Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Not a “real” blog post, but how can I not update you all.

First of all, thank you for all the kind comments and emails. Each one means a lot to me. Very touching that lurkers showed themselves. I’m trying to catch up on emails.

I will say one (or two) last things about the recent conflict, then I will update you about today’s ultrasound. This pregnancy came about out of love. When I began to consider donor embryos, I really wanted some sort of open relationship. I wanted my child to have the chance to have some kind of relationship with his or her genetic siblings. Kathy offered me her embryos with love in her heart, and I accepted them with love in mine. In my mind, we became a kind of extended family. Really, do any of you know ANY family that doesn’t have some friction sometimes? I love Kathy. Not because of this gift she has given me. I just do. I’m horrified that she’s received death threats against her and her children. WTF!?!?!?! And as for the recent requests she’s received for funding for IVF, it would be funny if it weren’t so obnoxious. I have to say, I find it pretty annoying when I read bloggers whining about not being able to afford ART, then talking about their expensive electronic equipment and the vacations they’re taking. (BTW, as an aside, NONE of the UTERUS recipients solicited their positions. They were nominated and chosen as recipients through the google group that Mel formed for that purpose. Anyone can join that group and be involved in the process.)

Oh, and I am turning on comment moderation. Just because.

Okay. Done.

Now for the updates!

Even though I had my first OB appt 2 weeks ago, I snuck in a last u/s at the RE’s. My next OB appt is on June 1st (NT scan that day, too), there was no way I could stand the anxiety for a full 4 weeks. As Tertia calls it, I needed a “live baby check.”

LOOK!!! A head, a torso and arms and legs!!!! And most importantly, a strong heartbeat.


What a beautiful sight.

*****************

Also can’t resist giving you all a Mushy update. Thanks again for the support during that scary time. He’s doing great. Back to his usual self, wrestling with Wilson and chasing his own tail. (I said he was sweet, not smart! Does anyone know why they chase their own tails?) Sunday night I caught them snuggling in a way I’d never seen before. I was able to get the camera out fast enough.


Awwwwww!

*****************

Okay, just a quick pregnancy related question. What worked best for you for reflux? Still no morning sickness, but the reflux is awful. I’ve tried different brands of antacids, but I’m getting very little relief.

45 comments:

AnotherDreamer said...

Beautiful u/s hun! Awwwwww.

And cute kitty snugly photo, I'm glad Mushy is feeling better.

JB - A.K.A. Jenn said...

Love the U/S pic - bet that was load off your mind!

I am also so glad to hear and see that Mushy is doing better.

That pic is too precious!

HUGS

Phoebe said...

Congrats on the great news, all the way around!

Anonymous said...

Aww Dora, love the baby pic. I'm sure auntie K is so proud. Sorry this whole issue erupted into something so volatile, it's just sad.

I am so happy about your pg, and grateful for the perfect u/s! Hope you will update occasionally after things calm down. Thinking of you (and baby!)

Michelle said...

OH the US pictures are beautiful! I am so happy to see them on YOUR blog. You so deserve this.

I am sorry that you, Another dreamer, Angrycanrn all have had to go through what you have. I just found out what was going on. I guess I was completely oblivious to it all. Your last post shocked me and then I saw all the mess. It just seems all so unnecessary. Anyway, I just want you to know that I am here to support you no matter what you decide to do. I hope the comment moderation helps and things get better. You do not deserve the stress.

Also I am so happy that mushy is doing better!

She who must not be named said...

Congrats! She looks a little like Jenny around the eyes ;)

Lexie said...

Okay, I have to wait till June 5 for mine, so seeing yours gives me a little peak into what mine might look like. So thanks for that. And congratulations on everything going so well.

I'm out of the Angrycarn loop and not sure where to look to find it, but it sounds bad and I hate to hear about anyone being treated so badly on the net. Do what you need to do to keep yourself healthy and okay. That is the important thing.

Oh, this is belated, but I totally get the mother thing. I think it would be funny if you just never told her and suddenly she either sees you pg or with a child. Again, do what you need to do for yourself and your own sanity.

I had reflux really bad with my first pg. I took a ton of tums, ate really bland food, and also slept propped up as much as I could. I even put bricks under the head of my bed to give it a slight tilt, and then got every pillow in the house and slept at about a 45 or more degree angle. There was nothing that really helped totally, but this is what got me through the night without waking up with that awful "I just threw-up while asleep" grossness. Also, I think being not so horizontal at night helped a bit during the day as well. No magic answer, but hope that helps.

Take care, and I hope you blog some occasionally, but I will check on you via email anyway.

battynurse said...

Glad things are going well on the pregnancy front. Great ultrasound pic.
I'm glad your kitty is doing well again and hope he continues to.
As far as the rest of the stuff. Hang in there. Hopefully things will get better soon.

..al said...

Oopsie....lack of experience means I can't answer your question on reflux....I just hope it alleviates with time...


What a beautiful picture that ! Congratulations!

Love the snuggling snap of the cats and remember whatever this is, it will pass....hoping for more sunshine!

All the best!

Kristin said...

What a gorgeous u/s picture. And, the kitties are so cute. Lots of {{{hugs}}} and love coming your way.

gwinne said...

Glad to read the update and see the pic! Re reflux: I took Zantac, with my OB's blessing, which sort of worked until late in the game. I know other women who have taken Prevacid.

Melody said...

Gorgeous ultrasound. Glad to hear from you. I had awful heartburn during the first tri, but it resolved at about 14 weeks. I second the no spicy foods thing. Tums did nothing for me, but Mylanta seemed to help a little bit.

Billy said...

What a great u/s picture!
And the kitties - too cute :-)

Shinejil said...

Aww, lil' Mushy! I'm so glad he recovered, and it seems his buddy is, too!

Great u/s!

I'm sorry you all are dealing with this weirdness and ickiness. I'm glad you didn't let it stop you from sharing your life and thinking your online thoughts.

I had terrible heartburn for a few weeks and found it was very closely related to what I ate: spicy, acidic, very sugary or fatty foods made me so ill. Water in large quantities seemed to help. I never bothered with antacids.

Which Box said...

heartburn is the worst! Staying vertical (when all you want to do is be horizontal on the couch!). Figuring out what food, if any, really trigger or make it worse. For me, it was dairy - I limited dairy during the day, and no dairy past 4 pm or so (no ice cream! Sob!) and that helped a lot (my heartburn was mostly at night - probably after aforementioned couch laying). I wish I could say it'll get better, but, um. It might not. So hang in there.

Anonymous said...

A beautiful sight indeed!!! (and the kitties too) :) Thanks for the update!!

Baby Smiling In Back Seat said...

Your little acrobat is upside down! So far my u/s have all been relatively right side up.

What I've been told for heartburn (but haven't had to test it out yet, knock on wood):
stay upright after eating
eat smaller portions, instead eat small amounts frequently
figure out which foods set it off

I'm a non-medication girl, myself (except when it comes to getting knocked up), but most pg women I've known seem to eat a lot of Tums.

Hooray for Mushy's recovery!

Cara said...

Dora - both those pictures warm my heart! You really are surrounded by love, no wonder that is what drives you!!

Aurelia said...

Nice US photo, take care, and I'm a fan of Zantac! (A little live yogurt bacteria also helped my tummy as well...until the very end when I was big as a house.)

calliope said...

BEST PHOTO EVER!!!!!!!!!
oh honey!
What a sight!

The family analogy so seems apt. I think we only really get hurt and or upset when we care enough- and there is a lot of caring here. xoxo

And the kitty photo?? so effing cute.

calliope said...

oh! & for reflux- I got this tip from Jennifer Elaine (Here we go again blog)- eat an apple! It worked well for me and the extra fiber was a perk ;-)

Tash said...

Yay!

Missed the shitstorm -- hope everyone's dry. Much love.

Anonymous said...

What a great ultrasound picture! Oh, and your cats are so cute snuggling there together. I'm glad that Mushy is doing better.

Geohde said...

So pleased to see that lovely live baby :)

xx

g

Aunt Becky said...

Love the US. And I'm sorry people were being nasty. I really, really don't get it. No, I mean, I have no idea what's going on.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad to know that you're ok, Mushy's ok, baby is ok, crazy internet people are NOT ok, etc.

You're still in my thoughts a lot.

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

Great U/S pics and the kitty picture is so sweet.
Sorry about the reflux.

The Steadfast Warrior said...

Haha, looks like your red-head is in the middle of a somersault! :) So happy to see some happiness surround you after this last while. You deserve it! Truly...

Mushy and Wilson are a pretty cute duo. Glad he's back to chasing his tail.

As for the reflux, honestly, prevention. Figure out what sets it off and avoid it. I'm about 9 weeks ahead of you and I just figured out that raw garlic and onions are NOT my friends. :)

Take care hon.

ambivalent said...

papaya is supposed to really help with reflux. thanks for the update!

Brenda said...

What an awesome U/S!

As for reflux, here is some more "advice." For a while, if I ate or drank dairy products that helped a lot. After that quit working, I tried the antacids. Those wore off quickly as well. Now, w/ the OB's blessing I am taking generic prevacid. I have to take it 2x a day (as per instructions) in order not to feel the fire. The OB also said to try Zantac 75, and if that didn't work, I could jack it up to the 150 dose. But, if none of those work for you, don't hesitate to call the OB (or your current RE). Eroding your esophagus and not sleeping/eating well is going to take a toll on you. They can and should be able to find something to help. :)

Beautiful Mess said...

Awwwwwww great pictures! Sorry your stressed out, I hope EVERYONE calms down A LOT. Sending you a hug and please give Kathy one from me, too. Glad you were able to get into the Re and see a torso!
I took Tums for my issues.
*HUGS*

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you are writing again but I have to say I take some offense to your comments about whiny bloggers who say they can't afford ART and then go on vacation and have electronic equipment. I think I read a lot of infertility blogs and I've never felt this. It seems to me either people have a lot of money and can afford ART, are blessed in their insurance that not everyone has, or can't afford ART at all and most likely never will not matter how much scrimping they do. Skipping a yearly vacation isn't going to pay for IVF, at least not with the doctor I see. I'm not trying to upset you or anything, you don't even have to post this but I woke up today still thinking about your comment and I feel a little more than hurt by it.

Dora said...

Sorry you feel that way, but I don't agree. Maybe it depends on what type of ART you want or need to do. I went through almost all my infertility coverage with one cycle with my own eggs. My 2 FET were paid for out of pocket. They each cost less than most vacations and certainly less than a big flat screen tv. I have pretty much exhausted my savings. If I lose this pregnancy and want to try again, I will have to save diligently. No vacations and no big toys.

Dora said...

BTW, I do think IF coverage should be mandated everywhere, but we have to deal with reality as it is. One friend of mine who lives near a state border specifically looked for a job in the state that she knew had mandated coverage. I have other friends who've taken out loans or put big chunks of their treatment on credit cards. I'm sorry you were hurt by what I said, but if you can manage a mortgage and a car loan, you can probably figure out a way to finance ART. It's a choice.

BTW, I live in a small apartment, I don't own a car, and I bought my very first new TV last year. A 21" boxy TV for under $300. Previously my TVs were all hand me downs.

Michele said...

beautiful u/s!

Lollipop Goldstein said...

Congratulations on a great ultrasound!

Laura said...

What a beautiful baby! And you can take Zantac while you are pregnant.....

M said...

So happy all is well!

decemberbaby said...

Ugh, good luck with the reflux. I just downed bottles and bottles of tums. Ice cream worked too.

LOVE that pic!

chicklet said...

I don't care how it happened or who the eggs came from or about any of the drama behind this - all that matters is it's awesome that it's working out for you.

areyoukiddingme said...

Congratulations on a beautiful u/s!

Kami said...

I can't believe the drama. Death threats? Unreal. I read the comments on Mel's post after the fact and while I can see both sides, I don't understand how ridiculously it has escalated.

WONDERFUL U/S!!! :)

Barefoot said...

Congratulations on your beautiful ultrasound!!

Bella said...

That u/s is so gorgeous! Woohooo!!!! I am just so happy for you!

I would love your lucky socks if you don't mind parting with them! You are so sweet to offer, thank you! If I get a BFP with them, we could keep them going, like 'the sisterhood of the traveling lucky socks'. I'll email you my address.

singletracey said...

LOVE THE PICTURE! Been thinking of you and I was glad to see a quick update :-)