Friday 8 August 2008

Up periscope

I've never liked the idea of submarines.

Having limited oxygen, sitting in a confined space and being underwater when I can't even swim, does not a good combination of circumstances make.

What I do like about submarines are periscopes.

Today I got to play with one, of sorts. Unfortunately I didn't get to steer it myself, and it wasn't the deep blue ocean I got to peer into, but rather ET's pink bits.

Ironically enough, the 'pink' bits turned out to be 'varying shades of grey' bits. It wasn't too unlike watching a nature program on the old black & white telly we have in the shed.

Up the tunnel of love it went, before popping out into the oasis of her abdominal motel, with stunning views of her empty bladder and uterine opening.

Prime reproductive real estate, and there are vacancies.

There are passing customers, in the form of big juicy follicles, they just don't seem to want to stay the night for some reason.

Now the interesting bit!

The size of the big juicy follicle staring back at us from the left ovary, measured 16mm. This lead the specialist to predict ovulation on CD12 or 13. We have NEVER had a positive from an OPK before CD15.

To keep a good eye on this, we get to go back for another scan on Sunday, CD12, to check it's progress.

The specialist seems to think that ovulation will be imminent then.

If this is the case, we may very well have been getting incorrect LH surge readings & positive results from the various ovulation prediction kits we've been using. (Anyone else ever heard of this, a positive OPK result 3-5 days after actual ovulation?)

Annoying to think we may have wasted so much time on this, but if it's true, then a slight change in Spencer's deployment schedule could have us hitting the bullseye. That would be a huge boost for our optimism.

So mini me will be getting a couple of earlier than predicted outings (and innings, and outings, and innings, and outings...) this weekend, just in case.

I'm very optimistic now again, not only because we 'might' (touching my wood) have found a problem we can do something about, but more so because the clinic will give us a scan on a Sunday!

Getting treatment on a Sunday here in Holland, means there has been a shift in the cosmos, the gates of hell have been blown to the four corners of existence and the horsemen of the apocalypse have turned on their demonic ways and taken up gardening instead. Surely all signs that the spawn of Spencer is about to be unleashed on the world.

It's all 'maybe', 'perhaps', and 'possibly' until Sunday, so, in the meantime, if you'll excuse me, I have a left fallopian tube to aim for...

76 comments:

Cindy said...

Ahhhh, the dildo cam as my husband so fondly (or not-so-fondly) called it.
A 16mm follie is beautiful...sounds big soon but may actually turn out to be good timing! The earilest I ovulated (Which was this last sucessful pregnancy) was CD15. Everything seemed to be happening eariler for us during that cycle and although it seemed odd at the time, it was apparently the jackpot!
And there may be more follies waiting to suddenly bloom in there...We started with only one at 15mm and then came back 2 days later to find FOUR all between 17mm & 20mm.
I stopped with the OPKs as I think I was getting inaccurate readings and I think it was screwing with our calculations and our heads.
I am rooting for you!
Have fun this weekend ;)

Anonymous said...

Yay! Some good news! I'll be rooting for Spence this weekend. ;)

Paddy in BA (Quickroute) said...

argh! sorry - am extremely sqeamish so had to skim thru this - doctors needles tubes make me run for the hills - happy boinking!

Ian Newbold said...

All sounds very good.

Fingers, definitely not legs, crossed for your next deployment.

morninglight mama said...

I haven't left a comment in a while, but I've been lurking and hoping for happy times for you and your wife. This sounds promising, and I wish you both a fruitful weekend!

Kori said...

Oh, I hope this means you are going to have success! And this is actually good news, right, in that they are actually LOOKING? I also hope that your potentially earth shattering good luck will extend to me. I need to win the lottery-selfish, I know. But if I have to choose, I would choose you get ET knocked up. :)

Jason Roth said...

You've made quite the discovering during your exploration inside ET. This is good news. Hopefully it will allow a new strategy to achieve success. Have a fun weekend :)

Jenni said...

Oh, I so hope that this is it for you guys!

I haven't heard of that particular problem w/OPKs, but it wouldn't surprise me. Hormones are strange things.

V said...

Could happen! With both of my pregnancies I thought no way....I ovulated too late, we didn't time it right. Seems I ovulated earlier than I thought and what symptoms showed.
Sending you baby dust and happy spelunking!

Anonymous said...

1 - I hate OPKs, lying little gitwads.

2 - 16mm is neither here nor there - mine got to 21mm and didn't 'pop' until three days later.

3 - therefore, has ET considered basal body temperature recording? It's crap for telling you when you are going to ovulate, but excellent for telling you what day exactly you DID ovulate, so you can tell for sure whether the OPKs are accurate or wibbly.

4 - H refused point-blank to look at photographs of my innards. Mind you, these were in colour and frankly, scar-tissue looks gross in any colour-way.

Anonymous said...

My son was conceived with an OPK that showed a later hormone surge. We were completely baffled by the doctor's first ultrasound measurements and prediction of date of delivery.

Anonymous said...

It's all very good but it is unfortunate that it took 12 comments to acknowledge the excellent "innings and outings, and innings, and outings ... " joke. Very funny.

Tara R. said...

'and innings, and outings, and innings, and outings' - and to think I never really like baseball before, whole new outlook here. Good luck and bon voyage!

Liz said...

Sounds exciting. At least they have found something new so its given you a bit of hope. Get in! (and out... etc)

Anonymous said...

Hm!! That all sounds very hopeful! Yay! Hope is such a delicious thing...

As for early ovulation, I'm not sure about OPK results. I used them for a while, but as you know, there wasn't ever anything there to have caused a surge. Our new doc told us to "try" every day or every other day starting at CD11, just in case, plus the use of OPKs and blood tests to confirm a positive read. All that to say, try early and often. :)

Oh - that might make sense of some of the shockingly short cycles. I believe that menstruation happens 12-15 DPO without fail (ovulation is what determines cycle length) ... that would explain the 23 day cycle... 23 is 12 past day 11... Hmmm...

*Nibbling hope*
*sipping wine*
They compliment each other nicely...

Anonymous said...

After finishing reading every single post you made yesterday and not getting any work done at all, I'm so happy to come in today and find this wonderful news! :)

Never has the female body sounded so good to me! hahaha

As I said in my email, I wish you tons of luck and let's hope this interesting discovery pans out! :)

Anonymous said...

The husband and I will be on only the second child-free weekend of our existence as of this evening. And what will I be thinking of? God damned Spencer.

(Seriously, good luck to you &
ET!)

Anonymous said...

Good news by the sounds (or look) of it. Hats off to ET - not sure I'd like my husband looking at my innards!

IVF Land on Surrogacy World said...

Hopefully, the Spawn of Spencer can hit the bullseye and all will be right with the world.

Putz said...

does it feel like all these people who are commenting are standing over your bed very quietly watching you?? i mean this week end, we have nothing better to do than keep track of everything, plus all the specialists and your aunt ALICE of course, and let's invite the PARENTS again

Karen said...

Excellent news. I'm gonna go buy a lottery ticket now.

Russ said...

Happy hunting my man!

Sarah said...

Go get 'em tiger!!

Yay!! *claps hands absurdly*

Anonymous said...

haha My husband used to love getting to watch the scans too. It's always so much more fun as a spectator, not that I've ever been one.

HOORAY on the possibilities!! I told you the cycle following would be the best bit! :D

GOOD LUCK this weekend! :)

Korie said...

Hoping you hit the mark there pally.
Gelukkig op jouw zwangerschap?

Anonymous said...

So how do you plan on hitting the left ovary? Do you have a bit of a sidewinder technique or something?

Typical. You're going to get pregnant while I'm on holiday and not in daily reach of internet. I may have to pay a fortune for wireless just incase I miss something exciting!

Karen MEG said...

Been away a few days, so just got some time to check in. This is great news!

This is progress X, glad that the monitoring is giving some insight. The thing about ovulation is sometimes it is totally unpredictable. 16 mm, good stuff!
Hope you'll see amazing shots on Sunday, and keeping my fingers crossed!!

AnnD said...

God! I hope this is the answer you guys have been looking for! Please update us on CD12!

Anonymous said...

Hope this is your time!!!
How will ye aim for the left?
Deno

Missives From Suburbia said...

LOL at "touching my wood".

I really hope you've been wrong all this time and all it takes is one good shot to make things right.

Sandra said...

Yep, had the exact same experience from an ultrasound. Didn't put much stock in OPKs after that revelation.

This is fabulous news for you and the Sunday appt is a real coup so yay am thinking a positive result is imminent.

Anonymous said...

I wonder what ET will be ordering from Amazon... Please be sure to cover her when you're through. You don't want Spencer getting all chilled and slowing down.

GOOD LUCK with your innings and outings this week-end!

Myst_72 said...

Finally, you're getting somewhere!!

I've been lurking, and hoping for some positive for you both - and thinking of you often (seriously).

G
xx

Dto3 said...

Don't waste your good Spencies on the practice round.

Jill said...

Oh I'm so happy to come here and hear good news! Early ovulation? Sure does sound easy to "fix" to me! Here's to a busy weekend!

María said...

*knocks on wood too*

James (SeattleDad) said...

Spencer needs to be going on daily outings for sure. Good luck and I hope this is the type of news that turns the corner for you both.

Stacy said...

Yeah I got to miss the dildo cam. Thank god.

Hope it all goes well!

Anonymous said...

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaang on one sweet moment. If "mini me" is even smaller than you, I think I can see (with a magnifying glass) the problem.

Bend it to the left, Beckham. :)

Martin said...

@Cindy & Brian - 'beautiful' hahaha. I guess.
The timing of everything now is a bit questionable.

@Monique - Well, I hope it's good news at least.

@Quickroute - Yella!

@Single Parent Dad - Cheers!

@Morninglight mam - Let's hope so, thanks.

@Kori - Yes the fact they have listened when we said we think something doesn't add up with the timing is a good thing.

@iVegasFamily - Yep, cheers!

@Jenni - They are certainly strange, fingers crossed.

@Kathryn - Interesting, so it's also impossible to bloody get the timing right too!

@Nutsinmay - ah man.
the doc seemed convinced it was gonna pop in 2, 3 days max.
that turns our own estimations right on their head.

the basal temp reading, Isn't that very unreliable?
although as you say, if its to confirm what you think/know then it can't hurt.

@Anonymous - that's what I'm talking about, ovulation maybe happening on day 13 with no positive OPK until 15 or 16.

@Joe - Finally, I laughed the whole time I wrote that, takes a guy to catch it!

@Tara R - Cheers!

@Womb for improvement - that's it, might not be true but it's a boost for this cycle anyway.

@Marie - Yeah the numbers are really telling me that we may have been missing the boat.
typically 27 day cycles suggest day 13. kits ALWAYS saying 15-16.

@Todd - not quite good news just yet, but something to go on.
thanks Todd, you are a gentleman and a scholar.
I can not get over the fact you sat and read all that...
@Prayingtodarwin - Bow Chikka Wow Wow....
Thanks.

@Bsouth - The hat, was about all that got to stay on.

@IVF Land on Surrogacy World - fingers crossed, thanks!

@Putz - not so quietly even Putz, could you guys keep it down, and no smoking in the bedroom.
The parents will be here in a week or so!

@Karen - we'll go halvsies?

@Russ - I would say 'same to you', but...

@Sarah - funny, thanks!

@Breigh - Thanks!, yes, the possibility has changed the mood a lot.

@Lilacspecs - Ugh, don't turn my stomach with the Dutch.
Wij hebben alleen een 'mogelijkheid' op dit moment, niets meer.

@Tismee2 - When did you last see a dead straight one?

@Karen MEG - Yep, just the possibility is a big boost.

@AnnD - Oh I dunno, you know I'm shy about all this stuff ;0)

@Deno - Put a bit of a swerve on it of course!

@Missives from Suburbia - me too, me too!

@TW - wow, so it's not totally uncommon?

@Karmental - some trashy stuff no doubt!
thanks!

@Myst_72 - thanks a million, somewhere...maybe...

@Dto3 - no round is a practice round now!

@Jill - not so much early ovulation, but previously late indication of ovulation, maybe!

@Immoral Matriarch - hands off ;0)

@James Austin - just maybe...thanks.

@Snowmanpoop - Thanks!

@Anja - Meeeeow, bitch...

River said...

OPK's? I had no idea there was such a thing. Everyone knows that predictions are unreliable. They're only an approximation after all, so why pin your hopes on them? It's great that you got to have a look for yourself with the cam, the 3 day difference in possible ovulation may be just what you needed to know. Crossing my fingers for a good healthy dose of morning sickness soon.

Anonymous said...

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Go Spence. I'm 'rooting' for you.

ROFL at my own little joke.

Sorry. Momentary lapse.

Hockeyman said...

Did you use oven mitts while you drove the probe? You know, just to complete her fantasy...

Serenity said...

Fingers crossed here.

Hilary (Maya Papaya) said...

That's great! We're finally getting somewhere!

Zoeyjane said...

I think oven mitts would have to be coupled with an industrial-strength latex apron and some Crocs. For the fantasy to truly be fulfilled, that is.

Anonymous said...

I'll be honest . . . I have no clue what you're talking about with all the OPK stuff and all. Bu this . . .

"That would be a huge boost for our optimism."

. . . is perhaps the understatement of the year!

I'm rootin' for ya. Shoot straight my friend . . .

Miss Awesome said...

Oh you have no idea how much I hope this works for you. It would be so lovely if the problem is just that simple and can be solved that easily. Crossing fingers.
GO SPENCER!!!!!!!

Maggie, Dammit said...

Clearly you should be hitting it every day. Or, I don't know, do you guys says "shagging" or something Austin Powersy over there? Wow, how crazy, 3-5 days post ovulation?? Weird.

By the way, I love the phrase "pink bits."

By the way way, I saw you getting all chummy with the awesome Mr. Lady over at that other site. Just don't forget your one true love.

Anonymous said...

3-5 days EARLY??!! Well good thing you went looking with your submarine cam there to find out the truth! I'm so giddy. Happy shaggin. ;)

Anonymous said...

PS. Amen to the anti-sub sentiments.

Anonymous said...

Glad to here you have some promising news. Good luck :)

Jo said...

I do remember reading Toni Weschler saying she had problems with ovulation predictor kits, because, um, of something I do not remember. But it does seem a common problem, that people are sure they're hitting the right part of the cycle, even for years - and it turns out they're just not doing it right. Scary in one way - but better in another! I hope it's something as simple and remediable.

TW's all about the goo instead. And concerted charting, that I'm not so good at - but you're throwing yourself into the hands of science and it seems to be giving you some clear pictures! Excellent.

People in the Sun said...

"Touching my wood." I remove my chapeau for that one.

I also have a good one, but I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet: Anywhere I lay my wife, that's my home.

Anonymous said...

OMG !!!

This sounds hopeful. I hope something comes of it.

Now, you haven't forgotten what you are meant to be doing here, have you?

;)

Malky B. said...

Good news! It's also good that they are doing a follow up sono. Not everyone's follicles grow at the same rate so it's good for them to see how ET doing this cycle. Then you can really pinpoint when she's ovulating. best of luck.

Anonymous said...

See! Monitoring you (again) was worth something! Brilliant news. I hope the inning and outing goes successfully.

Anonymous said...

Bastard. I just spurted water all over my keyboard in gaffaws.

Don't tell anyone OK? I don't want people thinking you cracked me up or anything.

And dammit, the comments did me over again. Rooting obviously has a different meaning here in OZ, cause I won't be rooting for you, YOU need to be doing that. Just imagine me cheering you on in the background. He he he

Martin said...

@River - well the OPKs should be above 99% accurate.
Thanks!

@Veronica - Cheers!

@Tracey - Who tells the jokes around here?

@Hockeyman - Dude. Eeeuw.

@Serenity - Thank you!

@Hilary - "We"... love it ;0)

@Zoeyjane - Been at the nail varnish again?

@tysdaaddy - Thanks, it's appreciated!

@Big Mamma Pimplishness - Thanks very much, that's very kind of you.

@Maggie, Dammit - the phrase 'hitting it' actually gives me the creeps...
What's wrong shugga, daddy could never forget you...

**shudder**

@Kittyconcerto - "Maybe" thats what we have.
Cheers.

@Marie - you claustrophobic too?

@Half-Past Kissing Time - Thanks, it is something to go on at least.

@Jothemama - Yes, it's very interesting now.
Being so close it woud be infuriating if we were missing out all this time but it would be something to go on.

My fear about the charting is that we would somehow do it wrong, we 'thought' the OPKs would be the best option.

I'm off to google that Toni woman.

@People in the sun - I'm sure she'll just LOVE you using that one...

@Widdle Shamrock - Hope indeed! it is something.

@Malky B - Yes, that's a real boost for us, they seem interested for once.

@Sinead - that could SO easily be translated as "I told you so"...
;0)

Thanks.

@Kelley - I only surround myself with the funniest (intentional or otherwise) commenting crew on the internet!

Anonymous said...

Ooh it's Sunday now. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you find out this was the whole problem! Easily fixed!

Anonymous said...

AWESOME! That's so great! Go get em!

Sarah said...

Ohhhhh! Today IS sunday. I hope to read a blog very soon, boasting fantastic news. Eh? Eh?

Jo said...

You said you ahd the Weschler book - I thought that meant you READ it! You did read it, didn't you? Otherwise it's like me having a pedometer, and a stepping machine, and an excercise ball, and a Pilates book, yet mysteriously not losing any weight.

I did take my temp and chart for a bit, but the most telling sign was cervical fluid consistency. Putting them together made it pretty clear.

And if not, you've got a great resource for your doctor.

Rachel said...

That is cool!
Good luck! I'm sending you massive fertile wishes!!
Thanks for the birthday greetings! :-) It was really sweet.

Anonymous said...

Ah! Monitoring! Yes, check your modesty at the door! BUT ALREADY! You have positive feedback! So glad you are on the right path! Keep the faith!!! :)

Susanica said...

I think I spy some dirty diapers in your future! Go get 'em tiger! -Monica

Momo Fali said...

Oh, man! I'm really hopeful! This sounds so good.

And, about those four horsemen...please send them my way. I have a lot of weeds that need tending.

Anita said...

Joe was not the only one that got the "innings and outings, and innings, and outings ... " joke, give us some credit guys (love how you slipped that in....oh gosh I am digging a hole for myself).

Hope the "innings and outings" are more than worth it this month!

Martin said...

@Angel - We shall have to see!

@That Girl - Yep it is something to go on, thats for sure.

@Sarah - Eh? Eh? you can wait like everyone else ;0)

@Jothemama - mix up, no not that one.
We may just go the whole hog and try every bloody method.

@Rachel - Yep, it sure is!

@Nola - that's what ET said, dignity is a thing of the past.

@Susanica - You see me dumpster diving?

@Momo Fali - It's definitely given us a boost anyway, whether it's correct or not is another thing!

@Anita - I'm glad one of the ladies picked up on it too!

'slipped it in' hahahaha...

Anonymous said...

Yeah it could. I was trying to be polite:)

Petite G. said...

Ok, here's hoping you understand this...

Dank voor het plakken door me. U weet ik altijd voor u wortel schiet. Ik zou om het even wat doen ik u kan helpen. Dit ontdekt zelfs merk?

Martin said...

@Sinead - an Aussie being polite...whatever next...

@Petite Gamine - A top shelf carrot!

Dondi Tiples said...

At last, a light at the end of the tunnel! Will be crossing fingers and toes for you guys...

Stella said...

crossing my fingers and toes...and anything else i can find..for you.

good luck.

i busted this last round.

@#$%@#$^!

bleh.

Martin said...

@Dondi Tiples - I'm a bit late responding, but thanks!

@Stella - Sorry about the wipepout this time.