genetically, I'm good

I got my first test results from my fertility center. Most people are familiar with the Counsyl genetic testing panel that tests for over 100 different genetic recessive disorders. My fertility center has developed a test with Counsyl that is a "limited" blood panel to test for the 16 most common genetic disorders. They include things like Cystic Fibrosis and Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Most women are tested to see if they are a carrier for CF when they find out they are pregnant. All these other genetic disorders they tested for are done at woman's NT scan. Since they are recessive, both G and I would have to be carries for our baby to have any of these.

Because of my losses (at my fertility center, they consider me to be there because of recurrent losses) they wanted to do this panel to rule out genetic disorders as the reason why I'm not able to keep a pregnancy. The doctor also explained to me that it'll be nice for us when we do get pregnant knowing that there is zero chance of our baby having any of these by the time we get to the NT scan. We liked that idea!

This panel was completely optional, and usually isn't covered by insurance. She said the test would be about $100-$150 OOP (out of pocket for the newbs following my blog!) which G and I felt wasn't too bad to rule out some serious issues. I did this test right there at the center after my initial appointment with Dr. B.

I got the phone call yesterday that I was negative for everything. YAY!!!! Honestly, I forgot about it though. It's like the one test I was least concerned about. I already knew I wasn't a carrier for CF since I had that test done during my last pregnancy. I really didn't think I was a carrier for anything else just based on my family history.

I'm more worried about G's SA (semen analysis) results, my HSG, CD3 blood work, ect. We also had to do an infectious disease blood draw but I'm not worried about that either. I'm a regular blood donor and if I had any of that shizz they would send me a nice letter telling me not to come back (they stalk my ass on the regular). I know someone this happened to!

Other than that, I'm still running, reading and just overall keeping myself busy. It helps pass the time. Once you get past a year, have had multiple losses and are now going through IF testing, you HAVE to keep yourself busy to stay sane. I also have a an AH-MAY-ZING group of women who are my rock, strength and shoulder when I need it.

I'm 8DPO in my current cycle. My back started killing me today. (Back pain = PMS for me) I'm out, but I wasn't expecting any miracles this cycle. I'm actually looking forward to taking a temping break next cycle as well! My doctor didn't specify that I couldn't try, but for my sanity I've already decided this is it. Next cycle will be finishing up testing and a follow up with Dr. B. Then I'll start treatment and since I'm being monitored, there is zero reason to temp any longer. YAY!

Happy Friday ladies! Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend. I'm on baby watch - my college roommate is expecting her little girl any day! I'm so excited to meet baby Addison!!!

SNOWQUESTOR!!!!

Okay yeah, totally lame, but in the DC area everything has to be named. It's just how this area works. DC itself got barely any snow. Like maybe a dusting.

We live about 30 miles west of DC. We hit the jackpot. We had about 10 inches. My parents live about 50 miles from DC (20 miles from us if you're doing math) and they got over a foot. I feel badly, they didn't have power when they woke up yesterday morning - and they still don't have power. They are over 24 hours without. Also, they have a well. Which means they can't shower or anything when they don't have power. They're headed up to our house today to use our facilities. G is working from home today so they can come over and make themselves at home.

Here's a pic of me and the girls yesterday in the snow:

It's hard enough to get one dog to pose let alone two!

G's SA is today. He already called and completed what he had to at home. He's en route to the doctor's now to drop off his "sample." I'm glad he was able to get it done. I was nervous that he might get some anxiety and not finish. He's been really good about all this testing - although this is the last test he has to do. Everything else is on me.

I got a letter from Aetna yesterday about coverage for some test that's been approved. I think it's for my HSG. Not sure. I'm calling the financial coordinator today. I'm terrible with insurance and understanding the lingo. I originally thought I was OOP for the HSG - but if I'm reading this letter correctly, I don't think I am. SO. EFFING. CONFUSED. I feel like insurance is like a foreign language.

We all know this journey is hard. It's even harder when dealing with IF. Every failed cycle burns as time goes on. For some reason this song really resonates with me. Every month I have to convince myself that if I don't try - it's not going to happen. This song is one of my motivations - I gotta get up and try. If I don't try - I know one day I'll totally regret it. I have to try until I've exhausted all options. I gotta get up and try.

SNOWMYGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the DC area when it snows. It could be an inch to 3 feet, but the panic and reaction is the same. I feel like most of the time weathermen are wrong anyway. I know that there is a panic rush at the grocery stores for milk, eggs & fabric softener!

Just for shits and giggles, here is the warning map:

I'm technically in the area that's in teal, but I'm closer to the pink than DC. We usually end up getting more where we live. I couldn't find the map that showed the estimated snowfall totals, but this morning they are saying 8-12" at our house. Sweet. Our neighborhood is so new that it's not state maintained yet. The state will not take over until all the houses are built. I think there are maybe 3-4 open lots still. So I'll take my laptop home tonight just in case I have to work from home tomorrow. I'm kinda hoping for that! I love the idea of not getting out of my pj's!

Sorry I've been MIA lately. There just isn't much to report since my first appointment with my RE. We're just chugging along getting things done on the checklist provided by the RE.

Items we've completed:
-G did his infectious disease tests
-I did my infectious disease test
-I did my genetic screening blood draw
-I did another blood draw that tested for karyotype, RH factor, blood type, ect.

Items pending:
-I'm waiting for my nurse to confirm that my stupid GYN's office has send my records. I've called twice. I'm not really happy with my GYN's office. Next step is to show up in person. They really don't want me to do that.
-G has his SA this Thursday

Items scheduled:
-HSG March 19th

TBD:
-CD 3 blood work. I have to call my nurse when I get my period.

I'm bummed I didn't take a pic of the blood draw from this past weekend. I need to start photographing this shit. They took 9 vials of blood from me this past Saturday. 9!!!!! I was like HOLY EFFING SHIT!  I promise to do better like when I go for my HSG and shizzz!

I'm currently in my 2WW from current cycle. I'm 5DPO today. I'm not really expecting anything other than my period coming. Why would that change at this point?

We have visitor until Easter. The breeder that we're getting a puppy from has a girl, Lilo who's 8 months old and is really shy and skittish. She wants to show her but if she continues to be scared of everything, she won't be able to. She asked us if we could take her for a few weeks to see if we can help her get less scared. She's already doing better after only one week. (We live in a more densely populated area with more "everyday" noises - the breeder lives in a very isolated, quite area on top of a mountain.) She's also quite comfortable with me and G as you can see in this pic of her napping on my lap over the weekend:

Yes, she's upside down. Most of you have seen pics of my girl, Cira, sleeping like this. Apparently all Airedales sleep like this! :-)

Our little boy was born over the weekend!!! That's exciting. So we're looking somewhere between April 27th  and May 11th for him to come home. (That's between 8 and 10 weeks if you're keeping up.) It's just really going to depend on when he's ready. We're very excited, and we've got almost everything in place. Especially since Lilo is visiting - she's still prone to trouble - as all pups are!

Dogs rule.