Isn't life grand?

One hour.
That's all it takes to turn this angry, sour bitch into a smiling, festive, giddy, happy person again.

So here's what changed since the last time we talked.



Mark and I met with an RE Wednesday night. An RE stands for Reproductive Endocronologist, for those not familiar with the whole TTC process.
Monday and Tuesday I stressed out about making sure we had our insurance lined up to start seeing the doc and by Wednesday we were off and running.

Our appointment was scheduled for 5pm and we weren't seen until 5:30. I start to get irritated, thinking this guy is just wasting our time, and then, when we were finally sitting at his table, I understood why.

Our chart and all the paperwork I had sent over from our old doctor was sprawled all over his desk with notes and writing all over it.

I immediately knew we were in good hands.
He went over his thoughts on IUI with us (we are excellent candidates!) and what he recommends we do and take before, during, and after success.

We talked about my issues with during the HSG and how my old doc had to put me under to dilate my cervix properly. He wanted a full operative report to know whether that could be an obstacle to consider during insemination. He suggested doing a "trial run" insertion (not insemination) to make sure it would work at the facility as opposed to the need for anesthesia. I would be crushed if we were scheduled for the IUI and couldn't actually get it to work because the opening is too small.

He gently asked me why I chose to switch practices from one doctor to another in the last few months. After explaining that I felt I needed more 1 on 1 time and proper response and follow-up, he praised my decision, claiming my new doc is one of the best and most respected practices in the area.

I chose to see our RE based on availability, not knowing anything about him.
Turns out, he has been honored for the 16th year in a row as one of "America's Top Doctors" and is in the top 1% of specialists in America.
His passion and caring and the fact that he specifically told me to email or call him directly with any questions as we go through the process, means so much to me.
We're pretty lucky, huh?

He suggested Clomid to go along with our treatment, followed by a trigger shot to force ovulation. He wants us to have the best timed chance to success in the fewest tries.

I am always cautiously optimistic because it just seems hard to get back on the saddle month after month. But out of nowhere, Mark chimed in and nearly yelled out, "Holy shit Tia....this is really going to work!" He was smiling ear to ear. His enthusiasm was infectious and my worries melted away.

The doc also brought up genetic testing for us, even before we begin treatment.
I didn't even realize this was a thing.  Most couples who are able to conceive naturally don't either, and will subsequently have the baby tested for genetic abnormalities in the womb.
We were given the opportunity (kind of like a crystal ball) to see if we have matching carrier genes.

If you are headed down the IUI or IVF path as we are doing; here is some insight.

The genetic testing is called the Universal Counsyl Genetic test and it covers a wide range of abnormalities including muscular dystrophy and sickle cell anemia.
The cost for most people is approximately $100. And if you have any sort of supplemental insurance for out of pocket fees, this would be reimbursed. We are very fortunate to have that option.
Only one person needs to be tested. It is suggested that the male go first.
Reason being is women have XX chromosomes, whereas males have XY chromosomes.
Most abnormalities stem from the X chromosome so for men, the test results are very clear, they either are a carrier of an abnormality or they aren't. In women, only one of the X chromosomes could be abnormal, making it harder to distinguish.

So, if the male tests positive as a carrier for any mutations, then it would be wise to have the female tested as well. As long as one person is negative in the results, your child has less than .1% chance of abnormality and you can move forward with the suggested treatment, which for us is IUI.

But what if both of the parents test positive as carriers for the same mutation?
The chances of your child developing that mutation as a defect are 1 in 4. That is an insanely high risk that we, personally, would be unwilling to take. But there would still be hope.
The hope would be to skip IUI altogether and go straight to IVF where each embryo can be tested for the genetic mutation and could further guarantee the birth of child free from any abnormalities.

Phew!! That was a mouthful....are you still with me?

The RE gave us two options.
Option A is to move forward without genetic testing and start my first monitored cycle with IUI today.
Option B is to have the genetic testing done, and since it takes roughly two weeks for the (hopefully negative) results, wait until the next cycle to begin monitoring.

We went with option B. Having this testing up front will bring one less worry to a pregnancy that I just want to enjoy as much as possible, considering I have been waiting for it for two years.
Plus, I couldn't wrap my mind around having to read all the literature the doc gave me, plus coordinate our insurance, plus get blood lab testing, an ultrasound, and ensure all of my missing paperwork was sent over, in less than 48 hours.

He doesn't want us to to waste precious time with un-monitored cycles.
Instead, he wants to closely monitor me from the get-go starting with a baseline ultrasound to ensure my egg quality is that of a normal 31 year old and not an old bag.

This whole process alleviates my need to constantly Google.
I have always said how disappointingly out of my hands this whole process is, and now it REALLY is the case. They are the experts. Leave it to them.

So we can now enjoy the last few weeks of 2014 happy and calm.
My Christmas spirit is back and I am looking forward to spending time with family with this enormous weight lifted off my shoulders.

2015 is going to be very good to us. I just know it.