KATO: 11th & Last consultation - My little one dancing already at nine weeks

On December 20th was our last consultation with Kato. When we got there, everyone was in good spirits. There were other patients who had their last consultation. There was an Indian couple who went out of the consultation room smiling after talking with Dr. Mendiola. I'm assuming they got their positive first b-hcg. One of the couples saw their baby's first heartbeat and they couldn't stop smiling too. A previous patient also came with her husband and baby. She was one of the successful patients Kato has had in April 2012. 

Dr. Perillo did the ultrasound on me and what we saw was really wonderful and overwhelming. We saw our baby move for the first time!

I and hubby have resigned from our respective jobs and gave up everything in Manila. Now we're back in our hometown. I  am now officially a SAHW and still trying to figure out how I can spend my time productively. I'm on my 11th week of pregnancy, although I haven't been to my chosen ob-gyn yet. 

I can't wait to see how my little one is growing. I hope everything is going fine.

KATO: 10th Consultation - My little one on its 8th week

Yesterday, December 12th, we had another scan at Kato of our little baby, this time on its eight week. 

First, we were called into the examination room for the transvaginal ultrasound. While Dr. Perillo did the ultrasound, hubby took a video of what was showing on the screen next to us. We could clearly see the baby's heartbeat and it was so overwhelming. 

Our baby is growing right on time. At eight weeks, it was 1.7 cm long from head to butt. Dr. Perillo showed us an angle where we could see the arms starting to develop. The heartbeat was 175 bpm, which according to Dr. Perillo was a good rate. 

Our little one on its 8th week

After waiting for some time at the patients' lounge, we were called into the consultation room. Dr. Perillo and Dr. Ong-jao were there to talk to us. Dr. Perillo showed us all the screen shots of our baby and explained the report in detail, while Dr. Ong-jao wrote some notes on our file.

I would still continue taking Duphaston until my next visit to Kato. Dr. Ong-jao also gave me a prescription for Vitamin C because I currently have a cold. 

I and hubby are very happy that our baby is developing and holding on well. It is just amazing that a lot of things happen with the baby in just a short period of time. We are excited for our next peek at our baby on December 20th. It will be our last consultation with Kato. On that day, Kato will be handing us over our records and an endorsement to the next ob-gyne that will take care of me for the rest of my pregnancy. 

My early pregnancy symptoms

I think I have felt the earliest sign of pregnancy a few days before my 1st b-hcg. I was always sleepy and my breasts were sore. I was on oral and suppository progesterone supplements at that time and I read somewhere that progesterone could make your body mimic the symptoms of pregnancy, so I did not put much attention to what I was feeling. 

On the fifth week, I began to become hungry all the time. On the sixth week, I started experiencing the GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) or the acid reflux disease. It's really hard because every time I eat even just a little, I feel like the food stays in my esophagus and does not go down my stomach. Because of this, I have difficulty burping. I am now on the 8th week and I continue to suffer from this. 

Before I got pregnant, I always avoided cold water. Now I don't like water very much, unless it's chilled or iced. I used to like apples, but when I started experiencing acid reflux I stopped. It seemed that my body wouldn't take it. Milk (from cow) also makes me uncomfortable, so what I drink now is almond milk. I dxon't like the smell of some dishes, but I'm glad this doesn't make me too nauseated.

My breasts are still sore from time to time, especially in the morning. I don't have morning sickness (yet), thanks to acupuncture! Dr. Ria, my acupuncturist, said that acupuncture helps a lot in minimizing uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. I hope I will never experience morning sickness throughout my pregnancy.

I am not very picky with food yet, but most of the time I don't know what I want to eat either. 

Oh, one more thing, I hate toothpaste! But I have to endure using it for hygiene's sake.

On December 12th will be my next appointment with Kato. I can't wait to see how our little one has grown! ^^

KATO: 9th Consultation - The heartbeat

On December 1st was our schedule for the second sonogram. The day before that, I received a text message from Kato that we should be there between 10:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Hubby and I arrived at 10:30 a.m. and surprisingly many couples were already there. I think it was the most number of patients in Kato I have seen so far. All the staff of Kato was very busy. There were patients scheduled for egg retrieval, some for embryo transfer, and others for consultation like me. I also saw some foreign couples -- a Japanese, a Chinese, and an Indian couple. Everyone in the patients' lounge was doing their own thing, but because there's free wi-fi service in Kato, most were absorbed on their cell phones or tablets.

I waited for 30 minutes before I was called into the treatment room for my vital signs. I was just glad that there were no hormone tests for me anymore. It always took longer before the nurse could find a vein in my arm where the blood could be extracted. This happened not only in Kato, but also in other hospitals or laboratories.

One hour had passed before I was called into the examination room for the sonogram. Kato follows the "first-come-first-served" policy and we were the last patients to arrive in the clinic, so the long wait was understandable. Hubby also went inside. It was Dr. Perillo who did the examination. I was so nervous before that because I didn't know if I would see a baby or not. Thankfully, I am definitely pregnant! We saw the gestational sac got bigger, we saw a yolk sac, and the fetal pole. The most exciting to see was the baby's heartbeat! We couldn't hear it yet because the baby was too small (about 4.4 mm). What we saw was a very fast flickering of light, which indicated the heartbeat (134 bpm), coming from the fetal pole. It was overwhelming. 

This is my baby at 6 weeks 4 days.

After a few minutes, we were called into the consultation room. It was Dr. Ong-jao who talked to us. She said that everything seemed to be working right on time. I asked her about the current success rate of Kato with IVF, since some of those who read my blog are curious about it. She said that from January to October this year, the success rate of Kato has been 50%.  

Today, I am 7 weeks far along based on the LMP or 6 weeks 5 days based on IVF. Our next visit to Kato is on December 12th. I am now more excited about it.

KATO: 8th Consultation - The first sonogram

Hubby and I got to Kato at 9:00 a.m. on November 24th. Many couples were already there waiting for their turn. While the nurse was taking my vital signs, she mentioned that only Dr. Perillo was there to attend to the patients. There were four patients scheduled for egg retrieval that morning.

It was my first sonogram (transvaginal ultrasound) after the initial confirmation of pregnancy (1st b-hcg). Hubby was also called into the examination room. We saw a gestational sac that measured 9.9 mm. Dr. Perillo said everything looked fine --there were no signs of bleeding or any kind of threat so far. Based on my LMP, I was 5 weeks 6 days far along and according to IVF computation I was 5 weeks 4 days far along.

We waited for a little while in the patient's lounge before we were called into the consultation room where Dr. Perillo was waiting. She said, "So far so good!" My 3rd b-hcg, estradiol, and progesterone levels showed good numbers. I would stop taking Progynova (for estradiol), but continue with Duphaston (for progesterone). 

On our next visit (December 1st), we should be expecting to see the yolk sac, the fetal pole, and hopefully see (or hear) a heartbeat. 

I am so excited, yet still anxious at the same time.

KATO: 7th Consultation - The second b-hcg test

HCG levels should double every 48-72 hours from the first b-hcg test. This would mean that the embryo continues to develop. A decreased level of HCG after the first b-hcg test may mean miscarriage.

I and hubby went to Kato on November 19th for the second b-hcg test. Although I was more relaxed than the firs b-hcg test, anxiety was still there. There were so many "what ifs" going through my mind while waiting for the result of the test.

When we were called into the consultation room, it was Dr. Mendiola who talked to us. Fortunately, we got good results. 

With the IVF calculation, we are 5 weeks 1 day far along today. Our next consultation is scheduled on November 24th. There will be another b-hcg test, as well as estradiol and progesterone tests. I will also have my first sonogram to check for the gestational sac and yolk sac.

I'm still nervous about these tests, but I hope everything continues to go well.

KATO: 6th Consultation - The first b-hcg test

So the dreadful 12-day wait is done. Originally, I and hubby planned to go to Kato in the afternoon of November 14th, but I received a text message from Kato the day before saying that we had to be there in the morning. Seeing the message made me more anxious.

We got there at 8:30 a.m. Some patients were already waiting. First, I was called into the testing room for my vital signs and blood extraction for the hormone tests (estradiol, progesterone, and b-hcg). It usually takes 45 minutes before the result comes out.

We watched TV in the patients' lounge while waiting for the result. I couldn't focus though. Every time the bell sounded when a patient was called, I let out a big sigh. Hubby kept telling me to relax. I just couldn't help it. I was too nervous, while hubby was excited.

Forty-five minutes had passed, we were not called yet. The waiting was killing me. It was the longest 45 minutes yet. 

After an hour of anxiety, we were finally called into the consultation room. Only Dr. Ong-jao was there to deliver us the news. First she asked how I was feeling and I said I was very nervous. And then she showed us the result of the blood test. My b-hcg level was 159.3, which according to Dr. Ong-jao, was a good sign that the embryo had implanted enough. She also said that at this value, a home pregnancy test can already detect pregnancy although I was only 4 weeks 4 days far along. My estrogen and progesterone levels were also good, 339.2 and 52.62 respectively.

I was shaking when Dr. Ong-jao said the result was positive. I couldn't speak well. It's a great birthday gift for me this year.

I bought a home pregnancy test kit (hpt kit) and tested as soon as I and hubby got home. It was so pleasing to finally see a second line on that stick.

We are scheduled for another b-hcg test on November 19th, five days after the first one. HCG levels should double every two days, so we should have a much higher value on the second b-hcg test.

Yesterday (November 16) I went to Dr. Ria, my acupuncturist. She was also very happy about the good news. I showed her the result of the hormone tests and she assured me that everything looked fine. She put the needles on my head and on my legs then I had a nice 30-minute nap. I should be doing acupuncture until the time we get a heartbeat from the baby. 

Hubby and I are still on cloud nine. We waited 6 years for this.

I am still nervous though. I hope and pray that my baby is developing well.

What to do after the 2-day embryo transfer? (The 12-day wait)

Today is my 10dp2dt (10 days post 2-day transfer). If the 2ww (2-week wait) during the time I had my IUIs was nerve-wracking, this time the feeling is twice more. Everybody says to keep my mind off it, but it's difficult to do that especially now that I am only 2 days away from my beta HCG test.

After the embryo transfer, I took a week of home rest. Take note, home rest doesn't necessarily mean bed rest. The embryologist at Kato and my acupuncturist told me not to do bed rest.  Moving promotes better blood and medicine circulation (especially in the uterus area) and balances the Qi.

Here is a list of some other things to do and not to do after the embryo transfer (based on Kato's instructions and on my readings): 

• It's okay to pee right after the procedure (embryo transfer). The embryo is "sandwiched" in the uterus, it will not fall out.
• Resume normal activity, but everything in moderation.
• No sexual intercourse before pregnancy is confirmed.
• No swimming. Bubble baths and jacuzzis are also a no-no. Showering with lukewarm water is okay.
• No heavy chores like lifting heavy objects.
• No strenuous activities, such as exercise that cause contraction in the abdomen area. 
• Walking is okay, but in moderation.
• There is no food restriction, but eating healthy is still the best. My acupuncturist told me not to eat or drink anything cold though. I'm not a fan of cold drinks, but I have been avoiding ice creams unwillingly. Some women also advise to eat pineapple core for 5 days from the day of transfer. Walnut and avocado are also highly recommended. 
• Keep the body warm (especially the feet). Don't use a hot pack on the abdomen area. Sauna is also a big no-no. High body temperature can hinder implantation.
• Keep your mind off your body. Medicines taken during the 12-day wait can make the body mimic the early symptoms of pregnancy, so don't drive yourself crazy looking into these symptoms. Pregnancy can be confirmed on the day of beta HCG test.
• Do acupuncture, especially on the day of the embryo transfer.
• Do relaxing activities and avoid stress.
• Keep hydrated.
• Most importantly, PRAY. No matter what the circumstances are, it is still up to HIM in the end.

KATO: 5th Consultation - The Embryo Transfer

On November 1st, I and hubby arrived in Kato before 8:00 a.m. A few couples were already waiting in the patients' lounge, but only 2 of us were scheduled for 2-day embryo fresh transfer that morning.

First we were called into the consultation room. The embryologist talked to us about the status of my eggs. Of the three harvested, only one fertilized. This was a little sad, but I was still very thankful that one survived for transfer. Then he explained to us that the embryo that survived is Grade 3, which is still within the normal condition. Anything higher than that is considered not normal and might not be used for IVF. They graded my embryo Grade 3 just because of the uneven blastomere (cell division).

KATO's Grading Standard

This was what my embryo looked like at day 2

I was the first to be called into the operating room. I went into my assigned cubicle (recovery room), changed into the robe I was provided (with only my bra underneath) and the nurse took my vital signs. I and the other patient stayed in our respective cubicle while waiting to be called into the operating area. I didn't bring in my watch and cell phone with me, so I didn't know how long we waited before the other patient was called, but it felt like a long wait. While waiting for my turn, I just relaxed on the bed, read the instructions provided, and prayed.

When I entered the operating area, there were six people -- the embryologist, someone who took notes, one who assisted with the ultrasound machine, a nurse who took care of me, Dr. Ong-jao, and Dr. Mendiola.

As I settled myself on the bed, Dr. Mendiola was over my head telling me the things that would happen next. He showed me the two screens I had to look at during the procedure. I was really nervous about the whole thing, but hearing Dr. Mendiola's very calm voice calmed me too.

First, Dr. Ong-jao opened my vagina with a speculum, cleaned it, and positioned the catheter where the egg would pass through during the transfer. Dr. Mendiola was just there to guide Dr. Ong-jao and to make sure that everything was done perfectly.

Before the transfer, the embryologist showed my precious embryo through the monitor on my left. This was to make sure that there was an embryo to be transferred. Everyone in the room also saw how the embryologist put the embryo into a syringe in preparation for the transfer. When it was done, the embryologist went beside Dr. Ong-jao and initiated the transfer of the embryo through the catheter that was strategically positioned into my uterus. I saw the whole process through the monitor on my right.

This is a scan of my uterus and the embryo after the transfer

The procedure was finished by 9:30 a.m. Before I left the operating area, Dr. Ong-jao gave some instructions about the medicines I had to take in the next 12 days. HCG testing would be done 12dpt (dpt = days post transfer), which is on November 14th. Dr. Mendiola wished me luck and then I proceeded to my cubicle to rest. 

I was out of the operating room at 10:45 a.m. Time went by so fast that I didn't realize I was in that room for two hours. 

These are the medicines I have to take, each 3 times a day, for 12 days. Utrogestan should be taken vaginally and it was a little bit scary and awkward for me in the beginning because I have never tried inserting my finger down there. 

This would probably be the looooongest twelve days of my life yet...

KATO: 4th Consultation - The Egg Retrival

Today was a wonderful day. 

We were instructed to come to KATO at 8:00 a.m., but we arrived late. We got there at 8:20 a.m. There were 5 of us scheduled for egg retrieval. I was supposed to be the first one to be examined, but because I was late, they have already started with another patient. They really do start on time.

First I was accompanied by a nurse into the operating room. Upon entering the room, I had to use the slippers provided by the clinic and then proceeded to my own cubicle, which they call the recovery room. The cubicles are divided with curtains and each cubicle has a comfy bed, a locker, a pillow, and a warm blanket. I had to change into the robe the clinic provided, wearing only a bra underneath. After that, the nurse took my vital signs and gave some instructions on how the procedure would go.

When it was my turn, the nurse accompanied me into the operating area. I also had to change my slippers before entering the room. There were 6 people inside the operating area. While Dr. Perillo was doing the procedure, I could see what was happening through the monitor beside me. There were some small pains, but very tolerable. After the procedure, I went back to my cubicle to recover. They usually give their patients 15 minutes to rest. The nurse gave me some instructions again after changing into my own clothes.

While I was in the operating room, hubby also did his thing and submitted his sperm sample to the lab.

We waited in the patients' lounge for the next step.

I was called into the examination room. Using a speculum, Dr. Perillo checked if I was bleeding inside. 

After that, I and hubby were called into the consultation room. The embryologist talked to us. We received good news -- I had three eggs and 2 of them were mature. She showed us a photo of my eggs, 2 were in very good shape and 1 looked a little bit abnormal because of the shape, but she said it will be given until 6:00 p.m. to mature. Otherwise, it wouldn't be used for embryo transfer. She also explained to us how the egg would be fertilized and how the embryo would be graded. Another good news was that hubby's sperm motility significantly improved. From 52% motile on the first time he had his sperm analysis with Kato, it went up to 93%. We give credit to Dr. Ria, our acupuncturist, for this.

And then we were called into another consultation room where Dr. Perillo talked to us. Considering that my FSH level was high, it was really a surprise that I was able to produce three eggs. Dr. Perillo suggested that we would do a fresh transfer of 1 embryo only to avoid multiple pregnancy, since hubby has relatives who have twins. The other eggs will be frozen for future use if we decide to have another child.

I'm so nervous and excited about what's going to happen next. All my hopes are high now. But I leave it all up to God.

KATO: 3rd Consultation

My 3rd consultation with KATO was on my CD16, October 29th.

I was glad to find out that I have one dominant follicle on my right ovary. Dr. Perillo did the transvaginal ultrasound. She was accommodating and I felt really comfortable to ask questions. 

She said that I should go back on October 31st, which is my CD18, for the egg retrieval. I got excited because our journey is somehow going somewhere, although I was nervous at the same time because I worried about the quality of my egg.

I was given a nasal spray, Suprecur, which I would use once at midnight. One of the nurses showed us a video on how to use the nasal spray properly. I was also prescribed to take Advil 3x on the next day at noon, 6:00 p.m., and midnight.

Acupuncture for fertility

On October 26th (Saturday), I and hubby went to our acupuncturist for another session. Our appointment was at 10:30 a.m. First, Dr. Ria had to check my pulse and in just a few seconds of doing that she nodded and smiled. She also smiled when I showed her my tongue. So I take that reaction as good news. I hope.

Dr. Ria used 6 needles on my husband, but I didn't see where they were put because she did me first. She used 10 on me -- 3 on the left leg, 2 on the right leg, 2 on the left arm, and 3 on the right arm. I dozed off after that. It was a very nice and relaxing feeling. 

We were supposed to schedule another session on November 2nd, but it's a holiday so we're going to have to wait another week for our 3rd session.

Dr. Ria said we can stop acupuncture sessions when hubby's sperm motility has improved and when I get pregnant.

Studies show that acupuncture can help with fertility by reducing the effects of stress and balancing the hormones. These are the main reasons I go to an acupuncturist. Some women who have undergone IVF claim that acupuncture increased their chances of producing a successful pregnancy, especially when done on the day of the embryo transfer. 

Being licensed and board certified does not guarantee expertise in reproductive disorder, so those choosing to include acupuncture in their treatment regimen should only be treated by an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility.

(image source: http://whitelotuschi.com/Infertility.html)

(Source: http://www.shadygrovefertility.com/acupuncture)
Acupuncture is a form of physical medicine that originated in China over 4,000 years ago. It uses very thin, sterile needles, inserted into specific points on the body, to manipulate and balance the flow of energy through the body. Acupuncture for Fertility can boost your fertility and increase your chances of success when you are trying to conceive.

How does it work?

Oriental medicine has enhanced fertility for thousands of years by balancing the flow of energy through the body. Achieving and maintaining balance is the goal of life. When we are in balance, our bodies function optimally: our organs function well, our sleep is restful, we are resistant to disease, we recover easily from injury, and our reproductive capacity is functional. For a variety of reasons this balance can become disturbed.

Imbalance gives rise to symptoms, including infertility. Acupuncture aims to correct any imbalance, eliminating any and all symptoms that the imbalance caused. Recent studies suggest that acupuncture may increase conception rates. All of the PDtM acupuncturists are highly skilled, licensed professionals who go through a fertility-specific training process, making them true specialists in the field. 

Acupuncture has been hypothesized to help with all stages in the fertility journey from conception to delivery. Some studies have show that acupuncture may help with:

How can acupuncture help with fertility?

• Reduce stress
• Relieve morning sickness
• Alleviate back and post-op pain
• Help with post-partum pain and depression
• Increase live birth rates

KATO: 2nd Consultation

My second consultation at KATO was on October 25th, which was my CD12. After checking in at the reception area, I was called into the testing room. The nurse took my vital signs and everything seemed normal. 

Next I was called into the treatment room for the follicle monitoring. Dr. Mendiola performed the transvaginal ultrasound, which they call in KATO as B-scope. It was a little bit awkward when we exchanged greetings because I was already half naked with both my feet up the stirrups, my vagina exposed to him, when he came. I would say I was more comfortable having transvaginal ultrasound at SLMC-GC because I didn't feel "too naked" there. At KATO, the chair is reclined a little bit low and the stirrups are high that you are positioned like a person about to give birth. There is a curtain between the patient and the doctor, but you can see through it. You are given a towel to cover the naked part of your body. At SLMC-GC on the other hand, the chair is not reclined too low and the stirrups are positioned low, so it feels like you are just sitting. There's a big pillow to support your back and you are given a big sarong-like cloth to cover you, making you feel comfortable and not too exposed. You would  see the doctor face to face, but with my experience, this didn't make me feel awkward.

Dr. Mendiola checked my right ovary first. During my first consultation, only one follicle was seen, but this time there were two. It took Dr. Mendiola longer to check my left ovary and when he spotted a follicle, he said "Ayun!" ["There it is!"], but he lost it. He tried to locate it long enough, but to no avail. He said that all he could see were blood vessels.

The follicles found on my right ovary were still small. I suspect that the follicle on my left ovary was the dominant one (it has always been like this during my previous workups), but unfortunately he couldn't measure it because it was hiding somewhere. Dr. Mendiola told me to be back on my CD16, which is on October 29th. Maybe he was thinking I would ovulate late. I don't know what to expect next. I usually ovulate on my CD14, so I might have ovulated already on my 3rd consultation. This would mean I would start anew on my next cycle. Hopefully, my FSH level has lowered down by then (*crossing fingers*).

...or maybe there was divine intervention...maybe God has another plan for me. Whatever happens next, I leave it all up to God.

What is FSH and what are some natural ways to lower FSH levels?

What is FSH?

FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) is a hormone released by the pituitary gland which stimulates the growth of follicles and has a role in the maturation of oocytes. The measurement of FSH levels in the blood is one of the most widely used tests to assess a woman's ovarian function and is typically taken on day 2 or 3 of a woman's menstrual cycle. If a woman's FSH levels are above what is expected for her age, then she is considered to have "High FSH". 
(Source: http://www.centerforhumanreprod.com/high_fsh.html)

FSH levels fluctuate daily within a woman's cycle, as well as from cycle to cycle. Low levels of FSH indicate a woman's eggs are plentiful and of good quality, while high levels may indicate that the woman's fertility is impaired. This doesn't mean that she's unable to get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy, but that getting pregnant and having a good pregnancy outcome may be more difficult that for a woman the same age with an average FSH level. 
(Source: http://health.howstuffworks.com/pregnancy-and-parenting/pregnancy/fertility/how-do-high-fsh-levels-affect-getting-pregnant.htm)

What are some natural ways to lower FSH levels?

1. DHEA

Dr. Mendiola of KATO prescribed me to take 75mg of DHEA every day, so I went to Healthy Options to get it. Based on my readings, allow at least 4 months to see results. Some have claimed its impressive results, but others did not see any improvement. I guess it still depends on how your body responds to it. Although studies say this supplement doesn't give significant side effects, some women who used it said they experienced breakouts, falling hair, upset stomach, facial hair growth, and deepening of the voice.

2. Acupuncture

Acupuncture and TCM (traditional Chinese medicine) also have been shown to give amazing results in lowering FSH levels. I swear by acupuncture. Four years ago, my husband used to have severe allergic rhinitis and only four sessions of acupuncture cured it.

On October 19th, I and hubby went to our acupuncturist, Dr. Ria of TCM Health Care, and discussed with her our current situation. Only six needles were used for my husband --3 on his legs (1 on the left, 2 on the right), 1 on each hand, and 1 on the nose. She used six needles on my legs (3 on each leg), 4 on my abdomen, and 1 on my nose. She also used an acupuncture heat lamp over my abdomen. After the session, Dr Ria checked my ears and said that I really have hormonal imbalance. She asked me to have my estradiol and progesterone checked on my CD 21. Hubby and I plan to continue to have acupuncture every week.

3. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is one of the superfoods and one of its popular benefits is that it can lower women's FSH levels. I have been drinking wheatgrass on and off in the last 7 months, but now I will be taking it religiously to help me with my hormone problem. Wheatgrass comes in different forms -- pill, powder, and grass. I use the powder form because it is more convenient for me.

4. Flaxseed Oil

I asked Dr. Ria about other supplements that I can take to help me with my hormonal imbalance and she recommended flaxseed oil. I bought a bottle at Healthy Options. 

In regards to fertility, flaxseed oil is used to treat menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, female infertility, and endometriosis. Because the hormone-balancing lignans and plant estrogens (phytoestrogens) in flaxseed oil help stabilize a woman's estrogen-progesterone ratio, they can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle, and relieve the hot flashes of premenopause and menopause. Flaxseed oil may also improve uterine function and thus treat fertility problems. In addition, the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to block production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that, when released in excess amounts during mentruation, can cause the heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis. 
(Source: http://ttcwithherbs.webs.com/flaxseedoil.htm)

KATO: 1st Consultation

I had my period on October 14th, so I called KATO for an appointment and was scheduled at 2:30 p.m. on October 16th because it was my CD3. 

When I got there, hubby was already filling in his information into the medical forms online using KATO's iPad. I borrowed another of KATO's iPad to do mine. The clinic also issued me a card, which has my name and a number. To know when your turn is and where to go, the number on the patient's card is flashed on the screen they have at the lounge area. All the doctors, nurses, and staff members are warm, kind, and friendly.

After filling out all the online forms, I and hubby waited for our numbers to be flashed on the screen. First, we were called into the testing room. The nurse measured our blood pressure, height, and weight. The nurse also extracted some blood from me for the hormone tests -- estradiol, LH, progesterone, FSH, B-HCG, and prolactin. After that, we went back to the patients' lounge to wait for our numbers again to be flashed for the next step.

Next we were called into the consultation room. We met Dr. Mendiola and Dr. Ong-jao. We brought our previous work-up and lab records and submitted them to the nurse at the reception area, so when we got to see the doctors the papers were already with them. Dr. Mendiola reviewed our previos records and gave a short explanation of how follicles work and how fertilization occurs.

After the short talk with the doctors, we had to wait in the patients' lounge again for the next step. I was called into the examination room for the follicle monitoring through transvaginal ultrasound performed by Dr. Ong-jao. At the same time, hubby was doing his thing for the sperm analysis.

It would take 45 minutes to get the results of the tests, but we just stayed in the patients' lounge. There were some reading materials there and a television to keep us occupied while waiting anyway. 

Dr. Mendiola and Dr. Ong-jao discussed the results to us. Compared to hubby's previous sperm analysis, his count improved. There was a problem with motility though. But with IVF, this shouldn't be a big problem. In my case, out of the five hormone tests, I "failed" one -- the FSH. The normal value at this stage of my cycle should be between 4.5 and 10, but to my dismay mine was 37.9 and this not really good. 

Dr. Mendiola explained that my brain was sending the wrong message to my ovaries, so they seem to be overstimulated. This meant that I couldn't undergo minimal stimulation for the IVF. Instead I would rely on the eggs my body produces naturally, meaning I would be doing natural IVF. 

What a stressful day. I'm not losing hope. Lord, thy will be done.

Our 2nd consultation is scheduled on my CD12, which is on October 25th.

Lee Women's Hospital in Taiwan VS. Kato Repro Biotech Center in the Philippines

I thought I have made up my mind about going to Taiwan, but I am still having second thoughts and weighing things between Lee Women's Hospital and Kato Repro Biotech Center. One of the most important things to consider is the budget. I am also particular with the method. 

At first, I was leaning on Taiwan because of the success rate and the possibility that I can have twins. On the other hand, the approach in Lee Women's Hospital is aggressive that some women experience Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) during the process. OHSS is a complication caused by fertility medication, which needs to be addressed before any embryo transfer should be done during the IVF procedure. 

Kato's success rate is also increasing. Its protocol is more of like the natural way to conceiving a baby. They have what they call the Natural Cycle IVF, but this is available to those who are qualified depending on the center's assessment. If for some reason the patient can not have the Natural Cycle IVF, she will be under the Minimal Stimulation IVF. Unlike in Lee Women's Hospital, embryo transfer in Kato takes place on the next cycle after the cycle of egg retrieval. This will give time for woman's body to recover from procedures and medicines during the first cycle of the IVF. This center is very strict about the number of embryos that they implant, which is 1 to 2 only, so there is lesser chance of having twins.

I am still doing some readings and research about these two IVF centers, but what I have come up with so far is a comparison of estimated expenses for the two centers. The costs may change in the future.

TAICHUNG IVF ESTIMATED EXPENSES

(as of September 23, 2013)

One IVF Cycle:

• US$280 (medicine for stimulation)
• US$5,400 (all-in: hospital only)
• Others (if necessary): ICSI – NT$10,000 ; LAHA – NT$5,000 ; Frozen material & technique fee for frozen embryos – NT$10,000
• Air Fare: P5,000 – P10,000 (via Cebu Pacific, depending on the promo)
• Service from airport to hotel: NT$2,000
• Hotel accommodation: ALICE Hotel – NT$900-NT$1,200/day (minimum required stay for the whole procedure is 15 days, ideal is 30 days)
• Others (VISA application, food, transportation within Taichung, laundry service, etc.)

 Note: NT$ = New Taiwan dollar

KATO IVF ESTIMATED EXPENSES

(as of September 23, 2013)

• First Consultation: P1,680
• Succeeding Consultations: P560/visit
• Ultrasound: P560/visit
• Sperm Analysis: P560/test
• Hormone test: P1,496 per hormone per visit (Estradiol, Progesterone, LH, FSH, B-hcg, Prolactin
• Infectious Disease Screening: P2,520/each (husband & wife)

Natural Cycle IVF: P168,000 (package)

Note:

-Package is for qualified/eligible candidates only

-EXCLUSIVE OF  consultation fees, ultrasounds, sperm analysis, hormone testing, infectious disease screening + medicine

-If initial pregnancy test is negative, patients only pay P16,800 (EXCLUSIVE OF consultation fees, ultrasounds, sperm analysis, hormone testing, infectious disease screening + medicine)

Minimal Stimulation IVF: P207,200 (EXCLUSIVE OF consultation fees, ultrasounds, sperm analysis, hormone testing, infectious disease screening + medicine, etc.)

Note: Payment is dependent on each procedure used for the cycle

Back from hiatus

In the past two months that I haven't been able to update this blog, I was just feeling down and couldn't find myself to talk about anything related to getting pregnant. The feeling comes and goes, I'm sure many of those TTC understand this. 

Just recently, my father-in-law had a serious talk with hubby and me. It was about major decisions we had to make. First, it is about deciding on going to Taiwan for an IVF. We have been living in Manila for 9 years now and the second major decision we have to make is about leaving everything in Manila behind and going back to our hometown to give way to my father-in-law and hubby's plans of putting up a business back home. I and hubby drafted our timeline for these plans. There are no final talks yet, but based on my father-in-law's statements, these plans must happen. I don't have any negative feeling about it anyway. I am for these plans.

I am grateful, really, really grateful to my in-laws for offering to help with the funding of our IVF in Taiwan.  Of course the pressure and what ifs are still there, but I am leaving it all up to HIM now. 

There is this blog I have been following that I haven't checked in a long time until today. I am really happy that finally, the blogger got her BFP after an IVF procedure in Taiwan. She had been through a lot of things as far as TTC is concerned, but she never lost hope. She tried everything she could and failure did not hinder her from trying again. Hers is an inspiring story. This is the link to her blog: 

http://infertilityphilippines.blogspot.com/