First Time On This Bit of the Board

[lambchops]

A bit of history.

I'm 28 and hubby is 28. I'm a survivor of non-hodgkin's t-cell lymphoma (and chemo/radiation) in addition to lacking one kidney because of a congenital defect. I always knew I would have problems having kids. We were referred to an RE immediately when I mentioned to the OB/GYN that we were "Trying" three years ago. After further testing, I looked as "normal" as a girl with one ovary could. It was my hubby with the problem. He had a grade 2 varicocele on one side and a grade 3 on the other. He had surgery, but it did not resolve his morphology problems.

We were referred back to the RE from the urologist. Next step IUI. In the meantime I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism which of course makes it difficult to get pregnant. It took six or so months for that to stabilize before I could get on clomid. I was on clomid for four months before it was clear the home ovulation kits didn't work for me. I had an ultrasound and a LH surge shot and subsequent mid-luteal progesterone test. Everything looked a-ok.

June was the fifth month of Clomid but this time I was able to have an IUI. Ultrasounds showed three very healthy eggs so we went ahead with the procedure. Over three weeks later, I'm very much pregnant. My beta came back today (I had it tested yesterday for a positive/negative) as 668. Docs are very happy so I am now scheduled for an ultrasound (7 week) on July 19 and will make an appt. with a OB/GYN shortly.

I'm jumping out of my chair excited. However, hubby and I have agreed to not tell anybody for about three months. At this rate of bloating I'm not sure how my clothing will fit at that time, but we'll see

Shelly.

[lambchops]

I'm back again--this time hopefully sans ectopic (which the last ended in). I had an emergency surgery on July 4 after the pregnancy started bleeding into my abdomen (talk about INCREDIBLE pain). In any case...

I had my second IUI on September 15. We had the identical process as the first, but this time my beta is much, much higher. To compare, I had a 668 on what would have been five days after my first beta this time. CUrrently my betas are at:

1st beta October 3 (10:30am) - 1290
2nd beta Octomber 5 (7:00am) - 2220

The nurse said they look good and since I never got over 1000 with the ectopic, I am beginning to celebrate quietly on the inside. I go in early (at 6 weeks--a week from today) for an ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy and to make sure the sac is in my uterus.

I'm hoping for good news--dh is hoping for good news. My first appt. with the OB is on November 16. Prior to that my reproductive endocrinologist (RE) will be watching me carefully. I think I deserve some really good news

[AthenaD]

Sooooo happy for you! Your numbers sound great! Best wishes for a happy, healthy pregnancy!

[Loopy Lou]

OMG Shelly!!!!

What fantatstic news... I was just have a wee look at the beta board having jumped in from the march due date board and saw your name!!! I remember talking to you back in july after your awful loss.

I am soooooo happy for you!!! Fingers crossed for you, prayers being said for you, baby thoughts being sent to you (in fact my pair have just given me a wee kick of encouragement for you!)

Well done... take it easy and congratulations!!!!
Lou

[lambchops]

Still around, too! I'm 9.5 weeks or so right now. Each day that passes makes me feel a bit more confident about the whole thing. I've seen the h/b on ultrasound at 7 weeks. I'll have my first OB appt. and *real* u/s at 11 weeks. It seemed so far away when it was scheduled. Now it's just 1.5 weeks away!

THanks for the positivity. I appreciate it.

[AthenaD]

Enjoy your u/s! They're awesome! All the best to you, dh and baby...you deserve it!!!