Friday, July 08, 2005
I Am So Blessed
I have to start by saying that this whole fertility thing is time consuming! It is like a full time job in itself. Between researching IVF clinics, researching endometriosis, doctors appointments, adoption agencies, paper work and more paper work - I don't know how I am ever going to go back to work!
Went to see Dr. Hirata (my fertility doctor) today. I just love her. She is so honest about absolutely everything. She reiterated the fact that the whole operating room almost passed out when they saw how much endo. was inside of me - she said they felt my pain which made me feel like I have not been a hypochondriac all these years..... We are going to go ahead and try another IUI in the next couple of weeks.
I kinda skipped over the whole IUI thing, however, I have had two failed IUI attempts in the last aprox. 6 months +/-.
Dr. Hirata confirmed that there is no doubt in her mind that my two miscarriages were linked to my endo. And finally, she reiterated the need for speed in moving forward ASAP with IVF treatments.
I told her about Dr. Surrey in Colorado and he happens to be a good friend of hers. She said if I can get into the study that it would be with the best of the best. That made me feel great. She only had one word of caution~~~~~
The whole study in CO is based upon the issue of Lupron. From what I understand they give you Lupron and Gonadatropins prior to IVF to get your eggs ready. This is a typical process. Dr. Hirata is worried that the study might entail Lupron only for several months prior to an IVF treatment. If this is the case, she said the study would not benefit me because it would be prolonging the time to IVF.
My first appointment with CO / Dr. Surrey is scheduled via telephone for August 4th. We will know more at that time. Dr. Hirata also talked to me about Kaisers IVF program and cost etc. They recently just got someone who used to be the head of UCSF IVF program. If I did IVF through Kaiser it would be a combo of Dr. Hirata and this new UCSF woman. Part of me feels very comfortable with that if CO does not work out - being with my doctor etc.
My final question to Dr. Hirata today was asking how likely she thought I was to have a biological child. Her response was "I think it will happen, I think it will only happen through IVF and I think you need to get on it right away." She also confirmed at some point I will have to have a hysterectomy.
So - in a nutshell that was my day. But back to my original thought of being so blessed. At so many points today I thought of various things I am thankful for. I would like to share with all - they are listed in no particular order:
Went to see Dr. Hirata (my fertility doctor) today. I just love her. She is so honest about absolutely everything. She reiterated the fact that the whole operating room almost passed out when they saw how much endo. was inside of me - she said they felt my pain which made me feel like I have not been a hypochondriac all these years..... We are going to go ahead and try another IUI in the next couple of weeks.
I kinda skipped over the whole IUI thing, however, I have had two failed IUI attempts in the last aprox. 6 months +/-.
Dr. Hirata confirmed that there is no doubt in her mind that my two miscarriages were linked to my endo. And finally, she reiterated the need for speed in moving forward ASAP with IVF treatments.
I told her about Dr. Surrey in Colorado and he happens to be a good friend of hers. She said if I can get into the study that it would be with the best of the best. That made me feel great. She only had one word of caution~~~~~
The whole study in CO is based upon the issue of Lupron. From what I understand they give you Lupron and Gonadatropins prior to IVF to get your eggs ready. This is a typical process. Dr. Hirata is worried that the study might entail Lupron only for several months prior to an IVF treatment. If this is the case, she said the study would not benefit me because it would be prolonging the time to IVF.
My first appointment with CO / Dr. Surrey is scheduled via telephone for August 4th. We will know more at that time. Dr. Hirata also talked to me about Kaisers IVF program and cost etc. They recently just got someone who used to be the head of UCSF IVF program. If I did IVF through Kaiser it would be a combo of Dr. Hirata and this new UCSF woman. Part of me feels very comfortable with that if CO does not work out - being with my doctor etc.
My final question to Dr. Hirata today was asking how likely she thought I was to have a biological child. Her response was "I think it will happen, I think it will only happen through IVF and I think you need to get on it right away." She also confirmed at some point I will have to have a hysterectomy.
So - in a nutshell that was my day. But back to my original thought of being so blessed. At so many points today I thought of various things I am thankful for. I would like to share with all - they are listed in no particular order:
- I am thankful for my husband - anyone else would have left me by now!! j/k
- I am thankful for my wonderful family - I don't think there is any family out there quite like us!
- I am thankful for my dear sister Colleen, that we have found friendship in our adulthood, and her significant other Chris Wagner who keeps her grounded.
- I am thankful for my faith and the wonderful group of women in my life who help me grow and support my spirit on a daily basis.
- I am thankful for technology, researchers, doctors and scientists who have allowed me the option of IUI & IVF.
- I am thankful for all my wonderful friends and all of their wonderful babies (and babies on the way.) This helps me get through my day tremendously!
- I am thankful for my job at a wonderful company and the privilege to be led daily by such a great person.
- Finally, I am thankful for my health. I have endometriosis which is not life ending. I can make it through this.
Once in a while I need to sit down and remember all the great things in my world and everything I have to be thankful for. This is the abbreviated version, however, these are the most impactful items in my life right now.
