So far, 2013 has not been too great.
On New Year’s Eve, I went for my 3rd estradiol draw in a span of 5 days, and my NP called with my results a few hours later - it was even lower than my first draw - the follicle that we thought would lead to ovulation was no good. Another disappointment. Next cycle will be the same routine of ultrasounds and blood draws. My Clomid dosage is being increased to 100mg this time around. We’ll see if that’s what I need.
On New Year’s Day, B woke up and noticed our house was extra cold - the furnace broke. We thought it was just the ignitor - we have to replace it every couple of years - but we were wrong. After calling a company that had emergency service, we found out that the problem was actually with the heat exchange, aka much more difficult and expensive to fix than an ignitor. Of course. So we were without real heat all day on New Year’s Day, with only 2 small personal heaters and one larger personal heater (and plenty of layers and blankets) to keep us warm. Luckily, the repairmen were able to get the part that we needed fairly quickly, so our furnace was fixed yesterday morning (thank goodness). The estimate for the bill was $200-500 (we weren’t billed right away because the part that was replaced should be partially covered under a limited warrantee or something like that) - I’m not looking forward to getting that bill in the mail.
To top it all off, I had to go back to work yesterday after 13 glorious days off, and I walked into the same drama and bad attitudes that I left 2 weeks ago. I was hoping to have a fresh start with the new year - that was wishful thinking. I’m going to try and stress less about the things that are beyond my control (like the behavior of my co-workers, boss, and students) … maybe I can bring about the change that I desperately need in my work situation. At the very least, I can look forward to a vacation day in a few weeks.
This year is not starting out the way I hoped it would - that just means it can only get better from here … right?!
03 January 2013
31 December 2012
Planning A New Year
With a new year starting tomorrow (where did this year go?), I’ve started thinking about what I’d like to work on for the next year. Looking back at last year’s goals (and the updates I wrote about them), I’m super disappointed in myself. Because I did such a crappy job following through this year, my 2013 goals/resolutions list is pretty long - hopefully I can stick to them a little better.
My 2013 goals and resolutions, in no particular order …
* Learn to do new things - Thanks to Pinterest, there are quite a few things that I’d like to learn how to do. One of the top things on my list is to learn how to use power tools. I have come across quite a few things that I’d like to build (or at least assist in building) for our home, like a platform bed frame, end tables, and a shoe storage cubby. B’s dad is our go-to guy for all of our carpentry needs, but I would like to be able to help without being scared of the tools, plus it would be nice to be able to do some of the small stuff myself. I have also fallen in love with the gorgeous chalkboards, hand lettered signs, and calligraphy envelopes that everyone and their mom is pinning lately, so I’m hoping to practice my lettering technique this year. Another thing on my list of things I’d like to learn isn’t exactly new - I want to learn how to scrapbook. I mean, I kind of know how (you stick pictures onto paper and slap them in a book) - but I’ve never completed a scrapbook. Hell, I don’t think I’ve ever really even started a scrapbook. That’s going to change in 2013 - I have a ton of paper and other assorted scrapbooking supplies, and I’m going to use them (once I get my craft room clean)!
*Start Meal Planning - we do a watered down version of meal planning every week before grocery shopping, so I’m hoping this won’t be too difficult for us. I would like to build up a variety of recipes to draw from (we pretty much eat the same meals every week and it gets boring) and begin meal planning for a couple of weeks at a time. Hopefully that will help cut down on the amount of grocery shopping we have to do, and maybe even lower the amount of money we spend on groceries each month. B and I hate grocery shopping, so if we can do less grocery shopping, it’s a win for both of us.
* Follow the Budget - I guess to follow through with this resolution, we’ll first have to set up an actual budget to follow. We have a loose budget thrown together, but I don’t really know much about where our money goes, so I’d like to be more involved. I am really bad at walking away from extra expenses, so I want to work on that - I don’t need more clothes, more paper, fast food … I need to cut back. It’s definitely going to be a challenge.
* Keep up with House - I’ve started working on this a little already because we started having weekly game nights a couple months ago, but I have already been slacking again lately, so I need to get back on the wagon. Because of my split shift, I have plenty of time in the middle of the day to get housework done, but chores typically lose out to nap time. I’m trying to work on it. I would love to get organized in 2013 as well. My things are never put away where they belong - it drives B crazy, but he puts up with my mess. I really want to get myself under control in 2013.
* Post on Blog Regularly - easier said than done. My goal is one post a week minimum, which seems manageable … the only problem is that I’m super boring, so unless I get KU soon, I might not have anything to blog about.
*Make Healthier Choices - I’ve been a little more adventurous in trying foods I didn’t think I liked before. It turns out I love asparagus, spinach salads, and guacamole (not all at the same time). I want to continue trying different veggies and eating healthier, and definitely work on cutting down portion sizes. Skipping dessert once in a while wouldn’t be a bad idea either. My other stereotypical goal is to work on being more active. I haven’t been walking as much as I used to, so I need to start doing something - probably yoga. I have a few videos that I like to follow along with, but I don’t do them very often, so in 2013, I’d like to do videos twice a week. We’ll see how that shapes up.
*Take More Pictures - We have a ton of empty picture frames, and I want to fill them. B and I don’t have many pictures together (aside from our wedding pictures) because we aren’t the most photogenic people. I’m hoping to figure out a way to take more pictures of us and actually get them printed so we can hang them. I’m thinking about attempting to do Project 365 so at the very least I have some random things from our daily life to frame. If I follow through with it, I might even put together a family yearbook.
*Be a Better Wife - I’m still working on changing the way I talk to B. It’s a difficult habit to change, especially when we have the same sense of humor.
* Follow Through - the most difficult resolution of all. Obviously I failed at this in 2012 because most of my goals and resolutions were incomplete. I’m a work in progress when it comes to following through with things - I have great intentions and zero motivation. I’m hoping I can improve on this in the new year.
So there they are … 2013 is going to be a year of change. I hope.
My 2013 goals and resolutions, in no particular order …
* Learn to do new things - Thanks to Pinterest, there are quite a few things that I’d like to learn how to do. One of the top things on my list is to learn how to use power tools. I have come across quite a few things that I’d like to build (or at least assist in building) for our home, like a platform bed frame, end tables, and a shoe storage cubby. B’s dad is our go-to guy for all of our carpentry needs, but I would like to be able to help without being scared of the tools, plus it would be nice to be able to do some of the small stuff myself. I have also fallen in love with the gorgeous chalkboards, hand lettered signs, and calligraphy envelopes that everyone and their mom is pinning lately, so I’m hoping to practice my lettering technique this year. Another thing on my list of things I’d like to learn isn’t exactly new - I want to learn how to scrapbook. I mean, I kind of know how (you stick pictures onto paper and slap them in a book) - but I’ve never completed a scrapbook. Hell, I don’t think I’ve ever really even started a scrapbook. That’s going to change in 2013 - I have a ton of paper and other assorted scrapbooking supplies, and I’m going to use them (once I get my craft room clean)!
*Start Meal Planning - we do a watered down version of meal planning every week before grocery shopping, so I’m hoping this won’t be too difficult for us. I would like to build up a variety of recipes to draw from (we pretty much eat the same meals every week and it gets boring) and begin meal planning for a couple of weeks at a time. Hopefully that will help cut down on the amount of grocery shopping we have to do, and maybe even lower the amount of money we spend on groceries each month. B and I hate grocery shopping, so if we can do less grocery shopping, it’s a win for both of us.
* Follow the Budget - I guess to follow through with this resolution, we’ll first have to set up an actual budget to follow. We have a loose budget thrown together, but I don’t really know much about where our money goes, so I’d like to be more involved. I am really bad at walking away from extra expenses, so I want to work on that - I don’t need more clothes, more paper, fast food … I need to cut back. It’s definitely going to be a challenge.
* Keep up with House - I’ve started working on this a little already because we started having weekly game nights a couple months ago, but I have already been slacking again lately, so I need to get back on the wagon. Because of my split shift, I have plenty of time in the middle of the day to get housework done, but chores typically lose out to nap time. I’m trying to work on it. I would love to get organized in 2013 as well. My things are never put away where they belong - it drives B crazy, but he puts up with my mess. I really want to get myself under control in 2013.
* Post on Blog Regularly - easier said than done. My goal is one post a week minimum, which seems manageable … the only problem is that I’m super boring, so unless I get KU soon, I might not have anything to blog about.
*Make Healthier Choices - I’ve been a little more adventurous in trying foods I didn’t think I liked before. It turns out I love asparagus, spinach salads, and guacamole (not all at the same time). I want to continue trying different veggies and eating healthier, and definitely work on cutting down portion sizes. Skipping dessert once in a while wouldn’t be a bad idea either. My other stereotypical goal is to work on being more active. I haven’t been walking as much as I used to, so I need to start doing something - probably yoga. I have a few videos that I like to follow along with, but I don’t do them very often, so in 2013, I’d like to do videos twice a week. We’ll see how that shapes up.
*Take More Pictures - We have a ton of empty picture frames, and I want to fill them. B and I don’t have many pictures together (aside from our wedding pictures) because we aren’t the most photogenic people. I’m hoping to figure out a way to take more pictures of us and actually get them printed so we can hang them. I’m thinking about attempting to do Project 365 so at the very least I have some random things from our daily life to frame. If I follow through with it, I might even put together a family yearbook.
*Be a Better Wife - I’m still working on changing the way I talk to B. It’s a difficult habit to change, especially when we have the same sense of humor.
* Follow Through - the most difficult resolution of all. Obviously I failed at this in 2012 because most of my goals and resolutions were incomplete. I’m a work in progress when it comes to following through with things - I have great intentions and zero motivation. I’m hoping I can improve on this in the new year.
So there they are … 2013 is going to be a year of change. I hope.
10 December 2012
Bust
I didn’t even make it to my test date. Stupid AF decided to show up early - ugh. I called my NP’s office right after I got done with work this morning, and I’m assuming I’ll get a call back at some point today to set up a CD3 baseline ultrasound, and then I’ll start the whole process over again. Yay.
Ugh, I really was hoping that this was it. On to the next …
Ugh, I really was hoping that this was it. On to the next …
05 December 2012
Today is 6DPO. I think.
Last week on Wednesday and Thursday, my CBEFM did something amazing - it gave me a peak reading. I had positive OPK’s those days as well. Words can’t even describe how shocking that was to me. I went in to the clinic on Thursday for the hCG trigger just to be sure … my fingers are crossed.
My current plan is to test on the 13th (that should be long enough for all of the trigger to be out of my system). I’m hoping the next week goes quickly. I have some things planned to keep me busy - Friday night will be our 6th consecutive game night held at our house, and my sister-in-law and a good friend are coming up to do some holiday baking this weekend. At the very least, the next few days should pass quickly … the four days after that will be the worst.
As far as my intuition goes … I have no inkling either way. Maybe after another few days it’ll kick in.
Last week on Wednesday and Thursday, my CBEFM did something amazing - it gave me a peak reading. I had positive OPK’s those days as well. Words can’t even describe how shocking that was to me. I went in to the clinic on Thursday for the hCG trigger just to be sure … my fingers are crossed.
My current plan is to test on the 13th (that should be long enough for all of the trigger to be out of my system). I’m hoping the next week goes quickly. I have some things planned to keep me busy - Friday night will be our 6th consecutive game night held at our house, and my sister-in-law and a good friend are coming up to do some holiday baking this weekend. At the very least, the next few days should pass quickly … the four days after that will be the worst.
As far as my intuition goes … I have no inkling either way. Maybe after another few days it’ll kick in.
26 November 2012
Blood Work 2.0
I got the call from my NP’s office this morning - my estradiol level was pretty low (103 - it needed to be closer to 300). Womp womp.
Another e2 test was ordered for today. This time I was able to have it done at my local clinic, so B didn’t have to take more time off to take me to yet another appointment. I’m so glad it worked out that way - I feel really bad when he misses work for me.
Anyway, the nurse at the clinic had to take the blood from the same side as it was taken on Saturday (lefty) because the vein on my right side wasn’t cooperating. I already had a lovely looking bruise in the crease of my elbow - it’s going to be even more glorious later tonight.
I’m not feeling as optimistic about this cycle as I was on Saturday. I have a feeling that the results of this blood test will come back lower than it was before. Maybe the next cycle will be more successful - it has to be, right?! (I know the answer is no, it doesn’t have to be … but I’m trying not to think negative thoughts) This process is really taking a toll on me lately - I need it to be over soon, but I’m not willing to give up.
Another e2 test was ordered for today. This time I was able to have it done at my local clinic, so B didn’t have to take more time off to take me to yet another appointment. I’m so glad it worked out that way - I feel really bad when he misses work for me.
Anyway, the nurse at the clinic had to take the blood from the same side as it was taken on Saturday (lefty) because the vein on my right side wasn’t cooperating. I already had a lovely looking bruise in the crease of my elbow - it’s going to be even more glorious later tonight.
I’m not feeling as optimistic about this cycle as I was on Saturday. I have a feeling that the results of this blood test will come back lower than it was before. Maybe the next cycle will be more successful - it has to be, right?! (I know the answer is no, it doesn’t have to be … but I’m trying not to think negative thoughts) This process is really taking a toll on me lately - I need it to be over soon, but I’m not willing to give up.
24 November 2012
Follow Up
Today I had my CD15 follow up appointment, and I think the information I got today sounds pretty promising.
I have one good-sized follie on the right side, measuring about 15.4mm. I had blood drawn to test my Estradiol level. If the E2 comes back in the 300 range, I’ll most likely be having another ultrasound on Monday, along with getting the hCG trigger shot. I’m expecting the results to show up in my online chart some time tomorrow, but I’ll get the official word from the NP’s office Monday morning around 8 AM.
I’m optimistic, but trying to stay connected to reality - this cycle might be successful, but it might not. Those daydreams are pretty nice though.
As much as I don’t want to start a new work week, I can’t wait for Monday.
I have one good-sized follie on the right side, measuring about 15.4mm. I had blood drawn to test my Estradiol level. If the E2 comes back in the 300 range, I’ll most likely be having another ultrasound on Monday, along with getting the hCG trigger shot. I’m expecting the results to show up in my online chart some time tomorrow, but I’ll get the official word from the NP’s office Monday morning around 8 AM.
I’m optimistic, but trying to stay connected to reality - this cycle might be successful, but it might not. Those daydreams are pretty nice though.
As much as I don’t want to start a new work week, I can’t wait for Monday.
19 November 2012
Appointment Update
Last Wednesday, I finally had my appointment with the Nurse Practitioner my doctor referred me to.
I was nervous all morning leading up to the appointment, but thankfully, the appointment itself wasn’t awful at all - I really liked the NP, and I got some very good information. The ultrasound was quick and painless. My ute looked good, however … I finally got the diagnosis that I’ve been worried about since we started TTC - it turns out I have PCOS. I’ve had a suspicion all along, despite being told that my blood work came back in normal ranges, so I wasn’t completely shocked by the diagnosis, but it still sucks. At least now I know for sure, and we can attempt to treat the problem.
After the ultrasound, I sat down with my NP (after getting dressed again, obviously) and she laid out the plan for the rest of this cycle. She renewed my prescription for Clomid, but decreased it to 50mg instead of 100mg to hopefully avoid more cramping. I have a follow up ultrasound scheduled for CD15 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving), and if I have a good looking follicle, I have the option of getting an hCG trigger shot so that I’ll ovulate, and then … we “get busy” and wait. A week later, I’ll have to go back to get my progesterone levels tested again, and that finishes out this cycle.
There is a lot to be excited about for this cycle. I’ll have a chance to see what is actually going on inside my ovaries on Saturday. We’ll find out if the Clomid is working the way it’s supposed to or not. We’ll have a plan in place for the next cycle if this one isn’t successful. We will be one step closer to having our family. All of these things are great for keeping me positive about this process. And if it doesn’t work out this time, I’m hoping the plan will make the disappointment sting a little less.
I have until Saturday afternoon to keep my hopes reasonably high, and I’m going to keep sending egg grow-y vibes to my ovaries so that we have something to work with on Saturday. Wish me luck :)
I was nervous all morning leading up to the appointment, but thankfully, the appointment itself wasn’t awful at all - I really liked the NP, and I got some very good information. The ultrasound was quick and painless. My ute looked good, however … I finally got the diagnosis that I’ve been worried about since we started TTC - it turns out I have PCOS. I’ve had a suspicion all along, despite being told that my blood work came back in normal ranges, so I wasn’t completely shocked by the diagnosis, but it still sucks. At least now I know for sure, and we can attempt to treat the problem.
After the ultrasound, I sat down with my NP (after getting dressed again, obviously) and she laid out the plan for the rest of this cycle. She renewed my prescription for Clomid, but decreased it to 50mg instead of 100mg to hopefully avoid more cramping. I have a follow up ultrasound scheduled for CD15 (the Saturday after Thanksgiving), and if I have a good looking follicle, I have the option of getting an hCG trigger shot so that I’ll ovulate, and then … we “get busy” and wait. A week later, I’ll have to go back to get my progesterone levels tested again, and that finishes out this cycle.
There is a lot to be excited about for this cycle. I’ll have a chance to see what is actually going on inside my ovaries on Saturday. We’ll find out if the Clomid is working the way it’s supposed to or not. We’ll have a plan in place for the next cycle if this one isn’t successful. We will be one step closer to having our family. All of these things are great for keeping me positive about this process. And if it doesn’t work out this time, I’m hoping the plan will make the disappointment sting a little less.
I have until Saturday afternoon to keep my hopes reasonably high, and I’m going to keep sending egg grow-y vibes to my ovaries so that we have something to work with on Saturday. Wish me luck :)
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