So today is CD2. And, so on the coldest day of the year I got myself up out of my warm bed to go down to the clinic. Mind you I had to keep my fingers crossed that Max would start this morning (he did but he doesn't like the cold).
I arrived at the clinic at about 8:50am this morning expecting to find a full waiting area for blood work, and a longish list for the ultrasound. At my clinic you have to sign up on the blood work sheet, sign up on the ultrasound sheet and sign up on your doctor's sheet. My name was the next name to be call on all the lists AND the doctor was in and running on time. After hitting the bathroom (I'd had a large tea on my 1hr+ drive to the clinic) I went over and had blood taken. After that I went and sat in the waiting area until I heard my name called. It seems that the person that calls the names from the ultrasound list feels that saying it at a barely audible level is sufficient for people to hear their name. I usually sit right up near where she stands so I can be sure to hear her. Someone who was right behind asked if her name had been called to which the reply was "I called everyone". I doubt anyone other than me actually heard her call out the names. Anyway, I was finally called and went off to get the ultrasound done by one of my favourite techs. Immediately after she said not to go back to the waiting room (the normal procedure) be cause the doctor was "right behind me" meaning he was ready for me. She put me in one of the offices to wait for him and sure enough, within 10 minutes he was there.
First thing out of his mouth was "it's been a long time. what took you so long to come in?" And all with a big smile because he was glad to see me. :)
I explained about the delay because of Christmas and the travel in January for work. I then mentioned we had wanted to start with the January cycle but our car woes started then and we couldn't. I then told him about the problems we had this past month with Max and asked if it would be possible to start the cycle and pay the balance (we've paid a third already) by the end of March as V. has said we should be able to. He was fine with that and said sure no problem. I did not tell him that I'd asked our nurse just before the end of January if we'd be able to cycle and pay afterwards and she'd said the business office had said no. Well of course they'd say no. I know she didn't even ask him. Anyway, that's water under the bridge. So I asked him two questions. The first - what were their success rates on a FET (40-50) and second - what can we do to increase our chances of success. The change in protocol below is the answer to the second question. I was just on Estrace and PIO last time. Plus all FETs are done with assisted embryo hatching at transfer.
So, it's a go!!! We're cycling now. I've been put on Estrace, 4mg three times a day (at least I believe they are 2mg tabs), 5mg of prednisone once a day and the 81mg low dose aspirin once a day. I go back in 10 days for a lining check. He said that transfer day was flexible but I'm not sure, if CD12 is a Sunday if that means we can delay transfer to CD17 so that I have the weekend to relax. I'll have to find out when I go back in. I also found out from the nurse who was going over the protocol with me that he's also requested a fragmentation injection (I think that's what she called it) on day of transfer. I asked what that was for and she said to prevent clotting so I ask her if that was heparin. She said yes and confirmed that I'll have to continue heparin injections with the PIO when we go to transfer.
So, that's where we stand right now. I'm thrilled we're able to move forward this month!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Here we go again.
Tonight we missed not only the shellacking of the Ottawa Senators by my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs to the tune of 5-0 and the beating of the Indiana Pacers by our beloved Toronto Raptors to the tune of 102-98, but we also missed attending the George Clinton concert that I won tickets to from Flow 93.5. Why did all of these things happen? The same reason everything has happened or not happened this month; Max is being a King Kong beeyatch!!
I am at class this week and left downtown Toronto for the burbs (in this case, lower Scarborough) at 5PM to go and get the car from the mechanic. I was apprehensive but the car started just fine and drove just fine all the way back home to Ajax without issue. I was meeting Pam at home because we were on our way back out to a George Clinton concert at the Phoenix. I took the car because if anything was to go wrong again, better it with me in the car tonight and not with Pam on the way to work tomorrow. Be careful what one wishes for.
We took the AC inverter because we needed to charge the camera battery which was going to be used to provide some nice candid shots and video of us boogie-ing at the concert. It started making noises like when it has a short though which was the first sign of trouble. Shortly there after the lights on the dash dimmed, then the radio cut off and the usual suspects started to act up. Great, here we go again.
I pulled over and came off on the Liverpool exit in the hopes of making it to an area of street where I was the least disruptive. As luck would have it, we were able to pull into an Esso station (where the attendant will be reprimanded for his attitude once I get through writing to his bosses) and park near the car wash, out of the way. I called our mechanic, who lived nearby in Pickering, and he came out to see what the issue was. While waiting for him to arrive, I was checking on the pulley, and belt, and alternator; all of which were recently installed. All of them were still there and still connected but when I tugged on the wires at the back of the alternator, two of them came out of the plastic connector. I won't repeat what I said at that point.
So, our mechanic checked it out, tried to get the wires back in and had to pop out to grab some other tools and a flashlight. After some effort, we were able to get the wires back into the connector securely and we jump started the car. After only a few minutes, we shut off the car and tried starting it again to ensure the alternator was charging the battery; it was and it did start. So, as it was well past the time, we were missing the concert, the hockey game and the basketball game so we just headed back home. Our mechanic said to bring it back in the morning and he would change the connector to ensure that this did not happen again.
I know what some of you are thinking but let me assure you that a) our mechanic is very good and feels very bad that this keeps happening to us, b) these were unforeseeable instances and stuff happens so nothing could have been done short of changing EVERYTHING in the engine compartment and c) Max is not a hunk of junk just a poor lad that needs some TLC that he never got previously.
We started the car this morning with no issue and I drove it in to drop it off. As luck would have it, it started to snow so people in Toronto did their usual "how do I drive in this" schtick so I was late to class again this morning. I'll pop out this afternoon after class to pick Max up and take him home for some well deserved rest. That, hopefully, is the end of these adventures for the winter. Well, we have one more with a check at Crappy Tire of the tires as there is a vibration I do not like at speed. The rest will wait till the spring when I intend to do a full tune-up with new NGK platinums, new wires, hose off the interior (both vehicles need that in a bad way) and generally ensure things get looked after before next winter.
OK, these posts have been more for the guys to break up the usual CD1-12 talks. :) We will now resume the posts on fluids, tests, yoo-hoos and such.
V.
I am at class this week and left downtown Toronto for the burbs (in this case, lower Scarborough) at 5PM to go and get the car from the mechanic. I was apprehensive but the car started just fine and drove just fine all the way back home to Ajax without issue. I was meeting Pam at home because we were on our way back out to a George Clinton concert at the Phoenix. I took the car because if anything was to go wrong again, better it with me in the car tonight and not with Pam on the way to work tomorrow. Be careful what one wishes for.
We took the AC inverter because we needed to charge the camera battery which was going to be used to provide some nice candid shots and video of us boogie-ing at the concert. It started making noises like when it has a short though which was the first sign of trouble. Shortly there after the lights on the dash dimmed, then the radio cut off and the usual suspects started to act up. Great, here we go again.
I pulled over and came off on the Liverpool exit in the hopes of making it to an area of street where I was the least disruptive. As luck would have it, we were able to pull into an Esso station (where the attendant will be reprimanded for his attitude once I get through writing to his bosses) and park near the car wash, out of the way. I called our mechanic, who lived nearby in Pickering, and he came out to see what the issue was. While waiting for him to arrive, I was checking on the pulley, and belt, and alternator; all of which were recently installed. All of them were still there and still connected but when I tugged on the wires at the back of the alternator, two of them came out of the plastic connector. I won't repeat what I said at that point.
So, our mechanic checked it out, tried to get the wires back in and had to pop out to grab some other tools and a flashlight. After some effort, we were able to get the wires back into the connector securely and we jump started the car. After only a few minutes, we shut off the car and tried starting it again to ensure the alternator was charging the battery; it was and it did start. So, as it was well past the time, we were missing the concert, the hockey game and the basketball game so we just headed back home. Our mechanic said to bring it back in the morning and he would change the connector to ensure that this did not happen again.
I know what some of you are thinking but let me assure you that a) our mechanic is very good and feels very bad that this keeps happening to us, b) these were unforeseeable instances and stuff happens so nothing could have been done short of changing EVERYTHING in the engine compartment and c) Max is not a hunk of junk just a poor lad that needs some TLC that he never got previously.
We started the car this morning with no issue and I drove it in to drop it off. As luck would have it, it started to snow so people in Toronto did their usual "how do I drive in this" schtick so I was late to class again this morning. I'll pop out this afternoon after class to pick Max up and take him home for some well deserved rest. That, hopefully, is the end of these adventures for the winter. Well, we have one more with a check at Crappy Tire of the tires as there is a vibration I do not like at speed. The rest will wait till the spring when I intend to do a full tune-up with new NGK platinums, new wires, hose off the interior (both vehicles need that in a bad way) and generally ensure things get looked after before next winter.
OK, these posts have been more for the guys to break up the usual CD1-12 talks. :) We will now resume the posts on fluids, tests, yoo-hoos and such.
V.
Update
Since V. has updated you all on the ongoing saga of my car you know I'm frustrated. It seems that there is a force greater than us directing things right now. However, I intend to look it in the eye, much like the cold I refuse to get from V., and tell it where it can get off. Today is CD27 and I am calmly waiting for CD1 this week. That could be Wednesday or Thursday. Whenever that will be, I will go down to the clinic on CD2, subject myself to the bloodwork and ultrasound and see the doctor. I will be upfront with him about our financial set back this month and keep my fingers crossed that he will allow us to do the cycle and pay during/following. I'll have to confirm with V. but I think we'll be able to pay something on account in about 2 weeks. I'm just not sure if we can pay the balance off during March. If the doctor says no, then so be it and I'll be back at the end of March. I know borrowing the funds isn't an option because I had a conversation about our car woes with the "lender" and there was nary a bite. I didn't ask either and I don't plan to at this point.
So, a couple of more days and I should know our fate.
So, a couple of more days and I should know our fate.
Monday's funny
A little repeat from my own blog (and with thanks again to my little brother), but necessary after everything else. Better to laugh than to cry. Enjoy.
V.
----------------
If you remember the Original Hollywood Squares and its comics, this may bring a tear to your eyes. These great questions and answers are from the days when "Hollywood Squares" game show responses were spontaneous, not scripted, as they are now. Peter Marshall was the host asking the questions, of course.
Q.Do female frogs croak?
A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough.
Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?
A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.
Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years.
A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.
Q. You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?
A. Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake.
Q. According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he's married?
A. Rose Marie: No; wait until morning.
Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?
A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency.
Q. In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say "I Love You"?
A. Vincent Price: No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty.
Q. What are "Do It," "I Can Help," and "I Can't Get Enough"?
A. George Gobel: I don't know, but it's coming from the next apartment.
Q. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking?
A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question Peter, and I'll give you a gesture you'll never forget.
Q. Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?
A. Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.
Q. Charley, you've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year?
A. Charley Weaver: Of course not, I'm too busy growing strawberries.
Q. In bowling, what's a perfect score?
A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.
Q. It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics, what is the other?
A. Paul Lynde: Tape measures.
Q. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet?
A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I'm always safe in the bedroom.
Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?
A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.
Q. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail. What will a goose do?
A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark?
Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?
A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.
Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?
A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.
Q. It is the most abused and neglected part of your body, what is it?
A. Paul Lynde: Mine may be abused, but it certainly isn't neglected.
Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do?
A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.
Q. Who stays pregnant for a longer period of time, your wife or your elephant?
A. Paul Lynde: Who told you about my elephant?
Q. When a couple have a baby, who is responsible for its sex?
A. Charley Weaver: I'll lend him the car, the rest is up to him.
Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they?
A. Charley Weaver: His feet.
Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should never do in bed?
A. Paul Lynde: Point and laugh.
V.
----------------
If you remember the Original Hollywood Squares and its comics, this may bring a tear to your eyes. These great questions and answers are from the days when "Hollywood Squares" game show responses were spontaneous, not scripted, as they are now. Peter Marshall was the host asking the questions, of course.
Q.Do female frogs croak?
A. Paul Lynde: If you hold their little heads under water long enough.
Q. If you're going to make a parachute jump, at least how high should you be?
A. Charley Weaver: Three days of steady drinking should do it.
Q. True or False, a pea can last as long as 5,000 years.
A. George Gobel: Boy, it sure seems that way sometimes.
Q. You've been having trouble going to sleep. Are you probably a man or a woman?
A. Don Knotts: That's what's been keeping me awake.
Q. According to Cosmopolitan, if you meet a stranger at a party and you think that he is attractive, is it okay to come out and ask him if he's married?
A. Rose Marie: No; wait until morning.
Q. Which of your five senses tends to diminish as you get older?
A. Charley Weaver: My sense of decency.
Q. In Hawaiian, does it take more than three words to say "I Love You"?
A. Vincent Price: No, you can say it with a pineapple and a twenty.
Q. What are "Do It," "I Can Help," and "I Can't Get Enough"?
A. George Gobel: I don't know, but it's coming from the next apartment.
Q. As you grow older, do you tend to gesture more or less with your hands while talking?
A. Rose Marie: You ask me one more growing old question Peter, and I'll give you a gesture you'll never forget.
Q. Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?
A. Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.
Q. Charley, you've just decided to grow strawberries. Are you going to get any during the first year?
A. Charley Weaver: Of course not, I'm too busy growing strawberries.
Q. In bowling, what's a perfect score?
A. Rose Marie: Ralph, the pin boy.
Q. It is considered in bad taste to discuss two subjects at nudist camps. One is politics, what is the other?
A. Paul Lynde: Tape measures.
Q. During a tornado, are you safer in the bedroom or in the closet?
A. Rose Marie: Unfortunately Peter, I'm always safe in the bedroom.
Q. Can boys join the Camp Fire Girls?
A. Marty Allen: Only after lights out.
Q. When you pat a dog on its head he will wag his tail. What will a goose do?
A. Paul Lynde: Make him bark?
Q. If you were pregnant for two years, what would you give birth to?
A. Paul Lynde: Whatever it is, it would never be afraid of the dark.
Q. According to Ann Landers, is there anything wrong with getting into the habit of kissing a lot of people?
A. Charley Weaver: It got me out of the army.
Q. It is the most abused and neglected part of your body, what is it?
A. Paul Lynde: Mine may be abused, but it certainly isn't neglected.
Q. Back in the old days, when Great Grandpa put horseradish on his head, what was he trying to do?
A. George Gobel: Get it in his mouth.
Q. Who stays pregnant for a longer period of time, your wife or your elephant?
A. Paul Lynde: Who told you about my elephant?
Q. When a couple have a baby, who is responsible for its sex?
A. Charley Weaver: I'll lend him the car, the rest is up to him.
Q. Jackie Gleason recently revealed that he firmly believes in them and has actually seen them on at least two occasions. What are they?
A. Charley Weaver: His feet.
Q. According to Ann Landers, what are two things you should never do in bed?
A. Paul Lynde: Point and laugh.
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