My 3-Year Pregnancy Anniversary
In 2005, Scott and I decided we would start trying to get pregnant. Already having an underactive thyroid and Amenorrhea, I assumed (correctly) that getting pregnant wouldn't be easy. First, we had to find the root of my problem--no periods. After several random tests on every organ producing a hormone, we were referred to a Reproductive Endocrinologist. A few more tests led to the diagnosis of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. I started taking Clomid, a very effective pill that induces ovulation. The first round of taking this pill had me convinced it was working--periods, hot flashes, hormonal changes--until my first ultrasound. No stimulation in my ovaries. Start round two: higher dosage. No change. Start round three: higher dosage. No change. Start round four: even higher dosage. No change.
Our RE then told us we had no other option than to start InVitro Fertilization. We were stunned. How can there only be two different treatments, one at $10 a pop and the other at $12,000 a pop?!? I was crushed. I felt like a number, just another pitiful patient.
After talking about it for a few weeks, we decided to get a second opinion. My nurse practitioner referred me to Dr. NeeOo Chin. Our first appointment had me feeling 100% better. NeeOo was sensitive, caring and passionate. He understood that for me, as a woman, infertility feels like nothing in the world. It's a very lonely, painful feeling. As a woman, a feeling of failure.
NeeOo felt that continuing Clomid was fruitless--since I had taken a mass amount previously, with not even a hint at follicle stimulation. He gave us all the information on "injectibles" and even walked us through the procedure. The injectibles aren't "cheap," but we could pay for 3-4 rounds of these to equal one (unguaranteed) round of IVF. Our insurance covered 0% after diagnosis. We ordered our first month's supply and crossed our fingers.
Round one of nightly injections followed by a giant "trigger" shot bore a single follicle. We scheduled the IUI 36 hours later. We had then entered the dreaded "two-week wait." Those two weeks were the most excruciating 336 hours I'd ever experienced. We went to Florida for vacation about four days later and I was SURE I was pregnant. How could I not be? I was to take a pregnancy test on Friday. Wednesday morning when I woke up, I had started my period. FAIL.
Round two of the injectibles gave me more hope however, as NeeOo said our dosage was probably too low the first time and we would just increase it slightly to produce more follicles. Again with the nightly injections, a trigger shot, a Dave Matthews Concert, IUI 36 hours later and CERTAINTY that I was pregnant. FAIL.
Round three was different for me. I was bitter. Angry. I was sure it wasn't going to work and that the previous RE was right--IVF was our only option. Damn him. My only bit of reassurance was that my follicles had produced three eggs and I was getting inseminated at 24 and 36 hours this time. We were going to catch one of those eggs if it KILLED me.
Nightly shots, trigger shot, IUI 24 hours and 36 hours later, a giant beer at BW3s... and a pregnancy test. Was I dreaming? Hazy from the beer? Was this a + sign?? I took another test (I wasn't supposed to test for another two days as the trigger shot has a hormone that mimics that of the pregnancy hormone--hCG). Another +. I decided not to get ahead of myself and get *too* excited, as the hCG from my trigger shot could potentially be giving me a false positive. The next day gave me two more stronger + signs. The third day, I had a very, VERY prominent PLUS sign. I called Dr. Chin's office immediately, trying not to shriek, squeal or do anything that would make me sound like a lunatic! Luckily, the wonderful nurses were just as excited for me and scheduled me for my blood tests immediately. My hCG levels were *so* high, MULTIPLES.
My first ultrasound was something I'll never forget. There they were. Two tiny little specs--soon to develop into twin baby girls.
I found out I was pregnant this week, 3 years ago. It seems like such a long time ago, but the memories and feelings of the journey are just as ripe as if it were yesterday. I hurt for friends who can't get pregnant. I cry and pray that they'll find the right doctor. Their path to keeping the faith. Their answer.
With the support of our friends and family, NeeOo gave us something we couldn't accomplish on our own, through science, love, patience and devotion. August is no longer just a mere month to me. It's my miracle month. Dr. NeeOo Chin Month.
