SUPPLEMENTS

So here are the supplements that my husband and I are taking.

MINE

Folic Acid - The brand that I am taking is PURIFOL.  It should be taken before getting pregnant or on the first few weeks of pregnancy.  Folic acid helps in preventing neural tube defects (NTD) in babies.  (neural tube is the part of the baby that becomes the brain and the spinal column).

Vitamin C - is an antioxidant-protecting cells from damage.  It also helps the body fight infection.  It helps prevent preeclampsia during pregnancy.  (preeclampsia, also known as toxemia and characterized by high blood pressure, swollen ankles and the presence of protein in the urine.)

Vitamin E - also an antioxidant, protects body tissue from damage caused by substances called free radicals.  (Free radicals can harm cells, tissues, and organs. They are believed to play a role in certain conditions related to aging). It helps keep the immune system strong against viruses and bacteria. (Alpha d-tocopheryl is natural while Alpha dl- is synthetic or "man made")

 L-Glutathione - is also an antioxidant and it helps is detoxification - they neutralize free radicals which can build up in cells and cause damage.

Aside from the supplements I'm also taking Metformin for my PCOS.

HIS

Spirulina - is rich in vitamin B12 and is known to improve sperm count in men.

Zinc - protects sperm from bacteria and chromosomal damage.

Selenium - increase sperm motility.

Vitamin C - protects sperm from oxidative damage, improves the quality of sperm.

L-carnitine (3-4 grams per day for four months): Carnitine appears to be necessary for normal functioning of sperm cells.- he just started using this to aid him in losing weight.

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Follow up, Follicles

Last Thursday was our follow up and it's such a blessing as our RE saw 2 DFs! Thank you Lord! For years of TTC - it was the first time that the doctor has seen 2 dominant follicles.  So Femara has done the trick isn't it?  She then prescribed 2 more tablets of Femara for Friday.

And today we went back to the doc's office for another follow up. Thank you Lord! The follies are growing! It has grown from 15mm to 18mm (left) and 21mm (right)!

Ovidrel was prescribed and it needs to be injected midnight-tonight.

 

Our 2nd cycle IUI is scheduled on Monday.  It's my husband's birthday! I hope this is it! My husband's pretty ecstatic since it's gonna be done on his birthday! 

I've read on GT about a success story about claiming something even if it hasn't arrive yet.  By this, Thank you Lord for our BABY...

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The Results

Here's the result

Took the ff. test day 3 of AF - still within the follicular phase:
 

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) - stimulates the female ovaries to produce a mature egg for fertilization.  - MINE’s NORMAL

LH (Luteinizing Hormone) - useful in the investigation of menstrual irregularities and to aid in the diagnosis of pituitary disorders or diseases involving the ovaries or testes. – MINE’s NORMAL

Progesterone - a female hormone produced by the ovaries during release of a mature egg from an ovary (ovulation). Progesterone helps prepare the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to receive the egg if it becomes fertilized by a sperm. If the egg is not fertilized, progesterone levels drop and menstrual bleeding begins. – I FAIL BY 0.01.

 

CAUSES (LOW PROGESTERONE)

There are multiple explanations for why your progesterone levels may be low. A common cause of decreased progesterone levels is an overabundance of estrogen, which can mask the effects of progesterone. Other causes include chronic stress, poor diet, insufficient exercise, thyroid disorders, a tolerance to insulin production and certain medications. (Read more on this link.)

Prolactin – high levels of prolactin may cease menstrual period and ovulation thus causing infertility.  It is the main hormone for causing milk production.  Low levels show no significance.  – MINE’s NORMAL. 

And I now have the results. What's my next game plan?
There might be a huge amount of estrogen in my blood stream that causes low progesterone.  I'll include the estrogen with the TSH levels when I have it tested sometime this week.

Then I saw a forum on FEMALENETWORK - GTalk regarding the Traditional Chinese (herbal medicine) doctor from Binondo,  My husband and I are planning to see him anytime this week too.  I love when he is cooperating.  Gives me that big smile on my face!

Here is Dr. Tan's complete address:
2nd flr. 912 Fu Yong Mansio, Ongpin St. cor Teodora Alonzo, Binondo, Manila
Schedule: Mon-Sun (8am-5pm) 

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All about THE HORMONES 💫

A couple of years back I had my Prolactin, FSH, TSH, LH and Progesterone checked.  And the results were all normal.  (For more details on the hormone testing above-I've been following Infertility Philippines and the writer has a very wide explanation for it.)

Today is the 3rd day of AF and similar test were done except for TSH as it slipped through my mind since the lady at the counter is a bit slow. Nevermind, I can always have it checked anytime.  By the way I went to Hi Precision-Rockwell for my tests. And unlike normal blood testing wherein results will be available within the day.  Mine would be available by Friday (you can either pick up the results or check it online). 

Here's the cost for today's test:

Another good thing is that HP has a month long promo 10% discount on all blood testing and imaging services. Please check on this link on the list of their branches.

My husband had a complete blood testing and urinalysis only for P975 and we already saw the results online. He failed on Cholesterol and HDL. We'll see what's his cardiologist advice on the 22nd - his birthday!

Also, I inquired on their Immunological Testing, just in case I'll be needing one. Please see details below.

The immunological testing needs to be scheduled and the results will be in 1-2 weeks.

I hope I don't get to reach the immunological testing part.  I hope we'll be able to hit jackpot on the next cycle!

There's always hope.

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The inevitable

Okay and so the inevitable has happened...

AF came today and it's finally sinking in.  We failed after all.  Fear not.  There will always be a next cycle, the following cycle and so on.  We'll just have to keep on trying.

And so what's next?

The brown discharge from yesterday turned out to be day 1 of my AF.  So as per our RE's advice I should take femara on the 2nd day, twice a day for 10 days and we'll meet with her again on the 18th.

I'll have my Prolactin, TSH, FSH checked tomorrow.  I hope I'd see better results.

My husband is such an eager freak.  He said we'll try this cycle again with an IUI and if we fail then he said he is willing to do an IVF.

He said that we should always take chances.  And do everything we can to survive this.  Whenever he said that-my fears and anxieties just went away.  I find an inner solace.

I know one day I'll be receiving the gift more than money could ever buy.  I know one day God will grant me the missing red line.

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20 dpiui

I tested with an HPT Sunday morning.  Still the prominent single pink line is very much present... I wonder when will I see the two lines.

My BBs are still sore.  AF is still absent.  And I hate that I am gaining my worst enemy - my weight.

Today, is the last day for my duphaston  And what's odd? I saw a brown discharge on my undies.  I've been waiting all day for AF to arrive and it hasn't showed yet. The discharge is still present when I wipe.

Could it be implantation bleeding?

I'm so paranoid.  I always consult my BFF-Google. 

I've found this comment on this link

Going through the exact same thing myself! Whew, I'm glad I'm not alone!! I'm 12 DPO and have been spotting for two days, pink, then light brown, back to pink, then dark brown...(only when I wipe) I'm worn out! Implantation bleeding can happen typically from 6-12 DPO, but if you implanted on day 12, you may bleed for a couple days after that since sometimes it takes the blood awhile to travel on out! Also, if you implanted on day 12, it may take another day or so for the hormones to become detectable on HPT. Best of luck to you!!! hang in there :)

I've found another link

Hi Dr... After 18 days of IUI, i got brown discharge. I am worrying now, M I not pregnant? please advice...

Doc's advice:

Hi,
Welcome to ehealthforum,
The symptoms that you describe 18 days after IUI could suggest probable implantation if you have conceived or even decidual bleed (if IUI has been successful). If IUI is not successful, it could indicate onset of your menstrual period. Continue to follow the instructions and medications as prescribed by your treating gynecologist. Wait and watch for your periods. If you suspect chances of pregnancy, or if periods do not start within 10 days of expected period dates, or if you get abnormal periods, consider visiting your doctor/gynecologist at the earliest for thorough examination (to confirm pregnancy related changes/signs in body) and repeat blood/serum HCG level test (to confirm/rule out pregnancy accurately). Be in regular monitoring and follow-up with your treating doctor/gynecologist and report any new/abnormal symptoms immediately. Take adequate rest. Drink plenty of water. Maintain healthy diet. Look out for danger signs like increase in intensity of abdominal cramps, increasing back pain, fresh bleeding etc. Avoid lifting any heavy weights and avoid heavy work. Avoid standing for long durations and avoid climbing stairs. Avoid use of caffeinated and carbonated beverages.
Take care.

Something inside me is saying there is still hope.  Just hold on... Well,  I want to keep the hopes up. But, I want to face reality too. 

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Stay positive

Follow up...

Got the Beta HCG result - it said zero! My husband could not accept the result and he kept mumbling about it.  Maybe the test was done too soon...  I'm keeping the hopes up but still I want to see my options.  Our RE prescribed duphaston once a day for 3 days.  If I got my period then I'll take the femara 2x daily for 10 days on the 2nd day.

If not then we'll wait for the 18th to see if I'm really preggo (hopefully). I feel bad not because of the result.  I feel bad for my husband.  It's his birthday on the 22nd and I want him to be happy.  And this is all he's asking for.

My husband is neither materialistic nor selfish so as perfect. He has his not so good moments but so do I.  I'm not saying all the good things because he is my husband. But because he is literally a big person with a big heart.  He maybe s child at times.  But he has never left me when times are rough.

 

He makes sure that we have a good life.
He listens to me at all times - my not so funny jokes, my out of tune singing, my complains! my non sense stories, etc. etc.
He makes sure our life's complete even if we know we are still missing something.

I know the result broke his heart.  I told him to keep on hoping and if we fail this cycle we still have another one.  We'll just have to keep on trying.  I told him not to dwell long on the situation we just have to keep on moving and stay positive.

I guess he took my words by heart.  I maybe frigid and tough at times.  But, deep inside there are no words to express the love and gratefulness I have for him.  He is the best thing that has ever happened in my life.  And the feelings are still the same from the first time we've met.

Iloveyoudadaforever...

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Stay hopeful

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What's going on?

Lately I could not understand what's going on...

I'm sort of very irritable.  To the point of becoming an irate caller (a sound of a very dissatisfied client trying to b*tch around).  It seems like nothing can satisfy me (food, scent, actions, etc.)

I want to commend my husband for his patience.  Who could bear a one moment irritable (nasty) woman to a crying lady after she gets so mad?

Even my posts on Facebook would say "pissed", "irritated" and so on. 

Again I vomited.  And I'm craving for Chicharon but it's late (no, not that really).  My husband wants to go out and get me one.  But I don't want him to go out alone and I don't want to go out too.  So he doesn't have that much choice.

He's such an angel.  He's willing to cook rice and open a can of Spanish sardines for me.  I'm such a brat and my husband is the spoiler.  

We feel complete even by ourselves.  But, I think we're past that stage already. Our angel is the only thing that would make our lives more complete.

Thy will be done.  

God will never leave me empty handed. 

I hope He grants my husband's wish because I have the same wish as he have.

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15 dpiui

My BBs are still sore and vomited last night like 3x.  I'm feeling tired and irritable and sleepy.

Today's our follow up to see what is happening.   I've undergone ultrasound to check my endometrium.  Our RE said that it's good. It's thick. I was given Crinone 90 mg to be administered intravaginally every night for two days.  A beta serum HCG was also ordered by our doctor.  The results will go directly to her office so we wouldn't know the result not until Saturday. 

My husband just can't wait.  This is his birth month and he said he couldn't ask for anything else.  He has been continuously saying that since day 1 of iui.

I hope God would hear his prayers because we are praying for the same thing.  But if God would not give what we ask for now.  Maybe it's not yet time and we would keep on trying.  There's always hope. As long as we have each other.  And as long as we love each other nothing is imposible.


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Conceiving

This video is so touching.  It maybe because of  hormones that I got so emotional watching it.  Maybe it was because of the background music that touches my soft spot.

The video is amazing and it sort of give me a will to go on no matter what results I get later this week. 

The video has made me really feel how it was conceiving.  A glorious and happy feeling.  



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13 dpiui

OCTOBER 2, 2012

I'm having cramps since day 1.  But it has gone on and off for the following days.  Twinges here and there.  The worst cramp that I felt was Thursday of last week.

My BBs have been so sore.  I can't remember when it started.  But, they are really painful.

I can't explain the tiredness and sleepiness most of the time.  I'm too lazy to get up most of the time and I'm not even cooking breakfast! (Poor DH).

Today, I vomited twice during the morning and once at night.  I don't know if it was because of bad quality food that was delivered for breakfast.

What are my activities for today? 

We went to see our dentist got so pissed that the dentist went shopping during their clinic hours.  Very disappointing. So we just went to do our grocery shopping.  Then went home immediately after it.  Traffic was so horrible as always and it makes me sick being stuck on it.

I don't want to over think the symptoms anymore.  Come what may. 

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The Big Day

ST. LUKES GLOBAL CITY - CARMI

The procedure was done at St. Lukes - CARMI - Global City. We went there at 11am for the sperm washing.  There was an extracting room. It was cozy and painted in red. It was also equipped with a sofa that is comfortable enough, a television and dvd set.  Also couples are allowed into the room.

CARMI started last year and they have a high success rate for IVF.  Currently they have no data for IUI.  But all I can say is they have such informative and accommodating staffs.  The services are affordable too.  Brochures are being provided for more awareness.

For more details on CARMI.  You may check directly on this link.

I was also able to get a price list of their services.

And so 2 hrs after the sperm washing you will be provided with the results and the specimen will now be ready for IUI.  Luckily for us, my husband doesn't have any motility nor morphology problem.  They were able to harvest 15M healthy spermies post washing this is out of the 73M that he was able to produced.  He got a little worried by liquefaction but during sperm washing mechanical procedure was done, as according to the paper result that was given. He even asked the doctor if he was able to pass the test.  The doc said we only need 4-5M.  And the assisting nurse backed this up by saying we only need one out of the many.  And his is a good number.  Could not asked for more .

The procedure started at around 3pm.  We were assisted into the room and you'll be asked to lie down on a cot.

A speculum will be inserted through the vagina to open the cervix and uterus.  Then the sperms will be injected through a foley catheter.

I'm having anxiety attacks during the procedure.  I think it's because of something foreign was placed inside you.  I just can't wait to get over and be done with it.  After the procedure you will have to lie down for at least 30 mins with your legs and butt elevated. Then no jogging, no running, nostrenuous activies.  Just rest.

We do have one follow up after the procedure wherein purifol* was administered by my RE. She then prescribed duphaston to be taken twice daily.

*ERRATUM: I've got all the names of the medicines mixed up. It's PROLUTON instead of Purifol.

Now our 2ww will be ending a few days from now...

Baby dust...

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Third Cycle

SEPTEMBER 2012 - Cycle 3

With 2 failed natural (semi-natural) attempts to get pregnant. Our RE recommended that we should do IUI.  My husband agreed as well.

Again clomid on the 2nd day of AF still 2x a day for 5 days. I was also prescribed with dexamethasone (according to the RE it will help the body properly absorb the medicines).  After a week we went back to her and she did FM.  I just don't feel disappointed when she told me that the follies are not growing.  She then put me on femara for 5 more days and continue the dexa.  The follies are so stubborn they didn't even grew when she checked it on our follow up.  She then injected puregon 150 iu and was instructed to inject the same dose the next day. We saw her again on the 15th, said that the follies did grew but not enough.  Again another shot of puregon only this time it's 125iu. Since my RE is out on the 17th we were asked to go to SLMC-Women's Care for the FM and again the follies grew but a mm short of the desired size for the trigger shot.  Follow up the next day, the follies are now at its peak and got the pregnyl shot. FINALLY!

Tomorrow is our big day.  My husband is so anxious and excited.  He really believes that this will turn out positive after all.

Baby dust...

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