After having been experienced the ecstasy of finally getting to see a BFP and suddenly been snatched out of it is really heartbreaking.  I actually don’t know where and how to begin.   I was really out of words…

But not for so long for I came to realize that there is no use crying over spilt milk.  The past cannot be undone and it would be so much better if we focus more of our energies to today so that we can have a favorable tomorrow.   We can always start anew, right?

So since I’ve started spotting on CD36, I went in to the clinic and requested for some blood works to be done.  I just figured out that if I am about to begin my 2^nd Clomid Cycle, I might as well have that piece of mind that I am indeed safe to take the pill.

CD37 and the bleeding started bringing so much pain with her.  Oh it really sucks to have Endo! Anyhows, I obtained the results from the Lab that very same day.  And what do I expect apart from a BFN?  Isn’t it obvious specially that I am already bleeding?

Alas!  Stop bi+#*ing out lady.  You have to calm down remember?

It was a good thing that I was trained in my previous jobs to have control over my own emotions. Not an easy job though but it surely helps when I want to get myself motivated.  A big thanks to Napoleon Hill and all his writings.

Today is CD8 of my 2^nd Clomid Cycle and I am finally done taking the pills.  I hope it’ll work for me this time.  I would definitely need all the tricks and prayers I can get.  Lol, I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

 It was 01-July-2012 when, after three months of a no show, I finally get to be visited by Aunt Flow (AF) and never had I thought that I’ll be that thrilled to see her.  At last, I am, once again, back in the track and is all set to board the Trying to Conceive (TTC) Train and continue with my journey.

Though AF always comes with those awful pains, they are now less likely than my previous periods.  Surprisingly, I didn’t get to experience spotting prior to and after her four-day visit.  Yes, her visit lasted only for four days which is so much shorter than she used to.

She came in late in the morning while I was at work and I immediately ran to the Appointment Desk to be able to have an appointment with Dr. ANB the next day.  Unfortunately, I cannot be squeezed in for all the slots have already been filled up but was recommended that I walk in if it was really that urgent.  Of course, it was really an urgent matter for me for I need to be seen on my Cycle Day (CD) No. 2.  I need to start the treatment as soon as possible for I am running out of time!

Persistence Overcomes Resistance!

So I actually did win the battle and was seen by Dr. FY, who covered for Dr. ANB.  The consultation went smoothly and it was indeed enlightening.  Like what I have mentioned in my old post, she was actually pushing for an In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) due to my age but after weighing all the options, we both decided that I initially undergo an Induced Fertilization Process through Clomid.  Well, as far as I can remember, that was Dr. ANB’s plan…

I was told to take three rounds of the said pill beginning of CD2 of the current cycle and should supposedly be seen again on CD12 of the same cycle for monitoring.  Unfortunately, the available schedules don’t match so she decided to only see me again after three months.  But before parting our ways, Dr. FY stressed out that should I be experiencing a very bad abdominal cramping and nausea during Ovulation Time, I must have myself admitted to the Emergency Room (ER) and need not worry much for Clomid will make my body produced more mature eggs.  I was, somehow, pleased with the idea but still worried for I will go forth with the treatment for the next three months unmonitored.

Of Taking Things More Seriously

I finished my first round of Clomid on CD6 and according to the Clomid Ovulation Calculator which I found online, I should start using Ovulation Predictor Kits (OPKs) on CD9 and I am most likely to ovulate in between CD11 to CD16 which brings me more hope and extreme excitement.

Also, I have started charting my Basal Body Temperature (BBT) this cycle and although I only began taking my temps on CD4, I think I get to like doing so.  In fact, I even regret not doing it earlier.

I also learned that Clomid dries up one’s Cervical Mucus (CM) and thins the uterus – one thing that is quite alarming but can easily be reversed by taking Robitussin or any form of Guaifenesin and by Baby Aspirins.  To this, I forced Sir Bug into buying me a Robitussin and some Baby Aspirins.  This is it; I am now taking things more seriously.  I must conceive!

The Waiting Game

Since the Clomid Ovulation Calculator that I’ve found online indicated that I can start testing on OPKs in as early as CD9, I wasted no time and did so.  Unluckily, the test came out to be negative.  I guessed it was too early to test and decided to continue testing until I get that positive.

Today is CD16 and I still haven’t had a positive yet.  Though the lines are getting darker now, I can’t help but be worried and be frustrated.

Adding to all these uncertainties, my chart showed a temperature drop from 36.4°C on CD10 to 36.1°C on CD11 and then back to 36.4°C on CD12-14.  Did I ovulate on CD11?  How come I am not getting any positives on my OPKs?  Did I miss the window?  Or I really haven’t ovulated yet?

Oh this waiting game is driving me crazy!

Hello ladies, I’m back!  It’s been quite a while and I sure am been missing a lot out here.  How’s everyone doing?

I actually don’t know where to start as far as my journey is concerned but I am definitely am glad to learn that a number of my sisters out here have already achieved their much-awaited BFP’s and pray that you ladies will continue to do well in your pregnancies.  Can’t help but feel emotional on this matter not because of jealousy but because of joy that all your prayers, efforts and waiting have finally paid off.

As for me, a lot of things have taken place these past few months and I just wish I can detail things out.

I had my second and last shot of Lupron Depot on 26-March-2012.  I know that I’ve told you guys that I am supposed to have three but I missed my last shot because Sir Bug and I went out on a month-long vacation and can’t find a local pharmacy that will sell me one.  Anyhows, I didn’t get to experience many side effects on it except for the mild hot flashes and I didn’t get to have my period for three months.  Yeah right, I get to miss those terrible cramps and other sufferings brought about by Aunt Flow’s monthly visit for three months.  

I went back working on 26-May-2012 and had my follow-up check on 28-May-2012 but since Dr. ANB needs to attend to an urgent matter, it was Dr. AMS who covered for him.  I told her that I missed my last Lupron Depot Shot and she came back telling me that I need to take it at once and that I still have three more doses of it to be administered for the next three months wherein I disagreed for Sir Bug and I have taken a break from Trying to Conceive (TTC) for quite some time now and eagerly wishes to continue up with it since it’s already been almost six months past my surgery.  She then phoned Dr. ANB for his opinion and recommendations and I ended up to having scheduled for a Pelvic Ultrasound and a follow-up appointment on Cycle Day (CD) 2.  As per Dr. ANB, I shall be put on Clomid starting from CD 2 to CD 6 once I get to have my period.  That, somehow, gave me a bit of a relief but was suddenly snatched out of it when my conversation with Dr. AMS went on to telling me how difficult would it be for someone like me with Endometriosis to conceive and that the only chance that I have is through In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) wherein I have to stand in a long queue in order for me to get through if I wanted it to be done in our hospital.  Otherwise, it would be better to have it done somewhere else where I will get to spend such huge amount of money.  

Is she kidding me?  I can’t believe her.  Never had I thought that a specialist like her would have talk to a patient like me in that matter.  I know that reality sucks but I’m pretty sure that neither Dr. HM nor Dr. ANB would speak to me that way.  The two has always been positive and certain on which approach and treatment would suit their patients best.  However, I just let it pass me by and convinced myself that unlike the average and less skilled persons, the more skilled people focuses on possibilities and finding ways on how to do things rather than focusing on the problem itself.

Days have passed and I continued to bloat and been mistakenly been suspected by a lot of people to be pregnant.  Well, I think it’s a compliment and I’ve enjoyed it.  But reality bites, I still am not pregnant!

It was 01-July-2012 when I, once again, felt that horrible cramps and AF came gushing like she was on a rush.  Oddly, I was glad.  I never imagined that there will be a time that AF will be mostly welcome and that I will be that excited to have her in.  I then ran to the hospital to get an appointment but unfortunately, the schedule was full and I was instructed to just walk-in the next day which I did!

Dr. ANB was again out at that time and it was Dr. FY who came to attend to me.  As usual, she went through my history and read me my Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and Pelvic Ultrasound Findings which says:

Hysterosalpingogram

Findings:

Hysterosalpingogram under fluoroscopy screen after injection of water soluble contrast through the cervical canal.

Normal smooth filling of the uterine cavity.  No evidence of uterine filling defect is seen. Normal smooth filling of the right fallopian tube with good spillage and peritoneal smearing. The left fallopian tube shows normal caliber with smooth filling till its fimbral end where there is saccular dilation at its fimbrial end with no spillage seen during the delayed peritoneal smearing.  Features are suggestive of left peritubal adhesion.

Impression:

Patent right tube.

Left tubal distal obstruction with suggested peritubal adhesion.

Pelvic Ultrasound

Clinical History:

Primary Infertility with history of endometriosis operated, for followup.

Findings:

Anteverted normal-sized uterus measuring 8.0 x 4.0 x 5.1 cm.

Endometrium is central and not thickened measuring 1.0 cm.

No mass lesion is seen in the myometrium.

No free fluid is seen in the posterior cul-de-sac.

Right ovary measures 2.5 x 1. x 3.4 cm with volume of 7.7 ml.  It shows a follicle measuring 1.6 x 1.5 cm.

Left ovary measures 2.9 x 2.0 x 2.9 cm with volume of 9.4 ml.  A small cyst measuring 1.0 x 0.9 cm is seen in the left ovary with low-level internal echoes could represent a small hemorrhagic cyst.

Impression:

Anteverted normal-sized uterus with endometrial thickness of 1.0 cm.  Both ovaries are normal in size, shape and echotexture with a developing follicle in the right ovary and small probably hemorrhagic cyst in the left ovary.  For clinical correlation.

For a while, I thought the world would fall over me.  I waited for six months now to TTC again and having to receive the bad news of having another cyst on your left ovary is a little bit over my comprehension!  But then, I was glad that Dr. FY was quick enough to pick my reaction up when she told me to lie down for she will perform and On-the-Spot Abdominal Scan.  I went on so willingly and all my worries disappeared in a second when she broke the silence when she exclaimed “There is no cyst!”.

Then we continue to talk more while she explained her view and reasons for recommending an IVF.  This time, I didn’t feel that gut feelings that I had when I was with Dr. AMS.  She explained things so thoroughly that I can feel her concern.  Nonetheless, she might have said things so nicely and she was indeed convincing, I still asked for other options and we came to agree on having to be under an Induced Ovulation through Clomid for three months.  I was instructed to take it from CDs 2-6 and she would want me to come back on CD 12 to have my hormones checked.  Unfortunately, the Appointment Desk can’t squeeze me in and she just decided to drop the blood works and let her see me after three months.

Though I am pleaesd with the overall outcome of this check-up, I still can’t help myself but to be sad for it seems that I am, once again, being left out in the wild on my own.  I will have to go through this three-month battle without being monitored.  

Well, what can I do?  At least I see hope came peeking through that small window…  What else can I ask for?

It was around 1:00 AM when I was wakened up by the pain where my cut was.  So there it is, I guessed the anesthesia's finally wearing off...

Though moving around aggravates the pain, I still exerted some effort to reach out for the Nurse Call Button and asked for some help.  Soon after, Nurse Sari came in for reinforcement.  I told her about the pain and based on our assessment, the pain can easily be relieved by taking two 500 MG tablets of Acetaminophen which I did so willingly.

The meds must really be fast acting since I immediately fell asleep.

However, after two hours of sleep, I was, once again, this time, wakened up, by a higher degree of pain.  Again, I grabbed the Nurse Call Button and Nurse Sari came in almost instantly.  I told her that the pain is advancing in terms of degree and she gave me a shot of an Injectible Pain Reliever which I think was very effective since I fell asleep instantaneously.

The morning rays coming from the window woke me up at 7:00 AM.  Just in time for breakfast...

Not long enough, two of my Co-Workers came to visit me in my room and joined me for breakfast. My appetite seems to have changed a bit since I was not able to consume a whole piece of the pancake served.  Even though,  I think their visit did helped as I was enjoying the meal and having fun...

It was around 8:00 AM when the two had to bid me goodbye since the Nurses and the Physicians just started their Morning Rounds to check the condition of each patient confined in their Respective Wards.  Timely, as they are about to leave, the Nurse Manager and the other nurses came to me to check my vital signs which were still below the normal range.  Then, Dr. RZ came in to check me and asked for a piece of paper.  This is it, I finally will be able to learn what changes has actually taken place inside of me.

I must admit, I was hoping for some good news but I guessed things doesn't actually work exactly the way we wanted it to...

She began the conversation with the good news of learning that my Right Ovary is very much defined from the Endometrioma which means that I get to keep both of my ovaries.  She also confirmed what I have overheard from the Nurses -- that a Laparoscopic Procedure was initially performed but, unfortunately, the cyst ruptured and they had to proceed to a Laparotomy.  She told me that while doing so, they noticed some small fibroids in the uterus but it wasn't harmful so I need not worry about it.  Also, they discovered that a small cyst is starting to develop near my Left Ovary but Dr. ANB decided not to touch it for they do not see it as a threat.  Furthermore, it was also noticed that though my Left Tube is of a normal size, the Right Tube is enlarged and that another procedure, not necessarily invasive, must be performed after two months to check whether it is empty or blocked.  Moreover, I was also told that they found and removed some adhesions located in the uterus and in the Left Pelvis.

On TTC matters, she told me that I still have to wait for another six months before I can get to try conceiving naturally.  She added that if nothing happened after six months of trying, they might have to give me some Trigger Shots and lastly, recommend that I proceed to either an Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Dr. RZ might have noticed that I am a bit wearisome that she told me to concentrate first on getting well and we'll work on the other matters after two months.  She gave me a lot of comforting words before she left me alone but honestly, I can't actually remember all those good words as I am, once again, hit by the not so good news that I just learned.

I tried my best to relax and not think about what I just learned but I really can't help it.  Well, you can't blame me...  After having been done with one problem, I am now faced with another issue!

Anyhows, I sure am glad and thankful that one problem has already been resolved without costing me some money.  God really is good.  I just need to trust Him.  Let Him guide me through...

From a Laparoscopy to a Laparotomy

After a few hours in the dark, I finally get to open my eyes and the first image to imprint my consciousness was Dr. RZ standing by at my right.  Without wasting a second, I immediately spoke and held her at the hand and asked, "What happened Doctor?".  She held me back, smiled and answered me with these words, "Later...  I'll tell you everything you wanted to know!"  Then I closed my eyes and felt as if my bed was being pushed and moved to another direction.

As I slowly am gaining my consciousness, I started to hear voices believed to be owned by two or three Female Nurses who seems to be talking and grasping their breath while pushing something...

"What did they do to this patient?  What type of operation did they performed?"
"They were initially performing a Laparoscopic Procedure but while on the process of doing so, the cyst ruptured and so they have to proceed to a Laparotomy to clean everything up."
"I think they also have found and removed some adhesions located in the uterus and the pelvis..."

The moving feeling stopped and it was at that point when I gained almost 80-90% of my consciousness and one of the Female Nurses spoke to me to inform me that I will be transferred to the bed beside me and that they may need all the help and energy that I can give to successfully do so.  I must admit, it wasn't that easy but I was able to move and flipped myself sidewards get myself to the other bed.  Then, they fixed me up, checked my vital signs and asked, "How are you feeling?  Any dizziness or a feeling of wanting to throw up?"  I answered, "I feel hungry!"  Then they laughed, fixed the IV Fluid attached to my left hand, told me that I am in a Catheter and that they will order food for me and they finally left the room.

I turned to look on my left and found some Co-Workers smiling at me and told me that they just wanted to check me out before they call it a day.  I looked at the window and noticed that it was already dark outside and, out of curiosity, asked for the current time.  I was told that it was already 6:00 PM and that it'll be better if i get some rest so they all bid me goodbye.

I tried to calm myself but since it was already clear prior to me coming to the Operating Room (OR) that Sir Bug will come to visit me soon after he got off from work, I cannot help but worry why he is still not around.  And since my mobile phone is in my bag which is inside the cabinet, I crawled to get close to the land line phone and dial our home number to check if he's already at home.  Unfortunately, according to our flatmate, he still wasn't home yet and that made me even worry more.

Nurse Sari came to check me out while she was followed by the Food Server whom she informed that I now can be put into a Regular Diet.  Initially, I was served with a Regular Meal but after a few minutes, the Food Server came back and replaced it with a Soft Diet.  It was at that point that I felt really hungry and grabbed the food.  I think I consumed everything up in a matter of three minutes or so...

It was already 7:00 PM when Sir Bug finally came in.  I gave him a hug and a kiss of course!  He told me that  he came straight to my room at around 5:00 PM but did not find me so he proceeded to the Female Ward Information Desk and was informed by one of the nurses that I am still in OR and advised him to come back after two hours which he did.

He showed me the flowers and the chocolates that was on the side table which my boss and colleagues has brought me. We talked for a while and then I remembered that my family way back home might be worried and might also been waiting for some good news so I asked the nurse for my tab for I need to give them a call.

The moment I received the tab, I immediately logged in to Skype and there, as expected, my brother was logged in hoping for some news to come right away.  I made a videocall and was so happy to see both Mom & Dad who were also happy to learn that the surgery went on fine.  We had like thirty minutes of talk while Sir Bug, on the other hand, is also engaged in a videocall with my Mom and Sister-In-Law to update them as well with the good news.  It felt so good inside learning that there are a lot of people that has been praying for you.  I am so blessed!

Nurse Sari, again, came to check my vital signs and while doing so, Sir Bug noticed that my blood pressure was kinda' low.  James and the other Housekeeping Staff Members who also came to visit noticed that my pulse rate, as indicated in the monitor, is kinda' above the normal range so they asked me how am I feeling and I just told them I am fine!

The Visiting Hour is almost about to end and so Sir Bug and the others decided to go.  I was, again, left alone in the Room with Nurse Sari who, for the Nth time, checked my vital signs before putting me into sleep.  She turned the lights off and I closed my eyes...

It wasn't easy to move around with a needle inserted to your veins.  Ouch!

A blessed new year to all!

I know that my greetings might probably be too late but please allow me to wish each and every one of you to have a blessed 2012 and let the Year of the Dragon fill us all who wishes to conceive with the baby dusts that we all need.

Soon after Christmas, your Lady Bug here has been really busy with all the reports and work endorsements  that must be met prior to 06-January-2012.  Since the current year is about to end and the new year is a few days away, I have to work seriously on both the End-of-the-Month and End-of-the-Year Reports.  Not to mention, I also need to train the new staff who shall take over my position while I am on a Sick Leave.  As a result, I get to abandon the Bloggersphere for a while which I really felt guilty with.

Anyhows, unlike the long wait for 16-December-2011, 06-January-2012 arrived too soon that I haven't even realized that I need to pack my things up for I have to admitted by 10:59 AM.  In fact, one of the Admission Nurses have to give me a call to confirm my appointment and to remind me to come before lunchtime.

Sir Bug and I arrived fifteen minutes late and everything seems to move in a fast pace until finally, I am left alone in the Patient Room where the long day begun.  Nurses kept coming in and out of my room to monitor my vital signs and so were the Food Servers of which all the meals they brought in has satisfied my seems to be undying hunger.

It was at 10:00 PM when Nurse Sari came in and ask me to take a shower and change into the Patient Gown.  She told me that it would be better to do it that night than do it early the next day wherein I am supposedly scheduled to have the operation at 9:00 AM.  She also asked me to drink the tea for I shall not be allowed to have any of those solid foods nor a gulp of water beginning from 12:00 MN onwards.

I can't exactly remember how many times she made a trip to my room just to check my vital signs but it was at around 4:30 AM the next morning when she woke me up and gave me a chance to clean up before changing into the Operation Gown which I did so willingly.  Then, she asked me to go back to sleep and bid me goodbye and good luck for she shall be out by 5:00 AM.  She's so sweet!

Nonetheless, after a few hours, no progress seems to take place so I asked Bee, the The Day Nurse, if she have any idea as to what time will my surgery be.  She told me honestly that she is actually clueless since my name is not in the list and that another patient is being monitored in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) which might need the Operation Theater any time of that day.  I felt so hungry and frustrated that I just slept it out.

It was at 1:30 PM when the Nurse Manager woke me up and told me that I am now to be brought to the Operating Room (OR).  She told me that if there is anything that I need to do, I better do now and do it quickly.  Without wasting time, I went to the toilet to peeh and immediately grab my tab to send Sir Bug a message telling him that I am now due for operation.

Everything went on too fast and before I even knew it, I was already in OR being interviewed by some familiar faces.  The Anesthesiologist came to me and informed me that he is now about to sedate me before injecting something in the tubes attached to my left hand.  Slowly, my eyes grew heavy and I don't know if I was dreaming or what but my last memory was seeing myself in another room with two or three staff in blue on my left, some unlighted plates above me and it seems like a group of people reached for my arms and tied them still.  Then, everything was black...

 

I think I was finally over with the frustrations brought about by Aunt Flow’s untimely visit.  I just thought that it would be much better if I look at it the other way around and let not anxiety consume me up – It would be much healthier that way!

I came to accept the fact that it might be God’s will to delay the surgery for He may have planned things to be so much better than how and what I’ve expected them to be.  By this, He opened both my eyes and my heart to see the beauty behind the ironies.

Though only a few knows about my supposedly scheduled surgery, they were all surprised when they saw me at work yesterday morning.  Of course, curiosity was in the air but I am glad that I am blessed with a bunch of intelligent and understanding co-workers that I need not re-tell the situation over and over again in order for the matter to sink into their minds.  They have such broad understanding and their mouths were all gifted with those kind words of encouragements that have really brought me peace.

I also have learned that one of them has actually gone as far as monitoring the Ward’s and Operating Theatre’s Schedule just to check me out and that the other co-worker has also coordinated with the Horticulture Section to prepare a flower bouquet for me.  Such simple gestures have really touched my heart.  I felt so loved!

Unlike the other day, I felt so different this morning while I was heading to Dr. ANB’s Clinic.  I no longer feel that heaviness in the heart and everything seems to be fine now.  I was even surprised to instantly able to get a hold of Dr. ANB who initially rescheduled the surgery on the 31-December-2011 but was opposed by me.  

Yes, that’s right.  It was I who objected!

I told him that it would be so much better if we can reschedule it on 07-January-2012 so that I’ll be able to complete the Department’s Monthly and Annual Accomplishment Reports before I go on leave.  With a smile, Dr. ANB responded with these words, “Your department must take good care of you for you are taking good care of your department.”

Wow, I just had another compliment!  One that is good enough to keep me going...

Oh great, Aunt Flow just showed her ugly face.  She's a few days early and is just in time for my surgery.  What an excellent timing...

Boo!

This is really frustrating.  After all that I've been through just to have this schedule set, I am now back to ground zero.  I am so disappointed!

I am supposed to be admitted at 10:59 AM but because of Aunt Flow, Dr. ANB decided to reschedule the surgery to avoid future complications.  He's afraid that a possible infection could take place if we push through with the activity.

Though I am agreeable to Dr. ANB's decision, I can't help but feel distressed.  Apart from the fact that Aunt Flow just spoiled my supposedly Christmas Break, I am so mad that Sir Bug and I still need to hold on a little longer before we, again, can try to conceive.  I feel so sad and wanted to freak out!

Hello everyone!  It's already been two weeks since my last update.  Your Lady Bug here has been very busy with both work and social matters that I almost didn't realize that my surgery will be due in two to three days time.  Given that fact, I am now experiencing that mixed emotions of excitement, fear and joy.  I actually do not know what exactly should I feel since I don't know what lies ahead of me.  I just hope everything will turn out right and I am lifting everything up to God.

Should the scheduled appointment be followed, my admission is at 10:59 AM of Friday but the actual surgery shall take place on Saturday morning.  As per Dr. ANB's recommendations, I must be hospitalized for five days where thinking about it makes me weak on the knees.  I don't want to be stuck in the ward for five days without Sir Bug!

Well, just to let you ladies know, I'll be brought directly to the Female Ward after my recovery wherein the said ward is inaccessible to Males.

Inaccessible to Males!

Yeah, that's right.  That's how things are in this hospital...

Anyhows, I have my girlfriends and some female co-workers who are willing to be with me during those times.  I think it's okay but it would be much better if Sir Bug can be by side during those crucial times.

Oh and I am already missing him!

After three days of hunting Dr. ANB, I, finally, was able to catch up with him and obliged him to prepare an Operating Booking Form for my upcoming surgery.  However, I  must admit that hunting down someone like Dr. ANB whose schedule alone is as busy as a bee was never an easy job.  To add insult to the injury, the hunting was even tougher than I've expected since he is currently covering for Dr. HM.  Just my luck...

For the past three days, I spent at least an hour or so hanging out at the Fertility Clinic with the hope of having to be able to get a hold of the said doc.  My timings might have really been that bad during the first two days for I have never found a single piece nor a shadow of Dr. ANB.  Nonetheless, no matter how busy the nurses in the said clinic were running to and from one place to the other, I was very much entertained and lucky to have all their cooperation and support.  They were all very nice that they even tipped me the other details of Dr. ANB's schedule.


Persistence Overcomes Resistance!

A huge thanks to that philosophy that I was able to endure all the waitings.  I finally was able to seize Dr. ANB and convinced him to prepare the necessary papers.  I told him that I need a definite date for arrangements must be made with regards to my work schedule.  He was really so kind that he made me choose which of the upcoming Saturdays would I want the surgery to be scheduled.  I, of course, after having been able to check "my calendar of so-called social obligations", picked the 3rd Saturday for the Month of December thinking that it would be the most perfect time to be away from work...


Sick Leave On Christmas?

Well, I think it is now time to disclose to you guys that your Lady Bug here is an expatriate who is currently based in a country somewhere in Middle East where Christmases and New Years are treated like any ordinary days.  Here, we don't get to enjoy the same annual festive season that we used to enjoy way back home.  We get to work during Christmas Days!

As far as the surgery is concerned, I think that having the procedure done on 17-December-2011 will be an excellent timing for it shall provide me with a valid reason of taking a short break from work to celebrate a stress-free Christmas with friends and relatives -- Dr. ANB has indicated in the Approved Employee Elective Surgery Application Form that as part of my recovery, he is recommending that I undergo Five Days of Hospitalization and Fifteen Days of Sick Leave.  Just in time for the holidays...  Wow!

If my instincts serves me right, I really do feel that the upcoming surgery is one true blessing that I must be thankful of.  Jitters, of course, cannot be avoided but I am clinging more on hope and optimism.  I wanna stay as positive as I can and I really am hoping that this procedure will lead and advance me to the next level of my journey to conception...

My long wait is finally over.  After almost a month in the pipeline, I finally will be able to get to see my Fertility Specialist and I am just dying to hear what his findings are and what our next steps would be.

Unfortunately, I just found out from the attendant when I checked in this morning that my doc is still out for a vacation and that I shall be seen by a different physician. She must have read all my frustrations that she immediately uttered these words to me, "Don't worry, the doctor whom will be seeing you is as equally skilled as the other".

Okay, just for the sole purpose of having to easily identify which doc I am referring to, let's name my original Fertility Specialist as Dr. HM and let's call the Covering Physician as Dr. ANB.

Now, let's go back to the topic above...

The nurse introduced me to Dr. ANB who gave me a warm welcome.  As he was analyzing my chart, I just realized that Dr. ANB happens to be one of the hospital's Fertility Consultants.  With that, all my worries instantly disappeared in thin air.

Dr. ANB started off by telling me that all my blood works were fine and that my hormones are at a normal level.  He then asked me if I already am scheduled for a Laparoscopy because if I still am not, he will need to prepare an Employee Elective Surgery Form immediately.

Wait!  Didn't I mention before that I worked in a hospital and that I am entitled to a full hospitalization coverage (with no cost) which includes Dental, Obstetrics & Gynaecology as well as In-Vitro Fertilization or IVF?  I don't want to sound bragging but isn't that cool?

Anyhows, Dr. ANB and I talked about endometriosis, the ovarian cyst that I have and the need for a surgery.  Everything went on fine but it surprised me seeing what was written opposite of the "Surgery Procedure Required" field in the form -- Laparoscopy and Laparotomy!  I didn't know that there is also need for a Laparotomy...  I was only expecting for a Laparoscopy.

And of course, I asked Dr. ANB tons and tons of questions which were all answered satisfactorily. Of all the informations I've learned, what embarks my mind most is the fact that I shall be having what they call a bikini cut.  Yes, a bikini cut!

A Bikini Cut?

All my life, I haven't been to Pregger's World and yet, here am I, will soon be getting a cut and a surgical procedure similar to a Casesarian Section?  Boo!  I don't think that's cool...

Apprehensive I may be but what I am most sure of is the fact that I am very lucky and very much blessed to have the surgery and the treatment for free.  And for that, I am very grateful to God. So thank You Lord!