International Women's Day

I don't have the strength today to put a positive spin on my latest breakdown, or maybe, as it happened about thirty second ago, I just don't have the perspective yet.  In fact, what I do have is the need to just share my string of thoughts, in all it's crazy.

Five minutes ago I got home and washed my hands.  Four minutes ago I slipped into cozy pants and wiggled my toes happily in plush slippers.  One minute ago, I poured myself a small glass of juice, still having sugar consumption in the back of my mind as a PCOSer.  And thirty seconds ago, I sat down at the computer, linked to the internet, ran my mouse over the Google icon, read International Women's Day and promptly began bawling.

Bawling, all the while thinking....woman? I'm not even a real woman! I can't even get pregnant.  I don't work like a real woman, my hormones aren't that of a real woman with my elevated testosterone levels, and I have absolutely no chest.  I have the parts, but my parts aren't right.  What good are the parts if I can't even get them to work right?  to ovulate?  Woman.  Old woman.  I'm 30 now.  And if my parts didn't work before, I don't see them gearing up now as they age.  I'm aging.  My ovaries are aging.  My eggs are aging.  I wonder if I even have any good eggs anyway.  Maybe that's another problem and I just don't know about it.  Woman.  My husband married what he thought was a woman that could fulfill his life, but that isn't what he got.  I can't do what I should be able to do.  I can't give him what I should be able to give him.  How does he feel?  How does he really feel?  He is the most supportive person in the world, but he must be disappointed somewhere under there.  Disappointed in me?  With me?  Just alongside me?   Woman.  I want to be a real woman.  I want to be able to be a real woman!

Needless to say, I don't feel much of a desire to celebrate my womanhood today.  In the past, being a woman always meant that I would be able to have that irreplaceable, undeniable bond with my child whom I carried for 9 months.  But now, I wonder if that will ever really happen.  It is true, we are no longer seeking parenthood through fertility treatments and it feels wonderful.  I am no longer scrambling to squeeze appointments into my schedule, taking countless meds or paying exorbitant sums of money.  I am no longer peeing on sticks in a scrunched elementary school bathroom on my lunch break, sticking myself with needles or being prodded with cold wands.  I am no longer obsessing about . . . everything.     But most of all, I am no longer just trying to make it through each and every day.  I am not struggling to focus or walking through life like a zombie.  I am not continually fighting back the tears that were always welling up in my eyes.

It is true, times are not quite as tough here these days and I walk around quite gaily sharing our new adoption plan.  Still, I wonder if people realize that it doesn't all just disappear.  I have been down in the depths for a long while, stricken by the pain of infertility and while I have pulled myself out, while many have helped to pull me out, that doesn't mean that it all just disappears.  The constant crying has ceased, the day to day, even hour to hour struggles have let up and I feel quite certain that if one did a caricature of me today I would no longer have a rain cloud hanging above my head, following me everywhere I went.  It is different now.  It doesn't follow me.  In an odd way, it is me.  Over the last two years, I have felt that my infertility was external, that it followed me, that it poured down on me.  I felt, I suppose, that I would be relieved of it somehow, someday.  But now, I feel as if it is simply part of me and that I will carry it with me as long as I live. I am not sure how heavy this load will turn out to be.  Perhaps it will feel heavier some days than others.  Perhaps life changing events will change my acute awareness of its presence.  Nonetheless, I am quite certain it will always be here with me.

There have been so many times through the course of this journey that I have thought that I was about to put everything behind me, times where I thought that I could push everything aside and bury the pain once and for all.  I suppose, dear infertile friends, that isn't going to happen, is it?  I suppose it is only you who truly understand this.  The real world doesn't.  When I was going through infertility treatments, friends asked me regularly how I was doing.  They asked about treatments, they asked if I had gotten news and they asked just in general--how are you doing.  But now, no one asks.  I'm sure they thought as I did one time, that it would all melt away with the coming of a new endeavor.

But it is still very much so with me.  So, how do I cope?

Our New Path

Well, in a matter of hours, it will be here.  My 30th birthday, that is.  Weeks ago I was chastising my husband for being bothered by turning 30 and now, while I wouldn't say I'm bothered by it, I wouldn't say I'm completely comfortable either.  As things always seem to do, it all boils down to babies.  (how terrible does that sound?!?)  I've heard this over and over again on these boards - I thought I'd be pregnant by 30, I thought I'd have my first child by 30, and on and on.  And, so did I.  It is a bit sad to be surrounded by pregnant women, be turning 30 and be very much so without child.  But today I'm doing a good job of spinning this in a positive way.  In fact, I'm doing a good job recently.  I could sit around and say I am no closer to a child than I was when I began this process nearly 2 years ago.  I could cry about turning 30, with the knowledge that everything fertility related is downhill from here.  I could curse my body and my ovaries for being so temperamental they just served up two straight,  extremely short, anovulatory cycles, leaving me without even a chance of conception.  I could lament the fact that  I don't have what I thought I'd have, what others have, what I should have.  But I'm not.

Don't get me wrong, I understand the impact and reality of all of these things.  It's just that lately, I find myself not going there--something I'm finding extraordinarily freeing.  In fact, what I do find myself doing is going to this page.  Over and over and over again I come to this page and I read my last post.  I  smile and I cry and I get chills.  And most of all, I feel my whole body and soul fill up with hope.  Indeed, I haven't wanted to post anything lately.  Not because I don't want to share or because there aren't things happening, but simply because I love coming back here and seeing that post.  My post of hope.  Real hope.  When so much of this journey has left me bone dry, gasping for air, it has been nice to feel hopeful again, to feel whole.

So here I go, a 30 year old woman looking forward to her little bean--a little bean that will sneak into my life and fill it completely, making everything and everyone feel whole.

Making it Official

Today, little bean, we are one step closer to you.  Today is the day I sat on daddy's lap and he held me as we officially took the first step to being the luckiest people on earth--your parents.  Kisses, hugs, nuzzles, tears--they all flowed.  My heart is so light and so reassured, knowing that we are on the right path, knowing that we have incredible love to sustain us no matter what this journey brings, knowing that you will come tumbling into our lives...maybe sooner, maybe later...but that you will come.  Today is the day we begin our adoption journey.  Today is the day we start building our family.

Going Somewhere

One year ago today, my world crumbled.  It was that day that my eyes turned into faucets, that day that I started to feel the pain of infertility in every situation, that day that a cloud came to hang over my head and follow me around.  While I have alluded to this over the last year, I don't think that I ever wrote about it in depth, so here is my story.

I had been excited--excited to get together with good friends, excited to eat and nibble on cookies.  But, most of all, in the weeks leading up to the gathering, I had been excited about the fantasy playing out in my head.  One of the most unhealthy things that I have let myself do over the last year is entertain a pregnancy fantasy in my head each and every month.  Every two week wait it happens.  I am powerless against it.  I start dreaming of how I would tell hubs and my friends and family that I was pregnant.  Last January, it was the same thing.  I was dreaming and feeling all the twinges that, though always present, always make me think I am unequivocally pregnant in those last days.  In my head, it would be perfect.  A friend organizing the dinner had come up with this cheesy idea that we should make a list of 30 things to do before we turned 30.  We changed it to 10.  And here's how it was suppose to happen:  It would be my turn and I would say, "Well, I've always wanted to have our first baby before we're thirty and we're pregnant!"  Congratulations would ensue and it would be one of the happiest moments my mind could revisit again and again.

Instead, this is what happened.  I wasn't pregnant.  I had found out a matter of days before and was disappointed that my fantasy had not panned out.  Still, it was only something I had dreamt of privately and like every monthly fantasy, the moment it wasn't to be, it was gone.  Until it wasn't gone and permanently embedded in my head.  We sat around the table and ate and talked and talked.  And then, we began sharing our lists.  Now, let it be said that I find it quite ridiculous to make such a list and then go around the table sharing one by one.  Maybe it is because I am a Kindergarten teacher and it reminds me of circle time, or maybe it is because I am far to sarcastic and cynical for my own good, or maybe it is just because it is absurdly sophomoric and asinine.  At any rate, I was in the middle of it.  I was a little sad when it began that I wouldn't be able to share the news I had dreamt of, but it was a fleeting thought.  We went around the table one by one, laughing, nodding in agreement at the great ideas others had come up with.  And then it was my best friend's turn and she said fairly verbatim, "Well, I've always wanted to have a baby before I was thirty and, I'm pregnant."  

My heart sank immediately.  I'm sure my face went blank.  My husband's hand quickly moved to my knee.  He showed me all the love in the world with that little touch and as I grabbed his hand, I felt as though I were holding on for dear life as the room erupted in a chorus of elated congratulations.  There seemed to be a swarm of people around me getting up for hugs and manly pats on the back.  I swear the room was spinning and I felt as if I were drowning.  I can feel it even now.  It seemed like a lifetime, but in reality, I was up in a matter of seconds giving my own hugs and squeals.

The days that followed are the very reason I started this blog at all--because after that, I was in a downward spiral.  Everything seemed so bleak.  The last two lists that were shared (my husband and my own) were immediately afterthoughts.  They didn't matter, because as we sat there with a couple that had just adopted the most beautiful little boy in the whole world (who has my heart to this day) and a couple that had just announced their pregnancy after six months of marriage and two months of trying, it suddenly seemed as though our lives were going nowhere.

So, it is no surprise that I was quite anxious for the annual dinner this time around.  While this group of friends is close and we see each other regularly, we don't often all get together.  Once a year, twice, maybe three times a year--an unpleasant fact that always strikes me as incredibly odd for great friends, but I guess that's what happens as you get older?

Suffice to say, this is not a year I truly want to reflect on and I was positive it would come to that.  "Oh, so have you done everything you wanted to before you turn 30?  How's your list going?"  I've been hearing this in my head for weeks.  And then I would feel like punching someone in the face.  Like screaming as I threw things across the room.  Like asking them why the fuck they would ever ask me something like that?

Luckily, it didn't come to that and wasn't truly too difficult at all.  Still, no matter how good of a place I feel that I am in, there are still truths of infertility that affect me.  All in all, it was great to see people-good food, good friends, cute babies.  But infertility does not like groups, specifically groups where the discussion tends to drift towards babies.  I was surprised how much the day wasn't driven by baby talk, perhaps naturally, perhaps consciously by everyone individually, or perhaps even discussed before hand collectively.  At any rate,  I appreciated it.

Still, infertility is self-conscious and no matter how hard I try, no matter what positive path we decide we are on, I can't shake it.  When you get together with good friends as a group so infrequently, the discussion is dictated by a want to catch-up, to see what others are up to, what is new in their life.  And when you are continually expecting to be able to share that something new in your life and it never comes to fruition, the thought of such talk is unbearable.  This time around, I am trying to rise above it and not let it get me down.  I completely understand that the conversation will turn to babies and the dramatic life style change that comes with them.  Of course it would--the babies are right there, they're adorable, they're wonderful.  At the same time, in such situations, the fact is that infertility immediately puts on a mopey face and says, "Things are happening in everyone else's life.  Nothing is happening in my life.  What do I have to sit around and talk about?  Nothing.  Humph!"  And no matter how old you are, you feel like going and curling up in a corner to sulk.

Luckily, this time around instead of crumbling, my tough, sensible mind is telling infertility to shut the hell up and focus on the incredibly significant and positive things that are going on in my life.  While it won't get a lot of air time in a room full of babies, the focus of my life right now--my job--is on a pretty incredible trajectory.  The truth is I have been very successful in my field as a teacher and my hard work and long hours are definitely beginning to pay off with recognition and significant leadership roles at school.  Earlier this year, when it was revealed to me that my principal was accepting another position, I was asked if I wanted the job.  I was flattered, flabbergasted, completely taken aback.  It was the biggest compliment I think I have ever received even though I decided not to put my hat in the ring in the end.  Still, the other day, I had a talk with a higher head honcho, finally ready to ask what possibilities there would be for me to move up in the future.  He ran through the new positions he's entertaining adding over the next few years and made it clear that I am someone he wants to move into administration.  "I'm very happy you're here and I know that I will have to give you further opportunities to keep you here," he said.

I hate talking about myself and really am not trying to boast, but here, in my own little arena, I needed to remind myself that I am going somewhere and even if it doesn't include babies, it is still pretty amazing.  I feel incredibly lucky to have found the home that I have with my job and am feeling increasingly lucky that I have quite a few opportunities for growth in the future.  So that is where I am going today.  The tomorrows will bring the babies.

White clouds sash-like

     wrap mountain waists,

The rock terrace flies in space

   distant, a narrow path. 

Leaning on a bramble staff,

   far and free I gaze,

To the warble of valley brook

   I will reply, whistling.

dreading today but looking forward to our tomorrows

I have this whole draft of a New Year's-y post on deck, but no time to finish it up, so here's a quicky.  For me, winter break is over today.  Actually, after the three minutes it takes me to type up this post and get all my winter gear on, I will be speeding out the door to ready my classroom for children once again.  Yes, that's right, I am having to get to school at about 6 a.m. after the wonderful workers who carpeted my classroom over break pretty much dumped everything back in the room after they completed their task.  I am lucky I popped into school to survey the damage yesterday and wasn't caught completely off guard 30 minutes before students arrive!  So...I am dreading today.  Not only because others made a mess of my relatively organized life, or because the kids are going to be crazy, or because I have to step back into this stressful school year today, but also because I realize that school isn't even close to over yet and I have to watch my best teacher friend grow her pregnant belly for the rest of the year.  I am in a good place, I really am, but this is just not going to be fun.  I love her dearly and could not say enough good things about her, but it will still be difficult.  Wishing school was over already!

The Two Week Torment

Trying to have a good attitude, but it is ever-turing towards the negative.  Thus, let this be a fair warning that what is to follow will likely be an overly emotional rant!  I have wanted to come by and write many positive posts over the last week or so, but I never seem to get here until it is absolutely necessary to vent.  My deepest and most sincere apologies in advance, but I need this.  I am officially six days into the two week wait on our virtually natural cycle.  The only supplements involved are vitamins and prometrium (only being taken because I had exactly the right amount leftover from past cycles.)

I am not sure why I am in a negative place, but it probably has something to do with my past week and the holidays.  I never understood when people talked about the holidays being a hard time.  I have always thought that no matter what your troubles, the holidays would always be the best time--full of joy and laughter.  But this time around, it is hard.  At this time last year, we could not imagine having another Christmas as a family of two.  All the toasts between hubs and I were to our last year of a Christmas with just the two of us.  When we traveled, we talked about how different it would be next time, me either being pregnant or cradling our baby.  That's why having the holidays come around without that dream being realized is quite difficult.  We've talked a lot about moving forward with the new year and pointed out that we will be toasting to our health and happiness and leaving baby out of it for the time being.

My past week has been fairly difficult as well.  Just a lot of mama and baby talk surrounding me daily.  Can I tell you how unbearable it is to sit there with multiple mamas chattering about nothing more than baby related talk?  Feeling invisible?  Feeling out of place?  Feeling like my heart is being ripped out of my chest?  I'm sure many know the feeling.  While I understand this and have no doubt I will do the same thing when I finally reach that point of motherhood, when I find myself in such a situation it makes me want to get up and walk away.  One mama at a time, please.  Because then it's a conversation.  I am not sitting there listening, giving my mind time to wander.  In case you've picked up on this, a wandering mind is not good for me.  In the future, I will be more mindful of the conversations I walk into.

In the same vein, this week has brought multiple pregnancy announcements, over two consecutive days.  The first came from a dear friend--probably the sweetest, kindest person I have ever known.  I am unbelievably happy for her and her husband, but it was one of those 'we weren't trying, just seeing what happens six months into our marriage' conceptions.  Because of our close relationship, I have known of this, or the possibility of this, since literally the day after the baby dance that caused it all.  There is something to be said of not being caught off guard with such news, as was the case with the second pregnancy announcement that occurred in a staff meeting with cheering and clapping and whoops and hollers--all when I just wanted to burst out into tears.  

I have no doubt that negative thoughts will affect my mind and body and that no amount of perfectly timed baby sex can help me conceive if I am literally at my wits end with the realities of being infertile for a year and half.  I understand this, but I still hope and obsess and read into even the tiniest of sensations.  I've been here before.  And inevitably, when you're at this point is the moment where everyone around you tells you to just relax, see what happens, don't worry about it.  While I appreciate their sentiment and encouragement, at times it just makes me want to scream.  I'm sorry, did you miss the fact that we have been trying for a year and a half?  That while I have never been told I am infertile, I have been diagnosed with a fertility condition and have been told that it will be hard for me to conceive?  Yes, I understand that the idea is magical--try without trying, without worrying.  After all, these same people say, it worked for them...and them...and them.  Yes, it worked for all these people without fertility issues who are either five years younger than me or are the people who truly started "trying without trying" in a time period where they didn't mind waiting.  That was never the case for us.  When we began trying, we wanted a baby.  The pressure was on right away.  Not to mention the fact that with incredibly irregular cycles, I knew from the get-go that something was wrong.

I have talked many times here about a good friend who has been an incredible support through all of this.  And as I sat with her yesterday, we both sat dabbing our eyes as we wished for the end of the year.  Reflecting on why this time period seemed to be increasingly hard, I said, it is just with holidays coming around again, I'm wondering when this will be over.  Wishing for the end.  For a new beginning.

My two week wait is officially up on....drumroll please....Christmas Day!  Perfect.  Way to bring a landmark date into the picture, fate.  One that requires my ever-spinning head to weave more fantasies of perfect ways to receive and share baby news.  Though I get frustrated when my husband says this, I don't expect it this time around.  While talking with my friend yesterday, she shared the same assumption with a fitting anecdote:  The holidays people generally get off work for are substantial. With them come detailed preparations, large scaled gatherings and commitments, and often a sizable amount of money.  It is wonderful to have the time off, but often one is exhausted from all the holiday festivities and goes right back to work without having relaxed much at all.  Why, one asked, can't I have a holiday like Columbus Day?  or President's Day?  where I do not have high expectations of others and no one has any expectations of me.  So, she said, I don't think your news will come on Christmas.  Maybe on a Columbus Day.

I suppose that sums up where I need to gently be guiding my fickle mind.  There is no point to having great expectations of the future that fit neatly onto a timeline in my head.  It is meaningless to fantasize of how incredible it could be to share baby news on Christmas.  Maybe on a Columbus Day...or another similarly ambiguous day of the year that suddenly becomes our most precious moment.  Maybe that will be our day.  Now, if someone could just circle it on a calendar for me, I would greatly appreciate it!

A whole new world

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a-flowing

Thanks to all for the kind words and encouragement.  I have realized that even when trying to avoid being consumed by ttc, I do need to drop by here more often, if for nothing else than for somewhat cheerier posts!  I generally come here when I'm having a difficult time with everything and waltz through life without blogging on the other days.  It works for me, until it doesn't and I have a massive breakdown in the grocery store parking lot, or an otherwise inconvenient and embarrassing location for uncontrollable, audible sobs.

Still, I began this blog as a record of our journey, to document all the feelings I was having so that I and others could go back, understand, fill the disconnect, the void, get encouragement, hope, and insight into different ways of dealing with the excruciating wait, the pain.  But if I only come to rant, if I only come in those self pity moments I am not doing myself or anyone else any good in the long run.  Of course, I will have to come here and rant at times.  I'll have to curse the pregnant woman I see in the parking lot with six children already waddling behind her.  (*#&^   @$!%^) And I'll have to complain about leaking with goo and being forced to walk around wearing a pad grown woman's diaper.  I'll have to explore all the dark feelings I have, but I don't want to neglect those times of light by taking them for granted and paying them little mind.  I'll be better.  At least, I'll try.

With that being said, I have had a fabulous long weekend.  I am realizing that holidays this year will more than likely be a struggle for me.  There seems to be something about those times that you are naturally more reflective that is making my mind go into an all-out tailspin these days.  Case in point, when we got back from summer break, our principal asked us to stand, introduce ourselves to new staff and tell what made this summer memorable.  Memorable?  Really?  Of course I was the first person to speak.  Of course I was asked to stand and had to (hopefully discreetly) struggle to pull my aching ovaries up.  I a little less than two weeks out of the hospital and one week off bed rest at the time.  Yes, that is what made this summer memorable.  Fast forward to Thanksgiving and I feel myself being pulled again into those reflective moments.  I am a lucky girl and thankful for much, truly.  But compared to other times, this last year hasn't been so great.  That's the truth.  On top of that, holidays remind me of how I have spent the past holidays "knowing" that we'd have a baby next time around, dreaming of our little family together around the table, on Christmas morning.  All in all, I am aware holidays won't come easy this year, but I am glad to have found ways to combat the inevitable.

via google images

Still, I am happy that I was able to keep busy by serving up a delectable feast for our first hosted Thanksgiving.  And, I am feeling happy, soooo happy for jumping back into art, for the fact that my creative juice are once again flowing.  Art makes me so happy.  Creating feeds me and undeniably lifts my soul.  It is one of the most satisfying things to see something you have had in your head come to life on paper.  It may not always look exactly how it looked in your head, but the process, its evolution is something you have created and helped to form.  Funny how this parallels the road to parenting itself...

This weekend, it was an imagined child's rendition of a tree with a favorite quote, the very beginnings of which are on the art therapy page but will soon have to be updated.  It has come a long way since then and has been absolute art therapy.  Of course I work on other pieces that are not fertility related, but it is funny how my favorite pieces are those that are.  You would think that there would be too much pain in them, but it is these very pieces that seem to bring hope, that I want to work and re-work over and over.

I'm happy to be happy today, to feel light-hearted.  I am happy that I am surrounded by creations that make me smile . . . namely my oak tree and my new favorite sketch I'm pleading to make into our holiday cards.  Yet, with nuzzling giraffe caricatures of us as a couple, it is quite questionable if hubs will allow this to be sent to all family and friends!  I'm working on it!

I've been here before...

Five days ago today . . . Cue period.  Cue rant.  Cue meltdown.

I'm not sure exactly what I expected.  I will say that I try never to expect to come out on the other side with a baby in the making, but at a certain point, it is a matter of survival that I do believe that possibility with every inch of my being.  I have been gone from blogging for quite awhile, but to get you up to speed, at our consultation meeting with the new infertility clinic, the doctor gave his recommendation for moving forward.  His recommendation included Femara.  Yes, Femara, the drug I've been wanting to use since last spring!  When we stepped into the clinic that morning it was all about closure, not about future fertility treatments.  Indeed, I could have been happily filling out adoption paperwork in the parking lot minutes before I walked in, sat down, and heard that one little word.  It wasn't easy to jump back in, but it wasn't as hard as I thought it might be either.

Still, I thought it would be different this time around.  It isn't.  I am back in the bleak, dark place I was months ago.  It is quite the mental cycle every month.

Now nearing the end of my period, I am still not sure where to go from here.  I feel like we have taken a huge step backwards by going through with fertility treatments this last month.  I say that because I felt like we were getting closer to adopting, but every time you go through another month of disappointment there is another period of grieving before you can pick up the pieces and look to the future.  It is so hard to throw money into complete chance.  Yet, at the same time, it is so hard to walk away from that chance when the very next month just might be the month.  

Still, this is the cold, hard truth of how I'm feeling today.  As I said earlier, cue rant.

I am just tired of it.  I am tired of it all.  I am so tired of feeling like less of a woman because to this point, I haven't been able to get pregnant.  I am tired of feeling guilty for being the person who my husband is with because I can't give him what he should be able to have.  I am tired of imagining him wishing he did have a fertile wife he could pop pregnant at the drop of a hat.  I am tired of these toxic thoughts that I know are ridiculous because I know we are so strong and have incredible love.  I am tired of feeling like an emotional and financial drain on our relationship.  I am tired of timed medications, supplements and fish burps!  I am tired of being healthy only for the sake of pregnancy--stopping everything in despair the minute I find out I am not pregnant.  I am tired of being scared to not work out and scared to work out at the same time--scared that not working out will just exacerbate my condition but stupidly scared that working out will prevent implantation or knock something loose (so non-sensical!)  I am tired of what this has turned our sex life into - methodical, timed sex attempted only during fertile days.  I am tired of not drinking at the end of a hard day.  Of not eating sushi, of even avoiding things like cold lunch meat and my caffeinated tea.  I am tired of having progesterone goo leak out of me every day for two weeks while I wait, in one of the most uncomfortable states possible, to hear if we succeeded this month.  I am tired of thinking about it constantly.  I am tired of the hopeful days where I begin to feel every twinge.  I am tired of the monthly dream of how I will tell hubs about the pregnancy, how I will tell my friends, my family.  I am tired of being poked with a needle.  I am tired of that pitiful voice they just have to receive training days on - the perfect inflection for telling her she's not knocked up over the phone.   I am tired of hating, literally hating my body.  I am tired of feeling dramatic.  I hate dramatics.  I am tired of the overwhelming negativity and the miniscule positivity I feel during this process.  But I am also tired of feeling that I just can't walk away.  

I'm also tired of that annoying habit during hard times to take a lyric of a song and twist it to fit your situation, then cry uncontrollably as you play the song on repeat.  The newest song written just for me at this time is Dessa's Mineshaft.  

Little lines, such as 

The list of things of I used to be is longer than the list of things I am

Ex-lover, ex-friend
. . .
Living on the small chance
Luck would save the last dance

speaks to how I feel as though I am losing my identity and withdrawing into myself as I wait for luck to save me.   

One day I'd like to say what all the tug-o'-war was for

obviously speaks to me, to all in my situation, I'm sure.

further from our origin,
No closer to our destination

reminds me of how, even though I know that we are a strong couple, we are far from where we started but still possibly very far from where we want to be.  Sigh.

You're tired, you're fired
You're inside of the lie
It's a brilliant design
It's like, "Just act surprised"

explains how I feel as though I'm stuck and going nowhere.  And tired.  

And of course, the chorus kills me every time I think of my body's past, current, or future confirmation that it is not pregnant with my little bean.  

I've been here before and I know where it goes

It goes down 

Mineshaft by Dessa, live version of remake from her new CD Castor, the Twin
(The version on her newest CD I just can't resist.  Not a studio recording, but enjoy!)  

I think we are looking at a "natural" cycle this month seeing as probable news would come immediately prior to the holidays and timing would make appointments difficult.  Besides, I just don't want to deal with that progesterone goo!  I know that none of this matters once on the other side, but on this side, it feels like I am being crushed by it all.   

Moving On

Near my hometown, there is a wonderful state park with a natural spring where clear water bubbles up in a serene, aquamarine pool before rushing down rocks and joining the river.  Walks here are so calming, so nostalgic.  When I go home, I always make a point of visiting my favorite spot on the bank and dipping my toes in the water with close friends and family.  At first, it is shockingly cold.  But eventually, we all plunge our feet in, seeing who can leave theirs in the frigid water the longest.  Indeed, by the end, all feet are quite numb!

I suppose you could say we have one foot back in the water, very cautiously dipping it in.  Just as that water back home, it is shockingly cold and even somewhat uninviting.  Still, I know that I have to plunge in.  While I am hoping this plunge doesn't make me numb, I am already feeling it's effects.

Effects, that is, of just dealing with our infertility again after such a carefree break.  Since our whirlwind of events in August, we have been on a break, an amazing break.  I had no idea how liberating time off could be.  Still, it is important to move forward and so we are beginning to seriously research our options.  It feels good, but in the last few days I have definitely been reminded of the ups and downs of infertility.

Monday I was thrilled, knowing that this month would be a month of gathering information, discussing all our options, and moving towards a decision.  I eagerly scribbled the important dates in my datebook--October 1st - first adoption information meeting, October 24th - appointment with recommended RE, October 29th - adoption fair.  I felt so on top of everything, excited about our options, excited about the future.

Tuesday I was less that thrilled after a night of terrible dreams all revolving around infertility and being in the hospital due to OHSS--past and future.  It was an awful way to come back to the world of infertility. It was the first time in a long time I've needed to fight back tears in the middle of the day, the first time in a long time I felt myself just staring off and zoning out during meetings.

Wednesday I was simply feeling the weight of it all.  While I am thrilled to be exploring our options, at times I am feeling a bit scared of jumping back in.  It was so nice to push it all to the back of my mind for some time, as if I had finally come up for air.  Luckily, today my students were amazing, which made a smile stick to my face!

As our first big meeting is this Saturday and is focused on adoption, adoption is now at the forefront of my mind.  Honestly, I have been leaning towards adoption for months.  I just never felt like a pregnancy was really going to happen and in the near future, I still don't.  For whatever reason, adoption seemed like an easier choice.  Nothing about fertility treatments ever seemed easy to me.  It still doesn't.

But now we're really here, looking into adoption.  I am beyond anxious to find out how we could make this happen.  Yet, at the same time, I am finding that with opening this new door, this elusive adoption process has become real.  It's presence in my life brings up the real and inevitable emotions, hopes, worries.  And, though this has always been understood, it is as if I am truly realizing for the first time that it probably won't be the cake walk I fantasized.

I know this, I knew this.  Clearly.  None of this will ever be easy.  So we're dipping our feet in a little at a time.  I will cling to my autonomy from infertility for as long as I possibly can--clinging to the increased smiles and happiness.  I will bask in the light of more laughs with family and friends.  I will indulge in great sex and drinks at the end of long days.  I will be thankful for all that I have in my wonderful life, for the incredible support of my husband, for his love and the unbelievable way he has taken care of me throughout all that has transpired.  I will, we will, keep dreaming of our someday baby and be proactive about finding him or her.

We'll dangle our feet in, but I will not, I cannot become numb from all of this again.  Please remind me of this later if you notice my feet turning blue!

Release

I can't begin to explain how I have felt over the last few weeks, but I will try.  After the big scare of August, people would ask how I was doing.  I would always answer, "Physically, I am doing well, but emotionally it is a little hard with so much going on."  Every time I spoke these words, I believed them whole-heartedly.  But then, I began realizing that I kept saying them and I kept having days, even weeks with no major breakdowns.  In fact, I don't even remember the last minor breakdown!

It has been five weeks and three days since my release from the hospital and five weeks and one day since I realized I was officially not pregnant.  And I am doing fine.

Honestly, I can't remember the last time I was this happy.  The events of the last month have had an enormous impact on our lives present and future.  Namely, at this point, they have launched us into a forced break.  And with that forced break I have gone all out--All out trying to escape from infertility that is.  As it took me awhile to be get back on my feet and gain my strength, the first thing I cut out was all the meds.  With the Metformin having likely wreaked havoc on my liver, I have stopped taking the insufferable little pill three times a day.  Without it, I am now free of the nausea that used to rule my days.  With the knowledge that my ovaries are out of control for the time being anyway, I haven't been a stickler with my PCOS diet either.  I'm sure that cutting some things out could do me good, but it is so nice to be able to not worry about every ounce of what I am putting into my body, I think I just need this time.  In what is probably an absurd omission, I am actually not even taking my prenatals or fish oil supplements.  I know that this could be the absolute wrong choice, but I just want to be a completely normal woman for a bit.  And if completely normal means cutting these out in the name of no fish burps for a few months, so be it!

I am now exercising and not exercising however I please, doing what I like when I like at the gym.  There is no worrying if this is too much or too little, if this is OK in the two week wait, if I could be interfering with implantation.  While all of that worry is completely over the top, it is just what my head does, or DID.  We are going out more than ever, no longer tied down, consumed, and depressed by our infertility.  I am eating sushi galore as well as every other food I tried to cut out in case it would result in a miscarriage.  And we are drinking.  Have I talked about the drinking???  No, I am not a lush, but take a woman who has barely tasted alcohol in 15 months and she'll be a little giddy at the thought of a drink.
And sex?  Just sex?  Without the thought of doing this or that in hope of conception.  Ahhhhh.  Pure bliss!  An weekend day that consists of an early brunch turned late lunch getting tipsy off a bottle of wine on a favorite restaurant patio followed by some sensual pillow time and a long nap until dusk?  Yes, please!

I know this will not last forever.  We have big decisions to make and with each comes a good deal of stress.  There is little that is carefree about our fertility situation overall and I realize that there is a finite time that this happy-go-lucky view on life will stick around.  But while it is here, we have decided to enjoy it.  While we are not avoiding the question of what is next, we are not dwelling on it.  We discuss how we are feeling, throw out pros and cons of each option we have, and then put it aside and enjoy ourselves, our family, and our friends.

Here's hoping we can find ourselves lost in another bottle(s) of wine and each other this weekend!  Cue happy sigh . . .

Ovulating? What???

Again, I thank those who have left comments and advice in the last couple of weeks.  We are desperate for them as there just seems to be one big question after another.  And yes, I have another . . .

Yesterday, I began having great EWCM.  There was still plenty today so I decided to take one of the OPKs left in the closet just on a whim.  AND . . .

Yes, there was a positive, smiley face staring back at me!  What?  Is this even possible?  Can I even ovulate with my ovaries still twice their normal size and full of large cysts?  I am so confused.  Normally when I see this, I am jumping around in excitement and gearing up for some great baby-making lovin', but now I am just utterly confused.  I can't understand how this can be possible.  I haven't been cleared for exercise or sex yet, so it doesn't really matter.   But...do I just have sex???  I don't want to risk anything, but I go a little crazy at the sight of one of these smiley faces.  All in all, I'd just like to know what is going on with my body.  Every time I think I know, it throws me a curve ball.

So again, anyone???

The Case of the False Medical Records

Yes, false records.  In the midst of the million emotions that are flooding my mind right now, the issue of the false medical records keeps surfacing.  Clearly, it is the last thing we want to be worrying about right now.  You would think that we had enough to mull over, right?

After all the wonderful comments and personal stories that others shared with us (thank you, thank you, thank you!!!), we are convinced that I did not receive the best care.  This fact is magnified by the inaccuracies of the report made by my fertility nurse the day I went in doubled over in pain.  While some of the errors are very minor, many are not and do not paint an accurate picture of what occurred during the appointment.  Likewise, there is an error in the hospital records.  So, here's my list . . .


"Pelvic Pain began gradually 6 days ago and has remained at about the same level of intensity."
 Correction:  The pain had started 6 days ago, but had gradually increased so that every step hurt, every bump, every bodily function--all things that we discussed in length.  


"There are no aggravating factors."
Correction:  Perhaps this means something else I am unaware of in the medical world, but aren't all the things I just listed aggravating factors?  How about our discussion about pain during eating or intense pain in my abdomen during urination?  


"Given Percocet for pain"
Correction:  Vicodin


"Rates abd pain at 6 of 10."
Correction:  At that moment, yes.  Discussed how there are instances where the pain is at a 9 or 10.  Even wincing while drinking a dixie cup of water in front of her because of the pain.


"Normal gait."
Correction:  hmmmm....how do I not freak out about this one?  Normal gait?  Really?  I couldn't stand up straight, was walking at a ridiculously slow pace.  I even asked on my way out, so the pain meds might help me get around better?  stand up straight?  Her response:  Well, that will just take time. 


"Offered ultrasound"
Correction:  Yes, I was absolutely offered an ultrasound, but in this way. . . "We can do an ultrasound, but we already know what we'll see.  You're hyperstimulated."  We went on to ask her recommendation about three times, to which she repeatedly said she would not recommend an ultrasound.  


Instructions:  Schedule Ultrasound
Correction:  No such instructions were given.


Upon admittance to the ICU:  "Patient received fertility labs on Monday visit."
Correction:  My hemoglobin was checked.  Clearly not all that needed to be tested.  


It's a long one!  Most of these are from one report, one clearly false medical record made by the very Auntie Dumplings that I have trusted in for so long.  It is sad.  I don't mean to say that she purposely falsified the records in any way, but the paperwork is not accurate.

After hearing my OHSS story and looking over these records, so many people have told me I have a lawsuit on my hands, to go to the attorney general, to go after her.  I will not.  I could never do that to another person.  I dealt with her in my own way, albeit a very gentle way.  In fact, after I was discharged from the hospital, I called her and left a voicemail, rattling off all the scary test results and OHSS symptoms I had had over the last week.  After I hung up, my mom said, "I thought you were going to be harsh."  What's the point, I thought.  Yes, I wanted her to know everything that had happened.  I wanted her to feel a little guilty even.  I wanted her to make sure she gave better care in the future.  But it does not do me any good to be a bitch.  She called back and predictably apologized that this happened, saying (much like everyone else) that she had never seen such a severe case before.  It was nice to close out with her.  I told her I was canceling my appointments with her as I had to go to the other office for follow-ups already.  I told her that we needed time to figure out where we would go from here.  She understood and kindly told me to call her if I needed anything.  It was the most civil break-up I've ever been through and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Still, I do want my records accurate for the sake of myself when my records are transfered to another clinic and for the sake of the clinic itself, so that they are diligent about their record keeping.  The last thing I want is for this to happen to another person, but how will the extent of the problem be known or understood if the paper trail is littered with inaccuracies?

I am confused about where to go with this complaint.  Do I talk to the doctor I have now been seeing?  The office?  Most of the staff had no problem calling my Auntie Dumplings out and blaming this entire fiasco on her, but that is not an official action.  And I officially want this changed.

So, I turn to you again.  You were all amazing with the feedback on my OHSS.  Every little bit helped us understand a little more what happened here and what should have happened.  We are so thankful for the openness of complete strangers!  I want to move onto my life.  I want to address all the serious emotions I am having, to feel my way through this difficult time, to find where our path will lead next.  I do not want to be worrying about medical records.

So, any advice?

Still Shrinking

Just got back from my last check-up and I am still shrinking.  Today, the ovaries are a little over 5cm.  This is good news, as they should be around 2cm and are no longer larger than 20cm!  A small victory for the ovaries!  Much like all of you, the sonographer called out my fertility nurse today, just like he always does, saying he blames this on her and her care, even telling me that he doesn't want me going back to her.  Sigh.  There is a lot to think about with my case and what action we are going to be taking with everything that happened.  I'm sure I'll be exploring that more in depth as we pull ourselves out of all this wreckage.

Physically, I am feeling nearly normal.  My strength is back and I can work longer than one hour at a time.  I am walking at a normal pace, even zipping around if I am in a big hurry.  Breathing is fine and my liver tests have now come back completely normal!  The first week back to school meetings were a challenge as I struggled to find the energy to get through the day and the strength to get up and down out of a chair.  Still, every day I got a little stronger.  Feeling back to normal for the most part, I forget that I still need to be taking it easy at times and begin lifting and bending over.  I mean, I have a classroom to put together, you know!?!  By midday, the little devils are definitely reminding me that they are still quite tender.  The achiness and short, sharp pangs start coming.  They are nothing in comparison to what I have been through, but a reminder that I am not quite 100% yet.

image via google images

Today we go out of town for a family party.  While I am excited to escape for a bit, I am a little nervous of the drive, simply because of the past.  So much jostling for several hours in the car may not be good for these sensitive little ovaries!  I just hope the ride isn't too painful and that once there, I don't have to paste on a smile and mask my discomfort.

Seriously, worst August ever!  But maybe, if I get there and back without too much of a problem, a nice weekend at a lake will help start my September out right!  Ahhh....this picture is already transporting me to serenity.  Here's hoping this works out well!

My OHSS - Mismanaged or "Normal"?

image from google images

During my OHSS ordeal, I spent the half the time I was calling out for help be told that this--all my symptoms, pain, weight gain--was "normal".  After five days, when I actually received an ultrasound, the entire office was spun into a frenzy.  Obviously, this was not normal.  But I still question whether this was a result of gross mismanagement or if this was a normal protocol that my body just decided to rebel  against severely.

Here are my numbers from the days I was monitored.  Any input on what you think may have happened would be very, very helpful.  This being our first injectable cycle and the response being so severe, we are not only new to this and the relative norm of such data but also worried about going forward.  After my liver enzymes were off, I also wonder if this is linked to the Metformin or OHSS.  Info you have on Metformin and if you get regular liver tests while on the drug would be helpful as well.  Thank you for all your input that will help us find our way!

Patient History:

PCOS

 Meds: Metformin, basic fasting glucose test prior, no other test before or during

1 cycle on 50 mg Clomid -- no response, cycle canceled

1 cycle on 100mg Clomid -- no response, cycle canceled

This cycle:

Day 1 baseline ultrasound - quiet ovaries, cleared to begin

Clomid 100mg days 3-7

6 Gonal-F shots 150 iu days 8-13

Ovidrel Trigger day 14

IUI day 16 


Monitored Appointment Data
Friday:

Right ovary follies:  14.5mm, 14mm, 12mm, 9mm
Left ovary follies:  2@13mm, 8mm
many smaller
E2:  824.6

  
Monday:

Right ovary follies:  18mm, 14mm, 2@11mm, 10mm, 9mm
Left ovary follies:  2@17mm, 14mm, 13mm, 11mm
many smaller
E2:  3621
                                                                                                                                                                 
Tuesday:
Right ovary follies:  20.5mm, 2@15mm, 2@14mm, 2@12mm
Left ovary follies:  18mm, 17.5mm, 2@15mm, 13.5mm
many smalller
E2:  3343
Trigger shot


Thursday:
IUI
40-60 forward moving/hpf

I am fairly blown away by some of these numbers, specifically the E2 jump by Monday.  Even more so when I read that normal E2 during the ovulatory phase is less than 500!  But, all in all, I am not an expert in fertility medicine.  I don't know the norm.  I don't know what data should really look like or what red flags would constitute the immediate canceling of a cycle.  I just know my gut feeling--that this wasn't right.  

Thanks for any and all input.  Every little bit will help us figure out where to go from here!

My OHSS Story - Part V

. . . The tests that followed, the measuring, the weighing--all confirmed again that I was far beyond severely hyperstimulated.  Ovaries are supposed to be the size of eggs, about 2-3 cm.  Severe hyperstimulated ovaries are the size of grapefruits.  My largest ovary was, in hospital analogies, the size of an IV bag.  The largest measurement was 20.5 cm, with an estimated volume of 1170 mL.  The follicles, or cysts, we all know are ideally measured at 1.8-2.3 cm.  I had numerous cysts covering my ovaries, the largest measuring 5.5 cm.  Unbelievable.

The fluid had begun to move into my lungs, thus the trouble breathing.  Because of the fluid, my lungs weren't able to expand as much as they should.  So, when I was feeling like my breath was cut off half way through my inhalation, it was.  The lungs had hit a wall and could expand no further.

For the entire time I was in the hospital, my belly was measured and I was weighed daily.  Until the very last day, their long tape measure couldn't even come close to fitting around my hard, swollen belly.  The fluid was nearly all in between my ribs and my knees.  I felt huge.  I looked huge.  When I could finally get up one day and shower, it was a scary sight to see my body.  I had sent my husband out to get some nightgowns so I wouldn't have to wear those lovely hospital robes.  Though I would normally get smalls, I told him to be sure to get mediums for me with the swelling.   In mid shower, I was tearfully yelling out to my mother, "Please call!  Tell him to get large!  Tell him to get large!"

When all was said and done, in less than a week I gained 27 lbs, all falling between my ribs and knees.  It was scary.  So scary.

Now, I am on the other side of this nightmare.  My ovaries began to shrink on Monday.  Though there was still a significant amount of fluid affecting my lungs and my liver enzymes were off, they decided I could be released from the hospital with regular monitoring at the clinic.  The first day home was the hardest.  It was exciting to be home, be able to sleep in my own bed, but it was also misleading.  I was home, I could do more, right?  Wrong!

The night we got home, I started bawling on the sofa all because I wanted a water.  I had been getting up and down, getting drinks for a few hours and it had begun to take a tole on me.  Even getting situated was hard.  Here at home there were no nurses to bring you nice, cold drinks whenever you wanted, I couldn't pull a tray right up to my mouth in order to eat my food, there were no bars around to help me pull myself up, and (perhaps the most difficult) whatever I sat on was not mechanized for easy resituating!  So I went through a box of Kleenex and bawled my eyes out.  Even the glasses and plates that I had to lift at home to eat and drink were heavy and causing strain.  How pathetic!

It has been a struggle to learn how to deal with my still enlarged ovaries over the last week or so.  There are still times when my ovaries ache or seem to cramp up, though the sharp, debilitating pain is gone.  I have been walking slow and eating smaller portions, in order to not upset my insides.  Now, with movement coming easier, when I forget to take such precautions and take it slow, my insides rudely let me know!  I am still getting my stamina back.  Having just returned to work as a teacher, the days are very long and I usually head home for the lunch hour to nap.  It is a wonder I can get back up and get through those long meetings that follow.  But when I come home, I collapse again, literally sound asleep in less than 5 minutes.  Breathing is easier with the fluid subsiding and while I am still shrinking bit by bit, I have lost 22 of those 27 pounds I put on.  Follow-up ultrasounds show that the ovaries, though still grossly enlarged, can actually be told apart at this point and continue to shrink.  My liver enzymes are still a bit off, but continue to normalize.  My body is generally more sore all over as I can't stretch or exercise as I normally do.  Indeed, without my back exercises, my back is a mess and causing much pain!

Hubs says I am shut down until after Labor Day and while it is hard, I suppose I agree.  When I think about it, this will mean that I have really been "shut down" for the entire month of August.  I have missed out on so many fun plans this month with friends and family, but I know my health is the most important thing.  Normally, I would push myself far beyond what I should, but with the risks so high--torsion or rupturing of an ovary--I know that I can't.

I feel very lucky to be on the other side of this ordeal intact.  I know that OHSS can turn out so much worse.  With the size of the ovaries being so mind-boggingly huge, I am just as shocked that it did not get worse, that I am intact, and that more than likely there will be no real long-lasting residual effects.

The emotions are pouring out of me in so many ways, on so many fronts.  But for now, I am spent.  I will have to explore those emotions later and nap now!  Goodnight!

My OHSS Story - Part IV

. . . Once in the ICU things started happening quickly.  It was a whirlwind.  I suppose they are used to having to do things at top speed in the ICU and they were true to form.  In no time at all I had an IV drip, sensors for EKG were slapped on me and I had machines monitoring my pulse, heart, and oxygen continually.  Maybe blood pressure too?  I can't remember.  I had x-rays and blood draws and another ultrasound in no time at all.  I was in between being panicked from the sense of immediacy and just thankful that I could finally get help.  I am not sure if this is how others feel, but when I was admitted I was just as fearful as I was relieved.

I was in the ICU until the following night.  The pain was still radiating and bodily functions still painful.  The staff there was good.  Different nurses and doctors would come and check on me, but it was there that I first started hearing the questions.  How did this happen to you?  Why is the treatment for this an IV?  Why are you swelling?  At that point, this was only from one whacky nurse, but really?
 
The night I was moved out of ICU though, I started having more complications.  As friends and family visited throughout the night, I reclined in my amazing mechanical bed feeling fairly fine.  The laughter hurt, but other than that, I was feeling decent.  But after everyone left and I got up to use the bathroom, I was shocked to find that the swelling had now moved down into my legs.  They were stiff and rock hard just like my abdomen and I could barely move them to walk.  Other parts were swollen as well.  So swollen.  A quite irreverent nurse put it the best as she examined me saying, "Oh, it's like you grew a pair, huh?"  So inappropriate, but so hilarious.  It was terrible and rivaled the moderate pain of my ovaries themselves.  In the middle of the night, I started having trouble breathing.  When my husband would pull me up or help me change positions, I couldn't breathe.  When I would try to take a breath, my windpipe seemed to be abruptly cut off half way through and I would be sent into a coughing fit.  I was scared.

The following days brought more frustration.  Though I felt good about being at a hospital in case something happened, my care really didn't seem consistent.  Having never been hospitalized, perhaps this is the norm, but I was surprised that my clinic sent a different OB to see me every day.  At the same time, they could treat me and my ovaries, but they could not treat the lung problems I was having.  Nor did they really seem to know much about how to treat my body chemistry that was completely off-balance.  It was frustrating and for good reason.  I will say that if you ever go through hyperstim, it is difficult because there is no treatment.  Still, you do have to be monitored and receive supportive therapy to ensure nothing does happen.  This can be frustrating because you really don't feel as if anyone is necessarily acting as your doctor.  Different doctors would come in, all with varying degrees of bed-side manners, ask how I was doing and then more or less leave.

One day, I just lost it.  Yet another OB doctor came in, asked how I was doing, and then proceeded to ask me what the plan was and if any other doctors were assigned to my case.  What?  You're asking me?  Isn't this stuff in my chart?  Didn't you just review it?  He, quite unprofessionally went on to question why I had an IV and asked who ordered it.  He discussed how he thought it was an overreaction to put me in the ICU.  He told me how the pulmonary specialist that had been seeing me in the ICU had been called after my breathing had worsened and had questioned why he should see me at all.  I wasn't his patient.  He didn't want to come down.  After this frustrating conversation, I laid down.  My heart was racing, my breath so short.  I was upset, but still relatively calm, so I didn't see any reason for this distress.  In a minute, I had called the nurses asking if my oxygen level could please just be monitored as I was having so much trouble breathing.  Enter OB doctor.  Cue respectful tirade which went something like this:

"I know that I've never been in a hospital or in this situation before and don't want to be disrespectful of how things work, but I'm not feeling comfortable here.  I see a different OB every day who asks me about my symptoms and then asks me about the treatment I'm receiving.  I can't answer the question of why I am on an IV.  I can't answer the question of why I was admitted to the ICU.  I can't answer the question of why I did not receive any attention while I was calling and even in clinic Sunday through Wednesday.  But I'm here and there are issues.  I understand that there isn't any treatment and I can only receive supportive therapy, but I feel as though I am receiving more questions from healthcare professionals than I am receiving answers.  I don't know if my ovaries have shrunk.  I don't know what my lungs look like.  I haven't had an ultrasound nor a chest X-ray since Thursday.  Again, I don't want to be disrespectful, but consistency would definitely make me feel a little more at ease here.  Or even to feel like someone knew my case and cared to look over my chart and see me.  I'm having issues breathing, I need to see a doctor for that.  After everything that has happened over the last week and the lack of response from the clinic, we are feeling so vulnerable right now.  We want to put our trust in the healthcare professionals here, but don't really know who that is."

Within about 5 minutes, I was hooked up to a box that monitored my pulse rate and oxygen.  Within 10, I was wheeled down for a chest X-ray and ultrasound.  And, to say the least, I was feeling quite empowered for the rest of the day.

To be continued . . .