Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Need your opinion - poll is on!
OK. As this is it, our last try, I am being super paranoid about everything I am doing and eating and am thinking of seeing a nutritionist. I am pretty well read in this department, but have spent most of my life as a vegetarian and think it's OK to drink coffee untill a week before the FET. Maybe there is a cleansing, high antioxidant diet, or a diet full of avocados and pears (shown to target the health of the uterus) that I can consider. Maybe she can do all the research for me and guide me into a direction that will improve my chances of the blast attaching. Or am I nuts? The consult is $110. OK I think, for piece of mind. But I will be pissed off if she showes me that Canada food guide and sends me on my way. Really pissed. Please respond to my poll!!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Oh right....the baby thing
OK...It's time...I really should tell you, that I won't be telling you anything. Our blastocyst ( 5 day old embryo ) is waiting us in Denver. I am preparing for the transfer sometime this summer and am not devulgin the date to anyone. After calgary, I realized something. IVF strips you of many things....including the element of surprise. If your friend, daughter, sister, niece, whomever, got pregnant, you get a phone call or a visit, filled with joy, cheers and happy tears. Do you know the exact date of her pregnancy test? No you don't. So I want that back in this process. The element of surprise. Having said that, there will be news, one way or the other, by the end of the summer. (my IVF bloggers, please see below)
I have been in touch with my nurse and know what's coming for the preparation. I don't just show up in Colorado and welcome the little one into my womb. I will again be suppressing my natural cycle with hormones, will be taking lupron injections, and injecting progesterone in oil into muscle. Lovely. Along with estrogen patches and progesterone suppositories. For weeks and weeks. THEN I get to go to Colorado and get my little one.
How am I coping with the sheer mind-blowing stress of this being the beginning of the rest of my life? As a mother - Or not? .....Living for everyday, focusing on the present only, hoping for the best, trusting what's meant to be, and so far the most effective method.....joining a Zumba class.
I will chime in from time to time to report on other things...so in the mean time, thank you for all your love and support.
As for my IVF blogging community buddies, I have built a separate blog for while I'm on my transfer protocol. If I have not sent it to you, or you need it sent again, lease let me know. I have not seen it on anyone's blog lists and would love more followers!
I have been in touch with my nurse and know what's coming for the preparation. I don't just show up in Colorado and welcome the little one into my womb. I will again be suppressing my natural cycle with hormones, will be taking lupron injections, and injecting progesterone in oil into muscle. Lovely. Along with estrogen patches and progesterone suppositories. For weeks and weeks. THEN I get to go to Colorado and get my little one.
How am I coping with the sheer mind-blowing stress of this being the beginning of the rest of my life? As a mother - Or not? .....Living for everyday, focusing on the present only, hoping for the best, trusting what's meant to be, and so far the most effective method.....joining a Zumba class.
I will chime in from time to time to report on other things...so in the mean time, thank you for all your love and support.
As for my IVF blogging community buddies, I have built a separate blog for while I'm on my transfer protocol. If I have not sent it to you, or you need it sent again, lease let me know. I have not seen it on anyone's blog lists and would love more followers!
Friday, June 3, 2011
The Italian Way
First, a few cultural differences between her and Italy. Some was downright culture shock.
Wine: We only realy enjoyed wine in Tuscany, the heart of Chianti region. I must admit I never cared much for the stuffi. Until I drank it from the makers. Not the runny, sour, headachy stuff I get here. Total loveliness and it went down super nice overlooking the meadows of Tuscany. But traditionally, wine is served in regular water glasses, usually home made and drank with only the meal. I asked for a wine glass in a "home style" restaurant outside of Rome and got laughed at. Other than my chianti and a glass of wine a had in Rome, wine was not a highlight.
Bread. I am still scratching my head over this one. OF COURSE the bread was to die for. It depended on where though. Some bread was better and softer than others and for only white bread, it was surprisingly diverse. That was the killer though. Only white bread. When I talked to English speaking relatives about brown bread, whole grains, multigrain, etc, they had no idea what I was talking about. Eventually, I found out that his type of bread is called "integral", meaning the integral part of the bread. You won't find it by the way, outside of the breakfast in your hotel. Italians do not struggle with diabetes and obesity like we do so is white flour the real culprit? Now, sit down. Guess what. In the Tuscany region, many years ago, Pisa and Florence were at war. As a boycott, Pisa stopped sending Florence salt. So they had to make bread without salt. They got used to it and to uphold the tradition, very unfortunately, they still, to this day, use NO salt when baking bread. ALL the bread we ate for four days in Florence, Pisa and Tuscany - just flour, water and yeast. It truly was the most putrid thing I've eaten. So sad. Blend paper and water together, and it will be the same mouthful.
Coffee. This is not an easy one to convey. Forget everything you know and have come to understand about coffee and coffee culture in North America. Wipe it clean from your mind. Now, only introduce espresso machines in restaurants and coffee bars (more on that later) and stove top espresso percolators at home. A 'coffee' is a shot of espresso. Period. End of story. Traditionally, it is served with hot milk on the morning, either in the form of a latte or cappuccino. I asked for a latte in mid afternoon and was kindly educated. There are no coffee shops. There are coffee bars, where you stand, order your shot, drink it and leave. If you want to sit down at a table if the place has them, then you will be served by a waiter. I have never seen so many people eating and drinking while standing. I am a fan of milk in my coffee, so would ask for a cafe machiatto, which means a 'marked' coffee, or a drop of milk in your espresso shot. I must admit, I have come to appreciate this 'refined' coffee culture and will miss it.
Water. You would think this was simple. No. I always get pissed off when I come to Europe, because how caveman Canada still is about water. EVERYWHERE you go in Europe, even ghetto gas stations, have a choice of sparkling or regular water. In restaurants, same. In Canada, you have a choice of regular water, or pop. Very rarely, I'll spot a Perrier her at home, but I'm talking about regular Dasani water, but with gas in it. NO WAY JOSE. And another thing...it is illegal for restaurants to serve water from the tap in Italy. It must be bottled. And you must pay for it. No free water with your pasta. At my in-laws, I always wondered why they have bottled water on the super table all the time....oohhh, that's why!
Traffic: Nuts. Nuts. Nuts. Calling the vehicles in Rome 'cars' is too generous. They are ALL tiny, and there is a sea of them where ever you go. Either parked or moving and honking. The mopeds will run you down if you let them, that's if you can wiggle yourself out from between two parked cars when you cross the street.
The pee pee thing. Or Bidet, invented by the French. It's in every bathroom I saw, except for public washrooms. Hotels and our relatives had it everywhere. For the first time, I felt like a cave person. Scratching my head and grunting above a foreign object. I have seen them before but not in this abundance. I know what they're for, but refuse to go there. I don't know what's grosser....using one or not using one. There is even special soap! for them. When I told my cousin they don't exist in Canada, she asked how we wash 'down there'. Maybe we take more showers or something.
The best part of Rome, Tuscany, Isernia, Amalfi Coast, Florence? meeting Stef's family. And yes, we were asked about kids, with Stef's 90 year old grandmother rubbing my belly asking "niete?" So I said "Proviamo", or "we're trying". Speaking of which...stay tuned for news this summer on the transfer of our little one in Denver. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures using this link.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150283660431281.373872.750676280&l=5527aa23ee
Here is a preview:
Wine: We only realy enjoyed wine in Tuscany, the heart of Chianti region. I must admit I never cared much for the stuffi. Until I drank it from the makers. Not the runny, sour, headachy stuff I get here. Total loveliness and it went down super nice overlooking the meadows of Tuscany. But traditionally, wine is served in regular water glasses, usually home made and drank with only the meal. I asked for a wine glass in a "home style" restaurant outside of Rome and got laughed at. Other than my chianti and a glass of wine a had in Rome, wine was not a highlight.
Bread. I am still scratching my head over this one. OF COURSE the bread was to die for. It depended on where though. Some bread was better and softer than others and for only white bread, it was surprisingly diverse. That was the killer though. Only white bread. When I talked to English speaking relatives about brown bread, whole grains, multigrain, etc, they had no idea what I was talking about. Eventually, I found out that his type of bread is called "integral", meaning the integral part of the bread. You won't find it by the way, outside of the breakfast in your hotel. Italians do not struggle with diabetes and obesity like we do so is white flour the real culprit? Now, sit down. Guess what. In the Tuscany region, many years ago, Pisa and Florence were at war. As a boycott, Pisa stopped sending Florence salt. So they had to make bread without salt. They got used to it and to uphold the tradition, very unfortunately, they still, to this day, use NO salt when baking bread. ALL the bread we ate for four days in Florence, Pisa and Tuscany - just flour, water and yeast. It truly was the most putrid thing I've eaten. So sad. Blend paper and water together, and it will be the same mouthful.
Coffee. This is not an easy one to convey. Forget everything you know and have come to understand about coffee and coffee culture in North America. Wipe it clean from your mind. Now, only introduce espresso machines in restaurants and coffee bars (more on that later) and stove top espresso percolators at home. A 'coffee' is a shot of espresso. Period. End of story. Traditionally, it is served with hot milk on the morning, either in the form of a latte or cappuccino. I asked for a latte in mid afternoon and was kindly educated. There are no coffee shops. There are coffee bars, where you stand, order your shot, drink it and leave. If you want to sit down at a table if the place has them, then you will be served by a waiter. I have never seen so many people eating and drinking while standing. I am a fan of milk in my coffee, so would ask for a cafe machiatto, which means a 'marked' coffee, or a drop of milk in your espresso shot. I must admit, I have come to appreciate this 'refined' coffee culture and will miss it.
Water. You would think this was simple. No. I always get pissed off when I come to Europe, because how caveman Canada still is about water. EVERYWHERE you go in Europe, even ghetto gas stations, have a choice of sparkling or regular water. In restaurants, same. In Canada, you have a choice of regular water, or pop. Very rarely, I'll spot a Perrier her at home, but I'm talking about regular Dasani water, but with gas in it. NO WAY JOSE. And another thing...it is illegal for restaurants to serve water from the tap in Italy. It must be bottled. And you must pay for it. No free water with your pasta. At my in-laws, I always wondered why they have bottled water on the super table all the time....oohhh, that's why!
Traffic: Nuts. Nuts. Nuts. Calling the vehicles in Rome 'cars' is too generous. They are ALL tiny, and there is a sea of them where ever you go. Either parked or moving and honking. The mopeds will run you down if you let them, that's if you can wiggle yourself out from between two parked cars when you cross the street.
The pee pee thing. Or Bidet, invented by the French. It's in every bathroom I saw, except for public washrooms. Hotels and our relatives had it everywhere. For the first time, I felt like a cave person. Scratching my head and grunting above a foreign object. I have seen them before but not in this abundance. I know what they're for, but refuse to go there. I don't know what's grosser....using one or not using one. There is even special soap! for them. When I told my cousin they don't exist in Canada, she asked how we wash 'down there'. Maybe we take more showers or something.
The best part of Rome, Tuscany, Isernia, Amalfi Coast, Florence? meeting Stef's family. And yes, we were asked about kids, with Stef's 90 year old grandmother rubbing my belly asking "niete?" So I said "Proviamo", or "we're trying". Speaking of which...stay tuned for news this summer on the transfer of our little one in Denver. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures using this link.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150283660431281.373872.750676280&l=5527aa23ee
Here is a preview:
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Twighlight Zone
So we took a seat next to a your sport looking couple playing cards in the Maple Leaf Loung - in Canadian airports, it's a glorious place with big chairs and free drinks, food and lattes, for everyone traveliveling first class or willing to pay the bucks to hang out there. We eventually struck up lively chit chat. When Stef mentioned he was a runner, the guy asked him if he read " Born To Run". Ummmmm....it's in Stef's carry on. I bought it for him when I went to Nederland when I was in Denver.....ummmmm....they are from Denver and are traveling to Prague.....ummmm....where I'm from. Did I mention they have identica twins? Just the cherry on the cake. I always thought I'd have twins.....sign? That was sooooo weird.
We then walked to our gate....the very same place we slept on the floor the first night on our honeymoon. Long story. We've come a long way since. Had enough points for first class and though I might be pregnant at this time from Calgary IVF when I booked the tickets. I don't mind at all, sipping my complimentary champagne in my pod. I think that's the least I deserve for not being 6 months pregnant like I was supposed to be. More room though.
We then walked to our gate....the very same place we slept on the floor the first night on our honeymoon. Long story. We've come a long way since. Had enough points for first class and though I might be pregnant at this time from Calgary IVF when I booked the tickets. I don't mind at all, sipping my complimentary champagne in my pod. I think that's the least I deserve for not being 6 months pregnant like I was supposed to be. More room though.
Bags and Vampires
They want more blood. Just when I think the tests are over, CCRM let's me know that communicables (like HIV test) is only valid for 6 months. Last one was in January. So yup. More blood.....and bad new for folks having long term care at CCRM..new policy...the blood has to be drawn THERE!!! Wow.
And how about packing for the last SEVEN hours. And that does not include agonizing over my clothes and shoes all week and doing laundry and ironing till midnight last night. I know you don't really feel sorry for me, seeing as I'll be in Rome in almost 24 hours, but right now, this week was crazy. Up at the crack of dawn everyday due to the sheer volume of work I needed to get done, trying to pack and work out in the evening. I am taking my packed-out ass to bed. Cab is here at 9am! Will blog from Rome!
And how about packing for the last SEVEN hours. And that does not include agonizing over my clothes and shoes all week and doing laundry and ironing till midnight last night. I know you don't really feel sorry for me, seeing as I'll be in Rome in almost 24 hours, but right now, this week was crazy. Up at the crack of dawn everyday due to the sheer volume of work I needed to get done, trying to pack and work out in the evening. I am taking my packed-out ass to bed. Cab is here at 9am! Will blog from Rome!
Monday, May 2, 2011
All roads lead to Rome
Well, mine do anyways. We are leaving for Rome on Saturday for three weeks. So sorry that I've been off line. I had to take my birds to my parents, 8 hours away for the Easter weekend and have since been making all the arrangements for an international trip, along with this being a busy time at work. I am looking forward to relaxing and eating. Exactly! what I need before going back to Denver again. I have been thinking about my shinning star every day and can't wait for my transfer. I will be sending little updates from Italy to let everyone know how our trip is going. Take care and chiao!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sibling Rivalry
Thank you for cheering our 'normal' little Diiorio!!
One more thing I never expected on this IVF train - the sibling detour. Goldie asked me a good question on my previous post that has been on my mind. Dr. M pointed out to me that I might want to consider doing one more cycle before the transfer of our little Diiorio in Denver, so as to ensure that there will be a sibling. Either now in the form of twins, or later as a frozen transfer. The idea is to create more embryos now with my 39-40 year old eggs, rather than later, with 41-42 year old eggs once this baby is 12 months or so. That would be a good plan, except:
1) we've waited two and a half years through trials and tribulations to get pregnant and don't want to wait anymore. Another cycle would take a few months to do it well.
2) we should see how we feel about having another child after this one comes, and if we're really ready for another one and it's meant to be, my eggs will cooperate
3) what if this one becomes identical twins? No need for a sibling!
4) if this one doesn't take, we'll have no choice but to cycle again so why not see what happens first
5) most importantly, we both feel like pausing this transfer for another cycle is a detour from what we really want to do.
6) Stef has lost all patience with this process (what? He didn't get a needle in the ass once!)
So that's the decision about our embryo bank....I did this post more for me than anyone...as I can't handle the fear of regret and needed to get the reasons down on paper. Or 'screen' I should say.
For my IVF gals who've had a FET
I have a choice of progesterone support. Suppositories or injection. Thoughts? I would do the once a day suppositories but heard the injections are more effective ?
One more thing I never expected on this IVF train - the sibling detour. Goldie asked me a good question on my previous post that has been on my mind. Dr. M pointed out to me that I might want to consider doing one more cycle before the transfer of our little Diiorio in Denver, so as to ensure that there will be a sibling. Either now in the form of twins, or later as a frozen transfer. The idea is to create more embryos now with my 39-40 year old eggs, rather than later, with 41-42 year old eggs once this baby is 12 months or so. That would be a good plan, except:
1) we've waited two and a half years through trials and tribulations to get pregnant and don't want to wait anymore. Another cycle would take a few months to do it well.
2) we should see how we feel about having another child after this one comes, and if we're really ready for another one and it's meant to be, my eggs will cooperate
3) what if this one becomes identical twins? No need for a sibling!
4) if this one doesn't take, we'll have no choice but to cycle again so why not see what happens first
5) most importantly, we both feel like pausing this transfer for another cycle is a detour from what we really want to do.
6) Stef has lost all patience with this process (what? He didn't get a needle in the ass once!)
So that's the decision about our embryo bank....I did this post more for me than anyone...as I can't handle the fear of regret and needed to get the reasons down on paper. Or 'screen' I should say.
For my IVF gals who've had a FET
I have a choice of progesterone support. Suppositories or injection. Thoughts? I would do the once a day suppositories but heard the injections are more effective ?
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