Surgery Was A Success!

On December 2, 2010 I had surgery to treat a right hydrosalpinx. The goal was to remove the right fallopian tube with an intact blood supply to the right ovary. We are happy to report that the right fallopian tube was removed without incident and the right ovary remains intact and healthy. The surgery as it relates to future fertility was a success....praise God!
I am slowly recovering from the surgery--perhaps a bit slower than I anticipated, but nonethless healing every day. I plan on returning to work 12 days after surgery--not too shabby! In the meantime, I'm taking it easy and soaking up the wonderful festivities of the holiday season. I am proud to announce that I have all my holiday shopping completed which is pretty much a small feat for me! Got to love online shopping these days!
Our plans for the future entail waiting for 2011 for future IVF attempts. We remain hopeful and prayerful.
Heres to a HEALTHY and HAPPY 2011!

IVF Postponed Until Further Notice

I appreciate everyone's prayers, thoughts and love! I know that your support over this past year has made such a difference and at times has been what has carried me through the happiest and saddest times of this emotional roller coaster. 

I had my third of three procedures on Friday prior to officially starting IVF stimulation medications. Unfortunately, the procedure showed that I still have a complication from the ectopic pregnancy that was diagnosed July of this year. The study showed a right hydrosalpinx. Even with being in the nursing profession, I too had to Google what exactly this all means! Basically, a hydrosalpinx is a blocked fallopian tube (right side where the ectopic pregnancy was implanted) which fills with fluid and can result in mild-moderate pain, but more importantly results in infertility. Unfortunately the only treatment for it is to remove the fallopian tube. I am scheduled for surgery for a right tubal ligation December 2, 2010. After I recover from surgery, I will be able to proceed with IVF probably January-March time period. 

Most of you probably are aware, but my mom was admitted to the hospital Friday November 5. After putting the pieces together, it appears that she had a urinary tract infection that spread to her bloodstream. She became very critical within a matter of hours. She continues to remain critical but is more stable than the first few days. We continue to pray for her and love on her. Please pray for her full recovery. 

My focus has changed to supporting my mom through this tragedy and being there for my family as much as possible. I don't anticipate posting again until after surgery for an update on how things are progressing. Again, I'm so blessed to be surrounded by so many people that love and support me and also my dearly loved mom, during this time. 

Put Another 2 Checks on the " IVF To Do" List

Today I had two procedures in preparation for IVF. The first one was pretty intense requiring anesthesia, but the results from the test looked promising. The second test was slightly less invasive, and the meds leftover from the first procedure proved to be of some value.  I made it through the entire morning without shedding a tear, until my stupid insurance declined my IVF meds other than through mail order, which would be too late for this cycle. So now, I have to depend on other people to defend my case to AETNA so I can pay several thousand dollars for injections from the pharmacy. Sometimes it is the small battles that prove to be the biggest!!!

I got my IVF calendar today which maps out how things will look over the next two months. It is always a  little overwhelming to see all the appointments, medications, and procedures on one piece of paper, but in some ways it also eases some anxiety having a better idea of the timing of events. Time to surrender my schedule and wait in doctor waiting rooms!

Well my friends and family were right...I didn't wait one week to post again. However, in the next 10 days, I only have one procdure so I don't anticipate too many updates between now and then. For those of you who tried to post a comment and had difficulty, I believe that you have to click on the link at the bottom of the page that says "Suscribe to: Post comments" in order to post your comments. Hope that helps.

Well...on the list of a million things to do in preparation for IVF...2 more things have been checked off and we are moving forward:)

THANKS again for all your prayers, thoughts, love, and encouraging emails.

Welcome to my Hope Blog

Many of you have been on the long journey with Jason and I as we follow our dreams to start a family. This blog is created to keep both family and friends updated on the most recent events. We are both so thankful for all your love, support, and your belief in a miracle for the two of us. 

Some of you may not be familiar with all the details related to IVF but let me assure you, anyone who endures this journey is both strong and brave! The process is approximately 60 days in length from the start of the process to finding out the result of the much awaited for pregnancy test. During that 2 month journey, I will undergo numerous procedures, multiple doctor appointments and blood draws (at times every other day or even every day), bedrest, and then the long 2 week wait where the couple anxiously awaits the pregnancy test results.

The purpose of this blog is to allow everyone to see how God is working in our lives. We give God all the glory no matter if we have a positive or negative test because I know, without a doubt, that enduring these experiences ultimately develops my character and character strengthens my confident hope.

We are excited to be in the first week of IVF round 3. This week, I will undergo two procedures (both on 11/2) and we are praying that the results are favorable for conceiving. We also are praying for patience as we take it one day at a time, being thankful for how far we have come. Lastly, we pray for my body to respond to the medications far beyond what we can even ask or imagine. Thank you for remaining faithful in prayer and joyful in hope with us.