Winter Cycle Friends 2009/2010 - Everyone Welcome!

[Stephanieford78]

Katie... and others interested in cord blood banking

I just saw a report on the news about cord blood banking and is it worth it. It was an amazing story. Short but made me realize a lot. It talked about how expensive it is, then goes on to tell of a woman's story about how her son was diagnosed with a disease that the list she was given said was curable by cord blood. Just to find out it isn't curable at all. So rule number one, if thinking about cord blood banking, go to someone reputable. That's not all though... there are private cord blood banking and there is puplic. Cord blood is more versatile than bone marrow. A person doesn't have to be the same tissue type. This makes it possible to get public banked cord blood to help if medically needed in the future. Since the odds that your baby or possible siblings will ever need cord blood is very small. IF it is needed, a sibling or public bank will likely have a match. So... because of the small risk to any given child and the strain private banking puts on your pocket, it is best that people donate the cord blood to a public bank. If everyone did this, there would be no need for private banking at all because of the statistics. Learning these things, I think I won't bank and I will donate instead! I know I can't afford to pay the private banking costs.

[malya324]

Steph, I saw that report too, made me totally re think the whole cord blood banking thing too. I have never heard the down side of it and I can't imagine spending all that money for nothing. I am still bank for contribution but not for individual use. Great report I learned alot.

[Stephanieford78]

Malya - It sure opened my eyes, I learned a lot too. I think the public needs to be better educated on this. I was not aware that for all that money how useless it is likely to be for personal use. Basically it boils down to, if you have the money and need peace of mind by knowing it is there just in case, do it. Otherwise you can rely on public banking just like you would if you needed regular blood.

Ok.. Have an update. I called the nurse for the doc who found the previa and she called me back! Finally someone does! So, I ask her about my headaches and she said that it is nothing to worry about. Suggested I drink a coke to see if it could be a caffiene withdrawals. I wasn't really drinking soda before and never have been a coffee drinker so I doubt that is it. She said this is allergy season and I could have a sinus headache so to take sudafed and see if it goes away. That might be a good idea. I have never known myself to have allergies, but I know that they can creep up on you as you age or move around from place to place. Other than that, of course I asked about sex. She double checked with doc and he said I am good to go. So last night can happen again. Yeah baby.

[Franca]

i dont know why the reason is, its probs just genetics wasnt ment to be.
its time for me to say goodbye this is too painful for me, thanks so much for your kind words and support. Wish you all well and lots of baby dust.

goodbye my friends

ps
if you want to keep in touch

facebook
franca bongiorno roberts

love u
xx

[karenthescorpio]

Franca- I'm am deeply sorry to hear about your loss. Know that everyone here really does care. I hope you get answers to what happened and you move on to another cycle when you are ready. Big hug!

Lou- Wow. I can't even think of the right words to tell you how sorry I am to hear about what you had to go through! This process (IVF and pregnancy) is so emotionally taxing! I know you will need those maternity clothes later this year! Time will heal your pain and the hope of the future will comfort your sorrow. Big hug and prayer for peace.

Steph- Congrats on getting a call back and some action in the bedroom. wooo whoo!I saw a brief news report the other evening (Diane Sawyer evening news hour) on cord blood banking. How one of the private companies pays a MD to do a presentation on the benefits of cord blood banking. Not only are they paid to do the presentation, but the MD gets a "commission" for every cord blood banking person/couple that signs up to do it (which the AMA says is against their policy in this instance). And this private cord banking company didn't mention public banks in any way, shape or form. Which I had no clue about! I don't know if we will do it. It seems kind of like a scam. However, so much progress is being made in medical research, stem cells, etc...that I wonder if having your own stem cells from birth could eventually do more than donated cord blood. I thought I might do some research and find out what kind of doctor knows the most about how cord blood can really be used and make an appt to ask them questions. I'm wondering if a hemtologist is a good start? That way perhaps I'll get unbiased info.

AFM- My belly has really popped out. I officially look like a pregnant person versus someone who completely gave up on working out. hehehe I am having good days and not so good days. Some days I just feel "off"...and man oh man did I have my first experience with real constipation. It was like practicing for pushing during labor! I can't believe I had that experience. I drink 3 liters of water a day at the least...and have fiber every day. UGH. So I am now adding stool softener to the mix. Also had a prenatal massage. It was nice but I was having some ligament pains right before the session so I wasn't as relaxed at I wanted to be. Having a little trouble sleeping, but I guess that goes with the territory. Not going to sweat it since I can sleep pretty much whenever I feel like it.

I hope everyone is doing ok and feeling healthy! I'm hoping this week is the last of this boards sad news! My nerves can't take it!!!! Hugs to everyone.

Karen

[hjw]

Morning ladies!

Helene - love your family pictures, can't wait to see the new ones as well. How did the house move go yesterday? Hope you stood back and just directed traffic! Are you still surrounded by boxes this weekend?

Claudia - what a great birthday photo! I bet you had so much fun... Yippee that Flick (still love that name!) is doing exactly as he/she should. I can't imagine what it's like to see an active baby at a scan, Zorba has been fast asleep for all three scans at 7wks, 11wks and 19wks! He/she is getting more and more active since about 21 weeks but only seems to wake up and start moving around properly when I sit down to rest or when I want to sleep! Did you tell your nieces your news yet?

katie - hahaha, Flynn only looks serious in that photo because he was fully focused on the dog treat I was holding in my hand next to the camera! I'm feeling really good, thanks, way more energy than even a few weeks ago so I'm trying to make the most of it while it lasts! How are you feeling? 16 weeks was when I really realised I was turning a corner and leaving the first trimester tiredness and nausea behind, so I'm hoping that it's the same for you. And as gi said, it won't be long before the fluttering starts - I thought I felt something fluttering away just before 18 weeks but by 19 weeks it was definitely Zorba wiggling, and since about 20/21 weeks it's a much stronger movement. He/she was doing big kicks in bed for a few minutes first thing this morning so both DH and I felt it - what a nice way to start the weekend... Oooh, how exciting, can't wait for you and DH to be able to feel it too!

Steph - enjoy your BBQ today. First time entertaining in your new house? Yay for getting the official go ahead for play time! Your posts about private cord blood banking were interesting - in the UK I'm not sure that anyone does that, but what does happen is that you get asked if you will donate the cord blood to the NHS, which DH and I are going to do. It's used for research but also transfusions I think, which I guess is the same as your public cord blood banking.

Karen - I can't believe your belly has only just popped out at 15 weeks and you're carrying twins! I've had a proper baby belly since about 14 weeks with a singleton! Oh yes, constipation - lots of fruit and (green) vegetables seem to help with me, plus acupuncture really really works for that. Would you recommend the massage? - I'm thinking of getting one next week.

gi - sweetie, I can't tell you how happy I was to read your post that everything looked perfect at your 12 week scan. Have you spent the last couple of days telling everyone your news? I know what you mean about doing that in itself making you nervous - we had our nuchal scan and then announced to friends, family and on Facebook, and I immediately got worried that I'd jinxed it! I bet you're inundated with well wishes for the the next few days. After everything you and J have been through, you so deserve to enjoy this!

Angela - it's great that you feel able to share the news, particularly with people who understand how you are feeling. Good luck for Tuesday's u/s.

lou - oh honey, I'm so sorry that the day of your d&c was so traumatic. I hope you and DH are able to have a quiet weekend with lots of hugs, and that you're feeling less sore physically. I totally understand that you need to step back from the boards for a little while - just know that whether or not you post, we will all be thinking of you.

Franca - I'm so sorry... (((((((hugs)))))))))

AFM, now that I've hit the 22/23 week mark, the questions that everyone seems to ask me (other than the "oh my God, you're so big already, are you sure you've only got one baby in there?") are (1) do you know what you're having (answer: "ummm, a baby?", lol) and (2) have you bought baby things yet and chosen a name? Although it seems like we've got ages until the baby arrives, it has occured to us that the weeks are passing quite quickly now and we need to start thinking about what we want to buy (although I don't want to actually buy anything until we get to the six month mark, just because it feels a bit like tempting fate). Names I think we're going to leave until much nearer the due date.

Hazel

[angelaezra]

Stephanie – that is interesting information about the cord blood banking. Thanks for sharing it w/ us.

Yeah, for finally hearing back from the doctor’s office regarding your questions! I have to agree w/ you that I don’t think it is the caffeine either. This would e awfully late to have caffeine withdrawal if you haven’t been consuming a lot of it throughout your pregnancy. I think it is more likely hormonal but I am sure they will check your BP and protein level in your urine during your next OB visit. I sure hope you have fun this weekend w/ your barbecue.

Franca – I am so sorry my friend. Do you know if you will cycle or do another transfer soon? I surely hope so but you will need time to heal first.

Lou- I am still thinking of you and wishing you the best.

Karen – So you are officially looking pregnant now. I know I will look officially pregnant way before 15 weeks. I am already showing already and I catch people looking at my stomach and I just laugh to myself. I think w/ Ashley by 10 or 11 weeks I was so big that I needed maternity clothes and my DH made me go out and buy them. He said it looked like I was trying to strangle myself with my regular clothes … lol.

Oh, isn’t the constipation thing just terrible. I was doing just fine for the last couple of weeks and now I am in misery again for the last 3 or 4 days. I have already been using a stool softener but it hasn’t done any good. I also have been increasing my fiber as well but nothing so far. Last night, I was really miserable but hopefully I will be better today.

Hazel – Congratulations on reaching 22 weeks this week! Thank you for the well wishes for Tuesday. Of course, I am so nervous once again!

Helene, Katie, Gi, & Claudia – I hope you ladies are enjoying your weekend!

Angela

[Stephanieford78]

Angela - Yeah, it's either hormonal or the sinus thing because I have been having a bit of congestion. They told me that they are sure it isn't preeclampsia yet. She said my body isn't making the (insert whatever they said here) to cause me to be preeclamptic until the 3rd trimester. Not too sure how that works. That is one thing I haven't googled yet. lol My mom said that she was diagnosed with preeclampsia and told to stay on bed rest at 4 months pregnant with both my brother and me. So, either they didn't have the knowledge we do now of it or either the doctor my mom had 31 and 36 years ago or the nurse I was talking to was lying. lol What do you know about it? Maybe you can help clear a few things up for me.

Hazel - This will be the first time having people over. The funny part is, it isn't really our party per se. A neighbor from the place we just moved away from has been wanting to have a BBQ but she doesn't have a grill. Andrew has been wanting a BBQ since we moved in, so she asked to have people here since we have the grill and the space. It was easy to convince Andrew. So most of the people who are coming will be her friends. I know many of them, but some I will be meeting for the first time. I invited one person and Andrew invited two soldiers, other than that it is all my friends people coming. lol It's ok though. It will be nice to meet a few new people.
As far as your pg goes... it probably is time to start thinking baby items. Names can always wait till the baby is born, however being prepared for baby is always a must before they get here! Don't worry about tempting fate! I think we are all so darn scared we never really let ourselves enjoy the experience. Part of that experience is going shopping! To look at all those miniture clothes and socks and booties, to picture holding your little one in your arms sitting in a rocking chair or lying them down to sleep in a bassinete or crib. It's exciting! After all of our hard work, pain and suffering... we all deserve to feel that joy, FINALLY!

Karen - I tried taking fiber pills because I can't stand to drink the stuff. I bought Benefiber easy to swallow pills. Yeah... not so easy at all! You are suppose to take 3 pills 3 time sa day I believe it was. Well I couldn't take 3 at one sitting! I choked on the first one, choked on the second and gave up! I figure I will just drink all the water I can and consume as much fiber on my own as I can. I have had issues with slow bowel movement now for a while. I have my good days and my bad days with it, but for the most part I just put up with it. Anyway.. enough about poo. lol A prenatal massage must have been nice. Too bad you couldn't relax enough like you wanted. I bet it still felt nice though. So any idea how big that belly of yours is? I feel so huge at times.

Franca - I am so sorry. I hope you try again and we can see you in the future.

AFM, I must go prepare for this party. I should probably move the fragile items away so drunk people don't knock them over. lol I suppose it's like child proofing my house early.

[katie99]

Wow - I wish I would have that special about cord blood banking. I had no idea that public banking even existed. I've been sort of torn on the idea the last few days anyway but now I'm seeing the different sides of it. I mean I know that ultimately its a business looking for profit, I just wish I didnt feel this stress to decide since you only get 1 chance to figure it out. Clearly I need to do some research on public banking, but as Karen said we need an unbiased opinion. I wonder if I could find that news clip online? I'm so mad that I missed it! ugh

Lou - OMG honey I had no idea what horrible pain you went through. It was tearing my heart out to read that post. I hope that the healing will begin soon since you are so resiliant. I would have put away all of the pg books and clothes too, you dont need a visual reminder in your face right now. But you WILL need them again, I'm sure of it. So dont put them too far into storage. Of course you need time, this was so unexpected and traumatic it will be raw for a while
I wish that I would have waited longer, but I gave all my Ganirelix to my RE's clinic when I realized that I'd never cycle with my own eggs again. But I was in a hurry to get the med box out already after 2 years of it sitting there reminding me of my ivf failures. I'm sorry. - xoxo

Steph - Ack! I would have loved to see that news clip - thanks for telling me about it. Sure gives us alot to think about, doesnt it? I would really like to enjoy the shopping part of this and should at least allow myself to take a peek at babies r us especially since we wont be having a baby shower, so we'll be footing the whole bill ourselves -eek! Neither of us really have family and I cant see either of my girlfriends taking on a shower. I just wish that I could stop feeling like its too soon yet - i mean I sure dont want to be getting everything ready when I'm 8 months and totally uncomfortable! BTW, how will you deal with a TX summer without feeling roasted alive - and with twins?? I was wondering how it worked out to be that I'll be 7 months in Aug? Yuk! I hate the extreme heat regularly - how fun will it be with a big belly? Enjoy your BBQ today - its good to get to know more people on post, its hard sometimes because everyone is always so busy and on different schedules. Oooh, and uh, umm, have "fun" this weekend!

Karen - Please let me know when/if you find anything new about all the cord blood confusion. I think a hemotologist is a great idea, I'm going to ask my RE his opinion on it also - I trust him completely. Aw, how sweet to finally look pg. Will you post a belly pic? I'm still waiting to look properly pg - but so far I just look fat - ugh. When do you go for your anatomy scan ? I 'm eager to hear if you really do have 2 girls. I have to make my appt for the week of the 24th and they better let me see the screen this time!

Angela- Yup - we've all become u/s addicts just waiting for the next one! I ended up having to pick up maternity jeans at 8 or 9 wks because I couldnt stand anything tight on my abdomen cause it was making the m/s worse, but now they're so comfy, I see holding on to them for a while!

Gi -Daily reassurance would be fantastic for all of us! but I wonder if then we'll worry if we dont feel any kicking for a day! Oh, the joys of infertility have surely changed us permanently

Hazel -- Ha Ha - Zorba is keeping you up all night already!
Well focusing on dog treats IS serious business to a dog! They are both so adorable!
Thats right where I'm at too, I feel like its tempting fate to start switching the computer room and the spare room, since they all must be painted, and hang new cutains, and buy nursery furniture - whew! And then I think of "what if something goes wrong" and am back to thinking I should wait - its crazy, i know
But we'll have to at least plan what to buy as I dont want to leave too much til near the end. Overwhelming isnt it?
OMG - you poor thing you'll be almost 9 months in the worst part of the summer! Your summers in the UK are just as bad as here, I believe. Aw, feeling Zorba kicking sure is a wonderful way to start your weekend! Hope the rest goes just as well!

[katie99]

Olim - EDD is on Aug 4
Hazel- midwife appt on 5/26 - EDD is Sept 7
Riley -EDD is on Oct 5
Malya - EDD is Oct 10
Katie RE b/w on 5/11 -Anatomy scan w/o 5/24 - OB appt on 5/27 -EDD is Oct 24
Merri - EDD is on Oct 26
KTelise-EDD is on Nov 3
Hope -EDD is on Nov 7
Gi -Saw 1 perfect baby waving! - EDD is on Nov 14
Positive thinking - EDD is on Nov 14
Ronda- HB of 183! - EDD is on Nov15
Claudia - NT scan on 5/18- EDD is on Nov28 - Thanksgiving weekend!
Helene -IPS (NT scan) on 5/19 - OB appt on 6/9 - EDD is on Nov 28
Libby - HB was 173! - EDD is on Nov 29 - Thanksgiving weekend!
Angela - u/s on 5/11 - HR OB on 5/17 & 6/14 - EDD is on Dec 22 - A Christmas baby!





Karen- EDD is Oct 4
Ashley -EDD is Oct 7
Stephanie -Quad screen on 5/14 - OB appt on 5/24 -EDD is on Nov 4 - http://www.babiesrus.com
Sara- - EDD is Nov 22
Babyluv- Surprise twins! 2 strong heart beats of 110 & 119 -EDD is on Nov 28




Tammy - m/c - 1 angel looking over her -
DrBoots (Ryan) - m/c - 1 angel watching over her
Lou - m/c 11wks - We all grieve with you.. -
Franca -m/c - angel baby -

[katie99]

Do I have everyone's appts for our list? it looks sort of empty?

[angelaezra]

Stephanie – I think you are such a smart women to Google everything because I think every patient should be an informed patient. There are two factors that will make you more at risk during your pregnancy and they are:

1.) You are pregnant with twins
2.) You have a family history (your mom w/ both pregnancies)

Now, knowing that, your doctor can just keep an eye on you. I think you will be fine, so try not to worry too much. You haven’t complained of swelling in your feet or decreased urine output, etc. so that is good but I think I did remember you saying something about an elevated BP before. It might be a good idea to get one of the home BP readers. I bought one for my dad for under $20 dollars because of his un-controlled BP. So when he thinks it is high he will just test it himself or I will do it for him. Your mom is right; preeclampsia can occur at any time during the pregnancy and up to six weeks post-delivery but it is most common during the second half of the second trimester, or during the third trimester.

Katie – Thanks for updating our list. My next u/s is on 5/11 ad my first appoint w/ my high risk OB is 5/17 & 6/14th. I don’t have any more appointments scheduled as of yet. But, the month is still young … lol.

Angela

[Hope644]

I haven't caught up - just saw that I need to send hugs to Lou & Franca -

I'm so sorry for your losses. Words just cannot express. Some of us have been there and can empathize - but each person and situation is different. Keeping you all in my prayers........

[rayofsunshine]

I'm so sorry I've been MIA lately...

Lou-I am so very sorry for everything you've gone through. My heart breaks for you and your DH. I pray you heal and go on to have your miracle in the very near future.

Franca-I'm terribly sorry for you as well. You are in my thoughts and prayers-please take care.

Claudia-I loved your pictures! The 80s party was a great idea-totally up my alley! Your picture cracked me up (I think I have some that look just like that from back in the day!)

Hazel-I love your pictures as well! Such a cute baby belly!

Helene-You have a beautiful family-love the little man's picture

I want to wish everyone a HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY today! In my book, you are the most special mommies on the planet and your babies are so very lucky to have you!!!

Keep the faith!
Sara

[Stephanieford78]

Angela - Thanks for your information. Why would the nurse tell me I am not producing (whatever) to even worry about preeclampsia? I thought that it was high BP to the point that you are in risk of seizures, strokes, etc and wasn't aware that your body had to "produce something" in a certain trimester that makes you preeclamptic. I know they must not have known much about it back then as they do now because they told my mom that her body wasn't producing enough nutrition for her and the baby, therefore she had to eat more and gained a lot of weight for each pregnancy. I have heard of overweight people being more prone to peeclampsia, but she was thin. Also, my brother weighed 8 lbs, when I was born I weighed 5 lbs... they told my mom it was the preeclampsia and if she had another baby it would weigh less and die. So she got her tubes tied. Now... nowhere in my research have I found that to be true. My mom is gone now so I can't revisit this with her by asking more questions. I just hope I don't get it with this pregnancy. I don't need yet another added risk to worry about. lol Here is a question... the ob gave me a script for folate and iron, said I don't need it now, but I will become anemic and need it soon. I haven't gotten it filled yet... any chance that if I am becoming anemic, that would cause my headaches?

Katie - Sorry you missed the clip. I didn't catch the whole thing, but heard enough to make me wonder. That's when I googled. I am sure you can find enough online to satisfy your inquiring mind. I know I did. There are some unbiased opinions online. The info I gave about donating instead of banking was some kind of genetic doctor, I can't remember his specific title. He didn't benefit from public or private banking. I am sure you can find a lot of articles online with these types of interviews where the doctor doesn't profi by giving their opinions. I know I have to rely on the internet for it, I can't go see just any doctor about it. lol I will ask my ob and ask the perinatologist when I go in for my scan. As for the appts, you had my scan on the 28th up but replaced it with the registry info. lol I go for my quad n the 14th and an ob appt on the 24th, but of course the scan is the one I can't wait to go to! I get ti finally find out... pink and blue, all blue or all pink. Oh.. the Texas weather question! Almost forgot... It gets hot here but we don't get out and do too much during the day. We normally do things after he gets home and it cools down a bit by then. I had to go to Louisianna in July before while preggers and NO ONE had air conditioning! It was my ex's biological family and they are all... not well off. One big reason why he was adopted. Anyway... that was miserable!! Nothing can be worse than the sticky, muggy hot weather I had to put up with there. lol So, Texas will be a piece of cake. Oh... and no play time last night since Andrew was drinking and the last guest stayed until almost 3am. We will have some making up to do...

Hope and Sara - Glad you popped in! Tough to keep up anymore if you aren't on everyday because so many people are talking! Still would like to hear updates on you! How are you feeling??

AFM, Well, the party went fairly well. There was supposed to be more people, but only one couple that my friend invited came. The others ditched at the last minute with lame excuses. So we had a ton of food left over. I am glad it ended up the way it did. It was such a nice day that everyone stayed outside the entire time. We barely had enough seating for everyone, had to bring out chairs from everywhere to make it work. lol Any more people and they just wouldn't have been able to fit and the party would have had to been split up. Normally at the BBQ's the women stay chatting (or gossiping) in the kitchen or living room while the guys are all outside carrying on drinking, talking shop and smoking. Andrew likes to sneak a puff or a cig when he is drinking. Since we were all outside this time he had to run off quite a bit. I knew what he was doing though. I may be a blonde pollock, but I am not stupid. lol Anyway, the only bad thing I can say that got on my nerves was one of his soldiers would not watch his kid. I had to rearrange my house because he wouldn't even tell him no when he would shake my antique tables tring to get the big vase to fall off!! He was beating up on other small kids right in front of him and wouldn't do a thing. I mentioned that he should correct him, he said no because he needs to be tough. GRRR!! He gave the kid (not even two yet) mountian dew and beer... yes BEER!! He was tracking it in the house and up the stairs because no one was watching him. He was sticking his dirty fingers in the cake, I tried to tell him no politely of course and I got yelled at for it. His dad said he just wants some. I told him to get him a piece instead of letting him fingering everyone else's future piece!! It makes you feel at times that some people should just not extend their gene pool! I know I will lose so much weight chasing these twins around teaching them how to properly behave, especially in other people's homes! I did it with my DD, I will do it with two. Anyway.. other then that, it was a decent get together. lol Thanks for letting me vent a bit about the down side.