Kelly taught me how to measure out the medicine tonight so I will be able to help Nurse Jo while he's out of town next week. I still can't poke myself, though. It's bad enough preparing a needle for yourself. I don't know how junkies do it!
Tomorrow morning we go in for another ultra-sound at 8am to see if the lining of my uterus has thinned out enough to proceed. If it looks good then we will be ready to start 2 new shots every day. If not, then the party is over for now, but we can try again next month.
I have been taking pre-natal vitamins for 2 days now. Aren't those supposed to make me feel exceptionally good or is that just a rumour?
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Complications
Nurse Jo was in charge of the shot tonight. Nurse Ann was in charge of fanning Nurse Jo while she did it so she wouldn't have a hot flash. Kelly was in charge of photos.
I hardly noticed the shot, we were laughing so hard.
This morning I went in for blood work and an ultrasound, and they found a new cyst on my right ovary. They told me it could be an endo-lesian, which wouldn't be a show stopper, or it could be something else. They needed to consult the doctor to see what he thought.
Further, the lining in my uterus was too thick - it's 10mm and they would like for it to be 5mm or less. I had no idea that things could come to a grinding halt so quickly and so easily. Not a good morning.
This afternoon the nurse called me back and said the blood work looked really good and the doctor thought the cyst looked more like an endo-lesian than anything else. But the lining is still a problem. I have to go in on Sunday morning for another ultrasound to see if it has thinned out enough to proceed.
I have never prayed for a heavy period before tonight.
I hardly noticed the shot, we were laughing so hard.
This morning I went in for blood work and an ultrasound, and they found a new cyst on my right ovary. They told me it could be an endo-lesian, which wouldn't be a show stopper, or it could be something else. They needed to consult the doctor to see what he thought.
Further, the lining in my uterus was too thick - it's 10mm and they would like for it to be 5mm or less. I had no idea that things could come to a grinding halt so quickly and so easily. Not a good morning.
This afternoon the nurse called me back and said the blood work looked really good and the doctor thought the cyst looked more like an endo-lesian than anything else. But the lining is still a problem. I have to go in on Sunday morning for another ultrasound to see if it has thinned out enough to proceed.
I have never prayed for a heavy period before tonight.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
I can pinch and inch
The nurses have identified another inconsistency with the instruction manual. Before each shot I have been pinching up the area of skin around where I'm about to get poked and holding it while Kelly does the shot. Apparently, I am supposed to pinch it, but as soon as Kelly gets the needle in I am supposed to release it, and then he can inject the medication. Details.....
So tonight I told him to say 'ok' when he was ready for me to release my pinch, which he did. But what he didn't do is stay with it while the skin retracted, and the needle popped out before he could give me the injection. We had to do the shot AGAIN, yes, TWICE!
Kelly is fired.
So tonight I told him to say 'ok' when he was ready for me to release my pinch, which he did. But what he didn't do is stay with it while the skin retracted, and the needle popped out before he could give me the injection. We had to do the shot AGAIN, yes, TWICE!
Kelly is fired.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The Winds of War
The back-up nurses have arrived! That would be my mom and grandma. They said they would prefer to be called the Winds of War. Apparently you only get that if you watch Regis and Kelly. My grandma is friends with Kelly Ripa and her husband on Facebook and frequently makes and receives comments with the both of them. Die-hard All My Children fan.....
My grandma immediately spotted in the instruction manual that I am supposed to be taking pre-natal vitamins, at least 1mg of folic acid every day. I guess my nurse thought that was an obvious one, and I guess I thought she would tell me if I needed to take anything else. I am assuming I can get those over the counter tomorrow. I may send the nurses out on their first independent outing.
The nurses have also managed to go around our kitchen and tighten all the loose knobs on the drawers. Thank goodness! They arrived just in time.
My grandma immediately spotted in the instruction manual that I am supposed to be taking pre-natal vitamins, at least 1mg of folic acid every day. I guess my nurse thought that was an obvious one, and I guess I thought she would tell me if I needed to take anything else. I am assuming I can get those over the counter tomorrow. I may send the nurses out on their first independent outing.
The nurses have also managed to go around our kitchen and tighten all the loose knobs on the drawers. Thank goodness! They arrived just in time.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Side effects
I think my meds are making me lose weight. I never feel hungry anymore. I've not only lost my vacation weight, but I have also lost 3 additional pounds, and it's only been a week. I am not complaining, by the way. I wonder if it's the meds or if it has anything to do with the fact that I ate a whole month's worth of food the week of the cruise and my body is simply protesting.
Tonight we tried doing the shot in the belly and it was the best ever! I thought Kelly was going to hurl, but for me it was the best one yet. I didn't even feel it go in. I made him show me the empty syringe to prove he actually did it. He immediately had to go sit down on the couch because it made him light-headed. That's the first time he's had any trouble giving me the shot.
The back-up nurses arrive tomrrow. I am so excited!
Tonight we tried doing the shot in the belly and it was the best ever! I thought Kelly was going to hurl, but for me it was the best one yet. I didn't even feel it go in. I made him show me the empty syringe to prove he actually did it. He immediately had to go sit down on the couch because it made him light-headed. That's the first time he's had any trouble giving me the shot.
The back-up nurses arrive tomrrow. I am so excited!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Oops....almost
Almost left the house for choir practice without giving Amy her shot! I had already started backing down the driveway when.......I saw Amy come running out of the house...and it hit me.....almost forgot!
I came back into the house and gave her a quicky......
:)
I came back into the house and gave her a quicky......
:)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
It takes a village
Tonight we had our lovely neighbors, Helen and Chris, over for dinner. While we were chatting at the table after dinner I suddenly realized we were 40 minutes late with the shot. We decided to make it a group effort. Seems everyone wants to help "conceive" this baby, LOL.
Kelly showed Helen how to prepare everything and then she did the actual puncture. I must say, for a first timer she was great! Now we have a backup "nurse" right across the street in case we need one.
On another note, we ate some of the salmon that Kelly caught while we were in Alaska, and it was yummy! He grilled it on a cedar plank and topped it with an Asian glaze (ginger, maple syrup, lime, garlic, red pepper). Definitely going on the menu when we open our restaurant!
Kelly showed Helen how to prepare everything and then she did the actual puncture. I must say, for a first timer she was great! Now we have a backup "nurse" right across the street in case we need one.
On another note, we ate some of the salmon that Kelly caught while we were in Alaska, and it was yummy! He grilled it on a cedar plank and topped it with an Asian glaze (ginger, maple syrup, lime, garlic, red pepper). Definitely going on the menu when we open our restaurant!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Left, left, left, right, left
We've been switching back and forth between my left leg and my right leg for the shots, and because Kelly has gotten so much better at it, it's hard to see where he did the later ones. The first one is still bruised, so it's obvious where that one went. And there is still a big red dot where he did the second one. Otherwise, I can't see anything left of shots 3 and 4.
It just dawned on me that we might run out of room! The thought of poking my leg in the same spot twice makes me dizzy just thinking about it. But I can't really see where any of the shots have been except numbers 1 and 2. So when I tried to find a "new" spot for tonight's shot I sort of felt like we had nowhere else to go. The problem is compounded, of course, by the extensive network of bright blue veins in my leg. The thought of putting the shot into one of them.......ok, I've got to stop talking about this.
I guess I am going to have to start marking myself with a Sharpie as a reminder.
We ended up doing the shot mid-thigh in a vein-free spot, but there was a little pool of medicine that seeped out. I was freaking out, but Kelly said the nurse told us that might happen and don't worry about it. I told him I didn't hear her say that, and he asked if I wanted him to give me another shot? I guess she DID say it after all :)
It just dawned on me that we might run out of room! The thought of poking my leg in the same spot twice makes me dizzy just thinking about it. But I can't really see where any of the shots have been except numbers 1 and 2. So when I tried to find a "new" spot for tonight's shot I sort of felt like we had nowhere else to go. The problem is compounded, of course, by the extensive network of bright blue veins in my leg. The thought of putting the shot into one of them.......ok, I've got to stop talking about this.
I guess I am going to have to start marking myself with a Sharpie as a reminder.
We ended up doing the shot mid-thigh in a vein-free spot, but there was a little pool of medicine that seeped out. I was freaking out, but Kelly said the nurse told us that might happen and don't worry about it. I told him I didn't hear her say that, and he asked if I wanted him to give me another shot? I guess she DID say it after all :)
Friday, May 22, 2009
The Fast and the Furious
I think we have found the magic formula for a painless shot. It's being in a rush!
Kelly got home a little late from work, and we had plans to go to dinner and see a movie, so we were in a big hurry to do the shot. Vile out, clean the top with an alcohol swab, needle out, draw 10 units, alcohol swab on the leg and POKE. Done and dusted in 30 seconds flat.
Amazingly enough it was the easiest one we've done yet, and I can't even see the spot anymore on my leg a few hours later. Meanwhile the bruise from Tuesday is still there reminding us how NOT to do it.
Star Trek was great, by the way. Kelly gave it 5 stars out of 5, something he previously told me he could never give any movie until he was on his death bed and had seen them all so that he could award that top spot to the truly deserving "best" movie. I think he liked it.
Kelly got home a little late from work, and we had plans to go to dinner and see a movie, so we were in a big hurry to do the shot. Vile out, clean the top with an alcohol swab, needle out, draw 10 units, alcohol swab on the leg and POKE. Done and dusted in 30 seconds flat.
Amazingly enough it was the easiest one we've done yet, and I can't even see the spot anymore on my leg a few hours later. Meanwhile the bruise from Tuesday is still there reminding us how NOT to do it.
Star Trek was great, by the way. Kelly gave it 5 stars out of 5, something he previously told me he could never give any movie until he was on his death bed and had seen them all so that he could award that top spot to the truly deserving "best" movie. I think he liked it.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Ouch!
Ouch.......another shot today..no blood..no bruise....but was not as painless as yesterday....we think it's because we did the shot lower in the leg....will try again tomorrow......
I think I like being a doctor......
Finally worked through the baby budget today.......timing is critical between when we have to pay the doctor bills versus when we can get reimbursed from the flex spending account from insurance.....my wife is a financial wizzard.....
SICK this morning......from taking my medicine without eating something first....thought I was going to hurl.....but luckily, my wonderful wife had packed me a lunch...so ate an early lunch for breakfast.
I think I like being a doctor......
Finally worked through the baby budget today.......timing is critical between when we have to pay the doctor bills versus when we can get reimbursed from the flex spending account from insurance.....my wife is a financial wizzard.....
SICK this morning......from taking my medicine without eating something first....thought I was going to hurl.....but luckily, my wonderful wife had packed me a lunch...so ate an early lunch for breakfast.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
2nd time is a charm
The Lupron shot went much better tonight; no bruise, no bump. I think Kelly was more confident and steady with the needle. We tried this one in the right leg.
Kelly also started a round of Doxycycline 100mg antibiotics, two times a day, getting ready for his part of this process.
So far I don't feel any effects of the shots. I figured out that Lupron is the drug that is sort-of putting me into menopause. I didn't realize I would have another period, but apparently I will next week. When that is finished I will start the stimulation drugs that basically put my body into hyper-ovulation-overdrive. I still don't get why they have to shut it all down first, but I am sure they know what they're doing.
The Dexamethasone appears to be a steroid, but I am not exactly sure why I am taking it. Seems like it has several could-be reasons, but I will have to ask Chris next time I talk to her. There are probably 50 pages on it in the binder she gave me, but I am too tired go look for it tonight. It was an exciting night with the American Idol finale and our boy Kris Allen from Conway taking the prize. At least 5,000 of his votes came from me and my mom!
Kelly also started a round of Doxycycline 100mg antibiotics, two times a day, getting ready for his part of this process.
So far I don't feel any effects of the shots. I figured out that Lupron is the drug that is sort-of putting me into menopause. I didn't realize I would have another period, but apparently I will next week. When that is finished I will start the stimulation drugs that basically put my body into hyper-ovulation-overdrive. I still don't get why they have to shut it all down first, but I am sure they know what they're doing.
The Dexamethasone appears to be a steroid, but I am not exactly sure why I am taking it. Seems like it has several could-be reasons, but I will have to ask Chris next time I talk to her. There are probably 50 pages on it in the binder she gave me, but I am too tired go look for it tonight. It was an exciting night with the American Idol finale and our boy Kris Allen from Conway taking the prize. At least 5,000 of his votes came from me and my mom!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Hit me with your best shot
Day one, and I am wondering if Kelly is too jet-lagged to be in charge of my first shot?! It's 10 units of Lupron and I am imagining little boy Kelly with his chemistry set working on a new experiment. He's focused intently on measuring the medicine. I think he has started over 3 times now. Perfectionist!
I also take a Dexamethasone tablet tonight, 0.5 mg. When I figure out what all the drugs are doing to me I will be sure to let you know. This morning we had a training session with Chris, our nurse, and there were 17 meds to learn about! We had just landed at the airport at 7am, coming home from our vacation in Alaska, and it was very hard to focus on the training.
Wow, that's it? Not bad at all. A tiny dollop of blood popped up where Kelly poked me, a bruise about the size of half dollar, and a bump just under the bruise, but overall not bad at all. This may not be as bad as I have been imagining.
We went for the left leg tonight because Left and Lupron both start with L. Sounds like a good plan, right? We've got about a week of just Lupron and then the other fun shots begin. All this is leading up to the making of baby Jane on or near June 1oth. Stay tuned for all the gory details!
I also take a Dexamethasone tablet tonight, 0.5 mg. When I figure out what all the drugs are doing to me I will be sure to let you know. This morning we had a training session with Chris, our nurse, and there were 17 meds to learn about! We had just landed at the airport at 7am, coming home from our vacation in Alaska, and it was very hard to focus on the training.
Wow, that's it? Not bad at all. A tiny dollop of blood popped up where Kelly poked me, a bruise about the size of half dollar, and a bump just under the bruise, but overall not bad at all. This may not be as bad as I have been imagining.
We went for the left leg tonight because Left and Lupron both start with L. Sounds like a good plan, right? We've got about a week of just Lupron and then the other fun shots begin. All this is leading up to the making of baby Jane on or near June 1oth. Stay tuned for all the gory details!
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