Background
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July 14th, 2009
Wow first day back at school was a wild one, specifically with how sore I was, but doing much better now. Getting back into the swing of things might be just what I need. My mom helped to clean and decorate the classroom which helped out a ton. The injections, which i gave myself, went good. One thing with the oil is it sometimes a little dribble trickles out of the injection site and scares me. If anyone has tips on how to prevent that I would love to hear, because i keep over estimating my dosage to make up the dribble of a difference. We are excited and looking forward all we have in store.
Monday, July 13, 2009
July 13th, 2009
Good evening!
The surgery was bright and early this morning. After entering the operating room, it was like seconds before I was out. Surprisingly this time I did not talk too much, try to escape and cant even remember them dressing me or going to the recovery room at all. The procedure took about half the amount of time as previously. The trip home was unpleasant. I was incredibly hot and overheating and more nauseous than probably ever. I sat by the toilet for quote a while, but never got sick. Then I got in bed and was fast out for like 5 hours. We were lazy this afternoon and watched movies and took it easy. I called the doc this afternoon to check and make sure I knew all what was supposed to happen in the future and see how today went. Good and bad news....the procedure went well and the eggs are healthy and mature, but only 4. I was stunned last time we had either 5 or 6, and we doubled my meds this round and made 4. Scary but still exciting. I had my first progesterone injection this evening. The injection is oil and the needle is huge, so this set of injections is by far the most painful. I return to school tomorrow and I have 2 days until the transfer. Please Pray for our little embryos and their health. We are excited, anxious, faithful, nervous, joyful, scared all at the same time. The excitement for a baby Johnson is increasing!
The surgery was bright and early this morning. After entering the operating room, it was like seconds before I was out. Surprisingly this time I did not talk too much, try to escape and cant even remember them dressing me or going to the recovery room at all. The procedure took about half the amount of time as previously. The trip home was unpleasant. I was incredibly hot and overheating and more nauseous than probably ever. I sat by the toilet for quote a while, but never got sick. Then I got in bed and was fast out for like 5 hours. We were lazy this afternoon and watched movies and took it easy. I called the doc this afternoon to check and make sure I knew all what was supposed to happen in the future and see how today went. Good and bad news....the procedure went well and the eggs are healthy and mature, but only 4. I was stunned last time we had either 5 or 6, and we doubled my meds this round and made 4. Scary but still exciting. I had my first progesterone injection this evening. The injection is oil and the needle is huge, so this set of injections is by far the most painful. I return to school tomorrow and I have 2 days until the transfer. Please Pray for our little embryos and their health. We are excited, anxious, faithful, nervous, joyful, scared all at the same time. The excitement for a baby Johnson is increasing!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July 12th,2009 actually the right date this time
Today was odd, because I dropped down from 3 or 4 injections a day to 0. I had my final and only Ovidrel injection last night at 10:30, which should hopefully spawn my eggs into action. I had to post a picture of it because it is refrigerated, glass and specially encased in gas...like an injection for a queen! We had a great time worshipping today and truthfully felt His presence! We are excited for tomorrow! I am scheduled to be in the room at 8:00, and totally out of it quickly after. Not too hard to knock me out after I pay the IVF bill tomorrow. They should just show me the IVF bill and let me pass out naturally from shock. How amazing how God has provided and planned for this. Tyler and I talked, and if in the future we are financially blessed we would love to sponsor a family int heir IVF procedures who would not be able to afford it otherwise.I will try and updated everyone on tomorrows procedure, how many eggs we retrieved and my current health. Thank you for your prayers and concerns, we are blessed by our relationships with each of you.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
July 12th,2009
Trust involves letting go and knowing God will catch you. -James Dobson
Hola!
Wow life is moving full speed ahead. Tyler and I celebrated another anniversary, none of which we have been able to spend in the same state yet, but still full of love and a life long commitment. This morning I injected my last Lupron, Menopur and Merional shots. Now we have the Ovidrel injection at midnight and then bring on the babies. Monday at 8:00 am is the surgery to retrive eggs, and my US guaranteed a minimum of 6 again yesterday. My Progesterone blood work yesterday was in the 700s which looked great as well. Then, Thursday at 9:45 is the embryo transfer. We are praying for healthy little embryos to become a baby Johnson in this next week. Amazing to think that a week from now I could be pregnant!!! Please keep us n your thoughts and prayers. God listens!
Hola!
Wow life is moving full speed ahead. Tyler and I celebrated another anniversary, none of which we have been able to spend in the same state yet, but still full of love and a life long commitment. This morning I injected my last Lupron, Menopur and Merional shots. Now we have the Ovidrel injection at midnight and then bring on the babies. Monday at 8:00 am is the surgery to retrive eggs, and my US guaranteed a minimum of 6 again yesterday. My Progesterone blood work yesterday was in the 700s which looked great as well. Then, Thursday at 9:45 is the embryo transfer. We are praying for healthy little embryos to become a baby Johnson in this next week. Amazing to think that a week from now I could be pregnant!!! Please keep us n your thoughts and prayers. God listens!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July 8th, 2009
Be imitators of God! Ephesians 5:1a
Howdy!
Just a quick note to tell everyone how great everything is going. I/We have mastered giving the 4 vials at morning and night, as well as m Lupron to the tummy. Yesterday I had an appointment and had my blood drawn. My estrogen level was 210 which they said was perfect. The Ultrasound went "Pretty good". My uterus and lining are better than ever, however we only counted 6 follicles as of now. Good enough since last time we even had less, but not nearly what we hoped with almost doubling the injections. The doc is estimating the egg retrieval surgery to be Monday or Tuesday and the embryo transfer on Thursday or Friday. We are working to arrange my mom to fly back out. We are beyond thrilled and excited. We feel this round has been a huge relief and at no point have we been stressed or worried like last round when everything was so new. Tyler is excited to welcome a spring baby Johnson! We are excited to see what God has in store and everyday learn more about our intimacy with Him, our marriage and ever growing faith in time of dependence.
Howdy!
Just a quick note to tell everyone how great everything is going. I/We have mastered giving the 4 vials at morning and night, as well as m Lupron to the tummy. Yesterday I had an appointment and had my blood drawn. My estrogen level was 210 which they said was perfect. The Ultrasound went "Pretty good". My uterus and lining are better than ever, however we only counted 6 follicles as of now. Good enough since last time we even had less, but not nearly what we hoped with almost doubling the injections. The doc is estimating the egg retrieval surgery to be Monday or Tuesday and the embryo transfer on Thursday or Friday. We are working to arrange my mom to fly back out. We are beyond thrilled and excited. We feel this round has been a huge relief and at no point have we been stressed or worried like last round when everything was so new. Tyler is excited to welcome a spring baby Johnson! We are excited to see what God has in store and everyday learn more about our intimacy with Him, our marriage and ever growing faith in time of dependence.
Friday, July 3, 2009
July 3rd, 2009
Howdy! This morning we traveled to the Post office super early to pick up my box of European meds before my doc appointment. They had arrived while we were in San Diego and waiting for pick up. I had to take a picture after seeing how many little boxes with 2 vials each there were. The ultrasound went great. Dr. G did ask why I was super dosing the drugs. I explained his partner Marta had prescribed that amount, and he looked quite stunned. I reminded him of how few eggs we got last time, and he thinks that is why we are doing so many. I hope they communicate better from here on out. While I was there they gave me my 4 vials this morning, then drew permanent marker all over my booty to remind Francine where to stab from here on out. Francine is coming over this evening for the other 4! He knows the gym rat I am, and told me to not panic when I start packing on the pounds. Supposedly the injections have a known side effect of weight gain, which can be severe...15 pounds typically in 9 days. But last round was only 6..so we will see what happens! Tyler said for our anniversary next week he hopes we are blessed with a baby Johnson! We are thankful for your continued support and prayers! Love ya!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Howdy Yall! After injection Lupron for several days while out of the country, I have arrived at home and starting my Menopur injections tonight. The steward on the cruise ship had to give me a little "sharp trap" to keep my injections after he found syringes in the trash can. Tonight for the first time(this round) I mixed the 4 vials. I forgot how much sodium chloride to mix with the Menopur powders and after mixing it all realized the entire vials were all empty. Too bad for me, because I need the drug so it meant a huge injection volume. Tonight for the only time ever I was able to inject in my stomach, however with about 4 ccs of volume the injections was slow and rough on my tummy. I have a little knot where it was, and little light headed afterward, but everything is just peachy now. Must be a sign..because on a cruise excursion Alli told a woman we were "working on having kids", and she told a story about how on her 2nd round of IVF she was blessed with triplets!!! We are looking to become Mommy and Daddy Johnson in 2010!!!Thursday, June 25, 2009
June 25th, 2009
Today was another appointment with Dr. G. The US went great, with poor Al waiting in the front room. Then the blood draw...for the first time in 2 years it took 3 poke..yikes! The worst part was stabbing around saying the little vein keeps moving around and them trying to chase it..scary! They wrote out a calendar that I will continue 20 ccs of Lupron until my period, then decrease to 10ccs. At that point I start 4 vials of injections twice a day. They think the planning is perfect and I will give myself only one injection on the cruise before I am home and need to get on a regular routine. Sounds like perfect timing to me! The call with results later this afternoon said the blood work was great and that we were right on track! I hope we don't bubble over with joyful anticipation before we "really" begin the process. Love yall!
Monday, June 22, 2009
I have become an old pro at the injections and even have my little summer visitor Alli around to help. The only little draw back lately is all the prescription vitamins and supplements at once, making my tummy a little upset every once in a while. If that is my only draw back I have nothing to complain about! We are beyond excited and it builds every day. We are constantly praying for our little miracle!
Friday, June 19, 2009
July 19th, 2009
Hola Amigos!
My first 2 injections went off with out a hitch. I forgot all about them until I opened the syringe and the memories all came flooding back. My tummy now has 2 tiny pricks in it, and one day soon will have a whole little clock of ticks around my belly button again. We anticipation and excitement builds with each little poke and prod I think. Now the great debate on acupuncture... we are trying to decide if we should start that all over again as well. Have a blessed weekend knowing God is Great!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
June 18th, 2009
Good afternoon! I saw the doc again today and had yet another ultrasound and blood work. Then I went to the pharmacy to pick up most of my meds. The adorable pharmacist tried every way possible to see if insurance would cover the other meds, but to no avail, so again I ordered them off the Internet. Who knew little vials could be so expensive! I spilled out all my supplies on the living room floor, I attached a pic, because once again I was overwhelmed. One the syringes number in the hundreds it gets a tiny bit frightening! When I hold our precious goose for the first time, though the injections will be the last thing on my mind. The office called this afternoon and my progesterone had gone up, so starting today I take 20ml of Lupron into my tummy. Thankfully we start with the tiny needles and work up. We are thrilled and very hopeful, we hope everyone surrounding us is as well! Love you guys!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
June 17th,2009
Howdy!
After the craziness of yesterday I called Dr. Gelety's office to make sure I was 100% sure what they were talking about. Yes, as guessed they were referring to Lupron that I give myself in preparation for another round of IVF. Therefore, I called Wilmot RX and again ordered Lupron, 160 syringes and needles, progesterone oil vials and HCG injections. I am excited to see what the doc says again tomorrow and pick of all my meds at the pharmacy as well. You know we are excited when I get emails form Ty int he middle of the night wanting the nursery to look like a beach house, open and airy, kind of like a Hollister store...gotta love that kid! Lets get this party started!!!!!!!!
After the craziness of yesterday I called Dr. Gelety's office to make sure I was 100% sure what they were talking about. Yes, as guessed they were referring to Lupron that I give myself in preparation for another round of IVF. Therefore, I called Wilmot RX and again ordered Lupron, 160 syringes and needles, progesterone oil vials and HCG injections. I am excited to see what the doc says again tomorrow and pick of all my meds at the pharmacy as well. You know we are excited when I get emails form Ty int he middle of the night wanting the nursery to look like a beach house, open and airy, kind of like a Hollister store...gotta love that kid! Lets get this party started!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
June 16, 2009
Howdy!
I went to the doc today and it was quite bizarre. I went in and they asked if I was there for my DepotLupron shot. I said, not that my hubby had decided on another round of IVF while we were in peak condition to conceive. At that point the nurse remembered and apologized. Then, we did an ultrasound. Dr. G asked if I thought I had ovulated, since technically it is day 28. I explained I wasn't sure. He saw what he thought was one tiny follicle, but that by no means would I start my period any time soon. The surgery kind of through my cycle off. They then took blood, and called this afternoon to say my Progesterone was at 3.2 and to not take my Lupron. What Lupron? He still has not prescribed my Lupron for IVF, or the DepotLupron if we are to wait. He said he wants to better track what is happening, and needs to see me every few days. Therefore, I am going on Thursday and at that point I hope we clear up many of my questions. Love you guys!
I went to the doc today and it was quite bizarre. I went in and they asked if I was there for my DepotLupron shot. I said, not that my hubby had decided on another round of IVF while we were in peak condition to conceive. At that point the nurse remembered and apologized. Then, we did an ultrasound. Dr. G asked if I thought I had ovulated, since technically it is day 28. I explained I wasn't sure. He saw what he thought was one tiny follicle, but that by no means would I start my period any time soon. The surgery kind of through my cycle off. They then took blood, and called this afternoon to say my Progesterone was at 3.2 and to not take my Lupron. What Lupron? He still has not prescribed my Lupron for IVF, or the DepotLupron if we are to wait. He said he wants to better track what is happening, and needs to see me every few days. Therefore, I am going on Thursday and at that point I hope we clear up many of my questions. Love you guys!
Monday, June 15, 2009
June 15th, 2009
Howdy!
Today is the big decision day..well just the put the plan into action day I guess. I see Dr. G tomorrow morning and at that time we think we will have a better idea of our next few months schedule. We(The Captain and I..see pic above!) love you all and miss you like crazy!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June 10th, 2009
Howdy!
First off thank you to everyone for the emails, calls, prayers and encouragement. When a sister calls out in need you all quickly step up. What a blessing each of you have been in our lives.
Tyler and I spent the last day in prayer and discussion as a couple. This morning I woke up to Dr.G's office calling. The first few calls I did not answer, trying to get my head of straight. Finally, I spoke with the office manager who asked which pharmacy I would like my injections delivered too. I told her basically we are going to wait until we have a solid decision and spent more time in prayer before starting any meds at all. They put my order on hold. I asked if we could talk to DR. G ASAP. Sweet guy called me on his lunch break. I explained that Ty and I discussed the options and lean toward starting another round of IVF and wanted to know more specifics. He said he thought we were buying time by going on Lupron until Ty got back from Iraq to try naturally, and that we did not want to try IVF again because of the expense. I explained we are comfortable moving in any direction together or apart, but thought we needed to be on Lupron to increase the chances of IVF working. He said not at all. My chances after the surgeries are just as good since i was all "cleaned out". I am still meeting with him next week to discuss the 2 options and 1 million questions.
1. Start IVF as soon as we can.(After I am healed and physically able to.)
2. Start Lupron and wait until Tyler is home and we try naturally(even with a 10% shot it could happen!).
I am awed at what an incredible husband I have. He makes incredible sacrifices for our country and family, greater than most men are ever called to. Incredibly, with each struggle and trial we draw closer to each other and closer to our God...what an amazing life we are blessed with. We love you all and think of and pray from you often.
First off thank you to everyone for the emails, calls, prayers and encouragement. When a sister calls out in need you all quickly step up. What a blessing each of you have been in our lives.
Tyler and I spent the last day in prayer and discussion as a couple. This morning I woke up to Dr.G's office calling. The first few calls I did not answer, trying to get my head of straight. Finally, I spoke with the office manager who asked which pharmacy I would like my injections delivered too. I told her basically we are going to wait until we have a solid decision and spent more time in prayer before starting any meds at all. They put my order on hold. I asked if we could talk to DR. G ASAP. Sweet guy called me on his lunch break. I explained that Ty and I discussed the options and lean toward starting another round of IVF and wanted to know more specifics. He said he thought we were buying time by going on Lupron until Ty got back from Iraq to try naturally, and that we did not want to try IVF again because of the expense. I explained we are comfortable moving in any direction together or apart, but thought we needed to be on Lupron to increase the chances of IVF working. He said not at all. My chances after the surgeries are just as good since i was all "cleaned out". I am still meeting with him next week to discuss the 2 options and 1 million questions.
1. Start IVF as soon as we can.(After I am healed and physically able to.)
2. Start Lupron and wait until Tyler is home and we try naturally(even with a 10% shot it could happen!).
I am awed at what an incredible husband I have. He makes incredible sacrifices for our country and family, greater than most men are ever called to. Incredibly, with each struggle and trial we draw closer to each other and closer to our God...what an amazing life we are blessed with. We love you all and think of and pray from you often.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
June 9th, 2009
Howdy!
Today was the long awaited Post-Op. I literally got off the plane and drove straight to the doc's office. They took my blood pressure first, the poor nurse was new to the office and panicked a little, since it was so low as usual. Then Dr. Gelety came to review my healing process. He looked at my incisions and thought they would be more healed by now, but that they were slowly but surely getting better. He shared with e probably 50 pictures they had taken, he started with saying my liver was one of the healthiest ever, then moved to shape size and tilt of uterus was great. Then my ovaries basically looked like zebra print. He said they should be bright white to be healthy. Mine were far from that! He showed me the adhesion they removed. Then he multiple cysts, which were about the same size at the ovaries quite scary for me. He explained there are several stages of endometriosis ranging from stage 1 where the endometriosis becomes visible and fiber like, all the way to stage 4 where is covers the area, creates cysts larger than 2 cm in diameter and invading the ovaries. Much to my surprise he said I was on the top end of stage 4. He said he lanced, removed and lasered everything in sight, but that it could quickly return and there is always some hiding.
Then what we have all been waiting for..what are we doing next? We discussed many options:
1. Take LupronDepot injections for 3 months or so, to send my body into premenopause, stopping all periods, to dry up any additional endometriosis. Then when Tyles returns I could be healed up and we can try naturally, then start cloid and IUIs and IVF if needed. So basically start everything over in 3 months.
2. Take LupronDepot for 3 months and then do a round of IVF.
3. Start trying naturally now....hmmm no hubby in sight...
4. Start over now with Clomid and IUI, then another round of IVF.
5. Immediately do another round of IVF.
He thinks LupronDepot could help to clear up all the other endometriosis and make our chances better, but no guarantee it will do anything at all. Of course there are no methods guaranteed. We have multiple worries:
1. Waiting the 3 months and starting over, that means we will either be trying or even pregnant when Tyler gets out of the AF and we both change jobs...hello insurance?
2. Cost of IVF: another round is another what seems like million dollars.
3. Taking Lupron and it not helping at all.
Starting over with Clomid and IUI...we started there a year and half ago, scary to start they entire process possibly over all over again.
I understand Luron could help, so I agreed to 3 months, based on his advice, but then as I left I started thinking of the insurance, moving, new jobs, starting 1.5 years of life all over again. Tyler called immediately and I totally lost it crying in frustration. I am terrified of the financial burden of IVF, horrified of losing insurance while pg, scared of repeating a year and half of our lives. Tyler said to not be concerned about the money and we should do IVF again while we have the doc, means, and my body is cleared out(mostly). I wish he could be at the doc with me, when they are sharing all the scary news my head gets lost in emotion and I feel flustered answering what I think we shoudl due. Ty has the solid head in times like that. I had already told the Doc we would take Lupron and wait 3 months, even scheduled follow ups for injections. We are going to pray over night together and hope God reveals His plan since we are so torn. If anyone has any advice or even what you might do, we would love to know as well. Our email is tylerandnikki@cox.net.
From the time I was a child I would pray form my baby dolls to come alive and allow me to be their mother, and Tyler even had a baby doll he was the father of(and whoa it is worn out)..hello he is male! We were born to be parents, and have dreamed of the idea together since we were 17. People speak of marital troubles, this is a struggle we are holding each other through, but one where we are so hurt knowing we can not fulfill each others greatest desire and dream. We would love for any prayers you might offer up for our health, separation and desire to have children. We trust our God has a fabulous plan for our life as one and anxiously await His desires!
Love y'all!
Today was the long awaited Post-Op. I literally got off the plane and drove straight to the doc's office. They took my blood pressure first, the poor nurse was new to the office and panicked a little, since it was so low as usual. Then Dr. Gelety came to review my healing process. He looked at my incisions and thought they would be more healed by now, but that they were slowly but surely getting better. He shared with e probably 50 pictures they had taken, he started with saying my liver was one of the healthiest ever, then moved to shape size and tilt of uterus was great. Then my ovaries basically looked like zebra print. He said they should be bright white to be healthy. Mine were far from that! He showed me the adhesion they removed. Then he multiple cysts, which were about the same size at the ovaries quite scary for me. He explained there are several stages of endometriosis ranging from stage 1 where the endometriosis becomes visible and fiber like, all the way to stage 4 where is covers the area, creates cysts larger than 2 cm in diameter and invading the ovaries. Much to my surprise he said I was on the top end of stage 4. He said he lanced, removed and lasered everything in sight, but that it could quickly return and there is always some hiding.
Then what we have all been waiting for..what are we doing next? We discussed many options:
1. Take LupronDepot injections for 3 months or so, to send my body into premenopause, stopping all periods, to dry up any additional endometriosis. Then when Tyles returns I could be healed up and we can try naturally, then start cloid and IUIs and IVF if needed. So basically start everything over in 3 months.
2. Take LupronDepot for 3 months and then do a round of IVF.
3. Start trying naturally now....hmmm no hubby in sight...
4. Start over now with Clomid and IUI, then another round of IVF.
5. Immediately do another round of IVF.
He thinks LupronDepot could help to clear up all the other endometriosis and make our chances better, but no guarantee it will do anything at all. Of course there are no methods guaranteed. We have multiple worries:
1. Waiting the 3 months and starting over, that means we will either be trying or even pregnant when Tyler gets out of the AF and we both change jobs...hello insurance?
2. Cost of IVF: another round is another what seems like million dollars.
3. Taking Lupron and it not helping at all.
Starting over with Clomid and IUI...we started there a year and half ago, scary to start they entire process possibly over all over again.
I understand Luron could help, so I agreed to 3 months, based on his advice, but then as I left I started thinking of the insurance, moving, new jobs, starting 1.5 years of life all over again. Tyler called immediately and I totally lost it crying in frustration. I am terrified of the financial burden of IVF, horrified of losing insurance while pg, scared of repeating a year and half of our lives. Tyler said to not be concerned about the money and we should do IVF again while we have the doc, means, and my body is cleared out(mostly). I wish he could be at the doc with me, when they are sharing all the scary news my head gets lost in emotion and I feel flustered answering what I think we shoudl due. Ty has the solid head in times like that. I had already told the Doc we would take Lupron and wait 3 months, even scheduled follow ups for injections. We are going to pray over night together and hope God reveals His plan since we are so torn. If anyone has any advice or even what you might do, we would love to know as well. Our email is tylerandnikki@cox.net.
From the time I was a child I would pray form my baby dolls to come alive and allow me to be their mother, and Tyler even had a baby doll he was the father of(and whoa it is worn out)..hello he is male! We were born to be parents, and have dreamed of the idea together since we were 17. People speak of marital troubles, this is a struggle we are holding each other through, but one where we are so hurt knowing we can not fulfill each others greatest desire and dream. We would love for any prayers you might offer up for our health, separation and desire to have children. We trust our God has a fabulous plan for our life as one and anxiously await His desires!
Love y'all!
Monday, June 1, 2009
June 1st, 2009
Howdy Y'all!..being back in Texas allows me the opportunity to say it with an accent like that!
I apologize for not giving details of the procedures earlier, but have been quite busy...details to follow....
On Thursday morning Francine picks me and my hospital essentials up. We arrive at the hospital around 11:00 am and move to admissions. I fill out last minute info, am given my hospital bracelet, and so forth. We then move to the gyn surgery dept where I am weighed, blood pressure, sleep apnea test, and everything once again. When all is well I am taken by my "pre pre pre-op" nurse to my waiting room. I am given a gown and booties and go over all the procedure for the day. Francine looks stunned wen she leaves and realized she had no idea it was 3 procedures and when they use all the medical terms and adjectives the 3 procedures become a 5 minute speech of what will happen. I go to the bathroom and strip down for the gown. However, it is one size fits all so instead of tying ti I wrap up like a human taco. When I come out we laugh about this shield inner layer across the from, like a little foam bumper inside from my neck to knees. There are strange disk in specific areas that can be punched out and we wonder what they are for. I lie in bed and we small talk, then spend time praying together before hand. Next, my nurse comes to take me to the "pre-op area". They bring a wheel chair and I explain I am just fine, however she informs me the walk is like 1/3 of a mile across the entire hospital and my little booty would be hanging out of my gown if I wanted to walk. So I rode the wheel chair and waived to everyone as though I was on parade. In the new room I am met by my "pre pre-op nurse" who is 8 months pregnant. Much to our surprise she pops a disk out of my gown and sticks a tube into the hole. Within seconds my little shield puffs like a sumo wrestler. She says the pump warm air around me to regulate body temp..incredible! I also get a metallic surgical cap, to keep in the warmth. Once I have the puffed sumo outfit and the cap that looks like old fashioned metal popcorn bags over my head we laugh so hard we take pics. The nurse talks to me about what will happen..hen whispers she is not supposed to say..but Dr. G is the one who got her pregnant with the baby she is carrying....so a glimmer of home is sparked. We go over allergies and all, waiting for Dr. G and the anesthesiologist. I am warned of a breathing tube and catheter...I love how you find out the worst parts..wen there is no turning back! Finally the anesthesiologist arrives and runs the IV, he says because of the risk of organ infection he needs to run antibiotics. As always I warn of all my allergies just in case. He starts the meds, I start saying "My arm is broken", because of the immediate awkward pain and gasping for breath. Wow...we discovered yet another drug allergy. Next thing I know all sorts of drugs are running through my veins to fix the problem.
Dr. G arrives....and comes over to calm me down, holding my hand and fixing my hair...how I love this man one minute, and find myself beyond frustration the next. We move to the OR..how terrifying with the nurses, stadium looking lights, meds, instruments. I am transferred beds just like you see one TV. I am hooked to oxygen and explain once they try and put me out I go crazy and try to escape..I don't finish my sentence before I am out like a light.
As I start to come back to reality I am fighting they nurses and coughing realizing they are pulling my breathing tube out, and cough up blood. They had to leave it in longer than planned due to the allergy earlier, or I should have been out while that was done. The Post-op nurse ask either me or someone wound something abut a husband..I start sobbing like an infant.... saying "my husband isn't here he is in IRAQ"...partially the meds making me hysterical..partially the real life tragedy of surgery without a hubby. I ask for more pains meds 3 separate times, wow I never imagined the pain. Scary thought hit my mind...I checked in at 11:00 or so, and way under by 1:00...but it is dark out..the surgery and recovery took a VERY VERY long time. Eventually I am back to Nikki, the IVs come out, they show me the 4 incisions, put my clothes on and into what seems the worlds largest Volvo SUV..exactly they ARE small, but when you are in that pain the step seems like a mountain.
At home I get in bed, but can not sleep due to the pain, at some point reach for the meds, and knock them off..no way can i reach the ground EVER..so I scream for Francine to help me get them off the floor. The nausea of the pain meds and IV are too much to handle, she runs home to concoct a Jamaican remedy to prevent nausea. The ginger crushed tea worked like a charm. One side effect I was not prepared for was the potty problem after a catheter..yikes I might as well have assumed I had the worst EVER bladder infection for the next few days. We discuss what Dr. G told her. She saw pics and had a discussion with him post-op. He found an adhesion on the outside of an ovary. Multiple giant ovarian cyst that were lanced and he described at "poured out the color of chocolate from inside" due to age of the cyst and severity of endometriosis. He lasered massive amounts of endometriosis for the entire area. He told her the next round of IVF should be quick, so that once healed we can take advantage of the clear and prepared reproductive system. Good news to find solvable solutions to major problems.
The following day, completely against doctor wishes and orders, I actually forced myself to get going and got on a plane..I know I must be crazy and poor Tyler still thinks I made a sketchy decision(he thought I needed serious recovery time: of course my angel wants to protect and provide as always!). However, who could miss their sister-in-laws wedding if you can help it in any way. I can not deny the pain, and inability to move fast or bend, the incisions ave bled a fair amount and been covered to many times to count, but think I am healing well. For the doc to say some people ride in wheelchairs for the first week after the 3 procedures..i thought I was hot stuff walk to take a plane the following day! I have a post-op the morning that I fly back to Arizona and from there we will begin planning our next round of attack for Baby Johnson!!!
Several have asked what they could do...I know this sounds silly but, if anyone wanted to write Francine a thank you for the hours of love and compassion she has poured into our family, we would be blessed by the gesture as well. Her address is:
Francine Payne
10832 E Scenic Veranda
Vail, AZ 85641
Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and encouragement. On top of having the most incredible husband God could every design for me, we also have fabulous friends and family behind us! We wish one day to have the opportunity to bless you the way we have been.
I apologize for not giving details of the procedures earlier, but have been quite busy...details to follow....
On Thursday morning Francine picks me and my hospital essentials up. We arrive at the hospital around 11:00 am and move to admissions. I fill out last minute info, am given my hospital bracelet, and so forth. We then move to the gyn surgery dept where I am weighed, blood pressure, sleep apnea test, and everything once again. When all is well I am taken by my "pre pre pre-op" nurse to my waiting room. I am given a gown and booties and go over all the procedure for the day. Francine looks stunned wen she leaves and realized she had no idea it was 3 procedures and when they use all the medical terms and adjectives the 3 procedures become a 5 minute speech of what will happen. I go to the bathroom and strip down for the gown. However, it is one size fits all so instead of tying ti I wrap up like a human taco. When I come out we laugh about this shield inner layer across the from, like a little foam bumper inside from my neck to knees. There are strange disk in specific areas that can be punched out and we wonder what they are for. I lie in bed and we small talk, then spend time praying together before hand. Next, my nurse comes to take me to the "pre-op area". They bring a wheel chair and I explain I am just fine, however she informs me the walk is like 1/3 of a mile across the entire hospital and my little booty would be hanging out of my gown if I wanted to walk. So I rode the wheel chair and waived to everyone as though I was on parade. In the new room I am met by my "pre pre-op nurse" who is 8 months pregnant. Much to our surprise she pops a disk out of my gown and sticks a tube into the hole. Within seconds my little shield puffs like a sumo wrestler. She says the pump warm air around me to regulate body temp..incredible! I also get a metallic surgical cap, to keep in the warmth. Once I have the puffed sumo outfit and the cap that looks like old fashioned metal popcorn bags over my head we laugh so hard we take pics. The nurse talks to me about what will happen..hen whispers she is not supposed to say..but Dr. G is the one who got her pregnant with the baby she is carrying....so a glimmer of home is sparked. We go over allergies and all, waiting for Dr. G and the anesthesiologist. I am warned of a breathing tube and catheter...I love how you find out the worst parts..wen there is no turning back! Finally the anesthesiologist arrives and runs the IV, he says because of the risk of organ infection he needs to run antibiotics. As always I warn of all my allergies just in case. He starts the meds, I start saying "My arm is broken", because of the immediate awkward pain and gasping for breath. Wow...we discovered yet another drug allergy. Next thing I know all sorts of drugs are running through my veins to fix the problem.
Dr. G arrives....and comes over to calm me down, holding my hand and fixing my hair...how I love this man one minute, and find myself beyond frustration the next. We move to the OR..how terrifying with the nurses, stadium looking lights, meds, instruments. I am transferred beds just like you see one TV. I am hooked to oxygen and explain once they try and put me out I go crazy and try to escape..I don't finish my sentence before I am out like a light.
As I start to come back to reality I am fighting they nurses and coughing realizing they are pulling my breathing tube out, and cough up blood. They had to leave it in longer than planned due to the allergy earlier, or I should have been out while that was done. The Post-op nurse ask either me or someone wound something abut a husband..I start sobbing like an infant.... saying "my husband isn't here he is in IRAQ"...partially the meds making me hysterical..partially the real life tragedy of surgery without a hubby. I ask for more pains meds 3 separate times, wow I never imagined the pain. Scary thought hit my mind...I checked in at 11:00 or so, and way under by 1:00...but it is dark out..the surgery and recovery took a VERY VERY long time. Eventually I am back to Nikki, the IVs come out, they show me the 4 incisions, put my clothes on and into what seems the worlds largest Volvo SUV..exactly they ARE small, but when you are in that pain the step seems like a mountain.
At home I get in bed, but can not sleep due to the pain, at some point reach for the meds, and knock them off..no way can i reach the ground EVER..so I scream for Francine to help me get them off the floor. The nausea of the pain meds and IV are too much to handle, she runs home to concoct a Jamaican remedy to prevent nausea. The ginger crushed tea worked like a charm. One side effect I was not prepared for was the potty problem after a catheter..yikes I might as well have assumed I had the worst EVER bladder infection for the next few days. We discuss what Dr. G told her. She saw pics and had a discussion with him post-op. He found an adhesion on the outside of an ovary. Multiple giant ovarian cyst that were lanced and he described at "poured out the color of chocolate from inside" due to age of the cyst and severity of endometriosis. He lasered massive amounts of endometriosis for the entire area. He told her the next round of IVF should be quick, so that once healed we can take advantage of the clear and prepared reproductive system. Good news to find solvable solutions to major problems.
The following day, completely against doctor wishes and orders, I actually forced myself to get going and got on a plane..I know I must be crazy and poor Tyler still thinks I made a sketchy decision(he thought I needed serious recovery time: of course my angel wants to protect and provide as always!). However, who could miss their sister-in-laws wedding if you can help it in any way. I can not deny the pain, and inability to move fast or bend, the incisions ave bled a fair amount and been covered to many times to count, but think I am healing well. For the doc to say some people ride in wheelchairs for the first week after the 3 procedures..i thought I was hot stuff walk to take a plane the following day! I have a post-op the morning that I fly back to Arizona and from there we will begin planning our next round of attack for Baby Johnson!!!
Several have asked what they could do...I know this sounds silly but, if anyone wanted to write Francine a thank you for the hours of love and compassion she has poured into our family, we would be blessed by the gesture as well. Her address is:
Francine Payne
10832 E Scenic Veranda
Vail, AZ 85641
Thank you for all of your thoughts, prayers and encouragement. On top of having the most incredible husband God could every design for me, we also have fabulous friends and family behind us! We wish one day to have the opportunity to bless you the way we have been.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
May 27th, 2009
Who knew I would be gone from 6:00am until 8:00 pm the day before surgery? Too much to do..too little time. After teaching Vacation Bible School I was at the hospital for hours. Arranging a room, valet, questions, getting meds, allergy tests, urine and blood tests, a sleep apnea exam(for what?). On top of the regular life appointments and errands to get taken care of. I totally rocked the gym today, and we spoke about possibly entering a fitness competition, if my gym sponsored my entry fees that is. Hopefully the surgery will be successful and i can be back in the gym ASAP. Now I need to do laundry and pack for Texas because I will basically be passed out, until the plane flight. Praying for a safe and healthy surgery....as well as the struggle of major surgery without a hubby(the fear of not having him by my side, is greater than any physical fear of the procedure)...I fully trust Dr. G with my life....We have an amazing God who continually provides.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
May 26th, 2009
Howdy!
Wow how awesome our God is! Today I am in the middle of Vacation Bible School and an unknown AZ number keeps calling. Finally they leave a message..it is the Doc's office manager. Someone canceled, and if she can get an anesthesiologist and assistant, I have surgery on Thursday. She calls back and got the needed personnel! The world wind begins..I had a pre-op today, one with the anesthesiologist tomorrow and one at the hospital tomorrow, then picking up different meds at 2 places! The doc went over the 3, yeah count em 3 procedures, they will perform. I had to sign waiver after waiver about infections, puncturing organs, possible death. Wow what a terrifying thought, all these possibilities when you precious angel is on the other side of the planet. My dear friends are taking me again, bless their hearts! I asked about my flight less than 24 hours later and they were basically like ???, that is up to you. WE have seen people come back for their one week post-op hopping and skipping, and others brought in a wheel chair because they haven't walked yet. I am one tough cookie I thought......
Procedure #1
http://www.gynalternatives.com/hsc.htm
Procedure #2
http://www.advancedfertility.com/laparoscopy.htm
Procedure #3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilation_and_curettage
Keep Praying for my sanity and health, and to stopping hoping for the impossible of waking up from surgery with Ty beside me....
Wow how awesome our God is! Today I am in the middle of Vacation Bible School and an unknown AZ number keeps calling. Finally they leave a message..it is the Doc's office manager. Someone canceled, and if she can get an anesthesiologist and assistant, I have surgery on Thursday. She calls back and got the needed personnel! The world wind begins..I had a pre-op today, one with the anesthesiologist tomorrow and one at the hospital tomorrow, then picking up different meds at 2 places! The doc went over the 3, yeah count em 3 procedures, they will perform. I had to sign waiver after waiver about infections, puncturing organs, possible death. Wow what a terrifying thought, all these possibilities when you precious angel is on the other side of the planet. My dear friends are taking me again, bless their hearts! I asked about my flight less than 24 hours later and they were basically like ???, that is up to you. WE have seen people come back for their one week post-op hopping and skipping, and others brought in a wheel chair because they haven't walked yet. I am one tough cookie I thought......
Procedure #1
http://www.gynalternatives.com/hsc.htm
Procedure #2
http://www.advancedfertility.com/laparoscopy.htm
Procedure #3
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilation_and_curettage
Keep Praying for my sanity and health, and to stopping hoping for the impossible of waking up from surgery with Ty beside me....
Monday, May 25, 2009
May 25th
We are praying we are able to schedule the surgery for ASAP.
http://www.advancedfertility.com/laparoscopy.htm
Plus, Ty has spoken with the commander about the possibility of emergency leave to be home for the surgery. I think a miscarriage and 3 surgeries with out a husband would be more than even super woman Nikki could handle. Hoping......
http://www.advancedfertility.com/laparoscopy.htm
Plus, Ty has spoken with the commander about the possibility of emergency leave to be home for the surgery. I think a miscarriage and 3 surgeries with out a husband would be more than even super woman Nikki could handle. Hoping......
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