God is good

After a failed IUI on our first try and as advised by OB, DH and I rested on our work up and focused on his count to increase. As stated on my previous blogs, DH counts drastically went down when we are scheduled to have our "postponed" IUI on 27 April 2013 and still shows a poor number on his count, motility and morphology after we had our first IUI last 25 May 2013.

We underwent a roller coaster ride on DHs count. We have been TTC April of 2009 and from said date, DH and I have been working on his count since he has bilateral varicocele. Both of us decided for DH not to undergo surgery for his varicocele since having said procedure is not a cure. Thus, we made a trial and error on supplements we read online that are said to increase count, motility and morphology. Almost every month since our TTC, DH will go to hospital just to have a semenalysis and to check if this supplement has help him on his count. I am just one lucky wife who had a husband who is very willing to cooperate.

Then we came across Fertilaid for Men. As stated also on my previous blog, this Fertilaid, has really made wonders on my DHs case. DHs never experience to have a million of his soldiers and/or a good motility during our first 3 years, I think almost 4 years, of TTC not after we discovered Fertilaid. DH count went up to 20 Million or sometimes 30 Million. Thus, we decided to do our work up and tried the so-called IUI.

We were confident to do work ups and to eventually win on our TTC journey but sad to say that when we started seeing our OB, DHs count just went down. Our first IUI is really a pain. First of all, because of DHs count. OB just injected 120,000 post washed sperms on me which only means that DHs count is at 1 Million, more or less. Secondly, we felt DH and I went to war without any bullets but we tried to survive only to end up losing. Thirdly, I felt so many twinges and unusual pains during my days past IUI only to come out a failure. Finally, the burden of raising money is also a pain for the both of us since undergoing to this ordeal of TTC is really financially draining. Nevertheless, we tried and did all we can to win this battle. God sees what DH and I have been doing. He sees our pain and struggles and we believe in His time He will grant the desire of our hearts.

So, on our 1 month rest, I stopped taking fertility drugs and DH took his original line-up of supplements that gave him an increased and improved count, motility and morphology. DH had his semenalysis yesterday and the result is really overwhelming. It made me really cry, tears of joy as they say. Below is the result of DHs SA.

Indeed, God is really good and He really works mysteriously and wonderfully. Although, not every prayer is answered but every prayer we uttered is given to us by God in His perfect time. DH and I is in high hopes that we will someday win and beat our TTC ordeal. Just keep the faith even if everything you planned is not working the way we plan but the way God plan it for you and me.

Our IUI Expenses

DH and I took 1 step higher in our TTC journey which means having a more extensive work up for us to conceive. We had our first experience of the intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure and below is the breakdown of the actual cost we should have incurred for the said procedure.

• Ovamit (3x a day for 5 days - P100.00 x 15)    - P1,500.00
• Ovamit (For DH - 1x a day for 31 days)           -    3,100.00 
• Decilone (1/2 tab a day for 6 days - P25.25 x 3)-        75.75 
• Premarin (2x a day for 20 days - P33.00 x 40) -   1,320.00 
• Duphaston (1x a day for 14 days - P58.25 x 14)-      815.50
• Puregon Shot (2 shots x P4,500.00)                    -   9,000.00
• Pregnyl Shot (2 shots x P1,600.00)                     -   3,200.00
• Check Ups (P600 x 2)                                               -    1,200.00
• TVS                                                                                  -    2,130.00
• IUI (inclusive of sperm washing & PF)              - 14,000.00 
• TOTAL                                                                          - P 36,341.25

The above total of P36,341.25 should have been our actual cost for the IUI procedure but our OB gave us 1 shot of puregon (P4,500.00) for free and a discounted shots of the pregnyl at P1,300.00 per shot (total of P2,600.00). Thus, our actual expenses for the IUI procedure, less the free puregon shot and discounted pregnyl shots, is P31,241.25. We saved P5,100.00 for our IUI procedure because of our OBs very kind and generous heart of helping her patients like us. She wanted really to help us conceive and she also understands what we are going through emotionally, physically, mentally and most of all financially because going through this TTC ordeal means a lot of time, effort and money to succeed. We will forever be grateful to our Father God for bringing us to our OB. Indeed, we are in good hands with her.

Despite a failed IUI, DH and I will forever be thankful also to our Father God (i) for giving us our parents who readily supported us financially, spiritually and mentally in our journey; (ii) for giving us our friends who may not understand what we are going through but still encourages us to go on; (iii) for my GT/TTC friends whom I do not know personally but is always there as my support group through our forums; and (iv) above all, to Father God, for leading us in our TTC journey and making all these possible. Thank you Father God for holding on us when we wanted to give up, for not letting us go, and for encouraging us to carry on our TTC journey.

First IUI Failed

I am better now so I am taking this time to update my blog.

I had my third round of ovamit (clomid) last cycle and since we are to undergo intrauterine insemination (IUI), my OB gave me 2 shots of puregon and another 2 shots of pregnyl. It was also my first time to experience the so-called injectable fertility drugs. The shots were painful especially the pregnyl. Good thing is, my reproductive system responded on the injectables to which I produced 5 dominant follicles at a very early stage of CD14. My biggest dominant follicle measures at 2.9 x 2.5 x 2.4 cm and my smallest at 1.9 x 1.9 x 1.7 cm. Below is the result of my ultrasound last 24 May 2013.

I have had a very promising dominant follicles. On the same day, my OB injected on me 2 shots of pregnyl. She made it 2 shots because she wanted all of the 5 dominant follicles to rupture so we can have a higher chance of conceiving. Below is my beautiful dominant follicles.

4 dominant follicles on my right ovary and 1 on my left ovary

Thus, on 25 May 2013, we had our very first experience of the IUI or what they call artificial insemination. Both of us were very nervous. We had our sperm washing in the morning at 8:30 AM sharp at Victory Art Laboratory Phil., Inc. The collection of DHs semen is done at almost 9:00 AM. Afterwhich, we waited a very long hour of 3 hours, more or less, before we went to OBs clinic at MMC for the insemination of DHs sperms.

Little did we know that OB will tell us that we had a very few DHs sperms to be inseminated. I cannot see DHs face because I am there lying on the bed ready for the IUI procedure but I can feel from his breaths that he is not okay and so am I. I asked OB how many is the post washed sperms and she told us that it is only 120,000. I wanted to shout, really, but I told myself, we only need 1 strong sperm and that I have to focus because I will be carrying with me my egg cells and DHs sperm cells. As much as I wanted to cry, I have to stay focus. Below is DHs Sperm Washing Result.

The insemination is painful. It is like having my Hysterogram all over again. Our travel from Makati to Sta. Rosa, Laguna was a very painful one. We walked very slow because besides the fact that it is painful in the lower abdomen I am also afraid that the sperm cells will drop. I know it will not but I can't help but think that way. Although in pain, we manage to go to Lolo Uweng's Chapel and we prayed together. From CD1 of my cycle, DH and I were praying together. We had our 9-days novena of St. Pio and Sacred Heart of Jesus, after 9-days will start again from day 1 and so on and so forth. We also ate a lot of avocados during our IUI cycle because I have read somewhere that it will help in the ovulation and implantation process. I was on leave for 1 week after our IUI procedure. From 1dpiui to 7dpiui, I felt twinges on my abdomen, left, right and middle. Sometimes, back pain. So, in my week 1 of 2ww, I am in our bed, lying on my back, legs and butt elevated. 

On 10 June 2013, I received an email from 1 of my GT friends that her AF arrived. They had their IUI procedure 4 days after we had ours and they collected 9.5 Million post washed sperms and 4 dominant follicles but still they failed on 12dpiui. I told DH, no matter what the numbers is, if it is not yet God's will, it will come out negative. So, we prayed that even if we had only 120,000 post washed sperms, the result will come out positive. After all, miracles do come.

But it was not yet our time also because at 10:00 PM of 10 June 2013, I saw brownish discharge on my undies. I told myself, this one is only an implantation bleeding and it must be it. I told DH about it but still there is the "what ifs" and these "what ifs" made the 2 of us cry. We cried together and consoled each other. And I also heard DH telling me "I love you", he doesn't know but it eases my pain knowing he loves me still even if we are about to be broken.

I barely did not sleep. I was so anxious feeling if I am wet down there because I did not put napkin since I am hoping it is only an implantation bleeding. Then came the morning of 11 June 2013, I woke up early at 5:00 or 5:30 AM to pee and at the same time check myself. The ugly AF is right there in front of me. I woke up DH and told him I have my AF. He hugged me and my tears came falling down my cheeks for the second time. DH cried too. Good thing it was a holiday the next morning. We drink on the night of 11 June 2013 and cried our hearts out. It really is okay to sometimes sit down there and cry. Bring out all the pain. It is really heart breaking to fail even if we have leveled up on our work up but it is not yet God's will. What is important is to stand again and pick up ourselves then fight again.

DH and I will have a rest this cycle. We will workout on his count first before we do another try of the IUI. As what DH told me, we started on this TTC ordeal together, what we can do is carry on and finish this ordeal together until we come out as winners. Just DH and me together, nothing is impossible. We know God is feeling our pain, our want to have a child, and eventually, in His most precious perfect time, He will grant us the grace of blessing us with our own child.

We may have failed on our first try of IUI after 16dpiui, the process may have caused us so much pain ... but we will never give up. We will cry and feel the pain today but tomorrow, like in our so many failed cycles, we will both stand up and fight again.

A Poem I Made

The agony of the 2 weeks wait is really a pain in the head but we are patiently waiting. Along with the waiting is so many rounds of avocado which I have read that it will help in ovulation and implantation. And most of all, lots and lots of prayers to our Almighty Father God that He will give us the grace of blessing us with our own child.

So, we made it on the first week and, thus, the waiting continues. I have not updated my blog with what we have gone through with this cycle. Soon... For now, here's a poem I just made today while patiently waiting.

I’m so afraid of what tomorrow will bring

So scared that our plans will not push through

I know we have passed this road a hundred times

We have encountered so many failed cycles

We have born more pains and shed so much tears

Still, we are not used to it when we fail over and over

But through it all, we remained strong together

Whatever tomorrow will bring for the two of us

No matter how heart breaking it will be

We will always stand up and pick up ourselves

And will always do everything to achieve our goal

Maybe not today nor tomorrow nor the next day

But in God’s most precious perfect time

We will wait because we believe and we have faith

In His time, will get to share the joy of parenthood

For now, we wait, we hope, and we pray

2nd Round of Clomid Failed

I am on CD3 today and as the title says, we failed on our second round of clomid (ovamit). Today is also my first day to take ovamit 3x a day again for 5 days. All in all, another set of 150mg ovamit this cycle. Good thing OB gave me prescription since it is a long weekend due to the voting period. Tomorrow, I will go back to OB for check up and schedule of my puregon shot. OB wanted me to take that shot because my follies are a little bit lazy growing up at the same time and last cycle I produce only 1 dominant follicle unlike my first round of ovamit to which I have 5 dominant follicles.

Last cycle was suppose to be our first ever artificial insemination (intra-uterine insemination-IUI) but it was cancelled as explained in my last post. We pray that this time around, we'll push through with the IUI. First thing I did was to give up my candy crush saga. Yes, funny, but I have to because it is adding up on my stress like last cycle I only have 1 dominant follicle, very poor for an IUI procedure, and if this will happen (hope it will not) again this cycle then most probably IUI will be terminated again. Why? Because OB says I have to produce 2 or more follicles to undergo with the IUI. Thus, goodbye candy crush saga.

Secondly, I stopped taking charge of my infertility like waking up at 5:00 in the morning to take my BBT, charting it with fertility friend, counting the days, etc., etc. I can say that it helps for me because the more I take charge on our infertility issues, the more pressure and stress, not to mention depression, I take. I just wanted a normal life while battling our TTC ordeal.

Lastly and most importantly, aside from going to Lolo Uweng every Friday, we pray together with DH. We had our 9 days novena starting from CD1 this cycle. Last cycle, I started doing the 9 days novena to Father Pio. I have 2 of them last cycle but this time, my DH joined me and we agreed to do it everyday which means that after 9 days novena will start again in day 1 and so on and so forth. In our every downfall, stress, pain and depression we had in this TTC journey, what we have learned is to offer everything to Father God. We know God is listening and we have to wait for our perfect time. It will come, we know one day it will come.

So, here again is our breakdown of expenses last cycle. Note that the fertility drugs, check ups and procedure is only in my case.

• Ovamit (3x a day for 5 days - P100.00 x 15)    - P1,500.00 
• Decilone (1/4 tab a day for 8 days - P25.25 x 2)-        50.50 
• Premarin (2x a day for 20 days - P33.25 x 40)  -   1,330.00 
• Duphaston (1x a day for 12 days - P60.00 x 10)-      600.00
• Check Ups (P600 x 3)                                               -    1,800.00
• TVS                                                                                  -    2,130.00 
• TOTAL                                                                            - P 7,410.50

To add our expenses above, DH started taking ovamit 1 tablet a day for 22 days when his count drastically dropped. A total of P2,200.00.

TTC is really a pain: emotionally, physically, mentally and financially. But when we think of what this pain will bring to me and DH in that God's most precious perfect time, we just shrugged it off, then we start to believe, hope and pray that nothing is impossible in God's hand, He will provide.

IUI Terminated This Cycle

After a month of planning to undergo for the artificial insemination or intrauterine insemination (IUI) procedure, OB decided to cancel said procedure for my DHs sake. Why? It is because DH and I opted for a sperm analysis prior to our supposedly scheduled IUI on the 27th day of April. 

To our dismay, the SA result of DH has a drastic drop of his count and morphology when it was at a minimum of 20 Million count and a morphology of not less than 90% since November of 2012. This really saddened us. So, we decided to have a repeat of DHs SA after 3 days but still, as shown below, it is less than what we are expecting in numbers.

February 28, 2013 SA

April 14, 2013 SA

April 17, 2013

When I went back to OB for a puregon shot, OB told me not to have the injection as well since we are not pushing through with the IUI. According to OB, the IUI can be done but with the psychological effect brought about by the SA results to DH it is best to terminate the IUI procedure and wait for the next cycle.  At that time, we felt we were in a roller coaster ride but we are also contemplating that maybe God has another plan for us. Remember, we only need 1 sperm to conceive so why fret on the terminated IUI.

Then came the result of my transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) showing us only 1 dominant follicle. OB told me, maybe, I am stress that is why I only produce 1 dominant follicle unlike last cycle to which I have 5 of them. Well, so the IUI was really to be cancelled after all even if DH has a good count because OB advised me before that we need 2 or more dominant follicles to go through with the IUI procedure.

The good thing this cycle is my dominant follicle. It was too big and for the very first time I experienced the pain of ovulation for 2 days where I even have difficulty walking. I told OB about it and she told me that it is normal and I should expect more of it when I produced 2 or more dominant follicles. Painful it is but I am enjoying the pain because it only means we are getting nearer to our goal of having our first born.

a dominant follicle on my right ovary

We are still earnestly praying that I will get pregnant naturally this cycle. To God nothing is impossible as long as we believe and we keep our faith. No matter how stressful and heartbreaking this TTC journey is, not to mention that it is financially draining, we believe God will provide us the wishes of our hearts in His most precious perfect time.

Introduction to the So-called IUI

Since DH and I is leveling up on our TTC journey, I asked my friend, Mr. Google, to help me explain the so-called Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or known as the artificial insemination procedure. Hereunder are the best explanations I have read in introducing to you IUI.

Intra - Inside

Uterine - the uterus

Insemination - putting the sperm

IUI is the process of putting the best lot of specially prepared sperm directly inside the uterus at the expected time of ovulation - egg release is called "Intra Uterine Insemination". In IUI sperm bypasses the cervical barrier and is put directly inside the uterus. By IUI, sperm is put closer to the fallopian tube, at the time of expected egg release to increase the chance of fertilization resulting in to higher chance of conception.

It is essential for the woman that her fallopian tubes are known to be open and healthy before the IUI process begins. A tubal patency test is usually carried out as part of her assessment by the fertility clinic. The second essential requirement is for the partner to have no significant problem with his sperm numbers or sperm quality.

Now, how does the insemination performed?

1. The woman usually is given medications to stimulate development of multiple eggs and insemination is timed to coincide with ovulation - release of the eggs. The ovulation induction is done with the help of tablets (clomid) or injections to increase the availability of number of eggs at a proper time. This increases chance of number of embryos formed resulting in to higher chance of conceiving.
2. The process of follicle development is monitored through TVS. When follicles are ready, HcG injection is given for final maturations of oocyte abd its release, rupturing of the follicle.
3. A semen specimen is collected after 2-5 days of abstinence from ejaculation. The semen is "washed" in the laboratory (called sperm processing or sperm washing). The sperm is separated from the other components of the semen and concentrated in a small volume. Various media and techniques can be used for the washing and separation. Sperm processing takes about 30-60 minutes.
4. A speculum is placed in the vagina and the cervical area is gently cleaned. Prepared sperm sample (washed semen) is injected in to the uterus with the help of a sterile, flexible catheter. This process of injecting sperm in the uterus is called the IUI.
5. The washed specimen of highly motile sperm is placed either in the cervix (intracervical insemination, ICI) or higher in the uterine cavity (intrauterine insemination, IUI) using a sterile, flexible catheter.

After the procedure is done, the woman is advised to rest, which according to OB is 30-45 minutes then I can go back to my daily routine, including office work, travelling, exercise, etc. No worries,since the sperm has been put above the vagina and cervix, thus, it will not leak out when you stand up. DH and I can also have baby dance from the same day and any time in the same cycle to increase conception. IUI, as Mr. Google says is a very simple, easy and painless procedure. There should be little or no discomfort.

IUI may have a very low success rates but whatever it is, DH and I are determined to take our chances just to conceive. As of now, we are still waiting for Wednesday or Thursday to see if his SA has improved then we will take our decision from there if we will push through with the IUI or move it to the next cycle. Everything that is happening now, we may not understand it, but we hold on to God's embrace that He will lead us to the right path. We have waited long, there is no need to rush. Thy will be done, Oh Lord, according to Your. will.

It's Not Yet Time

I'm on CD1 today after 32 days cycle and first round of my fertility drugs (ovamit, decilone, premarin, metformin and duphaston). DH and I had high hopes last cycle but God says it is not yet our time. Still, we did feel the pain in our hearts but not as bitter as the other so many months and years of expecting that we finally conceive our child.

On my two week wait (2ww), I thought this is it because my body feels unusual things unlike my other 2wws plus the fact that I'm on work up this cycle. But then again, my body fooled me for the nth time and had us on high hopes only to be saddened at the end of my cycle. My BBTs for 2ww where so high that I have been sick for days but the funny thing is I'm only sick in the mornings then literally hot in the afternoon and at night. But and but...AF came and our first round of fertility drugs failed. Below is my BBT chart for the last cycle. For the first time, while on work up, my BBT did not fluctuate. Beautiful, isn't it? Only, the temperature drops at the end.

BBT for March 8 to April 8, 2013

I was not really surprise to see AF this morning because on my CD32, and as I have said above, my BBT suddenly drops which signals the end of my cycle but I was praying hard that maybe my BBT thermometer just committed a mistake or whatever reason it is for my BBT to drop. Yet, on my mind, AF is coming. It is not my first time to encounter such drop in my BBT on 2ww. I prayed to Father God to help us conceive but I also told Him that if it is not our time yet His will be done. Then AF came, we were saddened, of course, we felt the usual pinch in our hearts but DH and I faced this so called ordeal, bravely and much stronger, together as one. We will and will soon defeat this TTC ordeal. We have faith and we know God will provide us the desires of our hearts in His most precious perfect time.

DH and I will be moving on to our next plan and will be trying for the very first time artificial insemination this cycle which is called Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). I will be going to OB tomorrow, April 10 (CD2), for another round of fertility drugs until such time OB will schedule our IUI.

Positive Vibes This Cycle

Last Friday, 22 March 2013, we went to MMC for my follicle monitoring (FM) and for a follow-up check up. MMC really is expensive in everything, huh, the cost of their transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is at P2,130.00.  Outside MMC, especially in our place at Laguna will cost only at P900.00-P1,500.00 but anyway what is important is the good result of my FM.

MMC Hospital Bill

Expensive really but DH and I are super happy with the result of my TVS. OB, too, is happy with the outcome of my TVS. I have produce 5 dominant follicles at CD15 as shown on my TVS result below. One of them, measuring 2.8 x 2.0 cm, is bursting anytime soon and the other four are still growing. She told us that because of my body responding with the ova-mit, I will no longer have to be injected with a higher dosage of an ovulation fertility drug. We can push through with our IUI just by ova-mit, decilone, premarin plus the pregnyl shot (to help in the releasing of my egg). OB opted not to give me a prescription of the pregnyl shot this cycle because according to her my follicles did not grow up simultaneously and giving me a shot this cycle will stop my 4 other dominant follicles from growing and releasing an egg. Thus, what we need this cycle is a good timing and prayers that will conceive naturally.

My TVS Result

OB gave us the usual timed baby dance this holy week. A baby dance on a holy week, yay, but according to OB, it is a must. She also gave me a prescription of the duphaston for 12 days starting from 26 March to 6 April 2013. My first time to take it for 12 days. Below is our expenses on the fertility drugs I have taken this cycle:

• Ova-mit (3x a day for 5 days - P100.00 x 15)    - P1,500.00 
• Decilone (1/4 tab a day for 8 days - P25.25 x 2)-        50.50 
• Premarin (2x a day for 20 days - P33.25 x 40)  -   1,330.00 
• Duphaston (1x a day for 12 days - P58.75 x 12)-      705.00 
• TOTAL                                                                  - P3,585.50

I have an additional antibiotic which was given to me by OB on and after my HSG procedure to avoid infection. The name of which is Klindex to be taken 3x a day for 15 days. The cost per cap is P56.75 and a total of P851.25 for the 15 tablets.

With the result of my Hysterogram and follicle monitoring this cycle, DH and I are in high hopes that I'll get pregnant anytime soon this year. We are earnestly praying to Father God that our time to conceive and be bless with our first child is coming. To God be all the glory and let His will be done.

My Hysterogram Result

I had my Hysterogram (HSG) yesterday, 15 March 2013, on my CD8 at Makati Medical Center (MMC). The procedure was performed by my OB. DH and I went to MMC as early as 9:30 AM. My HSG is scheduled for 2:30 PM but we were so tensed, excited and at the same time worried for another infertility issue to come our way. All throughout the day, while waiting for the time, I prayed for God's guidance and mercy that I will have a positive result for my HSG and spare me with a blocked tube/tubes.

Then came the procedure at the Radiology Department of MMC. OB was all smile, telling me that it will hurt at first like dysmenorrhea (never tried that thing though) and the verdict will be in no time once the dye is pushed through my cervix then to my tubes. I never removed my eyes on the screen in my left. I can see the thing inserted on mine then came the pain. On my mind, I panicked because it was painful and I am afraid once I freezed of pain, the dye will not go through. Luckily, OB told me it's done and asking me if I am okay because I was motionless and I did not react while the procedure is being done. She asked me if I felt the pain and I said yes. OB told me, I have with me two extraordinary fallopian tubes. The dye just went through my cervix then to my tubes in just one push. Meaning, they are very open for DH spermies to travel and meet my egg cell. I felt relieved and the first thing I said was "thank you, Lord". Thank you for hearing our prayers.

My HSG Result

First Push of the Dye

Second Push of the Dye

My HSG procedure costs us P6,092.35 for our hospital bill alone with MMC and P10,000.00 for the doctor's fee of my OB. A total of P16,092.35. After, my HSG, we went to OB's clinic at the 2nd floor. She told us that we have just to wait for my ultrasound which is scheduled next week, 22 March 2013. According to her, the concentration will only be on my part, if I am responding with ova-mit (clomid) since I am at maximum dosage. Our little babies has to grow into a dominant follicle to start with, not one but two or more dominant follicles. Timing is also one factor that we need for us to eventually conceive our first child. And this, we pray and offer to Father God that He continue to guide and bless us with our TTC journey. Let us do our part Father God and thy will be done according to Your will.

MMC Hospital Bill

I knew in my heart and I really can feel that we are very near to seeing our little "R". Mama and Papa is just too eager and excited to see, hold, pamper and love you too with all our hearts. In God's most precious perfect time, our little "R", you'll have a family in us. We love you and we are waiting for you down here on earth.

Work Up on the Go

Operation Egg and Sperm Cell Together as One

After so many stressful and depressing days, AF showed early as expected last March 8, 2013, a Friday. Thank God, AF was not delayed and came in time for my follow-up check-up with OB before the week days ended.

OB scheduled my Hysterosalpingography (HSG) on March 8, 2013, on my CD8 plus she gave me 3 kinds of fertility drugs to induce ovulation and thickening of my endometrium lining. OB RE prescribed me (1) ova-mit; (2) decilone; and (3) premarin.

Ova-mit

Ova-mit 50 mg is a brand of clomiphene citrate (clomid) that is being used mainly in female infertility to induce ovulation. In my case, with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), I do not really ovulate on my own unless I take this drug. OB RE prescribed me to take the drug 3 times a day for 5 days starting on March 9 to 13, 2013.

Decilone

Decilone 4 mg was given to me by OB to help enhance the effect of ova-mit unto my follicles. OB aims that I produce not only 1 dominant follicle but more, thus, the ova-mit and decilone together. OB RE told me to take 1/4 of the 1 tablet once a day for 8 days from March 12 to March 19, 2013.

Premarin

Premarin is a form of hormone replacement therapy which consists primarily of conjugated estrogens. OB gave me this fertility drug to aid in the thickening of my endometrium lining so that when my egg cell and DHs sperm cell comes together implantation will most likely to happen and eventually result to pregnancy. OB RE required me to take the drug 2 times a day for 20 days beginning March 15 to April 3, 2013.

So many in my to-do-list, all for the sake of having a baby. Hoping and praying that my reproductive organ will respond to all the medicines OB has prescribed on me. I will be having my transvaginal ultrasound on March 22, 2013 to check on my follicles. Thy will be done Oh Lord, according to Your will.

In my heart, I have always prayed for a loving husband and a precious child to complete not only my whole being but a family I have always dream since my younger years.

I Just Met My New OB

A Pregnancy in the Making

Finally, after so many untoward incidents, I finally met my new OB, Dra. Mae Syki-Young, at Makati Medical Center just this afternoon. True enough, OB is very bubbly, kind, and approachable. She really see to it that her patients will be very comfortable to her and indeed I was in our first meeting.

OB put me on duphaston for 5 days, February 28 to March 4, to induce my period. On my CD 1 to 3, I have to go back to her for follow up check up and to schedule me on a procedure called Hysterosalpingography (HSG).

Hysterosalpingography

An HSG is a radiologic procedure to investigate the shape of the uterine cavity and the shape and patency of the fallopian tubes. It is an outpatient procedure, which takes no longer than a half hour. It involves placing an iodine-based dye through the cervix and taking x-rays, primarily, to check whether or not the fallopian tubes are open or blocked. 

According to my OB, the procedure alone will costs us P15,000.00 to P18,000.00. Another burden on our budget, isn't it? Whatever this work up entails us, may it be emotionally, physically and financially, DH and I agreed to seriously face this TTC ordeal together just to hold our bundle of joy in God's perfect time.

Officially on CD1

After 92 days of waiting, AF finally arrived. I'm officially on my CD1, thank you Lord. Now, we can start our fertility work up this month. I will be seeing my 4th and new OB anytime soon plus I will be taking the medicines and/or supplements, listed below, which according to our research will help me increase fertility.

Vitamin E 400 IU is famous as an antioxidant but is also essential for fertility and reproduction. It is also known to improve egg quality for women. 

Zinc is necessary for your body to attract and hold the reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone. It balances blood sugar and boosts immune system. 

Vitamin B6 helps balance progesterone levels. It also helps in lowering prolactin level, which in my case is elevated, and lengthen luteal phase. 

Evening Primrose Oil is more of a herbal product, but it is often listed as part of important vitamins for women trying to conceive. It is commonly used to alleviate pre-menstrual syndrome and helps in the production of fertile quality cervical mucus. It is taken from day 1 of cycle up to ovulation stage only. 

Folic Acid is one of those supplements for fertility and pregnancy that you cannot go without. It is known to prevent spina bifida in your future baby. This nutrient is very important to take before becoming pregnant and through pregnancy. 

Metformin decreases the level of androgens produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. It is a diabetes medicine used for lowering insulin and blood sugar levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This helps regulate menstrual cycles, start ovulation, and lower the risk of miscarriage in women with PCOS. 

Duphaston is used to treat and regulate hormonal imbalances, specifically, progesterone deficiency. It helps in luteal phase deficiency, induce mentruation, make endometrium lining stronger so an egg can implant itself and is used to decrease the risk of miscarriage. 

Clomid is used to stimulate the release of hormones necessary for ovulation. It helps in the release of an egg when a woman's ovaries can produce a follicle but hormonal stimulation is deficient. 

I listed them all, to remind me how important each and every medicines and/or supplements in my infertility to fertility journey. Everyday, I wake up and go to bed praying for our little one. I know only God knows when but I also know in my heart He listens and He will provide in His most precious perfect time. Thy will be done, Oh Lord, according to Your will.

Our TTC Prayer

a couple's prayer

Father God, we thank You that children are the heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Children are Your idea, Father God; You thought up children, and family, and home. You instituted the family in the Garden of Eden. You ordered children; You commanded them when You said to Adam and Eve, "Be fruitful and multiply." You said that the barren womb is never satisfied. Lord, the Word declares that we are wonderfully and fearfully made by You; therefore, we are perfect and able to conceive and have children. You said that I and my husband would be a fruitful vine by the side of our house and our children like olive plants around our table. We are not ashamed but happy because our quiver is full of children. 

Thank you, Father God, that You designed and fashioned us, to have children, that in the Bible barrenness was the exception, not the rule, not Your will, not normal, something against Your plan and purpose. And in Your goodness and faithfulness every barren woman in the Bible who was godly and believed Your Word became pregnant; You opened her womb and bless her, and she gave birth to a precious baby just as I will be. You make the barren woman to keep house and to be a joyful mother of children. 

You said, Father God, that because You are our God and we are Your people and have a covenant with You that You will love us and bless us and multiply us and bless the fruit of my womb and that neither male nor female among Your people would be barren. Father God, we are redeemed from the curse of the Law by Jesus, and being barren is under the curse of the Law; therefore, we will receive from Your grace and have children. 

Father God, no plague, no evil shall come nigh our dwelling. We are healed by the stripes of Jesus. Sickness of any kind is taken out of our midst. You said to ask anything of You in Jesus’ name and it would be done; and that if two of us either agree as touching anything it would be done. So we pray and we agree with You and Your Word, Father God, that we will conceive and bring forth a healthy, precious baby to Your glory and honor. We pray all this according to Your Word and will. You said, This is the confidence that we have in You, that if we ask anything according to Your will, You hear us; and if You hear us, we know we have the petition we desire of You, We have it now. Thank you, Father God, in Jesus’ name. 

*** now, talk to your body *** 

Bodies, we speak to you in Jesus’ name; You will come in line and agreement with the Word of God. You will respond to His holy Word. You will function properly and perfectly, the way God intended you to. Every part, every organ of our reproductive system conforms to the Word and plan of God as we come together in pure, marital love. Body, conceive! Be pregnant. Cooperate with God's plan; perfect ovulation, release of perfect eggs from the ovaries, through the fallopian tubes, penetrated and impregnated, fertilized by healthy sperm. Good solid attachment to uterine wall and nourished and protected for nine months, unharmed and unhindered. Grow to a perfect baby - spirit, soul, and body. 

Your Word says, Father God, that none shall cast their young, nor be barren amount Your people and the number of our days You will fulfill. This pregnancy will be fulfilled. We decree it in Jesus’ name and receive God’s best; we won't settle for anything less in Jesus' holy name. Thank you, dear Lord, that it is so and done to Your honor and Glory. Amen.