AF is finally here! I called KKIVF as I was told and I'm scheduled for my first scan on CD3. I could go for my scan on CD2 (tomorrow), but DH would prefer to take leave on Friday (CD3) instead, so that he can enjoy a long weekend. We're looking forward to Friday!
Wednesday, 2 December 2015
Tuesday, 1 December 2015
Annual Leave Day One
Today is the start of my long leave from work. I'm taking 2 weeks of annual leave for the first half of the IVF cycle. From what I've read online, there's quite a few mornings that I would need to go for scans. Problem is, it's really quite hard to pinpoint the exact scan dates. I want to avoid the stress of having to take last minute leave and being asked by my colleagues why I am going on leave so frequently. Also, I imagine that it would already be quite stressful for me to jab myself every morning. As for the second half, my absence from work will be covered by about 2 weeks of HL from ER onwards.
My colleagues do not know the real reason behind my absence from work for the entire month of December (only my boss knows why). They had been told the partial truth that I am clearing my annual leave, which will get forfeited next year if I do not use them.
Right now, I'm just kind of moping around at home and wondering whether AF is going to show up right on schedule today.
My colleagues do not know the real reason behind my absence from work for the entire month of December (only my boss knows why). They had been told the partial truth that I am clearing my annual leave, which will get forfeited next year if I do not use them.
Right now, I'm just kind of moping around at home and wondering whether AF is going to show up right on schedule today.
Tuesday, 3 November 2015
IVF Briefing and Counselling
We went for our IVF briefing and counselling session today at KKIVF. It was such a long wait since our consultation with Dr Sadhana in September. We arrived early and had to wait quite awhile for the other couples to arrive. While waiting in the room, we were given a folder containing information and forms related to the IVF treatment. Once it's full attendance, the nurse begin to go through the PowerPoint slides to share with us about the IVF process. She mentioned that we are all going to be put through the short protocol. There are plenty of people writing blogs and sharing information in the forum about their TTC experiences (including IVF). Since I've been reading up online, I (kind of) knew what to expect already. I thought that the session was more of a briefing rather than counselling. I felt that there wasn't really any counselling involved at all. Before departing, we filled up and signed all the necessary forms. Next, it's waiting time again, till AF to show up in December.
Total cost for KKH IVF briefing and counselling session (including GST): $337.05
Total cost for KKH IVF briefing and counselling session (including GST): $337.05
Saturday, 19 September 2015
First Consultation with Dr Sadhana
Two rounds of IUI didn't work for us. Although Dr Chin had recommended trying IUI 3 times, I am quite convinced that the 3rd wouldn't work too.
And now we are at our last resort - IVF. We wait for about one month between my call to make the appointment and the actual appointment. Dr Sadhana is the IVF doctor of my close friend's sister, who became pregnant after her 2nd embryo transfer (1st frozen cycle). I brought along our reports and tests results from Dr Chin. Dr Sadhana had a quick look at them and passed them to her nurse to make a copy of each to keep in my patient file. We told her the treatments we had done so far and mentioned that Dr Chin recommended for us to visit the government hospital for IVF. After the consultation, both DH and I had to take some blood tests, which are mandatory before starting IVF treatment.
Today's bill:
I'm scheduled for IVF in December. Can't wait!
And now we are at our last resort - IVF. We wait for about one month between my call to make the appointment and the actual appointment. Dr Sadhana is the IVF doctor of my close friend's sister, who became pregnant after her 2nd embryo transfer (1st frozen cycle). I brought along our reports and tests results from Dr Chin. Dr Sadhana had a quick look at them and passed them to her nurse to make a copy of each to keep in my patient file. We told her the treatments we had done so far and mentioned that Dr Chin recommended for us to visit the government hospital for IVF. After the consultation, both DH and I had to take some blood tests, which are mandatory before starting IVF treatment.
Today's bill:
| Counsultation | $158 |
| Blood tests | $415 |
| TOTAL (including GST) | $613.11 |
I'm scheduled for IVF in December. Can't wait!
Tuesday, 28 July 2015
IUI #2
OPK showed two lines this morning! We quickly arranged to take leave from work and waited for Dr Chin's clinic to open at 9 am to give them a call. We couldn't do the IUI procedure tomorrow because the clinic is not open on Wednesdays. Thus, it was a mad rush this morning. Once I made the appointment, DH had to quickly produce his sample and we rushed down to Gleneagles to submit it to the lab by 10 am. However, the morning traffic wasn't good and the carpark was very full. We only managed to reach after 10 am. Typically, the lab would required 2 hours for the processing, but thankfully, the lab was willing to rush the sample for us. Dr Chin had to close her clinic early today and so we were told to go back at 12 pm.
When we return after lunch, Dr Chin did the same things like our IUI #1. This time, I have not ovulated yet and she could measure the follicle size, which was at 2.34 cm x 2.66 cm in my right ovary.
Today's bill:
When we return after lunch, Dr Chin did the same things like our IUI #1. This time, I have not ovulated yet and she could measure the follicle size, which was at 2.34 cm x 2.66 cm in my right ovary.
Today's bill:
| Lab work | $300 |
| Consultation | $90 |
| Ultrasound scan | $120 |
| IUI | $500 |
| Duphaston | $48 |
| Clomid (standby for IUI#3) | $10 |
| TOTAL (include GST) | $1142.76 |
Tuesday, 30 June 2015
IUI #1
Yesterday (CD12), two lines showed up on OPK. This is two days earlier than my previous cycles and it kind of caught us by surprise. Nevertheless, I called the clinic yesterday and we're scheduled for IUI procedure today!
In the morning, DH produced his troops at home and rushed them down to the lab immediately. Then, we went for lunch. While we were having lunch, DH's troops were being washed. As told, we came back to the clinic at 2 pm. Dr Chin did a scan to check on my uterus condition and mentioned that ovulation had already occured. She also measured my lining and said that it's of a good thickness. After that, her nurse brought me to a room next door and Dr Chin performed the IUI. Then, I was left alone in the room to continue lying down, until a nurse came in around 30 mins later. We paid our bills and we went home. Dr Chin prescribed Duphaston to be taken twice daily for 14 days. Although my doctor says that I can do whatever I want after the procedure, I only got the mood to go home and sleep.
Damages for today:
In the morning, DH produced his troops at home and rushed them down to the lab immediately. Then, we went for lunch. While we were having lunch, DH's troops were being washed. As told, we came back to the clinic at 2 pm. Dr Chin did a scan to check on my uterus condition and mentioned that ovulation had already occured. She also measured my lining and said that it's of a good thickness. After that, her nurse brought me to a room next door and Dr Chin performed the IUI. Then, I was left alone in the room to continue lying down, until a nurse came in around 30 mins later. We paid our bills and we went home. Dr Chin prescribed Duphaston to be taken twice daily for 14 days. Although my doctor says that I can do whatever I want after the procedure, I only got the mood to go home and sleep.
Damages for today:
| Lab work | $300 |
| Consultation | $90 |
| Ultrasound scan | $120 |
| IUI | $500 |
| Duphaston | $48 |
| Clomid (standby for IUI#2) | $10 |
| OPK (standby for IUI#2) | $35 |
| TOTAL (include GST) | $1180.21 |
Sunday, 21 June 2015
Preparing for IUI
Just few days back, my girlfriends were chatting in WhatsApp and one of them shared the happy news of her sister's successful IVF after several months of TCM. Her physician has a really good reputation in fertility treatment and had many success stories.
Dr Su Chun Lin (苏群淋)
Fu Nan Traditional Chinese Medical Centre
Blk 152 Bukit Batok Street 11
#01-266
Singapore 650152
Tel: 6896 1618
Dr Su shares the clinic with another TCM physician (whom many say is her husband). Since their charges are lower, their clinic is always super crowded. When I went there yesterday, she happens to be on leave, so I did my registration and left. Today, I called the clinic at their opening hour to take a queue number. The staff on the phone gave me a good estimate of the time to arrive at the clinic, so I didn't have to wait very long for my turn. Dr Su took my pulse and said that my body is fine. I just need to improve the quality and quantity of my blood. It came as a surprise to me that Dr Su doesn't do acupuncture, the other physician at the clinic does. I didn't want to re-queue and wait so long for the acupuncture, so I left with the medicine, which costed only $54 for 2 weeks' worth of medication.
It might be a little late to start TCM now (since my IUI is likely to be schedule in less than 2 weeks' time), but I guess it's still better than doing nothing at all.
Dr Su Chun Lin (苏群淋)
Fu Nan Traditional Chinese Medical Centre
Blk 152 Bukit Batok Street 11
#01-266
Singapore 650152
Tel: 6896 1618
Dr Su shares the clinic with another TCM physician (whom many say is her husband). Since their charges are lower, their clinic is always super crowded. When I went there yesterday, she happens to be on leave, so I did my registration and left. Today, I called the clinic at their opening hour to take a queue number. The staff on the phone gave me a good estimate of the time to arrive at the clinic, so I didn't have to wait very long for my turn. Dr Su took my pulse and said that my body is fine. I just need to improve the quality and quantity of my blood. It came as a surprise to me that Dr Su doesn't do acupuncture, the other physician at the clinic does. I didn't want to re-queue and wait so long for the acupuncture, so I left with the medicine, which costed only $54 for 2 weeks' worth of medication.
It might be a little late to start TCM now (since my IUI is likely to be schedule in less than 2 weeks' time), but I guess it's still better than doing nothing at all.
Wednesday, 6 May 2015
HSG Result
DH and I are back in Dr Chin's clinic to receive the result of my HSG test. The report says "The uterine cavity is normal. Both fallopian tubes are not dilated or obstructed." Okay, so I'm fine. So, why am I still having difficulty getting pregnant?
Dr Chin suggests that we try IUI. I'll still be put on Clomid and once I get a positive on OPK, I get an appointment on that day or the next day for the procedure.
Today's bill:
Dr Chin suggests that we try IUI. I'll still be put on Clomid and once I get a positive on OPK, I get an appointment on that day or the next day for the procedure.
Today's bill:
| Consultation | $90 |
| Ovulation kit (5 pieces x 2 boxes) | $70 |
| Clomid (5 tablets) | $10 |
| TOTAL (including GST) | $181.90 |
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Hysterosalpingogram
What is hysterosalpingogram?
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes performed after the injection of a contrast material. In HSG, continuous x-ray and fluoroscopy are used. The contrast material used for this procedure can be water-soluble. It is administered to the cervix through a small catheter to help the radiologist view the internal uterine structures. HSG is primarily used to examine women who have trouble becoming pregnant. It is able to show the shape and structure of the uterus and the patency of the fallopian tubes.
{ Information taken from a hospital brochure. }
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray of the uterus and fallopian tubes performed after the injection of a contrast material. In HSG, continuous x-ray and fluoroscopy are used. The contrast material used for this procedure can be water-soluble. It is administered to the cervix through a small catheter to help the radiologist view the internal uterine structures. HSG is primarily used to examine women who have trouble becoming pregnant. It is able to show the shape and structure of the uterus and the patency of the fallopian tubes.
{ Information taken from a hospital brochure. }
Today (CD8), I took half day leave and had my HSG done this afternoon. DH took the afternoon off too to accompany me. I reported to Dr Chin's clinic and her nurse issued the prescribed antibiotics and painkiller medication to me. Then, we proceed to the hospital side for the procedure. While waiting to be registered, I took the painkiller tablet, because Dr Chin mentioned that this test would be rather painful and her nurse said that I can take it before the procedure. After registration, I was led to the changing room and DH waited in the waiting area. Shortly, I was called into the x-ray room and instructed to lie on the cold, hard metal table. It was really uncomfortable when the radiologist inserted the speculum and catheter. I couldn't really feel the dye being pushed in but I felt some cramping in my lower abdomen. Then, a few x-ray images were taken, with my hip tilted to the left and to the right. The whole procedure didn't take very long and I was allowed to go off after changing out of the hospital gown (and after paying the bill of course).
Today's charges (inclusive of GST):
| Antibiotics and painkillers | $35.31 |
| Hysterosalpingogram | $244 |
Thursday, 2 April 2015
Clomid Cycle #4
So I start this cycle with Clomid from CD2 to CD6 (as per previous cycles) and went back to see Dr Chin on CD14 (as told in my last consultation). The purpose of today's visit was to do an ultrasound scan. Well, Dr Chin reported that there's a good follicle measuring 1.63 cm x 1.54 cm, so it seems like nothing's wrong.
Today's bill:
Next step: hysterosalpingogram test (if I still don't get pregnant).
Today's bill:
| Consultation | $90 |
| Ultrasound scan | $120 |
| TOTAL (including GST) | $224.70 |
Next step: hysterosalpingogram test (if I still don't get pregnant).
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