~*~*~* Weekly IVF/TTTC/2IF/Infertility grads check-in 12/23 *~*~*~

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jszy10

Finally I'm on time for the check-in!!  I've been feeling regular movement here too, but still can't catch a good enough one for DH to feel.  Hoping that will come soon!

QOTW:

I am officially off from work (I'm a teacher) until January 5 and am SO excited and ready for time with family and relaxing!!  Our next 48 hours will be very hectic with travel and family get togethers, but then I don't have much going on until I head back to work, so that will be nice.  

I scheduled myself a prenatal massage for next Tuesday, followed my lunch and nails with a good friend...so I'm sure excited for that...and other than that I'll probably eventually get bored and end up buying something for baby to keep me occupied haha.

Happy Holiday and Merry Christmas to everyone!!

yarnymommy

Keeping Fro88 and AMShark in my T&P.

AFM, Sorry I didn't respond last week.  It was a TOUGH week.  As you know, we're still dealing with my husband's broken foot that had surgery on 12/4.  He had stitches out on Friday (12/19) and has 4 more weeks non-weight bearing from there.  But that was just the over-arching thing for the week.  Much more below.  Ugh.  

Last Monday night I had a fever up over 100, and with my thyroid issue I have I typically run in the 97s so 100 is high for me.  I took some Tylenol and tried to rest, but had an episode of vomiting and diarrhea late that night.  Fever finally broke in the AM but came back a few hours later.  I had a perinatologist ultrasound early that afternoon which was difficult as I kept having to get up an "go to the bathroom".  Fun.  The doctor said I likely had a virus, but that he wasn't too concerned and just up my fluids and try to rest.   

By Wednesday the diarrhea wasn't too bad - maybe 2 episodes, but add to that my parents got into town on Wednesday afternoon and my dad's luggage was lost (finally arriving at our house after 1AM the following day) which had some medical equipment in it that he needs following his heart surgery this past May.  NOTE: DO NOT PUT CRITICAL MEDICAL EQUIPEMENT OR MEDICATIONS IN CHECKED LUGGAGE!

By Thursday the diarrhea was really REALLY bad... like 12 episodes.  I tried calling my doc, but wasn't able to get through until the evening. I was trying to go to the store and get some Gatorade but wanted to find out if I could take something OTC for the diarrhea.  Upon talking to the nurse, I was told that since I had some cramping and tightening and had so many episodes, that I had to go to L&D Triage at the hospital.  So, my mom, and husband came with me (hubs still can't drive with his foot, so Mom came in case I was given something in an IV and couldn't drive home).  Everything was ok with me and babies... just a little dehydrated and I was released and told to take some Immodium and drink lots of liquids.  We got home around 11:30 and by the time I went to sleep it was 12:30 AM.  

DS was up at about 1:30 AM with 102.6 fever and calling for Mommy, so I spent the next three hours with him.  Magically his fever broke with some ibuprofen and cool compresses and he was fine in the AM and he wanted to go to school because they had a Christmas thing last Friday in the afternoon and he didn't want to miss it.  When we went to the event, he was blazing hot, his teachers had no clue he was hot and when I brought him home it went down again with more ibuprofen and cool compresses, but his doctor's office was closed.  He went to sleep and was up again around 1:30 in the morning with a croupy cough that kept him up the next few hours (albuterol in his nebulizer helped), and Mom helped me take him to the doctor in the morning (thank God for Saturday doctor hours - try to find a doc with this - a life saver especially for working moms!) and he was diagnosed with a bad case of strep throat.

UGH UGH UGH.  So, that's my week.

Had my OB appt today.  He said that at 23 weeks I'm measuring 32 weeks with the twins so all of the 3rd trimester stuff I'm feeling (carpal tunnel, hip soreness, back ache) is all normal, so overall, I'm doing great!  He wasn't happy with only a 1 lb weight gain this week, but totally understood with being sick and whatnot (and it kinda evened out the 7 lb weight gain last time - SCORE!).

Whew!

QOTW: I like to try and crochet to relax.  It is very calming and therapeutic for me, almost like meditation.  Unfortunately, I haven't had much time for it lately, I'm hoping for some time in the coming days.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

AMShark

Oof, @yarnymommy - I wouldn't wish that week on anyone. On the bright side, this week is almost certainly going to be better.

Things are still pretty stable with me and LOs.   I had been dry and feeling really confident since last Monday, and then a week to the day (yesterday) I woke up leaking amniotic fluid again.  I already had an OB appointment scheduled, so I was fortunately able to hear both heart beats and get a scan the same day.  My OB confirmed that there is still fluid in both sacs.  And, since they were both head down last week, and they were both breech yesterday, we could confirm that they both have enough room to move, which is apparently very good for their development.

I'm still on bed rest at home until 12/31 or 1/01 (I'm talking to my MFM tomorrow to confirm which) - and then I'm checking in for bed rest at the nearest hospital with a level 4 NICU.  So, as boring as it sounds, I'm really looking forward to the new year, and better odds for my LOs.

QOTW:  I find it very soothing to have a cat sleeping on my lap, or next to me on the couch. Unfortunately, I'll be missing this in the hospital.  Luckily, I've recently discovered that knitting is relaxing too.  I've been growing and improving my test/learning swatches, and am about ready to take on a project - my first since I knit a scarf back in 5th grade. I am super grateful to some very special bump ladies who sent me a care package with skeins of yarn, needles and a link to a baby blanket project.  When I first joined the bump, after an early loss this past May, I had no idea what a supportive community of amazing people I was joining.

Canuck13

Like many of you, I am feeling lots of regular movement now (actually, RIGHT now as I type this...lol) which is such an amazing feeling....unfortunately my SO hasn't really had a chance to feel it yet, because it's so random. I'm also a teacher and enjoying my 2 week break  

 QOTW: a massage (although I haven't gone since being pregnant) and manicures & pedicures are a nice way to relax at this time of year! I got a manicure today actually!

taahira

Hi ladies,
My heart goes out to Fro88. I was so sadden by the news last week. @AMShark‌ I've been thinking of you and your LO's sending you positive vibes.
Not much to report here, this week has really gone fast for me. With the run up to Christmas, my children being off from school. Plus this is the busiest time for my business. So when I eventually lay down, feeling my little guy move around just brings the biggest smile to my face. Other than the typical aches and pains im feeling really good.
What has been soothing is cold winter nights with the fireplace on, snuggling under a blanket watching movies with my DH and my girls.

MERRY CHRISTMAS...
<:-P

pblge

Hello from the road!! I'm definitely thinking of fro88 this week. Last year at about this time I had my "Merry F@cking Christmas miscarriage," and our was just hellish. Sending peace and health to her and her family.

Also hoping Amshark keeps those babies baking!

Nothing new for me except acid reflux. Very excited about "vday" on Friday!

Qotw: Usually I just have a drink, partly because my family never fails to piss me off. Fortunately we're with DH's much more functional family this year, so I don't think that will be needed. It's overwhelming to me to be around the five kids under age ten, though. I guess I need the practice!

Happy holidays, all!!

KellyA724

Hi ladies! Fro88 and AMshark have also been on my mind this week. @AMShark‌ I'm glad your LOs are holding strong!

AFM, not much going on. I'm loving my very active baby, and I'm still happy every time I feel he/she dancing around in there. Heartburn has gotten absolutely miserable this week, and my doctor said no to all of the preventative meds. So I just drink the chalky stuff when it flares up and avoid anything acidic. Yuck.

We have an appointment with the OB on Friday, but it won't be an exciting one.

I de-stress with baths, though we have a really deep tub that is getting more difficult to get in and out of (first world problem, I know).

I'm off to finish wrapping presents. Merry Christmas to all!

stranzm

I had my regular OB and ultrasound appointment yesterday.  Everything continues to look great like last time - yeah.  I can't believe I made it through the last 2 months of work without my blood pressure sky rocketing due to stress.  I've included a pic of "Little Supy" below.  She wasn't moving as much this time, so I don't have wonderful pics but it is her best one from yesterday.  DH named her Little Supy awhile ago; it stands for "little super" since he calls me super.  It is sticking, so I hope we can adapt to a name when we pick one! 

Since I was advised against traveling, I'm sticking around town for this entire break.  The first thing I did was research and book a vacation for next summer.  We found an awesome house to rent in the Outer Banks for our first family vacation.  We'll see how that goes … hopefully Little Supy travels well!  Mama likes to travel

QOTW:  I also like the sound of rain.  That isn't common this time of year, but it did rain all day Monday.  After last winter, I can't believe I'll admit that I'm sad we don't have any snow for Christmas.  My regular de-stresser is to sit down at night and read the newspaper.  I love getting the paper newspaper.  Many of friends don't and make fun of me, but I sure seem to know a lot more about what is going on in the world and around town then the rest of them

Have a very Merry Christmas to all (or whatever you celebrate) !!

Seachele98

Oh my goodness @yarnymommy what a week!!!  I hope you are feeling better.

@AMShark - I'm so glad to hear things are stable! 

AFM, I had an OB appointment last week. All is well.  We had a little scare when the NP was using the Doppler to find her heartbeat.  It took FOREVER.  My poor DH about had a heart attack watching and waiting.  I guess I should have told him that baby girl was kicking up a storm inside while the nurse was trying to find her.  Ooops.  The NP wasn't worried either, because she could clearly see the movement from the outside.  Also learned that Im slightly anemic, so iron supps for me.  Seems to be helping my energy level though.  Yesterday was DH birthday, so with that, and the holidays, and having to work all week since I'm out of vacation time, its been busy!! 

I don't know about you ladies, but man am I achy this week.  My back is killing me, my legs are killing me. Ugh. 

QOTW:  I LOVE getting massages, although, I get horrific knots in my neck and back, so the massages are usually more painful than relaxing.  I've been getting a prenatal massage every 2 weeks since I entered second trimester.  I had one this past Saturday, and in the middle of it, my therapist says "I don't want to alarm you or anything, but I feel a hard round bump in your neck here, that doesn't feel like muscle or anything I'm familiar with. I want you to have it checked out"  GREAT! And you want me to relax NOW??  Anyway, I called my family chiropractor, he had me come in and it turns out it was just a vertebrae out of place.  Pretty much what I'd expected.  But, definitely nice to know that my massage therapist is looking out for things, and will point out the abnormal, instead of just ignoring it and not telling me. 

Whew, that was a long one.  Happy Holidays to you all!!

Hpearl

Great QOTW!    I have enjoyed reading the responses so far!

I have been having a hard time finding a balance as of late, but with a two week break from school (only 2.5 more classes to go!),  and a bit of a lighter work schedule, I hope to go and get a massage.

Typically to relax I go hiking, or take photographs, which I haven't done lately.   We are planning a quick getaway of three days   to the outer banks of NC on new years......ahhhh ocean waves and sea breezes take me away!

Merry Christmas to all

Haley612

I had my 24 week appointment last Friday, which included the glucose tolerance test. I passed that, but my blood draw showed low hemoglobin levels (indicating anemia), so I had to start a prescription strength iron supplement, which is not helping with the constipation situation. I know it could be so much worse, but for some reason hearing I was anemic was disproportionally upsetting. I think because I feel like I've just been waiting for something to go wrong with this pregnancy

QOTW:

I'm with @CaterinaC‌. I like some alone downtime to relax. This is a new thing for me. I'm not sure if it's because of being pregnant or something else, but I've noticed I've been a lot more irritable around family at holidays this year, and I've needed more time away from them to recharge before the next get-together. Maybe it's the lack of wine!

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jlb902

I am so sorry I have been MIA lately. Lots going on between buying a house, the holidays and my placenta previa. Latest update is I still have complete placenta previa as of 23 weeks and the MFM doctor doesn't think it is likely to move so we are aiming to cook baby girl until 36 weeks. I will need to go on bedrest if I have any bleeds. Currently on pelvic rest.

I hope everyone is doing well. I can't believe we are all more than halfway done!

catlover790

Hi everyone! Sorry I didn't post last week and took so long to respond this week too. The holidays are always so busy around here and I just haven't had much time to myself. I hope all that celebrate had a nice Christmas!

So sorry for Fro88; my thoughts are with you.

@GrailSeeker14 Glad you had a fun baking bonanza! Feeling movement never gets old for me either!

@jszy10 I hope you can catch a good kick for your H to feel. Mine has felt some but as soon as I feel a good, strong one and he puts his hand there; the movement stops! I feel silly for telling him he was moving a second ago!

@yarnymommy I'm so sorry you had such a rough week! I hope you are feeling better now!

@AMShark I'm so glad things are stable right now for you and your little ones. I'm thinking of you often! I'm sorry you'll be missing your kitty once you head to the hospital. I hope everything goes smoothly this week for you.

@KellyA724 I have an appointment Friday too! I hope yours goes well!

@stranzm That is a great ultrasound pic of your little one! I love your idea for vacation, that sounds wonderful! We are also planning on traveling next fall; I hope our little ones don't mind!

@jlb902 I'm sorry about your previa; I hope you don't end up needing bedrest.

As for me, I've been doing pretty well. I'm feeling lots more movement now which I love. Every time I get so excited even though I've been feeling movement for a few weeks now. I've started noticing my belly move if it's a strong kick which is so neat. My H also loves to talk to my stomach and loves when the baby "responds" with a kick.

I've noticed the past few weeks some of my MS has come back in the mornings when we make a pot of coffee!! ( Something about the smell. We have a kcup machine and those don't bother me as much so I'm hoping to just use that for now.

I have a check-up on Friday and this week since I'm off from work I plan to get some work done on the baby's room and getting all my paperwork for the hospital and classes done. 

Hope you all have a nice Monday!

QOTW: I like to de-stress with a shower or bath. Then, I like to put on some pjs and watch some reality tv or a funny show. It can't be something stressful like homeland or something because that's not relaxing (good, but not relaxing ) I've also been trying to be better about doing what I (and my H) want to do for the holidays and not caving to the family pressure, so that helps a little too!

AmCheri

Not officially part of the check-in, but I'd like to introduce myself! I've been a long-time member of various IF boards on the bump. I was at home on IFV up until we made the switch to a private FB board. My history was in my siggy for years. Long story short. DOR at 34, miserable responder to stims. History of m/c. Four IVF cycles and we had our baby girl through DE in 2013. This pregnancy was a complete surprise, after the hell we've been through and years of being told that I wouldn't have a baby.

Just want to say hello and congratulate each of you. It's so important to continue our cheerleading and support even after we find success, no matter how it comes.

jszy10

catlover790 -- soon I'm sure!!  I just noticed my stomach actually move this week too, and try almost every day to catch it for DH...and of course baby seems to stop every time he puts his hand on me!!!  Sorry to hear your MS is back

Anyone else here having digestion issues!?!?!  I am usually fine with breakfast and lunch, but by the time dinner is over I just feel like all of my food has piled up and won't go down!!  I end up having acid come back up on me, pretty regularly, and have been having trouble sleeping and sometimes get nighttime sickness because of it.  I don't feel like I'm over-eating or eating terribly wrong things, so I'm having trouble figuring out how to curb this!!

AmCheri

Jszy10, that happens to me, too. My stomach can't handle big meals anymore. Can you try eating less, but more often? As for the acid, you can take Prilosec. It does help. Feel better.

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catlover790

@jszy10‌ I've started having a little bit of reflux/heartburn in the evenings too. I noticed it the other day when I was lying down on the couch. I plan to try sitting more upright for today and seeing if that helps at all. Hope it gets better for you!

jszy10

Thanks ladies!  Yesterday I really watched how much I ate and when I ate, and I had a much better night.  I will continue to monitor what I'm eating and how much to see what seems to trigger it.  I actually have been taking an acid reducing medicine, but not sure if it actually works or not when I take it.