so it begins....

Thursday:11/29/2012
Day one of injections
Menopur- 150 units
Gonal F- 300 units
114 lbs


The day I have been waiting for! FINALLY! Yesterday (Thursday- 11/29/2012), I started my injections. The GONAL F & the MENOPUR. So I am one of those who hates needles, so my husband decided that he would do the injections. Dr. Miller requested that we do the shots between 5-8pm, because depending on my blood work, she may have to increase or decrease the dosage. This is a perfect time for us. We are eating dinner at 7:00, finished by 7:30.

We were both SO nervous about making sure we did the proper amount of medicine. Mario was scared we would hurt me with the needles, but I don't care how bad it hurts (which it didn't), I was more concerned with just getting the medicine to do its job! He was a little fussy about not having any fat or skin to pinch on my belly to inject the needle... I kept thinking to myself, oh that will all change soon (hopefully)

Yesterday also marked the first day of NO coffee. I usually have a red eye from Starbuck's every morning, but while I am going through this procedure, I want to make sure my body is working at its OPTIMAL BEST! I'm crabby, and tired from not having the coffee. Being a trainer and wellness coach, I NEED to be on top of my game and always in an energetic mood- I will get through this, I know.

Keeping busy over the next week with Christmas shopping, Acupuncture and creating new meal plans. I'm curious how my workouts will be- without the added UMPH from the caffeine.

BALLOONS!

Anyone else going through the IVF process get put on birth control only to have SWOLLEN ENORMOUS TENDER BOOBS!?!??! One more week on these bad boys and my boobs may EXPLODE! SHEESH!

SO today was the first time I tried ACUPUNCTURE! WOW! Pretty incredible and so relaxing!  Jack who also does the most INCREDIBLE massages., is who I chose for my acupuncture. Jack is a licensed acupuncturist and deals with women who wish to get pregnant. If you want more info on how acupuncture helps, check it out here.


I must say, the needles did NOT hurt (I'm such a baby with needles), and in 20 minutes, I was more relaxed than I have been ALL YEAR! I think me & Acupuncture will be best BUDS! I am already looking forward to meeting with Jack for Round two and three and however many more I need. He told me that while I was lying there, to meditate with "INTENTION", to really think about why I am doing this. SO I did just that. I had a really nice conversation with God. My intention is to create a beautiful little being from the love that Mario & I have for one another. To cherish this little being, love and nurture it, have it grow up, happy healthy productive and the joy in our hearts forever. I want this pregnancy to bring not only Mario & I closer, but to bring my grown kids Heather & Tyler closer to each the and closer to Mario & I. My fantasy, my dream is to have a BEAUTIFUL complete family.

By the time Jack came back to the room, I felt as if I were on a month long vacation. I left even more positive and more excited to get on with the process! SO we will see how it goes over the next few weeks!

Got all my meds READY and so excited to get it going! I will post more tomorrow after my blood work and Dr. visit!

Have a GREAT night!
XX

Week one- B.C done!

Wow!!! Week one done of being on the birth control ( to suppress my estrogen). Maybe it's in my head, but I felt bloated and my abs were no where in site! Yes, it's all worth it, but I just want to get this whole month done with already! With one more week to go being on birth control, I'm anxious to receive my meds and start injecting!

Everyone says I have a great attitude about the whole process, and all I can think is "why wouldn't I"? We are so excited to see what happens in December.

I stopped drinking my one a day red eye from Starbucks. Saturday was day 6. All week long I ordered green zen tea with honey. By the end of the week, I was no longer missing it. Then Sunday morning I woke up and decided last minute to go workout and get some running done..... And decided to grab a regular Starbucks coffee for some energy. Funny thing is that once I started drinking it, I wondered why the heck I even ordered it! I didn't miss it at all! Only thing I will say is that my workout was ass kickin'!!! So now the new week begins... No more coffee and sticking to my blood type 0+ meal design.

For the past 3 years I have been pretty consistent with maca, bee pollen, spirulina, coq10, etc..... So I feel so positive about this experience, and the chances that it will work. An added bonus?? Mario and I are two peas in a pod when it comes to nutrition, fitness and doing whatever we can to get pregnant and have a healthy baby.

See ya next week!!
Xx

Do you know your Blood Type??

What an EXCITING crazy month I have ahead of me! So, you all know that I am currently taking Birth control, which is the weirdest thing for me! LOL! I am already losing my abs from this stuff- I know, it's temporary, but still! And my boobs are slowly growing.  Anywho, I am obsessed with eating clean and working out- It's my job, my passion, MY LIFE. I have been reading a lot lately on fertility, blood type diets, foods to increase fertility along with supplements to boost fertility. I'm not sure I have a fertility issue, as a matter of fact, I don't. we just don't want to delay the baby making process, so we are doing IVF to speed things up!

Do you know your blood type? I was sure I was a type O, come to fiund I am O+. Not sure if I am a secretor or non-secretor, waiting for my Dr, to write me back, however, I find the whole subject quite interesting.

If you are a Type O+ you will find this pretty cool. I found after reading this over and over, it seems to be pretty accurate about ME- You?

Type Os thrive on intense physical exercise and animal protein. (This is certainly me.... Think about it, I am an ANIMAL In the gym, and a half marathon runner). I also LOVE LOVE LOVE buffalo and Turkey.

Unlike the other blood types, Type Os muscle tissue should be slightly on the acid side.

Type Os can efficiently digest and metabolize meat because they tend to have high stomach-acid content.  (I do notice that when I eat bufflao or turkey, I can eat a lot, as I NEVER get bloated or full.)

The success of the Type O Diet depends on the use of lean, chemical-free meats, poultry, and fish.  (I always stick to grass fed, NON-MASSPRODUCED lean protein sources)

Type Os don't find dairy products and grains quite as user friendly as do most of the other blood types. ( I can DEFINITELY live without grains)

The initial weight loss on the Type O Diet is by restricting consumption of grains, breads, legumes, and beans. The leading factor in weight gain for Type Os is the gluten found in wheat germ and whole wheat products, which interferes with insulin efficiency and slow down metabolic rate. Another factor that contributes to weight gain is certain beans and legumes (lentils and kidney beans) contain lectins that deposit in the muscle tissues making them less "charged" for physical activity. The third factor in Type O weight gain is that Type Os have a tendency to have low levels of thyroid hormone or unstable thyroid functions, which also cause metabolic problems. Therefore it is good to avoid food that inhibits thyroid hormone (cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mustard green) but increase hormone production (kelp, seafood, iodized salt). (I LOVE cabbage, but I can live without it, if it means I will be even healthier!) I just got my Kelp powder in the mail from Amazon, and I bought Nori rolls to replace bread.

Several classes of vegetables can cause big problems for Type Os, such as the Brassica family (cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) can inhibit the thyroid function. Eat more vegetables that are high in Vitamin K, which helps the clotting factor which is weak in Type Os. The nightshade vegetables can cause lectin deposit in the tissue surrounding the joints. (Ok, so this bothers me, I LOVE tomatoes and eggplants- I also notice arthritis flair ups when I have to much of either of them, so, this is another reason to believe in this type of eating.)

Because of the high acidity stomach, Type Os should eat fruits of alkaline nature such as berries and plums.. (LOVE BERRIES AND PLUMS!)

Type Os should severely restrict the use of dairy products. Their system is not designed for the proper metabolism. If you are a Type O of African ancestry, you should eliminate dairy foods and eggs altogether.  (i haven't had dairy in a,most 7 years. Every now and then I would experiemnt with some, and remember why I can't have it- SEVERE gastrointestional issues!!)

Oh, This girl has been READING so much lately! SO here is what I made in my O+ Blood type Post Workout Smoothie:

You will see:

Sun Warrior Vegan Protein Powder- Chocolate- 2 scoops

Maca Powder- 1 tsp.

Kelp Powder- 1 tsp

Camu Powder (high potency Vitamin C)- 1 tsp

Almond milk- 1 cup

Water- 1/2 cup

Frozen blueberries- 1 cup

Benefits of Kelp

 Kelp is widely consumed in Japan, Hawaii and Alaska. It is a significant source of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and folic acid.

 It is incredibly rich in iodine, which is required for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Therefore, it can prove beneficial for conditions like goiter, hypothyroidism, and cretinism.

It is also abundant in many other important minerals including potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, and calcium.

It can boost the immune system, improve liver functions, regulate blood pressure and the functions of the pituitary gland, lower the level of cholesterol in blood, control appetite to help lose weight, and maintain pancreas and prostate health.

 It prevents the growth of tumors and maintains the pH balance of the body.

There are basically three species of kelp, that are mainly harvested to prepare extracts and supplements, that are available in the form of tablets, pills or powder. These species are bladderwrack, laminaria and rockweed. If used in moderation, it can provide significant health benefits. But, considering all the side effects, it is imperative to consult a physician or health care professional before taking it for medicinal purposes.


                                                                                                                        Benefits Of Camu

Proponents claim that

 camu camu can boost

 the immune system, aid

 in skin care, and

 preserve eye health. In

 addition, camu camu is

 purported to protect

 against the following

 health problems:

arthritis

atherosclerosis

cancer

depression

diabetes

gum disease

Camu camu is  top source of vitamin C, an

 antioxidant vitamin often used to

 strengthen the immune system. 

There's also some evidence that camu camu

 may be high in anthocyanins, another type of

 antioxidant.

Health Benefits of Camu Camu 

 Here's a look at some key study findings:

1) Inflammation

Camu camu may fight inflammation and

 oxidative stress, according to a 2008 study

 from the Journal of Cardiology. 

For the study, 20 male smokers either drank

 camu camu juice or took vitamin C tablets

 every day for a week.

 At the end of the treatment period, members of

 the camu camu group showed a significant

 decrease in certain markers of inflammation

 and oxidative stress. Members of the vitamin C

 group, meanwhile, did not experience a

 decrease in these markers.

2) Diabetes

Camu camu shows potential in the treatment of

 diabetes, a 2010 study from the Journal of

 Agricultural and Food Chemistry shows. 

In lab experiments, scientists found camu camu

 to  contain high amounts of antioxidants and

 ellagic acid (a substance shown to offer

 antidiabetic effects in some research).

Forms

Camu camu is available in a number of different

 forms, including powder, juice, and capsules. I

 like the powder, since I swallow so many

 supplements already, I just toss a teaspoon in

 my smoothies

Sun Warrior Protein Benefits

Warrior Blend fuses and

 multiplies the power of

 several rich protein sources

 into a smooth, great tasting

, and revolutionary

 proprietary formula that is

 overwhelmingly superior to

 the individual components

 alone. This dynamic fusion

, along with a cold extraction

 process, creates a unique

, raw, plant-based protein

 with a complete amino acid

 profile exceptionally high in

 Glutamine, Arginine, Lysine, Luecine, and branch chain

 amino acids.

Warrior Blend is an easy digestible, nutrient

 filled superfood perfect for anyone who wants to

 amplify their health and fitness levels. 

Best of all, it 

tastes phenomenal.

Complete protein contains all essential amino acid

Creates a feeling of satiety (fullness)

Promotes muscle function

Contains no animal products, dairy, egg, gluten, soy, 

added sugar, wheat, or yeast

Ideal for healthy weight-loss

Easy to digest

Increases Energy

A green, allergen-free food suitable for any diet or 

lifestyle, not just vegans

And so it begins!

Hello friends!

I know it's been a while since I have posted on THIS blog, but I haven't had much to report to you in terms of baby news...... Now if you read my OTHER blog, I bable off like a one year old who loves to hear herself speak! 

Since April, Mario and I have been trying to get pregnant. When we finally decided to use a fertility, it was the BEST decision we made. Something had to give, because NORMALLY I was very fertile. After having the Tubal Reversal, The Dr.'s all said I would have NO problem. GREAT! Well, like two little jack rabbits, sex was all we could have- It was our job and we wanted to be successful. 

Pee sticks, thermometers, Ovulation kits, pregnancy sticks- you name it, I bought it. This brings us to July- NO success, NO pregnancy. Since my sister went to an incredible Dr. and had so much success, I wanted to use the same Dr. who help my sister bring my God daughter into my life. Dr. Nora Miller out of Stamford CT. is who I went to see. When we met, we went through a check list, and she answered all the questions I had. She had Mario do a semen analysis. When she called to tell me my results, I was super excited and realized that there is NO reason I can't get pregnant  The very next day she called to tell me Mario's news. His sperm count was super low. We decided to meet with a Dr. for Mario. This Dr. was awesome, SUPER knowledgeable and put 120% confidence in us that we would get pregnant. After three months Mario's levels came up, but not enough for us to continue to try each month, so all 4 of us decided to do IVF.  


The great news is that my period was a week away, so the sooner I start the process the better! We met with Dr. Miller and she walked us through the process.

1. We did the IVF class with her so we understand the process.
2. I had my blood taken and did the Medication class so I understand how to inject myself with the meds. This was so scary for me, because I do NOT like needles and anytime I get blood taken, I get a little funky in my belly. Mario seems to think it's kinda cute and offered his hands to do the injections. 


3. On the first day of my period, I went to Dr. Miller. This is the OFFICIAL start to my process. We did an ultrasound which is to look for ovarian cysts which there was a tiny one, she didn't seemed worried about.  and blood work to check my FSH Levels- 9.2 and my blood type, which I had an idea, but was off. I'm a 0+ and I thought I was just 0. Good to know your blood type, for sure! 


4. On the 3rd day of my period, which is today (Sunday), I will start birth control, sounds weird, huh? this will decrease my risk of Ovarian Hyperstimulation and Ovarian cysts. It can even improve the odds of success! 

I'm not going to lie, this is all so overwhelming and all I could think about is what if I forget to inject or what if I screw up the dosage, I'm so air headed with this stuff.... so not my thing! I am a perfectionist as well as a control freak with my life, I'm so scared I will mess this up! 

I have been doing a lot of visualizing lately, and it calms me, makes me smile and yea, sometimes emotional to think about carrying a little baby in my belly for 9 months- to nurture it, make sure I take extra great care of myself and prepare for this little persons life with us. I think about holding the baby and just watching Mario with our baby. I imagine my kids loving the baby and wanting to be the best big brother and sister ever. This little person will forever change our lives, and Mario & I are ready to become parents to OUR first child.

So, yes, we are over the moon excited! AM I crazy to hope it will happen on the first try? Well then call me crazy, because if it doesn't, we will not do IVF again, simply because the cost is so heavy and our insurance won't cover a DIME! The meds are crazy expensive!

Just wanted to let you all know that this is Stage one, and this is where we are at. At each new stage, I will blog and keep you posted on how I am doing. 

In the meantime, I'll be working out, eating super clean and popping my pre-natal vitamins among all the other supps I take to stay as fit and healthy as I can on the inside.

Keep us in your prayers please.... XX Tina