So I had my second dr's appt. on Friday. My thyroid levels were going down, but my estrogen levels were almost double apparently.
The dr wanted to talk to the recipients and determine "where we go from here."
I got a call today, and apparently the dr. does not recommend me as a donor. Because my levels were off two months in a row. And the cyst(s) is still a factor. And... yeah.
To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement. Tears may have been shed.
Pretty crappy day. And I don't know if I will ever get to do it now.
I guess, if anything, at least now I know about my hypothyroidism.
How anticlimactic and majorly upsetting.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
"I'm a hyper-hypo!"
Not really. :) Just quoting Mike Myers in the SNL skit with Nicole Kidman. Anyone know it? Good one.
Anyway, the dr's office called again to let me know that my thyroid levels were elevated (I can't remember which ones- I wrote it down somewhere). You would think "elevated" = "too much" = MORE, and thus hyperthyroidism. But no, I am hypo. Normal levels are up to 4.4 or so, and mine was 6.2. Sorry, wish I had the other specifics with me.
So they have prescribed me a medication called Synthroid. I'm suppsed to take it for 4 weeks, during which time my levels should theoretically go down to normal levels, and get another blood test (in addition to my second ultrasound that'll happen a week or two prior). More waiting, nuts! I feel bad for the parents; I'm sure they're just as anxious as me, if not more so.
Speaking of whom, the recipients won't be paying for this- it will be out of pocket (or insurance rather) for me, since this would really be a preexisting condition. Plus I'll likely need to be on this medication in general now anyway.
It's very interesting to both me and my mom that it turns out I should have hypothyroidism, as it runs in our family. One of my aunts is hypo-, the other is hyper-, and my mom is neither (she was tested once). But we never even thought to have me tested since I've always been so generally healthy. So it's probably really good I found this out now. Your thyroid can affect so many parts of your body & health. Also I definitely have some of the symptoms (but def don't have others)- Wikipedia it for more info. (Doing this on my phone, so I can't link ya very easily.)
Until next time!
Anyway, the dr's office called again to let me know that my thyroid levels were elevated (I can't remember which ones- I wrote it down somewhere). You would think "elevated" = "too much" = MORE, and thus hyperthyroidism. But no, I am hypo. Normal levels are up to 4.4 or so, and mine was 6.2. Sorry, wish I had the other specifics with me.
So they have prescribed me a medication called Synthroid. I'm suppsed to take it for 4 weeks, during which time my levels should theoretically go down to normal levels, and get another blood test (in addition to my second ultrasound that'll happen a week or two prior). More waiting, nuts! I feel bad for the parents; I'm sure they're just as anxious as me, if not more so.
Speaking of whom, the recipients won't be paying for this- it will be out of pocket (or insurance rather) for me, since this would really be a preexisting condition. Plus I'll likely need to be on this medication in general now anyway.
It's very interesting to both me and my mom that it turns out I should have hypothyroidism, as it runs in our family. One of my aunts is hypo-, the other is hyper-, and my mom is neither (she was tested once). But we never even thought to have me tested since I've always been so generally healthy. So it's probably really good I found this out now. Your thyroid can affect so many parts of your body & health. Also I definitely have some of the symptoms (but def don't have others)- Wikipedia it for more info. (Doing this on my phone, so I can't link ya very easily.)
Until next time!
Monday, April 6, 2009
1st ultrasound & blood test
I had my first doctor's appt. a little over a week ago, and, apart from some transportation issues (read: ignorant, disobeying cabbie who made me miss my train back to work, forcing me to wait an hour for the next one), it went well.
First was the ultrasound. I have never had one of these, but it actually wasn't that uncomfortable. The nurse hands you, well, an instrument that's just like plastic-y and tells you to insert it down in the nether-regions. Then she moves it around examining your ovaries and all the various tubes and pipes down there. (You can find the dirty details of a transvaginal ultrasound: here.) Apparently my right ovary is down a bit, and my left one is way left. She said "You might feel this a bit more," but I really didn't. Which is a plus.
Then I had my blood test. I've never had blood drawn before (shocking, right? the nurses were surprised), and honestly this 'hurt' - or simply caused more discomfort - than the ultrasound. I simply just didn't watch, and it wasn't so bad. I'm rather proud that I wasn't a total baby about it actually. I do not like needles. But not seeing it helped tremendously.
They also gave me the birth control pills I'd need to be on for this, which are called Femcon. Apparently the reason you have to be on a certain kind of BC is because some types of the pill have higher doses of hormones and/or vary more greatly; whereas Femcon hormone levels vary less, in my understanding, and are low-dose, allowing for greater control over the biology of the process. I was told to simply take all of the pills and skip the placebo week (for the week of your period), meaning I won't get a period. In fact, you're supposed to do that the entire time, which means I won't have another period until the retrieval process is over.
Later that afternoon, though, the dr's office called and left a voicemail with my test results. Apparently I have a small cyst on one of my ovaries, which they tell me is nothing to be concerned about. According to emedicinehealth:
The long and short of it is that I have to have another ultrasound. While on the Femcon BC, my hormone levels should even out, and the cyst may go away on its own. Additionally, one of the extra health benefits of Femcon is that ovarian cysts may occur less frequently. Huh, go figure! So I'll take the BC as one usually would and go in again during my next period. (Too bad - I was kind of looking forward to not having a period for the next couple of months, not gonna lie.)
I also officially signed my 23-page contract and sent it to my attorney. I've been meaning to update you on some of the questions the contract cleared up as well. I'll get to it, though - looks like I'll have at least a few more weeks of waiting for this whole thing to get started.
First was the ultrasound. I have never had one of these, but it actually wasn't that uncomfortable. The nurse hands you, well, an instrument that's just like plastic-y and tells you to insert it down in the nether-regions. Then she moves it around examining your ovaries and all the various tubes and pipes down there. (You can find the dirty details of a transvaginal ultrasound: here.) Apparently my right ovary is down a bit, and my left one is way left. She said "You might feel this a bit more," but I really didn't. Which is a plus.
Then I had my blood test. I've never had blood drawn before (shocking, right? the nurses were surprised), and honestly this 'hurt' - or simply caused more discomfort - than the ultrasound. I simply just didn't watch, and it wasn't so bad. I'm rather proud that I wasn't a total baby about it actually. I do not like needles. But not seeing it helped tremendously.
They also gave me the birth control pills I'd need to be on for this, which are called Femcon. Apparently the reason you have to be on a certain kind of BC is because some types of the pill have higher doses of hormones and/or vary more greatly; whereas Femcon hormone levels vary less, in my understanding, and are low-dose, allowing for greater control over the biology of the process. I was told to simply take all of the pills and skip the placebo week (for the week of your period), meaning I won't get a period. In fact, you're supposed to do that the entire time, which means I won't have another period until the retrieval process is over.
Later that afternoon, though, the dr's office called and left a voicemail with my test results. Apparently I have a small cyst on one of my ovaries, which they tell me is nothing to be concerned about. According to emedicinehealth:
Ovarian cysts affect women of all ages. The vast majority of ovarian cysts are considered functional (or physiologic). In other words, they have nothing to do with disease. Most ovarian cysts are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, and many disappear on their own in a matter of weeks without treatment. Cysts occur most often during a woman's childbearing years.
The long and short of it is that I have to have another ultrasound. While on the Femcon BC, my hormone levels should even out, and the cyst may go away on its own. Additionally, one of the extra health benefits of Femcon is that ovarian cysts may occur less frequently. Huh, go figure! So I'll take the BC as one usually would and go in again during my next period. (Too bad - I was kind of looking forward to not having a period for the next couple of months, not gonna lie.)
I also officially signed my 23-page contract and sent it to my attorney. I've been meaning to update you on some of the questions the contract cleared up as well. I'll get to it, though - looks like I'll have at least a few more weeks of waiting for this whole thing to get started.
Monday, March 23, 2009
The wheels are definitely in motion!
For a long time, it was wait-wait-wait, but now everything seems to be happening all at once! It's all coming at me pretty fast, but I'm just super excited and trying to keep up.
I now have a case worker with Family Creations who will be coordinating things, such as my transportation to and from appointments, and basically keeping all the info between me and the recipients straight and up-to-date.
I've also been contacted by a lawyer who specializes in reproductive law who is awaiting the contracts. She'll be representing me and asking any questions I might have about the legal aspects of all of this. That's pretty cool. Not that I'm too concerned about legalities. At least, not right now.
And this week I'll have my first appointment & exam at the recipient's doctor's office. Potentially TMI - though that's sort of the nature of the beast here in an egg donation blog! - but these first exams need to be done during the week of your period. (Also, if you're not already on birth control, they will prescribe it to you, as well as the recipient, and they'll sync her up with your schedule.) On Day 1 of your period, you call them to schedule your appointment, which will be done on Day 3 of your period.
The appt. will consist of a blood test and an ultrasound. (Whoa, this stuff's gettin' real!) There are several types of ultrasounds (none of which I've ever had myself), so I'm not sure which I'll be having just yet. The RN who contacted me said the blood test is about 5 mins & the ultrasound is about 15. Oh, and these tests need to be done in the morning. Something to do with "stimulation."
So that is most of what's been going on in the past couple of weeks. I'll let you know how the appointment goes.
I now have a case worker with Family Creations who will be coordinating things, such as my transportation to and from appointments, and basically keeping all the info between me and the recipients straight and up-to-date.
I've also been contacted by a lawyer who specializes in reproductive law who is awaiting the contracts. She'll be representing me and asking any questions I might have about the legal aspects of all of this. That's pretty cool. Not that I'm too concerned about legalities. At least, not right now.
And this week I'll have my first appointment & exam at the recipient's doctor's office. Potentially TMI - though that's sort of the nature of the beast here in an egg donation blog! - but these first exams need to be done during the week of your period. (Also, if you're not already on birth control, they will prescribe it to you, as well as the recipient, and they'll sync her up with your schedule.) On Day 1 of your period, you call them to schedule your appointment, which will be done on Day 3 of your period.
The appt. will consist of a blood test and an ultrasound. (Whoa, this stuff's gettin' real!) There are several types of ultrasounds (none of which I've ever had myself), so I'm not sure which I'll be having just yet. The RN who contacted me said the blood test is about 5 mins & the ultrasound is about 15. Oh, and these tests need to be done in the morning. Something to do with "stimulation."
So that is most of what's been going on in the past couple of weeks. I'll let you know how the appointment goes.
Monday, March 16, 2009
It's official!
Paperwork pending, I have been officially selected as an egg donor!
I got the call last week from Family Creations, and they said the couple is simply ecstatic about me. I could not be happier myself. This is really great news coming at a really good time for me. Especially when some other things are not going as great. But! HOORAH!
A case worker is supposed to call me soon to set up more details, meetings, exams, etc.
I will, of course, keep you posted every step of the way! :)
I got the call last week from Family Creations, and they said the couple is simply ecstatic about me. I could not be happier myself. This is really great news coming at a really good time for me. Especially when some other things are not going as great. But! HOORAH!
A case worker is supposed to call me soon to set up more details, meetings, exams, etc.
I will, of course, keep you posted every step of the way! :)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Harumph News & Good News
I heard back on my inquiry about the average wait time of donors, and the woman who responded seemed a little miffed and gave me a curt "Rest assured, we're doing everything we can to find you a match." Hmkay then! It was a simple question, and I didn't really get any kind of answer on the average wait time at all, but that's fine. No harm in waiting.
I just got back from my trip abroad yesterday, however, and today I got a voicemail from Family Creations saying there had been some developments. Apparently there are two couples (local ones, in my area-ish) who are interested in working with me. I called back to confirm that I am still in the area and don't have any more trips coming up - alas! *sniff* - and she said that it sounded great and she would be in touch with them and hopefully contact me soon with some official good news. Hoorah!
This is very exciting. Though I wonder how it works having two couples interested in me. I mean, will they thumb wrestle it out? Have some kind of bidding war? Hmmm? I kid, I kid.
But YAY, I had just been thinking on my trip about this (the woman we stayed with was diabetic and had to give herself shots, so I asked about the shot-giving and ended up talking about my decision to be a donor) and was wondering if it would happen after all. Glad to see there is good progress, and it sounds like if something happens with one couple, surely the other couple will still be interested. :)
I just got back from my trip abroad yesterday, however, and today I got a voicemail from Family Creations saying there had been some developments. Apparently there are two couples (local ones, in my area-ish) who are interested in working with me. I called back to confirm that I am still in the area and don't have any more trips coming up - alas! *sniff* - and she said that it sounded great and she would be in touch with them and hopefully contact me soon with some official good news. Hoorah!
This is very exciting. Though I wonder how it works having two couples interested in me. I mean, will they thumb wrestle it out? Have some kind of bidding war? Hmmm? I kid, I kid.
But YAY, I had just been thinking on my trip about this (the woman we stayed with was diabetic and had to give herself shots, so I asked about the shot-giving and ended up talking about my decision to be a donor) and was wondering if it would happen after all. Glad to see there is good progress, and it sounds like if something happens with one couple, surely the other couple will still be interested. :)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Waiting Game
Well, I am still playing the waiting game. I haven't heard back from Family Creations since I emailed them to just give them a heads up that I will be out of the country for a few weeks next month - I figured that might be something to tack onto my profile since it'd be best to wait until I'm back before starting any hormones. I can't imagine traveling internationally with such things. It just seems like it would be a really big hassle. They said they would make a note of it and let any potential recipients know. I also emailed again today just to ask what the general time frame is for potential donors before they are selected - if there is an average "waiting time," so to speak. We'll see what they say.
Also, hard times call for desperate egg donation? Sorta interesting little blip from Salon, if you care to read it. Not a ton of new info there, but I did learn a few things. And this article they linked to was actually a bit scary. Even though they say there are no known links to some of the medical issues they mention, it sounds like follow-up on egg donor health should definitely be a higher priority.
Also, hard times call for desperate egg donation? Sorta interesting little blip from Salon, if you care to read it. Not a ton of new info there, but I did learn a few things. And this article they linked to was actually a bit scary. Even though they say there are no known links to some of the medical issues they mention, it sounds like follow-up on egg donor health should definitely be a higher priority.
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