I will update in details what are the treatment and process I have been through in chronological order. I was introduced to this fertiflity center by a colleague of mine, who has successfully delivered an IVF baby 3 years ago.
We have been married for 7 years and so far no signs of pregnancy come to our life. My husband has done some treatment in the past that affect his fertility. We both aware and take note of that until recently we feel that we are really looking forward to have a child. It is just that in the past we were so bog with our works and never got a chance to see the doctor.
It’s all started on 29/10/2007 – we went to TMC Fertility Centre (Formerly know as Damansara Fertility Centre) about 3pm and requested to see Dr Colin Lee Soon Soo. However since we just walked-in, we were referred to another doctor. Prior to that, we were shown a short presentation about the whole thing. The doctor scanned me for the first time and then we exchange our stories. From the scan, the Dr noticed something that may be due to cyst or the egg shell in my ovary but to confirm that, I need to come back on my 2nd day period. The Dr then scheduled for my husband’s sperm test. The Dr also performed a pap-smear test. I was bleeding for another 3 days after this visit. Total for this visit RM 300.00.
1/11/2007 – my husband needs to do sperm test. We were asked to come back in the evening to see the Dr for the result. In the evening we were referred to a different Dr. The Dr explains the sperm test reading and we did expect that. Then we fixed the next appointment and my husband asked for some medication to improve his fertility. Total cost for this visit is RM 628.00.
16/11/2007 – 2nd day period scanning. The appointment was set with Dr Colin. He was very charm and friendly! He confirmed it was just the egg shell. We need to comeback for the second semen analysis and swim-up test on 21/11/2007 to confirm the sperm test. Total cost for this visit is RM 180.00
21/11/2007 – 2nd sperm test. My husband did the 2nd sperm test in the morning however the result was not really encouraging and he needs to produce the new one right after that ….. phewww! The lab assistant explained that the new sperm eventhough not as many as earlier, it should be better in mortality compared to earlier one. We decided to go for breakfast since we hadn’t had our breakfast yet and come back another 2 hours later. Then we went to see Dr Colin in the afternoon to see the result. We were asked whether to freeze the sperm or not. After thinking of the consequences, we agreed to freeze the sperm. Total total cost for this visit is RM 1090.00
5/12/2007 – Appointment with Dr Colin. From here we decided to proceed with IVF plus ICSI since other options seems impossible for us. After giving some views and decision made, we were briefed in details by a nurse what are the next course of action. She laid out a tentative schedule on what to expect. Then, the nightmare ……. blood test …. owh! when was the last time? My blood was taken twice, each on left and right hand. The good thing is they put lots of material around the wall so that I can divert my attention by reading those articles. The blood test it to test whether I got disease or not. So do my husband, but his only once. Here is the evident:
Then, another nightmare hihihhi ….. the Buserelin injection. Dr Colin had explained earlier that I will do it myself but couldn’t imagine how does it looks like. Then the nurse come out with the needles and the medicine…. whoahh … wondering how can I do that. Scarry! The nurse guided me to do the first injection. I need to take 0.5ml Buserelin for 15 days, from today till 19/12/2007, each morning at 7am. First time did that, not too bad. My husband could not stand to see the needle but I didn’t feel the pain. So I passed the test. Yeay! I went back home with a handful of needles and 2 bottles of Buserilin and a bottle of cotton swap soaked in alcohol. Total cost for this visit is RM 4,895.00.
6/12/2007 – 7am, my second Buserelin injections. The instruction is that I need to do it alternately left and right 1cm away from the belly button and downwards. Did it and watched by my husband. He felt so sorry for me. Well honey, nothing to sorry about. Life is full of choices. We already chose this and we will go through this together. Really, it wasn’t hurt.
7/12 – 19/12 – Continue the injections as instructed. Funny, sometimes I feel so scared to do it despite few times doing this without hesitation. At times when I hesitated, I put down the needle, take a deep breath and just do it. Yes, sometimes I DO feel the pain but just a little bit.
Here are the needles (used & unused) together with Buserelin. Just noticed that I short of one needle for the 24/12 injection:
19/12/2007 – Appointment with Dr Colin at 8.30am for 2nd blood test and scan. I went there alone since my husband is abroad. Today is my 2nd day of mensus. For the test result, I went back to see Dr Colin at 4pm. He said that there is an empty shell on my left. It may be due to cyst or egg shell. I need to come back on 24/12/2007 for confirmation then only he can recommend what is the next course of action. For the meantime, I shall reduce Buserelin to 0.1ml starting tomorrow.
24/12/2007 – Next appointment. Update 24/12/2007 – We went to see Dr Colin this morning. After the scanning, he mentioned there’s cyst on my left. I saw he wrote: 6mm – unhelathy looking. So I know, the time is not there yet. I need to consume medicine in order to clear the cyst. According to the nurse, it is a clear cyst means contain water inside. So now I shall increase my Buserelin intake from 0.1mm back to 0.5mm and some other medicine to tackle the cyst. Total cost for this visit: RM72.90 (only for the additional medicine and some for flu). On MC today.
25/12 – 07/01 – Continue Buserelin injection for another 2 weeks. New dose 0.5ml.
02/01/2008 – Period. Kinda panic hihihi …. Last period was on the 18/12/07. All of sudden period again today. Called TMC to check whether this is normal or expected. The nurse said yes. For my 2nd Buserelin intake, they would expect 1 period. She said if I am period during this two weeks, next check-up (7/1/08) they will do the blood test to check my hormon. If I do not period, they will check urine for pregnancy test. Foohh…. relief! Just do my math of the total cost so far. I have paid RM 7,165.90.
07/01/2008 – Next appointment to scan whether the cyst is there or not. Tentative schedule for egg picking is 24/01/08.
Updates 07/01/2008: Dr Colin did the scan and confirmed is was not a cyst. It was a con! hihihi … actually was an old egg shell, which responded to the medicine he provided earlier and now it is gone! So far the plan is on schedule. I shall reduce my Buserelin intake from 0.5ml to 0.1ml starting tomorrow and going to start my GONAL-F injection on the 13/01/2008. The nurse taught me how to use the Gonal-F injection this morning. Scarry a bit looking at the size of the pen. but when I saw the needle, oh ok … just like the buserilin needle. But do not know what to expect since on the 13/01/08, I am going to do it alone as my hubby will be abroad. huhuhu …. Yet to have the pix of my Gonal-F (will update soon). For this reason, we bought a new minibar to be kept in our bedroom so that I can store all the medicine within reach and apart from other food items in the normal fridge, cost us another RM 388.00. The nurse advised us to be VERY happy and take a very good food for good eggs production. Will do! First test- we were landed with summon for not parking at the appropriate place and we take it with open mind. Well, that counts to our cost. (those who have came to TMC must know how difficult to get the appropriate parking). I came back with 3 boxes of Gonal-F and next appointment with Dr is 17/01/2008. Egg picking is scheduled on 24/25 January 2008. Total cost for this visit is RM 2700 (for Gonal-F RM900 x 3 boxes) + RM 100 for the summon…… that’s life! hihihi …..
12/01/2008 – OK, tomorrow I shall start my Gonal-F. Everybody knows that hihihi …. today I’ve done a little bit of research on the internet everything about Gonal-F related. Phewwww firstly I found this video:
These are some pictures of my Gonal-F in my new fridge *grin*
13/01/2008 – I shall start my GONAL-F huhuhu……
Updates 13/01/2008 – I’ve just completed my first Gonal-F injection. Yeah! I passed….. hihiihih …. NO PAIN at all. I don’t feel any. In fact the buserelin injection this morning is a bit painful. My Gonal-F “tick” sounds 6 times. What I undersand from the above video, 1 tick = 0.75ml
15/01/2008 – It has been 3 days I am taking Gonal-F injection. So far so good even though I am doing it alone, by myself. My feeling? hmmm I have difficulty to sleep and eating. At times I feel like having a reflux too. My tummy feels cramp sometimes.
Don’t worry darling as I am a brave girl (you know I am!). Even though we are in two different continents, I know you are reading this. muahhss love you so much. missed you a lot!
17/01/2008 – Next appointment.
Note: For the past few days, my tummy feel so blotted and so unconformtable!
Updates 17/01/2008 – Today I went to see Dr Colin. Learning from the past, I left home this morning around 7am. Reach there around 7.50am even though my appointment is sometime later. So many parking lots to chose for and I parked my car exactly in front of the main entrance’s staircase :).
Being the early patient, it was not a long wait. DR scanned me and count the follicles. Looks good! On my right was 10 follicles and left 11 follicles, both side size 10mm. The DR smiles when he was telling me I should have many eggs and my chance of pregnancy is 60%. He said tentatively the OPU (Oocytes Pick-up) should be on 24/1/2008.
I raised my concern to postpone the treatment for about 3 weeks only but he said that is not possible. If I freeze the embryo then I have to wait another few months to start the procedure again. Oh, that’s a long wait. It is ok then. So I should come again on 21/1/2008 for scanning and see the follicles development.
BTW, I need to continue my Gonal-F injection & Buserilin for another 4 days maintaining the same amount of medicine’s quantity. So additional 1 box of Gonal-F is required. Today’s cost is RM900 (for Gonal-F only).
21/01/2008 – Next appointment.
Updates 21/01/2008 – Today I went to see Dr Colin again. As usual, I arrived around 8am, this time I did a side parking so that people cannot do double park & block block my car :). I had some breakfast and register. While waiting my turn, I do some office work at the clinic (I have meeting at 10.30am hehehe). 10 minutes to 9am, the nurse calling me. I was the first patient again!
The Dr scanned me, measure my follicles and then there was another doctor, Dr Surinder watching what’s Dr Colin doing. From their conversation, I believe it is part of the learning process. Then the Dr measure my follicles, many of them. So the scanning took a longer time than usual. my sizes around 15 – 16mm. Heard the Dr uttered something to Dr Surinder like “something small” but don’t know what does it mean.
So after finished, Dr mentioned that there will be many eggs. He confirmed my OPU will be on 25/1/2008, ET 28/1/2008 and will be on MC for the next 2 weeks. I’ve asked the Dr about staying in hospital during the MC period, he said ok, they will arrange for that. I felt so relief. So the Dr informed me that I shall continue my medicine as follows:
22/1 – Last Gonal-F injection, 225 iu @ 7.30am
22/1 – 23/1 Buserilin, o.1ml @7.30am
23/1 – 8.30pm sharp, I need to do another injection, the medicine called OVIDREL.
24/1 – 11pm, to start fasting and take the 2 tiny yellow pills to clean the bowels.
Total cost for this visit is RM204.00 (for Medicine only)
Updates 24/1/08 – I did the OVIDREL injection last night. I was in a rush because almost forgotten the schedule, 8.30pm SHARP @ 23/1/2008. Lucky something alarmed me 3 minutes before that. hihihi…. fooohhh … but still not to miss the photoshoot. The needle is longer and bigger than the other medicine that I’ve taken earlier. But since I was in a rush, can’t think of the pain. Within seconds, it’s finished. Today, I feel something missing. After about one and a half month with daily morning routine of injection, today there is none. OK, finish with the story. This is the actual photo taken before the injection last night:
BTW, today I feel very week & tired. My heart pounding very fast. Feel likes the blood pressure is increased. Tummy blotted, can’t described it. Sometimes feel so cramped that I can hardly walk around.
Darling, wish you’re here by my side….
25/1 – OPU
Updates 25/1/2008 – This morning I took a cab and heading to TMC Fertility Center in Damansara Utama. I reached there around 7.40 and straight away go to the registration counter. I thought I was the earliest …. saw few couples inside. So around 8.20 the nurse called me to check my BP, confirmed the medicine intake, my weight etc. After that I pay for today’s treatment fee in total RM 7,460 (RM 2500 for ICSI and balance for the remaining IVF).
About 10 minutes to 9am, the nurse took me upstairs, show me my room and then changed my cloth to the OT cloth. It was so fast. There is another bed inside the room, the first patient for today’s OPU. She’s still inside the OT. Once the Dr finished with her, they took her out from OT and straight to the bed. Then, jeng jeng jeng …. my turn. I need to lie on the operating table and the remaining was history. The last thing I remeber was the Dr injected me (feel pain a bit) and I passed out.
The next thing I know, I was on another stretcher (how did they transfer me I don’t know), lying and sedated. Feel so sleepy but managed to look at the clock on the wall. it is 9.35am. It was very fast. Around 10am I asked one of the nurse to go to the washroom and then she guided me to my rest bed, beside the first patient (we are separated with a curtain). I saw food! (btw, I was so hungry as I need to fast since last night). There on the table a glass of plain water, a cup of milo and 3 pcs of crackers. Looks yummy …
Then I was tossing left and right feel not comfortable until I fell asleep. I woke up around 11am. Lying and waiting. Around 11.30am a nurse came and advise me what’s the next course of action. I need to take some medicine tomorrow and day after tomorrow. Next Monday I need to come back and ET is scheduled at 10.30am. 🙂
Guess how many eggs do they pick-up from me? Answer: 28 eggs
My friend said I was so fertile! Thanks to my friend who pick me up at the center and send me home.
28/1 – ET
Updates 28/1/2008 – Today I woke-up at 5am. Had some breakfast and pack-up my things to be brought to the hospital since after ET, I will be sent to specialist hospital and stay there for a week. Actually for the past 2 days I suffered from severe gastritis. I’ve seen my GP yesterday and he gave me very light medicine in view of my condition. I won’t be able to update this blog for a week or so as I am not sure whether I can use my laptop in the hospital.
I’ve arranged my taxi for this morning trip to TMC. I need to arrive at the center around 9am and the ET is scheduled at 10.30am. Hopefully everything’s fine.
Updates 30/1/2008 – OK today is the 3rd day after ET. Now I am in a Specialist Hospital for a one week bed rest. They have free wireless here and I have my laptop with me. They sent me here using ambulance (first time for me). I saw the letter from Dr Colin I will be put in maternity ward. This is my 1st meal at the hospital:
Oh ok …. About my ET:
Abt 9am they scanned to see my bladder. It was empty. However I said I just drink this morning so the Dr said it’s ok, don’t drink anymore, just hold on and don’t pass the urine. I shall come back around 10.30am for a second scan. At 10.30am, my bladder was half full. So the Dr said I can get some rest upstairs while waiting for my turn (since I was in pain from gastric). Around 12pm I was called to the OT. So they prepared me around 10 minutes then Dr Colin came in and explain to me the OPU outcome. In summary, 0ut of 28, only 18 were matured, 7 were fertilized and 2 were transferred. I will explain in details tomorrow. The total amount I paid today is RM 1,675 (for ET and Cyclogest supply for 2 weeks).
ET Details Updates – The procedure was very fast. I can clearly see the clock ticking on the wall. First someone came in and confirmed my name as per their working sheet. I was made to lay on the Operating Table with my legs tied and open. Then the nurse inserted a speculum followed by a catheter. It was not hurt but I feel tickling a it maybe the equipments bumped into my uterus wall. I cannot see this but I heard what they were saying. Then I looked at the screen they put on my right. The nurse did an abdomen scan to see my bladder. I also heard someone (i think the embryologists) speaks over the speaker. After that they called the Dr to come upstairs.
Then Dr came in and explained what’s the OPU outcome as per my writing earlier. Initially the Doctor said 3 embryos will be transferred. I also heard the embryologist mentioned “OK MY NAME, 3 embryos, 3 minutes”. Then a moment of silent. I saw the Dr was on the phone but hardly heard him speaking. I believe the other end is the embryologist who was located in other room. Suddenly, the Dr instructed the nurse to tilt the operating table so that my head is lower than my legs. Then he informed me, “MYNAME, they are not 3 embryos, they are only 2 embryos as the other one is average in quality. I said OK (It’s better something than nothing, and I believe the Doctor knows what’s the best for me). By then the time is around 12.17pm. The lights and aircond went off. I was sweating a bit. Then I saw from the screen, they guided the catheter contained my embryos inside my uterus and suddenly everything seems stopped. They locked the image on the screen and that’s all, finished around 12.20pm. After that the doctor inserted the Cyclogest. He said that will support my pregnancy.
Then I must lay on the OT for an hour before they transferred me to my rest bed. I stayed there for another 2 hours before I went down and arranged for payment. I was supplied with Cyclogest for 13 days until my BETA test on 9/2/2008 (Day & Night – 11AM, 11PM). Then I waited upstairs as the ambulance will pick me up from the 2nd floor.
31/1/2008 – OK, since the internet here is veryyyyy slow, I think I better update the details story once I am back at home this Sunday. For the meantime, I just update a short story only. This morning I saw missed calls from my laling …. uwaaaa … I put the phone on silent mode. In the afternoon then only I managed to talk to my laling. muahhsssss missed you. Coupled with a basket TuttiFrutti delivered in the afternoon sent by my laling. Thanks to the technology! I’ve yet to open the wrapper as I would like to enjoy the beauty first. Thank you so much laling!
Then around 5pm Dr Colin paid a short visit to me. I was so happy. I didn’t expect at all. All of a sudden I heard like someone calling my name from the other side of the curtain. Then I saw his face. Oh thank God. I feel comfort when I met him just now. At least I want him to know that I am doing fine. I did ask him why I did I get so many eggs? He said maybe due to polycystic ovary but still he cannot confirm anything until he look at my case.
1/2/2008 – As early as 8am, there is another Dr come and visit me. Dr Wong Pak Seng is one of the Doctors in TMC. Today I am ready with few questions to ask. I mentioned to him that I suffered a back pain and blotted. He said it is normal. He also explained that the SUCCESS of the IVF is based on the Quality of the embryos. If it is a good embryo, once it is planted, it is there already. No need to worry about its falling down etc. He explained a lot based on my questions that makes me more comfortable and know what to expect.
2/2/2008 – My 6th day of ET. Nothing much to tell except yesterday I felt severe back pain, somewhere around the waist. It comes all of sudden and faded away an hour later. Today I do my math again. To-date, I have spent RM 20,104.90 for this treatment inclusive of medicines, excluding my stay at the hospital about a week.
3/2/2008 – My 7th day of ET. I am going to check out from hospital today, and rest at home for another week. The cost for one week at the hospital inclusive Dr’s visit RM 1,356.
4/2/2008 – At home. My right leg is in pain. I cannot walk properly. I don’t know why. This afternoon I am going to see my Dr to check and get some medicine if possible. I am afraid if my left leg works so hard to support my body that will affect the ovary.
In the afternoon I went to see Dr Colin to check my right leg. While driving there, I got a very terrible headache. When I arrived the nurse check my BP – 6 times, left and right hands. She couldn’t believe that my BP reading was so high. 4 times using the machine and then she used the manual equipment 2 times including changing my sitting style. Lastly she wrote my reading as 138/96. Then when I met Dr Colin, he scanned my abdomen to check whether there is any fluid inside or not. Since my egg was a bit too many, I may suffer from fluid retention. There is no fluid. Then the doctor prescribed me Pregnyl injection immediately after the consultation, which is done by the nurse. He also checked again my BP. This time the reading is 140/102. He said it is quite high and he prescribed me BP control medicine TENORMIN for 3 weeks supply. For my leg, he prescribed me with Wintosal Cream to be applied 3 times daily. Total cost RM 332.00.
5/2/2008 – My 9th day of ET. Today I start taking tenormin in order to control my BP. In the afternoon I got severe headache. I really can feel my BP surged abruptly. I tried to sleep but when I woke up the headache still there.
6/2/2008 – Just received a call from TMC. The blood test scheduled this Saturday 9/2/2008 is postponed to Monday 11/2/2008 as the lab is closed on 9/2/2008. But still I need to go there this Saturday to get my Cyclogest additional supply as my current supply just enough until Saturday morning. So I can see Dr Colin on Monday! Scheduled earlier on Saturday I will see Dr Surinder since Dr Colin is on leave. Happy Chinese New Year to Dr Colin & Dr Wong.
9/2/2008 – My 13dp3dt. Today I supposed to do my BETA test but postponed to Monday. I went to TMC to get my additional supply of Cyclogest for the next 2 days. My BP seems back to normal 128/83. For the past few days I feel like the pre menstrual syndrom and lots of gas, blotted. Pulling pain under the belly. Total cost today RM60.00.
OK, if you ever wondered how does the Cyclogest look like, here is the pix:
9/2/2008 11/2/2008 – Next appointment to confirm the pregnancy by doing a blood test (also referred as BETA test or in layman term BF – Big Fat, if BFP Big-Fat Positive, BFN-Big Fat Negative). Test at 8.30am, result come out around 2pm. Dup-dap dup-dap!
11/2/2008 Updates AM – I went to TMC this morning. Arrived there around 7.30am. Had some breakfast then about 8am I went up. Around 8.20am the nurse called me and took my blood. Ouch! I felt pain a bit. Then off me go! Now at home, waiting, waiting and waiting for the result which is expected around 2.00pm. I’ll leave home around 1pm this afternoon. My heart poundinggggg …. huhuhu ……
11/2/2008 Updates PM – MY BETA HCG Reading = 907. It is BFP! BABY DUST FOR ME! The moment I entered the Dr’s room, I only heard he said, “Good news for you” at the same time the bell outside at the lobby was rang by the nurse. Then Dr said the bell was rang for you and heard everyone at the center clap clap clap including the DR! Then bla bla bla…. the remaining was history. I couldn’t listen to what he said. I felt like floating in the air. Lastly I heard the Dr said, the reading is quite high, it could be more than one baby! I couldn’t write anything else. I am just to happy to write anything. Thank you all for your support. Wish all the IVFers Best of Luck! Thank you to all my blog readers for your wishes. Today I am supplied with additional Cyclogest and Folic Acid. Total cost for today RM613.30.
I’ll start a new Chronology starting tomorrow for my baby(ies) journey on monthly basis.
OK Last update for today. First thing I bought once the result out:
Time to change my shoes. I normally wear a 2inch or 3inch high heels to work. Now no more!
So excited & happy ….. mixed feeling, don’t know what to expect too.
Journey of a new life 