I have got to day 13 so fast! It's funny……in the first few days after the embryo transfer, I was just hoping that the 2ww just passes quickly and I can know the result. Today, at day 13, I am in 2 minds. Of course I still want to know the result, but because the day is approaching, I am so worried if it's a negative. So many questions….will I have to go through all the injections again if my embryos are not good enough to be frozen (I have yet to collect the report from KKIVF). Even the mere thought of going into the procedure room to be sedated freaks me out.
If it's a positive, so many people will be happy. Not only us, but our families. It would be a life-changing event, but such a happy one! Then again, will my beta rise normally, can I hold it out to due date? So many questions which I do not even dare nor want to think too much about.
Let's just cross the first hurdle. The first hurdle is not to have menses! hhahahah
2nd hurdle - get a positive sign on the stick and high beta in the blood test
These 2 are quite a hurdle…
and…..I have having slight cramps like just before my menses. Ah….just hope my body stops playing with my mind.
Thursday 28 November 2013
What happens after embryo transfer
According to this www….
http://www.nyufertilitycenter.org/ivf/embryo_transfer
http://www.nyufertilitycenter.org/ivf/embryo_transfer
3-Day Transfer
| Days Past Transfer (DPT) | Embryo Development |
| One | The embryo continues to grow and develop, turning from a 6-8 cell embryo into a morula |
| Two | The cells of the morula continue to divide, developing into a blastocyst |
| Three | The blastocyst begins to hatch out of its shell |
| Four | The blastocyst continues to hatch out of its shell and begins to attach itself to the uterus |
| Five | The blastocyst attaches deeper into the uterine lining, beginning implantation |
| Six | Implantation continues |
| Seven | Implantation is complete, cells that will eventually become the placenta and fetus have begun to develop |
| Eight | Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) starts to enter the blood stream |
| Nine | Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted |
| Ten | Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted |
| Eleven | Levels of hCG are now high enough to detect a pregnancy |
5-Day Transfer
| Days Past Transfer (DPT) | Embryo Development |
| One | The blastocyst begins to hatch out of its shell |
| Two | The blastocyst continues to hatch out of its shell and begins to attach itself to the uterus |
| Three | The blastocyst attaches deeper into the uterine lining, beginning implantation |
| Four | Implantation continues |
| Five | Implantation is complete, cells that will eventually become the placenta and fetus have begun to develop |
| Six | Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) starts to enter the blood stream |
| Seven | Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted |
| Eight | Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted |
| Nine | Levels of hCG are now high enough to detect a pregnancy |
As of today, I am day 13 past embryo transfer date. So…...if I do a pregnancy test today, it should start showing a positive? I read another lady's blog and she started testing from day 10. She pasted all the test strips on a page! So amazing how the positive line just got darker and darker with each passing day. She is sooo brave. I am worried that by testing, I am jinxing myself. And what if there's still HCG in me? This lady was doing the vaginal depositories, but I am doing the Pregynl injections. Although I do not remember being injected anything after my embryo transfer, I read that the Pregynl injections I have been taking also contain HCG. My last injection was on 25th November (Monday). So…..since we have different protocol, I better not take the risk. Not only about jinxing myself, but a false positive is more heart breaking than a real negative.
And….. I am really tired of hoping. Each time I hope and hope, even plan, nothing comes true. Even as of now, I am so worried my menses will arrive. If this is a negative, my menses should arrive Saturday (tomorrow) or Sunday. It is always pretty much on time and I doubt the Pregynl injections would delay it.
So…. day 17 past embryo transfer date, which is a Tuesday, I will be back at KK for my blood test. It it often referred to as the "beta" test. This is because it measures a beta chain portion of the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) hormone emitted by the developing embryo. I will give H's number for KKIVF to contact, cos I dun think I can take the news. Apparently the "news" will be out between 1-4pm, but often before 1pm. I don't know how I am going to keep myself occupied!!!! That is if menses dun arrive before Tuesday.
Monday 25 November 2013
Day 9 post embryo transfer
Wow!
9 days! another 8 more days to go…..
driving me nuts though…..
Anyway, today is last day for the Pregnyl injections. Phew…….
What has been happening?
Well, I have been having abdominal pains i since last Tuesday (6 days ago). To be specific, it is an indigestion pain.
How does it feel? Terrible….
1) Your tummy will bloat up as if it's a balloon
2) If you are lucky, you will release gas (I say lucky cos it helps to deflate that balloon). But one of the side effects of the medicine is constipation!!! So…..I had no gas to release
3) Pain is similar to gastric
I know it is not gastric cos I had indigestion pains before…..
What happens?
When it attacks you, you can't stand straight. The best thing to do is to lie down on your side and use a small pillow or a rolled towel to cushion your tummy. Try to fall asleep if possible. I used the Yu Yee Oil when I really reached my max for the pain. Cos I not sure if it's ok to use the Yu Yee Oil. I asked the KKIVF nurse. She said, can use on baby, so should be ok. Hmmmm…..in any case, I avoided the womb area. Felt so much better after my Yu Yee Oil….
What to do?
Apparently nothing much you can do. I read somewhere that it's due to the injections. I guess due to the Pregnyl that I am injecting every 3 days? So what I do:
1) I drink some warm water before I start eating
2) I eat smaller meals and I take in food every 3 hours
3) I researched on what food that does not cause indigestion. I am staying away from milk products. Previously when I had indigestion problems, I took yoghurt/yakult daily and have meals at fixed timings.
I called the clinic last Thursday, after suffering for 2 days. Nurse says to drink plenty of water and eat more protein. Yucks….no medication? She even added "When you get pregnant, it will get worse". Oh dear…. I felt I was having a low quality life by allowing it to control me. I was even afraid to go out or have my weekly dinners with my family cos they are not aware of my IVF and I did not want to suffer an attack while out with them. Lucky for me, dinner on Sunday went on well…….
As I am writing, I had a light snack at 3.30pm, 3 hours after my lunch and just a little indigestion….but very minimal and pain level is not even 0.5. Oh, but I feel a little giddy though….. but this is much better than my IUI 2ww. I was on the oral pills for progesterone. I had to take it 2 times daily and each time I take, my whole world spins. That was really bad. It was not as if I will black out. I just feel like my whole world is moving.
9 days! another 8 more days to go…..
driving me nuts though…..
Anyway, today is last day for the Pregnyl injections. Phew…….
What has been happening?
Well, I have been having abdominal pains i since last Tuesday (6 days ago). To be specific, it is an indigestion pain.
How does it feel? Terrible….
1) Your tummy will bloat up as if it's a balloon
2) If you are lucky, you will release gas (I say lucky cos it helps to deflate that balloon). But one of the side effects of the medicine is constipation!!! So…..I had no gas to release
3) Pain is similar to gastric
I know it is not gastric cos I had indigestion pains before…..
What happens?
When it attacks you, you can't stand straight. The best thing to do is to lie down on your side and use a small pillow or a rolled towel to cushion your tummy. Try to fall asleep if possible. I used the Yu Yee Oil when I really reached my max for the pain. Cos I not sure if it's ok to use the Yu Yee Oil. I asked the KKIVF nurse. She said, can use on baby, so should be ok. Hmmmm…..in any case, I avoided the womb area. Felt so much better after my Yu Yee Oil….
What to do?
Apparently nothing much you can do. I read somewhere that it's due to the injections. I guess due to the Pregnyl that I am injecting every 3 days? So what I do:
1) I drink some warm water before I start eating
2) I eat smaller meals and I take in food every 3 hours
3) I researched on what food that does not cause indigestion. I am staying away from milk products. Previously when I had indigestion problems, I took yoghurt/yakult daily and have meals at fixed timings.
I called the clinic last Thursday, after suffering for 2 days. Nurse says to drink plenty of water and eat more protein. Yucks….no medication? She even added "When you get pregnant, it will get worse". Oh dear…. I felt I was having a low quality life by allowing it to control me. I was even afraid to go out or have my weekly dinners with my family cos they are not aware of my IVF and I did not want to suffer an attack while out with them. Lucky for me, dinner on Sunday went on well…….
As I am writing, I had a light snack at 3.30pm, 3 hours after my lunch and just a little indigestion….but very minimal and pain level is not even 0.5. Oh, but I feel a little giddy though….. but this is much better than my IUI 2ww. I was on the oral pills for progesterone. I had to take it 2 times daily and each time I take, my whole world spins. That was really bad. It was not as if I will black out. I just feel like my whole world is moving.
Thursday 21 November 2013
A gift for the nurses!
I love these!!!!
Made these for the nurses and medical care workers at KKIVF. I was apprehensive when I first went there for treatment, but at the end of it all, I felt really comfortable. I checked with my friend and she told me it would be nice for the nurses to receive a small gift or a card. She said….nursing is a "thankless job". So sad……After heading down to KKIVF so frequently in the last 2 weeks, they really work long hours!!!!!
It's best to send something that can last a few days. Sometimes, they get so busy and they dun go to the room to take. Apparently candies and chocolates are very well liked. Thought I would be a little different :) Just thought the nurses would feel that they are appreciated.
Ooh….I wrote some words on the card too.
AND!!!! hehehe. of cos i saved 2! One for Michelle (was told by the nurse), the lovely anesthetist and my favorite Dr Tan!!!! I thought he had consultations today. But apparently not. BUT!!!!! As we were leaving, H saw him coming down the escalator! So happy! We said hi to him. He's really a warm person. He stopped to talk to us for a while when he could have just said hi and bye.
Side gossip - I wonder when Dr Tan will leave KK. All the doctors @ KK, once they are promoted to Head, they leave for greener pastures. I guess the only reason why a doctor will continue to stay on in a restructured hospital, is because they can continue with their research and educating the students. When we met Dr Tan at the escalator, he told us he just came from a talk for some clinical students. I would think most doctors would want to earn as much money as possible. Why would a doctor want to continue to stay on and be overloaded? The newspaper recently reported that an orthodontist in a restructured hospital performs 80 surgeries a year. While, a private doctor only performs 3. Actually, I cannot remember if the time frame was a year or a month! But it shows the vast difference. But it also means that it's better to go to a restructured hospital should you need major surgeries! :)
Day 5 post embryo transfer
Slowly counting down….
refraining from goggling about all the symptoms "I am supposed to have". Like a crazy woman, I did that during the 2ww for my previous 4 IUIs and I think I really went crazy. I read every single symptom, every sign. Funny thing, I had most of the signs in my 1st and 4th IUI but nothing happened. :(
Anyway, decided to give myself a task list for this 2ww period. It might be easier on my mental health. At least I have something to complete each day. Some of the tasks are easy. Some are stuff that I have been procrastinating on. So each day, I will just flip it over and see what is the task. I wrote down the tasks yesterday so that I will not recall what it is today! :)
I indicated the dates on the hearts as well. Cos I find myself constantly counting! This sheet is blu-tacked to my table, on the left! I can look at it daily and think of my 2 embryos…..
I hope my 2 little embryos have multiplied well and preparing to stick…..pls……be normal and healthy.
refraining from goggling about all the symptoms "I am supposed to have". Like a crazy woman, I did that during the 2ww for my previous 4 IUIs and I think I really went crazy. I read every single symptom, every sign. Funny thing, I had most of the signs in my 1st and 4th IUI but nothing happened. :(
Anyway, decided to give myself a task list for this 2ww period. It might be easier on my mental health. At least I have something to complete each day. Some of the tasks are easy. Some are stuff that I have been procrastinating on. So each day, I will just flip it over and see what is the task. I wrote down the tasks yesterday so that I will not recall what it is today! :)
I indicated the dates on the hearts as well. Cos I find myself constantly counting! This sheet is blu-tacked to my table, on the left! I can look at it daily and think of my 2 embryos…..
I hope my 2 little embryos have multiplied well and preparing to stick…..pls……be normal and healthy.
Monday 18 November 2013
Day 3 post embryo transfer…. meet E1 and E2!
See my embryos!! Isn't it like a miracle????? Wow…my egg and H's sperm. Through some magic, and care by the embryologist team, it fertilized…….
Wow…….this is just awesome…..
This photo will be given after each embryo transfer. Those that are frozen - no pictures.
Picture is now on my wall and I get to see them everyday!
I call them E1 and E2 = Embryo 1 and Embryo 2
Wow…….this is just awesome…..
This photo will be given after each embryo transfer. Those that are frozen - no pictures.
Picture is now on my wall and I get to see them everyday!
I call them E1 and E2 = Embryo 1 and Embryo 2
Embryo transfer
Another milestone hit.
Wow……today is Monday and I did the embryo transfer (ET) on Saturday. Still feeling overwhelmed…….2 little embryos in me?!?!?!? I hope they are multiplying well. So many things beyond my control. I can only hope for the best outcome.
ET day was a breeze. Why? Cos I chose to be sedated. I just want to sleep and not know what is happening. Wise choice for me!
Same thing happened as the egg retrieval day.
I needed to fast from 11.30pm the night before. No food nor water.
I arrived at the clinic around 7.30am, but only got to the counter at 8am. After signing some documents, I was guided to the changing room. This time, I was told not to empty my bladder (I only emptied the first morning pee). You see, normal ET is done when the patient is awake. So, the lady still has to abstain from food, but she has to drink up to fill her bladder. During the "awake" procedure, the doctor is guided via abdominal scan so that he can judge where to place the embryos. Since I cannot drink as I will be sedated, I was told the nurses will attach a tube and fill me up. How they attach? I seriously don't care. As long as they do it while I am asleep and give me pain killers. Heehee, that was what I told the anesthetist. She told me nicely it should not hurt! Oooh…she is soooo nice. Dr Lim. I think we are fated! She's only there this week on Thursday and Saturday and yet, both days I got her. She really cheers me up cos she is ready to talk to anyone and the last thing I need is silence or a stern medical worker.
Oh, I was ready and changed by 8.30am. I was wondering why the recovery room's nurse is so free but she did not prepare me for the IV. Later, I realized that Dr Lim gave instructions not to do for me yet. She wanted me on the bed before the nurses do for me. Super sweet!!!! She knows I fractured my leg and for the egg retrieval day, I took a while to hobble cos the IV was on my left hand which made it quite impossible for me to use the crutches. And because I was just sedated on Thursday, this time, they did the IV on the right side of my left wrist. How considerate!!! I was contemplating to ask if I could do on my right hand cos my left hand was still hurting a little.
Once on the bed, I was a little disappointed cos I did not see Dr Tan, so I asked Dr Lim if Dr Tan is here today. She replied "Yes, he is already here."I was super duper happy! I never thought I would still get him since he is on reservist. So I laid down and the nurses started getting me ready by getting me to spread my legs and covering up with some sheets. I felt soooo conscious….and a little uncomfortable cos the sheets that were covering me was constantly touching my little flower. hahahha
Then Dr Tan came in and I said good morning to my favorite doctor (of the moment)! He is lovely as usual. He told me I had 5 fertilized embryos!!! I was really happy. I was a little down when I had only 6, but to hear that 5 of them got fertilized, it was like I have been nominated for some award. He had a cheerful voice when he first spoke to me, but I did not want to get my hopes up….anyway, wow 5!!!!! He did not give me any other information and I figured the embryologists would give me more info. I should not bother him with it! I got to view my 2 little embryos via this small screen near the ceiling. Wow…….H did not get to view cos I chose sedation. Otherwise, hubbies will get to view the embryos as well as the embryo transfer. I showed him the photo though!
Ok, this comes the funny part. He sat down in front of me. Yes, facing my little flower. Oooh…..and I panicked….cos Dr Lim only just injected the sedation into me. I was not even out yet. I sort of jerked and told him I am not asleep yet. He SOOOO nicely told me, "dun worry, I will not do anything yet". I tell you…where to find this kind of nice doctor???
The next thing I knew was I woke up about 9.15am. I guess the procedures as about 15-20 mins? Cos I chatted quite long with Dr Lim plus the viewing of the embryos. As soon as I woke up, I drifted back to sleep again. By 10.30am, I was pretty much awake and Nurse Saw gave me a cup of milo. Chatted with her a while. Hope I am not too noisy. Once I was quite awake, she got the embryologist to speak to me.
I had 5 eggs that got fertilized. The best 2 which was grade 4 have been transferred into me. The remaining 3 - 2 of them are grade 4 and 1 of them grade 3. But depending on how they develop, not all 3 might be frozen. So although I have got 3 embryos, I might have 3 or lesser embryos transferred. I was a little sad and I asked her….if grade 1 is the best, mine is not so good huh. Then she perked and almost in a small shout, told me that grade 5 is the best! WOW!!! and I had 4 grade 4!??!??! WOW…..was really happy that day. First, I got Dr Tan for both the procedures, Sweet Dr Lim, 5 fertilized eggs even though Dr Tan only managed to retrieve 6, and now the grading! I hope my luck goes on…...
Anyway, by 11am, I was ready to be picked up by hubby. So happy, no pain, no giddiness. And you know what Dr Lim did!??!?! She asked the nurse to get ready a wheelchair for me!??!?! How sweet is that!!!!! Gosh…….anyway, it came in handy cos I felt giddy soon. This time, I stayed longer at the clinic. Cos hubby had to go to the pharmacy to collect medicine. I was to be injected with 0.2ml of Pregnyl and the nurse had to show me how to do it. Hhehehe, was happy I got the briefing from Nurse Wendy. The other nurse is very long winded and hmmm….she would rank last among all the nurses. Not very nice lady. Curly short hair. Nurse Wendy is very nice! :) She taught H to mix the medication and I told her I want to do the injection at home. How to ice myself there? Plus I need H to do slow mode for me….oooh….the nurses there are so swift with the injections. I was injected by this malay preggy nurse. Gosh….it hurt so bad that I wanted to tear.
Oooh, I also made payment for the insurance. So glad I can pay $291.04! It's the cost for transferring 2 embryos. If only 1 embryo, it would have been relatively cheaper - $68.48. I was thinking, why dun the insurance company just round up…..4 cents, 48 cents? Then H told me it's due to GST. Wow!!! H is sooo smart!!!
That should be the end of my story for ET day…..a breeze and I am glad that I have hit another milestone. I feel like I have been nominated for an award…..everyone wants to win but there can be only 1 winner. So it's either you win, or you lose. H told me not to think so much…..just take one day at a time. Next milestone…... 3 Dec. I have 15 more days to go!
Wow……today is Monday and I did the embryo transfer (ET) on Saturday. Still feeling overwhelmed…….2 little embryos in me?!?!?!? I hope they are multiplying well. So many things beyond my control. I can only hope for the best outcome.
ET day was a breeze. Why? Cos I chose to be sedated. I just want to sleep and not know what is happening. Wise choice for me!
Same thing happened as the egg retrieval day.
I needed to fast from 11.30pm the night before. No food nor water.
I arrived at the clinic around 7.30am, but only got to the counter at 8am. After signing some documents, I was guided to the changing room. This time, I was told not to empty my bladder (I only emptied the first morning pee). You see, normal ET is done when the patient is awake. So, the lady still has to abstain from food, but she has to drink up to fill her bladder. During the "awake" procedure, the doctor is guided via abdominal scan so that he can judge where to place the embryos. Since I cannot drink as I will be sedated, I was told the nurses will attach a tube and fill me up. How they attach? I seriously don't care. As long as they do it while I am asleep and give me pain killers. Heehee, that was what I told the anesthetist. She told me nicely it should not hurt! Oooh…she is soooo nice. Dr Lim. I think we are fated! She's only there this week on Thursday and Saturday and yet, both days I got her. She really cheers me up cos she is ready to talk to anyone and the last thing I need is silence or a stern medical worker.
Oh, I was ready and changed by 8.30am. I was wondering why the recovery room's nurse is so free but she did not prepare me for the IV. Later, I realized that Dr Lim gave instructions not to do for me yet. She wanted me on the bed before the nurses do for me. Super sweet!!!! She knows I fractured my leg and for the egg retrieval day, I took a while to hobble cos the IV was on my left hand which made it quite impossible for me to use the crutches. And because I was just sedated on Thursday, this time, they did the IV on the right side of my left wrist. How considerate!!! I was contemplating to ask if I could do on my right hand cos my left hand was still hurting a little.
Once on the bed, I was a little disappointed cos I did not see Dr Tan, so I asked Dr Lim if Dr Tan is here today. She replied "Yes, he is already here."I was super duper happy! I never thought I would still get him since he is on reservist. So I laid down and the nurses started getting me ready by getting me to spread my legs and covering up with some sheets. I felt soooo conscious….and a little uncomfortable cos the sheets that were covering me was constantly touching my little flower. hahahha
Then Dr Tan came in and I said good morning to my favorite doctor (of the moment)! He is lovely as usual. He told me I had 5 fertilized embryos!!! I was really happy. I was a little down when I had only 6, but to hear that 5 of them got fertilized, it was like I have been nominated for some award. He had a cheerful voice when he first spoke to me, but I did not want to get my hopes up….anyway, wow 5!!!!! He did not give me any other information and I figured the embryologists would give me more info. I should not bother him with it! I got to view my 2 little embryos via this small screen near the ceiling. Wow…….H did not get to view cos I chose sedation. Otherwise, hubbies will get to view the embryos as well as the embryo transfer. I showed him the photo though!
Ok, this comes the funny part. He sat down in front of me. Yes, facing my little flower. Oooh…..and I panicked….cos Dr Lim only just injected the sedation into me. I was not even out yet. I sort of jerked and told him I am not asleep yet. He SOOOO nicely told me, "dun worry, I will not do anything yet". I tell you…where to find this kind of nice doctor???
The next thing I knew was I woke up about 9.15am. I guess the procedures as about 15-20 mins? Cos I chatted quite long with Dr Lim plus the viewing of the embryos. As soon as I woke up, I drifted back to sleep again. By 10.30am, I was pretty much awake and Nurse Saw gave me a cup of milo. Chatted with her a while. Hope I am not too noisy. Once I was quite awake, she got the embryologist to speak to me.
I had 5 eggs that got fertilized. The best 2 which was grade 4 have been transferred into me. The remaining 3 - 2 of them are grade 4 and 1 of them grade 3. But depending on how they develop, not all 3 might be frozen. So although I have got 3 embryos, I might have 3 or lesser embryos transferred. I was a little sad and I asked her….if grade 1 is the best, mine is not so good huh. Then she perked and almost in a small shout, told me that grade 5 is the best! WOW!!! and I had 4 grade 4!??!??! WOW…..was really happy that day. First, I got Dr Tan for both the procedures, Sweet Dr Lim, 5 fertilized eggs even though Dr Tan only managed to retrieve 6, and now the grading! I hope my luck goes on…...
Anyway, by 11am, I was ready to be picked up by hubby. So happy, no pain, no giddiness. And you know what Dr Lim did!??!?! She asked the nurse to get ready a wheelchair for me!??!?! How sweet is that!!!!! Gosh…….anyway, it came in handy cos I felt giddy soon. This time, I stayed longer at the clinic. Cos hubby had to go to the pharmacy to collect medicine. I was to be injected with 0.2ml of Pregnyl and the nurse had to show me how to do it. Hhehehe, was happy I got the briefing from Nurse Wendy. The other nurse is very long winded and hmmm….she would rank last among all the nurses. Not very nice lady. Curly short hair. Nurse Wendy is very nice! :) She taught H to mix the medication and I told her I want to do the injection at home. How to ice myself there? Plus I need H to do slow mode for me….oooh….the nurses there are so swift with the injections. I was injected by this malay preggy nurse. Gosh….it hurt so bad that I wanted to tear.
Oooh, I also made payment for the insurance. So glad I can pay $291.04! It's the cost for transferring 2 embryos. If only 1 embryo, it would have been relatively cheaper - $68.48. I was thinking, why dun the insurance company just round up…..4 cents, 48 cents? Then H told me it's due to GST. Wow!!! H is sooo smart!!!
That should be the end of my story for ET day…..a breeze and I am glad that I have hit another milestone. I feel like I have been nominated for an award…..everyone wants to win but there can be only 1 winner. So it's either you win, or you lose. H told me not to think so much…..just take one day at a time. Next milestone…... 3 Dec. I have 15 more days to go!
Thursday 14 November 2013
Day 14 - Egg Retrieval Day
Day 14 of my Antagonist IVF Cycle
This is the day for egg retrieval! I could only pen this today (one day after) as I was so tired and drowsy from the sedation.
I was supposed to report to the clinic @ 7.30am. By the time I got a q number and ready to say good bye to hubby, it was already 8am! And hubby produced sperms at 7am (at home)!!! I was kinda freaking out but told myself to calm down. We should have produced at the clinic cos today, there were only 6 people doing the egg retrieval which means no rush for the room. :(
Note: Although the clinic opens @ 7.30am, you would be allowed into the waiting area from 7.20am.
So…...I entered the room. It's termed as "Changing room" from the outside (as in from the KKIVF clinic). I was told to remove all my street wear and change into the this white gown. Then I had a pink kimono cos the white gown was bare back! Nurse called it a pink kimono. Hhahaa. I had to empty my bladder again (just in case). Kept all my personal stuff in the locker (including phone), said good bye to hubby over whataspp, then, I walked through the other door and into the waiting area. It is one huge room with only an enclosed room which I later learnt was the procedure room. This huge room is also where I will be recovering after my sedation. I sat down on the chair (just next to the door I had to go through with 4 chairs). There were already 2 ladies there. I had no mood to make small talk and I guess same for them. Waited for Nurse Lee (this all all the nurses wears the blue garb) to prep me. She had to insert a needle into my left hand cos this is where the anesthetist (wearing the green garb) will insert the lovely sedation for me and any other pain killers or drip that I might need. Within 5 mins of the Nurse Lee prepping me, my name was called and I proceeded to the procedure room. I think it was about 8.30am?
My doctor is Dr Tan Heng Hao. He was supposed to be on reservist but he comes back every morning to do the procedure! I was so happy to see him!!!! I think he really loves his job huh. He could have a free and easy time, but choose to come back! Not like the hospital is paying him extra.
Anesthetist was nice and was so chirpy which really puts me at ease. At this point, I do not even recall if I saw Dr Tan before I was knocked out. It was that fast! Wahahaha.
The next time I woke up, it was 9.15am and I drifted in and out of sleep. I seemed to take longer than the rest to recover. When I was more awake, I was given a cup of warm milo. Again, after finishing my drink, I drifted back to sleep. It was quiet and peaceful and I did not have any cramps (based on what I read from the internet and I was so happy!). 3 girls were already discharged before me! In any case, hubby was not ready to pick me up, so I told the Nurse Lee and she told me to rest a little linger. There are 2 nurses running the recovery area. They were really quite good. Always checking in on everyone.
By 11.45, I felt so much better and more alert, decided to tell Nurse Lee I was ready to go home. Cos you see….I had to call hubby and my phone was in the locker. So, if I continued to stay on the bed, my hubby will never know to come pick me! I still felt good even after I changed and sat down to wait for hubby. It is a rule that someone must accompany you home and the nurse has to confirm. Nurse Lee came over to explain some stuff about the egg retrieval and the signs I will be experiencing. She told me my vaginal bleeding is slight and doctor has checked (gasp! so shy…) and I am doing fine. I had 6 follicles picked up. Then she gave me instructions for the procedure on Saturday and some documents to sign. I was already getting drowsy again. In fact, I actually felt sick.
Hubby arrived around 12.30pm! He insisted that I have something to eat and he suggested Macs which I could not resist. It was a good move. Felt so much better after having fries!!!! Tried a bit of hubby's Ebi burger and it was not bad and it came with the banana pie! I still fancy the apple pie! I still felt good when I arrived home but decided to rest. Changed into home clothes and got a hot water bottle for myself and climbed into bed. By this time, cramping had already started. Oh….I felt a little weird down under my little flower.
Next woke up @ 3pm when hubby came home and he told me I told him to lower his voice. Oops….I have NO recollection about this!!! Slept again and woke up @ 6pm. Watched some tv and had my dinner @ 7pm. Waited till 9pm to take my antibiotics cos I had pizza for dinner (no milk contents 2 hours before/after antibiotics), played some candy crush and I was snoozing by 10.30pm! Note: Cramps at this time was kinda bad. Was contemplating Panadol but because it was bearable, I decided to sleep it off. Woke up this morning @ 8.30am and felt so much better. No more cramps!
To sum off my experience at KKIVF. It felt like I was part of a factory assemble. From the reception to the changing room, to the needle insertion to the procedure. It was patient after patient. BUT…..surprisingly, I find comfort in this. Previously, I had to wait 2 hours for the doctor to start the procedure. Waiting so long actually makes you even more scared. So…I was glad that it was like an assembly line and I did not had to wait long for my turn. Gave me less time to think about anything.
Tomorrow…..the day of my embryo transfer. I only had 6 follicles retrieved which I think was quite low. But…with low ovarian reserve, I should be lucky for this. The consultant doctor told me that some people could only produce 1-2 follicles. I am hoping for quality….at 2.36pm on a Friday afternoon, I have not received any call from KKIVF, so I guess no news is good news? I am afraid that no eggs have been fertilised…… :(
Oh, as of day 12 of my cycle, these were my readings:
Right - 18,17.5,15,15,12,12,10.5
Left - 18,17.5,15,15,12,12,10.5
Lining - 11
Another milestone achieved
This is the day for egg retrieval! I could only pen this today (one day after) as I was so tired and drowsy from the sedation.
I was supposed to report to the clinic @ 7.30am. By the time I got a q number and ready to say good bye to hubby, it was already 8am! And hubby produced sperms at 7am (at home)!!! I was kinda freaking out but told myself to calm down. We should have produced at the clinic cos today, there were only 6 people doing the egg retrieval which means no rush for the room. :(
Note: Although the clinic opens @ 7.30am, you would be allowed into the waiting area from 7.20am.
So…...I entered the room. It's termed as "Changing room" from the outside (as in from the KKIVF clinic). I was told to remove all my street wear and change into the this white gown. Then I had a pink kimono cos the white gown was bare back! Nurse called it a pink kimono. Hhahaa. I had to empty my bladder again (just in case). Kept all my personal stuff in the locker (including phone), said good bye to hubby over whataspp, then, I walked through the other door and into the waiting area. It is one huge room with only an enclosed room which I later learnt was the procedure room. This huge room is also where I will be recovering after my sedation. I sat down on the chair (just next to the door I had to go through with 4 chairs). There were already 2 ladies there. I had no mood to make small talk and I guess same for them. Waited for Nurse Lee (this all all the nurses wears the blue garb) to prep me. She had to insert a needle into my left hand cos this is where the anesthetist (wearing the green garb) will insert the lovely sedation for me and any other pain killers or drip that I might need. Within 5 mins of the Nurse Lee prepping me, my name was called and I proceeded to the procedure room. I think it was about 8.30am?
My doctor is Dr Tan Heng Hao. He was supposed to be on reservist but he comes back every morning to do the procedure! I was so happy to see him!!!! I think he really loves his job huh. He could have a free and easy time, but choose to come back! Not like the hospital is paying him extra.
Anesthetist was nice and was so chirpy which really puts me at ease. At this point, I do not even recall if I saw Dr Tan before I was knocked out. It was that fast! Wahahaha.
The next time I woke up, it was 9.15am and I drifted in and out of sleep. I seemed to take longer than the rest to recover. When I was more awake, I was given a cup of warm milo. Again, after finishing my drink, I drifted back to sleep. It was quiet and peaceful and I did not have any cramps (based on what I read from the internet and I was so happy!). 3 girls were already discharged before me! In any case, hubby was not ready to pick me up, so I told the Nurse Lee and she told me to rest a little linger. There are 2 nurses running the recovery area. They were really quite good. Always checking in on everyone.
By 11.45, I felt so much better and more alert, decided to tell Nurse Lee I was ready to go home. Cos you see….I had to call hubby and my phone was in the locker. So, if I continued to stay on the bed, my hubby will never know to come pick me! I still felt good even after I changed and sat down to wait for hubby. It is a rule that someone must accompany you home and the nurse has to confirm. Nurse Lee came over to explain some stuff about the egg retrieval and the signs I will be experiencing. She told me my vaginal bleeding is slight and doctor has checked (gasp! so shy…) and I am doing fine. I had 6 follicles picked up. Then she gave me instructions for the procedure on Saturday and some documents to sign. I was already getting drowsy again. In fact, I actually felt sick.
Hubby arrived around 12.30pm! He insisted that I have something to eat and he suggested Macs which I could not resist. It was a good move. Felt so much better after having fries!!!! Tried a bit of hubby's Ebi burger and it was not bad and it came with the banana pie! I still fancy the apple pie! I still felt good when I arrived home but decided to rest. Changed into home clothes and got a hot water bottle for myself and climbed into bed. By this time, cramping had already started. Oh….I felt a little weird down under my little flower.
Next woke up @ 3pm when hubby came home and he told me I told him to lower his voice. Oops….I have NO recollection about this!!! Slept again and woke up @ 6pm. Watched some tv and had my dinner @ 7pm. Waited till 9pm to take my antibiotics cos I had pizza for dinner (no milk contents 2 hours before/after antibiotics), played some candy crush and I was snoozing by 10.30pm! Note: Cramps at this time was kinda bad. Was contemplating Panadol but because it was bearable, I decided to sleep it off. Woke up this morning @ 8.30am and felt so much better. No more cramps!
To sum off my experience at KKIVF. It felt like I was part of a factory assemble. From the reception to the changing room, to the needle insertion to the procedure. It was patient after patient. BUT…..surprisingly, I find comfort in this. Previously, I had to wait 2 hours for the doctor to start the procedure. Waiting so long actually makes you even more scared. So…I was glad that it was like an assembly line and I did not had to wait long for my turn. Gave me less time to think about anything.
Tomorrow…..the day of my embryo transfer. I only had 6 follicles retrieved which I think was quite low. But…with low ovarian reserve, I should be lucky for this. The consultant doctor told me that some people could only produce 1-2 follicles. I am hoping for quality….at 2.36pm on a Friday afternoon, I have not received any call from KKIVF, so I guess no news is good news? I am afraid that no eggs have been fertilised…… :(
Oh, as of day 12 of my cycle, these were my readings:
Right - 18,17.5,15,15,12,12,10.5
Left - 18,17.5,15,15,12,12,10.5
Lining - 11
Another milestone achieved
Things to prepare for Embryo transfer Day
Things to prepare:
1) IVF documents
2) Cheque - do not fill in numbers as it would depend on how many embryos are being transferred. I decided to leave it blank
Things to prepare for egg retrieval Day
Also known as Oocyte Pick Up
Things to prepare
1) IVF documents (you would have been given some documents. Bring it along). Oh, please read it and be aware of what to expect
2) Own medication (I brought along Panadol as I have drug allergy. It would act as my pain killer)
3) Sanitary pad or panty liner (I was good with just a panty liner)
4) Heat pad (to help release cramps)
5) Sperms! If you are producing at home)
Note: This applies only to KKIVF patients
Oh, I did a list of items to watch out for after the egg retrieval.
My list:
To contact clinic if:
1) Fever greater than 39 degrees for more than 2 hours
2) Excessive vaginal bleeding
3) Unusual and increasing pelvic area discomfort
4) Difficulty with urination or change in bowel activity
5) Nausea, vomitting or diahorrea
6) Sharp or shooting pains
7) Pain or burning during urination
8) Abdominal swelling
9) Unusual back pain
Oh, I did a list of items to watch out for after the egg retrieval.
My list:
To contact clinic if:
1) Fever greater than 39 degrees for more than 2 hours
2) Excessive vaginal bleeding
3) Unusual and increasing pelvic area discomfort
4) Difficulty with urination or change in bowel activity
5) Nausea, vomitting or diahorrea
6) Sharp or shooting pains
7) Pain or burning during urination
8) Abdominal swelling
9) Unusual back pain
Thursday 7 November 2013
Day 7 of Antagonist Cycle
Back to KKIVF again today (after 3 days). Going to head back again tomorrow cos the doctor wants to monitor the growth of the follicles.
Right ovary - 13,10,10
Left Ovary - 10.5, 9.5
Uterus Lining - 8
I am so happy that the sonographer could detect 2 more follicles. I was worried that something might be wrong with my left ovary but seems like I should be at ease now……
Ok, so the weekend is approaching and because KKIVF does not do any procedures on Sundays, and the doctors need to monitor the speed of my follicle growth so that they can better gauge what they need to do next, and also when the egg retrieval will be, as such, I will need to head back tomorrow for another ultrasound. This time, still the same French doctor! You see my follicle size, most are around the same size, except for 1 that is growing ahead of the rest. As such, they need to monitor how fast the other 4 are growing, to obtain an optimal result.
Hmmm…she mentioned that my egg retrieval looks likely to be either Tuesday or Wednesday. That means hubby should start monitoring his sperms!
I am still on super high dose of medication - 450 units of Puregon. Geesh…..when i read blogs of other IVF-sters, they are on 150-200. I am way over their dosage….
Today, I was number 4! I arrived KKIVF about 7.40am. Doctor only started work around 9.10am. Plus, she could not go as fast as Monday cos she was guiding another doctor who still needs to polish on her delivery. When she first explained to me, it sounded like she was giving up on the other 4 eggs and just banking on the biggest egg. hhahahah. I had to collect medication, so I was done by 9.45am today. Collected 1 Puregon and 1 stick of Orgalutran today. Damage = $740.29. Lucky for medisave and subsidy.
Another early morning and sleepy day for me tomorrow….
Right ovary - 13,10,10
Left Ovary - 10.5, 9.5
Uterus Lining - 8
I am so happy that the sonographer could detect 2 more follicles. I was worried that something might be wrong with my left ovary but seems like I should be at ease now……
Ok, so the weekend is approaching and because KKIVF does not do any procedures on Sundays, and the doctors need to monitor the speed of my follicle growth so that they can better gauge what they need to do next, and also when the egg retrieval will be, as such, I will need to head back tomorrow for another ultrasound. This time, still the same French doctor! You see my follicle size, most are around the same size, except for 1 that is growing ahead of the rest. As such, they need to monitor how fast the other 4 are growing, to obtain an optimal result.
Hmmm…she mentioned that my egg retrieval looks likely to be either Tuesday or Wednesday. That means hubby should start monitoring his sperms!
I am still on super high dose of medication - 450 units of Puregon. Geesh…..when i read blogs of other IVF-sters, they are on 150-200. I am way over their dosage….
Today, I was number 4! I arrived KKIVF about 7.40am. Doctor only started work around 9.10am. Plus, she could not go as fast as Monday cos she was guiding another doctor who still needs to polish on her delivery. When she first explained to me, it sounded like she was giving up on the other 4 eggs and just banking on the biggest egg. hhahahah. I had to collect medication, so I was done by 9.45am today. Collected 1 Puregon and 1 stick of Orgalutran today. Damage = $740.29. Lucky for medisave and subsidy.
Another early morning and sleepy day for me tomorrow….
Monday 4 November 2013
Day 5 of Antagonist Cycle.....
.....and I am speechless. I thought I could handle it. But it's quite tough with all the injections. As you can see from the chart, I am on day 5 and I have 2 injections daily. I suspect I might even have these daily injections till Day 12 of the Antagonist cycle. The tummy is so sore that I dun even know where H should be injecting?!?!?!?!? I inject at 12-12.30pm daily. It has been 3 hours and yet, the tummy still feels pain! Nothing internal, just the external where the needle went through. This is the mental stress that everyone has to handle. It's really tough for those who are going through IVF and holding a job at the same time. Wow......
and it's tiring to go to the hospital for 3 hours every 3 days.
:(
:(
Another mental stress coming up - Egg retrieval.
Worry:
1) Not enough follicles. At the moment, only 2
2) Dr Tan is not the one doing for me
3) Some people experience pain. I have a super low threshold for pain......
I came across this video. You might like to take a look. Nothing gruesome but it helps you to "prepare" for the egg retrieval process. I was cringing all the time, wondering when a gruesome picture will come up. But the doctor was just explaining the process, the equipment etc.
Day 4 of Antagonist Cycle - another visit to KKIVF
Let me explain why it is Day 4.
Today is Day 9 since the start of my menstrual cycle.
I started Orgalutran on Day 3 (and it last till Day 5) of my menstrual cycle
Then I start Puregon (to stimulate the growth of the follicles) on Day 6 and I am still on it.
See my illustration below.
Today's date - 4 Nov
And guess what, I am back to Orgalutran tomorrow. I am wondering why since the songographer only detected 3 follicles today. It's not like it will stimulate my body to ovulate?
Just a guide for waiting time - Today is a Monday and Mondays are normally more crowded. I arrived at 7.40am and I was the 10th person in the queue. On average, it takes about 4-5 mins per scan. By the time I did my scanning, it was about 8.45am. Today, the doctor started to see the patients (that already had the scanning done) around 8.45am in Room 4. By the time I saw the doctor, it was around 9.35am. She was super chop chop. I might as well have seen the nurse cos she seems like she was trying to catch a train and Not much explanation done. She makes me feel like she is trying to rush me out of the room. So different from Dr Tan. I think this is the doctor (see image below)- Dr Viardot -Foucault. Her name was not on the door and she just wore a name tag. The doctors that see you during the consultations (after the scanning) are at random and it will not be the doctor that you are choosing for your egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
P.S: Not so good news. Dr Tan is on reservist from 11-16 November 2013, so I will totally miss him for both egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Was disappointed cos I wanted HIM!!! and he's so nice. I hope the doctor that is going to take over my case is nice and capable.
I checked with the nurse and she said that funding for medication is also 75%. I will be given a breakdown at the end of the IVF. A box of Puregon 900 costs $662.12 including GST. I was prescribed 1 box of Puregon and 3 units of Orgalutran. Yucks.....Will start Orgalutran tomorrow, together with puregon. Today, I was not even sure which side to let H inject. Both feels so sore and pain......
I also asked a few questions regarding the egg retrieval. It is normally done in the mornings and before 11am. There is only ONE room for collection of sperms and as such, I will persuade H to do it at home. I mean.....it would be super stressful when you know another comrade is up next. Considering that KKIVF is handling so many IVFS......2453 in 2011??? That's about 8 per day. I'm sure with the government funding, they could easily be doing 12-20 a day now! The operation room is also on the same floor as the clinic, the corridor down from the reception counter. It should take about 4 hours cos as I will be sedated, I will need time to be ready to go home. I think I will ask H to go off and do his stuff cos I am pretty sure he will not be allowed to wake with me. So unlike Raffles Hospital.......they gave me a bed in a ward to rest. I could even order food!!!! Most importantly, H can be beside me. Imaging waking up and staying conscious all alone.....:( Shall ask the nurse about this on Thursday. Next check up - Thursday.
This is the link http://www.kkh.com.sg/ABOUTUS/CLINICALOUTCOMES/Pages/KKIVFCentre.aspx
Today is Day 9 since the start of my menstrual cycle.
I started Orgalutran on Day 3 (and it last till Day 5) of my menstrual cycle
Then I start Puregon (to stimulate the growth of the follicles) on Day 6 and I am still on it.
See my illustration below.
Today's date - 4 Nov
And guess what, I am back to Orgalutran tomorrow. I am wondering why since the songographer only detected 3 follicles today. It's not like it will stimulate my body to ovulate?
Just a guide for waiting time - Today is a Monday and Mondays are normally more crowded. I arrived at 7.40am and I was the 10th person in the queue. On average, it takes about 4-5 mins per scan. By the time I did my scanning, it was about 8.45am. Today, the doctor started to see the patients (that already had the scanning done) around 8.45am in Room 4. By the time I saw the doctor, it was around 9.35am. She was super chop chop. I might as well have seen the nurse cos she seems like she was trying to catch a train and Not much explanation done. She makes me feel like she is trying to rush me out of the room. So different from Dr Tan. I think this is the doctor (see image below)- Dr Viardot -Foucault. Her name was not on the door and she just wore a name tag. The doctors that see you during the consultations (after the scanning) are at random and it will not be the doctor that you are choosing for your egg retrieval and embryo transfer.
| Dr Veronique Viardot-Foucault | Consultant (Endocrinology) | MD (France), PG Dip (Endocrinology) (France) FAMS (Endocrinology) |
P.S: Not so good news. Dr Tan is on reservist from 11-16 November 2013, so I will totally miss him for both egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Was disappointed cos I wanted HIM!!! and he's so nice. I hope the doctor that is going to take over my case is nice and capable.
I checked with the nurse and she said that funding for medication is also 75%. I will be given a breakdown at the end of the IVF. A box of Puregon 900 costs $662.12 including GST. I was prescribed 1 box of Puregon and 3 units of Orgalutran. Yucks.....Will start Orgalutran tomorrow, together with puregon. Today, I was not even sure which side to let H inject. Both feels so sore and pain......
I also asked a few questions regarding the egg retrieval. It is normally done in the mornings and before 11am. There is only ONE room for collection of sperms and as such, I will persuade H to do it at home. I mean.....it would be super stressful when you know another comrade is up next. Considering that KKIVF is handling so many IVFS......2453 in 2011??? That's about 8 per day. I'm sure with the government funding, they could easily be doing 12-20 a day now! The operation room is also on the same floor as the clinic, the corridor down from the reception counter. It should take about 4 hours cos as I will be sedated, I will need time to be ready to go home. I think I will ask H to go off and do his stuff cos I am pretty sure he will not be allowed to wake with me. So unlike Raffles Hospital.......they gave me a bed in a ward to rest. I could even order food!!!! Most importantly, H can be beside me. Imaging waking up and staying conscious all alone.....:( Shall ask the nurse about this on Thursday. Next check up - Thursday.
This is the link http://www.kkh.com.sg/ABOUTUS/CLINICALOUTCOMES/Pages/KKIVFCentre.aspx
Wednesday 30 October 2013
Cost of IVF at KKH, KKIVF
So far, these are my costs. I will continue to update them as it comes
Note:
1) I need to verify on the Medication (1st). I am pretty sure it is 50% medisave and 50% government subsidy, I will check with nurse the next time.
2) The costs will not YET include the cost for IVF procedure, doctor's consultations, scannings etc. These costs will only be provided later when I either get the BFP or ......
3) Ignore the column "receipt number" cos that is for my own records
4) Last row is the total paid so far.
5) I have medisave and subsidy columns as I qualify for both. Read this post
| Description | Cost | Receipt Number | Covered by Medisave | Covered by Govt Subsidy | Cash |
| Registration | 95.76 | 2 | 95.76 | ||
| Counseling and Sign Consent | 203.30 | 2 | 203.30 | ||
| Screening Blood Test | 266.97 | 1 | 266.97 | ||
| 1st consultation (26 Sep) | 101.65 | 1 | 101.65 | ||
| Supplements | 39.50 | 3 | 39.50 | ||
| Transvaginal Scan | 127.33 | 4 | 127.33 | ||
| Medication (1st) | 1561.76 | 5 | 780.88 | 780.88 | |
| 2396.27 | 780.88 | 780.88 | 834.51 |
Note:
1) I need to verify on the Medication (1st). I am pretty sure it is 50% medisave and 50% government subsidy, I will check with nurse the next time.
2) The costs will not YET include the cost for IVF procedure, doctor's consultations, scannings etc. These costs will only be provided later when I either get the BFP or ......
3) Ignore the column "receipt number" cos that is for my own records
4) Last row is the total paid so far.
5) I have medisave and subsidy columns as I qualify for both. Read this post
Lucky me.....for being able to use Medisave and qualifying for subisdy
This is what H and I qualify for!
1) Co-fund for Assisted Reproduction Technology @ Restructured Hospitals
ART co-funding parameters per treatment cycle (with effect from 1 Jan 2013)
As this is our first fresh cycle as a SC-SC couple, we qualify for a subsidy of 75%, up to $6300. This is really cool cos it saves us the total amount of $6300! Gosh.....
For more info, this is where you can read up about Co-Fund for Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) at Restructured Hospitals
Note:
1) It only applies to Restructured Hospitals like KKH, NUH etc
2) It is only for 3 fresh and 3 frozen cycles
3) There are conditions such as age
4) It does not cover the total cost of IVF. Out pocket expenses maybe about $2000-$3000?
5) I am monitoring my bill. I read somewhere that medication is subsidy of 50%.
6) You cannot use it for IUI.
2) Medisave for Assisted Conception Procedures
1st cycle - $6,000
2nd cycle - $5,000
3rd and subsequent cycles - $4,000 (with effect from 1 Oct 2013)
Note:
1) There is a lifetime Medisave withdrawal limit of $15,000 per couple
2) You can use it for IUI but it might not be worth cos IUI is around $2000.
ART co-funding parameters per treatment cycle (with effect from 1 Jan 2013)
SC-SC Couple
|
SC-PR Couple
|
SC-Foreigner Couple
| |
Fresh
|
75%; up to $6,300
|
55%; up to $4,600
|
35%; up to $3,000
|
Frozen
|
75%; up to $1,200
|
55%; up to $900
|
35%; up to $600
|
As this is our first fresh cycle as a SC-SC couple, we qualify for a subsidy of 75%, up to $6300. This is really cool cos it saves us the total amount of $6300! Gosh.....
For more info, this is where you can read up about Co-Fund for Assisted Reproduction Technology (ART) at Restructured Hospitals
Note:
1) It only applies to Restructured Hospitals like KKH, NUH etc
2) It is only for 3 fresh and 3 frozen cycles
3) There are conditions such as age
4) It does not cover the total cost of IVF. Out pocket expenses maybe about $2000-$3000?
5) I am monitoring my bill. I read somewhere that medication is subsidy of 50%.
6) You cannot use it for IUI.
2) Medisave for Assisted Conception Procedures
1st cycle - $6,000
2nd cycle - $5,000
3rd and subsequent cycles - $4,000 (with effect from 1 Oct 2013)
Note:
1) There is a lifetime Medisave withdrawal limit of $15,000 per couple
2) You can use it for IUI but it might not be worth cos IUI is around $2000.
Day 3 of Menses
Today is day 3 of menses and I had to report to KKIVF to start on my IVF program. My cycle is termed "Antagonist Cycle", meaning, the short cycle.
I did some reading up on the procedure @ KKIVF and after reading a few blogs, I decided to go earlier to get my Q-number. For those who are going to KKIVF for the first time for the first scan, here are some tips and process!
1) You will need to do an ultrasound. It's a transavaginal scan, so do empty your bladder.
Anyway, the scanning starts at 8am, but you can go at 7.30am to start q-ing. 7.30am suits us cos we can avoid the morning peak jam as well as the hefty ERP charge. so we went to get a q number and I was 2nd in queue! (Number 1001 is sample and the real queue number starts 1002). You will be allowed to sit at the IVF centre even though they have not begun seeing patients. So don't worry that you go there early and there's no chairs for you to rest. You can even go and have your breakfast cos the scanning will only start at 8am. There are 4 options on the queue machine. Press Button "1". It will print out 2 labels. One for you to keep and the other for you to staple your appointment card (you got it when you first when to see the doctor at the Fertility Clinic). Or if you have papers to bring, you can staple it with your printed label and place it into the box outside Room 5. In case you forget to bring your papers, no worries. You can just indicate your IC number on the label. Staple, staplets, pens are all provided at the station you got your Q-number. I went on a Tuesday morning so it was not crowded and I did the scanning at 8.05am!! Scanning is done at Room 5. Only 1 scanning room but super fast. Approximately 5 minutes per patient.
2) After the scan, the nurse (counter 6) will call your number. There are some forms for you to complete for Medisave purposes. At the same time, she will also hand you your medication prescription which you will have to go to the pharmacy at level 1 to purchase. That should take another 15-20 minutes.
3) Come back and press button 3 for treatment. You will go into the nurse room (Room 1) and the nurse will show you how to do the injections. I have done it before but I just let her go through the protocol. She was very thorough and clear so you will not miss it. Then you are done!
4) Do note, these medication needs to be refrigerated. Unlike Raffles Hospital (they gave me a cooler bag and a big pack of ice), KKH only gave me that small packet of ice (see left of the below picture). Gosh....and they told me that I will need to return the packet and they will give me a new one the next time??? Duh...I will bring my own ice instead.
From others' experience, I brought my own cooler bag but I did not realize the pharmacy would only provide such a small packet of ice. I guess that small packet is enough, but how do you feel adequate? hahahah. Thus, instead of going for lunch, I went straight home!
5) Today's time at KKIVF is quite short - 2 hours but costed me $6 in parking fees. Another point to remember. Scanning is from 8-10am only. They don't scan after that.
6) Okay, if you qualify for the Medisave withdrawal and government subsidy, the below cost will not scare you. Medication today for just those 2 boxes of Puregon 900 and the 3 sticks of Orgalutran below...... $1,561.76. I did not pay a cent. Thank goodness for the Medisave and goverment subsidy. That is why I chose to do my IVF at KKH. Previously, at Raffles Hospital, the Puregon for just Puregon 300 was already $287.11. And the Orgalutran was $95.40. If I had paid for these medication at Raffles Hospital, I would have paid about $2000 in cold hard cash. But at KKIVF, slightly cheaper and it does not come out from my pocket. Huge difference even though the money is still part of my money (Medisave). But well, I would not have seen that money till I am 60 anyway.
My dosage is quite high. Doctor ordered Puregon 450 for Day 6-8....seems kinda high. I used 175 previously. Let's see what happens. However!!!!! I was told to take the Orgalutran today??? From Day 3 to 5. Weird. Orgalutran is to suppress ovulation? I wonder why I need to take this when I have not even ovulated? I am only Day 3. I asked the nurse and she said it's a new protocol.....Shall follow instructions then. The thing is.....Orgalutran is pain....the needle seems blunt and you have to use more strength to poke than the Puregon. When you handle Orgalutran, you will find Puregon a breeze. Previously, I reflected to the doctor that it hurts. She told me I could apply this medication to numb the area before I inject. I mentioned to the KKIVF nurse (the one that showed me how to do the injections) and she told me I should have asked earlier. Cos now I have to go back to the pharmacy to get it. Hmmm....pharmacy quite a torture cos it means another wait. She told me the small bottle costs $13++ and she feels it's expensive. Instead, she asked me to numb the area with the ice! I decided to try her method cos I did not want to wait for the doctor to sign the request then wait again at the pharmacy. Anyway, I tried and it works!!!
To digress a little. The nurse who showed me the injection was a Senior Staff Nurse (SSN). She looks near retirement age. Actually, I think it's great that the hospital deploys the older nurses to these positions. Not so tough on the older ladies cos this SSN gets to sit most of the time. Rather than have them leave nursing due to working hours and conditions, these kind of jobs still allow them to have contact with patients and yet, not too hard on them! In addition, their age seems to add some stamp of authority to what they say. Hahahahaha
I did some reading up on the procedure @ KKIVF and after reading a few blogs, I decided to go earlier to get my Q-number. For those who are going to KKIVF for the first time for the first scan, here are some tips and process!
1) You will need to do an ultrasound. It's a transavaginal scan, so do empty your bladder.
Anyway, the scanning starts at 8am, but you can go at 7.30am to start q-ing. 7.30am suits us cos we can avoid the morning peak jam as well as the hefty ERP charge. so we went to get a q number and I was 2nd in queue! (Number 1001 is sample and the real queue number starts 1002). You will be allowed to sit at the IVF centre even though they have not begun seeing patients. So don't worry that you go there early and there's no chairs for you to rest. You can even go and have your breakfast cos the scanning will only start at 8am. There are 4 options on the queue machine. Press Button "1". It will print out 2 labels. One for you to keep and the other for you to staple your appointment card (you got it when you first when to see the doctor at the Fertility Clinic). Or if you have papers to bring, you can staple it with your printed label and place it into the box outside Room 5. In case you forget to bring your papers, no worries. You can just indicate your IC number on the label. Staple, staplets, pens are all provided at the station you got your Q-number. I went on a Tuesday morning so it was not crowded and I did the scanning at 8.05am!! Scanning is done at Room 5. Only 1 scanning room but super fast. Approximately 5 minutes per patient.
2) After the scan, the nurse (counter 6) will call your number. There are some forms for you to complete for Medisave purposes. At the same time, she will also hand you your medication prescription which you will have to go to the pharmacy at level 1 to purchase. That should take another 15-20 minutes.
3) Come back and press button 3 for treatment. You will go into the nurse room (Room 1) and the nurse will show you how to do the injections. I have done it before but I just let her go through the protocol. She was very thorough and clear so you will not miss it. Then you are done!
4) Do note, these medication needs to be refrigerated. Unlike Raffles Hospital (they gave me a cooler bag and a big pack of ice), KKH only gave me that small packet of ice (see left of the below picture). Gosh....and they told me that I will need to return the packet and they will give me a new one the next time??? Duh...I will bring my own ice instead.
From others' experience, I brought my own cooler bag but I did not realize the pharmacy would only provide such a small packet of ice. I guess that small packet is enough, but how do you feel adequate? hahahah. Thus, instead of going for lunch, I went straight home!
5) Today's time at KKIVF is quite short - 2 hours but costed me $6 in parking fees. Another point to remember. Scanning is from 8-10am only. They don't scan after that.
6) Okay, if you qualify for the Medisave withdrawal and government subsidy, the below cost will not scare you. Medication today for just those 2 boxes of Puregon 900 and the 3 sticks of Orgalutran below...... $1,561.76. I did not pay a cent. Thank goodness for the Medisave and goverment subsidy. That is why I chose to do my IVF at KKH. Previously, at Raffles Hospital, the Puregon for just Puregon 300 was already $287.11. And the Orgalutran was $95.40. If I had paid for these medication at Raffles Hospital, I would have paid about $2000 in cold hard cash. But at KKIVF, slightly cheaper and it does not come out from my pocket. Huge difference even though the money is still part of my money (Medisave). But well, I would not have seen that money till I am 60 anyway.
My dosage is quite high. Doctor ordered Puregon 450 for Day 6-8....seems kinda high. I used 175 previously. Let's see what happens. However!!!!! I was told to take the Orgalutran today??? From Day 3 to 5. Weird. Orgalutran is to suppress ovulation? I wonder why I need to take this when I have not even ovulated? I am only Day 3. I asked the nurse and she said it's a new protocol.....Shall follow instructions then. The thing is.....Orgalutran is pain....the needle seems blunt and you have to use more strength to poke than the Puregon. When you handle Orgalutran, you will find Puregon a breeze. Previously, I reflected to the doctor that it hurts. She told me I could apply this medication to numb the area before I inject. I mentioned to the KKIVF nurse (the one that showed me how to do the injections) and she told me I should have asked earlier. Cos now I have to go back to the pharmacy to get it. Hmmm....pharmacy quite a torture cos it means another wait. She told me the small bottle costs $13++ and she feels it's expensive. Instead, she asked me to numb the area with the ice! I decided to try her method cos I did not want to wait for the doctor to sign the request then wait again at the pharmacy. Anyway, I tried and it works!!!
To digress a little. The nurse who showed me the injection was a Senior Staff Nurse (SSN). She looks near retirement age. Actually, I think it's great that the hospital deploys the older nurses to these positions. Not so tough on the older ladies cos this SSN gets to sit most of the time. Rather than have them leave nursing due to working hours and conditions, these kind of jobs still allow them to have contact with patients and yet, not too hard on them! In addition, their age seems to add some stamp of authority to what they say. Hahahahaha
Tuesday 22 October 2013
3 more days....
And my next menstrual cycle will start. We will be starting IVF on this cycle.....scary.....
please.....one shot one try.....
please.....one shot one try.....
Saturday 12 October 2013
Running Man
heheheh. I am a fan of Running Man. They are so spontaneous and fun to watch. Bad thing....I can laugh till I start to whizz......really bad....
For the fans of Running Man and those who are following the Monday couple, check this scene where Gary Kisses Ji-Hyo!
Enjoy!
For the fans of Running Man and those who are following the Monday couple, check this scene where Gary Kisses Ji-Hyo!
Enjoy!
Tuesday 8 October 2013
Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan
What is this?
Transvaginal - cos it is via your vagina. It is invasive
Ultrasound - The machine uses sound waves to form images.
Why do this?
For people wanting to attempt IUI/IVF, we do it to
1) Check on abnormal stuff like cysts, fibroid. This is also how a polyp is discovered. In this way, you can rule out infertility because of this causes
2) For me, it was also done in addition to the abdominal ultrasound scan - to give the sonographer and doctor the best picture of your reproductive organs.
How is this done?
1) You do NOT need to drink up. You need to have an empty bladder. I did the abdominal scan first, followed by this scan. The trick is to pee. Wait. Wait till you have 1-2 more gushes of pee. You need to be really empty. If you do not wait, you will notice that your next pee will come pretty soon.
2) Once in the room, you will need to remove your panties. You should be given a towel to cover up :)
3) Sonographer will wear condom for the probe! Funny! This time, the probe is in a stick form. She will then add gel on top of the condom. For the first time, you might want to ask the sonographer to add more gel. Apparently it helps.
Note: My advice is targeted at the first timers like myself.
4) You will lie down, with your knees bent (soles are faced down on the bed). You could get a cushion to be placed under your butt so that it helps.
5) The sonographer will then insert the probe via your vagina.
Note: Do not tense. Your thighs and butt are usually the ones that gets tensed. When you are tensed, the sonographer cannot get the probe in.
What helps?
-breathing in and out
-coughing (yes!!! it helps) But becareful. At certain spots, she needs you to be still.
How long?
About 5-15 mins? Depending on the needs for the scan.
Any pain?
It is not painful. It is just uncomfortable. Once the probe is in, it is ok in most regions. It is uncomfortable once in a while when she moves over certain regions.
Note: The probe looks almost intimidating. But actually, only a small part of the probe is inserted.
Who is a sonographer?
This is the professional name for the person who does the ultrasound for you. In hospitals, it is mainly done by a sonographer. In a private practice, the doctor does it for you.
The only difference is that when done by a sonographer, you clean up the gel on your own!
With a private doctor, his/her nurse will clean up for you! :)
Cost in 2013:
1) Gynae at Raffles Hospital (Fertility clinic) - $96.30 (just abdominal scan)
2) Sonographer at KKH - $127.33 (please note that this is for abdominal and transvaginal scan)
Abdominal Ultrasound Scan
What is this?
Abdominal - cos it is non-invasive and the scan is just over the area just above your bush.
Ultrasound - The machine uses sound waves to form images.
Why do this?
You definitely do it when you are pregnant.
But for people like us who are waiting for the stork to drop, ultrasound is done for a number of reasons:
1) to check on your uterus lining, number of follicles.
2) Checking on the development and when is the best time to do IUI/IVF
3) For me, it was also done in addition to the transvaginal ultrasound - to give the sonographer and doctor the best picture of your reproductive organs.
How is this done?
1) You need to drink up. Yes, drink till your bladder feels really full and you need to go to the toilet. When you lightly press just above your bush and you can feel that urge to pee. That should be just about right. Do note....everyone is different. I have done this through trial and error. I start drinking 2 hours in advance of my appointment. In this way, I can take my time and not have to gulp down too much in a short space of time. Water becomes yucky when you have too much and too fast, even ribena!
2) In case your bladder is too full and you cannot wait for your turn, just go ahead to pee. But you will need to start drinking again. So give it another 20 - 30 mins to build up again.
3) Okay, if I am not clear about this. You need a full bladder to perform this scan. Without a full bladder, the sonographer cannot see anything.
4) You will lie down, there is no need for any special actions. You just lie there! Easy!
5) The sonographer will squeeze this gel thingy on your belly. Most times it is warm and a hand-held probe (something like your computer mouse) and she will just move around the top and try to get some images on her screen. The sound waves will create the image.
How long?
About 5-10 mins? Depending on the needs for the scan.
Any pain?
This really should not have any pain at all. I am super sensitive to pain and it is not even pain for me. There might be a slight discomfort when she presses the probe down harder, but that's it.
Who is a sonographer?
This is the professional name for the person who does the ultrasound for you. In hospitals, it is mainly done by a sonographer. In a private practice, the doctor does it for you.
The only difference is that when done by a sonographer, you clean up the gel on your own!
With a private doctor, his/her nurse will clean up for you! :)
Cost in 2013:
1) Gynae at Raffles Hospital (Fertility clinic) - $96.30 (just abdominal scan)
2) Sonographer at KKH - $127.33 (please note that this is for abdominal and transvaginal scan)
Abdominal - cos it is non-invasive and the scan is just over the area just above your bush.
Ultrasound - The machine uses sound waves to form images.
Why do this?
You definitely do it when you are pregnant.
But for people like us who are waiting for the stork to drop, ultrasound is done for a number of reasons:
1) to check on your uterus lining, number of follicles.
2) Checking on the development and when is the best time to do IUI/IVF
3) For me, it was also done in addition to the transvaginal ultrasound - to give the sonographer and doctor the best picture of your reproductive organs.
How is this done?
1) You need to drink up. Yes, drink till your bladder feels really full and you need to go to the toilet. When you lightly press just above your bush and you can feel that urge to pee. That should be just about right. Do note....everyone is different. I have done this through trial and error. I start drinking 2 hours in advance of my appointment. In this way, I can take my time and not have to gulp down too much in a short space of time. Water becomes yucky when you have too much and too fast, even ribena!
2) In case your bladder is too full and you cannot wait for your turn, just go ahead to pee. But you will need to start drinking again. So give it another 20 - 30 mins to build up again.
3) Okay, if I am not clear about this. You need a full bladder to perform this scan. Without a full bladder, the sonographer cannot see anything.
4) You will lie down, there is no need for any special actions. You just lie there! Easy!
5) The sonographer will squeeze this gel thingy on your belly. Most times it is warm and a hand-held probe (something like your computer mouse) and she will just move around the top and try to get some images on her screen. The sound waves will create the image.
How long?
About 5-10 mins? Depending on the needs for the scan.
Any pain?
This really should not have any pain at all. I am super sensitive to pain and it is not even pain for me. There might be a slight discomfort when she presses the probe down harder, but that's it.
Who is a sonographer?
This is the professional name for the person who does the ultrasound for you. In hospitals, it is mainly done by a sonographer. In a private practice, the doctor does it for you.
The only difference is that when done by a sonographer, you clean up the gel on your own!
With a private doctor, his/her nurse will clean up for you! :)
Cost in 2013:
1) Gynae at Raffles Hospital (Fertility clinic) - $96.30 (just abdominal scan)
2) Sonographer at KKH - $127.33 (please note that this is for abdominal and transvaginal scan)
My Virgin Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan
Wow! It was mind blowing.....I have fallen behind in blogging about my KKH experience, but I need to blog about this to get it out of my mind. I just had a transvaginal ultrasound (TU). Let's call it TU for short. What is TU? It is a probe (a stick) that enters your body via your vagina to look at a woman's reproductive organs like womb, uterus, ovaries, cervix.
Many years ago, I have rejected the TU because, well...I do not like the idea of that stick in me.
no no NO.
Why you need to do a TU? The sonographer (the person that does all the ultrasound) needs to reconstruct a picture of your womb for the doctor. Don't ask me what is this for....why reconstruct? I will ask the doctor when I next see him. But I guess it's also to check if you have any polyp, endometriosis, any worrying sign for infertility etc.
The sonographer was soooo nice. She had that stick in me for 20 mins. I guess she could have completed it under 12 mins, but cos it was my first time and I kept on tensing up (thighs and butt), she went very slowly, gently and followed my pace. She will stop once in a while to check on me and to let me relax. Wonderful sonographer.....Jia Yun from KKH. The funny part was I had already spoken to doctor and he agreed to just do an abdominal scan but when she found out it was for IVF, she told me it is okay if I do not want to do it, but it's really useful and important. Some people are like her....she makes you feel comfortable, she earns your trust. In the end, I did the scan cos I knew I can trust her, that she will be slow and follow my pace and not pressure me. She was very comforting and patient ALL THE WAY....I am so glad I met her today. Gosh....I think I spent about 40 mins in her room? For the abdominal and transvaginal scan.
To those who have not had and have to do TU, fret not. It is really not that bad. Pain is definitely not an apt adjective. There is some discomfort cos there are parts she touch that will feel weird (like your bladder) and some other motions. But generally, once the probe is in, it is good. The worst is to be tensed as once you tensed up, the probe cannot go in.
Oops....this post is too long. I will continue in another post on the how-to for a TU.
Abdominal Ultrasound Scan
Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan
Abdominal Ultrasound Scan
Transvaginal Ultrasound Scan
But even with this blog.....I really hope I do not need to do another scan. I am feeling damn damn damn sore.....and there is no pain when I brush my hand across my vagina (from the outside). I guess it's more of a memory thingy.....
Friday 27 September 2013
I have decided
The previous post was written 2 weeks ago, but I only managed to post it yesterday. While I was deciding if I wanted IVF or not, I actually made an appointment with KKH. You know....just to talk to the doctor and see if I am comfortable with IVF and of course, the doctor. I did some research online and I chose him cos he was described as being patient and nice. True enough, he was! In any case, I had a very good impression of KKH and .....
I have decided. I am moving on.
He said something that makes sense to me. If I am going to decide "maybe 2 years later", I might as well do it now. There is no point to delay an action that you want to put forward. 2 years later, my chances of being fertile will be even lower than today. He made me feel very comfortable and he made me feel that this is all about me - What I am comfortable with and why I want to do it. At that point in time, I knew I wanted to move forward. Time is not on my end and I know I really want to have a baby. So there is no point to drag my feet around it. H is right (again). We just have to move on.
Success rate is 32% for my age bracket. So there is an even higher chance of me not pregnant. But....let's focus on the 32% chance and be glad that I even have 32%. Some people might not even have that kind of % due to other factors...
I shall blog about the treatment I had at KKH in my next post. Total opposite of what I would expect!!!
I have decided. I am moving on.
He said something that makes sense to me. If I am going to decide "maybe 2 years later", I might as well do it now. There is no point to delay an action that you want to put forward. 2 years later, my chances of being fertile will be even lower than today. He made me feel very comfortable and he made me feel that this is all about me - What I am comfortable with and why I want to do it. At that point in time, I knew I wanted to move forward. Time is not on my end and I know I really want to have a baby. So there is no point to drag my feet around it. H is right (again). We just have to move on.
Success rate is 32% for my age bracket. So there is an even higher chance of me not pregnant. But....let's focus on the 32% chance and be glad that I even have 32%. Some people might not even have that kind of % due to other factors...
I shall blog about the treatment I had at KKH in my next post. Total opposite of what I would expect!!!
Thursday 26 September 2013
4 failed IUIs and I want to move on
It has been 3 weeks after my last heartbreak and honestly, I still do not know what I want, or can do. I don't know if there are many people who are like me. I took the easier and cheaper way out by going through IUI. But to progress from IUI to IVF seems more than just 1 baby step over the tiny stream. It is a cliff jumping step.
Before the 3rd IUI, H says that we have no choice. We just have to move forward - meaning IUI after IUI. However, after the 4th failed attempt, doctor has advised us that going forward with IUI is no longer an option. She advised us to take a break, make a decision if we want to move on to IVF and come back 3 months later.
And yes....honestly, I have no option. I need to move on to IVF. But am I even ready for it? I really don't know. I have made an appointment with another doctor. A doctor that seemingly has a high hit %. Let's see how this goes.....
Before the 3rd IUI, H says that we have no choice. We just have to move forward - meaning IUI after IUI. However, after the 4th failed attempt, doctor has advised us that going forward with IUI is no longer an option. She advised us to take a break, make a decision if we want to move on to IVF and come back 3 months later.
And yes....honestly, I have no option. I need to move on to IVF. But am I even ready for it? I really don't know. I have made an appointment with another doctor. A doctor that seemingly has a high hit %. Let's see how this goes.....
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