My little brother cracked me up when I told him I was TTCing as an SMC. He said, "So, the dad will be some random man?" I replied, "David, have I EVER done anything random?
After all, here I am, a driven woman by anyone's standards, getting my Ph. D. after being at the top of my profession, having bought a home before either brother purchased real estate, generally a go-getter, and I am accused of randomness? Yeah, right!
I do anal research. I have the ability to change my life radically to achieve what I want. (Take the Ph. D. as one example and the cholesterol issue as a second one.) Even my impulses aren't anyone's definition of impulse. After my layoff from the bank, I went to graduate school within 3 weeks. No one seems to remember I had already applied, had discussed the issue with the admission counselor at the school, and had been deciding for weeks when I was all-of-a-sudden laid off in a planned company firing. Purchasing my neat toy of a car ... no impulse there. I knew exactly what I was getting, having spent hours researching the car from the manufacturer's website to Edmund's and Consumer Reports. Yes, my thinking was a bit whimsical (who else would buy a periwinkle convertible with go-cart responsiveness?) but it was not an impulsive thing.
So why would I veer suddenly from my careful attitude to take a chance on a random man? I have selected a sperm donor so that I know the future for my child. No child-rearing issues, no subtle or direct attacks in court, no one questioning my parenting choices. I am not subject to diseases from a one-night stand and I can control the IQ of the donor I select -- if he doesn't have an IQ close to mine, he's out. All of my final picks had great IQs, good skin (no fair skins in the choices), height but not weight (no fatties allowed), and decent familial health histories (no alcoholics within 2 generations and no cancer). I also selected ID Disclosure donors in case my child would want future health information and to at least have an inkling of his/her heritage.
Like I would go random? Hmph. Just because I don't know his name does not mean I would ever attempt random. Random is sex in the backseat of a car after you just met on a dancefloor. Random is hooking up at a party. Random is picking a guy because he's cute. Nah, random is not for me.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
IUI #3
I went in Saturday for IUI#3. This one was rather uneventful. First I got a blood draw (gotta love those) and then it was insemination time. She has to hold open my cervix with a clamp, but it did not hurt too much and I felt fine afterwards. The nurse said my sperm was wiggling all over the place, they were so happy. :) Since I was using a new donor, I was pleased to hear that. She never complimented the old sperm ... it was always "looks good" but never "super". Maybe "super" will do the trick?
I've almost finished the job interviews. I have 2 offers so far and expect a third, but am leaning toward the best one ... it is simply far superior to any I've had and I really enjoyed the visit. It was the one place where I was not asked to demonstrate my teaching, just my research, so I know they have the research focus I desire. I enjoyed the colleagues. They saw many connections between my work and theirs and were willing to add me to the junior faculty writing team, since I feel I need assistance with writing. There was a pregnant woman there, and another I met who had just given birth before she started, so they seem to be family friendly and accepting. It is a bit tougher of a schedule, in a way, since the classes are at night, but if I go with a nanny or home daycare person, it will work out fine. It's also only 4 hours from my brother, a connection I really appreciate since he will be the guardian for my child should I die. So, I am just waiting to hear from 2 possible contenders, the first school I adored (allows for maximum growth) and the new one which called to work themselves into my schedule (I'm not sure just what they are looking for).
I've almost finished the job interviews. I have 2 offers so far and expect a third, but am leaning toward the best one ... it is simply far superior to any I've had and I really enjoyed the visit. It was the one place where I was not asked to demonstrate my teaching, just my research, so I know they have the research focus I desire. I enjoyed the colleagues. They saw many connections between my work and theirs and were willing to add me to the junior faculty writing team, since I feel I need assistance with writing. There was a pregnant woman there, and another I met who had just given birth before she started, so they seem to be family friendly and accepting. It is a bit tougher of a schedule, in a way, since the classes are at night, but if I go with a nanny or home daycare person, it will work out fine. It's also only 4 hours from my brother, a connection I really appreciate since he will be the guardian for my child should I die. So, I am just waiting to hear from 2 possible contenders, the first school I adored (allows for maximum growth) and the new one which called to work themselves into my schedule (I'm not sure just what they are looking for).
Friday, February 22, 2008
Needle phobia cured
I went in Wednesday for my ultrasound and saw a nice big single follicle. Upon analysis of the blood draw, the RE decided I should do the trigger shot (Ovidrel) Thursday night for Saturday morning insemination. The problem is that I would be 4 hours from my shot-giver, my dad. Well, the RE directed me to give the shot to myself, that it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We practiced the hand motions in the office, and I resolved I could do it.
I did it. I iced it up first, played the video to remind myself of the steps, and succeeded. I go in tomorrow morning for the insemination ... phew!
I did it. I iced it up first, played the video to remind myself of the steps, and succeeded. I go in tomorrow morning for the insemination ... phew!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Cat Update
Corey is doing fine. I am doing fine giving Corey his morning shots. Dad took over for me while I was out of town (Wednesday and Thursday) and Corey is just a happy go lucky cat right now. I let him outside last night for the first time since his diagnosis ... he was so tickled to be able to cavort in the neighborhood. He came back about an hour later ... I guess Theo (his nemesis and the neighborhood bully) was not out roaming.
Zero Itching
I can't believe it, I have no itching yet on this cycle. As directed, I took one Femara on CD1, 2 on CD2, 3 on CD3, and 4 on CD4. I'll go in for my first U/S scan this Wednesday (CD12) but I'm hoping this new protocol yields lots of follicles and a quicker ovulation. I ordered my Ovidrel - it's being delivered Tuesday. I'll be on a campus visit Monday through Tuesday (arriving home Wednesday morning), at home Wednesday, and leave Thursday morning for another interview through Friday, so ...
Let's hope we have good follicles. Let's hope the big O decides to wait until Saturday morning, and let's hope all goes well quickly (since I will be leaving Sunday afternoon for another campus visit).
On other news, I LOVED my first campus (as predicted) and am just hoping this decision process is not difficult.
Let's hope we have good follicles. Let's hope the big O decides to wait until Saturday morning, and let's hope all goes well quickly (since I will be leaving Sunday afternoon for another campus visit).
On other news, I LOVED my first campus (as predicted) and am just hoping this decision process is not difficult.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Where will I be?
I heard from a former professor last night that one of the schools I thought was NOT interested in me is very interested. Wow! I had my phone interview with them about 2 weeks ago and had not heard a word. If I stayed in state, it would be in a small town in western North Carolina. If I left, it would be in a larger school north of here, like NY or OH. Family support would be gone (as referred to as my parents and maternal-side relatives) but I would gain my brother's support (he lives in CT). Since he will be my child's guardian, it might be nice to live up there. However, no matter how I do it, I'll be hours away from anyone. The two sites in NY are at least 3 or 4 hours from my brother. The western NC job is 3 hours from my parents, where they live now, and they keep talking about moving back home, which is another 3 hours away. And then there's the job in SC that sounds promising but which I have not heard back on. Such a waiting game. I think Alabama is out, oh well. Great cost of living there, though.
Decisions, decisions. Well, that's another day. :)
Decisions, decisions. Well, that's another day. :)
Friday, February 8, 2008
Needle phobia almost cured
With the close of a week of do-it-yourself insulin injections for Corey, I am curing my needle phobia. The cure is coming right on time. By beginning another cycle of TTC, and an impending Ovidrel shot for ovulation, maybe this time I can look at the needle before I get stuck. It's all just a matter of convincing myself it'll be all right, isn't it?
Good to say Corey (my cat) is doing well. He's much happier these days, although he does want to eat quite frequently. Has anything really changed?
Good to say Corey (my cat) is doing well. He's much happier these days, although he does want to eat quite frequently. Has anything really changed?
Ads
Okay, this tickles me. The google ads that are on my site today are for weight loss diet aids. NO ONE reading this blog would try my diet for losing weight, if they were in their right mind. I went sugar-free and trans- and saturated-fat-free, eating very lean foods for months and exercising three times a week to decrease my cholesterol.
I had to go to a nutritionist to fit back into my clothes again. I wore size 2P pants with a belt cinched around the waist like a paper bag at the worst of the weight loss. My skirts would literally fall off my body since one needs hips, or maybe a butt, on which to hang the waist of the skirt.
I decided that I needed to gain weight again, yes for good BMI as I try to conceive (TTC) but also because I can't afford an entire new wardrobe of suits in the meantime. As if I could find size 0P suits. I've had enough of that hell in my past (ages 14-21) and am not interested in going back. Besides, I want to keep my Cs (you know, the newly diagnosed C cups) for as long as possible. :) Have a happy one!
I had to go to a nutritionist to fit back into my clothes again. I wore size 2P pants with a belt cinched around the waist like a paper bag at the worst of the weight loss. My skirts would literally fall off my body since one needs hips, or maybe a butt, on which to hang the waist of the skirt.
I decided that I needed to gain weight again, yes for good BMI as I try to conceive (TTC) but also because I can't afford an entire new wardrobe of suits in the meantime. As if I could find size 0P suits. I've had enough of that hell in my past (ages 14-21) and am not interested in going back. Besides, I want to keep my Cs (you know, the newly diagnosed C cups) for as long as possible. :) Have a happy one!
Looking on the bright side
At least I know my eggs can fertilize. I talked with the RE's nurse today and she answered all my pesky little questions. First, the breast tenderness and nipple issues were all due to progesterone a fertilized egg put out. (Yay!) Next, the cessation of the sensation was the egg passing on through my body without implanting. (Rats!) She expected AF today, so she was a little concerned by just the spotting ... as was I. Where was my cycle?
Well, here it is. Nice solid cramps on the right side of the body at 11:00 at night. OK, so Day 1 of the cycle is tomorrow. What was lost is now found. It's the good side of getting my cycle.
Well, they have changed my Femara protocol and this should be a very interesting month. If you think I used to itch bad ...
I will take 1 pill on CD 1, 2 pills on CD 2, 3 pills on CD 3, and 4 pills on CD 4. (I used to take 2 pills a day on CD 3-7.) Then I will go in on CD 12 or 13 (whichever works with my travel schedule) for my first scan. They decided this route since I ovulated at a much later time (CD 19 with trigger) than she liked. Maybe we can get a nice uterine lining and good size follicles and a body wanting to O by CD 14 or so. Yay! She also OK'd me to take my itch meds through ovulation and that no, they won't hurt the follicles. Perhaps, therefore, my itch won't be a bother while I am in job interviews.
She was a little perturbed she did not know I get hives from Femara. (I told the other nurse I did back in November.) There may be an office blessing-out about writing down what the patient cites as issues with the drug. They like my response to the drug, if I didn't turn into a welt-mobile. I was offered Clomid but I said no, that itching is far preferable to cysts, waiting out cycles, and the hellish mental effects of that drug. She was surprised (I guess she hates to itch), but she has no idea that I like mental and emotional stability as opposed to that hormonal haze. Plus, I have YEARS of allergies, so with YEARS of itching, welts, phantom swellings, and other responses, hey, what's one more itch? Better the known devil than the unknown, in my opinion.
So now I'm going to go pop a couple of Tylenol (the cramps are headed down the right leg) and crawl into bed for the long winter's nap. Tomorrow I must acquire some Femara again.
Do I start worrying today that CD 14 is when I will be in Ohio with no swimmers on a job interview? Nah, let's worry about that tomorrow ... I feel like Scarlet. Oh, right, Scarlet had Rhett in her life and said "Fiddle Dee Dee" when she got upset. No cursing for the lady. Such a shame. Cursing can be such a relieving experience ...
Well, here it is. Nice solid cramps on the right side of the body at 11:00 at night. OK, so Day 1 of the cycle is tomorrow. What was lost is now found. It's the good side of getting my cycle.
Well, they have changed my Femara protocol and this should be a very interesting month. If you think I used to itch bad ...
I will take 1 pill on CD 1, 2 pills on CD 2, 3 pills on CD 3, and 4 pills on CD 4. (I used to take 2 pills a day on CD 3-7.) Then I will go in on CD 12 or 13 (whichever works with my travel schedule) for my first scan. They decided this route since I ovulated at a much later time (CD 19 with trigger) than she liked. Maybe we can get a nice uterine lining and good size follicles and a body wanting to O by CD 14 or so. Yay! She also OK'd me to take my itch meds through ovulation and that no, they won't hurt the follicles. Perhaps, therefore, my itch won't be a bother while I am in job interviews.
She was a little perturbed she did not know I get hives from Femara. (I told the other nurse I did back in November.) There may be an office blessing-out about writing down what the patient cites as issues with the drug. They like my response to the drug, if I didn't turn into a welt-mobile. I was offered Clomid but I said no, that itching is far preferable to cysts, waiting out cycles, and the hellish mental effects of that drug. She was surprised (I guess she hates to itch), but she has no idea that I like mental and emotional stability as opposed to that hormonal haze. Plus, I have YEARS of allergies, so with YEARS of itching, welts, phantom swellings, and other responses, hey, what's one more itch? Better the known devil than the unknown, in my opinion.
So now I'm going to go pop a couple of Tylenol (the cramps are headed down the right leg) and crawl into bed for the long winter's nap. Tomorrow I must acquire some Femara again.
Do I start worrying today that CD 14 is when I will be in Ohio with no swimmers on a job interview? Nah, let's worry about that tomorrow ... I feel like Scarlet. Oh, right, Scarlet had Rhett in her life and said "Fiddle Dee Dee" when she got upset. No cursing for the lady. Such a shame. Cursing can be such a relieving experience ...
Why a Choice Mom?
I have loved the same man since I was 15. When we dated as teenagers, it was a very intense time. We clicked on level I haven't experienced since. And because he was placing pressure on me to have sex, something I was not ready for, I balked. We broke up and went our merry ways.
But I still loved him. Oh sure, I dated other guys. I even loved one, but I loved him like one loves a friend, even though we were dating. However, when the "one" looked me up when I was 19, he was still in my heart. We dated again. But we were both too young and the circumstances had changed. He moved to another state in the midst and being young folks we just couldn't seem to get it together enough to make the long distance relationship work. Plus, he was not motivated to continue. We broke up.
Enter my 25th year. He showed up at my door this time. There it was again, the pulling. Well, this time, we did have it together. He lived in PA, I lived in CT, and we made the long distance work. When I decided to leave my job and go back to graduate school to become a teacher, he was there urging me to make the move. (I chose the school 10 minutes from his house so I'm not sure if he wanted me to be a teacher or if he wanted his ladylove close by for some regular sex. I doubt he even knows.) We had some good times and some bad times ... the bad times were me wanting a commitment beyond dating. I was ready. I loved this man with all my heart but he just wouldn't go further. Much as I wanted him to declare his love in a more tangible manner, or even become romantic to show he cared but was working through his issues, he simply could not do it. We were solid for close to two years but got choppy (off an on) in the 3rd. I wanted commitment, he couldn't manage it. Yes, we were monogamous, but he was perfectly happy to lead his life independent of me. When I graduated, he didn't seem to want me around. There I was with no money, no job, no home (I lived in graduate student housing and you graduate, goodbye), so I moved home to my folks. Since my folks now lived in NC, it meant a very long distance to see him. I tried for a few times, but it was heart-wrenching. He didn't like to talk on the phone, he didn't like to drive to see me (even half way) and he decided to end it.
Enter the 4th time. I had been in a relationship with another man when he cheated on me, lied to me, etc., so it ended. I was a little bitter (especially since the man proclaimed to be a Christian and went to church religiously). So I decided "Why not?" I emailed the "one" and we corresponded a bit. He was moving to another state (FL) and would be passing through NC, would I like to have dinner? Sure. We went out to dinner, and you guessed it, clicked. Yet again. He said this time "I am ready for marriage and kids". He also said many other things about the previous times we'd dated, which is how I know now he wasn't ready for marriage and kids back then. Long story short, we dated. We had fun. I helped him find a house, move in, etc. Of course, when I wanted commitment, there was none to be found. When I wanted to talk future (as in, do I finish my doctorate here or do I transfer to Florida now?) he couldn't do it. I was 35, he was 36. He liked his jet setter life and I think he just wanted to try out the different ports of call, so to speak. I was in the process of a doctoral degree, working full time as a teacher, and had to carve out time for him -- he wanted me free when he was home to play and I couldn't manage it. Well, he dumped me. It was hard on me, very hard. It took me a lot of time to stop praying for hurricanes to hit Tampa (sorry, Tampa, for all those hurricanes that year). So I immersed myself in the doctoral program and just tried to make myself happy again.
I think I'm there. He doesn't stand a chance in my life since he was so cruel at the end. It was a side to him I'd seen with others, but never to me, and I do not allow myself to be treated that way. So he's gone. I've tried the internet dating thing, but goodness, there are some real winners out there. Then I was in a relationship with a wonderful guy that held promise (same want for a family, got along great) but there was no chemistry ... and I really don't know what he did for a living. :) He just never seemed to work, but I know he paid his bills. It was all kind of vague and I appreciate more tangible understanding. I ended it. It seemed kind of fruitless if I couldn't be attracted to him. So, as this long story draws to a close, I haven't really met a man yet who charges and excites me like the man I started dating at 15 did.
Then last year I went to lunch with a lesbian friend of mine. Since I was curious, and no topic is taboo to me (a trait friends get used to but still surprises them), I asked how she and her partner went about the process of getting their kids. She told the story of ADI, anonymous donor insemination. At the end were her fatal words, "You know, you could do it too. You don't have to be a lesbian." Thank you, Christina, for hitting the dumb cluck over the head with a tree trunk. Holy cow! I could be a mom!
So this occurred and then I was watching one of those Good Morning shows where they were talking about women's fertility dropping massively after 35. That was the spark that lit the fire. I was 38 at the time, entering my final year of the doctoral program, getting ready to do the dissertation. What better idea than to perk a kid for 9 months while I write the tome?
So I got started. I told my Mom, she freaked, but within a week was completely behind it. I told my Dad, and he was so sweet he made me cry. I told my big brother. He and his wife agreed to be my child's guardian should something happen to me. I told my little brother and he and his wife are tickled. I told friends, they are so behind me. And my mom told "The Family" (her siblings who all told their kids, my cousins) ... not a doubting word to my face, and just support and good wishes.
Yes, it is not ideal to be having a child solo. However, I want children. Waiting for Mr. Right to arrive is not going to get me the family I want since by the time he shows, I will have no fertility left. Yes, adoption is a possibility and something I have always wanted anyways. But with the pricetag so outrageous and China now closed to single women (I have a thing for Chinese adoption), it is just far more reasonable to perk my own. You see, I am a bit anal. I want a child whom I KNOW has not been exposed to drugs and alcohol and other ill effects while in the womb. I want the best for my child. Who better to be able to control that than me, the most anal individual one can find? So as I ruled out adoption (for now) and ruled in "well, let's just see if it's possible?" my decision was made.
I am now TTC. It is an emotionally- and pocketbook-draining process but I have high hopes. We'll see. I'll take all the prayers heavenward I can get ...
But I still loved him. Oh sure, I dated other guys. I even loved one, but I loved him like one loves a friend, even though we were dating. However, when the "one" looked me up when I was 19, he was still in my heart. We dated again. But we were both too young and the circumstances had changed. He moved to another state in the midst and being young folks we just couldn't seem to get it together enough to make the long distance relationship work. Plus, he was not motivated to continue. We broke up.
Enter my 25th year. He showed up at my door this time. There it was again, the pulling. Well, this time, we did have it together. He lived in PA, I lived in CT, and we made the long distance work. When I decided to leave my job and go back to graduate school to become a teacher, he was there urging me to make the move. (I chose the school 10 minutes from his house so I'm not sure if he wanted me to be a teacher or if he wanted his ladylove close by for some regular sex. I doubt he even knows.) We had some good times and some bad times ... the bad times were me wanting a commitment beyond dating. I was ready. I loved this man with all my heart but he just wouldn't go further. Much as I wanted him to declare his love in a more tangible manner, or even become romantic to show he cared but was working through his issues, he simply could not do it. We were solid for close to two years but got choppy (off an on) in the 3rd. I wanted commitment, he couldn't manage it. Yes, we were monogamous, but he was perfectly happy to lead his life independent of me. When I graduated, he didn't seem to want me around. There I was with no money, no job, no home (I lived in graduate student housing and you graduate, goodbye), so I moved home to my folks. Since my folks now lived in NC, it meant a very long distance to see him. I tried for a few times, but it was heart-wrenching. He didn't like to talk on the phone, he didn't like to drive to see me (even half way) and he decided to end it.
Enter the 4th time. I had been in a relationship with another man when he cheated on me, lied to me, etc., so it ended. I was a little bitter (especially since the man proclaimed to be a Christian and went to church religiously). So I decided "Why not?" I emailed the "one" and we corresponded a bit. He was moving to another state (FL) and would be passing through NC, would I like to have dinner? Sure. We went out to dinner, and you guessed it, clicked. Yet again. He said this time "I am ready for marriage and kids". He also said many other things about the previous times we'd dated, which is how I know now he wasn't ready for marriage and kids back then. Long story short, we dated. We had fun. I helped him find a house, move in, etc. Of course, when I wanted commitment, there was none to be found. When I wanted to talk future (as in, do I finish my doctorate here or do I transfer to Florida now?) he couldn't do it. I was 35, he was 36. He liked his jet setter life and I think he just wanted to try out the different ports of call, so to speak. I was in the process of a doctoral degree, working full time as a teacher, and had to carve out time for him -- he wanted me free when he was home to play and I couldn't manage it. Well, he dumped me. It was hard on me, very hard. It took me a lot of time to stop praying for hurricanes to hit Tampa (sorry, Tampa, for all those hurricanes that year). So I immersed myself in the doctoral program and just tried to make myself happy again.
I think I'm there. He doesn't stand a chance in my life since he was so cruel at the end. It was a side to him I'd seen with others, but never to me, and I do not allow myself to be treated that way. So he's gone. I've tried the internet dating thing, but goodness, there are some real winners out there. Then I was in a relationship with a wonderful guy that held promise (same want for a family, got along great) but there was no chemistry ... and I really don't know what he did for a living. :) He just never seemed to work, but I know he paid his bills. It was all kind of vague and I appreciate more tangible understanding. I ended it. It seemed kind of fruitless if I couldn't be attracted to him. So, as this long story draws to a close, I haven't really met a man yet who charges and excites me like the man I started dating at 15 did.
Then last year I went to lunch with a lesbian friend of mine. Since I was curious, and no topic is taboo to me (a trait friends get used to but still surprises them), I asked how she and her partner went about the process of getting their kids. She told the story of ADI, anonymous donor insemination. At the end were her fatal words, "You know, you could do it too. You don't have to be a lesbian." Thank you, Christina, for hitting the dumb cluck over the head with a tree trunk. Holy cow! I could be a mom!
So this occurred and then I was watching one of those Good Morning shows where they were talking about women's fertility dropping massively after 35. That was the spark that lit the fire. I was 38 at the time, entering my final year of the doctoral program, getting ready to do the dissertation. What better idea than to perk a kid for 9 months while I write the tome?
So I got started. I told my Mom, she freaked, but within a week was completely behind it. I told my Dad, and he was so sweet he made me cry. I told my big brother. He and his wife agreed to be my child's guardian should something happen to me. I told my little brother and he and his wife are tickled. I told friends, they are so behind me. And my mom told "The Family" (her siblings who all told their kids, my cousins) ... not a doubting word to my face, and just support and good wishes.
Yes, it is not ideal to be having a child solo. However, I want children. Waiting for Mr. Right to arrive is not going to get me the family I want since by the time he shows, I will have no fertility left. Yes, adoption is a possibility and something I have always wanted anyways. But with the pricetag so outrageous and China now closed to single women (I have a thing for Chinese adoption), it is just far more reasonable to perk my own. You see, I am a bit anal. I want a child whom I KNOW has not been exposed to drugs and alcohol and other ill effects while in the womb. I want the best for my child. Who better to be able to control that than me, the most anal individual one can find? So as I ruled out adoption (for now) and ruled in "well, let's just see if it's possible?" my decision was made.
I am now TTC. It is an emotionally- and pocketbook-draining process but I have high hopes. We'll see. I'll take all the prayers heavenward I can get ...
Playing the waiting game ...
It's the end of the two week wait (2WW). I tested and it was negative. Yesterday, I spotted. So it was either premenstrual spotting or implantation bleeding (and because I just had implantation, no hcg, which the test measures, has been made yet in enough quantity to show). SO ... I know they call the 2WW all kids of names, but it is this time, between symptoms of either/or and no menstrual cycle which is a killer. I've had weird "symptoms", which could be or could not be, for a week now. Nipples on full alert at all times since last Friday (we're talking a week of gasping as I take off my pajama top), aching breasts, and now this spotting ... the problem is that since I took Ovidrel, hey, it COULD be that! However, I tested with the nipply sensation, since I wanted to see if the Ovidrel hcg was still in my system and I got a negative, so it looks like my body gets rid of hcg quickly. No false positives to be had.
All right, I dub this time period the three day Hades, or 3DH. I have to wait 3 days for enough hcg to build to test positive or I will have a full cycle.
The good news is that my cycles only last a day or two. :) I know, millions of women would hate me if they knew. My cycles are LIGHT, SHORT, and have only about 4 hours of cramps and very few PMS symptoms (just tiredness the day before). And then I guess it'll be onto the itchy Femara again. I was really getting excited because I hadn't scratched my scalp to pieces in over a week ... no random itches, no flaming hives, it was heaven. Of course, I did have hives a lot this week, but they were weird hives. I got a swollen lip Sunday (hey, I drank lemonade so I was kind of asking for it). Another swollen lip Monday. And another swollen lip Tuesday (each day the swelling was in a different place and it was not bad enough to warrant a Benadryl). Then a swollen top eyelid Thursday night. Last night, on the other eye, that triangle at the center against the nose swelled. I had no idea that part could swell up like a balloon like that. :) I'm thinking there may have been lemon juice on the shrimp I peeled and ate, so then when I rubbed my eye driving, up it went. So, like I said, no flaming hives, but a lot of weird hives.
And that tells me my body is on full alert for imposters. I reacted for months on the Femara, reacted strongly to the sperm this time (all those cramps and then feeling poorly afterwards), and then I swelled close to each day for a week. I'm just sitting here wondering if I am one of those women who have that autoimmune response too much for implantation. How does one find out? Grrrr.... my worries will be over (but a whole host of others will come) if only during this 3DH I get a positive. THEN, I will know.
Of course, I would still worry about a miscarriage. The autoimmune factor is huge with me. And by me having two autoimmune diseases (Grave's and Hashimoto's), allergies to drugs and lemons, and a full alert hive attack brought on by Femara, I'm at awful risk of miscarriage provided I can even get there and the embryo isn't killed upon implantation. Oh the worries ... darned 3DH. Well, I have enough to keep occupied over these 3 days. :)
All right, I dub this time period the three day Hades, or 3DH. I have to wait 3 days for enough hcg to build to test positive or I will have a full cycle.
The good news is that my cycles only last a day or two. :) I know, millions of women would hate me if they knew. My cycles are LIGHT, SHORT, and have only about 4 hours of cramps and very few PMS symptoms (just tiredness the day before). And then I guess it'll be onto the itchy Femara again. I was really getting excited because I hadn't scratched my scalp to pieces in over a week ... no random itches, no flaming hives, it was heaven. Of course, I did have hives a lot this week, but they were weird hives. I got a swollen lip Sunday (hey, I drank lemonade so I was kind of asking for it). Another swollen lip Monday. And another swollen lip Tuesday (each day the swelling was in a different place and it was not bad enough to warrant a Benadryl). Then a swollen top eyelid Thursday night. Last night, on the other eye, that triangle at the center against the nose swelled. I had no idea that part could swell up like a balloon like that. :) I'm thinking there may have been lemon juice on the shrimp I peeled and ate, so then when I rubbed my eye driving, up it went. So, like I said, no flaming hives, but a lot of weird hives.
And that tells me my body is on full alert for imposters. I reacted for months on the Femara, reacted strongly to the sperm this time (all those cramps and then feeling poorly afterwards), and then I swelled close to each day for a week. I'm just sitting here wondering if I am one of those women who have that autoimmune response too much for implantation. How does one find out? Grrrr.... my worries will be over (but a whole host of others will come) if only during this 3DH I get a positive. THEN, I will know.
Of course, I would still worry about a miscarriage. The autoimmune factor is huge with me. And by me having two autoimmune diseases (Grave's and Hashimoto's), allergies to drugs and lemons, and a full alert hive attack brought on by Femara, I'm at awful risk of miscarriage provided I can even get there and the embryo isn't killed upon implantation. Oh the worries ... darned 3DH. Well, I have enough to keep occupied over these 3 days. :)
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Cholesterol and weight
Back in May last year, my GP found that I had excessively high cholesterol - 330 total. I was stunned. Here I was 118 pounds (5'2"), ate decently but not fanatical, and I had bad cholesterol in the 200s? Wow. And my doc proceeded to come down hard on me. I must change my diet, I must exercise, and here's a prescription for a statin. Bring that level DOWN! Oh yeah, and by the way, your thyroid is a little low, here's a new dosage level for your levothyroxine (I have Hashimoto's now after I had Grave's in my late teens and early 20s).
OK, we can work with this. I went home and did research. Research, after all, is what I am very good at. When I focus, I can do almost anything. I read articles, I ordered books, I poured over Cholesterol for Dummies (excellent book, by the way). I cleaned out my cabinets per the directions and started to eat saturated- and trans-fat-free foods. My folks called me the Food Nazi, I was so determined.
I also upped the exercise ante. I rode my bicycle 3 days a week for 7.5 miles (up and down two monster hills in the foothills of NC). I also started with plant sterols in OJ, a fake butter, and caramels. I added fiber. Folks, if you are at all constipated, I can guarantee you are not getting enough fiber. I had a diagnosis for IBS/C for years when I finally charted my fiber intake this summer to discover I was not eating enough fiber previously. (I no longer "have" IBS/C since I am now so regular it's amazing - sarcasm intended.)
Well, six weeks later, after all these changes, I went in for a blood test to see how I was doing.
I was now 99 total. My doctor was stunned. He had never had that kind of reduction in cholesterol before from any of his patients, statin or not. I told him I was going to TTC, so could he take me off of the statin? Yes, he agreed to it. He said to keep it up and he needed a new blood test (the RE could do it) in 12 weeks.
Well, at 12 weeks, I took the blood test in to him. This blood was drawn with me cheating on my diet to gain weight to TTC and no exercise (exercise causes me to lose weight). It was a nice level of 199, 1 point below worry. He was so happy about this number. My doc still can't believe the change.
Of course, my mom has always wondered if maybe the initial blood result was wrong. That would mean someone in the medical profession did something wrong and we all know THAT is not possible, right? (Flashback to the days I had Grave's when they missed the diagnosis for EIGHT BLOOMING YEARS!)
OK, so now we get to the second part of the title - "and Weight". Eating healthy, exercising, and getting the right amount of thyroid hormone will cause a person to lose weight. It's a given. The problem is that to TTC, I had to be at a BMI of 20, which at my frame size and height was 109 pounds. Here's how my weight went - May 118, July 111, August 106, September 103, October 104, November 105, December, 104, January 105. Note I am still below the 109 I need. I am cheating regularly on the cholesterol diet just to gain weight, am not exercising, and still can't get up there. I have seen 2 nutritionists. The first, Laura, did a wonderful job, but with my work, eating 6 meals a day was simply not feasible. I saw Laura in August. She had many suggestions but a voice inside my head kept screaming, "That has too much fat!" I was headed straight for anorexia with that voice, so I put in a call for a different nutritionist. And this second person was wonderful. Mary said to stop listening to the voice (easy to say, it's not screaming in YOUR head) and to eat healthy but not obsessively. She said to cut back on breakfast, eat a couple Poptarts (has your nutritionist ever advised Poptarts?) and drink sugary drinks, not no-calorie. Oh yeah, and cut back on my salads. I just like salads is all. That advice from Mary has been the difference. I still have bad days (missing lunch or dinner) but overall I have success. I only need 4 pounds and I'll be good. The low weight hasn't stopped me from TTCing but it is not good in my book. I do want to be as healthy as I can be for my child to grow properly. So, I'll keep working at it.
OK, we can work with this. I went home and did research. Research, after all, is what I am very good at. When I focus, I can do almost anything. I read articles, I ordered books, I poured over Cholesterol for Dummies (excellent book, by the way). I cleaned out my cabinets per the directions and started to eat saturated- and trans-fat-free foods. My folks called me the Food Nazi, I was so determined.
I also upped the exercise ante. I rode my bicycle 3 days a week for 7.5 miles (up and down two monster hills in the foothills of NC). I also started with plant sterols in OJ, a fake butter, and caramels. I added fiber. Folks, if you are at all constipated, I can guarantee you are not getting enough fiber. I had a diagnosis for IBS/C for years when I finally charted my fiber intake this summer to discover I was not eating enough fiber previously. (I no longer "have" IBS/C since I am now so regular it's amazing - sarcasm intended.)
Well, six weeks later, after all these changes, I went in for a blood test to see how I was doing.
I was now 99 total. My doctor was stunned. He had never had that kind of reduction in cholesterol before from any of his patients, statin or not. I told him I was going to TTC, so could he take me off of the statin? Yes, he agreed to it. He said to keep it up and he needed a new blood test (the RE could do it) in 12 weeks.
Well, at 12 weeks, I took the blood test in to him. This blood was drawn with me cheating on my diet to gain weight to TTC and no exercise (exercise causes me to lose weight). It was a nice level of 199, 1 point below worry. He was so happy about this number. My doc still can't believe the change.
Of course, my mom has always wondered if maybe the initial blood result was wrong. That would mean someone in the medical profession did something wrong and we all know THAT is not possible, right? (Flashback to the days I had Grave's when they missed the diagnosis for EIGHT BLOOMING YEARS!)
OK, so now we get to the second part of the title - "and Weight". Eating healthy, exercising, and getting the right amount of thyroid hormone will cause a person to lose weight. It's a given. The problem is that to TTC, I had to be at a BMI of 20, which at my frame size and height was 109 pounds. Here's how my weight went - May 118, July 111, August 106, September 103, October 104, November 105, December, 104, January 105. Note I am still below the 109 I need. I am cheating regularly on the cholesterol diet just to gain weight, am not exercising, and still can't get up there. I have seen 2 nutritionists. The first, Laura, did a wonderful job, but with my work, eating 6 meals a day was simply not feasible. I saw Laura in August. She had many suggestions but a voice inside my head kept screaming, "That has too much fat!" I was headed straight for anorexia with that voice, so I put in a call for a different nutritionist. And this second person was wonderful. Mary said to stop listening to the voice (easy to say, it's not screaming in YOUR head) and to eat healthy but not obsessively. She said to cut back on breakfast, eat a couple Poptarts (has your nutritionist ever advised Poptarts?) and drink sugary drinks, not no-calorie. Oh yeah, and cut back on my salads. I just like salads is all. That advice from Mary has been the difference. I still have bad days (missing lunch or dinner) but overall I have success. I only need 4 pounds and I'll be good. The low weight hasn't stopped me from TTCing but it is not good in my book. I do want to be as healthy as I can be for my child to grow properly. So, I'll keep working at it.
My TTC trials so far
Saying the word "trials" is just not realistic. I haven't had all that many. I met with the Reproductive Endocrinologist (heretoafter, RE) in August and discussed the process. Yes, I was 39, a troublesome age at which to get pregnant. However, he had hopes. I had my Day 3 blood draw and had an estradiol level of 6, which is "excellent." Then he scheduled me for the Clomiphene Citrate Challenge Test for my next cycle and I took the 5 days' worth of clomid pills religiously. (Funny story about 1 day, which will have to come another time.) I passed that test well. It tells them that I have ovarian reserves sufficient for this task. Without passing either test, I would not be able to TTC. Well, all was set for the next cycle ... all I had to do was call them on Day 1 and we would begin.
Day 1 didn't come. Finally, on like Day 8 or 9 of expecting Day 1 (AF), they called me in for an ultrasound. A cyst. Yes, a nasty little Clomid cyst which was simply preventing my cycle from beginning. Nasty little bugger. I was feeling all sorts of angry thoughts at that water-filled cell in my ovary. Well, a cycle on birth control pills eradicated the cyst and I was ready to try again. In the meantime we did the Hysterosalpingram (HSG) test, which revealed I had nice clear tubes and no pesky little problems that they could see.
So on Day 1 of my next cycle, I called the office, all excited to begin trying. Bad news - the RE would be missing, with his entire staff, from the office when I would ovulate 2 weeks hence, so I could not do the cycle. GGGGrrrrr!!!! Back on BCPs (kind of ironic going on birth control pills to get pregnant) for 2 more weeks and another AF.
Finally, AF arrives and I called in. We did a Day 3 blood test (3 months had elasped since the -first one) and I started on Femara, which is a breast cancer treatment drug used off label by REs for ovulation induction. Basically, it holds back estrogen production so my aging body can produce more follicles and we can grow good, strong eggs. Femara is used in older infertile women instead of Clomid, since it does not have as many nasty side effects as Clomid (I have to tell THAT story sometime), does produce good eggs, and does not impede the growth of the uterine lining like Clomid. So I took Femara 5 days, CD 3-7. No problem. I showed up at the RE's office on Day 12 as instructed for my ultrasound and blood draw. Good blood, low progesterone (so my surge is nowhere near) and nice pretty follicles, but they are so small and my uterine lining needs time. So I was scheduled to come in on Day 13. U/S and bloodwork again, again nothing happening but a steady growth. Day 15, U/S. Larger follicles (2) and uterine lining was now an 8.1, but still doesn't look right. Day 16, did an ovulation preditor kit pee-on-a-stick, nope. Day 17, POAS, nope. Day 18, U/S and blood draw. U/S revealed the last remaining follicle was now of a perfect size, a 24, and the bloodwork said I was on the slow uphill progesterone climb of a surge. So, home I went to have my father inject me with HCG, in the form of an Ovidrel shot (I have a needle phobia, so there was no way I could do it to myself). Insemination in CD 19, did not take.
OK, ready to try my 2nd medicated IUI cycle. I spoke with the RE nurse about the timing. I was supposed to be out of town for CD 12-16, which was of some concern, since I am so regular (regularly) it's scary. She said not to worry -- last cycle I ovulated on CD 19 with help from the HCG shot, so it looked promising. So I flew to Texas for a conference and while walking in the airport, thought I was a mite-bit squishy. Nah, it must be my imagination, not a week early, surely. I ignored it and on CD 13 finally tested with the OPK. Yes, surge. Plain as day. A couple phone conversations later, I was cursing a blue streak. I simply had no options since my swimmers were in North Carolina and I HAD to be in Texas (I had a presentation, a major deal). And there was no way to get my swimmers there and get inseminated. Rats!
Counting out, I discovered that the timing looked like again I would ovulate while out of town over the Christmas holidays. So I called the REs office - anything to do to delay AF or perhaps hurry it up, to work around the out-of-town issue? No. (Even though there WERE options as I learned later, they did not offer any.) So do you know happened? Yes, Christmas Eve, I surged. Ggggrrrr!!!!
Now we're talking frustration. Out of 4 possible cycles, I'd only been able to try once. And that one time had not worked (duh!) so this next cycle, I was ready. No presentations were on the horizon, CD 1 came, I was all set. And the nurse said, "We're going to be out of the office when you ovulate." Pregnant silence from me. Then she said she was just joking. Look lady, NOT something to joke about!!
So, on CD 3 I started taking Femara once again. I should at this point tell you what Femara does to me. Since it is a breast cancer treatment drug, yes, my hair fell out. Not all of it, of course, but enough so that it was very embarassing and really had me worried. Then I had scalp lesions. Oh yes, they are fun. Little pus-filled bumps all within my scalp. All that came the 1st month. The second month the scalp lesions returned but we also added a new flavor to the side-effects - hives. Yes, folks, I have a very active immune system. And my body has decided it simply is not fond of Femara. So I called up my GP after suffering for 3 weeks with intense itching to ask for a prescription for Atarax, a hives wonder drug. He gave it to me but said it's not for pregnancy. My 3rd cycle, hives and scalp lesions again. This was getting old. This 4th cycle, since I knew pregnancy was a possibility, I did not take Atarax to help with the itching. I simply did not want to hurt/impede/misgrow the follicles. So I have been an itch factory since CD1. My breasts itched, my back itched, my legs itched, my hands itched, my scalp itched (and oozed, mind you), my neck itched, I think even my dreams itched.
But I persevered. (This is where we cue in the triumphant music.) Cycle Day 11, I went in for U/S and bloodwork. 7 follicles, of which 4 would grow to a good size, no ovulation in sight. CD 13, same 4 follicles were growing and bloodwork showed no surge. I was VERY worried about 4 follicles, since more follicles means more eggs and as a single mother, I simply could not handle quads or triplets. CD 14, POAS OPK. No surge. They wanted blood anyway, so I shot off for the clinic. Nothing. CD 15, U/S and bloodwork, we were down to 3 follicles and the surge was into the hinterlands (not there). I was relieved. 3 follicles meant much less likelihood of multiples. I had never realized how much triplets scared me until I saw 4 large follicles. But with 3, relief. So Dad gave me my Ovidrel that night at 9:30 and I was in on Saturday for my insemination on CD 19. Weird how we're working with a lot of unpredictability with my cycles - ovulations as such: CD 19, CD 14, Cd 14, CD 19. Weird. It could be an ABB pattern ( teacher humor).
This insemination HURT like the dickens. (The first one was pleasant, well, as pleasant at it can be with someone finagling with a speculum and injecting you with sperm.) She had to hold the cervix with a tool and it was not fun. Folks, we have nerve endings in there too! Anyway, I was so down I needed retail therapy to help me get over the feeling. So I bought 4 baby sleepers at an awesome sale at Belk's. They were, of course, in gender neutral colors. :)
But this cycle has been weird. While waiting, I've had weird things going on. I am absolutely convinced this one did not take (it hurt too much). But these weird things have me wondering. No telling.
Anyways, that's my story for now. I imagine in 7 days I will be reporting CD1 again and we will begin the itch routine with Femara again. Stay tuned!
Day 1 didn't come. Finally, on like Day 8 or 9 of expecting Day 1 (AF), they called me in for an ultrasound. A cyst. Yes, a nasty little Clomid cyst which was simply preventing my cycle from beginning. Nasty little bugger. I was feeling all sorts of angry thoughts at that water-filled cell in my ovary. Well, a cycle on birth control pills eradicated the cyst and I was ready to try again. In the meantime we did the Hysterosalpingram (HSG) test, which revealed I had nice clear tubes and no pesky little problems that they could see.
So on Day 1 of my next cycle, I called the office, all excited to begin trying. Bad news - the RE would be missing, with his entire staff, from the office when I would ovulate 2 weeks hence, so I could not do the cycle. GGGGrrrrr!!!! Back on BCPs (kind of ironic going on birth control pills to get pregnant) for 2 more weeks and another AF.
Finally, AF arrives and I called in. We did a Day 3 blood test (3 months had elasped since the -first one) and I started on Femara, which is a breast cancer treatment drug used off label by REs for ovulation induction. Basically, it holds back estrogen production so my aging body can produce more follicles and we can grow good, strong eggs. Femara is used in older infertile women instead of Clomid, since it does not have as many nasty side effects as Clomid (I have to tell THAT story sometime), does produce good eggs, and does not impede the growth of the uterine lining like Clomid. So I took Femara 5 days, CD 3-7. No problem. I showed up at the RE's office on Day 12 as instructed for my ultrasound and blood draw. Good blood, low progesterone (so my surge is nowhere near) and nice pretty follicles, but they are so small and my uterine lining needs time. So I was scheduled to come in on Day 13. U/S and bloodwork again, again nothing happening but a steady growth. Day 15, U/S. Larger follicles (2) and uterine lining was now an 8.1, but still doesn't look right. Day 16, did an ovulation preditor kit pee-on-a-stick, nope. Day 17, POAS, nope. Day 18, U/S and blood draw. U/S revealed the last remaining follicle was now of a perfect size, a 24, and the bloodwork said I was on the slow uphill progesterone climb of a surge. So, home I went to have my father inject me with HCG, in the form of an Ovidrel shot (I have a needle phobia, so there was no way I could do it to myself). Insemination in CD 19, did not take.
OK, ready to try my 2nd medicated IUI cycle. I spoke with the RE nurse about the timing. I was supposed to be out of town for CD 12-16, which was of some concern, since I am so regular (regularly) it's scary. She said not to worry -- last cycle I ovulated on CD 19 with help from the HCG shot, so it looked promising. So I flew to Texas for a conference and while walking in the airport, thought I was a mite-bit squishy. Nah, it must be my imagination, not a week early, surely. I ignored it and on CD 13 finally tested with the OPK. Yes, surge. Plain as day. A couple phone conversations later, I was cursing a blue streak. I simply had no options since my swimmers were in North Carolina and I HAD to be in Texas (I had a presentation, a major deal). And there was no way to get my swimmers there and get inseminated. Rats!
Counting out, I discovered that the timing looked like again I would ovulate while out of town over the Christmas holidays. So I called the REs office - anything to do to delay AF or perhaps hurry it up, to work around the out-of-town issue? No. (Even though there WERE options as I learned later, they did not offer any.) So do you know happened? Yes, Christmas Eve, I surged. Ggggrrrr!!!!
Now we're talking frustration. Out of 4 possible cycles, I'd only been able to try once. And that one time had not worked (duh!) so this next cycle, I was ready. No presentations were on the horizon, CD 1 came, I was all set. And the nurse said, "We're going to be out of the office when you ovulate." Pregnant silence from me. Then she said she was just joking. Look lady, NOT something to joke about!!
So, on CD 3 I started taking Femara once again. I should at this point tell you what Femara does to me. Since it is a breast cancer treatment drug, yes, my hair fell out. Not all of it, of course, but enough so that it was very embarassing and really had me worried. Then I had scalp lesions. Oh yes, they are fun. Little pus-filled bumps all within my scalp. All that came the 1st month. The second month the scalp lesions returned but we also added a new flavor to the side-effects - hives. Yes, folks, I have a very active immune system. And my body has decided it simply is not fond of Femara. So I called up my GP after suffering for 3 weeks with intense itching to ask for a prescription for Atarax, a hives wonder drug. He gave it to me but said it's not for pregnancy. My 3rd cycle, hives and scalp lesions again. This was getting old. This 4th cycle, since I knew pregnancy was a possibility, I did not take Atarax to help with the itching. I simply did not want to hurt/impede/misgrow the follicles. So I have been an itch factory since CD1. My breasts itched, my back itched, my legs itched, my hands itched, my scalp itched (and oozed, mind you), my neck itched, I think even my dreams itched.
But I persevered. (This is where we cue in the triumphant music.) Cycle Day 11, I went in for U/S and bloodwork. 7 follicles, of which 4 would grow to a good size, no ovulation in sight. CD 13, same 4 follicles were growing and bloodwork showed no surge. I was VERY worried about 4 follicles, since more follicles means more eggs and as a single mother, I simply could not handle quads or triplets. CD 14, POAS OPK. No surge. They wanted blood anyway, so I shot off for the clinic. Nothing. CD 15, U/S and bloodwork, we were down to 3 follicles and the surge was into the hinterlands (not there). I was relieved. 3 follicles meant much less likelihood of multiples. I had never realized how much triplets scared me until I saw 4 large follicles. But with 3, relief. So Dad gave me my Ovidrel that night at 9:30 and I was in on Saturday for my insemination on CD 19. Weird how we're working with a lot of unpredictability with my cycles - ovulations as such: CD 19, CD 14, Cd 14, CD 19. Weird. It could be an ABB pattern ( teacher humor).
This insemination HURT like the dickens. (The first one was pleasant, well, as pleasant at it can be with someone finagling with a speculum and injecting you with sperm.) She had to hold the cervix with a tool and it was not fun. Folks, we have nerve endings in there too! Anyway, I was so down I needed retail therapy to help me get over the feeling. So I bought 4 baby sleepers at an awesome sale at Belk's. They were, of course, in gender neutral colors. :)
But this cycle has been weird. While waiting, I've had weird things going on. I am absolutely convinced this one did not take (it hurt too much). But these weird things have me wondering. No telling.
Anyways, that's my story for now. I imagine in 7 days I will be reporting CD1 again and we will begin the itch routine with Femara again. Stay tuned!
The diabetic cat
Two Octobers ago, my cat Corey went out for his morning jaunt before I had to leave for school. He was out for about an hour when I called him in. Off I went to school, and it was a VERY long day. When I got in at 8: p.m., he didn't meet me at the door. Corey ALWAYS meets me. When I finally found him, he was lethargic and had trouble walking straight.
I panicked because Corey doesn't act like that. I called my Mom and she came and got us, driving straight to the emergency vet clinic 30 minutes away. I was so worried about him. I got him there and they said he looked and acted fine. They brought him out to me and still said he acted and looked fine, but I knew better. They gave him subcutaneous fluids, an action that probably saved his life.
That night was very long. He threw up constantly. So the next morning I took Corey to the vet. With a blood draw, they knew something was up. He had pancreatitis from heavy metal poisoning. (Did I mention I live next to an auto body shop?) Corey was in the hospital for about 5 days and in recovery at home for about 2 weeks.
Why am I telling you this? Well, since Christmas, I have noticed Corey was getting thinner. It's been a year since he recovered from the poisoning but I was still worried. I took him into the vet to see if the weight loss was my imagination. It wasn't. Corey is now diabetic (could be the pancreatitis, could be weight, more likely it's both). He just spent 5 days in the hospital for glucose and insulin regulation, to the nice tune of $500. I now have to give him his insulin each morning by injection.
Well, it looks like you CAN cure needle phobias by having to inject your cat, folks. So far, all is good. Of course, we are on Day 2 of shot-giving.
I panicked because Corey doesn't act like that. I called my Mom and she came and got us, driving straight to the emergency vet clinic 30 minutes away. I was so worried about him. I got him there and they said he looked and acted fine. They brought him out to me and still said he acted and looked fine, but I knew better. They gave him subcutaneous fluids, an action that probably saved his life.
That night was very long. He threw up constantly. So the next morning I took Corey to the vet. With a blood draw, they knew something was up. He had pancreatitis from heavy metal poisoning. (Did I mention I live next to an auto body shop?) Corey was in the hospital for about 5 days and in recovery at home for about 2 weeks.
Why am I telling you this? Well, since Christmas, I have noticed Corey was getting thinner. It's been a year since he recovered from the poisoning but I was still worried. I took him into the vet to see if the weight loss was my imagination. It wasn't. Corey is now diabetic (could be the pancreatitis, could be weight, more likely it's both). He just spent 5 days in the hospital for glucose and insulin regulation, to the nice tune of $500. I now have to give him his insulin each morning by injection.
Well, it looks like you CAN cure needle phobias by having to inject your cat, folks. So far, all is good. Of course, we are on Day 2 of shot-giving.
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