Big News!!! INFERTILITY DRUGS FROM WALMART FOR $4.00

Big News!!! HOT OFF THE PRESSES!!!!!!

I just found out about this today. Walmart has the $4.00 pharmacy plan that was in the news.
We'll they have added more drugs to this plan and there are fertility drugs included also!!!
clomid - clomiphene 50 mg quantity 5.. (I think when I bought myfertility drug from the pharmacy it was only 5 pills also.
I paid about 120.00 for meds the injectible and clomid.
I think clomid at CVS with insurance was around $46.00 for 5 Pills.
If you have a prescription for Clomid now you can take it to walmart.
Sprintec 28-day quantity 28
and Tri-sprintec 28-day quantity 28

Please note in certain states these drugs are not covered due to state laws - CO,CA,HI,MN,MT,PA,TN,WI,and WY

Desperation!!!!

Well I think that I have hit my point of desperation..

I have been working a part-time job in addition to working my full-time job to pay for my bill that I ran up.. so..

I had been thinking and reading, and thinking and reading...

I think that I am going to inseminate myself at home... CRAZY!!!

but I think it will work. Also, it will cut out the middle man...

Lesbians do it all the time..

Why didn't I think of this before???? I would have saved thousands..

By the way inseminating at home or in a doc office.. ICI - you have the same chance of conceiving..

great.


The first thing that I am doing - I went to CVS and bought a ovulation test.. I check for my LH surge daily.. I just started today. I am going to track it and I will probably do the insemination next month.

Emotionally I had to take the time off to not think about things..

my body has gone back to normal. Period-wise. They

are coming like clockwork again. Thank GOD..

I am still keeping hope alive that this will

work for me. I went to my doc for my annual and she

told me to "relax". If one more person tells me to

relax i am going to scream.. How much relaxing do

they want me to do????? Like i said, I am trying to meditate in

the morning so that should help me to "relax". Gosh.

I keep track of my periods, When the doc says...

"when was the first day of your period"... i just don't look

at her stupidly and say...."duh, I dont know."My doctor was

telling me about an adoption agency in Macon...I want to adopt..

there is still the problem with the cost though.

I believe that it is important to have something that takes your mind off of what is bothering you. I am starting to meditate and it is actually to clear my mind regarding issues that I am having. I found a doctor in Atlanta – Reproductive Biology that charges 12k for IVF and their hours seem reasonable too. I took a position that allows me to work 10-7 p.m. so that I can go to the doctor and not worry about coming in late and taking all of my personal and vacation time (which right now I have none). So I need to clear some credit things up and make sure everything is ok and then I am going to apply for the IVF and document everything.

Stay Tuned

Starting Again

I put about 4200.00 on a credit card for infertility treatments and meds, so I got a new job and a part-time job to pay everything off. I am going to apply to get my loan in Jan, right after the holidays. I want to make sure my credit is good and everything goes ok. I just got a copy of my credit report and if there is anything that I need to clean up, I will do it now.

So I am working working working..

But it ok. Though.

I recently got a puppy and it is a lot of work but I love it. It doesn't stop me from wanting a child, but it takes the edge off. I feel better and not so crazy.

Quick Facts About Infertility Infertility is NOT an inconvenience; it is a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body's ability to perform the basic function of reproduction.  Infertility affects about 6.1 million women and their partners in the U.S.  -- about ten percent of the reproductive-age population (Source: National Survey of Family Growth, CDC 1995).  Infertility affects men and women equally.  Most infertility cases -- 85% to 90% -- are treated with conventional medical therapies such as medication or surgery.  While vital for some patients, in vitro fertilization and similar treatments account for less than 3% of infertility services, and about (or approximately) seven hundredths of one percent (0.07%) of U.S. health care costs.

Pricey infertility care sparks insurance clash By Julie Appleby, USA TODAY Erin Davis loved her job at a major public relations firm. But she quit because her company's health insurance wouldn't help pay for the one thing she wanted even more — to become a mother. Davis and her husband were caught in an increasingly common dilemma — wanting their insurance to cover expensive treatments — even as health inflation is rising at its fastest clip in a decade and employers are looking to reduce spending and shift more costs to workers. For the Davises, the answer was to change jobs. Erin Davis found a company — one of only about 20% of large firms — whose insurance plan covers high-tech infertility treatments, some of which can cost $10,000 or more a try. In most states, such coverage is optional, leaving it up to the employer to decide. But, for the past decade, advocates have worked state-by-state to pass laws requiring insurers to cover infertility treatments — with 10 states now requiring some coverage. Similar proposals are now before Congress. States that require some infertility coverage During the past decade, advocates have worked state-by-state to pass laws requiring insurers to offer coverage for infertility treatments. States that require coverage of at least some infertility treatments: Arkansas Hawaii Illinois Maryland Massachusetts Montana New Jersey Ohio Rhode Island West Virginia   States that require insurers to offer coverage, but employers don't have to accept: California Connecticut New York Texas Source: National Conference of State Legislatures The debate over whether employers should be required to cover infertility treatment joins a handful of similar debates about coverage for mental illness, contraception and so-called lifestyle drugs, such as impotence pill Viagra. As demand for infertility treatment grows — estimates are that 10% of couples have some trouble conceiving, and new techniques are offering hope to many — so, too, does pressure on employers to add infertility coverage. The debate pits those who say infertility should be covered just as any other medical condition against those who argue that having children is an option rather than a right — one that should not be subsidized by employers or co-workers. "It's a little bit like passing the hat around to fellow employees," says Daryl Veach, national director of health actuarial services for Ernst & Young. "To me, it's ironic. Right alongside the story you run about states adding fertility benefits will be stories about health care costs being out of control." For couples who must pay for infertility treatment without help from insurers, financial issues add to the stress of an already emotional and often frustrating situation. After several years of trying — and about $800 of their own money for medical visits and artificial insemination — Davis and her husband, Frank, knew the next step would be to try much more costly fertility drugs and maybe in vitro fertilization (IVF), which can run $10,000 or more per attempt. "We knew realistically what our budget could tolerate," says Davis, 29, who lives near Kansas City. "That was a lot of money." Davis learned that telecommunications giant Sprint's health insurance covered four tries at IVF, in which eggs are removed, fertilized and placed back in the womb. So she quit her job with the PR firm and accepted a position with Sprint in February, even though it paid less. "If we end up having to go through two or three IVFs at $12,000 a shot, that's $36,000," Davis says. "That really adds up, but even with the salary change, I would come out ahead." Critics of mandatory infertility coverage say the issue could become the next battle over health care equity, as workers who don't use such services are asked to subsidize the cost for those who do. "Everything with childbearing comes down to what you can afford," says Scott Wenzel, a federal government worker who in his private life runs several Web sites devoted to what proponents call a child-free lifestyle. "If you on your own cannot afford infertility treatment, and it's not a threat to life, I don't see that it's an open invitation to other subscribers of that health plan to pay for that personal choice," Wenzel says. But many disagree. "The perception out there is that this is an optional treatment, like a tummy tuck or cosmetic surgery," says Tom Madden, owner of the Portland Professional Pharmacy in Maine, which sells infertility treatment medications. His state is one of several that considered passing laws requiring employers to cover infertility treatment. The law failed this year, but Madden says advocates will bring it back next year. "The right to have a family is no different than the right to chemotherapy so someone can live five more years to see a son or daughter graduate from high school," Madden says. Costs per employee vary Four states — California, Texas, New York and Connecticut — require insurers only to offer the coverage, but employers don't have to accept. Fifteen states debated infertility coverage this year. New Jersey was the only one to adopt a requirement. Employers generally oppose such requirements, calling them burdensome limits on their ability to design health coverage and control costs. Advocacy groups, such as the infertility support group Resolve, refer to studies showing that adding infertility coverage raises premiums by less than $3 per employee a year. Critics of the laws say other studies show higher costs, possibly $20 a year or more per employee. Even among those who have benefited from employer coverage, the debate is not clear-cut. Anne Collins Albimino and her husband, Sam, have twin 23-month-old daughters. They spent a roller-coaster four years trying various medical procedures to get pregnant, starting with very low-tech, inexpensive options. The first time they tried high-tech IVF, their employer covered part of the procedure, and they paid about $3,000. But it didn't work. The couple moved to Virginia for a new job, where the insurance plan did not pay for any infertility treatment. They seriously thought about not trying again. Then Sam took a job in Illinois, which is one of 10 states that require insurers to pay for infertility treatment. The second time they tried IVF, paid for by the insurance plan, Anne Collins became pregnant with the twins. The couple understand the arguments on both sides of the coverage debate. "We got lucky," says Anne Collins, 36, who now lives near Roanoke, Va. "It's hard for me to argue whether employers should pay for this or not. I know what life was like before and the roller coaster I was on and how happy I am now with two kids. On the other side, I can see how insurance companies are being asked to cover more and more things." Her husband says workplace policies covering such things as infertility treatment or mental health benefits, while possibly costly, pay off in improved morale and productivity. "Ultimately, employees will be more satisfied with their lives," he says. Among insurance policies offered by large employers, less than 20% cover IVF — and even fewer cover more advanced techniques, according to data gathered by benefits firm William M. Mercer. About half will cover an evaluation by a specialist and about one-third cover some types of drug therapy for infertility. Estimates of how much such coverage costs employers vary widely. In New Jersey, which just adopted a law requiring employers to cover infertility treatments, insurers are estimating that the new law will raise rates anywhere from 1% to 6%, says Mary Beth Mulligan, an analyst at William M. Mercer. When Mercer questioned the higher figures, many insurers lowered their estimates, says Mulligan, who says only 2% of the population is likely to require the more expensive, advanced techniques. "When you look at an entire population, it's not as all encompassing as some employers or insurers think," she says. A 1993 study in Massachusetts found that insurance coverage did lead to more use of infertility treatment and raised costs by about $1.71 per employee per month, or $20.52 a year. That would translate to about $205,200 for a large employer with 10,000 workers. Sprint makes a change Davis, who became pregnant on her second try at IVF and is expecting twins in June, says that as a conservative, she debated for a long time about whether employers should be required to pay for infertility treatment. What it came down to, she says, is "I just don't see infertility as any different than any other medical condition." Sprint recently changed its coverage, shifting from covering four IVF treatments per employer to covering a maximum of $25,000 worth of infertility treatment. Medications are covered under another policy with no limit. A Sprint spokesman says the change was made to make it easier to track the benefit — and was calculated based on an average maximum amount the company spent under its former policy. Veach at Ernst & Young says cost to employers varies depending on the age and other demographics of an employer's workforce. He has an unusual perspective on the issue. He's an actuary — and he's a father because he and his wife were able to get infertility treatment. After trying to conceive for about five years, his wife underwent an IVF procedure when she was 29 and became pregnant with a daughter, who is now 7. His wife's company paid for the procedure. When they tried again — twice — they didn't have coverage and paid for it themselves, at a cost of $20,000. On the second try, they were successful and now have a son, who is 4. Veach says he thinks employers and workers should split the cost 50-50. "It's hard to afford this process," he concedes, "but it's a very small fraction of the total cost of raising a child. If you're not willing to make some financial commitment to having a child, are you willing to make the sacrifices later when you do have a child?" For lower-wage workers, the difficulty of affording IVF may be insurmountable, he acknowledges. But requiring employers to fully cover infertility treatment may raise the cost of health care for everyone at the company. "It's not like the co-workers are wealthy, either," Veach says. "If co-workers help you pay for infertility treatment, will you help pay for their Viagra? Where does it end? Everyone could end up with nothing because no one can afford it. "

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION - WE NEED YOUR HELP!!!

Go to http://www.petitiononline.com/FI200507/petition.html


To:  U.S. Congress

We, the undersigned, urge you to co-sponsor and/or support the Family Building Act of 2005 (H.R. 735). This act will amend the Public Health Service Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, and chapter 89 of title 5, United States Code to require that all health plans cover the diagnosis and treatment of infertility. Infertility treatments include ovulation induction, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and other "non-experimental" treatments. You may view the bill in its entirety by visiting http://thomas.loc.gov and searching for H.R. 735.

By supporting the Family Building Act of 2005 (HR.735) you would help millions of Americans. Infertility is a disease that affects over 6.1 million people, approximately 10% of the population of reproductive age. For most, raising a family is one of the most basic human desires. Unfortunately the infertile population are frequently denied insurance coverage for their disease. Insurance companies either do not offer coverage or have infertility riders, which employers can opt to decline. Depending on a couple's financial means, infertile Americans either do not get treatment or spend years with both financial and emotional stress in an attempt to conceive.

Historically, insurance companies did not offer coverage, because infertility treatments, such as IVF, were considered experimental and not highly effective. Now in 2005, IVF and other reproductive technologies have been in use for over 20 years. More than 72,000 babies have been born in the United States using assisted reproductive technologies since 1980. Advanced Reproductive Technology (ART)is no longer experimental and can be extremely effective in conceiving a child. Why then are insurance companies permitted to omit coverage for our reproductive systems, when they are required to offer coverage for our other critical health needs?

We, the people who have signed this petition, believe that the government and insurance companies have denied us vital medical coverage for infertility long enough. We believe that H.R. 389 should be made into law to aid us in early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Please pass H.R. 389 so that we all have the opportunity to fulfill our basic human desire to become parents.



Thank You

Sincerely,

A "Little" Depression Setting in

I think that I am starting to become a little depressed.

I feel as if I am wasting money and I am getting nothing accomplished.  Not to mention that it is taking a personal toll on me. I am trying to stay positive, though..

My husband has mentioned and wanted to talk to me about how I feel, but I don't to talk to him or anyone else.

Even my boss said to me, are you ok? You look tired..

I am.

I am barely sleeping at night now. I cry quite a bit to myself off and on. This time it is going to take a bit longer for me to pull myself together.

I guess I am worried. Worried that I will never have children.. and scared of the fact that if I have another unsuccessful IUI I will have to start more aggressive treatments like IVF and

only God knows how I am going to afford that.

I am angry because I feel as if I waited too long..  I am angry at myself.  I think that I am going to throw myself in a hobby to lift my spirits.. and get my mind off of this.

I am really angry.   I think if this doesn't work this time, I am going to look for another doc. The doctor I have right now, I can't afford his IVF rates.

THE SECOND ATTEMPT UNSUCCESSFUL

This morning, I cried.

I took a pregnancy test for this round of IUI and it came out NEGATIVE again.

At this point I don't know what to do.. I contacted the doctor and I am going to have a consultation with him..

I think I will try one more time..

After that.. I guess IVF?

I am getting in so much debt.   I have been applying for another second job again to offset the costs.

Today I am depressed.  I just don't understand..

I had a little bleeding not much on day 9th after my IUI and it said in a book that this occurs... day 7 -9..

My breasts have been so sore and really hurting. I feel completely different from the first time. I haven't cramped a lot or anything.

My body is acting so crazy now, I can't read any of its signs any longer.

I just dont know what to do..


meds are 130.00
iui 975
plus sperm costs - free or not...



TOTAL AMOUNT IN DEBT - paid for meds out of my pocket - what I have to pay off???

$2950.00

STILL WAITING

Still Waiting.

I am scared to test myself.

Gosh.

My birthday is coming up on the 9th and that would be a great birthday present.  I will probably wait another week before I test..

My Second Attempt

Ok. I had an appointment at 7 a.m. in the morning and my doctor didn't do the IUI and other lady... Nurse?  did it.. She was very nice..

(I know the drill....by now)

Get undress the waist down.

lie on the table with your legs in the stirups... scoot to the end and you bottom is in the air.

Then..

She uses that thing to open you up (speculum?).. she had to change it because she said the first one she picked was too short and she said some women has long vaginal areas...

anyway, she did the normal "pap smear" thing .... and used a swab to do something, then she took the sperm in the tube and inserted it..

she was telling me that the vaginal area - cervix has a lot of groves, canals.... so she needed to put it in the right area.  She elevated my hips to smooth out the area... and then used her hand to press on my abdomen.. she said sometimes this helps... to smooth the area so that she can get the tube in the correct place.

When she released the sperm

it was so strange. I could feel it...almost like water or something...

She said that would probably cramp a little, but take tylenol...

She was done..

I laid there for about 10 minutes with my hips elevated... and she came in and told me that the sperm looked really really good and she will keep her fingers crossed. She said that she hoped it definitely
works considering the amount of money... I have to invest..

So I left and got into my car and went to work...  It doesn't take a long time.

She told me to call back today and schedule projesterone..checkup.  I have to come in for a blood test.

Then I can test for pregnancy....10 to 14 days from now..

That is right on my birthday weekend......37 years old..

NO WAY>

I am not testing until the 10th or later.....

I can wait..

I can wait if it is bad news..

I am going to relax... and try not let things get to me..

Stay quiet.. and hopefully it will work.

I have to cross my fingers and toes...

I want to have at least two children... Hopefully before 40.

ON the road to Baby

My took a long time to start my period and I took clomid for 5 days again.. This time when I went in for an ultrasound, they took a sample of blood and checked my estrogen levels.
I was called last night and the said that it looked good.

He checked for the follicals and this time he said "WOW! That was fast, I see one that is 26"  - I am assuming that is the size.. a measurement. He saw 18,18, 18, 16, 10... I believe. So it is about 5 follicals again.

Then he told me to take the Gonadotropin injection at 10:00 p.m. that night.. Remember the last time he wanted me to wait for a couple of days but this time... it was much quicker.

So, had to do the injection myself, which I was kind of concerned.

When I did the injection ...

I had to take a bigger needle and inject it into the water.. take out 1cc and then put that 1 cc into the other bottle with the powder. I mixed it up and changed the needles to a smaller one. Then I took
the bottle that has the mixture in it and turned it upside down and stuck the needle in - to draw out the liquid. I had to make sure that there was no bubbles and I got out everything.. Then I injected myself.

On tv when you see people (drug addicts....usually) thump the needle with the liquid in it.. it is to clear out any bubbles.. to break them up.

I injected that into the "fatty" part of my hip and then I pulled it out.

This was Monday - 8/27... I had my IUI today..

Second day of clomid..

I feel ok. The very first cycle that I had with clomid my stomach was cramping and hurting somewhat.. Almost like a beginning of a period. I felt a lot of cramping during that time. I was also
warm..

Today I feel ok. Nothing strange to report. I guess my body is getting used to it.

Clomid - Starts today

I didn't have time to purchase clomid through one of the pharmacies that I have listed.. The cost (walgreens + insurance)

$49.99  (cash)

I wonder how many milligrams?  last time I took 100

At the end of the year, I am going to my pharmacy and doctor and get a printout of what I bought and see if I can take this off my taxes.

The injectable is 53.99  - i will probably get that on Friday... payday!

I took this vaginally..

You take a pill and put it on your finger.. You push it up as far as you can through you vaginally walls.. Not fun!

But I called my doc and I was told to do it this way.

You do have a little seepage in your underwear but not much.

 You need to take the pills at night before you go to bed when are ready to lay down for the night.  I was scared because I read all of this below and it scared me to death.

Everything went ok.  Suprisingly, I did not have any problems at all.  Everything went smooth.


Drug Information: Progesterone

URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a604017.html

proe jes' ter one

Why is this medication prescribed?

Progesterone is used as a part of hormone replacement therapy in women who have passed menopause (the change of life) and have not had a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus). Hormone replacement therapy usually includes estrogen, which is used to treat symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of developing certain diseases. However, estrogen can also cause abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus and increase the risk of developing uterine cancer. Progesterone helps to prevent this thickening and decreases the risk of developing uterine cancer. Progesterone is also used to bring on menstruation (period) in women of childbearing age who have had normal periods and then stopped menstruating. Progesterone is in a class of medications called progestins (female hormones). It works as part of hormone replacement therapy by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the uterus. It works to bring on menstruation by replacing the natural progesterone that some women are missing.

How should this medicine be used?

Progesterone comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day in the evening or at bedtime. You will probably take progesterone on a rotating schedule that alternates 10-12 days when you take progesterone with 16-18 days when you do not take the medication. Your doctor will tell you exactly when to take progesterone. To help you remember to take progesterone, take it around the same time in the evening. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take progesterone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Continue to take progesterone as directed even if you feel well. Do not stop taking progesterone without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking progesterone,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to progesterone, oral contraceptives (birth control pills), hormone replacement therapy, any other medications, or peanuts.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone); antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral); cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Samdimmune); danazol (Danocrine); delaviridine (Rescriptor); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); erythromycin (E.E.S, E-Mycin, Erythrocin); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem); fluvoxamine (Luvox); HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir), and saquinavir (Fortovase); isoniazid (INH, Nydrazid); lansoprazole (Prevacid, Prevpac); metronidazole (Flagyl); nefazodone (Serzone); omeprazole (Prilosec); oral contraceptives (birth control pills); ticlopidine (Ticlid); troleandomycin (TAO); verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan); and zafirlukast (Accolate). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had unexplained vaginal bleeding between periods; a miscarriage in which some tissue was left in the uterus; cancer of the breasts or female organs; seizures; migraine headaches; asthma; diabetes; depression; blood clots in the legs, lungs, eyes, brain, or anywhere in the body; stroke or ministroke; vision problems; or liver, kidney, heart, or gallbladder disease .
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking progesterone, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking progesterone.
• you should know that progesterone may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. If progesterone does make you dizzy or drowsy, take your daily dose at bedtime.
• you should know that progesterone may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting when you get up too quickly from a lying position. This is more common when you first start taking progesterone. To avoid this problem, get out of bed slowly, resting your feet on the floor for a few minutes before standing up.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Progesterone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• headache
• breast tenderness or pain
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• constipation
• tiredness
• muscle, joint, or bone pain
• mood swings
• irritability
• excessive worrying
• runny nose
• sneezing
• cough
• vaginal discharge
• problems urinating

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• breast lumps
• migraine headache
• severe dizziness or faintness
• slow or difficult speech
• weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• lack of coordination or loss of balance
• shortness of breath
• fast heartbeat
• sharp chest pain
• coughing up blood
• leg swelling or pain
• loss of vision or blurred vision
• bulging eyes
• double vision
• unexpected vaginal bleeding
• shaking hands that you cannot control
• seizures
• stomach pain or swelling
• depression
• hives
• skin rash
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness

Laboratory animals who were given progesterone developed tumors. It is not known if progesterone increases the risk of tumors in humans. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.

Medications like progesterone may cause abnormal blood clotting. This may cut off the blood supply to the brain, heart, lungs, or eyes and cause serious problems. Call your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above as serious side effects. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking this medication.

Progesterone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test or biopsy (removal of tissue for testing), tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking progesterone.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand name(s):

Prometrium®  This is what I took -

My 2nd IUI

THE SECOND TIME AROUND - MY 2nd IUI


I just had my period and it started on Friday 16th.. Boy! was it painful.

I cramped a lot more than I have done in a long time. I also had really heavy bleeding and honestly, I think that something happened but it didn't "take". I never bleed this much.. Maybe
something started but somehow my body didn't keep it.. I am really going to try to take care of myself this time. I have been really agitated lately, angry, rushed and upset and this could have been
something that caused it not to work. So..... I am going to slow down and baby myself.

Ok.

Tommorrow..I start my clomid cycle yet again.

I hope it works.... I asked my doctor to call in a generic prescription. I didn't think about it before, but Clomid does have generics.

Here we go again. I am going to try to be optimistic.

FERTILITY PHARMACIES

These are a list of pharmacies that specialize in fertility drugs.  If you get your fertility drugs at your local pharmacies, they do not always give you the best deals.

These pharmacies have a better relationship with the drug companies for these particular drugs and can get them at a reduced price.

Try contacting each one and you can order over the phone. Some may not even charge for overnight delivery.


Metro 1-888-258-0106

Shraft 1-800-876-4545

Aptorp 1-800-755-3582


I actually got this information from fertility lifelines. So these a legitimate companies.

MY flow is here...This sucks

I took a pregancy test on the 13th and it was negative. I was so so angry. I feel better today..

I had absolutely nothing.  just cramping, back hurting, tired and more cramping..

I called my doctor because it was starting to drive me crazy..

It was day 31, 32, 33 and I finally started to spot a little. The doctor told me that if I dont start my period by

day 35, he would check me for pregancy and then if I am not, he would give me meds so that my period

would come down.  Today, my spotting is heavier, brown and now red. so my period is here.. crazy. If it gets
really heavy then I will be sure and I will start counting today as day 1 (day one is the day when you see it

on your pad), and then on day 5 which would be Tues, I would start my clomid cycle again and then the

entire cycle again. I heard that it doesn't work well on women my age. But who knows.. this will be my last try

and next time I will start IVF..  I truly hope that i am pregnant by my birthday... I want to be pregnant this year

and in another two years pregnant again.   I want to know why it took so long for my period to come??? it is

always on time. I had to be the medicine. I heard that it takes between 1 - 3 times for a woman to get

pregnant...Lord, he is probably going to give me... a big increase in my meds... I hope I dont end up with 6

children, but if I do..I will love all of them and take care of them.. some way.  Right now I am trying to change

day jobs... to get a big increase in my salary.. and I am done with my part-time job at the store..

I am applying for another part-job where I can work at home..  I need this because if worse comes to worse

and I am sick and have to be on disability... heavens knows what might happen. I can at least continue

to work at home on the computer instead of standing on my feet in a store.  I got to prepare for everything.


another  $1500.00 - ready to pour down the drain....

total bills  $2745.00 to pay off by the end of the year. - I wonder if this is tax deductible?



I have to stay positive... i have to stay positive.... I have to stay positive...

TODAY

I was upset this morning as you can see with my earlier blog.. I am not going to let this beat me. I am going to do one more IUI and that is it.. I do feel a little hopeful because I found a doctor in Arlington/Irving TX that will do IVF for 4,800 plus medications (I can probably get them somewhere cheaper...) anyway, I am feeling a little better.

I am starting to cramp a little.. hopefully that is a sign of an period.

if I dont have one by next week I am calling my doc.. - monday.

Just Damn Angry

I am mad at myself.. I am really suprised at how I am feeling to day. The doctor said that they would give me meds to start my period if it doesn't start on its own within 7 - 10 days.  I am so suprised at how angry I am. Really angry. I am mad at the world.  I wonder to myself... why did I wait? maybe it could have been different... 1200.00 in the whole... and now I have to do it again.
I dont know how I am going to get the money.  

A co-worker has pictures of her child all over her cube. She took some more pictures and was showing me.. I tried so hard to gush too, but I couldn't. I just said trying to forge a smile
"how cute".

She is a sweet person, but....

I dont want to see any of your child's darn pictures, I don't want to see your pregnant belly, I dont want to hear nothing about children, babies..  

leave me the HELL alone.

MONEY $$$$$$$

I am trying figure out some ways to make some money. The money on the part time job is coming too slow and it is too little. I am looking into sales. Maybe I can selling something that
has a good commission. I have to pay for another IUI in October.

I need money.

my sister helped.

She told me to pull it together. This is just my first time. Most of her friends (she told me names) didn't get pregnant the first time. One actually went ahead and adopted and finally got pregnant
within a year after she adopted another child. My sister said that it was probably stress. She got pregnant naturally even though she had been going back and forth to the doctor and it didn't work. My sister said that she was not worrying about it any longer. Going back and forth to the doctor, on meds, waiting and waiting and waiting. She told me to relax and try again..

Pull myself together.. With my luck, it wasn't going to work the first time... just keep trying.


I will.


1500.00 down the drain....

i guess

I guess that I will try at least two more times..

I don't know how I will afford IVF.

$12,000?

NEGATIVE

I tested myself this morning and it was......


Negative.


and I got up and still went to work. Both jobs.

I cried a little and then told myself I would try again. So I am planning to start in October and I think with a new doctor.

Next time I am not going to tell anyone what I am doing because I hate to have to let everyone know......and then listen to them saying "I am sorry for you"


why did I wait this long to start...

today I am empty.

I guess I will pretty much be a zombie most of this week.  I need to figure out a way to pay this back and then get enough to start again.

Paying for the procedure

I saved up 300.00 from a part time job an the rest I put on a AMEX.  so I have about 1245.00 to pay off..

I had to wait about 7 days to test for pregancy..

My FIRST IUI

That monday I had my first IUI. They washed the sperm and I went to my doctor's office.  He put me in stirrups and then had a little tube where he injected it into me. It took only about 15 minutes.
I had to lay on the table for about 10 minutes and I went back to work. I cramped and cramped at work. I called my doctor to ask if I can take something for the pain and he said Tyenol. So I took that.   The next week he wanted me to take a blood test - about seven days after that to test for projesterone levels. Having high projesterone allows for a good place for a embryo to begin growing.  When you have a period you projesterone drops and the lining goes away.  So she gave me a test and if it was too low then I needed to take those tablets. Anyway,
she called in the meds and I began taking the tablets. VAGINALLY... That means I had to take my finger and push the tablet up in my vaginal area and go to sleep. I did that every night.

I was scared at first to take the pills because I went to webmd and they had all the symptoms and things that could possible go wrong.. It scared me quite a bit. But I braced myself and took it anyway.

It costed about 11.00 at the pharmacy.

Total cost of this procedure - about 1500.00

Chorionic Gonadotropin

This weekend I had to take a shot of Gonadotropin (Norvarel) - My doctor saw 5 follicles and He told me to give myself a shot this weekend - Saturday night at 10:30 p.m.

I was supposed to take out 1cc of the bacteriostatic water with a syringe and put that syringe in the chorionic Gonadotropin.. swish it around and then take it out with another syringe and

give myself the shot in my upper hip... around the "fatty" area... not on the bone... above it.  

My doctor said dont give it to youself.. ask someone. Can you think of someone that would do it? I said confidently....yes!  my mom or my sister..

or my dad.  He said ok and gave me the items.

I visited my parents house and they told me NO WAY... I can give you a shot..go to the hospital..  but when we called the hospital, I was told that they would charge us for the shot..

WHATEVER...  so that was out.

I finally talked my sister into giving me the shot..  I followed the directions.. I took out the 1cc water with a 18 syringe and then pulled it out and mixed it with the chorionic Gonadotropin,
I swished it around and I couldn't get it out!!!  I was like... the needle was not long enough to pull the solution out..

My quick thinking mom said let's go to the emergency room..

I saw security and told them my story and they gave me a smerk and let me in. Then I went to the receptionist and I explained that I needed someone to help me or give me an injection.
She looked at me puzzled until I said that I have a procedure on monday and I am taking fertility meds.. She said ok and got the nurse.. I explained to the nurse and she
said that I needed to check in ... to make a long story short.. there was so much confusion going on, she said ok. I will just do it. go in the other room. I went into the other room and she gave me a shot.

Done! ( and she didn't even charge my insurance - very nice lady)

Later I felt the area and my right butt cheek felt a little strange. Maybe the solution going through my muscle.. Who knows.

Anyway, I have my IUI today..

Ok.. I have been taking clomid for 5 days and I stopped after the last dosage. I went to my doctors office and i had an ultrasound..
This is what an ultrasound is like.. They take this long tube with a plastic covering over it.. and they stick it up between your legs to your uterus. I reminds me of a papsmear. It doesn't hurt.. just a little uncomfortable.

Anyway, he looked at my uterus and said it looked good. Then looked at one ovary and found 1 follical - he said it is 18.. (whatever that means), then he looked at the other ovary and saw multiple follicals, 10, 13, 13, 13 - so I have 5 mature follicals ready to produce an egg..  Once I take this Gonadotropin, it should cause ovulation - and I should release 5 eggs....

YIKES!!!!

Anyway, I have to take an injection of novarel in the upper part of my buttocks.. near my hip.. This is Chorionic Gonadotropin..

I always make it a practice to look up meds before I take them.  here is some info about it...

I take my ICI on Monday.. he said that he wanted to wait a couple of days.. I guess this means that it will get bigger...possibly..

just guessing..
 

hCG is extensively used as a parenteral fertility medication in lieu of luteinizing hormone. In the presence of one or more mature ovarian follicles, ovulation can be triggered by the administration of hCG. As ovulation will happen about 40-45 hours after the injection of hCG, procedures can be scheduled to take advantage of this time sequence. Thus, patients who undergo IVF, typically receive hCG to trigger the ovulation process, but have their eggs retrieved at about 36 hours after injection, a few hours before the eggs actually would be released from the ovary.

As hCG supports the corpus luteum, administration of hCG is used in certain circumstances to enhance the production of progesterone.

In the male, hCG injections are used to stimulate the leydig cells to synthesize testosterone. The intratesticular testosterone is necessary for spermatogenesis from the sertoli cells. Typical indications for hCG in men include hypogonadism and fertility treatment

Today I am tired

I  took the clomid at lunch yesterday. My first day. It made me feel as if I was going to start my period. You know the couple of days before it starts when you get
a dull throbing achy feeling. My lower back and around my pelvic area in the front hurt a little. I have had really painful periods so this was kind of along the same
line. I didn't take any medicine because I didn't know if I can take an Ibuprofen...or something like that. I have to take two more pills today, tommorrow and until Monday.
I work at nights and I felt kind of hot.. like I was starting to sweat and I am not sure if that was due to the clomid or if I was just working hard. Usually the store is cool at night when there are not customers but yesterday the temperature felt ok.  Once I took the medicine I felt a little light headed but that went away. So far, I guess I can say that
everything is ok.. So far. I called in work for tonight and I am going to go home and go to bed. I dont feel really well and I have to work all weekend. So I need to get some rest. I have to take another dosage
today.. Oh yeah. I contacted my doctor and I can take tylenol or Ibuprohen.. I took one and it isn't helping a whole lot.. Maybe if I get some rest I will feel better.

1st day of Clomid

Don't listen to everyone's horror story about Clomid..

one of my friends called to tell me about her friend going to the emergency room using Clomid...  I said "Thanks, great".  (wow that made me even more nervous)
 I had been very aprehensive about this medicine and today was my first day taking it..

I ate lunch and then took my dosage..  100 mg which is two 50 mg pills. I heard that every 50 mg of clomid your chances go up 10% for having multiples.

I am going to check that out and post the information.

We'll I took the medicine with my lunch and so far I feel pretty ok.. I was feeling a little light headed and I feel a slight pain around my lower waist on both side... Kind of a dull ache.

But because of the bad menstrual periods that I had growing up.. This is a piece of cake... (SO FAR - knock on wood).

I am used to working or going to work not feeling good..

Everyone's body is different. You won't know how you will react to it until you take it yourself.

I am so nervous!  my period started and I am calling my doctor to start the process for the IUI... Intrauterine insemination..

I am actually excited but kind of scared and nervous of the unknown..

I am so nervous!!  

STARTING THE BABY TRACK

I have about a good week and a 1/2 before my period starts. This is when I have to start clomid.. I have a friend that is already using it.. I was looking at the information
regarding clomid... looking at the bottom info... I dont want mood swings, headaches...hot flashes..... Gosh.. I will be 37 in about two months...(sept)..


 

Clomid or Sereophene, both brand names for clomiphene citrate, are commonly prescribed oral medications to enhance your chances of getting pregnant. This fertility medication can be prescribed for certain women who are having difficulty with getting pregnant, usually because of ovulation issues, such as infrequent or poor ovulation. After a proper medical screening to ensure that you are a candidate, your regular OB/GYN, reproductive endocrinologist and sometimes nurse midwife or nurse practitioner can prescribe this medication for you. It is usually taken for five (5) days during your menstrual cycle, starting at the dose of 50 mg. This dosage can be increased, if a need is found. As with any fertility treatments, side effects associated with the use of Clomid/Serophene include: Mood Issues Fertility medications and hormones in general are often blamed for the foul mood of any woman of childbearing age.

 

That said, increasing hormones can be a recipe for altered moods or mood swings. Most women find these to be temporary, usually lasting just during the actual days that you take the medication or a day or two later. Headaches Headaches are a problem also associated with hormones. Consult your doctor if you experience severe headaches or if you have any complications like visual disturbances with your headaches. If you are prone to headaches, try to talk to your doctor beforehand about the most appropriate treatment. Multiple Pregnancy (Twins, Triplets, etc.) The multiple pregnancy rate associated with the use of Clomid and its companions is about 10 percent. Talk to your practitioner to find out your personal risks because these may not all be related to the medication. Hot Flashes Hot flashes are annoying, but also a part of the hormone game. You may experience them anytime during therapy but many women find they strike often at night. Cool showers, fans and sleeping in the nude (also good for getting pregnant) can all help you maintain a sense of calm during this period. Ovarian Enlargement Ovarian enlargement or hyperstimulation is possible with this medication. This is why your doctor will follow you and watch you for signs of hyperstimulation. It is fairly uncommon but one of the main reasons that good follow up and screening are needed when using medication to induce or increase ovarian function. Hostile Mucous Hostile cervical mucous can prevent pregnancy. Your doctor may screen you or ask that you watch your signs of ovulation via your cervical mucous. Some physicians may prescribe aids for issues with cervical mucous, but you should not self-medicate. While many people think that Clomid is the answer to fertility problems, it is not the magic fertility pill many people assume. Only your doctor or other health-care professional can help you decide if Clomid therapy is right for your type of infertility. HERE is information regarding - Hyperstimulation   Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a complication from some forms of fertility medication. Most cases are mild, but a small proportion is severe  Symptoms Symptoms are set into three categories: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild symptoms include abdominal bloating and feeling of fullness, nausea, diarrhea, and slight weight gain. Moderate symptoms include excessive weight gain (weight gain of greater than 2 pounds per day), increased abdominal girth, vomiting, diarrhea, urination darker and less in amount, excessive thirst, and skin and/or hair feeling dry (in addition to mild symptoms). Severe symptoms are fullness/bloating above the waist, shortness of breath, urination significantly darker or has ceased, calf and chest pains, marked abdominal bloating or distention, and lower abdominal pains (in addition to mild and moderate symptoms). Classification In mild forms of OHSS the ovaries are enlarged, in moderate forms there is additional accumulation of ascites with mild abdominal distension, while in severe forms of OHSS there may be hemoconcentration, thrombosis, abdominal pain and distension, oliguria (decreased urine production), pleural effusion, and respiratory distress. Early OHSS develops before pregnancy testing, and late OHSS is seen in early pregnancy. Complications OHSS may be complicated with ovarian torsion, ovarian rupture, thrombophlebitis and renal insufficiency. Symptoms generally resolve in 1 to 2 weeks, but will be more severe and persist longer if pregnancy is successful. This is likely due to the role of the corpus luteum in the ovaries in sustaining the pregnancy before the placenta has fully developed. Typically, even in severe OHSS with a developing pregnancy, the duration does not exceed the first trimester.  Pathophysiology OHSS is characterized by the presence of multiple luteinized cysts within the ovaries leading to ovarian enlargement and secondary complications. As the ovary undergoes a process of extensive luteinization, large amounts of estrogens, progesterone, and local cytokines are released. It is held that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key substance that induces OHSS by making local capillaries "leaky", leading to a shift of fluids from the intravascular system to the adbominal and pleural cavity. Thus, while the patient accumulates fluid in the third space, primarily in the form of ascites, she actually becomes hypovolemic and is at risk for respiratory, circulatory, and renal problems. Patients who are pregnant sustain the ovarian luteinization process by the production of hCG. Epidemiology Sporadic OHSS is very rare, and may have a genetic component. Clomifene citrate therapy can occasionally lead to OHSS, but the vast majority of cases develop after use of gonadotropin therapy (with administration of FSH), such as Pergonal, and administration of hCG to trigger ovulation, often in conjunction with IVF. The frequency varies and depends on patient factors, management, and methods of surveillance. About 5% of treated patients may encounter moderate to severe OHSS. Mortality is low, but several fatal cases have been reported.  (that makes me feel ok... I think it is important to get as much info as possible) Treatment Physicians can reduce the risk of OHSS by monitoring of FSH therapy to use this medication judiciously, and by withholding hCG medication. Once OHSS develops, reduction in physical activity, closely monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, and aspiration of accumulated fluid (ascites) from the abdominal/pleural cavity may be necessary, as well as opioids for the pain. If the OHSS develops within an IVF protocol, it can be prudent to postpone transfer of the pre-embryos since establishment of pregnancy can lengthen the recovery time or contribute to a more severe course. Over time, if carefully monitored, the condition will naturally reverse to normal - so treatment is typically supportive, although patient may need to be treated or hospitalized for pain, paracentesis, and/or intravenous hydration. References Delvigne A, Rozenberg S (2002). "Epidemiology and prevention of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): a review." (PDF). Hum Reprod Update 8 (6): 559-77. PMID 12498425.  Delvigne A, Rozenberg S (2003). "Review of clinical course and treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)." (PDF). Hum Reprod Update 9 (1): 77-96. PMID 12638783.

This is what I recently found

You're not alone. The following organizations provide support and patient advocacy.

American Fertility Association (AFA)

666 Fifth Avenue
Suite 278
New York, NY 10103
888–917–3777(Helpline)
www.theafa.org

The American Fertility Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about reproductive disease, and supports families during struggles with infertility and adoption. The AFA provides a broad range of services designed to help people gather information about medical treatments, options, coping techniques, legal and insurance issues, and other concerns. The AFA services focus on increasing awareness of the medical and social issues around reproductive health and infertility, as well as prevention efforts that target young people to help them make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive lives.

Fertile Hope

P.O. Box 624
New York, New York 10014
888–994–HOPE
www.fertilehope.org

Fertile Hope is a national non–profit organization dedicated to providing reproductive information, support, and hope to cancer patients whose medical treatments present the risk of infertility. The organization is striving to advance fertility research, help advance the understanding of fertility risks and preservation options, allow and encourage personal educated decisions, make preservation treatments available regardless of economic status and help patients cope with important planning issues.

RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association

7910 Woodmont Ave, STE 1350
Bethesda, MD 20814
888-623-0744 (Helpline)
301-652-9375 (Fax)
www.resolve.org

RESOLVE is a non-profit organization mandated to promote reproductive health and to ensure equal access to all family building options for men and women experiencing infertility or other reproductive disorders, and to provide support services and physician referral and education. The mission of RESOLVE is to provide timely, compassionate support and information to people who are experiencing infertility and to increase awareness of infertility issues through public education and advocacy.

GROWING FRUSTRATION

I AM TOTALLY FRUSTRATED.

I am going to do the insemination in july and I am I was thinking about doing it in Atlanta because I am trying to switch jobs, but my two (YES TWO!!!!) medical coverages, definity health and blue cross blue shield will not cover anything!  No labs, ultrasound, medications... I know that it didn't cover inseminations but everthing is going to be paid out of my pocket. What also upset me is the FACT THAT VIAGRA IS COVERED UNDER MEDICAL INSURANCE.  WHY???????????????  That is not a medicine that is needed for your health.. pitiful.

I am going to start or join a fertility rights advocacy group and hopefully get some thing changed.

 Fertility and Adoption benefits need to be a normal part of medical coverage. PERIOD!!  I am not rich.. Thank God my doctor is "working" with us through a payment plan.  
I will have to pay 325.00 to start and then I have to leave with them two checks for 325.00 that will be deposited every thirty days.  Hopefully it will work the 1st time.. If I doesn't .. (the doc said that he wants to do 3 iui's and then start ivf - GOOD GOD.. I truly hope it doesn't get to that..) if not...this is how it is going to go..

July - 1st IUI  325.00
aug   325.00
sept 325.00
if doesn't work
 
october 325.00
nov  325.00
dec   325.00
if it doesn't work

jan  325
feb  325
march  325
if that doesn't work....

ivf.....  - $12,000.00

We'll I made my first appointment - I guess I won't be pregnant by the end of July.. I seems like the I need to bet on August. But that is ok, at least I feel like I am getting something done...instead of just sitting and waiting.  Today is june 22 and the first appointment that I can get it July 30th. The doc just wants to meet me and see my records. Then I guess there begin the succession of doctor appointments. I have to focus, relax and stay positive. Right now I am working a part-time job and the manager is not working with me, when it comes to days off. I have not asked for any since working but last night I brought it up to him and he was not helpful at all.. So........

My strategy - work as much as possible to save for these procedures and then when I start having to go to appointments at the end of next month quit.

Second JOB

I recently picked up a second job so that I can save for the fertility treatment. I think that I am going to get it done in Atlanta because as I showed in the previous post, the pricing is much different.
Anyway, I am working nights and saving all my money in a separate bank account.

While I was working a man and woman came through my line (I work at a clothing store as a cashier at night - almost 80 hours a week..I thought it was going to almost kill me but it is actually ok.
I am lucky to be able to handle the additional work). They had a big cart with baby clothing in it and I was helping them, the woman was pregnant and I remarked how lucky the baby would be.
She told me that they had fertility treatments to have this child and it took 8 TIMES!!! along the way they also had three miscarriages. He husband said that it is the most difficult part
to lose a baby because it makes it very difficult to keep the treatment going to the next month. But it finally worked and they had this thing called a baby fund. I have plans to do that too.
I think that is smart thinking.   It did make me think about how difficult this journey is and also how much perserverence you both have to have.

Listening to them made me a little more focused and stronger. I am not the only one....I am not the only one.

I just have to remember that.




I will tell you about my plans for the baby fund soon..

I think it is a great idea.

Today is NOT a good day

Normally my period is right on target. It is usually around every 25 to 28 days. I skipped a period or almost thought I did and for a moment I began to allow my mind to wander
and dream about the real possibilities of having a child in my arms next year.  Maybe the doctor was wrong!  I waited to get a pregnancy test because I really didn't want to know if I
wasn't  and if you know what that feels like, it is very irriating. Anyway, I got a pregnancy test and took it this morning. Guess what? My period started last night and it was a negative test.
I was so crushed I almost cried but I didn't. I just got angry and I have been so much of the day. I use this blog to track and log my feelings and information so that other women like me
can maybe use this to help them for support, but today it is one of those low moments when the one that needs support is me.

One thing for sure, this really wears you down emotionally.

My Laproscopy Stitches

One thing about the laproscopy that I had. When the doctor says to take 5 days off.. Do so!

I felt better (except for the sore throat) after a couple of days and I was able to sit up and walk around ok.  My husband told me to wait to return to work until the doctor told me to and I really kind
of thought it was excessive (I was ready to go back to work - I felt great!) until I went to work the first day.  Urrrrrrrrrg!  It was very difficult to sit up straight for long periods over a computer. My doctor cut me in four spots - on the bikini line, one slit on each hip maybe less than a inch across and one in my navel.

He complete split my belly button and now I don't have one any longer. (There goes my belly ring!)  Anyway, It felt like something was pulling on my stomach and it made it hurt until I almost had to
lay down in my chair.  That went on for about a week or so. When I would go home I went straight my bed every night to lay down.

My stitches took about 2 months to come out!

Go figure that one!

I would clean my skin and take a shower but the stitches, I guess wasn't ready because one day I looked down and it was gone.  My doctor told me that they would fall out.  I guess I should of had faith. But you when you are at work, everyone has a story. "My stitches came out in a week, mine came out in a couple of days....what is wrong with you, maybe you should call your doc!"  I called the doc and
they told me that they would be able to take them out if I needed them to but I decided to wait. It was not that big of a deal.

My stitches came out neatly, and the skin is flat again (what I mean by that is when I first had my stitches when you rubbed your finger across it, it felt like a bump, the doctor said that would go away and it did) and it healed nicely.

The skin around my cut is dark though. I wonder if that will lighten up in time.

One thing for sure, I notice a change in my period almost immediately.  I was a slave to pain meds during that time and I now I can have a period without all the pain and being so doped up.

So if nothing else happens, I do have that immediate benefit.