我的天啊! 我的鼻塞快受不了了! 晚上也沒辦法睡. 一個晚上睡睡醒醒. 一整天擤鼻涕擤到鼻子快被我擤掉了! 最慘的事又不敢吃藥. 昨天晚上沒辦法到了凌晨5點下樓拿Zicam噴鼻子. 不管了.
今天晚上叫Steven幫我去藥房買了saline nose spray. 又叫他幫我把air purifier打開放在我旁邊. 希望有用. 天啊, 我只想要睡一個好覺啊!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
First Ultrasound
Finally, I got my first ultrasound yesterday! It was very good. The baby is still very small. Both Cassandra and I heard the baby's heartbeat! The nurse practioner checked my ovary and confirmed that the 2cm cyst that was there before is now gone. She has no idea why, but normally the pregnancy helps it.
I mentioned to her about the spotting. She said unfortunately it's very common in the first trimester and she did see some blood clog, but it's nothing to worry about.
I was very relieved. Dr. Schillings is now releasing my records over to my OB/GYN and I will be having my first visit next Tuesday which is an ultrasound exam and Steven took a day off that day as well.
I mentioned to her about the spotting. She said unfortunately it's very common in the first trimester and she did see some blood clog, but it's nothing to worry about.
I was very relieved. Dr. Schillings is now releasing my records over to my OB/GYN and I will be having my first visit next Tuesday which is an ultrasound exam and Steven took a day off that day as well.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Can't wait for the ultrasound
Hmmm....I STILL have some spotting today, very pinkish thou, but it's still pretty scary. My mom went to the fortune teller for me yesterday in Taiwan and he did said that I should becareful the month of January, this month and the month of May.
May be I should try to call Dr. Schillings' office tomorrow to see if they are open and see if they are willing to let me have the ultrasound tomorrow instead of waiting until Tuesday.
May be I should try to call Dr. Schillings' office tomorrow to see if they are open and see if they are willing to let me have the ultrasound tomorrow instead of waiting until Tuesday.
Spotting
From Friday night to Saturday night, I realized I have some spotting. On Friday night, I was just alert a bit, but didn't think twice about it. On Saturday night, while having dinner with Terry and Joanna in New York, I realized the spotting again. It then occured to me that there may be something wrong. When we got to Terry's apartment, I decided to call Dr. Hanes' office. When the doctor-on-duty called me back, I told him that I am in my 7th week and I realized I have some spotting and if it was normal. The doctor replied that it was definitely not normal, but if it's not having bleeding, I don't have to do anything. I just need to relax, rest and don't lift any heavy stuff. After I hung up the phone, I started to get really worried. I sat in the couch the remaining of the night while drinking hot water and chatting with Terry, Joanna, Tony and Jasmine. Until about 1am, we decided to start driving back home. By the time I got home and took shower, I realized the spotting stopped. Heeewwwww.....
Me and Steven were saying it was probably due to the snow shoveling on Thursday night. Because I had a very full dinner that when we got home, I didn't even give a second thought that I just walked over to pick up the shovel and started shovelling. It wasn't until I was halfway through that I just remembered I am pregnant! Ha! The snow was very loose that night that it was actually very easy to shovel and that's probably why I didn't give it a second thought! I guess I have to be very careful from now on. 年紀還是有關係的!
Me and Steven were saying it was probably due to the snow shoveling on Thursday night. Because I had a very full dinner that when we got home, I didn't even give a second thought that I just walked over to pick up the shovel and started shovelling. It wasn't until I was halfway through that I just remembered I am pregnant! Ha! The snow was very loose that night that it was actually very easy to shovel and that's probably why I didn't give it a second thought! I guess I have to be very careful from now on. 年紀還是有關係的!
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Allergy?
Allergy season already? In January? Or is it really because of my pregnancy?
Last night, I had to get up at 2am to wash my hair! From the time I went to bed, my head was itchy, my eyes were itchy, inside and outside of my ears were itchy. I couldn't breathe. My nose were stuck. I was a total mess! After I cleaned up more, I felt a bit better. But, recently, I'd been sweating so much at night that it's driving me crazy.
This morning after I got downstairs, my eyes started to itch again. My eyes were so red and swollen by all the rubbing. It was so annoy. I kept having running nose too! My gosh! All allergy symptoms.
The past Saturday, my whole body was killing me. I had muscle ache and kept getting chills, head to toe. I slept almost the whole day!
I am feeling very sick. I don't remember I was like this when I was pregnant with Cassandra. May be the 'age' really does it........
Last night, I had to get up at 2am to wash my hair! From the time I went to bed, my head was itchy, my eyes were itchy, inside and outside of my ears were itchy. I couldn't breathe. My nose were stuck. I was a total mess! After I cleaned up more, I felt a bit better. But, recently, I'd been sweating so much at night that it's driving me crazy.
This morning after I got downstairs, my eyes started to itch again. My eyes were so red and swollen by all the rubbing. It was so annoy. I kept having running nose too! My gosh! All allergy symptoms.
The past Saturday, my whole body was killing me. I had muscle ache and kept getting chills, head to toe. I slept almost the whole day!
I am feeling very sick. I don't remember I was like this when I was pregnant with Cassandra. May be the 'age' really does it........
Last blood test in the series
Finally, the nurse called me back. The HCG level for my last blood test result that I took on Monday was 4968. Yay! It's looking good.
I just made my ultrasound appointment with her at Dr. Schillings office on January 22, 2008 at 12 noon.
Hoooo...so nervous and excited....
I just made my ultrasound appointment with her at Dr. Schillings office on January 22, 2008 at 12 noon.
Hoooo...so nervous and excited....
Blood tests
For those friends and families who know me very well, they probably all guessed I will send out the email right away to tell EVERYONE. Not this time, I am very hesitate. Steven kept pushing me to send out the email, but I was afraid. He did make a good point thou, I had endometriosis too when I was pregnant with Cassandra. I wasn't this nervous then because lack of the knowledge. Oh well, with all the miscarriage stories that happend around me and that I heard, I couldn't help to get nervous about it.
On Monday, 1/7, I started calling my OB/GYN, Dr. David Hanes and made my first appointment on 1/29. 1/29!! That's more than 3 weeks away! I called my infertility doctor and the nurse told me they will do three blood tests monitoring first and have an ultrasound after that before Dr. Schillings release my record to my OB/GYN. I felt that way is better. At least with all these blood tests, it can keep my sanity for the next few weeks.
Dr. Wang, the doctor whom I saw in Flushing called me on Monday and told me my HCG leve is 105.6 which confirmed that I am definitely pregnant.
On 1/8, after the blood test, my HCG level went up to 338.
On 1/11, HCG level is 1397.
I, now, can't wait to see my HCG level after Monday's blood test.
On the website, it said the HCG leve should double or triple after 2 to 3 days and after 3000, it should look like a normal pregnancy. I am still crossing my fingers and praying everyday.
On Monday, 1/7, I started calling my OB/GYN, Dr. David Hanes and made my first appointment on 1/29. 1/29!! That's more than 3 weeks away! I called my infertility doctor and the nurse told me they will do three blood tests monitoring first and have an ultrasound after that before Dr. Schillings release my record to my OB/GYN. I felt that way is better. At least with all these blood tests, it can keep my sanity for the next few weeks.
Dr. Wang, the doctor whom I saw in Flushing called me on Monday and told me my HCG leve is 105.6 which confirmed that I am definitely pregnant.
On 1/8, after the blood test, my HCG level went up to 338.
On 1/11, HCG level is 1397.
I, now, can't wait to see my HCG level after Monday's blood test.
On the website, it said the HCG leve should double or triple after 2 to 3 days and after 3000, it should look like a normal pregnancy. I am still crossing my fingers and praying everyday.
I am pregnant!
After telling all our immediate family members about my pregnancy. I couldn't wait to start telling our friends. But, this time, I am a little taken back. I don't know if it was because I didn't see anything on the ultrasound monitor or if it was because I know more about my problems. I am more nervous this time. Where ever I read, it stated that women who have endometriosis problems are likely to get ectopic pregnancy (embryo not in the uterus, but elsewhere). I also kept thinking that I can't be this lucky. I am already lucky once, will I get my luck again the 2nd time?
Whatever it was, I still couldn't hold back my excitement. On Sunday morning, we all got up and got dressed and ready to go to the church. This is one day that I had to go to the church. I had to thank Jesus for listening to my prayers. Before I left the house, I called Cristina to tell her the news. I could tell she was just excited and happy as I was! She just had her knee surgery two days ago and I knew she was still in recovery. With what both her and I went through this past year, I needed to tell her before I tell anyone else.
When we were at the church singing the Glory, I cried. I literarlly cried. I look at Jesus on the cross and I just couldn't help myself! After the mass, I saw the Chaves. We didn't see each other since before the holidays. I hugged Neysa and told her the news. She screamed and hugged me so tight that I was so touched, I cried again! After we came out of the church, we stopped by Tiffany's house before going to lunch. We told them, Beanie Lee is coming again. Of course, they were not as dramatic as Cristina and Neysa, but I could tell they were very very happy for us too! After lunch, we decided to call Steven's cousin, Huilin. When she finally picked up the phone and I told her the news, she was literally screamed over the phone. She was telling me how excited she was and asked me immediately what I feel likt to eat for lunch the next day! On Monday, when I told the news to Jill at her house, I could also see that she was almost in tears too! Jill had supported me all the way from when we first met. Am I so lucky? I would never imagine that I will have all these great and supportive friends and family after we move here to PA!
Whatever it was, I still couldn't hold back my excitement. On Sunday morning, we all got up and got dressed and ready to go to the church. This is one day that I had to go to the church. I had to thank Jesus for listening to my prayers. Before I left the house, I called Cristina to tell her the news. I could tell she was just excited and happy as I was! She just had her knee surgery two days ago and I knew she was still in recovery. With what both her and I went through this past year, I needed to tell her before I tell anyone else.
When we were at the church singing the Glory, I cried. I literarlly cried. I look at Jesus on the cross and I just couldn't help myself! After the mass, I saw the Chaves. We didn't see each other since before the holidays. I hugged Neysa and told her the news. She screamed and hugged me so tight that I was so touched, I cried again! After we came out of the church, we stopped by Tiffany's house before going to lunch. We told them, Beanie Lee is coming again. Of course, they were not as dramatic as Cristina and Neysa, but I could tell they were very very happy for us too! After lunch, we decided to call Steven's cousin, Huilin. When she finally picked up the phone and I told her the news, she was literally screamed over the phone. She was telling me how excited she was and asked me immediately what I feel likt to eat for lunch the next day! On Monday, when I told the news to Jill at her house, I could also see that she was almost in tears too! Jill had supported me all the way from when we first met. Am I so lucky? I would never imagine that I will have all these great and supportive friends and family after we move here to PA!
One faint line!!
On Saturday, I got woke up by the alarm at 7:30am. I forgot to change the alarm time again on the weekend. I shut the alarm off and fell back to sleep. By 8am, I woke up again, half sleep, took my Baby-Comp and started measuring my temperature. I closed my eyes and when it finally and beep, I opened my eyes and saw the temperature reading was 97.88. Wow! It can't be possible. I put it back on the nightstand and tried to close my eyes again. Of course, there was no way I could fell back asleep. I quietly woke up and went to the bathroom and took out my last First Response pregnancy test.
After I took the test, my eyes were still half close while reading the result. As the result kept going, all I saw was that one solid line again on the right hand side. I said to myself, 'oh well, negative again...' After few seconds, I realized a very very faint line started to appear on the left hand side. My eyes started to open bigger and bigger. Was I dreaming? Did I read it right? Or, was it that I stared at it for too long that my sight started to get blurry. I started crying. I didn't know what it was. My tears just keep coming down.
I went back to the bedroom and woke up Steven. He opened his eyes and was shocked to see his wife was crying while holding a stick that looked like a thermometer. He first thought there was something wrong with Cassandra. When he finally realize it, he took it over and read it. Because he was half asleep, he only saw one line and as I asked him to watch it closer, he confirmed that there were 2 lines!
We started to get very excited. We just couldn't stop but keep hugging each other. I wanted to confirm with a doctor, but it was a Saturday! There were no doctors that can confirm it for me! I then thought to myself that I want to tell my mom before she leaves for Taiwan next Friday which means we have to go to NJ/NY that day. Why not go check with a doctor in Flushing? We can tell the news to my mother-in-law as well! Terry and Joanna just got engaged 2 nights ago, we can have lunch with them to celebrate it all together! I checked on Worldjournal's yellowpage on the web and got the number for Tiffany and Joyce's doctor and made an appointment at 1pm! We also arranged our lunch date with Terry and Joanna at 2pm. Because my mother-in-law had to work in the city, we will pass by the city to tell her news before having dinner with my parents in NJ.
At the doctor's office, I was so nervous. The doctor laughed at my nervousness and kept telling me to calm down. Man, it's easy for her to say!! She tried to take an ultrasound and it was way too early to see anything. She then took an urine test and there was one solid and one very faint line as well. Finally, she drawn some blood from me and told me she will call me with the result. At that time, she already confirmed that, YES, I AM PREGNANT!
After I took the test, my eyes were still half close while reading the result. As the result kept going, all I saw was that one solid line again on the right hand side. I said to myself, 'oh well, negative again...' After few seconds, I realized a very very faint line started to appear on the left hand side. My eyes started to open bigger and bigger. Was I dreaming? Did I read it right? Or, was it that I stared at it for too long that my sight started to get blurry. I started crying. I didn't know what it was. My tears just keep coming down.
I went back to the bedroom and woke up Steven. He opened his eyes and was shocked to see his wife was crying while holding a stick that looked like a thermometer. He first thought there was something wrong with Cassandra. When he finally realize it, he took it over and read it. Because he was half asleep, he only saw one line and as I asked him to watch it closer, he confirmed that there were 2 lines!
We started to get very excited. We just couldn't stop but keep hugging each other. I wanted to confirm with a doctor, but it was a Saturday! There were no doctors that can confirm it for me! I then thought to myself that I want to tell my mom before she leaves for Taiwan next Friday which means we have to go to NJ/NY that day. Why not go check with a doctor in Flushing? We can tell the news to my mother-in-law as well! Terry and Joanna just got engaged 2 nights ago, we can have lunch with them to celebrate it all together! I checked on Worldjournal's yellowpage on the web and got the number for Tiffany and Joyce's doctor and made an appointment at 1pm! We also arranged our lunch date with Terry and Joanna at 2pm. Because my mother-in-law had to work in the city, we will pass by the city to tell her news before having dinner with my parents in NJ.
At the doctor's office, I was so nervous. The doctor laughed at my nervousness and kept telling me to calm down. Man, it's easy for her to say!! She tried to take an ultrasound and it was way too early to see anything. She then took an urine test and there was one solid and one very faint line as well. Finally, she drawn some blood from me and told me she will call me with the result. At that time, she already confirmed that, YES, I AM PREGNANT!
Temperature going down?
After New Year, I have been diligently taking my temperature. I didn't want to miss a day, because I was suppose to get my period on Saturday, January 5th. I am very regular....exactly 28 days. And, this is why I've been getting my period on Saturdays for many many months already.
On Thursday, my temperature was 97.64. I was thinking to myself, 'hmm..tomorrow, the temperature will go down.' On Friday morning, the temperature reading was 97.68. I started to wonder to myself...huh????? Usually, by this time, it should start reading 97.5x or 97.4x... But then, it's only 0.04 degree rise, no big deal. It's possible that I am a day or two late. By tomorrow, Saturday, it will definitely come down.
On Thursday, my temperature was 97.64. I was thinking to myself, 'hmm..tomorrow, the temperature will go down.' On Friday morning, the temperature reading was 97.68. I started to wonder to myself...huh????? Usually, by this time, it should start reading 97.5x or 97.4x... But then, it's only 0.04 degree rise, no big deal. It's possible that I am a day or two late. By tomorrow, Saturday, it will definitely come down.
Monday, January 14, 2008
This whole year
Looking back this whole year of 2007. It's been miserable and frustrating.
During this time, what I hated so much was when people asked me if I was planning for a 2nd one.
If I answer 'yes', they get excited and would ask me more questions...
If I anser 'no', they would then keep telling me how great it is to have more than one kids, and that I am depriving Cassandra not to be able to play with siblings.
And, if I told them, 'working on it, but no news yet', they would just say, 'oh it's okay, let it come naturally, don't think about it too much.'
Come on, how could I not think about it?
The way that God made us, women, is that there are ONLY few days we can conceive, once we miss it, that's it for that month! How could I not think about it and let it go naturally??
I'd been taking my temperature first thing in the morning for almost the whole year, well from March, 2007. By all the experiences from all these months, I could tell exactly what day will I get my period. How could I let it go naturally?
I think one thing I got out the most this whole year was understanding my body. I think I never knew myself more than I knew it now. I really don't know if it's good or not!
Cassandra is getting older now. Every time when we go out and if we see a baby, she will yelled out "Mommy, baby!" Because it actually hurts me, I kind of just brushed her away saying, 'yeah, yeah, yeah..' But, is that good? I shouldn't be promoting my daughter not liking babies! On the other hand, I can't pretend that I am okay! Every now and then, Cassandra will come up and tell me, "Mommy, I am bigger now, I can take care of little brother and sister, can you give me a baby?" How do I answer to that question?? I really love to, my love. But, we are lucky to be able to have you! You are our precious.
One thing I know after Dr. Schillings told us that, I felt I hug Cassandra more these days...^_^
During this time, what I hated so much was when people asked me if I was planning for a 2nd one.
If I answer 'yes', they get excited and would ask me more questions...
If I anser 'no', they would then keep telling me how great it is to have more than one kids, and that I am depriving Cassandra not to be able to play with siblings.
And, if I told them, 'working on it, but no news yet', they would just say, 'oh it's okay, let it come naturally, don't think about it too much.'
Come on, how could I not think about it?
The way that God made us, women, is that there are ONLY few days we can conceive, once we miss it, that's it for that month! How could I not think about it and let it go naturally??
I'd been taking my temperature first thing in the morning for almost the whole year, well from March, 2007. By all the experiences from all these months, I could tell exactly what day will I get my period. How could I let it go naturally?
I think one thing I got out the most this whole year was understanding my body. I think I never knew myself more than I knew it now. I really don't know if it's good or not!
Cassandra is getting older now. Every time when we go out and if we see a baby, she will yelled out "Mommy, baby!" Because it actually hurts me, I kind of just brushed her away saying, 'yeah, yeah, yeah..' But, is that good? I shouldn't be promoting my daughter not liking babies! On the other hand, I can't pretend that I am okay! Every now and then, Cassandra will come up and tell me, "Mommy, I am bigger now, I can take care of little brother and sister, can you give me a baby?" How do I answer to that question?? I really love to, my love. But, we are lucky to be able to have you! You are our precious.
One thing I know after Dr. Schillings told us that, I felt I hug Cassandra more these days...^_^
Meeting with Dr. Huang
Because I really needed a second opinion from someone I really trust. I made an appointment with Dr. Huang on 12/31. We drove over to Chinatown, New York and got there around 4pm. Steven was going to come in with me, but he couldn't find any parking space that day on the streets at all.
When I was facing Dr. Huang, I didn't know how to start in the beginning. As we went on, Dr. Huang just told me 2cm cyst doesn't need to have any surgeries yet. All I needed was monitoring it to make sure it doesn't grow bigger. He also mentioned that the risk of having the lapraoscopic surgery is to damage my intestine and he didn't really recommended. He said if we want to have another baby badly, we should just go for IVF.
One thing I like about Chinese doctors is that they are very straight forward. American doctors are too worry about all the lawsuits that they have be becareful what they are saying. On the other hand, Chinese doctors are more direct and simple.
After getting this second opinion, at least I know the surgery is out of the question. IVF..do I really want to risk having multiple births? Do I really want to force myself to have a second child naturally? Can't I just settle with only Cassandra? Isn't having Cassandra is good enough?
When I was facing Dr. Huang, I didn't know how to start in the beginning. As we went on, Dr. Huang just told me 2cm cyst doesn't need to have any surgeries yet. All I needed was monitoring it to make sure it doesn't grow bigger. He also mentioned that the risk of having the lapraoscopic surgery is to damage my intestine and he didn't really recommended. He said if we want to have another baby badly, we should just go for IVF.
One thing I like about Chinese doctors is that they are very straight forward. American doctors are too worry about all the lawsuits that they have be becareful what they are saying. On the other hand, Chinese doctors are more direct and simple.
After getting this second opinion, at least I know the surgery is out of the question. IVF..do I really want to risk having multiple births? Do I really want to force myself to have a second child naturally? Can't I just settle with only Cassandra? Isn't having Cassandra is good enough?
Ovarian Cyst
On 12/14, I went back to Dr. Schillings office and had an ultrasound test. The nurse had taken a lot of pictures. When I asked her how was everything, she said I have to wait for the doctor to discuss it with me. At that time, I felt something was not right.
Finally, on the evening of 12/15, Dr. Schillngs herself called me back with the result. She informed me that I have a very small cyst, about 2 cm, in my ovary. It is up to our decision to see whether we should take it out or not by surgery. I also asked her more details about the laparoscopic surgery and IVF. I then told her I am going to see my old Gynecologist in New York to get a second opinion. She was very gladly to and asked me to fax over a request for my medical record to her office and I can go pick up the records whenever I want to with no charge.
I felt a lot better with this doctor after the phone conversation. At least, I felt that she's more personal that I thought she was.
Finally, on the evening of 12/15, Dr. Schillngs herself called me back with the result. She informed me that I have a very small cyst, about 2 cm, in my ovary. It is up to our decision to see whether we should take it out or not by surgery. I also asked her more details about the laparoscopic surgery and IVF. I then told her I am going to see my old Gynecologist in New York to get a second opinion. She was very gladly to and asked me to fax over a request for my medical record to her office and I can go pick up the records whenever I want to with no charge.
I felt a lot better with this doctor after the phone conversation. At least, I felt that she's more personal that I thought she was.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Meeting with the RE
After the HSG test, I made an appointment with Dr. Schillings on 12/12/2007 at 9:30am. This time, I asked Steven to a day off to go with me. This appointment is basically for the doctor to go over all the tests that I had done and offered me with my options to get pregnant.
Before the meeting, on 12/7 and 12/10, I went to have blood drawn again.
At the morning of 12/12, we dropped off Cassandra at her school and went to see Dr. Schillings together. After we sat down, Dr. Schillings mentioned the tests that both him and I did were all normal. Steven had semen analysis done twice and I had numerous tests done. She said she was reading the operative report from Dr. Hurst, the doctor who did my c-section when I was in labor with Cassandra. She said by reading the report, Dr. Hurst couldn't see my ovaries during the surgery. I had adhesion and endometriosis. I didn't know what that meant. She explained to me that there were a lot of 'stuff' outside of my tubes that my parts are all stick together and that's what caused the infertility. She can perform a surgery for me called laparoscopic which she couldn't guarantee me that she can fix the problem. She will have cut a small incision and try to fix the problem, if the problem is too severe, she will not be able to do anything. This means the whole surgery is then wasted. Another option that I have is have IVF (in vitro fertilization). Since the embryo will put directly into my uterus that it bypass the ovaries and the tubes and that my insurance covers all the cost, it seems it was the best and easiest way to do. The only problem is because Steven has an active disease, Hepatitis B, that we will need to go to Columbia University Hospital in New York to do the procedure, which is going to be a pain because of the distance.
During the conversation, she basically told us that we were lucky to be able to have Cassandra. It's not that it is impossible for me to get preganant. My uterus, ovaries, tubes are all normal. It's just the chances for me to get pregnant is low.
She also asked me to go back to the office to do an ultrasound of my ovaries to just make sure that it's all good.
Before the meeting, on 12/7 and 12/10, I went to have blood drawn again.
At the morning of 12/12, we dropped off Cassandra at her school and went to see Dr. Schillings together. After we sat down, Dr. Schillings mentioned the tests that both him and I did were all normal. Steven had semen analysis done twice and I had numerous tests done. She said she was reading the operative report from Dr. Hurst, the doctor who did my c-section when I was in labor with Cassandra. She said by reading the report, Dr. Hurst couldn't see my ovaries during the surgery. I had adhesion and endometriosis. I didn't know what that meant. She explained to me that there were a lot of 'stuff' outside of my tubes that my parts are all stick together and that's what caused the infertility. She can perform a surgery for me called laparoscopic which she couldn't guarantee me that she can fix the problem. She will have cut a small incision and try to fix the problem, if the problem is too severe, she will not be able to do anything. This means the whole surgery is then wasted. Another option that I have is have IVF (in vitro fertilization). Since the embryo will put directly into my uterus that it bypass the ovaries and the tubes and that my insurance covers all the cost, it seems it was the best and easiest way to do. The only problem is because Steven has an active disease, Hepatitis B, that we will need to go to Columbia University Hospital in New York to do the procedure, which is going to be a pain because of the distance.
During the conversation, she basically told us that we were lucky to be able to have Cassandra. It's not that it is impossible for me to get preganant. My uterus, ovaries, tubes are all normal. It's just the chances for me to get pregnant is low.
She also asked me to go back to the office to do an ultrasound of my ovaries to just make sure that it's all good.
The Hysterosalpingogram Test
I was scheduled to take this HSG test on 11/13/2007.
I was very nervous. The reason being is that I was already told that the test will be very uncomfortable. What happen is I have to go into the hospital for the test. I will be asked to lay on a x-ray table. A speculum will be insert inside of me, a speculum that's bigger than the papsmear test. Then, a catheter will be inserted and will shoot a type of liquid. At this time, through the monitor, I can tell whether the liquid will flow through the tubes to go inside of my body to tell whether my tubes are open.
Since I was so nervous about this test, Steven decided to take a day off and go to the hospital with me. I was very touched. It wasn't the test result that I was nervous about. It was the projected 'pain' that I was about to experienced!!
We first went into Dr. Schillings office to pick up my prescription and walked over to the hospital to register. Steven and I first thought that he couldn't go inside of the room with me because of radiology that he was going to watch Cassandra outside of the exam room. It turned out that the nurse was so nice and patient and told Steven that he could drop off Cassandra at the 2-hour limit daycare in the hospital so that he can stay in the exam room with me.
Right before the procedure was about to begin, I made sure both the nurse and the doctor know how nervous I am about the pain and Kathleen Post, she was the one who perform the procedure, had ensured me she will be very gental.
All I knew was during the test, when she insert the speculum, I was in so much pain that I was squeezing Steven's hand and screamed in Chinese, 好痛啊! The nurse was smiling and said, 'well, we wouldn't know what to do if we don't understand you.' I told them not to worry about me. Everytime when I go see a doctor for whatever test, because my daughter is always next to me, I always have to keep a straight face. That day, my daughter finally was not around and instead it was Steven, of course, I will yell out whatever I feel! ^_^
When Kathleen insert the catheter and inject the liquid, normally I should feel some kind of discomfort and it turned out I didn't feel anything at all. And, as the liquid was injected, I could see on the monitor that the liquid was flowing normally through my tubes. And, after the test, I was told that I may have spotting afterwards and it was all normal.
The test was done on Tuesday morning, it turned out I started bleeding in the evening of Wednesday and was continued for 5 days after that. The nurse from the doctor's office told me it was okay. As it turned out oddly, may be because of those 5-days bleeding/spotting, I had an odd feeling that I was ovulating the weekend after the spotting stop, which means I ovulated a whole week later than normal. And, I did get my menstruation exactly a week later than I suppose to. The doctor couldn't explain why. She said human bodies do different things at different times.
I was very nervous. The reason being is that I was already told that the test will be very uncomfortable. What happen is I have to go into the hospital for the test. I will be asked to lay on a x-ray table. A speculum will be insert inside of me, a speculum that's bigger than the papsmear test. Then, a catheter will be inserted and will shoot a type of liquid. At this time, through the monitor, I can tell whether the liquid will flow through the tubes to go inside of my body to tell whether my tubes are open.
Since I was so nervous about this test, Steven decided to take a day off and go to the hospital with me. I was very touched. It wasn't the test result that I was nervous about. It was the projected 'pain' that I was about to experienced!!
We first went into Dr. Schillings office to pick up my prescription and walked over to the hospital to register. Steven and I first thought that he couldn't go inside of the room with me because of radiology that he was going to watch Cassandra outside of the exam room. It turned out that the nurse was so nice and patient and told Steven that he could drop off Cassandra at the 2-hour limit daycare in the hospital so that he can stay in the exam room with me.
Right before the procedure was about to begin, I made sure both the nurse and the doctor know how nervous I am about the pain and Kathleen Post, she was the one who perform the procedure, had ensured me she will be very gental.
All I knew was during the test, when she insert the speculum, I was in so much pain that I was squeezing Steven's hand and screamed in Chinese, 好痛啊! The nurse was smiling and said, 'well, we wouldn't know what to do if we don't understand you.' I told them not to worry about me. Everytime when I go see a doctor for whatever test, because my daughter is always next to me, I always have to keep a straight face. That day, my daughter finally was not around and instead it was Steven, of course, I will yell out whatever I feel! ^_^
When Kathleen insert the catheter and inject the liquid, normally I should feel some kind of discomfort and it turned out I didn't feel anything at all. And, as the liquid was injected, I could see on the monitor that the liquid was flowing normally through my tubes. And, after the test, I was told that I may have spotting afterwards and it was all normal.
The test was done on Tuesday morning, it turned out I started bleeding in the evening of Wednesday and was continued for 5 days after that. The nurse from the doctor's office told me it was okay. As it turned out oddly, may be because of those 5-days bleeding/spotting, I had an odd feeling that I was ovulating the weekend after the spotting stop, which means I ovulated a whole week later than normal. And, I did get my menstruation exactly a week later than I suppose to. The doctor couldn't explain why. She said human bodies do different things at different times.
Reproductive Endocrinology
On September 10, before seeing the RE, I decided to take the blood test which was prescirbed from my OB/GYN, Dr. David Hanes. The test result came back normal.
On Tuesday, October 23, 2007, I went to my first appointment with Dr. Schillings, the RE. The appointment lasted for about an hour. Cassandra was very cooperate while Dr. Schillings trying to find out my whole medical history.
At this visit, I wasn't very enthusiastic about this doctor. She felt very businesslike to me. I didn't know if I should continue to go and see her, but she was the only one listed on the Lehigh Valley Hospital's website.
She told me that I have to get a cervical culture the next day or two (I forgot when), to make sure that I ovulated and that I need to take another blood test again. The blood test is to be taken on the 1st day of my menstruation to check my hormone level.
After both results came back normal, I was asked to go for a Hysterosalpingogram test, also known as Dye test which has to be taken 5 -12 days after menstruation. The test is to check whether my fallopian tubes are open.
On Tuesday, October 23, 2007, I went to my first appointment with Dr. Schillings, the RE. The appointment lasted for about an hour. Cassandra was very cooperate while Dr. Schillings trying to find out my whole medical history.
At this visit, I wasn't very enthusiastic about this doctor. She felt very businesslike to me. I didn't know if I should continue to go and see her, but she was the only one listed on the Lehigh Valley Hospital's website.
She told me that I have to get a cervical culture the next day or two (I forgot when), to make sure that I ovulated and that I need to take another blood test again. The blood test is to be taken on the 1st day of my menstruation to check my hormone level.
After both results came back normal, I was asked to go for a Hysterosalpingogram test, also known as Dye test which has to be taken 5 -12 days after menstruation. The test is to check whether my fallopian tubes are open.
Trying for a miracle
I'd been wanting to start this blog for a long time, but just couldn't bring myself to start writing. I guess it was because it's too depressing when note down all the feelings....
Ever since January 2007, Steven and I started to really plan out for our 2nd pregnancy. Due to the commute, the stress from hosting parties, and all other work that needed to be done in the house before the parties, Steven's Hepatitis B virus came out. The doctor had told him that he needed to be on medication, but he can't take this type of medication if we were trying to get pregnant.
January passed, February passed, March, April...finally, by May, I decided to go see my OB/GYN. He prescribed Steven to go for a semen analysis. His test result came back normal. The count was a bit low, but it was still in the normal range. He was asked to go for an analysis again 3 months later.
By June, I was getting so frustrated and depressed. Steven and I decided to go on a vacation. We, together with our daughter, went to Beaches resort in Jamaica. With all the things that happened, we still had a good time vacationing together. Thou, there was still no sign of pregnancy.
In August, I decided to look up a Reproductive Endorcrinologist, an infertility specialist. I checked on Lehigh Valley Hospital's website and found Dr. Wendy Schillings. I called right away and had set up an appointment on 10/23 at 11am.
Ever since January 2007, Steven and I started to really plan out for our 2nd pregnancy. Due to the commute, the stress from hosting parties, and all other work that needed to be done in the house before the parties, Steven's Hepatitis B virus came out. The doctor had told him that he needed to be on medication, but he can't take this type of medication if we were trying to get pregnant.
January passed, February passed, March, April...finally, by May, I decided to go see my OB/GYN. He prescribed Steven to go for a semen analysis. His test result came back normal. The count was a bit low, but it was still in the normal range. He was asked to go for an analysis again 3 months later.
By June, I was getting so frustrated and depressed. Steven and I decided to go on a vacation. We, together with our daughter, went to Beaches resort in Jamaica. With all the things that happened, we still had a good time vacationing together. Thou, there was still no sign of pregnancy.
In August, I decided to look up a Reproductive Endorcrinologist, an infertility specialist. I checked on Lehigh Valley Hospital's website and found Dr. Wendy Schillings. I called right away and had set up an appointment on 10/23 at 11am.
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