Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Week 8, 9, 10, & 11
Man, I'm not good at keeping up with this at all. I'll try to remember all of the changes that I have gone through over the last several weeks so that I can keep them here for posterity sake. I've continued with the weekly Progesterone checks. I was a bit worried as my levels went down each week almost down to the baseline but the doc didn't seem concerned. I had a theory though. I figured that the levels were going down the later that I had my blood work drawn. So I went first thing in the morning and voila! my levels went super high again. It was fantastic. My levels still aren't high enough for me to stop the supplements but it's making sure that my baby stays strong and healthy until the placenta takes over.
I've been having horrendous morning sickness. Mostly I've spent my days being nauseous but have definitely had lots of vomiting interspersed. I finally started using my prescription of Zofran and it's been a life saver. I can actually get through my days without wanting to sleep all day long. My energy has been zapped completely. I have a sinking spell every afternoon and have to take a nap. It's exhausting.
The cravings have been crazy too. They are really strong but only last a couple of days. Nothing too strange but definitely strong! Some examples:
Cereal - morning, noon and night
Macaroni & Cheese
Pizza
Fried chicken - even this morphed from chicken strips to chicken sandwiches to popcorn chicken
Sonic tater tots with cheese
Junior Mints
Gummy Cola Bottles
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Spaghettios
High fat & salty foods
And now I'm back to cereal
I've had tons of aversions - mainly to meat, which usually I love. And I've had lots of cravings for carbs - lots of carbs. My doc is hopeful that once I start feeling better I'll be able to eat a little bit healthier.
So we went back to the doctor on May 20th. There was some dispute as to how far along I was so we had to do another ultrasound. I had no problem with this because I love being able to see the baby. This ultrasound was amazing. The baby actually looked like a baby. We were able to videotape the ultrasound and the baby waved both arms and kicked both legs. It was fantastic! It made this so much more real. We go in on May 24th for our NT scan which measures the back of the neck to check our risk for downs syndrome or trisomy 18.
For your viewing pleasure - our latest ultrasound.
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I've been having horrendous morning sickness. Mostly I've spent my days being nauseous but have definitely had lots of vomiting interspersed. I finally started using my prescription of Zofran and it's been a life saver. I can actually get through my days without wanting to sleep all day long. My energy has been zapped completely. I have a sinking spell every afternoon and have to take a nap. It's exhausting.
The cravings have been crazy too. They are really strong but only last a couple of days. Nothing too strange but definitely strong! Some examples:
Cereal - morning, noon and night
Macaroni & Cheese
Pizza
Fried chicken - even this morphed from chicken strips to chicken sandwiches to popcorn chicken
Sonic tater tots with cheese
Junior Mints
Gummy Cola Bottles
Grilled cheese sandwiches
Spaghettios
High fat & salty foods
And now I'm back to cereal
I've had tons of aversions - mainly to meat, which usually I love. And I've had lots of cravings for carbs - lots of carbs. My doc is hopeful that once I start feeling better I'll be able to eat a little bit healthier.
So we went back to the doctor on May 20th. There was some dispute as to how far along I was so we had to do another ultrasound. I had no problem with this because I love being able to see the baby. This ultrasound was amazing. The baby actually looked like a baby. We were able to videotape the ultrasound and the baby waved both arms and kicked both legs. It was fantastic! It made this so much more real. We go in on May 24th for our NT scan which measures the back of the neck to check our risk for downs syndrome or trisomy 18.
For your viewing pleasure - our latest ultrasound.
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Friday, April 23, 2010
Week 6 & 7!
Lots has gone on in my uterus over the last two weeks. That sounds so funny but it's true. The first big news was my first progesterone draw. Keep in mind that initially my progesterone was 14 and my doc wants it to be at least 30 before she feels good about it. So after one week of suppositories (TMI - gross!) my level went up to 21.5! I'm so excited about this. It means that this is getting more and more real by the day. Week 6 definitely brought new and exciting pregnancy symptoms. The morning sickness has arrived with a vengeance. I spend my entire day being nauseous. Not too much vomiting but definitely lots of nausea. Food aversions have also arrived. Nothing sounds good anymore. I'm living on cereal and crackers. Unfortunately, my weight is taking a hit thanks to all of the carbs. Looking forward to when I feel a little better and can eat better.
Now onto week 7! Sam and I had our first OB appointment yesterday. I have been so nervous awaiting this day. What if I went through all of the appointment - the exam, the prenatal education, etc. - and then we get to the ultrasound and there's nothing there. I have had so much anxiety. I still take my temperature every morning to make sure that my basal body temperature remains elevated. I say a little prayer every time I go to the bathroom to make sure there's no bleeding. Every little cramp scares the bejeezus out of me!
The prenatal education appointment with our nurse went great. We were given a ton of information, which was a little overwhelming. Then we met with the doc for a full exam. She said that Progesterone level looked great and she's hopeful that it will continue to increase. She said that once it gets to 30 I can decrease the Progesterone to every other day. I got a pap smear (with Sam in the room), which was quick and painless. Then came the best part of the appointment - what we've been waiting for.
As soon as she put the wand in (dildo cam anyone?) she said, "there it is". I was so afraid that maybe it was an ectopic pregnancy or that the baby wasn't in my uterus. But there was our little sweet pea, smack in the middle of my uterus with the most beautiful flickering heart I've ever seen. I cried a little and was so thankful that Sam was video taping the ultrasound because I wanted to remember every part of it. The doc said we were measuring at 7weeks, 1 day, which is 1 day ahead of schedule putting my due date at December 8, 2010. She cleared me to have a ton of blood work and wants me to return for another ultrasound in 4 weeks.
So until our next ultrasound, feast your eyes on our sweet pea (aka, the grain of rice in the middle). Until next week!
Now onto week 7! Sam and I had our first OB appointment yesterday. I have been so nervous awaiting this day. What if I went through all of the appointment - the exam, the prenatal education, etc. - and then we get to the ultrasound and there's nothing there. I have had so much anxiety. I still take my temperature every morning to make sure that my basal body temperature remains elevated. I say a little prayer every time I go to the bathroom to make sure there's no bleeding. Every little cramp scares the bejeezus out of me!
The prenatal education appointment with our nurse went great. We were given a ton of information, which was a little overwhelming. Then we met with the doc for a full exam. She said that Progesterone level looked great and she's hopeful that it will continue to increase. She said that once it gets to 30 I can decrease the Progesterone to every other day. I got a pap smear (with Sam in the room), which was quick and painless. Then came the best part of the appointment - what we've been waiting for.
As soon as she put the wand in (dildo cam anyone?) she said, "there it is". I was so afraid that maybe it was an ectopic pregnancy or that the baby wasn't in my uterus. But there was our little sweet pea, smack in the middle of my uterus with the most beautiful flickering heart I've ever seen. I cried a little and was so thankful that Sam was video taping the ultrasound because I wanted to remember every part of it. The doc said we were measuring at 7weeks, 1 day, which is 1 day ahead of schedule putting my due date at December 8, 2010. She cleared me to have a ton of blood work and wants me to return for another ultrasound in 4 weeks.
So until our next ultrasound, feast your eyes on our sweet pea (aka, the grain of rice in the middle). Until next week!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
5 Weeks!!
I had more blood work yesterday. Had to have my Hcg level checked again to make sure that our peanut is growing as it's supposed to. Also had my progesterone checked to make sure that my hormones are in tact. Heard from the nurse today that my Hcg level is awesome - well over 2,000, which means that our little peanut is right on track. However, my progesterone was borderline low. To sustain a healthy pregnancy, progesterone must be 15 and mine was 14. So I was prescribed progesterone suppositories to help elevate my levels and make sure that this kiddo sticks around. I'll have to go in once weekly to have my progesterone checked until I'm in the 2nd trimester.
Sam and I took pictures in the bluebonnets today to celebrate good blood work and 5 weeks!!! We have plans to use the pictures to alert people of our new addition. Once we figure out the right wording, I'll post it here for posterity.
As for symptoms, I'm still having some nausea. I think once the progesterone kicks in the vomiting may begin on a more regular basis. I'm exhausted by 3pm every day and need a nap. I'm having weirdo dreams at night. Last night it was like Sam and I were in a real-life video game collecting puppies that were falling out of the cars in front of us. Explain that one! My boobs are still really really sore (TMI right?). Lots of heartburn and burping - and determined that I can no longer eat cucumbers & hard boiled eggs. Both did not agree with me well today.
Next stop - 6 weeks!!
Sam and I took pictures in the bluebonnets today to celebrate good blood work and 5 weeks!!! We have plans to use the pictures to alert people of our new addition. Once we figure out the right wording, I'll post it here for posterity.
As for symptoms, I'm still having some nausea. I think once the progesterone kicks in the vomiting may begin on a more regular basis. I'm exhausted by 3pm every day and need a nap. I'm having weirdo dreams at night. Last night it was like Sam and I were in a real-life video game collecting puppies that were falling out of the cars in front of us. Explain that one! My boobs are still really really sore (TMI right?). Lots of heartburn and burping - and determined that I can no longer eat cucumbers & hard boiled eggs. Both did not agree with me well today.
Next stop - 6 weeks!!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
4 Weeks
Last Thursday we were officially 4 weeks pregnant. I got my blood results back from the doc and everything doubled nicely. I am scheduled to have more blood work in 1 week for a HCG level and progesterone. I caved in and told my mom last Thursday. She was shocked to say the least. I still don't think it's set in yet and I'm okay with that. We had Sam's parents with us this weekend along with the niece and nephew and fought the urge to tell them. I think the plan is to tell them following our first OB appointment or on mother's day. So far I've only had one instance of morning sickness where I vomited after brushing my teeth. I've been a little nauseous the past couple of days but nothing a few saltines and some crystallized ginger can't cure. My goal is to update this blog every Thursday as the calendar turns over another week. Temp is staying elevated and I'm having some really weirdo dreams. Last night I was in a threesome marriage with Jon Gosselin. Don't know how that one happened. Trying to drink lots of water (but it's hard because I don't like water) and eating healthy. More info after the blood work on Wednesday. See you at 5 weeks!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Today wasn't as Good as Yesterday...
Sam and I thought it would be funny if I took multiple pregnancy tests to make sure that I was really pregnant. So this morning I took one and it showed up as negative. I was devastated. However, my temperature remained high so cognitively I knew that there most likely wasn't anything wrong. Mid morning I left my office and went to the local Walgreens to get a digital pregnancy test. That one showed "pregnant", which was reassuring. I was able to get in touch with my doctor and went in to have blood drawn. Still waiting for the results and the official confirmation...
Update: Heard from the doctor's office today (3/30/10) to tell me that I am indeed pregnant. However, my beta (HCG) level is 46 and they want me to come back in tomorrow to redo the blood work. My HCG level must double within 48 hours for it to be a viable pregnancy. The best part of the phone call from the nurse was that she had me schedule a "new mom" appointment. We have our first OB appointment on April 22, 2010 to have our first sonogram and (hopefully) hear the baby's heartbeat! Still incredibly excited.
Update: Heard from the doctor's office today (3/30/10) to tell me that I am indeed pregnant. However, my beta (HCG) level is 46 and they want me to come back in tomorrow to redo the blood work. My HCG level must double within 48 hours for it to be a viable pregnancy. The best part of the phone call from the nurse was that she had me schedule a "new mom" appointment. We have our first OB appointment on April 22, 2010 to have our first sonogram and (hopefully) hear the baby's heartbeat! Still incredibly excited.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The News We've Been Waiting For
After four long years of trying to have a baby, we finally got the news we've been waiting for. This morning we finally got our positive home pregnancy test. And then I went out and bought 5 more, but only used one and it was positive too. I'm sure I'll continue to take at least one per day until we have our first ultrasound.
The reaction to the test was as follows: I was in the bathroom and Sam was getting ready to go on a bike ride. I saw that faint second line and began yelling "Sam" at the top of my lungs. Once he arrived in the bathroom, I handed him the stick and said, "tell me you see two lines!" He saw the second line as well. Then I told him, "we're pregnant!" and immediately started crying.
And then I had to go visit a patient...
But I digress...maybe a little background on how we got here.
On April 23, 2006 we made the decision to stop using protection and if we got pregnant, so be it. In late 2007, I was convinced that something was wrong. I researched our problem, which included not getting regular periods, in fact, going months (9) without a period. I saw the lady doctor who rudely told me that PCOS didn't exist and that I just needed to eat less and lose weight and that should fix everything. I had blood tests and an ultrasound and all of my parts seemed to work just fine. My doctor's partner mentioned that he thought I had PCOS (unfortunately he wasn't on my insurance) but nothing more was done. Fast forward to March of 2009. Still not pregnant and made the decision to go on a medically supervised weight loss program. I saw a new doctor in Austin who agreed that I absolutely had PCOS and she put me on birth control pills while I lost weight.
100 pounds down and 8 months later, I stopped taking birth control pills and both got a period and started charting my temperature to determine ovulation and to get to know my body's inner workings. This cycle (cycle 4) was picture perfect. I ovulated, I ate better, we did all the right things. And even more, it just felt different. It felt right. I guess my intuition was correct. I started taking pregnancy tests last Wednesday, but today was different.
Tomorrow I call the doctor and have it confirmed by her office. I just felt that even thought we're not telling people yet and still don't know what to do with the information, I should chronicle all of this information so that I don't forget it. That way, when we do announce the pregnancy, people can look at this blog and understand everything we've been through.
I can't contain all of the emotions that I'm experiencing right now. I'm excited, I'm scared, I'm thrilled, I'm crying (happy tears), I'm relieved, I'm so hopeful, I'm truly thankful and feel so blessed.
More soon...
The reaction to the test was as follows: I was in the bathroom and Sam was getting ready to go on a bike ride. I saw that faint second line and began yelling "Sam" at the top of my lungs. Once he arrived in the bathroom, I handed him the stick and said, "tell me you see two lines!" He saw the second line as well. Then I told him, "we're pregnant!" and immediately started crying.
And then I had to go visit a patient...
But I digress...maybe a little background on how we got here.
On April 23, 2006 we made the decision to stop using protection and if we got pregnant, so be it. In late 2007, I was convinced that something was wrong. I researched our problem, which included not getting regular periods, in fact, going months (9) without a period. I saw the lady doctor who rudely told me that PCOS didn't exist and that I just needed to eat less and lose weight and that should fix everything. I had blood tests and an ultrasound and all of my parts seemed to work just fine. My doctor's partner mentioned that he thought I had PCOS (unfortunately he wasn't on my insurance) but nothing more was done. Fast forward to March of 2009. Still not pregnant and made the decision to go on a medically supervised weight loss program. I saw a new doctor in Austin who agreed that I absolutely had PCOS and she put me on birth control pills while I lost weight.
100 pounds down and 8 months later, I stopped taking birth control pills and both got a period and started charting my temperature to determine ovulation and to get to know my body's inner workings. This cycle (cycle 4) was picture perfect. I ovulated, I ate better, we did all the right things. And even more, it just felt different. It felt right. I guess my intuition was correct. I started taking pregnancy tests last Wednesday, but today was different.
Tomorrow I call the doctor and have it confirmed by her office. I just felt that even thought we're not telling people yet and still don't know what to do with the information, I should chronicle all of this information so that I don't forget it. That way, when we do announce the pregnancy, people can look at this blog and understand everything we've been through.
I can't contain all of the emotions that I'm experiencing right now. I'm excited, I'm scared, I'm thrilled, I'm crying (happy tears), I'm relieved, I'm so hopeful, I'm truly thankful and feel so blessed.
More soon...
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