November 20th, 2008 marked the first day of my menstrual cycle which also mean the start of my IUI treatment. The treatment has 2 phases. Phase 1 consists of treatments to ensure the production of eggs for fertilization and phase 2 is for the creation of a comfy home for the egg to implant to the uterus. . And of course, in between the phases, there is the IUI procedure day, in which, the sperm is injected into the uterus for fertilization to occur.

The production of eggs

From the second day of my cycle till the 8th day, I was to perform self-injections at the abdomen to ensure that I produce eggs for the fertilization. The thought of me jabbing myself with needles were scary at the beginning. The nurse in the hospital taught me how to do my first injection. I was holding the needle on my right hand, and my left was holding my tummy in which I were to insert the needle. She said, just 90 degrees down. I was looking at the needle and hesitated. In the end, she held my hand and helped me with the jab. Hahaha.. . After experiencing that, I thought to myself. Hey, it wasn't that bad, at all. hehehe. For the next, 7 days I could do it by myself with no problem.

Eggs inspection

On the 8th day of my cycle, I went back to the hospital for eggs scanning. Since, this was my first time, the doctor wasn't sure how my body would respond to the injections. Under normal circumstances, I should produce some eggs, if not, then, I will have to wait for a new cycle with an increased dosage. Thank God, I was responding well to the medication. I produced 2 large enough eggs, one on the right and the other on the left. There were a lot of other smaller eggs too! With these, the doctor said that I might have a chance to have multiple pregnancies!! But when I went back on the 10th day (Sat, 29th Nov, 2008) for a second scan, the doctor said that the one on the right has prematurely released. So now, left the one on the left and some of the smaller eggs also started to grow. Anyway, I was asked to jab myself again at night, sharp at 9pm to help the eggs to mature fully for my IUI on Monday. I was so thrilled!

IUI day

On Monday morning, Dec 1, 2008, I dressed up for the occasion. Wore a newly bought pants which I originally bought it for CNY and a nice blouse, washed my hair and was totally excited about the possibility of welcoming a new child to our life. But I was a little worried. I was still recovering from fever which I contracted during the weekends. Anyway, I prayed on our way out to the hospital that things will go smoothly that day.

The first thing we needed to do that day was to get CK's specimen for the fertilization and then, waited for the lab to clean and wash the samples to make sure only the good ones were used. The process will also help to make them better and stronger. hehehe. Once that was done, we were told to go jalan-jalan first and go back around 11.30pm. I was told to keep my bladder full for the procedure.

We went back to the hospital as required and I was starting to feel aches around the back and near the lower abdomen. The feeling was like when you were having period pains. We were asked to wait because the specimen was not ready. My bladder was getting full. I was feeling really uncomfortable. I felt like I was going to burst! hahaha. Finally, it was time. The doctor were really cheerful and the procedure was painless as promised. He was very happy with CK's specimens. He said there were 96% active and high quality sperms. CK and I was very very happy to hear that! Our chances seemed very high.

Now, I was to go back and rest. The doctor asked me to lie down on the bed for 2 hours, but instead, I slept for 4 hours. hahaha..

Creation of a comfy home

My next task was to take medication orally for 2 weeks to assist in the thickening of my uterus lining to ensure proper egg implantation. I was thrilled and couldn't wait for the day when I was told, "you're pregnant!".

Unfortunately, 4 days before I was to go back to the hospital for the blood test, I started bleeding. It wasn't a lot, but tiny tiny drops. I've read about women having slight bleeding during the implantation and hoped that mine was the case. When it got a bit heavier the next day, I was afraid. I called my doctor. He couldn't determined whether it was the implantation or my period was coming. Furthermore, it shouldn't be my period because, it should not due until the next few days. He asked me to hold my breath and hoped for the best. I was to see him on Monday, 15th Dec, 2008 for the result.

I decided to stop all my work and just rest until then. I was glad that the bleeding was not heavy but it did got slightly heavier each day. I thought my chances has gone. I cried. CK was still very optimistic, he encouraged me that there was still hope and he was certain it was the implantation bleeding. His encouragement truly helped.

Result Day - 15th Nov, 2008

I was still bleeding when we went to the hospital, the amount was not as much as the day before and I started to feel there was hope. But I was ready for the bad news. I was truly surprised when the doctor said that from the blood test, they detected 20++ (err.. dunno the metrics) of pregnancy hormone in my blood. So.. I am pregnant!! But since, I was bleeding, he told us to take things easy. He was afraid that it would not last and asked us not to think and worry about it. Just let nature takes it's course and asked me to rest, mentally and physically. So, now I'm not only retiring from belly dancing, I am retiring from work, as well.

In order to increase my chances of a good pregnancy, I was to be injected 3 times in every 3 days to help strengthen my uterus for the pregnancy. And since, I was still bleeding, I was to continue with the oral medication too.

I was so happy!! I never thought I could hear the word, "you're pregnant" from the doctor, although, I am still in the danger zone.

My Bleeding

I have been bleeding since Dec, 11th. But today, until the moment I'm writing this blog, I encountered no blood! Could this be the end of the bleeding days?! I hope this marks the end of the bleeding and I can happily proceed with my pregnancy without any problems. (ang kong po pi, po pi..)

My next appointment

My next appointment would be on the 24th Dec, 2008 for a second blood test to ensure that I am still pregnant. I hope I will get a BIG BIG X'mas gift this year!!

Thank you for your prayers

I would like to thank all my friends, students and families for praying for me. I believe that your prayers played a very big part in this process and I am truly grateful.

Love you all!