Selections made and now I wait

I neglected to report back after I narrowed things down to 4... and then 2.  Amusingly, I ended up with the tallest donor in the batch and one of the shortest (5'9" - that's pretty short for my tastes).  The first choice and taller donor is also ID option, which is great as that is originally what I had wanted to do.  Of course, this means his specimens are a little more expensive.  I have yet to see if I can pay the difference on my free specimen and use him late this month.  I should be ovulating again around the 30th.

ID option means if things work out with her sperm the child could obtain his name and basic information when they turn 18.  Of course, on the other hand I can also see a guy meeting his 30th child being less than excited and as the child might hope to be if/when they met.

Last week I didn't get the most solid reading of a positive ovulation.  There was a line, but it wasn't as dark as it should be - which according to the test is a negative.  I did however the next day have very light bleeding.  So as I was reading some other information I've come to learn yet something else new - that some of us (apparently I'm one of those someones) can have what is called ovulation bleeding.  How that makes sense I don't know but it seems to fit and would explain how many times when I've thought "you've got to be kidding - I'm spotting!"  So, that could be helpful to know to get my rear in for insemination.

More delays... results... and new decisions to make

Well, I called them on Monday and left a message. The 'results' line even warns you it can take up to 2 days for them to return your call. :/ Sure enough, two and a half days later I got a call back (Wednesday), which I missed. Fortunately, when I called back they returned the call promptly.

My HCG was down to 7. My CMV is negative. So, that means I really should find a CMV negative donor. It's a little painful to put my previous two donor selections behind me. Unfortunately, there isn't a wealth of negative donors in the list of those I researched previously who are currently available. That means I have listening and reading ahead of me. I also might need/want to cough up the cash to get access to photos and full interviews (again). Boo.

Blessedly, this period is a little crampy (but managed w/ ibuprofen) and isn't overly heavy and appears to be tapering and looking to be a bit shorter than some have been. Now to remember to check for ovulation in two weeks!

It's just not the best circumstances.

The prices are going up for specimens, which presses me to think and make more decisions on timelines and such. This always brings me back to a few issues - all relating to where I am.
1). The lack of options if my ovulation lands on a weekend.
2). The less than involved doctor's office I have. I shouldn't have to be the one to bring up the conversation of using something to trigger ovulation, but I think that's where I am.

To be honest, I'm long overdue for a regular exam (fun), so I need to make an appointment anyhow. Perhaps it can be a talking appointment too so I can get their view, opinions, and see if MW V will be more on board and active in my quest, like I'd think she would be, vs Dr S.

Sadly, I suspect I won't get a pap appointment for over a month out. But, since I started another pack of pills on Sunday, is that a big issue? Probably not.

On another note, both of my favorited donors are showing as having IUI units available.

Scheduled for try #4

Yesterday I got the bitchy nurse when I called to try and schedule an appointment. She gave me a hassle about scheduling and not being sure if I'll be ready. Um, I can't control that. After getting me agitated she was to call back and then didn't, so I had to call again today. I spoke with someone who, without saying so much, acknowledged that everyone knows that chic is a bit of a beotch with everyone.

The important part is however that I now have my appointment for Tuesday afternoon, providing the body cooperates, and I then called to get things shipping. I'm going with 2976 again, the donor who's one specimen was lackluster, but I'm hoping that the newer donations are more like those reported on the message boards. Of course, with Monday being a holiday they wanted me to pay more to overnight, but I figured I'd play the percentages. Chances are my Tuesday will need to become a Wednesday anyhow.

Try three, part A

I used the first specimen from 4102 today. Right before leaving for my appointment I was pleasantly surprised by a call from Fairfax stating they were refunding me for the last specimen. Considering I was expecting nothing this is great news.

The ovulation test didn't come out positive this morning, so I ended up with the doctor talking to me like I'm an idiot ("you need to ovulate for this to work you know" - repeated several times). Yes, yes, but I should be ovulating at this point and here I was with two specimens and a weekend looming. I can't win with my body, that's a fact.

After this time, which took way longer than the previous two and had several bouts of pain, I was bleeding quite a bit. IUI is not pleasant at all.

Next order placed

This morning I placed the second order, once again I will be trying 2976. I figure next month I'll try both samples of 4102. From there... I dunno what to think/do, but I'll play it by ear. That said, the next attempt is scheduled for May 20th.

I've also been thinking, why does it seem so socially unacceptable to approach someone that I'd consider to be a rather perfect specimen and say, look, I'll give you $500 a sample (instead of going through a middle man) and then using that for artificial insemination? Ok, maybe what I really mean is offering them one of their jerseys for each sample, but you know what I mean.

2976 has a positive.

2976's status updated to having caused a pregnancy. That's encouraging. It would have been cool to be the one to have caused that change, but so it is.

Monday morning *yawn*

This afternoon I head to the orthodontist hoping to get a new lower retainer so my teeth don't go completely out of whack should I end up prego. To think that next Monday I'll be crawling out of bed and getting ready to head to the doctor for my first try is a bit boggling.

I did get my sister's thoughts back on the situation. They have pledged their support but are being rational and laying things out. I guess when others say their family and people they tell are supportive they just neglect to mention the "are you sure about this" talk that comes with it. If not, my family is just way more practical than most.

Order placed!

I did it. Today I ordered 4 units, 2 of 2976 and 2 of 4102. The first of 2976 will be shipped next week in time to be there for my Monday the 28th appt.

Lectured by a 17 year old.

Seriously - I should not feel like the kid when discussing matters with my niecey-poo. Eesh. Tonight she pops on and tells me how we have to tell my sister. With her encouragement I allowed her to share the information.

She did prior to this reiterate some of her concerns, backing off of the not married aspect and pointed out some things I'd have to give up. I know kid, I know - but I appreciate your wisdom. I titled this entry lightly, she didn't lecture, it wasn't negative. I do appreciate her offering any and all insight, because I know she does it out of love.

Next period started today, so I have about a week before I'll have to order something if there will be an attempt this cycle. Not sure how that will flesh out. I still have quite a few donor interviews to listen to. Many have been weeded out, I just hope that the ones I find most appealing aren't weeded out by lack of availability in the mean time.

More checkboxes complete!

I also hit the dentist and got that out of the way, nothing remarkable to say there other than that it is done.

Today I faxed my information to Fairfax Cryobank and signed up for three months of access to everything on their site with the exception of adult photos and Keirsey tests, so let the hunt truly begin!

My doctor's office called back saying I could try as soon as three weeks from now, providing my ovulation wouldn't fall on a weekend, and that they would be willing to do two inseminations per ovulation. Talk about things seeming immanent.

Feeling blah, starting prenatals, and planning

I'm not feeling great today and I didn't take a prenatal last night. It feels a little like cramps, but different and more persistent. What on earth is this body trying to say? I did take the first prenatal tonight however, so we'll see if I feel bad tomorrow too. If so, I can blame it on whatever my issue was today and not the prenatal so I don't get a mental issue with the prenatals.

My copy of What to Expect when you're Expecting arrived today too, so I have something to read since it covers some of the preliminary things you should consider and do.

I also discovered last night that Cryogenics Lab, which was bought by Fairfax Cryobank, lets you see photos etc for free! So, that's kind of cool, I can "shop" there and put off purchasing access for a little while longer. I know already I need to get on the obgyn's calendar and I need to hit the dentist, so I've got some things to get out of the way in the near term.

Ultrasound - not how I ever imagined it

Headed in once again this morning, today for an ultrasound. Now, if you're like me you're imagining the one you see on TV. Well, if I had read the paperwork they gave me before I was waiting for my appointment I would have known I was instead getting a transvaginal sonography. Yep, it's what it sounds like. At least it wasn't as uncomfortable as a normal yearly exam.

I also got to talk to the nurse and got my test results from last week back. All looked good yadda yadda, and most importantly to ME is that I now know my blood type, which is A+. They didn't say if I was Rh- or Rh+, but I'm betting + since that is the norm. At least I have one more factor by which to shop donors with.

Strange places...

So I was clicking around on craigslist's dating listings simply because, yes I am that desperate.  Color my shocked to see a listing for someone offering to "knock you up".  While this isn't the route I have any desire of going, it put the thoughts of finding someone I know back into my thought process.  While the monetary cost of getting IUI is a factor, especially if it takes a while to get pregnant.

While it would be easier to have a free source and method of insemination I know how much more complicated that would be.  I wish I could just foresee Mr. Right appearing in the very near term.

Factor in my other thoughts of trying to ready the house to be put on the market, just in case, and in semi-preparation, as I do not intend to stay here forever.  When is the right time to go?  Will I find someone special when I am somewhere else?  Would I have issues starting the process and then going to another job?  Where would I get better medical care before and during the process and pregnancy?