed was very cool then but now looks ridiculous?
Well, since I was a child of the 80's, pretty much EVERY fashion trend I followed now looks ridiculous. Some of my favorites though, LA Gears with 14 different color laces, Birkenstocks with socks, tight rolled jeans (and sleeves), scrunch socks in two different colors alternated on each leg, and how can I not mention the big hair?
3. Would you stop eating all junk food to live 5 years longer?
This one I'm wavering back and forth on. 5 years is a long time but ALL junk food? On the one hand, I'd get to be around for 5 more years. On the other, I'd be so miserable from not eating the junk food that I wouldn't enjoy the extra time anyway. But, I still think I'd have to give it up and live longer. How can I give up life for Oreos?
4. If you could do something dangerous just once with no risk, what would you do?
Hands down, rob a bank. Er, maybe that should be hands up. Either way, I would totally do it. No risk, tons of money... I'm so there.
5. What song evokes the strongest memories for you?
This one is kind of tough. I definitely can't narrow it down to one song. Most of the songs that bring back memories are from when I was growing up. And the memories aren't big moments but just little things I remember. I always remember the Bruce Springsteen song, "Born in the USA" as the song a 3-ish year old Lindsey would sing while wearing my dad's backwards baseball cap. I remember my mom would always sing "Uptown Girls" by Billy Joel to us when we got dressed up. I also remember her singing "I Just Called to Say I Love You" by Stevie Wonder. And even though it isn't one particular song, whenever I hear a certain genre of music, like 80's light rock, I always think of my dad working in the garage with the stereo going. Oh, and how can I forget the family concerts full of Madonna songs and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".
There are my Table Topics for today. You guys should definitely check out the game. There are lots of different versions from family edition to girls night out edition. Its fun, it'll get you talking... and thinking!
1. Would you prefer money for a housekeeper, cook, gardener, or personal secretary?
I think you all know what my answer will be to this one. Being that I HATE cleaning, I would definitely have to go with the housekeeper. Imagine all the free time! Yes, that would be bliss.
2. What fashion trend you followed was very cool then but now looks ridiculous?
Well, since I was a child of the 80's, pretty much EVERY fashion trend I followed now looks ridiculous. Some of my favorites though, LA Gears with 14 different color laces, Birkenstocks with socks, tight rolled jeans (and sleeves), scrunch socks in two different colors alternated on each leg, and how can I not mention the big hair?
3. Would you stop eating all junk food to live 5 years longer?
This one I'm wavering back and forth on. 5 years is a long time but ALL junk food? On the one hand, I'd get to be around for 5 more years. On the other, I'd be so miserable from not eating the junk food that I wouldn't enjoy the extra time anyway. But, I still think I'd have to give it up and live longer. How can I give up life for Oreos?
4. If you could do something dangerous just once with no risk, what would you do?
Hands down, rob a bank. Er, maybe that should be hands up. Either way, I would totally do it. No risk, tons of money... I'm so there.
5. What song evokes the strongest memories for you?
This one is kind of tough. I definitely can't narrow it down to one song. Most of the songs that bring back memories are from when I was growing up. And the memories aren't big moments but just little things I remember. I always remember the Bruce Springsteen song, "Born in the USA" as the song a 3-ish year old Lindsey would sing while wearing my dad's backwards baseball cap. I remember my mom would always sing "Uptown Girls" by Billy Joel to us when we got dressed up. I also remember her singing "I Just Called to Say I Love You" by Stevie Wonder. And even though it isn't one particular song, whenever I hear a certain genre of music, like 80's light rock, I always think of my dad working in the garage with the stereo going. Oh, and how can I forget the family concerts full of Madonna songs and "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".
There are my Table Topics for today. You guys should definitely check out the game. There are lots of different versions from family edition to girls night out edition. Its fun, it'll get you talking... and thinking!
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