The Alsmans

I forgot to update on the results of all the bloodwork from a month ago.  I am happy to report that everything came back normal (except for the MTHFR that I posted about a few posts ago)!!  So that is exciting!!!!  We also talked more about the MTHFR results with my doctor because my acupuncturist had me scared after I mentioned the results to him.  He told me that I could never be on birth control again b/c there would be a possibility of having a stroke b/c of the clotting issue.  However, my doctor stated that this isn't a concern and that actually more people are actually being diagnosed with MTHFR and most doctors don't even test for it anymore b/c it is becoming very common.  He stated that just taking the extra folic acid and baby aspirin will help.  I am also going to continue taking the B-Complex vitamin and cod liver oil which my acupuncturist recommended as well.  You should see all the pills I take at night, it's amazing!!!!!  Still trying to stay positive!!!

On a happy note, Grant and I are planning to take Caitlin to Disneyland and to visit some of Grant's family in CA in November!  We are booking our flights tonight, so it's nice to have something to look forward to!!!!!

Also, Caitlin started her first day camp, Camp Discovery in Clarendon Hills.  She really seemed to like it and loved bringing her snack with her!!!  It's also nice for me because I have 2 hours to myself on Mondays and Wednesdays (Tuesdays I am working during camp)!  I love that she is such a big girl now!!!!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 9:41 PM 1 comments

We jut had our appt with my doctor. He didn't have an explanation for why my body didn't respond. We discussed whether or not we should take a break for a while or continue with the next round. He doesn't think my body is ready to get pregnant naturally yet and even then it would probably take months. So, for now we are continuing on with another round but he is changing up the meds. He did say that if this doesn't work then we have run out of options :( We didn't like hearing that. For now I will start birth control pills again and go back on July 9th and probably start stims again on July 13th. This also means we will probably have to miss our big Lake Geneva Vacation Reunion. I am so bummed, hoping that isn't the case!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 2:29 PM 0 comments

I got a call from my nurse today and they canceled my cycle. My body isn't responding very well to the meds this time. I just can't believe it. I was at Trader Joe's when they called and it was the first time I have ever needed to abandon my cart in the aisle. At least I made it outside before I started hysterically crying :( I am still in shock and this just sucks, plain and simple it sucks :( Luckily, our doctor has an opening on Monday at 1:15 so we will get some answers then!

The nurse said that my estrogen was only at 48 and I think they like it to be over 100. She also said that my biggest follicle was 11 and by now it should be around a 16. The doctor that is covering for my doctor recommended canceling but gave me the option to continue meds for a few more days. It sounded highly unlikely that anything would be different so we decided to just stop now and talk to my doctor. I just can't believe it :(

Thanks to all for your support! My friend summed it up nicely today: F#@K!

Trying to stay positive...

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 4:11 PM 0 comments

I was back at the doctor bright and early this morning.  I got right in which was great because I didn't want to be late to my first client.  I was bummed when the ultrasound tech told me I had fluid in my uterus.  I talked to my nurse later and she said at this point in the cycle it isn't a big deal. However, from what I have read, if it is still there at the retrieval, they will probably have to cancel this cycle.  So we need LOTS of prayers that the fluid goes away!!!!  At this point, I am doing 300 Follistim and 150 Menopur.  I HATE the Menopur, it hurts so bad.  I will start a third shot probably over the weekend. I will go back on Friday morning again. 

I also got some other news early Saturday morning. My GP called and told me I had abnormal cells when she did my pap.  Great, just what I need. But, she said at this point not to worry about it and to just come back in one year.  She faxed the results to my RE so I am hoping it doesn't affect this cycle. 

We were also bummed to find out that we couldn't get a full credit for my flight we had to cancel because of this IVF round.  We should've never booked a flight on Spirit airlines.  Here's a warning to all of you!!!

At some point something has to go our way!!! Until next time...

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 10:05 PM 0 comments

Caitlin and I were back at the doctor's office bright and early this morning.  Caitlin LOVES watching me get a shot! She is too funny, I think she just likes that she gets to watch the IPAD when we are there.  I got the call around 3:30 today that I get to start 375 units of Follistim tonight (actually just gave myself the shot). I will do this tonight, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.  I will go back again on Tuesday morning.  I will have to do my shot again tomorrow night because I am going to Champaign for a girls' night away, woohoo!  I SO need this and am super excited (even if I can't drink!!).

Unfortunately, the nurse also told me that they got some of the results of the bloodwork I had done a few weeks ago.  The results of the MTHFR (whatever that means?) test showed that I have a mild mutation that can cause clotting.  Basically, this means that I have a higher chance of miscarrying if I get pregnant (great, another strike against us).  The nurse kept saying it's mild, so I am trying not to get too upset.  This also means I have to start taking 3 extra folic acid pills in addition to the prenatal vitamin I take every day.  It also means that the day after my egg retrieval I will start taking baby aspirin and will take it everyday throughout my pregnancy (if we are lucky enough to get pregnant).  The nurse also told me that my regular nurse will follow up with me on Monday, so hopefully she doesn't have any more bad news!

I am also bummed that I have to cancel my trip to Colorado in a few weeks because my egg retrieval will probably be the same weekend.  I am now just hoping that the airlines (Spirit) will refund my money or at least give me a credit.

Starting the stimulation meds also means I have to go to acupuncture TWICE a week.  I think acupuncture is helping but I am getting so tired of driving to Wheaton to go every week (or twice a week).  It's also hard because I have to get someone to watch Caitlin because she can't go with me (would kind of defeat the purpose of "relaxing" while there!).  I just keep telling myself that it is helping and that motivates me!

I am hoping now that the "real" meds are underway, my anxiety level will decrease.  I have had a rough few weeks and need to just relax.  I haven't been sleeping well and have been so anxious and agitated.  I think my stress/anxiety level increases with each cycle because I can't even imagine this not working again.  I am just so thankful that Grant is so understanding.  He does so much for me and Caitlin and helps me stay sane!  I really don't think I would have made it this far in the process without him.  He's the calm and I'm the crazy! Ha Ha!!  I just don't know how he does it.  I am also so grateful for my sweet, beautiful baby girl who tells me she "lubs me so much" whenever I am feeling down.  She is so tuned in to people's emotions, there is no hiding anything from that girl!  I don't know how anyone goes through this trying to conceive their first child.  We are so lucky to have already been blessed with our cute little monkey!!! 

Here's to hoping these meds don't make me feel too gross!  Looks like my egg retrieval will be in about 15 days.  Obviously we don't know for sure but based on the last two cycles, that is our best guess!

Off to Champaign I go with two of my AOII girls in the morning!  Can't wait!

Will update more next week!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 8:49 PM 0 comments