Oct 7, 2011

Charting Your Fertility With OvaCue (Review and A Giveaway!)

CONTEST OVER! CONGRATS TO

Shaunda Eppes #390

If you are a loyal reader of my blog, you know that I have been having a heck of a time getting pregnant with our third child. I have also had 3 losses, but now I can officially say FOUR. I say officially four, because when I went into see my fertility specialist a few weeks ago, he told me something that alarmed me. He said he was looking through my files and saw that I DID indeed have a tubal pregnancy WHEN I was pregnant with my daughter… Say What?! Ya, I NEVER knew that… till then. I had to pick my mouth up off of the ground. For when I DID have the tubal surgery it was, to my knowledge because the doctors THOUGHT it was a tubal, but when they took my tube out, they saw that it was only a cyst. That is what they told me… nice huh?

Anyways, back to what I was saying…

So, my cycles are a bit all over the place. I have been on pretty much every vitamin and supplement you can think of. I have tried all ovulation prediction tests, temped EVERY single morning to see when I would ovulate and put it all on a graph. Sure, I realized when I ovulated, but still was NOT get pregnant… hmmm.

So, I saw online the OvaCue Monitor and really really wanted to give it a shot. Afterall, I have tried everything else. I contacted FairhavenHealth.com and they agreed to letting me review one! Oh the joy I was feeling, seriously, this was so awesome…

I received it in the mail and since you have to start using it on cycle day 2 of your cycle, I had to wait a few days. My OvaCue Monitor came with the Vaginal Sensor, which is a MUST I am finding out, to use with your OvaCue monitor for extra accurate results. The Vaginal Sensor does not come with the OvaCue Monitor but can be bought separately.

When cycle day 2 came along (finally!!! Ugh..) I programmed the monitor to how long my average cycle length was. Then I made sure the Oral sensor was plugged into the monitor and pressed the O for Oral Sensor, and placed it on my tongue. You wait for a second or two and then the reading is complete. You save it and you are done. It takes a few seconds each morning to do. You then can wash the oral sensor with mild soap and water and dry it for next use. You must use this oral sensor around the same time every morning for accurate results and you must do it upon waking up. That means no brushing your teeth or drinking anything!!! I keep this by my bed, so it is there each morning as a reminder when I get up. But then again, my brain is programmed for me to do this every morning, because I am always thinking about it…. that is what happens when you have been ttc for over 2 years..

When you are done with your menstrual cycle, usually around cycle day 7, you can start using the vaginal sensor. You use this in the evening, around the same time, each day. You simply plug-in the vaginal sensor into the bottom of the monitor. Next you press the “V” for vaginal sensor and insert the sensor into your vag. Then you press next and it will take your vag reading. If you have intercourse, don’t use this for at least 7 hours, as the spermies might make for an inaccurate reading. Sometimes it says your reading is over “400″. If that is the case, you will need to redo the reading. This happens from time to time, but you just redo it and it only takes a few seconds too. Then, just press save!

Now at first your calendar days will be white, but as you take your oral and vaginal readings each day, they will start to change in color. From white to light blue, to medium blue then dark blue then a pink box (ovulation had occurred when you see the pink box, usually). From time to time you MIGHT also get a purple box in between your pink box. IF that happens, that means you could have tried to ovulate but did not, or maybe you have dropped two eggs. I have had a few questionable moments with my Ova Cue monitor, since getting it, and I have signed up over at their public forum, and have my questions answered right away! I LOVE that supportive forum. It has everything you need to know about OvaCue and plus other members share their experiences too. I have learned so much.

Yep, this is only HALF of ‘em (from last month…)

This is my second cycle using this monitor and I am loving it. It has really shown me more about my cycles, that I could have missed. It can tell you up to 7 days when your ovulation will occur, giving you ample time to get that baby dancing in!!! This monitor can help take stress off of trying to conceive and let you relax a little bit more. Plus, the accuracy level of the OvaCue Monitor is 98% while others are only 73-94%, so that is nice.

Great Features:

FDA-approved and recommended by fertility specialists
Simple to use and mess free with no additional purchases necessary
Track your cycle daily with the calendar-view display
Predict your ovulation up to 5-7 days in advance
Confirm ovulation with the vaginal sensor

So, if you are trying to conceive I would highly recommend the OvaCue Monitor. This month I also took my first round of Clomid and will be having my first IUI! Wish me luck!

Buy!

You can purchase the OvaCue Monitor online at http://www.fairhavenhealth.com/

Win!

One lucky trying to conceive individual is going to win their very own OvaCue Monitor Bundle (that includes the vaginal sensor too!!)

How?

Easy! Just use Rafflecopter below!! woot!

Disclosure:
I was sent product to review, these are my own personal experiences and thoughts with this monitor, thanks!

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss, Reviews · Tagged: baby, clomid, Fairhaven Health, fertility monitor, giveaway, infertility, IUI, loss, miscarriage, OvaCue, ovulation, Pregnancy, pregnant, review, support

Aug 27, 2011

“Goodbye”, She Told Me, And The Next Time I Saw Her, Was In Her Casket….

By Kim Delatorre ·

You just never know what tomorrow may bring, you just don’t. And no matter how much you THINK you know someone, you DON’T. I was pregnant the same time she was. She was absolutely GORGEOUS. She had many many many friends who loved her, thought she was amazing.

She was funny, she loved to laugh and she had MY sense of humor. We easily got along and then some. She was my friend. We had not talked much, a bit went by, she moved and we lost phone numbers. We actually got in contact again, because my hubby was selling something on Craigslist and her hubby wanted it. So he called and viola! We were in touch again! Yay! I was sooo excited!

The last time I saw her, they came over to get that car part they saw on Craigslist. She was big and pregnant, as was I. She was so bubbly and happy when I saw her. She had just married the love of her life, and they were happy. She was 6+ months pregnant with their first, it was a boy! She could not stop talking about their baby and how much she loved him already.

After about 1.5 hours, they had to leave. I was sad to see them go, but now I knew where they lived (soooo close, yay!) and their numbers. We hugged and I rubbed her tummy. She said “Goodbye Kimmie! I love you!” And that was the last time I saw her. Heard her sweet, tiny voice. Then they were gone…

Never in a million years would I think the next time I saw my dear friend, she would be in a casket. Never did I ever think I would be the one doing her funeral flowers. Her casket spray. Never did I think I would be cutting a single red rose and placing it in her cold hands… Never…

I got “the” call one morning, from another dear friend, telling me that Lydia had committed suicide the night before. I could NOT believe this. I could not comprehend how a mommy could do this and leave a sweet, tiny baby boy that she was so excited to have. I was lost. Many said she always suffered from depression, and has tried to take her life before, I already knew that. But I did not think she was still so sad and depressed. I KNOW it could have also been postpartem depression, as I had it with my first for about a week or two. But really, I don’t know. I know what they told me though, leading up to the suicide, but I will not tell that here.

At her funeral, came early with my dear friend Lisa. we came together, because I knew I could not do it alone. I asked that the casket be closed, because I could not look, I just couldn’t.. But, it was left open… I remember walking in, and seeing her from the corner of my eyes. But I did not look. I prepared her easels of flowers next to her casket. I then carefully placed her casket spray on her casket. She was RIGHT there.. RIGHT there…So, I looked. I saw her beautiful face, her gorgeous hair and full lips. I cried.

I was sad, angry and wanted answers I knew I would NEVER EVER EVER get. Suicide is sooooo unfair. So many answers are left UNANSWERED. You don’t dare ask for those answers, that is NOT appropriate. So, you sit there with NO answers. NONE. And, that is what completely haunts me.

A week later, I was invited to her home. I was given MANY of her clothes and oh she had MANY. Shoes, coats, shirts, pants, dresses, skirts, Hats (oh how she LOVED hats!) and more. I did not know what to do with them. I took them, but did not want them. I would feel soooo weird wearing them, and could not bring myself to, no matter how adorable they were. So I donated most of them and kept the things that reminded me of her or I saw her wear before, and that was that.

But, I kept thinking, when I was in HER home, I was in THE room where it happened. I was freaked out, sad, emotional and just plain beside myself. I DID NOT understand… UNANSWERED questions, UGH.

I feel so much for her sweet hubby and little tiny baby boy. I pray for them daily still, and though I don’t stay in touch with them anymore, they are constantly on my mind. I dream of Lydia VERY often and think of her all the time. I miss her. I miss her sense of humor, the way she dressed, her hats, her voice, her love for children and man she knew how to party!!! I MISS her.

Here is the one year anniversary of her death, a post I did for her…

So, just remember, that every day is not guaranteed to us. Always love as much as you can, hug as much as you can and NEVER leave someone in a bad mood. You NEVER know, you just don’t.

Filed Under: Archives · Tagged: casket, flowers, friends, loss, pregnant, suicide

Dec 20, 2010

Morning Sickness GALORE!

By Kim Delatorre ·

Yep, have that morning sickness and it is hitting me hard! Though I will not complain, because I know it means baby is growing good with symptoms this strong. But, it is still very hard taking care of two little ones and feeling this nauseous all the time.

I go in Thursday for another u/s as the u/s I had last Friday did not show me much. So, I get the real deal u/s on Thursday and that little one of mine better be out and that heart better be beating good and strong. I already love this little one so much. Having two previous losses, it makes enjoying my pregnancy, in the beginning, very hard to do!

Anyways, I just wanted to update with my life and what is going on with me My giveaways will be slowing down a bit in January to give me time to feel better and come February it will be back in full swing. I just need a break! We all need a good break once in a while. I will still be blogging, but not a bunch of giveaways is all. We shall see who still reads my blog, eh? See who those loyals really are! Hehe

Anyways, check out my newest giveaways, though not many, they still ROCK!

Also, if you have ever been pregnant and had morning sickness, how do you make yourself feel better? This is what the doctor suggested to me…

*Take 1/2 Unisom tablet every 12 hours for nausea
*stop taking prenantal vitamins until I am about 10 weeks
*Take vitamin B6 twice a day
*Drink lots of water
*Eat Saltine Crackers

Those are what MY doctor suggested to me, you of course, need to consult your own doctor for your specific needs.

What suggestions do you have to share? I want to know
And if you are pregnant, don’t forget to check out all the REALLY cool pregnancy tickers and widgets I found! Some of them I never have seen before!

Kim

Filed Under: Archives, Family, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: 6 weeks pregnant, morning sickness, pregnant

Jul 21, 2010

Infertility?

By Kim Delatorre ·

Am I headed down that road? Yes, I have two little babies, and I am so thankful for them, so very thankful. We would like to add a third baby to this family though. We have been trying for 11 months now, to no avail. I have never had a problem with conceiving before, heck we would say we wanted another baby and the next month I would find myself pregnant. It was easy getting pregnant, hard to keep them inside of my tummy, but I managed with my two little miracles…

To understand my situation, you would have to do some research on ME. You can read up on me and how I almost lost my daughter by going HERE. After you read that, you might understand a bit better. I only have one tube now, and that does make it a bit harder for me to fall pregnant, I know that.

I went to the doctor Monday, and my doctor is referring me to a fertility specialist. Now, I have done EVERYTHING to become pregnant these past months, not just the “have sex” method, but temping, OPK’s and yes, cervical positions and the other stuff. So, I know when I am ovulating, I just can’t seem to catch that egg…

Just read my story. I have had two m/c’s and almost lost my daughter due to the doctors at Kaiser. I am so upset and tired of this whole ttc thing. I KNOW there are MANY women out there who don’t have a child at all, and yearn for one so badly. I am sorry for your pain. I pray that every women who does not have a baby and wants one so badly but can’t see to become pregnant, gets a pregnant belly SOON. I am not saying I am not thankful, because I am. I just don’t want to think that because of someones mistakes, I could no longer be able to even have a chance at another child, again.

I will keep everyone updated on my journey, and praying it won’t be another year before I see “pregnant” on a test.

Have you ever had problems becoming pregnant? What have you done to become pregnant? I want to know…

Filed Under: Archives, Family, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: Archives, baby, bfn, bfp, infertility, loss, miscarriages, Pregnancy, pregnant, trying to conceive

May 27, 2010

Misconception: One Couple’s Journey From Embryo Mix-Up to Miracle Baby Book Review & Giveaway

By Kim Delatorre ·

CONTEST IS OVER! CONGRATS TO: Sarah COMMENT #8, LaurieAnn COMMENT #10 AND Nancye Davis COMMENT #22!!

misconception embryo mix-up book

Every woman knows that getting pregnant is one of life’s most wonderful miracles in the world. I know when I found out I was pregnant (with both my babies), it was a wonderful time for us! I told everyone and was so excited! But, what happens when you are unable to get pregnant on your own, due to infertility? Would if you need help from doctors to make your dreams come true? And, would if something went wrong? Something unbelievable?

I was given the opportunity to review a book called “Misconception” One Couple’s Journey from Embryo Mix-Up to Miracle Baby. Just the title had me intrigued. I swear I read this book in one week. It was so interesting.

It is about a couple whose frozen embryos were transferred into another woman with the same last name! It is amazing to read about the journey that both women and families went through, to bring this baby safely into this world. So many sacrifices and later, great friendships were made. This is definitely a must read and hard to put down book.

This book was highlighted on the Today’s Show, ABC News and People’s Magazine and when you read it, you will know why it is so popular!

A short Clip about the book (taken from the press release):

This extraordinary story made national news in September 2009 after the initial error was discovered and both families were interviewed on NBC’s Today Show. Misconceptionreveals the Morell’s dramatic story, from fears of an abortion during the early days by the surrogate family—as yet unidentified and unknown to the Morells at that point—to the first face-to-face meeting between the Morells and the birth parents, and the doctor’s appointments and sonograms along the way, and finally, to the emotional handoff of their son at the hospital.

Embryo mix-ups are extremely rare, but the consequences can be far-reaching. High profiles stories of such mix-ups include: a Japanese woman in her 20s who was found to be pregnant in October 2009 but received an ultrasound that indicated the child was likely from another woman’s fertilized egg; and a British white couple who became the parents of black twins in 2002 after a mistake by a fertility clinic during in-vitro fertilization. The Morells story highlights this type of medical mistake, one they hope will be the very last of its kind.

One of the most beautiful lessons shared by Misconception is the respect both families had for each other and the respect they had for life. The final sentences of the book pay tribute to the selfless act of the birth mother. In Misconception, Shannon Morell tells the story of how love for a child can overcome everything.

Buy It!

You can buy this book on Amazon.com for a fairly good price

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Or download on Kindle
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Win It!

THREE lucky people are going to win their own copies of the book!

How?

Easy! Follow me on Network Blogs found on my home page towards the bottom. come back and let me know you are!

Extra Entries!

Stumble this giveaway and let me know you did in a comment below

Comment on a non giveaway post and come back and let me know which one

Tweet this giveaway, can be done 3 times a day, come back with tweet links

Blog about this giveaway and come back with blog link 3 extra entries!

Grab my button and put it in your side bar or blog roll for an extra 3 entries!

Subscribe to my blog and confirm and tell me you are! 2 entries

Who would you give this book to if you won it?

Enter another one of my giveaways, as many as you want, just leave a separate comment below saying which one you did enter!

*Lots of ways to enter, so use them all! Contest is open to US and will end on June 20, 10pm PST. I use random.org to choose my winner’s. Winners will have 48 hours to confirm their win or a new person/s will be chosen. Good luck!*

Disclosure:

I was sent a copy of this book. These are my own honest opinions, thanks!

Filed Under: Uncategorized · Tagged: baby, book, eggs, embryo, family, giveaway, in vitro, miracle, misconception, mix-up, Pregnancy, pregnancy, pregnant, review, Reviews

Jan 28, 2010

Ovulation Takes Place On Camera! Trying to Conceive & More!

By Kim Delatorre ·

Warning: Might make some sick to look at, but, this is what our female bodies do, so amazing!

I recently came across this VERY cool picture of a human egg coming out of the the ovary. I thought this was truly amazing to actually be able to see it and see it clearly! Take a look for yourselves!

Click Images above for Image Source

Isn’t this amazing?! Now, if only I can catch my egg this month, ugh! Easier said then done! I am now on month 6 of trying to conceive. We temp, I do the basal body temperature thing EVERY morning, I take my prenatal vitamins and I excercise and drink plenty of water. That use to be enough, but I guess not anymore

I also use Preseed. Preseed is a sperm friendly lubricant that works with the sperm instead of against it and attacking it and killing it. It is the only known lubricant that is sperm friendly! I used it with my pregnancies and now ttc. It usually gave me my BFP’s (big fat positives), but this time it is taking us longer, sigh!

I love the website Fertility Friend. That is where I chart my trying to conceive journey, and I have met a lot of wonderful Mama’s along the way! If you are trying to conceive, I definitely recommend them.

There are so many ways people will tell you, to get pregnant faster. Like some people swear by the Sperm Meets Egg Plan (SMEP). Or, taking soy or taking Evening Primrose Oil Caplets or grapfruit juice to help with cm (cervical mucus) and sooo many more! Hard to keep up! Whoosh!

Anyways, just wanted to share my journey and different things I have learned along the way and of course those awesome pictures above! Wow!

Are you done having kids? Are you Trying to Conceive? What is the wackiest thing you have done to get pregnant? I want to know! Tell me

Filed Under: Archives, Pregnancy & Loss · Tagged: baby, ovulation pictures, Pregnancy, pregnant, preseed, primrose caplets, soy, sperm meets egg plan, trying to conceive

Oct 24, 2009

So, it is my birthday Sunday….

By Kim Delatorre ·

BLAH!

Ya, I will be 35 I am kinda sad because I have been ttc again, with ONE fallopian tube thanks to the d@mn Kaiser Surgeon (another story…) and I was eager to find out if I was pregnant this month and wanted to find out tomorrow on my birthday, but I took a test today, have taken a MILLION this week and all BFN’s. We have had two losses and though I don’t have problems (before now) getting pregnant, it is keeping the babies in me, and not having to race to the ER, that is hard. Anyways, I did not mean for this to be a vent or anything, I am just another year older and can’t conceive. I KNOW their is other Mama’s out there that have been ttc for a LONG time, I have dear friends who have a hard time, but it depresses me all the same. I have been through my own share of sadness and disappointment too. So, happy birthday to me and hoping that next month will be our month! With that said, I am SO thankful for the babies that I do have. They make me laugh so hard, cry at times and they always know when Mama needs a slobbery kiss or a big hug! Thanks for listening to this old, decrepit Mama!

My adorable babies!

My babies