I was back from my biz trip last Thur night 9+pm and I was really exhausted!
The 4 days there were really intensive working and basically, only get to eat proper breakfast in hotel and dinner (group organised dinner).
Lunch was packed sandwich/ salad eating in the office.
I didnt sleep well in the hotel since I've problem in getting used to new bed in new environment.
Yesterday I was down with flu, sore throat, cough all attacked me.
I could've caught the flu bug during the biz trip.
So I popped in 2000mg of vit C to build up my body resistance to fight the virus attacking my immune system ..........
Today I'm feeling better and I think I should be able to get well either tomorrow or day after .........
maybe I should take sick leave tomorrow to let my body fully recuperate ........ let's see how it goes tomorrow, I may go to work instead ...........
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Back from Ipoh!
There was a change of plan, instead of departing for Ipoh from SG on Fri 28 May, RY decided to leave on 27 May Thur evening in view of the shorter working day (office close early at 4pm for the "eat-with-family" campaign).
So RY picked me up from wrok at 4pm to go home to pack up and finally set-off at 5pm to MY.
It was a very adventurous drive since the night traffic was really busy and all the night riders were driving really fast and ones need to be fast in order to keep up with the traffic.
I dont think I'll ever have the courage to drive alone on the Malaysia hi-way at night, it's really no joke, eveyone is moving really really fast ..........
Both SG and MY customs were very smooth and we managed to reach Ipoh at 11.30pm.
We didnt starve, we had our fast food dinner at the toilet stop after Malacca.
This morning 7am, we set off from Ipoh and back in SG at 1pm and we were glad that there wasnt any queue at the customs.
I dont think we'll try night driving to Ipoh again (KL is ok since its shorter distance and we've done it couple of times) since it's really very tiring .........
But not sure what RY thinks ...........
So RY picked me up from wrok at 4pm to go home to pack up and finally set-off at 5pm to MY.
It was a very adventurous drive since the night traffic was really busy and all the night riders were driving really fast and ones need to be fast in order to keep up with the traffic.
I dont think I'll ever have the courage to drive alone on the Malaysia hi-way at night, it's really no joke, eveyone is moving really really fast ..........
Both SG and MY customs were very smooth and we managed to reach Ipoh at 11.30pm.
We didnt starve, we had our fast food dinner at the toilet stop after Malacca.
This morning 7am, we set off from Ipoh and back in SG at 1pm and we were glad that there wasnt any queue at the customs.
I dont think we'll try night driving to Ipoh again (KL is ok since its shorter distance and we've done it couple of times) since it's really very tiring .........
But not sure what RY thinks ...........
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Vesak Day to Ipoh
This Fri 28 May is Vesak Day and it's a public holiday in SG, since its long weekend RY has suggested to drive back to Ipoh.
I think it's kinda crazy to drive such long hours to go back Ipoh and spend just 3 days there, but I know I should respect RY since he wants to go back home to see his parents ........ he's ultimately somebody's son, so I should let the parents see their son too ......
Initially we planned to meet up the parents in KL but last min, the parents cant make it, so RY change his plan to go to Ipoh instead.
You may ask, why dont you extend our stay in Ipoh?
It's becos' I've a flight to catch on the following Monday to go on a biz trip for a week.
I'm actually not very keen to do any biz trip and that's the reason why I switched to this current job to minimise travelling.
Sometime I asked myself, was it a mistake that I took up a travel intensive job years ago which may have somehow delayed my family planning??
I've no answer for that since it was the "best" decision at that point in time as I was enjoy doing it ........
It's also no point crying over spilt milk now.
Well, I look forward to Ipoh trip for the yummy food as well as my cheap hair cut (I get my hair done in a proper salon for RM25 by qualified hair stylist).
I think it's kinda crazy to drive such long hours to go back Ipoh and spend just 3 days there, but I know I should respect RY since he wants to go back home to see his parents ........ he's ultimately somebody's son, so I should let the parents see their son too ......
Initially we planned to meet up the parents in KL but last min, the parents cant make it, so RY change his plan to go to Ipoh instead.
You may ask, why dont you extend our stay in Ipoh?
It's becos' I've a flight to catch on the following Monday to go on a biz trip for a week.
I'm actually not very keen to do any biz trip and that's the reason why I switched to this current job to minimise travelling.
Sometime I asked myself, was it a mistake that I took up a travel intensive job years ago which may have somehow delayed my family planning??
I've no answer for that since it was the "best" decision at that point in time as I was enjoy doing it ........
It's also no point crying over spilt milk now.
Well, I look forward to Ipoh trip for the yummy food as well as my cheap hair cut (I get my hair done in a proper salon for RM25 by qualified hair stylist).
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
I'm doing well and am feeling fine!
I've decided to throw away the old pessimistic me and embrace a more Positive Me!
"I'm doing well and am feeling fine and is on my way to welcome my precious BABY!"
Yes, this is what I've been repeating to myself for the last 2 days!
I wont let other people rule my feeling by giving me negative input as they dont understand myself better then me.
The doctors or nurses comments shall not defeat my spirit!
I've assured my ovaries that they've done a good job by producing good eggs during the last 2 IVF which resulted in 3 BFP and short pregnancy which range from 8 to 10 weeks.
My body need to rest and has signaled to me that they need some time to recuperate before they go into serious business to help me conceive and carry my baby to full term .......... I think this was the reason why the last IVF cycle failed.
I'm sure "they" wont disappoint me.
I just gotta be patient and dont stress my body parts and organs ......... just give them some ample rest and they've be back into action again ........
Do you think I sound silly to come out with the above thoughts/ reasoning?
"I'm doing well and am feeling fine and is on my way to welcome my precious BABY!"
Yes, this is what I've been repeating to myself for the last 2 days!
I wont let other people rule my feeling by giving me negative input as they dont understand myself better then me.
The doctors or nurses comments shall not defeat my spirit!
I've assured my ovaries that they've done a good job by producing good eggs during the last 2 IVF which resulted in 3 BFP and short pregnancy which range from 8 to 10 weeks.
My body need to rest and has signaled to me that they need some time to recuperate before they go into serious business to help me conceive and carry my baby to full term .......... I think this was the reason why the last IVF cycle failed.
I'm sure "they" wont disappoint me.
I just gotta be patient and dont stress my body parts and organs ......... just give them some ample rest and they've be back into action again ........
Do you think I sound silly to come out with the above thoughts/ reasoning?
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Mens came on CD26 20 May
I'm pretty glad that my mens came naturally on CD26 which is last Thurs 20 May.
Well I didnt go to KKH to do CD2/ CD3 FSH & E2 blood test as I was thinking the reading may not be accurate since the GF residual could still be inside my body system, so no point waste my time & money to do the test.
I'll wait till either Jun or July then proceed to the test.
Well I didnt go to KKH to do CD2/ CD3 FSH & E2 blood test as I was thinking the reading may not be accurate since the GF residual could still be inside my body system, so no point waste my time & money to do the test.
I'll wait till either Jun or July then proceed to the test.
Weekend at Downtown East Chalet
My sis had rented chalet at the Downtown East in Pasir Ris and had invited everybody during the weekend.
I was there yesterday at the chalet and was rather surprised to see my niece - Slyn 13 years old brought her boyfriend along.
I remembered vividly that Slyn was a very adorable, beautiful and active baby 12 twelve years ago ......... it was a joy playing with her when she was an infant and todler.
She's a really beautiful girl and time really flies fast, now she has a boyfriend who is 3 years older then her from the same school.
My sis wasnt very pleased with Slyn having a relationship at such a young age but she has promised that they'll both remain as very good friend and wont do anything which will worry the parents.
We think this puppy love wouldn't last too long since soon the boy will go to junior college or poly to further his study.
Soon Slyn may experience the pain of ending a relationship but this is part of growing up........
I also took all the kids to the beach for a stroll and it was really nice to see children running around in the park and playing games.
I'll remember the image of the kids playing and play it in my mind again and again to create the positive thoughts/ energy to help me conceive a child ..........
I look forward to the day of bringing my own kids to the park for a fun outing ...........
I was there yesterday at the chalet and was rather surprised to see my niece - Slyn 13 years old brought her boyfriend along.
I remembered vividly that Slyn was a very adorable, beautiful and active baby 12 twelve years ago ......... it was a joy playing with her when she was an infant and todler.
She's a really beautiful girl and time really flies fast, now she has a boyfriend who is 3 years older then her from the same school.
My sis wasnt very pleased with Slyn having a relationship at such a young age but she has promised that they'll both remain as very good friend and wont do anything which will worry the parents.
We think this puppy love wouldn't last too long since soon the boy will go to junior college or poly to further his study.
Soon Slyn may experience the pain of ending a relationship but this is part of growing up........
I also took all the kids to the beach for a stroll and it was really nice to see children running around in the park and playing games.
I'll remember the image of the kids playing and play it in my mind again and again to create the positive thoughts/ energy to help me conceive a child ..........
I look forward to the day of bringing my own kids to the park for a fun outing ...........
Inconceivable by Julia Indichova
I chanced upon this book by Julia Indichova - Inconceivable : A Woman's Triumph over Despair and Statistics
http://www.enotalone.com/article/4496.html
http://fertileheart.com/
I'm sure quite a no. of ladies in the fertility quest has already read it.
I'm half way thru the book and is really glad that someone actually proves the doctor & the statistics wrong - high FSH can still get preggy and delivery healthy baby with no artificial interferences.
There're a few things she listed in her book which I think it's good to practise, for instance - regular exercise (yoga, skipping rope), healthy diet, wheat grass supplements, meditation, instilling positive thoughts in our minds and then channel into positive energy in our body ........
She also taught us to listen to our own body and be patient and not to put it into a race ........
After reading her book, it makes me feel that I shouldn't lose hope.
We need to stay as positive as possible to let our body do the healing!
http://www.enotalone.com/article/4496.html
http://fertileheart.com/
I'm sure quite a no. of ladies in the fertility quest has already read it.
I'm half way thru the book and is really glad that someone actually proves the doctor & the statistics wrong - high FSH can still get preggy and delivery healthy baby with no artificial interferences.
There're a few things she listed in her book which I think it's good to practise, for instance - regular exercise (yoga, skipping rope), healthy diet, wheat grass supplements, meditation, instilling positive thoughts in our minds and then channel into positive energy in our body ........
She also taught us to listen to our own body and be patient and not to put it into a race ........
After reading her book, it makes me feel that I shouldn't lose hope.
We need to stay as positive as possible to let our body do the healing!
Sunday, May 16, 2010
FSH got Worst!
Its really bad news that my Apr FSH reading has gone up to 26!
Yes, its 26 and there's not typo error.
This reading means I wont be able to proceed to IVF short protocol.
Doc asked me to repeat the test this coming cycle to check if it's still as high.
If the reading is still high, I'll need to go for donor's egg or adoption .........
I dont think I'll repeat the FSH test so soon, I'll instead take a break before I go for the test as I dont wanna stress myself up.
Doc told me to try naturally ourselve and he was rather nice, he told me that there're ladies who got FSH 200 and yet got preg naturally ........
I replied that him that I'll buy "TOTO" (lottery ticket) at the same time to see which strike first.
He said, maybe I strike both.
We all know that the chances of getting preg naturally is very very low, the probability is so slim that its equivalent to wininng of lottery.
He just being nice and polite to instill some hope in me which I appreciate since he's known as a doc of few words.
Life still goes on, I think I'll plan for a holiday to US - San Francisco this July.
Yes, its 26 and there's not typo error.
This reading means I wont be able to proceed to IVF short protocol.
Doc asked me to repeat the test this coming cycle to check if it's still as high.
If the reading is still high, I'll need to go for donor's egg or adoption .........
I dont think I'll repeat the FSH test so soon, I'll instead take a break before I go for the test as I dont wanna stress myself up.
Doc told me to try naturally ourselve and he was rather nice, he told me that there're ladies who got FSH 200 and yet got preg naturally ........
I replied that him that I'll buy "TOTO" (lottery ticket) at the same time to see which strike first.
He said, maybe I strike both.
We all know that the chances of getting preg naturally is very very low, the probability is so slim that its equivalent to wininng of lottery.
He just being nice and polite to instill some hope in me which I appreciate since he's known as a doc of few words.
Life still goes on, I think I'll plan for a holiday to US - San Francisco this July.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Property Craze in SG
SG property market has been booming and seem to continue to do very well as the property prices keep increasing.
The property developer keep launching new projects one after another.
We think they're tyring to launch as much as they can while the economy is doing well so that they can fetch really good price.
However, RY and myself are rather skeptical since we dont believe SG being such a small country can sustain this kind of growth long (just bearly few months receovery from the financial crisi) .........
In view of the current Europe crisis, not sure if Asia will be implicated.
So we've decided not to committ in any new property purchase now, instead we'll wait for the low season then get another property.
Anyway, we're not in a hurry to buy any yet, so we can wait .........
The property developer keep launching new projects one after another.
We think they're tyring to launch as much as they can while the economy is doing well so that they can fetch really good price.
However, RY and myself are rather skeptical since we dont believe SG being such a small country can sustain this kind of growth long (just bearly few months receovery from the financial crisi) .........
In view of the current Europe crisis, not sure if Asia will be implicated.
So we've decided not to committ in any new property purchase now, instead we'll wait for the low season then get another property.
Anyway, we're not in a hurry to buy any yet, so we can wait .........
Monday, May 10, 2010
What is the "normal" Ovary Size?
I've done some research on the normal ovary size for different age group.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WG6-45F4NJG-7D&_user=10&_coverDate=06%2F30%2F2000&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1329560796&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=8972ce6cded5761cf21e490ca0d2b09d
Abstract
Objective. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship of ovarian volume to age, height, and weight in women undergoing transvaginal sonography.
Methods. Thirteen thousand nine hundred sixty-three women 25–91 years of age undergoing annual transvaginal sonography as part of the University of Kentucky Ovarian Cancer Screening Program were the subjects for this investigation. Each ovary was measured in three dimensions, and ovarian volume was calculated using the prolate ellipsoid formula (L × H × W × 0.523). Mean ovarian volume according to age was calculated for each decade of life.
Results. Data were obtained from 58,673 observations of ovarian volume. Mean ovarian volume was 6.6 ± 0.19 cm3 in women less than 30 years of age; 6.1 ± 0.06 cm3 in women 30–39; 4.8 ± 0.03 cm3 in women 40–49; 2.6 ± 0.01 cm3 in women 50–59; 2.1 ± 0.01 cm3 in women 60–69; and 1.8 ± 0.08 cm3 in women ≥70. Mean ovarian volume was 4.9 ± 0.03 cm3 in premenopausal women and 2.2 ± 0.01 cm3 in postmenopausal women (P < 0.001). The use of exogenous estrogens was associated with a significant reduction in ovarian volume in women 40–59 years of age, but not in women ≥ 60. Ovarian volume was unrelated to patient weight but was greater in tall women (>68 in.) than in short women (<58 in.).
Conclusion. There is a statistically significant decrease in ovarian volume with each decade of life from age 30 to age 70. Mean ovarian volume in premenopausal women is significantly greater than that in postmenopausal women. The upper limit of normal for ovarian volume is 20 cm3 in premenopausal women and 10 cm3 in postmenopausal women.
Are you within the range as mentioned in the study above?
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6WG6-45F4NJG-7D&_user=10&_coverDate=06%2F30%2F2000&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_searchStrId=1329560796&_rerunOrigin=google&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=8972ce6cded5761cf21e490ca0d2b09d
Abstract
Objective. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship of ovarian volume to age, height, and weight in women undergoing transvaginal sonography.
Methods. Thirteen thousand nine hundred sixty-three women 25–91 years of age undergoing annual transvaginal sonography as part of the University of Kentucky Ovarian Cancer Screening Program were the subjects for this investigation. Each ovary was measured in three dimensions, and ovarian volume was calculated using the prolate ellipsoid formula (L × H × W × 0.523). Mean ovarian volume according to age was calculated for each decade of life.
Results. Data were obtained from 58,673 observations of ovarian volume. Mean ovarian volume was 6.6 ± 0.19 cm3 in women less than 30 years of age; 6.1 ± 0.06 cm3 in women 30–39; 4.8 ± 0.03 cm3 in women 40–49; 2.6 ± 0.01 cm3 in women 50–59; 2.1 ± 0.01 cm3 in women 60–69; and 1.8 ± 0.08 cm3 in women ≥70. Mean ovarian volume was 4.9 ± 0.03 cm3 in premenopausal women and 2.2 ± 0.01 cm3 in postmenopausal women (P < 0.001). The use of exogenous estrogens was associated with a significant reduction in ovarian volume in women 40–59 years of age, but not in women ≥ 60. Ovarian volume was unrelated to patient weight but was greater in tall women (>68 in.) than in short women (<58 in.).
Conclusion. There is a statistically significant decrease in ovarian volume with each decade of life from age 30 to age 70. Mean ovarian volume in premenopausal women is significantly greater than that in postmenopausal women. The upper limit of normal for ovarian volume is 20 cm3 in premenopausal women and 10 cm3 in postmenopausal women.
Are you within the range as mentioned in the study above?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Chinese Celebrity in her 40s is Preggy!
It's nice to know that Carina Lau (44) is 3 mths preggy after multiple tries in IVF!
http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4073449
Gigi Lai, in her late 30s, also got preggy with the help of the same fertility specialist as Carina's.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1042207/1/.html
These celebrities are so rich that they wont blink their eyes for paying expensive fees to consult the best fertility doc to have their own baby ........
Carina is said to be on long break from work .........
For us, ordinary people, who has limited resources ($$$), we can only go for affordable treatment & limited cycles and still need to work while doing the fertility treatment, as well as during the pregnancy..........
Update on 25 May 2010:
The latest gossip revealed that Carina is not pregnant after all .........
http://www.divaasia.com/article/9183
http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4073449
Gigi Lai, in her late 30s, also got preggy with the help of the same fertility specialist as Carina's.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1042207/1/.html
These celebrities are so rich that they wont blink their eyes for paying expensive fees to consult the best fertility doc to have their own baby ........
Carina is said to be on long break from work .........
For us, ordinary people, who has limited resources ($$$), we can only go for affordable treatment & limited cycles and still need to work while doing the fertility treatment, as well as during the pregnancy..........
Update on 25 May 2010:
The latest gossip revealed that Carina is not pregnant after all .........
http://www.divaasia.com/article/9183
Friday, May 7, 2010
Another Colleague is Preggy
Today I get to know that another colleague of mine is 4 mths preggy and her baby will be due in Nov'10.
She has requested to go on 2 months unpaid leave in Sept/ Oct to get ready for her baby's arrival ...........
I'm happy for her but at the same time feeling kinda of jealous and sad for myself since I still have no baby ......... if not for the 3 m/c, I'd be a mother or 3 babies ...........
God, pls help me to get over my sadness & jealousy.
Pls answer to my prayer to let me get preggy and have my bundle of joy soon ..........
She has requested to go on 2 months unpaid leave in Sept/ Oct to get ready for her baby's arrival ...........
I'm happy for her but at the same time feeling kinda of jealous and sad for myself since I still have no baby ......... if not for the 3 m/c, I'd be a mother or 3 babies ...........
God, pls help me to get over my sadness & jealousy.
Pls answer to my prayer to let me get preggy and have my bundle of joy soon ..........
Happy Mother's Day 2010!
Today we celebrated Mother's Day in advance since we want to avoid the huge Sunday crowds.
The whole family (6 adults + 2 kids - Mum, RY & myself, brother, sis brought kids along) had dinner at this Chinese restaurant called Brilliant Garden @ The Cheverons in Jurong East.
http://www.gimtim.com.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64&Itemid=72
They served ala cart buffet at SGD22.80++ per pax during weekday and $25.80++ for weekends.
Everybody enjoyed our meals since the quality and portions are good.
I think its value for money.
We'll consider going back again!
How I wish next year I can only upgrade to status "Mum" and get to celebrate this special occassion with my mum as a mum myself ........
The whole family (6 adults + 2 kids - Mum, RY & myself, brother, sis brought kids along) had dinner at this Chinese restaurant called Brilliant Garden @ The Cheverons in Jurong East.
http://www.gimtim.com.sg/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64&Itemid=72
They served ala cart buffet at SGD22.80++ per pax during weekday and $25.80++ for weekends.
Everybody enjoyed our meals since the quality and portions are good.
I think its value for money.
We'll consider going back again!
How I wish next year I can only upgrade to status "Mum" and get to celebrate this special occassion with my mum as a mum myself ........
Sunday, May 2, 2010
What've I been doing for the past few weeks?
I've been busy reading up about diminishing egg reserve and ways/ means to improve the egg quality.
After reading from the various sources, I realised that there's no way the increase the egg quantity since we're borned with a pre-determined qty of follicles but we're able to improve the egg quality and it would be to load up more protein & anti-oxidant health supplement.
Protein to aide in the egg growth and the anti-oxidant is to delay aging so that the body is able to produce the fertility related hormones .........
I'll try to take whey protein, DHEA, COQ10, grape seed extracts, multi-vit, Alpha Lipoic Acid etc prior to my next IVF cycle .......
After reading from the various sources, I realised that there's no way the increase the egg quantity since we're borned with a pre-determined qty of follicles but we're able to improve the egg quality and it would be to load up more protein & anti-oxidant health supplement.
Protein to aide in the egg growth and the anti-oxidant is to delay aging so that the body is able to produce the fertility related hormones .........
I'll try to take whey protein, DHEA, COQ10, grape seed extracts, multi-vit, Alpha Lipoic Acid etc prior to my next IVF cycle .......
AF came after 44 days
Last Sunday 24 April, my AF finally came on CD45 ........
The week the AF came, I was extremely tired and sleepy.
Despite having 7 hrs of sleep, I'll still wake up feeling tired as if I've not been sleeping the night before.
Last Sun, went to TCM and she explained that this was due to the residual effect of the high Gonal-F which I jabbed for 12 days in March.
She prescribed a very bitter medication for 5 days consumption to help to expel the Gonal-F residual.
For the 1st 2 days the AF flow was pretty heavy but on the 3rd it was pretty ligh but I was told to complete the medication.
On CD3 (Tue 26 Apr) I went to KKH to have by blood test to check on E2, FSH & AMH.
The clinic also did scanning on my follicle count and they informed that the AMH result will only be availble in about 2/ 3 weeks time.
The week the AF came, I was extremely tired and sleepy.
Despite having 7 hrs of sleep, I'll still wake up feeling tired as if I've not been sleeping the night before.
Last Sun, went to TCM and she explained that this was due to the residual effect of the high Gonal-F which I jabbed for 12 days in March.
She prescribed a very bitter medication for 5 days consumption to help to expel the Gonal-F residual.
For the 1st 2 days the AF flow was pretty heavy but on the 3rd it was pretty ligh but I was told to complete the medication.
On CD3 (Tue 26 Apr) I went to KKH to have by blood test to check on E2, FSH & AMH.
The clinic also did scanning on my follicle count and they informed that the AMH result will only be availble in about 2/ 3 weeks time.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Walk out from the depression ........
It has been about 2 weeks since I last logged in.......
I've been trying to tell myself that this IVF cycle cancellation may not be a bad thing since God may have worked it out this way as it may not be the right time to have baby or my body is not ready for the invasive ER procedure yet ...........
Maybe God has planed for me to have my baby in a better timing and when my body is in a better condition to conceive ...........
So I wont give up in my quest to have my own baby!
I look forward to my AF to come, then I'll do the blood test to check on my FSH, E2 & AMH so that Dr Loh can help me customise a protocol for me which can yield better result.
I've been trying to tell myself that this IVF cycle cancellation may not be a bad thing since God may have worked it out this way as it may not be the right time to have baby or my body is not ready for the invasive ER procedure yet ...........
Maybe God has planed for me to have my baby in a better timing and when my body is in a better condition to conceive ...........
So I wont give up in my quest to have my own baby!
I look forward to my AF to come, then I'll do the blood test to check on my FSH, E2 & AMH so that Dr Loh can help me customise a protocol for me which can yield better result.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Interesting Fertility Blog to Share
This is a very good blog to follow.
http://shrinkingfibroids.blogspot.com/
The author has tried out many means to improve her fertility odds and has also done alot of useful research.
http://shrinkingfibroids.blogspot.com/
The author has tried out many means to improve her fertility odds and has also done alot of useful research.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Ovarian Reserve Testing (ORT)
On Tuesday when I went to do a follow-up scan, it was sort of expected that the follicles didnt grow at all.
Dr Loh explained to me that the blood test reviewed that I didnt have indication of good growth hormones and unlikely that the eggs will get stimulated any further.
So he's suggesting that I go for AMH testing to help determine my egg reserve & FSH test before he planned my next cycle treatment.
So when my next mens come, on CD2 or 3, I need to go to KKH to do the above blood test.
Dr predicted that my next mens will be late since it's I unlike I'll be ovulating in this cycle, so mens should only come in a month's time.
After my blood test result then I'll see him again to discuss about my next cycle treatment.
He thinks that the next one should be a short protocol where I wont be given any BCP nor Lucrin to suppress my natural hormones.
On D2 of the mens, I should be given stimulant drug for about 12 to 14 days to stimulate the follicles and he think I should be able about 1 or 2 eggs.
I'm rather confused with why I'm being classified as DOR (Diminishing Ovarian Reserve) since my most recent FSH showed 2 and E2 was in satisfactory level.
I've done some research on the DOR & ORT and think that this link is rather easy to understand.
http://www.advancedfertility.com/day3fsh.htm
I looked forward to a successful short protocol cycle.
I'm still hopeful to use my own eggs to produce my babies ...........
Dr Loh explained to me that the blood test reviewed that I didnt have indication of good growth hormones and unlikely that the eggs will get stimulated any further.
So he's suggesting that I go for AMH testing to help determine my egg reserve & FSH test before he planned my next cycle treatment.
So when my next mens come, on CD2 or 3, I need to go to KKH to do the above blood test.
Dr predicted that my next mens will be late since it's I unlike I'll be ovulating in this cycle, so mens should only come in a month's time.
After my blood test result then I'll see him again to discuss about my next cycle treatment.
He thinks that the next one should be a short protocol where I wont be given any BCP nor Lucrin to suppress my natural hormones.
On D2 of the mens, I should be given stimulant drug for about 12 to 14 days to stimulate the follicles and he think I should be able about 1 or 2 eggs.
I'm rather confused with why I'm being classified as DOR (Diminishing Ovarian Reserve) since my most recent FSH showed 2 and E2 was in satisfactory level.
I've done some research on the DOR & ORT and think that this link is rather easy to understand.
http://www.advancedfertility.com/day3fsh.htm
I looked forward to a successful short protocol cycle.
I'm still hopeful to use my own eggs to produce my babies ...........
Monday, March 29, 2010
Depressed!
I'm very disappointed that despite the regular exercise, TCM, health supplement, egg diet etc, I still didnt respond well in this cycle.
Last Fri scan revealed that I only have 3 follicles which are about "4" which is considered poor for 7 day stimulation.
So I was told to continue with the GF jabs and back on Monday (D11 of GF) to check the progress.
The doc said that if there's no good progress, this cycle will be cancelled.
This morning, I went for the scan and was told the follicles are now about "5" since usually at about day 11, the size should be about "12"....... so this cycle should be cancelled.
I was given another GF jab and told to go back tomorrow to check the scanning again.
I also did AMH blood test to check on the ovarian reserve and if the result showed that my reserve is diminishing, then I should not consider doing IVF and instead to use donors egg ..........
This is very depressing since I've done my best to make this cycle viable and success .......
What have I done wrong?
Deep inside I know that this cycle will be cancelled but am still hoping for miracle ...........
The intial stages have been rather smooth and it's really a shock now that I cant proceed further.
I really want to have baby with RY and is very very curious how our baby will look like with both our genes combination.
Frankly speaking, I've quite a nice features and was a beauty peagent participants back in University days.
Till today, I still managed to maintain my slim figures and stay groomed .........
RY is also rather good looking and is slim and fit too ........
TTC is very tough and IVF is really daunting.
The whole baby making experience has make me a very unhappy person .......
I'll need some time to grieve over this depressing result so dont think will update this blog too soon .........
Last Fri scan revealed that I only have 3 follicles which are about "4" which is considered poor for 7 day stimulation.
So I was told to continue with the GF jabs and back on Monday (D11 of GF) to check the progress.
The doc said that if there's no good progress, this cycle will be cancelled.
This morning, I went for the scan and was told the follicles are now about "5" since usually at about day 11, the size should be about "12"....... so this cycle should be cancelled.
I was given another GF jab and told to go back tomorrow to check the scanning again.
I also did AMH blood test to check on the ovarian reserve and if the result showed that my reserve is diminishing, then I should not consider doing IVF and instead to use donors egg ..........
This is very depressing since I've done my best to make this cycle viable and success .......
What have I done wrong?
Deep inside I know that this cycle will be cancelled but am still hoping for miracle ...........
The intial stages have been rather smooth and it's really a shock now that I cant proceed further.
I really want to have baby with RY and is very very curious how our baby will look like with both our genes combination.
Frankly speaking, I've quite a nice features and was a beauty peagent participants back in University days.
Till today, I still managed to maintain my slim figures and stay groomed .........
RY is also rather good looking and is slim and fit too ........
TTC is very tough and IVF is really daunting.
The whole baby making experience has make me a very unhappy person .......
I'll need some time to grieve over this depressing result so dont think will update this blog too soon .........
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Tomorrow D8 of GF Jab & Scanning in KKH
Tomorrow being D8 of the stimulation jab, I need to go to KKH for the scan and at the same time let them use the balance GF vial to jab me ..........
I just came back from TCM and she told me to call her tomorrow after my scanning result.
After my scanning, I'll go to airport to catch my flight to Ipoh .........
So I'll need to bring all the jabs (GF & Lucrin with me to the hopsital to bring to the airport.
I hope the stimulation is effective and look forward to good result.
I just came back from TCM and she told me to call her tomorrow after my scanning result.
After my scanning, I'll go to airport to catch my flight to Ipoh .........
So I'll need to bring all the jabs (GF & Lucrin with me to the hopsital to bring to the airport.
I hope the stimulation is effective and look forward to good result.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Mood Swing
I'm very very very very tired!
The high GF dosage is making me extremely tired and sleepy ........... so I sleep at about 10pm or earlier now .......... (after this post, I shall zzzzzzzz)
I also realised that when I'm upset, I lost my cool and flare it out loud and fierce!
I dont like what I'm now since I seem to turn into a ugly green monster.
I'll try to control my temper and not to scare people around me.
The high GF dosage is making me extremely tired and sleepy ........... so I sleep at about 10pm or earlier now .......... (after this post, I shall zzzzzzzz)
I also realised that when I'm upset, I lost my cool and flare it out loud and fierce!
I dont like what I'm now since I seem to turn into a ugly green monster.
I'll try to control my temper and not to scare people around me.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Stressed Up over IVF and am having Gastric Pain ...........
Altho I keep telling myself to be calm and relax in this IVF cycle, I know subconsciously I'm very stressed up since there're so many uncertainty during the process - worry about missing the dosage of jabs, afriad of jabbing the wrong dosage, afraid that I may misplace GF & Lucrin as they need to be refrigerated, worry about the stimulation result, not sure if the body is responding well etc ...........
Since yesterday, I've been having discomfort in the gastric and I know I'm having the gastritis attack due to stress or diet ..........
Is it because of my egg white diet which give me this problem?
Maybe tomorrow I should try to eat some bread prior to the egg whites as I've been taking the egg in empty stomach .........
I hope I can stay calm and sleep well and take this as a pinch of salt ......
Since yesterday, I've been having discomfort in the gastric and I know I'm having the gastritis attack due to stress or diet ..........
Is it because of my egg white diet which give me this problem?
Maybe tomorrow I should try to eat some bread prior to the egg whites as I've been taking the egg in empty stomach .........
I hope I can stay calm and sleep well and take this as a pinch of salt ......
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Qing Ming Festival 2010
The Qingming Festival (simplified Chinese: 清明节) Clear Bright Festival, Ancestors Day or Tomb Sweeping Day is a traditional Chinese festival on the 104th day after the winter solstice (or the 15th day from the Spring Equinox), usually occurring around April 5 of the Gregorian calendar (see Chinese calendar).
The Qingming festival falls on the first day of the fifth solar term, named Qingming. Its name denotes a time for people to go outside and enjoy the greenery of springtime (踏青 Tàqīng, "treading on the greenery") and tend to the graves of departed ones.
Qingming has been regularly observed as a statutory public holiday in Taiwan and in the Chinese jurisdictions of Hong Kong and Macau. Its observance was reinstated as a public holiday in mainland China in 2008, after having been previously suppressed by the ruling Communist Party in 1949.
But unfortunately, its not a holiday in SG so we've to either do the "tomb sweeping" during weekends or take annual leave from from work.
Its strange but somehow before/ during the Qingming festival, the weather would be rather wet and it has been raining heavily in SG for the past few days.
In SG to avoid the hugh crowd, we'll usually go before the actual or after the actual day but it has to be within the same month in the Chinese Calendar.
Yesterday morning, we've gone to pay respect to our late grandparents whose tables are housed in Ju Shi Lin temple near to River Valley.
This coming Fri, we're going back to Ipoh so that we can join his dad to go to Tapah this Sunday for the "ancestor tomb sweeping".
We've booked the Firefly air-ticket to depart this Fri and return on Sun; and the air-tix cost us RM1,530 for 2 paxs.
It's very expensive for such a short trip but we think this is a better choice since I'm currently under fertility treatment and should not be stressed up.
No doubt driving is cheaper alternative but I may be stressed up due to the long drive, custom jam and worried that RY may fall asleep during the long drive ..........
We've to pay such a high air fare as Firefly (subsi of Malaysia Air) is the only airline that flies from SG to Ipoh and there's no domestic flight from KL to Ipoh ...........
The Qingming festival falls on the first day of the fifth solar term, named Qingming. Its name denotes a time for people to go outside and enjoy the greenery of springtime (踏青 Tàqīng, "treading on the greenery") and tend to the graves of departed ones.
Qingming has been regularly observed as a statutory public holiday in Taiwan and in the Chinese jurisdictions of Hong Kong and Macau. Its observance was reinstated as a public holiday in mainland China in 2008, after having been previously suppressed by the ruling Communist Party in 1949.
But unfortunately, its not a holiday in SG so we've to either do the "tomb sweeping" during weekends or take annual leave from from work.
Its strange but somehow before/ during the Qingming festival, the weather would be rather wet and it has been raining heavily in SG for the past few days.
In SG to avoid the hugh crowd, we'll usually go before the actual or after the actual day but it has to be within the same month in the Chinese Calendar.
Yesterday morning, we've gone to pay respect to our late grandparents whose tables are housed in Ju Shi Lin temple near to River Valley.
This coming Fri, we're going back to Ipoh so that we can join his dad to go to Tapah this Sunday for the "ancestor tomb sweeping".
We've booked the Firefly air-ticket to depart this Fri and return on Sun; and the air-tix cost us RM1,530 for 2 paxs.
It's very expensive for such a short trip but we think this is a better choice since I'm currently under fertility treatment and should not be stressed up.
No doubt driving is cheaper alternative but I may be stressed up due to the long drive, custom jam and worried that RY may fall asleep during the long drive ..........
We've to pay such a high air fare as Firefly (subsi of Malaysia Air) is the only airline that flies from SG to Ipoh and there's no domestic flight from KL to Ipoh ...........
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Gonal F Side Effects
I've done a quick reseach on the common GF seide effects and think that I could've gotten it as I've bad headache the whole day today, worsent vision .........
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/gonal-f-side-effects.html
Gonal-f RFF Pen Solution
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Gonal-f RFF Pen Solution:
Breast pain; discomfort, pain, or mild bruising at the injection site; headache; mild stomach pain or nausea; sinus inflammation; sore throat; stuffy nose.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Gonal-f RFF Pen Solution:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal vaginal bleeding; calf pain or tenderness; chest pain; confusion; decreased urination; diarrhea; fever; one-sided weakness; severe or persistent stomach pain, upset, or bloating; severe or persistent nausea; severe pelvic or back pain; shortness of breath; slurred speech; sudden, unexplained weight gain; unusual vaginal itching, discharge, or odor; vision changes; vomitting.
http://www.drugs.com/sfx/gonal-f-side-effects.html
Gonal-f RFF Pen Solution
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Gonal-f RFF Pen Solution:
Breast pain; discomfort, pain, or mild bruising at the injection site; headache; mild stomach pain or nausea; sinus inflammation; sore throat; stuffy nose.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Gonal-f RFF Pen Solution:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal vaginal bleeding; calf pain or tenderness; chest pain; confusion; decreased urination; diarrhea; fever; one-sided weakness; severe or persistent stomach pain, upset, or bloating; severe or persistent nausea; severe pelvic or back pain; shortness of breath; slurred speech; sudden, unexplained weight gain; unusual vaginal itching, discharge, or odor; vision changes; vomitting.
Eggs
To help me to produce eggs, I've been eating eggs delligently - egg white to be specific since its high in protein.
On the 1st day of Lucrin jab, I ate 2 egg whites and with the commencement of GF, I take 5.
I hope this egg white diet can help in my IVF process.
For my bb, I'm willing to do anything for them to make my bb dream come true ..............
Eggs are considered a good source of protein and choline.
Some research on Egg Whites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_white
Egg white is the common name for the clear liquid (also called the albumen or the glair/glaire) contained within an egg. It is the cytoplasm of the egg, which until fertilization is a single cell (including the yolk). It consists mainly of about 15% proteins dissolved in water. Its primary natural purpose is to protect the egg yolk and provide additional nutrition for the growth of the embryo, as it is rich in proteins and also of high nutritional value. Unlike the egg yolk, it contains a negligible amount of fat. Egg whites have many culinary and non-culinary uses for humans
The egg white is approximately two-thirds of the total egg's weight out of its shell with nearly 90% of that weight coming from water. The remaining weight of the egg white comes from protein, trace minerals, fatty material, vitamins, and glucose.[1] The U.S. large egg's white weighs 38 grams with 4.7 grams of protein, 0.3 grams of carbohydrate and 62 milligrams of sodium. The U.S. large egg white contains about 20 calories.[2] Egg white has no dietary cholesterol. Egg white contains approximately 40 different proteins.[3] Below is a list of the proteins found in egg whites by percentage along with their natural functions.[1][4]
54% Ovalbumin - Nourishment; blocks digestive enzymes
12% Ovotransferrin - Binds iron
11% Ovomucoid - Blocks digestive enzymes
4% Ovoglobulin G2
4% Ovoglobulin G3
3.5% Ovomucin
3.4% Lysozyme
1.5% Ovoinhibitor
1% Ovoglycoprotein
0.8% Flavoprotein
0.5% Ovomacroglobulin
0.5% Avidin
0.05% Cystatin
Although egg whites are prized as a source of low-fat, high-protein nutrition, a small number of people cannot eat them. Egg allergy is more common among infants than adults, and most children will outgrow it by the age of five.[16] Allergic reactions against egg white are more common than reactions against egg yolks.[17] In addition to true allergic reactions, some people experience a food intolerance to egg whites.[
On the 1st day of Lucrin jab, I ate 2 egg whites and with the commencement of GF, I take 5.
I hope this egg white diet can help in my IVF process.
For my bb, I'm willing to do anything for them to make my bb dream come true ..............
Eggs are considered a good source of protein and choline.
Some research on Egg Whites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_white
Egg white is the common name for the clear liquid (also called the albumen or the glair/glaire) contained within an egg. It is the cytoplasm of the egg, which until fertilization is a single cell (including the yolk). It consists mainly of about 15% proteins dissolved in water. Its primary natural purpose is to protect the egg yolk and provide additional nutrition for the growth of the embryo, as it is rich in proteins and also of high nutritional value. Unlike the egg yolk, it contains a negligible amount of fat. Egg whites have many culinary and non-culinary uses for humans
The egg white is approximately two-thirds of the total egg's weight out of its shell with nearly 90% of that weight coming from water. The remaining weight of the egg white comes from protein, trace minerals, fatty material, vitamins, and glucose.[1] The U.S. large egg's white weighs 38 grams with 4.7 grams of protein, 0.3 grams of carbohydrate and 62 milligrams of sodium. The U.S. large egg white contains about 20 calories.[2] Egg white has no dietary cholesterol. Egg white contains approximately 40 different proteins.[3] Below is a list of the proteins found in egg whites by percentage along with their natural functions.[1][4]
54% Ovalbumin - Nourishment; blocks digestive enzymes
12% Ovotransferrin - Binds iron
11% Ovomucoid - Blocks digestive enzymes
4% Ovoglobulin G2
4% Ovoglobulin G3
3.5% Ovomucin
3.4% Lysozyme
1.5% Ovoinhibitor
1% Ovoglycoprotein
0.8% Flavoprotein
0.5% Ovomacroglobulin
0.5% Avidin
0.05% Cystatin
Although egg whites are prized as a source of low-fat, high-protein nutrition, a small number of people cannot eat them. Egg allergy is more common among infants than adults, and most children will outgrow it by the age of five.[16] Allergic reactions against egg white are more common than reactions against egg yolks.[17] In addition to true allergic reactions, some people experience a food intolerance to egg whites.[
1st Gonal-F Jab on 19 Mar
Yesterday was my 1st GF jab and I was really tensed since it seems rather complicated.
I've to ensure the needle is capped properly and then turn the dial to 375iu, then pull out the injection tab and then poke the needle into m tummy and jab, wait for 10 sec then turn the dial to 300iu again (while the needle remains intact) and repeat the same procedure ............
I was glad that I managed to complete the 1st jabbing successfully.
Today will be my 2nd dosage of 675iu and count down to 26 Mar for my day 8 scan and hope for good result.
I've to ensure the needle is capped properly and then turn the dial to 375iu, then pull out the injection tab and then poke the needle into m tummy and jab, wait for 10 sec then turn the dial to 300iu again (while the needle remains intact) and repeat the same procedure ............
I was glad that I managed to complete the 1st jabbing successfully.
Today will be my 2nd dosage of 675iu and count down to 26 Mar for my day 8 scan and hope for good result.
Lucrin Side Effects
I was hoping that with the discontinuation of BCP, my hot flashes will go away but it actually persists .........
This is due to the Lucrin side effets ..........
I did a research on Lucrin and found that hot flashes is the most common side effects.
Besides hot flashes, I also tend to feel tired easily, constant headache and blurred vision (cant see as clear).
I hope this IVF would be a success and all the sufferings is worth it ...........
http://www.ehow.com/about_5306460_lucrin-side-effects.html
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=19010&name=LUPRON
Common Side Effects
Approximately 52 percent of lucrin users report hot flashes, making this the most common side effect of the drug. The retention of fluid under the skin is also common, occurring in at least 8 percent of users. More than 5 percent of patients who take lucrin experience dizziness, pain throughout the body, headache, nausea and vomiting.
Other Side Effects
Lucrin also has the potential to cause a number of other troublesome or annoying, but not dangerous, side effects. Some patients experience gastrointestinal side effects from the drug, such as diarrhea and loss of appetite. Nervous system effects like anxiety, tingling in the extremities, forgetfulness, sour taste and insomnia as well as fever and fatigue are also possible while taking lucrin. Other possible side effects of lucrin include breast tenderness in women and impotence in men.
Allergic Reaction
Though rare, lucrin has the potential to cause serious allergic reactions in some patients. The first signs of an allergic reaction are often the formation of hives anywhere on the body and itching around the mouth and lips. Without medical attention, the reaction often progresses to more dangerous symptoms, such as swelling of the lips and throat or difficulty breathing. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction at any point while using lucrin, seek prompt emergency medical care.
Risks
In addition to minor side effects and the risk of interactions, lucrin has the potential to cause serious medical complications. In some cases, lucrin has been linked to cardiovascular problems, including the formation of blood clots, inflammation of veins, heart attack and irregular heartbeat. Lucrin sometimes causes difficulty and irregular breathing as well as gastrointestinal bleeding. Serious neuro-sensory effects of lucrin include blurred vision and numbness.
Considerations
In some cases, lucrin injections cause an initial worsening of the symptoms of the illness or disease. Doctors also limit the use of lucrin in patients who have impaired kidneys as without proper urination, levels of the drug can build up in the body and become toxic. Lucrin is not typically prescribed to treat children as there is not enough information to ensure that pediatric usage does not lead to long term side effects. Lucrin injections may cause damage to the fetus and typically are avoided during pregnancy.
This is due to the Lucrin side effets ..........
I did a research on Lucrin and found that hot flashes is the most common side effects.
Besides hot flashes, I also tend to feel tired easily, constant headache and blurred vision (cant see as clear).
I hope this IVF would be a success and all the sufferings is worth it ...........
http://www.ehow.com/about_5306460_lucrin-side-effects.html
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=19010&name=LUPRON
Common Side Effects
Approximately 52 percent of lucrin users report hot flashes, making this the most common side effect of the drug. The retention of fluid under the skin is also common, occurring in at least 8 percent of users. More than 5 percent of patients who take lucrin experience dizziness, pain throughout the body, headache, nausea and vomiting.
Other Side Effects
Lucrin also has the potential to cause a number of other troublesome or annoying, but not dangerous, side effects. Some patients experience gastrointestinal side effects from the drug, such as diarrhea and loss of appetite. Nervous system effects like anxiety, tingling in the extremities, forgetfulness, sour taste and insomnia as well as fever and fatigue are also possible while taking lucrin. Other possible side effects of lucrin include breast tenderness in women and impotence in men.
Allergic Reaction
Though rare, lucrin has the potential to cause serious allergic reactions in some patients. The first signs of an allergic reaction are often the formation of hives anywhere on the body and itching around the mouth and lips. Without medical attention, the reaction often progresses to more dangerous symptoms, such as swelling of the lips and throat or difficulty breathing. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction at any point while using lucrin, seek prompt emergency medical care.
Risks
In addition to minor side effects and the risk of interactions, lucrin has the potential to cause serious medical complications. In some cases, lucrin has been linked to cardiovascular problems, including the formation of blood clots, inflammation of veins, heart attack and irregular heartbeat. Lucrin sometimes causes difficulty and irregular breathing as well as gastrointestinal bleeding. Serious neuro-sensory effects of lucrin include blurred vision and numbness.
Considerations
In some cases, lucrin injections cause an initial worsening of the symptoms of the illness or disease. Doctors also limit the use of lucrin in patients who have impaired kidneys as without proper urination, levels of the drug can build up in the body and become toxic. Lucrin is not typically prescribed to treat children as there is not enough information to ensure that pediatric usage does not lead to long term side effects. Lucrin injections may cause damage to the fetus and typically are avoided during pregnancy.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Proceed to Stage 2 - Gonal F jabs on 19 Mar & onwards
This monring I was at KKH at 7.30am for my blood test and ultra sound scan.
I managed to do my blood test at 7.30am but the scanning room only starts at 8am but cos the nurse misplaced my appointment card, I only get to do the scanning after 3 patients ......
My lining was 5.5 and was considered good so the nurse gave me my prescription to let me buy Gonal F to stand-by for the jab for this Fri onwards.
But I was told to wait for their call this afternoon to inform me about the blood test on the E2 suppression, which they did inform me at about 4pm that my test result is good is able to proceed to stage 2 on 19 Mar.
The Pharmacy only opens at 8.30am so I gotta wait till its open to get the medication then return to UVF clinic to learn how to jab myself.
I didnt take leave from work so gotta quickly rush to office at 9.30am, fortunately RY is with me to drive me there, else I'll reach office later then 9.30am ............
So from Fri onwards, I've to jab Lucrin as well as GF, so it means I gotta wait up 10 mins earlier for the preparation.
Next Fri 26 Mar, I'll be going to the clinic to check on the no. of follicles ........... I hope I can have good results and produce many & good quality eggs ......... also hope that all the eggs fertilise successfukky & beautifully ...........
RY also gotta start taking his anti-biotics from Fri onwards for 7 days ...........
For my last 2 cycles, the dr put me on Puregon but it seems like now they change to Gonal F (GF).
As I dont respond well to puregon in the last 2 cycles, the dr put me on a very high GF dosage - 675iu per day ...... and it cost me >$600 for 1 tub which contain 900 iu...........
The total cost for my treatment is going to be SGD10k to SGD12K and I can only get SGD2.7K grant from Govt since RY is permanent resident, also I can only utilise SGD4K from medisave since this is the 3rd attemps using CPF.
This BB quest is costing us alot of money but it's worth every cents since we're pursuing our dream to make it into a reality ............
Pls wish us all the Best!
May God bless us!!
I managed to do my blood test at 7.30am but the scanning room only starts at 8am but cos the nurse misplaced my appointment card, I only get to do the scanning after 3 patients ......
My lining was 5.5 and was considered good so the nurse gave me my prescription to let me buy Gonal F to stand-by for the jab for this Fri onwards.
But I was told to wait for their call this afternoon to inform me about the blood test on the E2 suppression, which they did inform me at about 4pm that my test result is good is able to proceed to stage 2 on 19 Mar.
The Pharmacy only opens at 8.30am so I gotta wait till its open to get the medication then return to UVF clinic to learn how to jab myself.
I didnt take leave from work so gotta quickly rush to office at 9.30am, fortunately RY is with me to drive me there, else I'll reach office later then 9.30am ............
So from Fri onwards, I've to jab Lucrin as well as GF, so it means I gotta wait up 10 mins earlier for the preparation.
Next Fri 26 Mar, I'll be going to the clinic to check on the no. of follicles ........... I hope I can have good results and produce many & good quality eggs ......... also hope that all the eggs fertilise successfukky & beautifully ...........
RY also gotta start taking his anti-biotics from Fri onwards for 7 days ...........
For my last 2 cycles, the dr put me on Puregon but it seems like now they change to Gonal F (GF).
As I dont respond well to puregon in the last 2 cycles, the dr put me on a very high GF dosage - 675iu per day ...... and it cost me >$600 for 1 tub which contain 900 iu...........
The total cost for my treatment is going to be SGD10k to SGD12K and I can only get SGD2.7K grant from Govt since RY is permanent resident, also I can only utilise SGD4K from medisave since this is the 3rd attemps using CPF.
This BB quest is costing us alot of money but it's worth every cents since we're pursuing our dream to make it into a reality ............
Pls wish us all the Best!
May God bless us!!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tomorrow Baseline Blood Test and Scanning - Lucrin Day 15
Tomorrow 17 Mar (Wed) morning, I'll be going to KKH to do BT to check on my E2 level and also scan no. of existing follicles and the doc shall confirm if I can move on to stage 2 to do puregon jab ..........
Somehow I think I'm rather worried about the test result.
I hope the test result is good and can move on .........
I shall update tomorrow after my test result is out.
Somehow I think I'm rather worried about the test result.
I hope the test result is good and can move on .........
I shall update tomorrow after my test result is out.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Sat 13 Mar = CD1 on Lucrin day 11
This morning AF came on CD26 of last cycle and Day 11 of Lucrin jab.
I thot my mens should only come on Mon 15 Mar which is CD28 due to the BCP pills .......... not sure why it came early.
Maybe I was stressed since RY was out-station for the last 3 days and I didnt rest well.
But my usual cycle is 26 days so maybe it just normal to come on CD26.
I'll be going to KKH for my blood test & scanning coming Wed 17 Mar to check if my hormone is suppressed enough to move on to stage 2 = Puregon stage.
I thot my mens should only come on Mon 15 Mar which is CD28 due to the BCP pills .......... not sure why it came early.
Maybe I was stressed since RY was out-station for the last 3 days and I didnt rest well.
But my usual cycle is 26 days so maybe it just normal to come on CD26.
I'll be going to KKH for my blood test & scanning coming Wed 17 Mar to check if my hormone is suppressed enough to move on to stage 2 = Puregon stage.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Husband should be Participative in the IVF Journey
This morning RY went off to Penang for a 3 days biz trip and will be back on coming Fri.
So it means I'm alone now at home surfing internet while waiting for the laundry to be ready (just put them in the washing machine).
Actually RY should be going on this trip next Wed to Fri but because I need to do my baseline scan next Wed and possibily doing the 1st puregon jab on Fri, which means I gotta go to the hospital twice, so I requested for RY to shift his travel dates.
Although this is my 3rd IVF fresh cycle, I still hope that RY can be with me during those critical day of blood test, scanning etc, this make me feel that he's participative in this IVF journey.
I think its very important for both husband & wife to be involved in the fertility journey and not let wife feel that she's doing this by herself.
During IVF, the wife is the one who suffer physical pain (blood test, jabbing etc) and emotional pain (she's worried about the progress and body response to the medication etc), so the husband should be supportive to show the wife that he cares ...........
So before you embark on this IVF treatment, pls have a serious discussion with your husband to get a mutual understanding of each others' expectation on the roles & responsibility and set the an appropriate standard.
This is to avoid any subsequent disappointments on the husband's less participative involvement.
Its important to stay calm, relax and cheerful during IVF, so wife should try to voice out her concern to husband so that he knows how he can help.
So it means I'm alone now at home surfing internet while waiting for the laundry to be ready (just put them in the washing machine).
Actually RY should be going on this trip next Wed to Fri but because I need to do my baseline scan next Wed and possibily doing the 1st puregon jab on Fri, which means I gotta go to the hospital twice, so I requested for RY to shift his travel dates.
Although this is my 3rd IVF fresh cycle, I still hope that RY can be with me during those critical day of blood test, scanning etc, this make me feel that he's participative in this IVF journey.
I think its very important for both husband & wife to be involved in the fertility journey and not let wife feel that she's doing this by herself.
During IVF, the wife is the one who suffer physical pain (blood test, jabbing etc) and emotional pain (she's worried about the progress and body response to the medication etc), so the husband should be supportive to show the wife that he cares ...........
So before you embark on this IVF treatment, pls have a serious discussion with your husband to get a mutual understanding of each others' expectation on the roles & responsibility and set the an appropriate standard.
This is to avoid any subsequent disappointments on the husband's less participative involvement.
Its important to stay calm, relax and cheerful during IVF, so wife should try to voice out her concern to husband so that he knows how he can help.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Last Day of BCP!
Hurray!
Today is the 21st day = last day of the BCP pill!!
To be frank I've been suffering for the past 20 days due to the side effect of BCP.
The side effect is mainly hot flashes which make me break into sweats out of sudden and the next moment I'll be frozen as my temp suddenly went down.
This is very disturbing in the middle of the night.
When the hot flash attacks, I'll kick away the blanket but once its gone, I'll search for the blanket frantically .........
I'm just glad that today being the last day of the pill and I hope I wont have any hot flushes after tonight ..........
Do you've the same side effect when you're on BCP?
Today is the 21st day = last day of the BCP pill!!
To be frank I've been suffering for the past 20 days due to the side effect of BCP.
The side effect is mainly hot flashes which make me break into sweats out of sudden and the next moment I'll be frozen as my temp suddenly went down.
This is very disturbing in the middle of the night.
When the hot flash attacks, I'll kick away the blanket but once its gone, I'll search for the blanket frantically .........
I'm just glad that today being the last day of the pill and I hope I wont have any hot flushes after tonight ..........
Do you've the same side effect when you're on BCP?
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Will you forgive your husband if he cheated on you?
This morning I saw the news headline about SG famous director - Jack Neo's scandalous affair with a young lady - so young that she can be his daughter (he's 50 and she's 22) ........
Channel NewsAsia - Model exposes affair with S'pore director Jack Neo - channelnewsasia.com
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1042060/1/.html
I'm rather shocked since Jack had projected a family guy image and had many times expressed his love for his family and thanked his wife for being his life support .............
Mrs Neo had stand up for her husband and openly announced that she had forgiven her husband of 27 years ...........
Why cant men resist temptation of the sweet young things?
When they engage in such an affair, do they ever consider the hurt & betrayal they've inflicted on their wife, who have gone thru think & thick with him ......... she was once a beautiful young thing and chose to settle down with him when he was penniless???
I hope that RY will remain faithful to me.
I dont think I can forgive him if he ever cheated on me ......... I hope that day will never come to make me make such a decision .........
Channel NewsAsia - Model exposes affair with S'pore director Jack Neo - channelnewsasia.com
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/entertainment/view/1042060/1/.html
I'm rather shocked since Jack had projected a family guy image and had many times expressed his love for his family and thanked his wife for being his life support .............
Mrs Neo had stand up for her husband and openly announced that she had forgiven her husband of 27 years ...........
Why cant men resist temptation of the sweet young things?
When they engage in such an affair, do they ever consider the hurt & betrayal they've inflicted on their wife, who have gone thru think & thick with him ......... she was once a beautiful young thing and chose to settle down with him when he was penniless???
I hope that RY will remain faithful to me.
I dont think I can forgive him if he ever cheated on me ......... I hope that day will never come to make me make such a decision .........
Saturday, March 6, 2010
What else can I do to boost my pregnancy success rate?
I'm not sure what else can I do to ensure this IVF is a success, the pregnancy is viable and delivery of my healthy bb smoothly ..........
I'm under acpuncture, TCM herbs, health supplement, healthy diet, frequent exercise and also visit the temple to pray to the Goddess of Mercy to grant me my baby wish ........ I think I may seriously consider driving to Tapah in Malaysia (which is 6 hrs drive from SG) to pay respect to RY's ancesstors during this Ching Ming festival ........
Being a highly educated modern women, it could be seen as ridiculous to resort to such desparate measures - praying for miracle, which is not scientifically proven.
But if you've been thru that kind of pain as me, it may not be difficult to understand why ..........
For the sake of having my own precious baby or babies, I'm willing to give all means a try.
I hope who ever who happens to drop-by my blog can also help me say a prayer ......... pray that my (as well as other women in similar quest) quest can be a success .........
May the Heavenly Divine hear our prayers and grant us our wishes .............
I'm under acpuncture, TCM herbs, health supplement, healthy diet, frequent exercise and also visit the temple to pray to the Goddess of Mercy to grant me my baby wish ........ I think I may seriously consider driving to Tapah in Malaysia (which is 6 hrs drive from SG) to pay respect to RY's ancesstors during this Ching Ming festival ........
Being a highly educated modern women, it could be seen as ridiculous to resort to such desparate measures - praying for miracle, which is not scientifically proven.
But if you've been thru that kind of pain as me, it may not be difficult to understand why ..........
For the sake of having my own precious baby or babies, I'm willing to give all means a try.
I hope who ever who happens to drop-by my blog can also help me say a prayer ......... pray that my (as well as other women in similar quest) quest can be a success .........
May the Heavenly Divine hear our prayers and grant us our wishes .............
Thursday, March 4, 2010
SQ KrisFlyer Mileage Redemptions
I used to travel frequently on job to Europe & Japan in my ex-job, almost every month I'd go out-station for about 2 weeks, so I've accumulated substantial mileage and hotel privileage points, which enable me to redeem free air-tickets and hotel stay .............
I missed those days cos' I get to see the world ......... I'm rather proud that at my age, I've travelled to Europe, Brazil and almost the Asia Pacific countries (except NZ) .........
But I've never been to USA & Taiwan which are common countries........ I've yet to get the stamp on my passport!
I'm pretty familiar with Tokyo and I've brought RY to tour around vicinity around Tokyo ........ last April, we went to Hakone ............
Since 2 years ago, I'd switched to my current job which have minimum flying to try to concentrate in TTC.
But it also mean that I've mean down graded to Silver status ..........
March till June this year, I've quite a substantial mileage which will expire monthly so I gotta make a decision to either redeeem the air-tix for RY & my use or help others to get free air-tix.
The rough estimation of my IVF schedule show that I should be undergoing ER & ET in early April and 2ww should complete in end April.
If my pregnancy is BFP, then my EDD should be about end Dec ..........
In view of the above schedule, RY and myself think that we should not risk by travelling since this would be a very precious baby.
So I've redeemed the mileage for my sis & her family to go to HK during June schoold holiday.
Despite the redemption for sis' family, I still have sufficient points to bring RY to near-by places for short vacation in 2011!
I missed those days cos' I get to see the world ......... I'm rather proud that at my age, I've travelled to Europe, Brazil and almost the Asia Pacific countries (except NZ) .........
But I've never been to USA & Taiwan which are common countries........ I've yet to get the stamp on my passport!
I'm pretty familiar with Tokyo and I've brought RY to tour around vicinity around Tokyo ........ last April, we went to Hakone ............
Since 2 years ago, I'd switched to my current job which have minimum flying to try to concentrate in TTC.
But it also mean that I've mean down graded to Silver status ..........
March till June this year, I've quite a substantial mileage which will expire monthly so I gotta make a decision to either redeeem the air-tix for RY & my use or help others to get free air-tix.
The rough estimation of my IVF schedule show that I should be undergoing ER & ET in early April and 2ww should complete in end April.
If my pregnancy is BFP, then my EDD should be about end Dec ..........
In view of the above schedule, RY and myself think that we should not risk by travelling since this would be a very precious baby.
So I've redeemed the mileage for my sis & her family to go to HK during June schoold holiday.
Despite the redemption for sis' family, I still have sufficient points to bring RY to near-by places for short vacation in 2011!
Wedding Anniversary Roses
Last Sat (27 Feb) was my customary wedding anniversary.
RY got me a bouquet of red roses for me and each morning he'd change fresh water, cut the stem and re-arrange the flowers.
It's nice to receive the roses from RY ......... during my birthday, ROM & customary wedding anniversary.
Oh none for V-day since it's cut-throat price so not advisable to spend that kind of money.
I hope he'll continue to send me roses during the 3 occassions mentioned above till we aged ..........
RY got me a bouquet of red roses for me and each morning he'd change fresh water, cut the stem and re-arrange the flowers.
It's nice to receive the roses from RY ......... during my birthday, ROM & customary wedding anniversary.
Oh none for V-day since it's cut-throat price so not advisable to spend that kind of money.
I hope he'll continue to send me roses during the 3 occassions mentioned above till we aged ..........
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tomorrow is 1st Day of Lucrin Jab
Tomorrow I'll wake up early at 6.30am to get ready for my jab.
Usually I'll wake up at 6.45am during weekday but tomorrow, I must try to get myself up 15 mins earlier.
I also went to get Blackmores Conceive Well Gold to commencemence the daily consumption tomorrow too .......
So it means I'll discard the existing health supplements to just take the TCM hearbs, Conceive Well, DHEA and the Cordycepts pill.
I plan to take the supplemets in the following order:
Cordycepts and the Kidney pills = 2 each : Early morning before food
DHEA = 1 pill : After shower
Blackmores Conceive Well = 1 tab + 1 cap each : After breakfast
TCM herbs = 2 packs : Reach office settle down
Brands Chix Essence & Schisandra/ Sesamin = 2 tabs each : After lunch
DHEA = 1 pill : Just before I leave office at about 5pm
TCM hearbs = 2 packs : After dinner
BCP = 1 pill : Before bed
Note: Need to check with TCM if I can continue to take the Schisandra/ Sesamin tabs this Sun ..........
Usually I'll wake up at 6.45am during weekday but tomorrow, I must try to get myself up 15 mins earlier.
I also went to get Blackmores Conceive Well Gold to commencemence the daily consumption tomorrow too .......
So it means I'll discard the existing health supplements to just take the TCM hearbs, Conceive Well, DHEA and the Cordycepts pill.
I plan to take the supplemets in the following order:
Cordycepts and the Kidney pills = 2 each : Early morning before food
DHEA = 1 pill : After shower
Blackmores Conceive Well = 1 tab + 1 cap each : After breakfast
TCM herbs = 2 packs : Reach office settle down
Brands Chix Essence & Schisandra/ Sesamin = 2 tabs each : After lunch
DHEA = 1 pill : Just before I leave office at about 5pm
TCM hearbs = 2 packs : After dinner
BCP = 1 pill : Before bed
Note: Need to check with TCM if I can continue to take the Schisandra/ Sesamin tabs this Sun ..........
Monday, March 1, 2010
TCM Medication for IVF
After much discussion with RY, we've decided to go ahead with the TCM medication for this IVF cycle.
We were thinking for the last 2 cycle, we didnt take an TCM so this time we should give it a try to boast the egg and lining quality to ensure a viable pregnancy.
The TCM doc give me 28 oackets of yellow powder to be consumed for 7 days - 2 packs morning and another 2 in the evening.
This Wed will be my 1st Lucrin jabs and it means the commencement of my needle poking journey!
We were thinking for the last 2 cycle, we didnt take an TCM so this time we should give it a try to boast the egg and lining quality to ensure a viable pregnancy.
The TCM doc give me 28 oackets of yellow powder to be consumed for 7 days - 2 packs morning and another 2 in the evening.
This Wed will be my 1st Lucrin jabs and it means the commencement of my needle poking journey!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Today 27 Feb
Last night I slept rather late at about 1.30am since we attended company CNY dinner and came home about 12 mid-night.
Not sure what happened but I was awoke at 5.30am .......
I was wondering why and then I realised it must be due to today being 27 Feb ........
It's mixed feeling ........ I think I must be self-blaming for the lost of Angelina, at the same time worried about the new IVF cycle's outcome as I'm commencing stage 1 in March.
I waited till the sky is bright and go for my morning exercise and then went to get breakfast for RY.
We also went to KKH to collect my Lucrin since gotta start stage 1 jabbing on 3 March.
Not sure what happened but I was awoke at 5.30am .......
I was wondering why and then I realised it must be due to today being 27 Feb ........
It's mixed feeling ........ I think I must be self-blaming for the lost of Angelina, at the same time worried about the new IVF cycle's outcome as I'm commencing stage 1 in March.
I waited till the sky is bright and go for my morning exercise and then went to get breakfast for RY.
We also went to KKH to collect my Lucrin since gotta start stage 1 jabbing on 3 March.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
27 Feb is a Memorable Date ..........
This Sat is a memorable date .......... cos its 27 Feb and last year the same day, I did a D & C procedure as my dearest Angelina's hearbeat stopped .........
27 Feb is also my wedding anniversary ........... not sure how I'd feel that day or whether to celebrate or to grieve over my loss ...........
27 Feb is also my wedding anniversary ........... not sure how I'd feel that day or whether to celebrate or to grieve over my loss ...........
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Important Key Supplements for Fertility
This is extracted from: http://www.natural-health-for-fertility.com/supplements-for-fertility.html
The following is a list supplements for fertility that support reproductive health and that when integrated to a healthy diet and life style can greatly increase your chances of getting pregnant quickly:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water soluble anti-oxidant and protects fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A and E from being oxidized. So it works best when taken in combination with other anti-oxidants. Women should avoid high dose of vitamin C because it can dry up cervical fluid, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Vitamin C improves hormone levels and increases fertility in women with luteal phase defect. The recommended amount in women is less than 500 mg. Among all the vitamins for women, Vitamin C is one of the most important because it helps absorb Iron. Make sure you look for a natural source of Vitamin C like from Acerola berries.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is essential for fertility and reproduction. The recommended amount is 400-800 IU per day. Talk to your doctor prior to starting Vitamin E, particularly if you are currently taking aspirin or other blood thinners. Vitamin E is also very useful to women as it seems to prevent miscarriages.
Note: Make sure your vitamin E comes from a 100% natural form of vitamin E that is in the all natural d-alpha Tocopherol form. Synthetic forms of vitamin E are not well assimilated and metabolized by the body. Vitamins for fertility should always come from natural sources.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for the utilization of proteins, minerals, and other vitamins. The best sources for Vitamin A can be found in Cod Liver Oil. Vitamin A has important antioxidant properties, and the consequences of Vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy can be devastating. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes in babies. Do not take high doses of vitamin A if you are trying to get pregnant because it can cause birth defects. Please, consult with a qualified nutritionist. Supplements for fertility often contain Beta-carotene, which does not carry any risks. When vitamin A is in the form of retinol you should not take more than 2,500-5,000IU. It has been found that retinol can cause birth defects if taken in excess of 10,000IU a day during pregnancy. Retinol should not be consumed before conception in high doses. Many creams contain retinol. This compound enters your body through your skin and it accumulates in your liver. Check your cosmetics!
Beta Carotene
Beta Carotene is a pigment present in vegetables like sweat potatoes and carrots and is converted into vitamin A in the human body. Beta carotene is present in high concentration in the corpus luteum and is a key supplement in the regulation of hormones and women's reproductive cycle.
Vitamin B Complex
When people think about vitamins for women, the B vitamins is what comes to mind first. Take a good B-complex supplement that supplies 25 to 50 milligrams of each of the major B vitamins daily. These vitamins for women are vital in restoring hormonal balance. Vitamin B6 can help women who are having problems conceiving, as this vitamin helps balance progesterone levels. Make sure you take all the vitamin of the B complex to prevent imbalances from occurring as these vitamins are meant to work together.
Folic Acid
This is one of those supplements for fertility and pregnancy that you cannot go without. Folic acid is known to prevent spina bifida in your future baby. This nutrient is very important to take before becoming pregnant and through pregnancy. Folate is just one B vitamin of the B-complex and should be taken in conjunction with Vitamin B12 especially. All the others B vitamins that make up the B-Complex are necessary to insure optimum health. The recommended dosage for folic acid is from 400 mcg up to 1 mg a day.
PABA
Para-aminobenzoic acid or PABA is part of the B-Complex family. This compound is essential in increasing pregnancy in women with mineral and vitamins deficiencies. To treat infertility, the recommended dosage is 400mg a day.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids, found in black currant seed oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, and flaxseed oil, are required for normal glandular activity. EFA are especially important for women who are following a low-fat diet. Take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of any of these oils two or three times daily.
Omega 3 EFAs
Omega 3 Fish oil is very important for the female reproductive wellness. Omega 3 fish oil helps maintain a healthy hormonal balance, aids in infertility by increasing the quality of fertile mucus and its production, prevents miscarriages and pregnancy complications. It also helps brain, eye and nervous system development in the foetus during gestation. When taken during breastfeeding, Omega 3 fish oil helps prevent postpartum depression and contributes to increase IQ in breastfed babies.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is a wonderful food supplement to promote fertility. This is an important essential fatty acid that can be safely taken during pregnancy and during the second half of your cycle if you are trying to conceive. It is used to treat menstrual cramps, infertility and endometriosis. Flaxseed oil contains hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens, called phytoestrogens, that help stabilize a woman's estrogen-progesterone ratio. In addition, the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil can inhibit prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that, when released in excess amounts during menstruation, can cause the heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis. DHATaking docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) prior to conception ensures optimum brain development. DHA is an EFA that helps with the formation of the brain in utero. It also has important anti-inflammatory properties helping decrease dysmenorrhea and endometriosis. Recommended daily dose is 400mg. Should be taken with vitamin E.
Mineral Supplements for Fertility
Calcium
Among all the vitamins for women, calcium is definitely a very important one especially in preparation for conception because it helps build up calcium stores needing during pregnancy. Calcium also helps to alkalize the body, which is favorable to the sperm and fertilized egg. For optimal health, women need at least 1,500 mg of calcium a day.
Zinc
The most important function of zinc is to play a role in the synthesizes of nucleic acids DNA and RNA, which are essential during cell division, tissue repair and embryo development. It is important to have adequate zinc during pregnancy to prevent miscarriages, low birth weight and birth defects. The recommended daily dose is 25-30 mg.
Chromium
Chromium is the major mineral involved in insulin production, a lack of this mineral interferes with glucose metabolism. Chromium supplementation can improve glucose tolerance factor related to polycystic ovary dysfunction. The recommended dosage is 400-600 mcg per day.
Iodine
Iodine is a very important mineral that supports thyroid functions. A lack of this mineral in your diet can lead to low thyroid function and decreased fertility.
Iron
Many multi vitamins for women contain iron because iron is considered essential as a blood building nutrient that helps increase fertility by supporting ovulation. The best form of iron is from a whole food supplement. Synthetic versions tend to be constipating. Women need around 30 mg if deficient. Do not take iron with calcium. Iron is best taken separate from your other vitamins.
More Key Supplements for Fertility
L-Arginine
L-Arganine is an amino acid important blood flow to the uterus, ovaries and genitals. It is used in women to create a healthy environment in the uterus for embryo implantation. It increases the quality of cervical mucus increasing the production of stretchy, egg-white-like fertile mucus.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Many women suffer from Candida infestation. Some do not even know they do. Taking acidophilus supplementation every day will help control Candida overgrow, but also prevents yeast infection during pregnancy and post partum. Many cases of vaginal thrush during pregnancy develop into oral thrush in newborn babies. This can be prevented simply by taking acidophilus supplementation. Please do!
Selenium
Selenium is an antioxidant that helps to protect your body from highly reactive chemical fragments called free radicals. For this reason, selenium can prevent chromosome breakage, which is known to be a cause of birth defects and miscarriages. Good levels of selenium are also essential to maximise sperm formation. Blood selenium levels have been found to be lower in men with low sperm counts.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is more of a herbal product, but it is often listed as part of important vitamins for women. It is commonly used to alleviate pre-menstrual syndrome, It also helps in the production of fertile quality cervical mucus. If you are trying to get pregnant do not take Evening primrose oil after ovulation because it can cause uterine contractions. Make sure you are charting your fertility signs to know when you are ovulating. The recommended dosages are 1500 - 3000mg per day.
Digestive Enzymes
Many people suffer from impaired digestion and do not assimilate nutrient effectively. Taking digestive enzymes ensures full utilization of all nutrients
Summary Table: Nutrients for You & Your Partner
Folic acid 400mcg 400mcg
Zinc 30mg 30mg
Selenium 100mcg 100mcg
Fish oil 1000mg 1000mg
Vitamin B6 up to 50mg up to 50mg
Vitamin B12 up to 50mcg up to 50mcg
Vitamin E 300-400iu 300-400iu
Vitamin C 1000mg 1000mg
Vitamin A up to 2300iu -
Manganese 5mg 5mg
L-arginine - 300mg
L-carnitine - 100mg
L-Taurine - 100mg
The following is a list supplements for fertility that support reproductive health and that when integrated to a healthy diet and life style can greatly increase your chances of getting pregnant quickly:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water soluble anti-oxidant and protects fat soluble vitamins like vitamin A and E from being oxidized. So it works best when taken in combination with other anti-oxidants. Women should avoid high dose of vitamin C because it can dry up cervical fluid, preventing sperm from reaching the egg. Vitamin C improves hormone levels and increases fertility in women with luteal phase defect. The recommended amount in women is less than 500 mg. Among all the vitamins for women, Vitamin C is one of the most important because it helps absorb Iron. Make sure you look for a natural source of Vitamin C like from Acerola berries.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is essential for fertility and reproduction. The recommended amount is 400-800 IU per day. Talk to your doctor prior to starting Vitamin E, particularly if you are currently taking aspirin or other blood thinners. Vitamin E is also very useful to women as it seems to prevent miscarriages.
Note: Make sure your vitamin E comes from a 100% natural form of vitamin E that is in the all natural d-alpha Tocopherol form. Synthetic forms of vitamin E are not well assimilated and metabolized by the body. Vitamins for fertility should always come from natural sources.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for the utilization of proteins, minerals, and other vitamins. The best sources for Vitamin A can be found in Cod Liver Oil. Vitamin A has important antioxidant properties, and the consequences of Vitamin A deficiency during pregnancy can be devastating. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes in babies. Do not take high doses of vitamin A if you are trying to get pregnant because it can cause birth defects. Please, consult with a qualified nutritionist. Supplements for fertility often contain Beta-carotene, which does not carry any risks. When vitamin A is in the form of retinol you should not take more than 2,500-5,000IU. It has been found that retinol can cause birth defects if taken in excess of 10,000IU a day during pregnancy. Retinol should not be consumed before conception in high doses. Many creams contain retinol. This compound enters your body through your skin and it accumulates in your liver. Check your cosmetics!
Beta Carotene
Beta Carotene is a pigment present in vegetables like sweat potatoes and carrots and is converted into vitamin A in the human body. Beta carotene is present in high concentration in the corpus luteum and is a key supplement in the regulation of hormones and women's reproductive cycle.
Vitamin B Complex
When people think about vitamins for women, the B vitamins is what comes to mind first. Take a good B-complex supplement that supplies 25 to 50 milligrams of each of the major B vitamins daily. These vitamins for women are vital in restoring hormonal balance. Vitamin B6 can help women who are having problems conceiving, as this vitamin helps balance progesterone levels. Make sure you take all the vitamin of the B complex to prevent imbalances from occurring as these vitamins are meant to work together.
Folic Acid
This is one of those supplements for fertility and pregnancy that you cannot go without. Folic acid is known to prevent spina bifida in your future baby. This nutrient is very important to take before becoming pregnant and through pregnancy. Folate is just one B vitamin of the B-complex and should be taken in conjunction with Vitamin B12 especially. All the others B vitamins that make up the B-Complex are necessary to insure optimum health. The recommended dosage for folic acid is from 400 mcg up to 1 mg a day.
PABA
Para-aminobenzoic acid or PABA is part of the B-Complex family. This compound is essential in increasing pregnancy in women with mineral and vitamins deficiencies. To treat infertility, the recommended dosage is 400mg a day.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids, found in black currant seed oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, and flaxseed oil, are required for normal glandular activity. EFA are especially important for women who are following a low-fat diet. Take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of any of these oils two or three times daily.
Omega 3 EFAs
Omega 3 Fish oil is very important for the female reproductive wellness. Omega 3 fish oil helps maintain a healthy hormonal balance, aids in infertility by increasing the quality of fertile mucus and its production, prevents miscarriages and pregnancy complications. It also helps brain, eye and nervous system development in the foetus during gestation. When taken during breastfeeding, Omega 3 fish oil helps prevent postpartum depression and contributes to increase IQ in breastfed babies.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil is a wonderful food supplement to promote fertility. This is an important essential fatty acid that can be safely taken during pregnancy and during the second half of your cycle if you are trying to conceive. It is used to treat menstrual cramps, infertility and endometriosis. Flaxseed oil contains hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens, called phytoestrogens, that help stabilize a woman's estrogen-progesterone ratio. In addition, the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil can inhibit prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that, when released in excess amounts during menstruation, can cause the heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis. DHATaking docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) prior to conception ensures optimum brain development. DHA is an EFA that helps with the formation of the brain in utero. It also has important anti-inflammatory properties helping decrease dysmenorrhea and endometriosis. Recommended daily dose is 400mg. Should be taken with vitamin E.
Mineral Supplements for Fertility
Calcium
Among all the vitamins for women, calcium is definitely a very important one especially in preparation for conception because it helps build up calcium stores needing during pregnancy. Calcium also helps to alkalize the body, which is favorable to the sperm and fertilized egg. For optimal health, women need at least 1,500 mg of calcium a day.
Zinc
The most important function of zinc is to play a role in the synthesizes of nucleic acids DNA and RNA, which are essential during cell division, tissue repair and embryo development. It is important to have adequate zinc during pregnancy to prevent miscarriages, low birth weight and birth defects. The recommended daily dose is 25-30 mg.
Chromium
Chromium is the major mineral involved in insulin production, a lack of this mineral interferes with glucose metabolism. Chromium supplementation can improve glucose tolerance factor related to polycystic ovary dysfunction. The recommended dosage is 400-600 mcg per day.
Iodine
Iodine is a very important mineral that supports thyroid functions. A lack of this mineral in your diet can lead to low thyroid function and decreased fertility.
Iron
Many multi vitamins for women contain iron because iron is considered essential as a blood building nutrient that helps increase fertility by supporting ovulation. The best form of iron is from a whole food supplement. Synthetic versions tend to be constipating. Women need around 30 mg if deficient. Do not take iron with calcium. Iron is best taken separate from your other vitamins.
More Key Supplements for Fertility
L-Arginine
L-Arganine is an amino acid important blood flow to the uterus, ovaries and genitals. It is used in women to create a healthy environment in the uterus for embryo implantation. It increases the quality of cervical mucus increasing the production of stretchy, egg-white-like fertile mucus.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
Many women suffer from Candida infestation. Some do not even know they do. Taking acidophilus supplementation every day will help control Candida overgrow, but also prevents yeast infection during pregnancy and post partum. Many cases of vaginal thrush during pregnancy develop into oral thrush in newborn babies. This can be prevented simply by taking acidophilus supplementation. Please do!
Selenium
Selenium is an antioxidant that helps to protect your body from highly reactive chemical fragments called free radicals. For this reason, selenium can prevent chromosome breakage, which is known to be a cause of birth defects and miscarriages. Good levels of selenium are also essential to maximise sperm formation. Blood selenium levels have been found to be lower in men with low sperm counts.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is more of a herbal product, but it is often listed as part of important vitamins for women. It is commonly used to alleviate pre-menstrual syndrome, It also helps in the production of fertile quality cervical mucus. If you are trying to get pregnant do not take Evening primrose oil after ovulation because it can cause uterine contractions. Make sure you are charting your fertility signs to know when you are ovulating. The recommended dosages are 1500 - 3000mg per day.
Digestive Enzymes
Many people suffer from impaired digestion and do not assimilate nutrient effectively. Taking digestive enzymes ensures full utilization of all nutrients
Summary Table: Nutrients for You & Your Partner
Folic acid 400mcg 400mcg
Zinc 30mg 30mg
Selenium 100mcg 100mcg
Fish oil 1000mg 1000mg
Vitamin B6 up to 50mg up to 50mg
Vitamin B12 up to 50mcg up to 50mcg
Vitamin E 300-400iu 300-400iu
Vitamin C 1000mg 1000mg
Vitamin A up to 2300iu -
Manganese 5mg 5mg
L-arginine - 300mg
L-carnitine - 100mg
L-Taurine - 100mg
Monday, February 22, 2010
Still Fat!
After 5 mths of exercise, I'm still 50kg!
I've been running about 3 to 4 times weekly (except when it's ovulation period till CD 1 of the next mens).
So effectively 2 weeks jog and 2 weeks break ...........
Why no further weight lost?
I will try to lose some weight by end March, and shall update then!
I've been running about 3 to 4 times weekly (except when it's ovulation period till CD 1 of the next mens).
So effectively 2 weeks jog and 2 weeks break ...........
Why no further weight lost?
I will try to lose some weight by end March, and shall update then!
Quit my Job?
Today RY asked me to quit my job to concentrate on my fertility treatment.
I told him I'm all ready to quit as long as he's ready to support me and give me allowance which he agrees, but it'll be just a token sum.
I told him I'll resign any time once I think my work is too hectic to cope .........
I think I wont resign till my baby is born to be a SAHM as I believe in caring my own baby.
A healthey & normal baby is the best gift to all Mother and Mother's tender loving care is the best gift for all babies .........
To be honest, I'm worried of over dependence single source of income since SG is a rather expensive country to live, some say it's a place "where you can die but not fall sick"!
Hey, dont think I'm kidding, many fellow sporean will agree with the above statement.
But having said that, I'll still quit for the sake of my baby!
At this moment, motherhood is the most important to me and money & career is secondary with the least priority ..........
I told him I'm all ready to quit as long as he's ready to support me and give me allowance which he agrees, but it'll be just a token sum.
I told him I'll resign any time once I think my work is too hectic to cope .........
I think I wont resign till my baby is born to be a SAHM as I believe in caring my own baby.
A healthey & normal baby is the best gift to all Mother and Mother's tender loving care is the best gift for all babies .........
To be honest, I'm worried of over dependence single source of income since SG is a rather expensive country to live, some say it's a place "where you can die but not fall sick"!
Hey, dont think I'm kidding, many fellow sporean will agree with the above statement.
But having said that, I'll still quit for the sake of my baby!
At this moment, motherhood is the most important to me and money & career is secondary with the least priority ..........
TCM Updates on 21 Feb
Yesterday I went to the TCM and updated about my late cycle (mens at CD37) and the commencement of the birth control pills.
She aked if I'd like to take any chinese medication now till completion of IVF cycle and she wanted me to make the decision as she knew that KKH doesnt endorse the use of chinese medication.
She said I've to be comfortable with my own decision since IVF is a very stressful journey and she doesnt want to add unnecessary stress to me should I consume chinese herbs (what if the stimulation response is poor this time and I may blame myself for taking the herbs).
She was an experienced fertility doc/ surgeon in China and its common and part of the IVF protocol there to do acpuncture and medication concurrently before/ during & after IVF treatment.
After much consideration, I think I wont take the medication for fear of unnecessary worries on the stimulation impact.
The TCM kept telling me not to be stressed since I've done what I can and should let nature take its cause.
To be frank, would you not be worried after 3 successful pregnancy but end up in miscarraiges?
But true enough, I think I should/ must try to relax.
Wish me luck!
She aked if I'd like to take any chinese medication now till completion of IVF cycle and she wanted me to make the decision as she knew that KKH doesnt endorse the use of chinese medication.
She said I've to be comfortable with my own decision since IVF is a very stressful journey and she doesnt want to add unnecessary stress to me should I consume chinese herbs (what if the stimulation response is poor this time and I may blame myself for taking the herbs).
She was an experienced fertility doc/ surgeon in China and its common and part of the IVF protocol there to do acpuncture and medication concurrently before/ during & after IVF treatment.
After much consideration, I think I wont take the medication for fear of unnecessary worries on the stimulation impact.
The TCM kept telling me not to be stressed since I've done what I can and should let nature take its cause.
To be frank, would you not be worried after 3 successful pregnancy but end up in miscarraiges?
But true enough, I think I should/ must try to relax.
Wish me luck!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Praying to the Ancestor
This CNY as I was in Ipoh, I told RY that I'd like to pay respect to his late granny (MIL's mum) since her tablet is placed in Ipoh's temple.
So on Day 1 of CNY, the whole family (PIL, BIL, RY & myself) went to the temple to pray to the late granny.
We ernestly pray that she'll bless us with an offspring to RY's family .........
Actually the correct way should be to pray to FIL's parents since we chinese believe in carrying the family line (the father family name) ........... but it's rather challenging since the late FIL's parents' grave are in Cameron ......... maybe this Ching Ming we can try to cooincide to drive back to Cameron with PIL, but subject to our working schedule.
According to MIL, this was what she did when she was trying to get preggy 30 yrs ago and upon praying to the husband's father ancestor, she got preg about a month later.
I hope the late ancestors do understand our wish and kindly grant it to us ............
So on Day 1 of CNY, the whole family (PIL, BIL, RY & myself) went to the temple to pray to the late granny.
We ernestly pray that she'll bless us with an offspring to RY's family .........
Actually the correct way should be to pray to FIL's parents since we chinese believe in carrying the family line (the father family name) ........... but it's rather challenging since the late FIL's parents' grave are in Cameron ......... maybe this Ching Ming we can try to cooincide to drive back to Cameron with PIL, but subject to our working schedule.
According to MIL, this was what she did when she was trying to get preggy 30 yrs ago and upon praying to the husband's father ancestor, she got preg about a month later.
I hope the late ancestors do understand our wish and kindly grant it to us ............
Friday, February 19, 2010
Interesting Fertility Blog to Share
Hi
I happened to come across this Fertility Blog and find it useful to share and for permanaent referencing.
http://waywardstork.blogspot.com/
I happened to come across this Fertility Blog and find it useful to share and for permanaent referencing.
http://waywardstork.blogspot.com/
Fertility Food
Fertility Food:
Pineapple - Contains bromelain which can act as a blood thinner, that can increase blood flow to the uterus. Bromelain is found in fresh pineapple, specifically in the core. Pineapple also contains selenium that helps to thicken the uterine lining and promote a healthy womb lining which aids with implantation.
Brazil nuts -- A top source of selenium, a vitamin that helps keep sperm cells healthy while also helping sperm motility and quality. Brazil nuts are also a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect sperm cells against free-radical damage. Brazil nuts also help with implantation and to thicken the uterus lining.
Yams - Wild yams are said to be a fertility superfood that have also been linked with multiple births. A tribe in Africa whose diet consists mostly of yams was recently found to have exceptionally high rates of twins and multiple births. Yams are thought to contain chemicals that stimulate hyperovulation, increasing your chances of conceiving.
Maca - A fertility superfood from Peru which helps to balance the hormones, increase egg health, increase progesterone in the body, increase sperm count and health, and is a tonic for the endocrine system.
Royal Jelly - A fertility superfood which is said to increase egg health, quality of egg, and general fertility. It is rich is vitamins, calcium, iron, amino acids and immune stimulating properties. Interestingly, royal jelly is the food that is fed to the queen bee which is what makes her the queen bee. She goes on to live 6 years and lays up to 2000 eggs per day. Other bees live less than two months.
Bee Propolis and Bee Pollen - Two fertility super foods that are rich in nutrients to help the immune system, and it also helps women who have endometriosis.
Whole grains - Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, whole wheat and quinoa are complex carbohydrates that contain an abundance of B and E vitamins that are essential for cellular reproduction, hormonal balance and the production of healthy ova and sperm. Women should be sure to eat lots of oatmeal.
Oily Fish - Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are the best source of essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 which play an important role in regulating reproductive functioning, improving blood flow and enhancing sperm quality and mobility.
Full Fat Dairy - Research has found that women who eat at least one portion of full fat dairy a day are significantly less likely to suffer from fertility problems that those who eat half fat or non dairy options. Whole dairy is a great source of calcium which is important in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, bones and blood. Great sources are whole milk, whole yogurt, cheese, ice cream. Have fun eating up!
Olive Oil -- Provides a rich source of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant and an essential fertility nutrient for both men and women as it improves the viability of sperm and helps to regulate both ovulation and the production of cervical mucus and healthy hormone functioning.
Garlic - Contains an abundance of fertility boosting nutrients which enhance male fertility and help prevent the chromosome breakage that may play a role in early miscarriage. Garlic also contains vitamin B6 which helps to regulate hormones and strengthens the immune system.
Blueberries - A superfood loaded with antioxidants. They are a natural disease fighting food, high in fiber, and contain a potent dose of proanthocyanidins beneficial for cognitive function, cardiovascular, and reproductive health.
Avocados - One of the most potent antioxidants and disease fighting foods available.
Green tea -- This one is controversial, because it contains caffeine, which is a fertility no, no. But, if you are so inclined to have a cup, this miracle tea contains antioxidants useful for cancer protection and, if taken regularly, can help to lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar balance and increase your energy and fertility.
Wild Fresh Salmon -- A miracle food that is extremely high in essential fatty acids. All of the cell membranes in the body are comprised of fatty acids and our brain is over 70% fatty tissues. These fats are crucial for a healthy mind, memory, blood pressure regulation, and fertility enhancement.
Raw Pumpkin & Sunflower Seeds - A great food for male fertility, as they contain high levels of zinc and essential fatty acids which are vital to healthy functioning of the male reproductive system. These seeds have been shown to help with male fertility. It is recommended that a man with a low sperm count eat 1/4 cup a day.
Almonds & Walnuts - these raw nuts are rich in healthy oils, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E that can increase sperm and egg quality.
Flaxseed - A miracle food that in known for it's cancer protective ability, along with providing a good source of fiber and essential fatty acids that will aid fertility.
Lean Red Meat - Lean red meat is a great source of iron which helps to prevent anemia, decreases the risk of ovulatory infertility and plays a role in the production and function of red blood cells. Red meat is also a good source of vitamin B12 which is essential in the maintenance and development of the nervous system.
Honey - Honey has been used to enhance fertility throughout history as it is incredibly rich in the minerals and amino acids that nourish the reproductive system and stimulate ovarian function.
Whey protein powder - Getting enough protein in your diet can have a huge effect on fertility. If you do not get enough protein in your diet, consider a protein powder that is organic or raised without hormones and antibiotics, and the protein source should never be soy.
Spirulina - A tiny aquatic plant that has more protein than soy, more Vitamin A than carrots, more iron than beef, and is easy to digest.
Spinach - Spinach and other leafy greens are an excellent source of folic acid which is important in optimizing sperm production, facilitating regular, healthy ova production and helping to prevent neural tube defects during early pregnancy. It is also a great source of iron and vitamin C which helps to enhance sperm quality by protecting the DNA stored within it from damage.
Oysters -It is the abundance of zinc that gives it its fertility boosting qualities. Zinc is often considered to be the most important fertility nutrient as it has been shown to help with both healthy sperm and egg production.
Chillies - Have been known to increase the flow of blood around the body, ensuring that the reproductive system gets a healthy supply. Chillies also stimulate endorphin production which means more fertility boosting, stress releasing, happy hormones circulate around your body. But don’t eat them after ovulation/transfer.
Red, Orange, & Dark Geen Vegetables - Getting enough vegetables is important for boosting overall reproductive health.
Citrus Fruits- Contain folic acid and can help with fertility.
Legumes (beans, peas, lentils, garbanzo)-- A good source of protein that can aid with fertility.
Eggs - High in selenium to help create a healthy uterus for implantation. Also a great source of protein to help with egg and sperm quality.
Quinoa -- A superfood that is a great source of protein that is linked to fighting cancer and increasing fertility.
2 Liters of Filtered Water Per Day(preferably not bottles) -- It should be filtered and clean to help flush out toxins from the body and increase general reproductive health. Plastic bottles could have PCB chemicals that leak into the water and contribute to cancer and low fertility.
** Remember to take a prenatal vitamin daily with extra folic acid.
** Try to buy organic wherever possible, because chemicals in non-organic foods have been linked to infertility. All vegetables and dairy should be organic. Fish should be wild, chicken should be free-range or organic, all red meats should be grass fed or organic, All grains should be whole and naturally grown.
Fertility Food No-no's:
No Regular Bananas -- If you eat bananas, which is a good thing, you must buy organic. There is pretty clear evidence that a common agricultural chemical used in growing bananas effects sperm morphology and motility---to the point of sterilizing farm workers. The chemical is absorbed into the growing fruit, so peeling it doesn't help. So make sure your bananas are organic men!
Cut out all Alcohol -- Alcohol can reduce your fertility by up to 50%.
Cut out Caffeine -- Caffeine in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate has been shown to reduce male & female fertility. As little as one cup of coffee a day can cut your chances of conception in half.
Cut out Junk Food, Processed Foot and Saturated Fats -- This speaks for itself, but you need to be sure that your body is gaining nutrients from food, not empty calories.
Do Not Diet -- Even though it's tempting to want to fit into those new jeans, diets could be counterproductive to fertility.
Decrease Sugar -- Refined sugars not only make you gain weight but can disrupt your body's blood sugar levels. They will initially give you energy but later on you will suffer from an abrupt crash, and even more fatigue.
No Artificial Sweetener -- Although there has been a great deal of debate, studies have found that artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, may be linked to cancer and decreased fertility.
Watch your Herbal Supplements: Some people swear by herbs, but many doctors feel that you should cut all herbs while on fertility medications, because they can interfere with the process. This includes herbal teas, even chamomile. Instead try steamed milk, hot lemon with water, or apple cider!
After Ovulation/Transfer avoid Fish: Don't eat sushi or any raw fish. Avoid fish that have high mercury content due to their environment—including swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, shark, and shell fish.
No Soft Cheeses after Ovulation/Transfer: Avoid cheeses such as brie, feta, and anything that is creamy or unpasturized.
Pineapple - Contains bromelain which can act as a blood thinner, that can increase blood flow to the uterus. Bromelain is found in fresh pineapple, specifically in the core. Pineapple also contains selenium that helps to thicken the uterine lining and promote a healthy womb lining which aids with implantation.
Brazil nuts -- A top source of selenium, a vitamin that helps keep sperm cells healthy while also helping sperm motility and quality. Brazil nuts are also a good source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect sperm cells against free-radical damage. Brazil nuts also help with implantation and to thicken the uterus lining.
Yams - Wild yams are said to be a fertility superfood that have also been linked with multiple births. A tribe in Africa whose diet consists mostly of yams was recently found to have exceptionally high rates of twins and multiple births. Yams are thought to contain chemicals that stimulate hyperovulation, increasing your chances of conceiving.
Maca - A fertility superfood from Peru which helps to balance the hormones, increase egg health, increase progesterone in the body, increase sperm count and health, and is a tonic for the endocrine system.
Royal Jelly - A fertility superfood which is said to increase egg health, quality of egg, and general fertility. It is rich is vitamins, calcium, iron, amino acids and immune stimulating properties. Interestingly, royal jelly is the food that is fed to the queen bee which is what makes her the queen bee. She goes on to live 6 years and lays up to 2000 eggs per day. Other bees live less than two months.
Bee Propolis and Bee Pollen - Two fertility super foods that are rich in nutrients to help the immune system, and it also helps women who have endometriosis.
Whole grains - Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, whole wheat and quinoa are complex carbohydrates that contain an abundance of B and E vitamins that are essential for cellular reproduction, hormonal balance and the production of healthy ova and sperm. Women should be sure to eat lots of oatmeal.
Oily Fish - Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are the best source of essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6 which play an important role in regulating reproductive functioning, improving blood flow and enhancing sperm quality and mobility.
Full Fat Dairy - Research has found that women who eat at least one portion of full fat dairy a day are significantly less likely to suffer from fertility problems that those who eat half fat or non dairy options. Whole dairy is a great source of calcium which is important in the development and maintenance of the nervous system, bones and blood. Great sources are whole milk, whole yogurt, cheese, ice cream. Have fun eating up!
Olive Oil -- Provides a rich source of vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant and an essential fertility nutrient for both men and women as it improves the viability of sperm and helps to regulate both ovulation and the production of cervical mucus and healthy hormone functioning.
Garlic - Contains an abundance of fertility boosting nutrients which enhance male fertility and help prevent the chromosome breakage that may play a role in early miscarriage. Garlic also contains vitamin B6 which helps to regulate hormones and strengthens the immune system.
Blueberries - A superfood loaded with antioxidants. They are a natural disease fighting food, high in fiber, and contain a potent dose of proanthocyanidins beneficial for cognitive function, cardiovascular, and reproductive health.
Avocados - One of the most potent antioxidants and disease fighting foods available.
Green tea -- This one is controversial, because it contains caffeine, which is a fertility no, no. But, if you are so inclined to have a cup, this miracle tea contains antioxidants useful for cancer protection and, if taken regularly, can help to lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar balance and increase your energy and fertility.
Wild Fresh Salmon -- A miracle food that is extremely high in essential fatty acids. All of the cell membranes in the body are comprised of fatty acids and our brain is over 70% fatty tissues. These fats are crucial for a healthy mind, memory, blood pressure regulation, and fertility enhancement.
Raw Pumpkin & Sunflower Seeds - A great food for male fertility, as they contain high levels of zinc and essential fatty acids which are vital to healthy functioning of the male reproductive system. These seeds have been shown to help with male fertility. It is recommended that a man with a low sperm count eat 1/4 cup a day.
Almonds & Walnuts - these raw nuts are rich in healthy oils, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E that can increase sperm and egg quality.
Flaxseed - A miracle food that in known for it's cancer protective ability, along with providing a good source of fiber and essential fatty acids that will aid fertility.
Lean Red Meat - Lean red meat is a great source of iron which helps to prevent anemia, decreases the risk of ovulatory infertility and plays a role in the production and function of red blood cells. Red meat is also a good source of vitamin B12 which is essential in the maintenance and development of the nervous system.
Honey - Honey has been used to enhance fertility throughout history as it is incredibly rich in the minerals and amino acids that nourish the reproductive system and stimulate ovarian function.
Whey protein powder - Getting enough protein in your diet can have a huge effect on fertility. If you do not get enough protein in your diet, consider a protein powder that is organic or raised without hormones and antibiotics, and the protein source should never be soy.
Spirulina - A tiny aquatic plant that has more protein than soy, more Vitamin A than carrots, more iron than beef, and is easy to digest.
Spinach - Spinach and other leafy greens are an excellent source of folic acid which is important in optimizing sperm production, facilitating regular, healthy ova production and helping to prevent neural tube defects during early pregnancy. It is also a great source of iron and vitamin C which helps to enhance sperm quality by protecting the DNA stored within it from damage.
Oysters -It is the abundance of zinc that gives it its fertility boosting qualities. Zinc is often considered to be the most important fertility nutrient as it has been shown to help with both healthy sperm and egg production.
Chillies - Have been known to increase the flow of blood around the body, ensuring that the reproductive system gets a healthy supply. Chillies also stimulate endorphin production which means more fertility boosting, stress releasing, happy hormones circulate around your body. But don’t eat them after ovulation/transfer.
Red, Orange, & Dark Geen Vegetables - Getting enough vegetables is important for boosting overall reproductive health.
Citrus Fruits- Contain folic acid and can help with fertility.
Legumes (beans, peas, lentils, garbanzo)-- A good source of protein that can aid with fertility.
Eggs - High in selenium to help create a healthy uterus for implantation. Also a great source of protein to help with egg and sperm quality.
Quinoa -- A superfood that is a great source of protein that is linked to fighting cancer and increasing fertility.
2 Liters of Filtered Water Per Day(preferably not bottles) -- It should be filtered and clean to help flush out toxins from the body and increase general reproductive health. Plastic bottles could have PCB chemicals that leak into the water and contribute to cancer and low fertility.
** Remember to take a prenatal vitamin daily with extra folic acid.
** Try to buy organic wherever possible, because chemicals in non-organic foods have been linked to infertility. All vegetables and dairy should be organic. Fish should be wild, chicken should be free-range or organic, all red meats should be grass fed or organic, All grains should be whole and naturally grown.
Fertility Food No-no's:
No Regular Bananas -- If you eat bananas, which is a good thing, you must buy organic. There is pretty clear evidence that a common agricultural chemical used in growing bananas effects sperm morphology and motility---to the point of sterilizing farm workers. The chemical is absorbed into the growing fruit, so peeling it doesn't help. So make sure your bananas are organic men!
Cut out all Alcohol -- Alcohol can reduce your fertility by up to 50%.
Cut out Caffeine -- Caffeine in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate has been shown to reduce male & female fertility. As little as one cup of coffee a day can cut your chances of conception in half.
Cut out Junk Food, Processed Foot and Saturated Fats -- This speaks for itself, but you need to be sure that your body is gaining nutrients from food, not empty calories.
Do Not Diet -- Even though it's tempting to want to fit into those new jeans, diets could be counterproductive to fertility.
Decrease Sugar -- Refined sugars not only make you gain weight but can disrupt your body's blood sugar levels. They will initially give you energy but later on you will suffer from an abrupt crash, and even more fatigue.
No Artificial Sweetener -- Although there has been a great deal of debate, studies have found that artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, may be linked to cancer and decreased fertility.
Watch your Herbal Supplements: Some people swear by herbs, but many doctors feel that you should cut all herbs while on fertility medications, because they can interfere with the process. This includes herbal teas, even chamomile. Instead try steamed milk, hot lemon with water, or apple cider!
After Ovulation/Transfer avoid Fish: Don't eat sushi or any raw fish. Avoid fish that have high mercury content due to their environment—including swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, shark, and shell fish.
No Soft Cheeses after Ovulation/Transfer: Avoid cheeses such as brie, feta, and anything that is creamy or unpasturized.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Why Birth Control Pills (BCP) prior to IVF?
Have you wonder why BCP is usually given in the IVF long protocol?
I've done some research and found an answer there:
http://100infertilityquestions.blogspot.com/2008/01/birth-control-pills-and-ivf-protocols.html
First, in patients who are known or suspected to be high responders, OCPs may help mitigate the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Second, in patients without predictable regular menstrual cycles, OCPs can be used in combination with Lupron to initiate an IVF cycle.
Third, some clinics use OCPs for microdose Lupron (MDL) flare, traditional flare, or patients who are taking Antagon in the hope that pretreatment with OCPs will prevent one follicle from growing faster than the other follicles once the stimulation has begun.
Given that prolonged OCP use can lead to oversuppression in low responders, it has to be used very carefully.
I've done some research and found an answer there:
http://100infertilityquestions.blogspot.com/2008/01/birth-control-pills-and-ivf-protocols.html
First, in patients who are known or suspected to be high responders, OCPs may help mitigate the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome
Second, in patients without predictable regular menstrual cycles, OCPs can be used in combination with Lupron to initiate an IVF cycle.
Third, some clinics use OCPs for microdose Lupron (MDL) flare, traditional flare, or patients who are taking Antagon in the hope that pretreatment with OCPs will prevent one follicle from growing faster than the other follicles once the stimulation has begun.
Given that prolonged OCP use can lead to oversuppression in low responders, it has to be used very carefully.
Now must try to relax and calm myself down ........
Since I've to start my IVF treatment next month, I should try to relax and calm myself down so that my hormone can be stabilised.
I must remind myself everyday and hopefully have a smooth sailing IVF journey and get pregnant soon (have a healthy prenancy and delivery healthy baby).
IVF is a very stressful journey!
Those who've gone thru it should understand what I mean.
The various stages is full of "excitement" and stress - from the initial scans, blood test, ER, ET & 2WW, pregnancy test etc ....... each time its an "heart attack" experience.
How did I manage to pass thru the stages during my previous IVF cycles?
Oh I was really ignorant then and didnt bother to read up nor check or ask the doc the scan or blood test result - just follow what they tell me to do.
I think being ignorant has its advantage, as it's less stressful.
However, as I've experienced IVF fresh cycle twice and FET once, m/c thrice, I've known too much to remain ignorant ..........
Maybe this time I should do the same by not asking any question about my follicles qty, size, blood test result etc ...........
I must remind myself everyday and hopefully have a smooth sailing IVF journey and get pregnant soon (have a healthy prenancy and delivery healthy baby).
IVF is a very stressful journey!
Those who've gone thru it should understand what I mean.
The various stages is full of "excitement" and stress - from the initial scans, blood test, ER, ET & 2WW, pregnancy test etc ....... each time its an "heart attack" experience.
How did I manage to pass thru the stages during my previous IVF cycles?
Oh I was really ignorant then and didnt bother to read up nor check or ask the doc the scan or blood test result - just follow what they tell me to do.
I think being ignorant has its advantage, as it's less stressful.
However, as I've experienced IVF fresh cycle twice and FET once, m/c thrice, I've known too much to remain ignorant ..........
Maybe this time I should do the same by not asking any question about my follicles qty, size, blood test result etc ...........
Revised Estimated IVF Calendar
Due to the delayed Feb mens cycle, I gotta revise my IVF schedule.
The revised estimated dates in calendar:
Day 1 : Tue 16 Feb
Day 1 : Tue 16 Feb
Day 1 to Day 16 : 17 Feb to 3 Mar : Microgyon (birth control pills) x 16 days
Day 16 : Wed 3 Mar - start of lucrin + appt at KKH + Microgyon 5 days (4 to 8 Mar)
Day 30 : Wed 17 Mar - baseline scan & blooodtest (if hormone suppress ok, then to proceed stage 2 0n 19 Mar - Puregon/ Gonal F)
Day 38 : Thur 25 Mar - Start Puregon or Gonal Fe
Day 45: Thur 1 Apr - 1st Scan
Day 48 : Sun 4 Apr - 2nd scan
Day 51 : Wed 7 Apr - 3rd scan
Day 54 : Sat 10 Apr - IM pregnyl jab
Day 57 : Tue 13 Apr - ER
Day 59 : Thur 15 Apr - ET
Day 77 : Mon 3 May - pregnancy test
Day 30 : Wed 17 Mar - baseline scan & blooodtest (if hormone suppress ok, then to proceed stage 2 0n 19 Mar - Puregon/ Gonal F)
Day 38 : Thur 25 Mar - Start Puregon or Gonal Fe
Day 45: Thur 1 Apr - 1st Scan
Day 48 : Sun 4 Apr - 2nd scan
Day 51 : Wed 7 Apr - 3rd scan
Day 54 : Sat 10 Apr - IM pregnyl jab
Day 57 : Tue 13 Apr - ER
Day 59 : Thur 15 Apr - ET
Day 77 : Mon 3 May - pregnancy test
CD37 - Mens finally here on 16 Feb!
This morning my mens finally reported ........ wow, its 10 days late since my usual cycle is 27 days .........
I'm kind of relive that it came finally but on the other hand, am sad .........
Frankly speaking, I was hoping that I'll be lucky enough to get preggy naturally without going thru IVF ......
It was a mix feeling when I saw the blood staints .........
When I was in Ipoh, I was tempted to get the pregnancy test kit which I didn't cos I was telling myself that I'm not so lucky to strike it on my own........
Tomorrow morning I'll call KKH IVF and let them know about my mens and at the same time start my BCP tomorrow night.
I also need to re-do my IVF calendar.
I'm kind of relive that it came finally but on the other hand, am sad .........
Frankly speaking, I was hoping that I'll be lucky enough to get preggy naturally without going thru IVF ......
It was a mix feeling when I saw the blood staints .........
When I was in Ipoh, I was tempted to get the pregnancy test kit which I didn't cos I was telling myself that I'm not so lucky to strike it on my own........
Tomorrow morning I'll call KKH IVF and let them know about my mens and at the same time start my BCP tomorrow night.
I also need to re-do my IVF calendar.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Feb'10 Cycle being delayed!
I wonder what is happening but today at CD33, my mens is still not reporting yet and this is affecting my IVF progress since only upon mens report then I can take the birth control pill (CD2) and then Lucrin (CD16) ........
Since its CNY and I'm holidaying in Ipoh, I shall take it easy and enjoy the good food during my stay here .............
Since its CNY and I'm holidaying in Ipoh, I shall take it easy and enjoy the good food during my stay here .............
Happy CNY - Year of the Tiger!
I'm typing this post in Ipoh!
Yes, we're back in Ipoh for the Chinese New Year celebration.
We'd usually come back to Ipoh every year for CNY except for last year as I was preggy (2nd pregnancy) and RY didnt want me to suffer in the traffic jam or tired myself during the long journey.
Unfortunately my baby girl didnt manage to survive the 1st trimester and I did D&C on 27 Feb 2009 to remove the dead foetus .......... that day was also my wedding anniversary............
In fact CNY gives me a mix feeling, one being Happy mood since its a joyful festival but at the same time sense of lost of my beloved baby - Angelina.........
My in-laws were not aware of the 1st & 2nd pregnancy as we've never shared with them except for the 3rd one since we were in KL - I was panic of the spotting and went to local hospital to get progesterone jab.
I hope that I can leave all the unhappiness (lost of my 3 babies) behind in the Year of Ox and look forward for my baby in the Year of Tiger!
I'd like to wish all of you/ us Happy CNY and May all your/ our wishes come true!
Yes, we're back in Ipoh for the Chinese New Year celebration.
We'd usually come back to Ipoh every year for CNY except for last year as I was preggy (2nd pregnancy) and RY didnt want me to suffer in the traffic jam or tired myself during the long journey.
Unfortunately my baby girl didnt manage to survive the 1st trimester and I did D&C on 27 Feb 2009 to remove the dead foetus .......... that day was also my wedding anniversary............
In fact CNY gives me a mix feeling, one being Happy mood since its a joyful festival but at the same time sense of lost of my beloved baby - Angelina.........
My in-laws were not aware of the 1st & 2nd pregnancy as we've never shared with them except for the 3rd one since we were in KL - I was panic of the spotting and went to local hospital to get progesterone jab.
I hope that I can leave all the unhappiness (lost of my 3 babies) behind in the Year of Ox and look forward for my baby in the Year of Tiger!
I'd like to wish all of you/ us Happy CNY and May all your/ our wishes come true!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Temp Updates
This cycle is really weird .......... on CD22 (1 Feb) till CD24 (3 Feb) my temp raise to 36.2'C, CD 25 was 36.4'C, CD 27 & 28 at 36.5 .......... this morning CD28 it drop to 36.3'C.
I think my mens should be coming this few days .......... but I do hope for a miracle .......... a miracle to be preggy naturally so that I need not go thru the IVF treatment.
IVF is a very stressful journey ..........
I shall talk about it in the next posting.
I think my mens should be coming this few days .......... but I do hope for a miracle .......... a miracle to be preggy naturally so that I need not go thru the IVF treatment.
IVF is a very stressful journey ..........
I shall talk about it in the next posting.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Hormone gone haywire!
Its CD21 today and my tempreature is 35.8'C!
What's wrong with me?
I showed the TCM by temp tracking and she said I dont seem to be ovulating this month.
She didnt prescribe any medicine to me this time and just asked me to monitor by temp progress.
She told me relax and not let stress affect my hormonal imbalance.
What's wrong with me?
I showed the TCM by temp tracking and she said I dont seem to be ovulating this month.
She didnt prescribe any medicine to me this time and just asked me to monitor by temp progress.
She told me relax and not let stress affect my hormonal imbalance.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
No Sign of Ovulation
Today is CD17 and I've no sign of ovulation - body temp has been constant at 36.0'C.
The mid-cycle light bleed stopped on Monday (CD15).
I'm very worried since it's unusual for me not to ovulate at this time.
My ovulation should be around CD14 and by CD12, I should be able to feel the swell around my ovary area.
Maybe I'm too stressed which contributed to my "unusual cycle".
Need to calm myself down.
Should try not to think about ovulation and TTC .........
The mid-cycle light bleed stopped on Monday (CD15).
I'm very worried since it's unusual for me not to ovulate at this time.
My ovulation should be around CD14 and by CD12, I should be able to feel the swell around my ovary area.
Maybe I'm too stressed which contributed to my "unusual cycle".
Need to calm myself down.
Should try not to think about ovulation and TTC .........
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Mid-cycle Bleeding
Yesterday was CD13 and I was shocked to see some light bleeding and it continue today.
I was rather worried so I told my TCM this morning when I did my usual Sunday accupunture.
My BBT has been rather stable at 36.2'C and no sign of increasing.
When I told her (TCM) about the low temp and light spotting, she told me it's normal for to see some mid-cycle bleeding since it's ovulation "break through" bleeding due to the hormonal change.
She said this should only last for about 2 to 3 days and after which I should be able to see some body temp change.
I shall monitor and hopefully it's like what she said and I look forward to a high body temp.
I was rather worried so I told my TCM this morning when I did my usual Sunday accupunture.
My BBT has been rather stable at 36.2'C and no sign of increasing.
When I told her (TCM) about the low temp and light spotting, she told me it's normal for to see some mid-cycle bleeding since it's ovulation "break through" bleeding due to the hormonal change.
She said this should only last for about 2 to 3 days and after which I should be able to see some body temp change.
I shall monitor and hopefully it's like what she said and I look forward to a high body temp.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Vitamin C
I've done a quick research on the benefits of Vit C and it's impact on fertility and pregnancy.
To my horror, high dosage of Vit C may be dangerous since it may induce miscarraige and also cause cervical mucus to dry up which may make hinder in baby making .........
In my last 3 preg, I could have unknowingly consumed up to 2000mg a day ........ could this be one of the cause of my loss ............
To my horror, high dosage of Vit C may be dangerous since it may induce miscarraige and also cause cervical mucus to dry up which may make hinder in baby making .........
In my last 3 preg, I could have unknowingly consumed up to 2000mg a day ........ could this be one of the cause of my loss ............
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Actual Blood Test Reading on 12 Jan'10
Yesterday I went to KKH to get my Microgynon prescription.
I was there at abut 12 noon and the crowd was gone.
The nurse who attended to me was Angeline so I asked her about my actual blood test reading on CD2 12 Jan.
I was really surprised that my FSH was 2.7 and E2 at 622.
Pre-menopausal Post-menopausal
FSH 1.35 - 17.06 2.42 - 147.95
E2 77 - 2382 < 37 - 103
This is a very good reading and I think my effort seems to have paid off.
I've done regular jogging, careful on my diet, take health supplements (DHEA, COQ10, Vit B etc), TCM (accu and herbs).
I've showed the test result to my TCM and she was very pleased but she think my E2 could be too high.
Anyway, she told me there's no major side effect of high E2 and told me not to be too worried.
She thinks I should be able to respond well to the puregon stimulation drug.
I'm looking forward to a smooth IVF process.
I was there at abut 12 noon and the crowd was gone.
The nurse who attended to me was Angeline so I asked her about my actual blood test reading on CD2 12 Jan.
I was really surprised that my FSH was 2.7 and E2 at 622.
Pre-menopausal Post-menopausal
FSH 1.35 - 17.06 2.42 - 147.95
E2 77 - 2382 < 37 - 103
This is a very good reading and I think my effort seems to have paid off.
I've done regular jogging, careful on my diet, take health supplements (DHEA, COQ10, Vit B etc), TCM (accu and herbs).
I've showed the test result to my TCM and she was very pleased but she think my E2 could be too high.
Anyway, she told me there's no major side effect of high E2 and told me not to be too worried.
She thinks I should be able to respond well to the puregon stimulation drug.
I'm looking forward to a smooth IVF process.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Serious revamping my blog
This morning, I took some time trying to understand the various gadgets available in the blogger and have discovered a few cool ones, for instance the counter and the Google new updates (to many season blogger, this must be basic knowledge).
I only started blogging in Aug'09 when I lost my 3rd precious bb ......... I wanted to document down what I'm going thru at that point in time and hope to be able to make a journal of my subsequent TTC journey.
After writing for about 4 mths then I start to realise that there're alot more functions available.
I must really take some time to study the functionality and also study other people's blog to understand the usage better.
I'm like a little kid, really curious about everything ........... hope to learn more things.
I only started blogging in Aug'09 when I lost my 3rd precious bb ......... I wanted to document down what I'm going thru at that point in time and hope to be able to make a journal of my subsequent TTC journey.
After writing for about 4 mths then I start to realise that there're alot more functions available.
I must really take some time to study the functionality and also study other people's blog to understand the usage better.
I'm like a little kid, really curious about everything ........... hope to learn more things.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Phobia
This morning I told RY that I'm very worried about getting pregnant since I've had 3 miscarraiges already and not sure if I can have a successful pregnancy and bb delivery for the coming 4th try.
RY suggested that I seek some psychiarist help to take my fear away.
He also suggested that we talk to his mother and ask for her opinio on the direction.
Frankly speaking, I'm reluctant to seek MIL help as I dont want to be seen as a silly, useless & infertile DIL.
But I'm also at a loss ............
The phobia of my 3 previous losses is still haunting me ..........
God, pls give me strength to over come my fear and let me stand tall to push on ........
Pls help me and let me have a successul and smooth pregancy and delivery of my healthy & normal baby......
RY suggested that I seek some psychiarist help to take my fear away.
He also suggested that we talk to his mother and ask for her opinio on the direction.
Frankly speaking, I'm reluctant to seek MIL help as I dont want to be seen as a silly, useless & infertile DIL.
But I'm also at a loss ............
The phobia of my 3 previous losses is still haunting me ..........
God, pls give me strength to over come my fear and let me stand tall to push on ........
Pls help me and let me have a successul and smooth pregancy and delivery of my healthy & normal baby......
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
KKH IVF Clinic
The clinic I'm receiving fertility treatment is KKH and have been with them since 2007 and my Dr is - Dr SF Loh.
I don't think this clinic offers excellent service but I stay with them since I managed to get pregnant thrice under Dr SF Loh, so I'm hoping for a 4th miracle and this time to have a successful pregnancy and delivery of my baby (babies).
I will be on lucrin for almost 21 days, in addition to Puregon for up to16 days.
Once my lining and folicles size and qty is right, I'll be on this HCG jab to triger ovulation for ER (Egg Retriever) and 2 days later will be ET (Embryo Transfer).
Subject to my progesterone level, I may need more progesterone jabs.
The actual schedule as follows:
Day 1 : start of menses - call KKH IVF
Day 2 - Day 16 : Microgyon (birth control pills) x 16 days
Day 16 - Day 21 : Microgyon 5 days + subcut Lucrin 10 units x 5 days Total Microgyon 21 days
Day 21 - Day 30 : subcut Lucrin 10 Units 9 days Total 14 days Lucrin - baseline scan & bloodtest for E2
Day 31 - Day 37 : subcut Lucrin 10 units x another 7 days
Day 38 - Day 44 : subcut Puregon 200 IU x 7 days + Lucrin 10 unitsDay 45 (8th day of puregon)- Day 53 (16th day of puregon): subcut Puregon + Lucrin 10 units (dosage depends on growth of follicles) - 1st scan on 8th day of puregon; 2nd scan betwen 9th -12th days; 3rd scan between 13th - 15th day. When follicles reach 16mm, STOP Lucrin. Total 16 days puregon
Day 54 : IM pregnyl at night , ER 2 days later
Day 56 : Egg Retrieval
Day 57 - Day 58 : wait for fertilisation
Day 59 : Egg transfer / balance embroyo to freezeDay 60 - Day 76 - return for progesterone blood tests (x3) - if more than 15 eggs collected, got to return for IM progesterone daily for 17 days. If less than 15 eggs collected, 4 x HCG jabs.
Day 77 : 17 days later, pregnancy test
Day 2 - Day 16 : Microgyon (birth control pills) x 16 days
Day 16 - Day 21 : Microgyon 5 days + subcut Lucrin 10 units x 5 days Total Microgyon 21 days
Day 21 - Day 30 : subcut Lucrin 10 Units 9 days Total 14 days Lucrin - baseline scan & bloodtest for E2
Day 31 - Day 37 : subcut Lucrin 10 units x another 7 days
Day 38 - Day 44 : subcut Puregon 200 IU x 7 days + Lucrin 10 unitsDay 45 (8th day of puregon)- Day 53 (16th day of puregon): subcut Puregon + Lucrin 10 units (dosage depends on growth of follicles) - 1st scan on 8th day of puregon; 2nd scan betwen 9th -12th days; 3rd scan between 13th - 15th day. When follicles reach 16mm, STOP Lucrin. Total 16 days puregon
Day 54 : IM pregnyl at night , ER 2 days later
Day 56 : Egg Retrieval
Day 57 - Day 58 : wait for fertilisation
Day 59 : Egg transfer / balance embroyo to freezeDay 60 - Day 76 - return for progesterone blood tests (x3) - if more than 15 eggs collected, got to return for IM progesterone daily for 17 days. If less than 15 eggs collected, 4 x HCG jabs.
Day 77 : 17 days later, pregnancy test
The estimated dates in calendar:
Day 1 : Sat 6 Feb
Day 1 : Sat 6 Feb
Day 2 to Day 16 : 7 to 22 Feb : Microgyon (birth control pills) x 16 days
Day 16 : Tue 23 Feb - start of lucrin + appt at KKH + Microgyon 5 days (23 to 27 Feb)
Day 30 : Tue 8 Mar - baseline scan & blooodtest
Day 38 : Mon 16 Mar - Start Puregon
Day 45: Tue 23 Mar - 1st Scan
Day 48 : Sat 26 Mar - 2nd scan
Day 51 : Mon 29 Mar - 3rd scan
Day 54 : Thur 1 Apr - IM pregnyl jab
Day 57 : Sun 4 Apr - ER
Day 59 : Tue 6 Apr - ET
Day 77 : Sat 24 Apr - pregnancy test
Day 30 : Tue 8 Mar - baseline scan & blooodtest
Day 38 : Mon 16 Mar - Start Puregon
Day 45: Tue 23 Mar - 1st Scan
Day 48 : Sat 26 Mar - 2nd scan
Day 51 : Mon 29 Mar - 3rd scan
Day 54 : Thur 1 Apr - IM pregnyl jab
Day 57 : Sun 4 Apr - ER
Day 59 : Tue 6 Apr - ET
Day 77 : Sat 24 Apr - pregnancy test
Blood Test Result on 12 Jan'10
Just received phone call from clinic that my fertility doc has reviewed by blood test result and instruct to proceed with IVF long protocol in Feb.
Long protocol means it'll take me total 6 to 8 weeks to complete the whole process.
This Saturday, I'll go to hospital to collect my conception pill prescription.
I'll post in detail the IVF schedule in the next posting.
Long protocol means it'll take me total 6 to 8 weeks to complete the whole process.
This Saturday, I'll go to hospital to collect my conception pill prescription.
I'll post in detail the IVF schedule in the next posting.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Health Supplement that I'm taking now
Just a summary of what health supplements I've been taking.
Morning
Cordycept pills (2 tabs in the morning empty stomach) for about 2 months.
After my morning shower (about 45mins interval), DHEA 2 x 25mg (about 2 months)
Take breakfast, then take 1 tab of COQ10 (50mg - about 2 weeks) + 2 tabs of Fish Oil
Reach office and settle down then take my TCM chinese herbs
Afternoon
After lunch, take 2 tabs each of Brands schisandra and chicken essence, 1 tab each of Vit B complex, folic acid & eye bright.
Vit C 500mg during tea time
Evening
Evening before dinner, take another tab of DHEA (25mg)
After dinner, rest for an hour then take the TCM chinese herbs.
Do you think I'm taking alot of supplements?
I hope I've managed to space out the supplements.
I really wish that the above can help boast my fertility well being.
Morning
Cordycept pills (2 tabs in the morning empty stomach) for about 2 months.
After my morning shower (about 45mins interval), DHEA 2 x 25mg (about 2 months)
Take breakfast, then take 1 tab of COQ10 (50mg - about 2 weeks) + 2 tabs of Fish Oil
Reach office and settle down then take my TCM chinese herbs
Afternoon
After lunch, take 2 tabs each of Brands schisandra and chicken essence, 1 tab each of Vit B complex, folic acid & eye bright.
Vit C 500mg during tea time
Evening
Evening before dinner, take another tab of DHEA (25mg)
After dinner, rest for an hour then take the TCM chinese herbs.
Do you think I'm taking alot of supplements?
I hope I've managed to space out the supplements.
I really wish that the above can help boast my fertility well being.
CD2 Blood Test
This morning I went for my CD2 blood test.
Arrived at the clinic at 7.25am and was the 1st to draw my blood.
The nurse asked me if I'm taking any chinese herbs, I told her I'm currently taking cordycept capsules.
Not sure what's my test result, I hope it's a good one.
I shall update once I know the result.
Arrived at the clinic at 7.25am and was the 1st to draw my blood.
The nurse asked me if I'm taking any chinese herbs, I told her I'm currently taking cordycept capsules.
Not sure what's my test result, I hope it's a good one.
I shall update once I know the result.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Stressed over the Dec Cycle
When I went to the TCM yesterday morning, she kept asking me if I'm very stressed at work, and my immediate response is No, in fact I've been rather free due to the festive season.
By the way, my mens came after 12pm - some brown spotting and some light flow at night.
Today, my mens is still very light and I'll go for my blood test this afternoon.
Then I think over, I'm not stressed over work, but is stressed due to the blood test to in the Jan cycle - I was instructed by the clinic to do a CD2/ CD3 blood test to to check on my FSH & E2 level.
I'm worried as not sure if DHEA or the chinese herbs have affected my FSH reading - hoping that it gives me positive impact - I need low FSH reading for this test!
I think the anxiety over the test result must have triggered by early mens - from 27 days to 26 days.
Sometimes ignorance maybe a blessing, if you dont know much then you wont be worried about certain things.
I remembered when I did my lst IVF in March 2008, I was ignorant about the procedure and only did per instruction of the doc and nurse ......... at that time was pretty stress free and my blood test result was pretty ok.
Then the 2nd IVF cycle in Nov 2008, again it was a bliss since I didnt research much.
Come this 3rd IVF cycle in Feb 2010, I'm not sure if I'll be under any stress since I've read up quite alot and is worried about my aging body's performance.......
Maybe I shouldn't ready too much about fertibility related and hopefully I can pull it thru like I did in 2008 .......
By the way, my mens came after 12pm - some brown spotting and some light flow at night.
Today, my mens is still very light and I'll go for my blood test this afternoon.
Then I think over, I'm not stressed over work, but is stressed due to the blood test to in the Jan cycle - I was instructed by the clinic to do a CD2/ CD3 blood test to to check on my FSH & E2 level.
I'm worried as not sure if DHEA or the chinese herbs have affected my FSH reading - hoping that it gives me positive impact - I need low FSH reading for this test!
I think the anxiety over the test result must have triggered by early mens - from 27 days to 26 days.
Sometimes ignorance maybe a blessing, if you dont know much then you wont be worried about certain things.
I remembered when I did my lst IVF in March 2008, I was ignorant about the procedure and only did per instruction of the doc and nurse ......... at that time was pretty stress free and my blood test result was pretty ok.
Then the 2nd IVF cycle in Nov 2008, again it was a bliss since I didnt research much.
Come this 3rd IVF cycle in Feb 2010, I'm not sure if I'll be under any stress since I've read up quite alot and is worried about my aging body's performance.......
Maybe I shouldn't ready too much about fertibility related and hopefully I can pull it thru like I did in 2008 .......
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Browsing through the Blogs
Yesterday was a quiet day in the office and I was rather free so I browsed thru the blogs of the many strangers in this cyber space and I came across a couple of really nice ones - a father who share every moment of his child's lives and mothers who document down the growing up of their precious babies and the cooking recipe.
I was really happy reading thru those blogs and is hoping that one day I can do the same too .......
But right now, I can only blog about my cycles days, TCM, health supplements ......... when can I advance to sharing my baby joy?
I'm getting impatient for that day to come.
God pls help me to remain calm and saint in my mind and not get crazy .............
I was really happy reading thru those blogs and is hoping that one day I can do the same too .......
But right now, I can only blog about my cycles days, TCM, health supplements ......... when can I advance to sharing my baby joy?
I'm getting impatient for that day to come.
God pls help me to remain calm and saint in my mind and not get crazy .............
Temp drop on CD23 (8 Jan, Fri)
I think is Dec cycle is a no hope for me since my body temp drop from 36.6'c on CD22 to 26.3'c on CD23 and today CD24, my temp is 36.2'c.
Yesterday upon detection of the low temp I was hoping its a "one-off" incident and is hopeful for a high temp today.
Too bad it just remain low today and it seems like its a no hope to be preggy this time ......... looks like my mens will report on Tue since it'll be CD27.
I'm very sad ...........
On the Jan cycle CD 2/ 3, I'll be going to the hospital to do blood test to measure my FSH & E2 level to prepare for the Feb IVF treatment.
Yesterday upon detection of the low temp I was hoping its a "one-off" incident and is hopeful for a high temp today.
Too bad it just remain low today and it seems like its a no hope to be preggy this time ......... looks like my mens will report on Tue since it'll be CD27.
I'm very sad ...........
On the Jan cycle CD 2/ 3, I'll be going to the hospital to do blood test to measure my FSH & E2 level to prepare for the Feb IVF treatment.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Dec'09 Cycle
I'm quite hopeful to get pregnant this month since my fertile period falls during the festive season (X'mas and New Year) and RY was in mood to try.
Come next Tue 12 Jan, I'll know if I'll be preg since it'll be CD27 .........
Yesterday Monday was the 1st day of school for most of SG education instituions and it was raining heavily in the morning.
I was thinking the rain could have inconvenient many kids as they may get wet (just like siew mun zai).
I was thinking if there is this day that I'm seeing my kid to school, I'll let him/ her wear slipper & t-shirts/ shorts and bring his school uniform and shoes as well as towel to school to let him change once he reach school ...........
Then the child will not be wet or catch cold.
God, pls help me and let me be pregnant!
I'll be a good mother to my children.
Come next Tue 12 Jan, I'll know if I'll be preg since it'll be CD27 .........
Yesterday Monday was the 1st day of school for most of SG education instituions and it was raining heavily in the morning.
I was thinking the rain could have inconvenient many kids as they may get wet (just like siew mun zai).
I was thinking if there is this day that I'm seeing my kid to school, I'll let him/ her wear slipper & t-shirts/ shorts and bring his school uniform and shoes as well as towel to school to let him change once he reach school ...........
Then the child will not be wet or catch cold.
God, pls help me and let me be pregnant!
I'll be a good mother to my children.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Why RY Raised his voice over the socks and TV?
Before we left for Ipoh last week, I've done some laundry and hang RY's washed socks on the hanger which I also hung my jeans to dry.
I've placed it nearer to the window knowing that RY doesnt like his socks to be trapped amongst the pile of clothes for dry.
Since I know we'll only keep the clothes after a week when we come back from Ipoh trip, I thought it should be ok.
2 days ago when RY kept the clothes, he saw his socks hung in the hangar together with my jeans, he was so furious and he shouted at me.
I was very upset, why he get so angry over a pair of socks ........
Yesterday, TCS 5 showed old MJ concert and we watched for awhile (after our Toro sashimi dinner).
But we both went to have our bath and off the TV (I used the bathroom in the bedroom while RY used the one in living room).
As I finished my bath earlier then RY, I went to turn on the TV to watch TCS 8 and RY upon hearing that the TV is on, he asked me to turn to TCS 5.
I told him, I'll let him have the TV once he's done with his bath and come to living room, which I did.
Once he came to the living room, he shouted at me for being inconsiderate since he wanted to "listen" to MJ's songs.
I told him, I went for my bath 10 mins earlier then him and he could have kept the TV on and no when I've finished my bath and turned it on then he quickly aksed for his MJ's channel.
He got so angry that he went to his study room and slam the door shut.
I'm really hurt, how could he get so upset and raised his voice at me over a pair or socks and a TV programme?
Are they more important then me?
Sometime, it make me wonder if we should stay married ..............
If I'm being inconsiderate
I've placed it nearer to the window knowing that RY doesnt like his socks to be trapped amongst the pile of clothes for dry.
Since I know we'll only keep the clothes after a week when we come back from Ipoh trip, I thought it should be ok.
2 days ago when RY kept the clothes, he saw his socks hung in the hangar together with my jeans, he was so furious and he shouted at me.
I was very upset, why he get so angry over a pair of socks ........
Yesterday, TCS 5 showed old MJ concert and we watched for awhile (after our Toro sashimi dinner).
But we both went to have our bath and off the TV (I used the bathroom in the bedroom while RY used the one in living room).
As I finished my bath earlier then RY, I went to turn on the TV to watch TCS 8 and RY upon hearing that the TV is on, he asked me to turn to TCS 5.
I told him, I'll let him have the TV once he's done with his bath and come to living room, which I did.
Once he came to the living room, he shouted at me for being inconsiderate since he wanted to "listen" to MJ's songs.
I told him, I went for my bath 10 mins earlier then him and he could have kept the TV on and no when I've finished my bath and turned it on then he quickly aksed for his MJ's channel.
He got so angry that he went to his study room and slam the door shut.
I'm really hurt, how could he get so upset and raised his voice at me over a pair or socks and a TV programme?
Are they more important then me?
Sometime, it make me wonder if we should stay married ..............
If I'm being inconsiderate
Anti-aging Supplements
I forgot to update that I've bought the DHEA on line from iHerb and only cost me about SGD45/= for 4 bottles of 21st Century brand @ 90 tabs per bottle.
I've been taking 3 tabs for about a month and realise that my skin is getting oilier now.
I got zips on my chin and lips areas and my hair get really oily after 12 hours of washing.
Last week I also started this COQ10 supplement from Blackmore - 1 tab in the morning.
I've paid SGD88.50 for 2 bottles and there's 60 tabs per bottle.
COQ10 is supposed to help in heart functioning and cell repair.
I checked that Blackmore Conceive Well Gold supplement has this COQ10 60mg in it, so i guess it should be important in fertility enhancement.
I'm hoping that by taking such anti-aging supplements, I can improve my fertility.
In 2 weeks time, I'll be doing FSH blood test and not sure if it'll show good level.
Pls wish me good luck!
I've been taking 3 tabs for about a month and realise that my skin is getting oilier now.
I got zips on my chin and lips areas and my hair get really oily after 12 hours of washing.
Last week I also started this COQ10 supplement from Blackmore - 1 tab in the morning.
I've paid SGD88.50 for 2 bottles and there's 60 tabs per bottle.
COQ10 is supposed to help in heart functioning and cell repair.
I checked that Blackmore Conceive Well Gold supplement has this COQ10 60mg in it, so i guess it should be important in fertility enhancement.
I'm hoping that by taking such anti-aging supplements, I can improve my fertility.
In 2 weeks time, I'll be doing FSH blood test and not sure if it'll show good level.
Pls wish me good luck!
Happy New Year 2010!
Happy New Year!
I wish a Better year then last and hope that all of our dreams and wishes can come true (my dream of being a Mummy can materlise)!
Yesterday 1 Jan 2010, we started the day by bring mum to Guan Ying Temple in Bugis to pray then we went to Red Star for Dim Sum breakfast.
RY brought me to Beach Road for Bak Kuet Teh for lunch and then we went to Iluma and Bugis Junction to shop.
We also went to Orchard since RY wanted to go to Borders.
As it was 1st day of the year, Isetan had imported big Tuna fresh from Japan.
I'd bought some sushi and sashimi as our New Year dinner.
RY was upset that I've paid > SGD100/= on the fishes.
It was really tasty but we cant finish so we send some to mum for her to sample.
This morning, we brought mum to another Guan Ying Temple in River Valley - Ju Shi Ling.
We had intended to have our vegeterian breakfast there (FOC food is served in this temple daily), but as it was too early, the food is not prepared yet, so RY drove us to Hong Lim food centre.
Most of the stalls were not opened and we ended eating very lousy prawn noodles from this stall call Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles.
It was lousy and cost us $4 per bowl.
Now we're home R&R and RY is ready news papaer while I'm updating my blog.
I wish a Better year then last and hope that all of our dreams and wishes can come true (my dream of being a Mummy can materlise)!
Yesterday 1 Jan 2010, we started the day by bring mum to Guan Ying Temple in Bugis to pray then we went to Red Star for Dim Sum breakfast.
RY brought me to Beach Road for Bak Kuet Teh for lunch and then we went to Iluma and Bugis Junction to shop.
We also went to Orchard since RY wanted to go to Borders.
As it was 1st day of the year, Isetan had imported big Tuna fresh from Japan.
I'd bought some sushi and sashimi as our New Year dinner.
RY was upset that I've paid > SGD100/= on the fishes.
It was really tasty but we cant finish so we send some to mum for her to sample.
This morning, we brought mum to another Guan Ying Temple in River Valley - Ju Shi Ling.
We had intended to have our vegeterian breakfast there (FOC food is served in this temple daily), but as it was too early, the food is not prepared yet, so RY drove us to Hong Lim food centre.
Most of the stalls were not opened and we ended eating very lousy prawn noodles from this stall call Ah Hui Big Prawn Noodles.
It was lousy and cost us $4 per bowl.
Now we're home R&R and RY is ready news papaer while I'm updating my blog.
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