We've started our estrogen priming for our upcoming IVF cycle.
Estrace 2 pills daily up through Christmas, and then adding in Provera at night alongside the estrace until New Years.
Then we wait for AF and start stimming.
We're taking things low and slow this time, and they've told me to be prepared for 16 or so days of stimming so that we don't lose control of my follies again.
Not much to update. It's just a holding pattern right now
Monday, December 15, 2014
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Escape from Santa's Secret Sweatshop
I swear I'm still here and I'm still alive everyone! I've just been crazy busy with work (it's our busy season) and with some of the community organizations I'm involved in (it's their busy season as well).
And of course, to top it all off, I've been trapped in Santa's Secret Sweatshop damn near every moment I'm not at work or doing stuff for my organizations.
Chances are, if you're reading this blog you'll know two things
1) Infertility is freaking expensive
2) I have several pinterest boards dedicated to crafting things for my loved ones.
So since I have a distinct lack of money right now (#1) and tons of inspiration (#2) it's going to be a crafty Christmas up in the Dreaming household. I've been working on gifts for a few months now, but I needed something quick and easy for hostesses gifts for the million parties I'm going to, and for my coworkers.
Enter the SUGAR SCRUB. It was quick, it was easy, and I must say it is FANTASTIC. And cheap. Especially if you have access to used jars. I used ball jars for mine, but I've seen people upcycle the cute little starbucks frappuccino bottles and it's adorable.
The best thing about the sugar scrub- you can make it in bulk (see the very end of the post) and it ended up costing me roughly $2 per container when all was said and done. That sure as hell beats $8+ each for EXACTLY THE SAME THING from Bath and Body Works.
So without further ado (and I apologize for the messy pic)
Ingredients- will make three pint jars each
6 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup coconut oil
Peppermint essential oil
Red food coloring
You'll want to use two mixing bowls- I used glass for easy clean up with the oil. Divide the sugar between the two mixing bowls.
Heat up your coconut oil- I microwaved mine in short bursts until it was liquid. While the coconut oil is heating, add 2 drops of red food coloring and 2 dropper fulls of peppermint essential oil (adjust per your preference) to the measuring cup. Once the coconut oil is melted, measure out 1/3 cup into the measuring cup with the peppermint EO and food coloring. Use a fork to mix.
Add the oil mix to one of the bowls of sugar, mixing until it has a soft consistency. You may need to add more sugar to get your desired texture. Play around with it. It's not rocket science.
Repeat the above steps with a second 1/3 cup of coconut oil, omitting the food coloring and mix with the second bowl of sugar.
Now, you'll need to fashion a wide-mouth funnel out of something. I used a coffee filter that is pointed at the bottom. I cut the point off about 1" up from the bottom. A standard household funnel will not work, as the sugar-oil mixture is too thick to pass through.
Now, begin layering the two colors of sugar scrub into the containers, tapping the container on the counter to even it out (or not, if you're going for that sand sculpture look). I did 1/2 cup at a time for mine, so 4 layers each.
Once the containers are full, put the top back on, add a printable label and dress it up with ribbons and scrapbook paper. Clearly I haven't gotten to that point yet. This elf is on her union break.
To use:
Once a week (or more if necessary) use a spoon to scoop out a heaping tablespoon, and apply to dry skin. Massage in circles for a few minutes before your shower or bath. Rinse remainder off in the bath. Do be careful- since there's oil, you'll be quite slick.
To note:
Because there is oil in this, you do run the risk of it going rancid. Instruct the recipients to only use a clean spoon (NOT HANDS) to scoop out the sugar, and suggest that they do NOT keep it in the tub- water getting into the mix is the number one cause of sugar scrub going rancid. If they follow these instructions and keep a good air-tight seal on it, it should last 2-3 months.
If you want to further protect your sugar scrub from going bad early, I would suggest adding some Vitamin E oil (you can just buy vitamin e capsules and split them open) and sea salt to the mix. I haven't done this myself, but based on recipes I see online I would suggest 1 tablespoon of vitamin e oil per 1/3 cup of coconut oil. I'm not sure on the measurement for the sea salt (I'd have to do more research).
I've also seen suggestions to add Tea Tree oil. Not only is it great for acne-prone skin, but it also has antimicrobial properties. If you go this route, reduce the amount of scented essential oils you add, and substitute in 10 drops per 1/3 cup coconut oil.
If you're REALLY afraid of germs, you can also add Liquid Germall Plus- it's what people who craft for a living use to preserve their scrubs. I have NO clue how much you would add. So do your research.
As promised, here is the shopping list if you would like to make it in bulk. You WILL have some raw material left over (especially the coconut oil, but that's never a bad thing in my house). I made 24 jars, and it took less than 1 hour total.
20lb sugar. $8.50 at Target
Nature's Way Coconut Oil 32oz Container- $17.24 on Amazon. I only used 2/3 of the jar.
Essential Oil- .5oz container. I got mine at Michaels with a 40% off coupon for $2.68 after discount
Food coloring- $1
Ball Jars- 2 dozen. I paid $17.46 after tax with my Red Card discount.
Total cost- $46.68
So even if you don't take into account the savings of overage with the sugar and coconut oil, you're looking at cost per gift of $1.95. Maybe $2.50-$2.75 if you add preservatives and buy a bunch of expensive ribbons to dress it up. If you use upcycled jars, the cost drops to $1.22 each
And of course, to top it all off, I've been trapped in Santa's Secret Sweatshop damn near every moment I'm not at work or doing stuff for my organizations.
Chances are, if you're reading this blog you'll know two things
1) Infertility is freaking expensive
2) I have several pinterest boards dedicated to crafting things for my loved ones.
So since I have a distinct lack of money right now (#1) and tons of inspiration (#2) it's going to be a crafty Christmas up in the Dreaming household. I've been working on gifts for a few months now, but I needed something quick and easy for hostesses gifts for the million parties I'm going to, and for my coworkers.
Enter the SUGAR SCRUB. It was quick, it was easy, and I must say it is FANTASTIC. And cheap. Especially if you have access to used jars. I used ball jars for mine, but I've seen people upcycle the cute little starbucks frappuccino bottles and it's adorable.
The best thing about the sugar scrub- you can make it in bulk (see the very end of the post) and it ended up costing me roughly $2 per container when all was said and done. That sure as hell beats $8+ each for EXACTLY THE SAME THING from Bath and Body Works.
So without further ado (and I apologize for the messy pic)
Candy Cane Sugar Scrub
Ingredients- will make three pint jars each
6 cups granulated sugar
2/3 cup coconut oil
Peppermint essential oil
Red food coloring
You'll want to use two mixing bowls- I used glass for easy clean up with the oil. Divide the sugar between the two mixing bowls.
Heat up your coconut oil- I microwaved mine in short bursts until it was liquid. While the coconut oil is heating, add 2 drops of red food coloring and 2 dropper fulls of peppermint essential oil (adjust per your preference) to the measuring cup. Once the coconut oil is melted, measure out 1/3 cup into the measuring cup with the peppermint EO and food coloring. Use a fork to mix.
Add the oil mix to one of the bowls of sugar, mixing until it has a soft consistency. You may need to add more sugar to get your desired texture. Play around with it. It's not rocket science.
Repeat the above steps with a second 1/3 cup of coconut oil, omitting the food coloring and mix with the second bowl of sugar.
Now, you'll need to fashion a wide-mouth funnel out of something. I used a coffee filter that is pointed at the bottom. I cut the point off about 1" up from the bottom. A standard household funnel will not work, as the sugar-oil mixture is too thick to pass through.
Now, begin layering the two colors of sugar scrub into the containers, tapping the container on the counter to even it out (or not, if you're going for that sand sculpture look). I did 1/2 cup at a time for mine, so 4 layers each.
Once the containers are full, put the top back on, add a printable label and dress it up with ribbons and scrapbook paper. Clearly I haven't gotten to that point yet. This elf is on her union break.
To use:
Once a week (or more if necessary) use a spoon to scoop out a heaping tablespoon, and apply to dry skin. Massage in circles for a few minutes before your shower or bath. Rinse remainder off in the bath. Do be careful- since there's oil, you'll be quite slick.
To note:
Because there is oil in this, you do run the risk of it going rancid. Instruct the recipients to only use a clean spoon (NOT HANDS) to scoop out the sugar, and suggest that they do NOT keep it in the tub- water getting into the mix is the number one cause of sugar scrub going rancid. If they follow these instructions and keep a good air-tight seal on it, it should last 2-3 months.
If you want to further protect your sugar scrub from going bad early, I would suggest adding some Vitamin E oil (you can just buy vitamin e capsules and split them open) and sea salt to the mix. I haven't done this myself, but based on recipes I see online I would suggest 1 tablespoon of vitamin e oil per 1/3 cup of coconut oil. I'm not sure on the measurement for the sea salt (I'd have to do more research).
I've also seen suggestions to add Tea Tree oil. Not only is it great for acne-prone skin, but it also has antimicrobial properties. If you go this route, reduce the amount of scented essential oils you add, and substitute in 10 drops per 1/3 cup coconut oil.
If you're REALLY afraid of germs, you can also add Liquid Germall Plus- it's what people who craft for a living use to preserve their scrubs. I have NO clue how much you would add. So do your research.
Make it in bulk and save
As promised, here is the shopping list if you would like to make it in bulk. You WILL have some raw material left over (especially the coconut oil, but that's never a bad thing in my house). I made 24 jars, and it took less than 1 hour total.
20lb sugar. $8.50 at Target
Nature's Way Coconut Oil 32oz Container- $17.24 on Amazon. I only used 2/3 of the jar.
Essential Oil- .5oz container. I got mine at Michaels with a 40% off coupon for $2.68 after discount
Food coloring- $1
Ball Jars- 2 dozen. I paid $17.46 after tax with my Red Card discount.
Total cost- $46.68
So even if you don't take into account the savings of overage with the sugar and coconut oil, you're looking at cost per gift of $1.95. Maybe $2.50-$2.75 if you add preservatives and buy a bunch of expensive ribbons to dress it up. If you use upcycled jars, the cost drops to $1.22 each
Monday, November 17, 2014
Something that looks a little like hope
So I gave myself permission to get really angry for a few days, and now, we're looking toward the new year with renewed hope.
I had lost all faith in my doctor. A call on Friday changed that.
He has a plan. He has hope. He thinks that with a few medication adjustments and some prepping that we'll be good to go come January.
Changes now:
1) adding in 600mg of CoQ10 a day
2) adding in additional Vitamin D
3) adding in baby asprin now
4) starting metformin. Today I bumped up to 1000mg. Saturday I bump up to 1500mg.
Changes for my cycle:
1) no birth control pills. The doc things that it over-suppresed my ovaries and that's why it took so long for them to respond.
2) Starting at a low (100-125IU) dose of Follistim + 75IU of Menopur- and staying there. He really thinks that if we wouldn't have upped my dose multiple times that we would have gotten there
3) more frequent blood draws. There was no reason to go 4 days between draws last cycle, and knowing what was going on may have helped us better gauge my dose.
So now we wait for my period to show up. Dr. Awesome thinks that it will be here this week. I am not expecting it to show up (if at all) until after Thanksgiving. Either way we're going to have an appointment the first week of December to check to see if my ovaries are back to normal. If they are, we'll get a date on the calendar to have my baseline and hopefully we'll start stabbing again in early January.
This isn't how I expected to spend my holiday season- I was hoping we'd have much to give thanks for this year... but all things in good time. Until then I'm focusing on getting back to being well both physically and mentally, and even though we're approaching the holidays I'm hoping to lose another 15 pounds before our cycle... I've got motivation and I can't wait to see what happens!
I had lost all faith in my doctor. A call on Friday changed that.
He has a plan. He has hope. He thinks that with a few medication adjustments and some prepping that we'll be good to go come January.
Changes now:
1) adding in 600mg of CoQ10 a day
2) adding in additional Vitamin D
3) adding in baby asprin now
4) starting metformin. Today I bumped up to 1000mg. Saturday I bump up to 1500mg.
Changes for my cycle:
1) no birth control pills. The doc things that it over-suppresed my ovaries and that's why it took so long for them to respond.
2) Starting at a low (100-125IU) dose of Follistim + 75IU of Menopur- and staying there. He really thinks that if we wouldn't have upped my dose multiple times that we would have gotten there
3) more frequent blood draws. There was no reason to go 4 days between draws last cycle, and knowing what was going on may have helped us better gauge my dose.
 |
| Oh the shit we do to get pregnant... |
This isn't how I expected to spend my holiday season- I was hoping we'd have much to give thanks for this year... but all things in good time. Until then I'm focusing on getting back to being well both physically and mentally, and even though we're approaching the holidays I'm hoping to lose another 15 pounds before our cycle... I've got motivation and I can't wait to see what happens!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Quiet now, endure the tremor of a hope that's growing deep inside
Sometimes, the lyrics of a song can express my emotions so much more adequately than my words ever would.
Today is one of those days. Take a listen to the song New Earth by Zerbin
Today is one of those days. Take a listen to the song New Earth by Zerbin
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Fuck yeah, we're back in business!
FUCK YEAH! WE'RE BACK IN BUSINESS!!!!!!!
I'm a *wee* bit excited
Estrogen is down to 2900.
So the plan is:
1) 100 units of follistim and 1 vial of menopur tonight
2) ganirelix in the morning, blood draw tomorrow morning
3) Pending blood work results, 100+75 again on Thursday
4) ultrasound + bloodwork on Friday, and as long as my estrogen stays in check, we'll either be triggering on Friday or Saturday for a Sunday or Monday egg retrieval. egg retrieval sometime Sunday or Monday.
I'm just praying I have enough good eggs to make this happen!
I'm a *wee* bit excited
Estrogen is down to 2900.
So the plan is:
1) 100 units of follistim and 1 vial of menopur tonight
2) ganirelix in the morning, blood draw tomorrow morning
3) Pending blood work results, 100+75 again on Thursday
4) ultrasound + bloodwork on Friday, and as long as my estrogen stays in check, we'll either be triggering on Friday or Saturday for a Sunday or Monday egg retrieval. egg retrieval sometime Sunday or Monday.
I'm just praying I have enough good eggs to make this happen!
Cancelled. Maybe. Or not. Who knows
So Monday was the highest of highs and the lowest of lows.
45 follies around 10mm.
And then my E2's spiked- from 715 on Saturday to 3200 on Monday.
My RE called and told me he wanted to cancel my cycle.
I gave in, I gave up. And then a dear internet friend of mine (Hey MaitaiBeth!) told me to call him back and fight to coast.
So I called back. He told me it was useless with follies this small. I told him I'd rather try and fail then not try at all.
So he agreed to let me coast for 48 hours on ganirelix.
Just got back from my scan. 3 follies at 16, 5 more at 14/15, and a handful more in the 12-13 range. And of course too numerous to count still hanging out at 10mm.
So now I wait for my bloodwork. If my E2s have stayed below 4500 or so, he's going to let me keep going this cycle. If they spiked, I'm benched until January at the very least.
I want off this rollercoaster
45 follies around 10mm.
And then my E2's spiked- from 715 on Saturday to 3200 on Monday.
My RE called and told me he wanted to cancel my cycle.
I gave in, I gave up. And then a dear internet friend of mine (Hey MaitaiBeth!) told me to call him back and fight to coast.
So I called back. He told me it was useless with follies this small. I told him I'd rather try and fail then not try at all.
So he agreed to let me coast for 48 hours on ganirelix.
Just got back from my scan. 3 follies at 16, 5 more at 14/15, and a handful more in the 12-13 range. And of course too numerous to count still hanging out at 10mm.
So now I wait for my bloodwork. If my E2s have stayed below 4500 or so, he's going to let me keep going this cycle. If they spiked, I'm benched until January at the very least.
I want off this rollercoaster
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