Needles, Needles and More Needles

Our first appointment with the first Acupuncturist was interesting to say the least. We walked into a little old home and it was made into a make-shift office. The couple work together but it is the wife that is the trained Acupuncturist and has been for over 40 years. She was trained in China and has a lot of recognition's from all over for healing people in comas, fertility issues and other health problems. She is quite old and has these gigantic glasses and she has half her teeth and neither of their English is amazing. We were sat down and told that it would be $60 for the consultation and $60 for the treatment. It came out to $240 for that day, yeah a bit of an ouch factor that is for sure!! We filled out all this paperwork on our problems, aches and pains on our bodies and what our goal for Acupuncture was. Then they took our blood pressure and mine is low at 108/26 I think? Don't quote me on that one and my pule was normal. Mr. Explorer Bud's blood pressure was high but his pulse was fine. They then looked at our tongues and eyes to determine what organs were out of wack or Chi. My liver, heart, spleen, kidney, and bladder were all off and she explained that when your organs are not working properly that the rest of your body cannot work properly and that is the cause of many different symptoms. Then her husband I guess figured we didn't get what she was saying and repeated it all to us. We then were sent over to the treatment room. The couple is pretty funny as they are like most old couples that constantly are telling each other what to do but in Chinese so it sounds like they are arguing the whole time. They put a needle in my right arm by my wrist, three needles down my abdomen, one in my calf and another in my ankle. Then they put a heat lamp over my abdomen and every 10 minutes would come in and wiggle my needles to make sure I felt them. The interesting part was the one in my arm was really sensitive and bugged me the whole time and the lower abdomen one also. The others I didn't really feel until he wiggled them. Mr. Explorer Bud go the same arrangement as I but he wasn't bothered by any of them and made a lovely video of him flexing the needle in his arm, such a man!! The Acupuncturist recommends that we come on a daily basis for 12 days so that we will see the results fastest and then do maintenance after, probably 1x week. We after the appointment I started getting a dull headache and my left side of my stomach started getting crampy. I am reaching the end of my BC pack and starting on Progesterone so I will start AF soon, maybe it is my body getting prepared to do its stuff. Mr. Explorer Bud feels like Acupuncture is more of a Placebo effect but who knows. I will keep you posted on symptoms and such.

A little update

Just a little update on my Appointment yesterday, as well as something I forgot to mention in the last post...

So, I went to see the Doc yesterday after work. From the moment I arrived, I must say I was impressed. He has a beautiful building which houses his practice, as well as another area he rents out (smart guy). When I arrived inside, I walked into a beautifully decorated but relatively empty waiting room. Besides Mr. DBud and I, there was only one other patient waiting. I started by filling out the required paperwork, and paying my copayment. Within a few minutes, we were called in to get started. Since it was my first time with this Doc, this 1st appointment was mostly a consultation. They took my blood pressure and weight, and I was ushered in another room to await the Doc. He was great! Super sweet guy :) He asked me a few questions, and prescribed me some prenatals (PreQue10). He also gave me a two week sample to start trying out. He ordered some blood work to check my levels, and wanted to see me back in about a week. By then, we should be able to see a little something, and hear a heartbeat <3 My next appointment will take place on 3/13. Hopefully they'll call me back and let me know how the blood work turned out :) In the meantime... We wait!

Anyway, I wanted to mention another strange symptom... The other day, I washed my hair. By the next day, it was oily. This is NOT like my hair at all, since my hair is naturally curly and, therefore, dry. I normally wash it every 4 days or so without it getting gross. This was too weird. I washed it last night, and so far it is not greasy. I wonder if that was just a strange week 5 thing? Oh well...

Until next time :)





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So far so good...

Things have been a bit busy lately. Nothing major to report, except that things seem to be progressing normally.

I am currently 6 weeks exactly, as far as my O date is concerned. My boobies have been KILLING me on a daily basis, so I guess that's good... but best of all...

TODAY IS MY FIRST PRENATAL APPOINTMENT WITH MY NEW PRACTITIONER!!! AND MR. DBUD IS COMING TOO!!!

I am so excited! I have been super excited since making the appointment last week :) I am a litt

le nervous about how things will go, but I am sure everything will be fine... I am staying very positive.

I have been trying to eat well, and for the most part have, so that's a good thing. I just know that I am going to get crap from my Mom this ENTIRE pregnancy! She has ALWAYS been obsessed with my weight (obsessed is an understatement), and since this PCOS business has made me pack on a bit more than I (or anyone) would like, she has been on my case even more. The only bad thing about this is that she starts to stress me out. She ALWAYS (not just now that I am pregnant) interrogates me about what I ate for dinner or lunch, and then gives me crap about it. I had a crazy day yesterday, filled with rehearsals and such (I am doing a show this weekend) so I picked up some McDonald's for Mr. DBud and I. I had a grilled chicken sandwich. She gave me crap for that. I guess I just have to learn to ignore it, and do my best. Other than the fact that I am overweight, I am super healthy - good cholesterol, good sugar, etc. I would like to gain as little as possible, if even anything at all, during this pregnancy. Because of my pre-pregnancy weight, I actually don't have to gain. Eating better (choices) and the same amount of calories or even a little less should be fine. I've actually been stocking up on fruit, veggies, and walnuts (which are said to be great for the Brain). I have been drinking milk, and having cereal. I have also been cooking at home as much as I can. I know my Mom only does it cause she worries about me... but she doesn't realize that she stresses me out in a bad way, even when she doesn't mean to.

Anyway, let's see what the Dr. says about my weight and varicose veins (I have had them since I was like 12 - runs in the family). I also hope that we can see our little Frijol! Or at least hear a heartbeat... after what we went through last year, I know it will be a HUGE relief to know the heart is beating. Even though I am staying EXTREMELY positive... I am still cautiously optimistic. I guess that's the normal way to be after a MC.

As far as other symptoms... Peeing (a lot) even when I haven't had much to drink, tired/sleepy especially in the afternoons, sore boobies, and a little bloating.

Hope to have a great update after seeing the Dr :) Keep us in your T&P!

Sweet Pea at 8 Weeks

That is my little sweet pea! We were not expecting an ultrasound but the midwife did one and it was incredible! Little Buttercup Bud's heart rate was 160 BPM and going strong. It was amazing. We printed out the picture and now it is on our fridge.

The midwife said according to her wheel I am due 11/10. However, I am still sticking with my calculations because I know when I ovulated. Besides, 2 days doesn't really make a difference because baby will come whenever he/she is ready. Although I do think an an 11/11/11 birthday would be cool.

Mr. Buttercup Bud and I were so excited/relieved to see our sweet little baby. It was wonderful seeing our little baby for the first time, even though he/she looks more like a kidney bean. I was so proud of our little baby for his/her little heart pumping away.

My next appointment I will be 12 weeks, wahoo! Almost out of first tri, thank God! I am so ready! I have been so sick. Our midwife offered to give me a prescription for nausea but I declined. I am really trying to be med free all the way through. Even if that is crazy, I figure I might as well start now so I can be prepared for a natural birth.

Until next time!

Buttercup Bud

Heart Shaped Box

Before I go any further, PLEASE tell me someone gets the song reference in the title of the post. I'll feel really old if nobody does.

I had my first appointment with my new provider this morning. All-in-all it was as expected. We went over history. She estimated my due date. Based on the u/s that I had in the ER a few weeks back apparently we're looking at October 17th rather than the 15th. A couple of days later than LMP is expected due to my late ovulation (see chart), so whatever. They scheduled me for my first shot at hearing the heartbeat (FINALLY!), and then sent me to the vampires in the lab for blood draws and peeing in a cup.


As of right now, my first chance at seeing a heartbeat won't be until March 31st. I'll be about 11.5 weeks. Ironically, I'll be getting a NT Scan at a different hospital (the u/s tech that does them at the military hospital is deployed) at roughly the same time (11-13 weeks). I'll be waiting what feels like an eternity for an u/s, and then getting two in two weeks time. Figures.



******

Now for the big news of the day. Apparently I have what they are deeming a Bicornate Uterus. I knew at my ER visit at 6 weeks that they were looking at the possibility, but I had no idea it was official. I'm honestly kind of suspecting its the fibroid I've been told is there growing and distorting things, but they are right to be conservative.


For those that don't know, a bicornate uterus is basically one with a partial division down the center. There are two common shapes to a bicornate uterus. Heart-shaped and two horned. I'm the heart-shaped variety. I don't have an image of my own yet, so here is the closest I could find on the internet to what I saw during my u/s.

A three-dimensional image that demonstrates a heart-shaped bicornuate uterus. Fundal indentation is well seen (arrow), as well as the widely divergent horns (asterisks) with a single cervix (arrowhead). (Image and explanation courtesy of: http://tinyurl.com/4gnr7zd)

From what I've been able to find online, the biggest risks are:
*Miscarriage if implantation happens in a region of the uterus where growth would be too restricted.

*Early delivery due to space restrictions.

*Cesarean section due to breech/transverse presentation. Basically the shape of the the uterus can restrict the baby being able to flip into a head-down position for delivery.

I've also found examples on the internet of women going full term and doing natural deliveries, so I'm just taking it as something they'll be watching closely. We'll deal with potential complications as we go. I've already got a list going for questions to ask the doctor. Right now I'm just trying to remind myself that this is the same pregnancy as it was yesterday, I'll just be watched more closely now. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was concerned though. Its scary being told your pregnancy is now deemed risky enough that they are sending you to the Big Dogs to be watched more closely. The same place that you were told just weeks ago was for "high risk" only. *Gulp*

I. AM. PREGNANT!

I cannot believe it! I caved and decided to test around 10:30 with a Dollar Store test and it was almost immediately positive. I started shaking and repeating, "Oh my God, Oh my God". I followed up with a digital and it popped up 'Pregnant' fairly quickly.

Mr. Buttercup Bud and I are beyond thrilled. I had to tell him over the phone because he was on his way to work and I could not wait. He was so excited. We have been texting since then and he told me it hasn't really hit him yet. Tonight we are celebrating in the Buttercup Bud household.

Here is a picture of my tests:

Symptoms, lets see. HUGE boobs, HUGE. Like busting out of my bra. I also have somewhat sore nipples and a persistent lower backache. I have some nausea too, although I am not sure if it is from excitement/nerves or the pregnancy. I cannot believe it, I am pregnant! I am nervous, I so want this baby to stick, so any thoughts/prayers would be appreciated for Baby Buttercup Bud.

I have my first appointment with my OB/GYN next Thursday. I am hoping to go to the birth center that night for the information meeting. I would really like to go natural at the birth center.

Thank you for all of your support. I cannot wait to update you on Baby Buttercup Buds progress.

Best,

Buttercup Bud

10w4d Midwife Visit

I didn't have time to post at all last week--so I'm going to post a few in a row today to get you all caught up with what's been happening at the Magnolia Bud house.

Last Friday, we were scheduled for our first prenatal visit at the Birth Center. When we got there, I PIAC, and had my blood pressure taken and was weighed. 122/66 and 141--even with my pre-pregnancy numbers. We got a folder FILLED with information about the birth center, tips, worksheets, etc., and also a copy of "Our Bodies, Ourselves"--a book written from a midwife's perspective about pregnancy and childbirth.

We met with one of the midwives for over an hour--and spent most of the time talking about what to expect, how I've been feeling, my questions & concerns, Mr. MB's questions and concerns, etc. The lab had run all my bloodwork the week before, so I didn't have to give any more blood. I'm not due for a pap until the end of April, so we're holding off on the pap and STD screens until then. I don't have risk factors for gestational diabetes, so I don't have to do that test until my appointment at 26 weeks. And it's too early to test for Group B Strep, so that's on hold until my 36 week appointment. We heard Baby MB's heartbeat again, holding steady about 172.

I'll be going for appointments every 4 weeks from 10-26 weeks; every 2 weeks from 26-36 weeks, and every week until 40 weeks. If I get to 40 weeks, I'll start going twice a week, with non-stress tests at each visit. And then if I make it to 42 weeks (please no!), we'll have to talk about induction at the hospital. But if I go into labor between 36 and 42 weeks, we can deliver at the birth center.

At my next appointment on March 29, we'll be going over the nutrition worksheet (3 days worth of food recording, preferably after I stop feeling nauseous and can eat again). My mom will be in town for that appointment, so she's going to get to see the birthing rooms and hear the baby's heartbeat. Can't wait!

First Appointment

The Alpengeist. My favorite roller coaster at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg.

Photo credit: http://tinyurl.com/4dzx8ch

The time since this BFP has been a real roller coaster. A balancing act, if you will, between being happy and being worried. I'm happy to report that the spotting that was of concern last time I posted has thankfully not returned. My symptoms are still pretty much non-existent though, which I suppose I should be thankful, for but its got me worried. Since the spotting on the 7th I've only had minor nausea and have gone from a waterfall downstairs to a desert. My doctor says thats normal, as does the book she recommended What to Expect When You're Expecting (WTEWYE) by Heidi Murkoff. Dr. Google concurs.

I'm really excited to have made it to my first doctors appointment. I didn't get that far last time. It was kind of surreal being there though, particularly when they gave me paperwork to fill out and I was answering questions with myself listed as "Mother". Kind of reminded me of when we first got engaged and the vendors referred to me as "The Bride". I digress...

The first appointment went well. I was able to pass their pee test (Yahoo!). I got a chance to talk with my doctor. Mostly she just answered questions and asked things like when my last period was, what immunizations I've had, if I was taking prenatal vitamins...things like that. They took some blood samples before I left, from what I could translate from the lab order it looks like it was to make sure I am good and healthy.

The doctor did give me a bit of concerning news. Apparently with my insurance (Tricare), my doctor has to put in a referral to herself to continue my prenatal care. Tricare can refuse her referral and have me go to military clinics and hospitals instead. I'm crossing my fingers that doesn't happen.

Oh and the doctor said that if I get to stay with her office (we should know next week), that she wants me to have an ultrasound around 6 weeks. I'm sooo hoping that gets to happen. My previous loss was at 5w1d, so to see things are on track soon after that point would be amazing. Not to mention there would likely be a heartbeat then. We shall see though, this is all up in the air waiting on the verdict with insurance. I have no idea what the u/s schedule is at the military hospitals...will cross that bridge when I come to it.

If you all wouldn't mind keeping Baby Cactus Bud in your thoughts in the coming days I'd appreciate it. This weekend we'll (hopefully) be passing the gestation when the previous loss occurred. I can't begin to tell you what a huge step making it past that point will be.

Before I forget, I want to send out a big welcome to the two new buds, Determined Bud and Buttercup Bud. I'm looking forward to getting to know you both. Best of luck!

5 Weeks and Morning Sickness

Today baby moves from the size of a poppy seed to the size of an apple seed. Exciting stuff!

We had our first midwife appointment on Friday to confirm the pregnancy, and we both left feeling like this was "official." I PIAC (it was positive), and then had a consultation with one of the midwives where we talked about my history, our previous loss, my chart, and concerns/questions about early pregnancy. One thing that she and I both agree on is that we question fertility friend's crosshairs for my O date this cycle. So because of that and because of our loss, she agreed that I'm a good candidate for an early ultrasound (YAY!!!). The ultrasound unit at the hospital is supposed to be calling me Tuesday to set up an appointment for next week--sometime between 6 and 7 weeks. After our consult, she sent me off for bloodwork--betas and progesterone. At this point, we're not planning on a second beta if the first is within the right range and progesterone is normal. If either is low, then we'll do a 2nd/3rd round of numbers this week.

I'm still having cramps off and on, but they're much less constant. One thing that's pretty constant since yesterday morning has been nausea. I feel like utter crap! It makes me happy that my round of dry heaving a few nights ago wasn't just a one-time deal, since our fingers are crossed that ongoing sickness means baby is growing like he or she should. So far, I haven't actually thrown up, but I'm having strong food aversions and have a general feeling of queasiness almost all the time.

Yesterday we went to the grocery and stocked the fridge with things for me to eat this week since Mr. Magnolia Bud left today for a week out of town for work. I figured out when we were making the grocery list that my primary food aversion is to meat. We came home with tofu, tempeh, vegetarian sausage, black beans, and lots of veggies and grains. Keep in mind that although I cook vegetarian every once in a while, we still eat meat in some form most days. It's a little shocking to see our fridge free of meat! So this week, my sounds-good menu includes a black-bean, corn and soysage pasta sauce; butternut squash soup ("creamed" with tofu added), a black-bean and corn soup to eat with chips or crackers, and salads. Thankfully, I also thought to pick up some ginger root, saltine crackers, and Earth Mama-Angel Baby Morning Wellness Tea. I'm brewing some now, and hope it helps...the crackers sure don't!

I started my weekly acupuncture sessions on Thursday, and my next one is tomorrow. I'm really excited about getting to go every week for the next 7 weeks (or until m/s subsides)--I love my acupuncturist, and it makes me feel good to know I'm doing everything I can to keep myself healthy for this pregnancy.

Headed back to the couch now. Wondering when I'm going to feel too ill to watch the Top Chef marathon that's on...I hope never!

-Magnolia Bud

8 Weeks and going strong

Today was my first official exam. Here's the report:

- Apparently I have a "good pelvis". The only explanation I could get that made any sense was "a good pelvis isn't small!" So I should be a birthing machine, apparently.

- I do not have HIV (I wasn't worried about this one. I don't make a habit of needle sharing) and I'm immune to German Measles. Mr. CB said the German Measles immunity is good news "If we ever move to Germany." Because, apparently, that's the only place the German measles can thrive.

- Baby CB is measuring at exactly 8 weeks today, which makes my due date August 16. I would like it known that this is the due date that I told them. They said July 28. Score one for me.

- Baby CB has a strong, fast little heartbeat, and, while s/he does resemble a tiny peanut, it is a vaguely human shaped peanut. I've been trying to scan an ultrasound picture, but it's not happening. Suffice to say that I uttered the phrase "That's a real baby!" just before I burst into tears.

Still amazed,

Morning Sickness and Crying into my Cheerios

I have a theory.

I think morning sickness waits, and lulls you into a false sense of "Oh, I'm not going to be sick during my pregnancy! Huzzah!"

And then it hits you and you find yourself calling your husband at work and telling him that you're pretty sure the baby is starving to death because you can't eat anything and you're going to be the worst mother in history.

On the bright side, I just started the "morning sickness diet" given to me by my doctor, and so far, so good. It mostly involves eating saltines before you get out of bed and then immediately going to the kitchen and eating a bowl of oatmeal before your stomach realizes what's going on and rebels. It's working out pretty well.

Oh, quick story for you: Yesterday, I couldn't even enter the kitchen to get something to eat, because every time I would try, my stomach would veto the entire decision as soon as I walked past the sink. So I had to wake up my husband (who works evenings) and ask him to get me a bowl of cheerios. He did, and as soon as he handed it to me, I burst into tears. Big, sobby, hiccupy tears, for literally no reason. Poor Mr. CB just rubbed my back and looked befuddled.

In clinical news, I had my first consult last Friday. Nothing crazy to report. They mostly just drew blood and made sure I knew not to smoke crack or do Jager Bombs on New Years. They did, however, let me know that, because my LMP and my O date are so far apart, I get an ultrasound at my first real appointment so they can figure out how old the baby really is. It's not strictly "necessary", but any opportunity to see Baby CB should be taken advantage of, I think.

Despite all the craziness, I am so far beyond thrilled at this point. My pants have all stopped fitting, which tells me that Baby CB is growing just like he/she should, and all the pregnancy symptoms, as unpleasant as they may be, serve to remind me that I really am growing a little person. MY little person. It's mind boggling, but so wonderful.

Our 2nd peek at baby Worry Bud!

This past Friday we had our follow up ultrasound at my RE's office. Baby WB was sooo much bigger than last time! Here is our beautiful little one at 7w6d:


Call me crazy, but I think it looks more like a baby - I can see the head & the shadows were the eyes are/will be! The u/s tech also showed us a view from the back of the baby (no pic) & you could see his teeny, little arms & legs sticking out from the sides of his body. OMG, it was so cute & so amazing. Also, we immediately saw his big heart beating nice & strong - 157 bpm! The Dr. & u/s tech said s/he is measuring exactly where he needs to be right now & I got officially released from my RE. It's bittersweet b/c I know that I am only able to move on to my OB b/c Baby WB is doing so good, but also a little sad b/c I know I won't get the same level of care at my OB's office. It's just impossible at a normal OB's office. I like my OB/GYN & all, but it's just not the same. I felt really close to my RE & my nurse & everyone in the office knew me...it's just different. They told me to keep in touch & asked us to send along the baby's birth announcement when s/he is born. They also gave me a form to send in with information about the baby & my delivery to keep their information accurate/up to date. As far as meds - I started a reduced dose of the Estradiol on Saturday (1 pill per day) & continue that thru April 10th @ 10 weeks; then the Endometrin inserts also continue twice a day until April 1oth.

I have my first normal OB appointment tomorrow morning, but I was told it's just an intake appointment with a nurse. She is going to go over Dos & Don'ts of pregnancy, ask questions about my/Mr. Worry Bud's family history, I can ask any questions I have, etc. Then at my next appointment, I'll see the Nurse Practitioner, who will do my annual Pap (it was due in May anyways), listen for the heart beat with the Doppler, etc. I can't wait to hear the h/b - we have only seen it, which I'm sure is just as sweet, but hearing it is also amazing I bet. After that appointment, I'll actually start seeing the OB's during my monthly appointments. There are 3 in my Dr's office & you have to see each of them throughout your pregnancy just in case one who isn't your primary is on call the day you go into labor/are induced.

Today, I am 8w3d & am still nervous & think I'll remain that way until we get out of the 1st tri. I know stuff can happen after that time & I know that the chance of miscarriage after seeing the h/b drops to between 2-5%, but IDK...the 1st tri is just so filled with nervousness & worry, especially for a Worry Bud like me! I can't wait for everything to come - hearing the h/b for the first time, finding out the sex, getting a bump, designing a nursery, shopping for the baby's stuff, registering for/having a baby shower, and of course - finally getting to meet our precious LO. I still continue to pray everyday that our baby continues to do well & grow big & strong, so that we can meet him/her in November! An by the grace of God - so far , so good & we couldn't be more thrilled!! We even told a few more family members & close friends/co-workers! We are waiting to really tell everyone until after the 1st tri is over, which will be later NEXT MONTH!! Can you believe that...how quickly time has flown?! I hope it keeps flying fast so that we get to meet Baby WB ASAP! Thanks as always for all the continued T&P! I will update again later this week or early next about tomorrow's visit.

First Appointment

We had our first appointment yesterday and it went "OK."

First, I had to do the typical "pee in a cup." The urine test came back positive and then they took me back to do some preliminary stuff (weight, blood pressure, etc.). Next, the nurse sent me to get Mr. SB and to go to the ultra sound waiting area. We waited and waited. After about an hour, it was our turn. I was so nervous, excited and anxious.

We go in and the tech does a normal ultra sound on my belly but couldn't find anything except for the sack. She then tells me we are going to do it vaginally. Again, still couldn't find the heart beat, but was able to find the sac and yolk sac (or babies back pack as the doctor called it). I cried and cried because I was so scared something was wrong. We were then sent to wait again to see the doctor and discuss what was going on. Dr. D. came in and explained that more than likely I am just a week earlier than what we originally thought. He assured me not to worry because we did see the sac and "baby's back-pack." Told me that I am right where I need to be and that I should come back next week to try to find the heart beat again.

After many tears and a lot of worrying, I have realized that this may all be due to the fact that this chart is CRAZY. Do you guys remember how many times I geared up to ovulate and didn't? Well, I think this explains what is going on. I ovulated a week late, which means baby was conceived a week late.

So, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers - we have a "re-do" next Tuesday at 1:15 PM.

Come on baby SB!!!!

8 weeks!!!

We had our first appointment on Monday & everything was great. Baby Faith Bud had a strong & healthy heart beat of 170 bpm. Our little gummy bear is growing just like he should. The ultrasound was so emotional for Mr Faith Bud and I. We both shed a few tears. It was such a relief for us to know that our little angel is healthy and that all is well. Here is a picture of our little angel!