A Reminder To BE THANKFUL

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Let me share with you this short poem on being thankful in the hope that it will bring a smile on your face as you stop and think about all the wonderful things that you have been blessed with. 

May this poem serve as a reminder for us to be thankful everyday for the good times and even the bad…  
Here’s the wonderful poem that brings home the point beautifully.

BE THANKFUL

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes. 

They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

-- Author Unknown

A 50-50 Chance on IVF

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I got the results of my blood tests and husband’s semen analysis through email two weeks after the tests were done.  The results of my PRL (prolactin) and TSH were within normal limits.  The level of AMH is 3.36mg/ml, thus should I continue with the IVF, I have to take protocol 1.  To read more about PRL, TSH and AMH, please click here.  

The semen analysis, on the other hand, was also within normal limits.  In addition to the usual semen analysis, sperm staining was also performed.  Sperm are stained and enlarged up to 1000 times to assess the normal morphological proportion, to predict the probability of oocyte fertilization (General sperm analysis only checks up to 100-fold amplification, and staining is not performed.)  This is a stricter classification called the Kruger strict criteria for assessing sperm morphology.     

Given our case, the success rate is 50% according to Dr. Lee.  That’s a 50-50 chance for us… A gamble?!?  Indeed it is!  With all the associated risks and costs involve in IVF, the whole thing can seem like an enormous gamble.  It can feel a lot like playing in casino tables wherein you put down a huge amount of money in the hope of a big payoff – a baby.  And just like gambling, the more money you lose, the more you’re tempted to try just one more time to get that prize.

Honestly, up until now, we are still thinking whether or not to push through with the IVF.  I’m sure everything will be worth it if it is successful, but what if it isn’t?  If you were in my place, would you go for it?!?   

Right now, what I'm doing is I’m trying to increase the odds of our success by finding and doing every possible ways, no matter how small it is, to optimize our fertility...  getting myself ready... physically,  mentally, emotionally, financially and spiritually for this one big fight.  

Should you have some tips and advices, please feel free to leave your messages below.  All these will be very much appreciated.  Thank you very much!     

Back After A Long Hiatus...

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Hi guys, I’m back!  I went to China with hubby for a business trip last August and was there for almost two weeks… can’t access blogspot, Facebook and many other sites.  We returned here in the Philippines around 1^st week of September already.  After that, we’ve been busy with the Mooncake Festival, dice games left and right, birthday parties and wedding celebrations.  Little did I know, we are on the last few days of September already… time really flies sooo fast!!! 

I just got my period again for this month.  So, sad to say, no good news to share with you yet.  With regards to our IVF plan in Taiwan, we are still contemplating about it.  To do, or Not to do… That is the question!

In the meantime, I’m just taking it one day at a time knowing that I am closer to my goal than I was yesterday.

“Don’t try to force anything.  Let life be a deep let-go.  See God opening millions of flowers every day without forcing the buds.”   

                             - Bhagwan Shree Rayneesh

God open millions of flowers without forcing the buds, reminding us not to force our way but to WAIT for things to happen PERFECTLY IN TIME…

Stay happy always! 

KT-Star Service Apartment in Taipei, Taiwan

We've also checked out another place near Mackay Memorial Hospital.  It's the KT-Star Service Apartment.  This was actually recommended to us by a Filipino couple we met there.  They were so kind to share with us their experience.

The KT-Star Service Apartment is a residential building which also doubles as a short/ long stay condo residence.  Since it is a service apartment and not a hotel, you need to pay for maid service if you want your bed made, your towels changed or your trash taken out.  Unlike in hotels wherein these are done for free daily, here in KT-Star, cleaning is offered once a week only.

The person in KT-Star showed us the smallest unit, which they claimed was 16-ping in size.  1 ping is equal to 3.305sqm, that means the room is 52.88sqm.  But I think this includes the terrace and common area already.  Anyway, the room is quite spacious and modern as compared to Bailee Hotel.    

For a night, it is NT$1800, but If you will stay for more than 21 days, room rate will be around NT$1,100-1,200.  They give special rates for Mackay Memorial Hospital patients, so you have to inform them upon reservation.  Electricity fee is not included and there is no free breakfast.

KT-Star Service Apartment - smallest unit

This place is good for 2 persons.  There's a double bed, and a sofa.  Please note that it's only a sofa, not a sofa bed.

A 32" LCD, cable TV, closet space, complimentary broadband internet and wifi in the room

A kitchenette with microwave, refrigerator, induction stove, electric kettle, pot, plates, spoon and forks, and other cooking utensils.  You can really cook here inside your apartment.  There's also an automatic washing machine for your laundry.

The toilet

 The bath tub. 

Just like a hotel, they also have a lobby, front desk, and security.  

Public facilities include: outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, gym, lounge bar, KTV room, relaxing area and meeting room. 

Swimming pool at night

KT-Star is located at Long An St., Zhongshan District.  It is one street away from Qing Guang Market, a small night market.  There are plenty of restaurants around and there's a supermarket and Watson's nearby.

In terms of transportation, there are many bus stops in the area and it is near the MRT.  You can walk to Minguan W. Rd. MRT Station (around 7 minutes).

KT-Star is a bit far from Mackay Memorial Hospital compared to Bailee Hotel though it is also walkable. If you do not want to walk that far, you can ride the bus (one stop only) then walk a little to the hospital.

Considering the price, the bigger space and the swimming pool, KT-Star is worth thinking over.  We might stay here in case we push through with the IVF procedure.

If you are interested, you can contact KT-Star Leasing Center at Tel. No. (02)-2597-6686.  You can also call or email Layla (0922-104-907; kt255@thekeetai.com.tw) or Lee (0928-226-718; kt254@thekeetai.com.tw).  Another option is to course your reservation through Ms. Vanessa or Clark.

Have a nice weekend!

Bailee Hotel in Taipei, Taiwan

Bailee Hotel Taipei is a 3 star hotel.  It is more of a business hotel.  It is designed in an elegant way to provide business travelers a comfortable and luxurious lodging experience.  

We stayed in Bailee Hotel during our entire stay in Taipei.  Location wise, I can say it is very good.  First and foremost, it is just walking distance to Mackay Memorial Hospital.  It is also near the MRT (Minquan W. Rd. Station), which makes it very accessible and convenient to visit nearby attractions like Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Park, Longshan Temple, Shilin Night Market, Taipei 101, Taipei Zoo etc.  It is also only about 45 minutes from the airport.  There are also convenience stores, restaurants, and market around the hotel.

This Family Mart, a convenience store is just across Bailee Hotel.

This is the lobby of the Bailee Hotel.  You have to leave your room key here at the front desk every time you leave the hotel.  When you return home, you have to get the key from them.  Together with the key, they will give you the breakfast coupon for the next morning.  

Lobby of Bailee Hotel

They have 8 kinds of room for guests to choose from, including deluxe executive room which is equipped with steam room and Jacuzzi bathtub (NT$2480), deluxe triple room (NT$2380), executive room (NT$2280), twin room (NT2080), deluxe room (NT$1880), classic room (NT$1680), junior room (NT$1480) and single room (NT$1280).  These rates apply irregardless of how long you'll stay.  These are their promo rates already.

We stayed in their single room only.  We paid NT$1280 (around Php1920) per night with free breakfast for 2 persons.  They serve breakfast from 6:30-10:00am.  It is a buffet and there's plenty of food to choose from... rice, congee, bread, egg, juice, milk, tea, desserts, etc.  In my opinion, food was delicious.  The restaurant is located at the 2nd floor of the hotel.  Here's the place.  I forgot to picture it with the food though. Hehehe!

Restaurant of Bailee Hotel

Here on the 2nd floor of the hotel, you can get unlimited drinks 24 hours a day.

Water Dispenser

Coffee and other drinks machine

Here are the list of the FREE drinks available.

List of Free Drinks

There's also a business center here.  You can use the computers with internet for free. There are around 2-3 working computers here which you can use.

Business Center - Bailee Hotel

All rooms have comfortable down quilts, aircon, broadband internet service, TV, direct-dial telephones, refrigerators, private bathrooms and other essential facilities.  Our room was only approximately 8 sqm.  It was quite small, but it's clean.  Here are the pictures of the room.  (Sorry for the poor pictures, I only remembered to take these pictures, the day we were leaving... hehehe!)

This was our bed.  We only have one side table. 

There is an electric kettle available in the room and there are also free mineral water and tea bags.

There is a TV and a small refrigerator.

There's a cabinet with a few hangers where you can put your clothes.

Here's the toilet.  It has a bathtub.

You have to close the door before you can use the water closet.  Hair dryer and some toiletries are provided.

So there you go... a tour of Bailee Hotel. 

Generally speaking, the place is good.  Price is okay, location is good, food is good, room is satisfactory (quite small).  One thing I don't like though is that the room is carpeted.  I'm very prone to allergies and dust from the carpet might trigger it.  Apart from that, this place is okay already should we plan to stay for a month for the IVF procedure.   

For more information on Bailee Hotel, you can visit their website at http://www.bailee.com.tw  

IVF Consultation Part 7: Payment

Last but not the least... Paying for all the procedures done for the day.

Oops, I think we paid at the cashier first before having the blood tests done and getting the medicine.  From the 2nd floor, we took the escalator down to the 1st floor and the cashier was there already, so we paid first.   Hmm... maybe you can do whatever is more convenient for you.  They did not ask for the receipts anyway.

If you are paying in NT$, you have to pay here.  But if you are going to use your credit card, you have to go to the 7th floor of the hospital.

Cashier of Mackay Memorial Hospital

Here's the breakdown of our billing:

Registration                    - NT$ 150

Doctor's examination - NT$ 300

Medicine (Gynera)        - NT$ 137

Pelvic Exam                    - NT$ 84

Sperm Analysis             - NT$ 1560

Prolactin                          - NT$ 360

TSH                                     - NT$ 432

AMH                                    - NT$ 960

Ultrasound                     - NT$ 778

Pharmacy Service          - NT$ 60

Reprint of Ultrasound   - NT$ 6

Total of our Bill            - NT$ 4827

Generally speaking, I can say that the consultation went well.  They are very systematic and organized there.  In fact, we were able to finish everything in one day, except for the semen analysis which was submitted on another day.  So, we only spent one whole day for the consultation and assessment.  That means we've got more time for eating, shopping and touring around Taipei.  Hehehe!  

So, that concludes the First Stage.  To learn more, you can also visit the website of Mackay Memorial Hospital and Mackay Memorial Hospital International Medical Service Center.  

IVF Consultation Part 6: Getting the Medicine

Almost done with the whole process...

This time, we have to get the oral pills from the pharmacy located at the Ground Floor of Mackay Memorial Hospital.  This is also near the Laboratory.

Pharmacy of Mackay Memorial Hospital

Dr. Lee gave us a slip of paper which we needed to claim the medicine from the pharmacy.  On the paper, you will see a letter and a number.  In our case it was letter C, so we have to line up there.

The medicine he gave us was Gynera, a birth control pill which I have to take for 21 days from the 5th day of my menstruation should we plan to start the IVF procedure.

Front of the Package

Back - Gynera Oral Pills

When we got there, the package was already ready for pick-up.  

To be continued... IVF Consultation Part 7: Payment

IVF Consultation Part 5: Semen Analysis

Borrowed from this site.

For the semen analysis, you have to go to the IVF Lab 6th Floor of Mackay Memorial Hospital.  Back to the place where we met Ms. Tsai early in the morning.

The office hours of the IVF Lab is from Monday to Friday 8:30am - 1:00pm and 2:00-5:00pm; Saturday from 8:30am-1:00pm.

First, you have to make a schedule for the semen analysis with the lady-in-charge.

Then, she'll provide you with a sealed, sterile plastic container with your patient chart number on it.  It must be sealed, so do not accept if seal is broken.

sterile container for the semen analysis

You have to return the container with the semen sample back to the IVF Lab on your scheduled date.

Important things to note:
1. Receiving time is from Monday to Saturday, 8:30am - 12:00nn.
2. Sexual abstinence of 3-5 days, but not more than 5 days is needed.
3. Do not use condom.
4. Directly ejaculate into the container.  Once only.
5. Bring the semen sample to the laboratory within 1.5 hours.
6. Keep the semen sample at room temperature.
7. Bring with you the slip of paper from Dr. Lee.
8. Results will be available after 1 week.

To be continued... IVF Consultation Part 6: Getting the Medicine

IVF Consultation Part 4: Blood Test

As I've mentioned in my previous posts, Dr. Lee asked me to have a blood test done to check my AMH, TSH and prolactin.  The laboratory for blood testing is located at the Ground Floor of Mackay Memorial Hospital.  From the entrance, turn left and you'll see this.

Laboratory OPD at Mackay Memorial Hospital

First, you have to get a number here.

Then, wait for your number to appear on the screen and approach the counter that corresponds to your number.

You have to present the slip of paper given by Dr. Lee and also your passport to confirm your identity.  Then he'll perform the blood test.  That's it!

To be continued... IVF Consultation Part 5: Semen Analysis

IVF Consultation Part 3: Infertility Treatment Consent Form

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Ms. Tsai showed me into another room where she asked me to fill up a patient information sheet.  She also asked us to sign an Infertility Treatment Consent Form.  This form is in Chinese, but she provided us an English copy of the consent form so that we'll understand the content.  I typed the English version of the consent form, word for word.  Read it through so that you'll get to better understand IVF.

We are both of legal age and with healthy mind and body.  In our own free will, we have consulted this institution for infertility treatment.  Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang had explained the following points to us and we fully understand:

1. We understand when both the husband and wife have a normal reproductive abilities, the spontaneous pregnancy rate for each menstrual cycle is 10-15%.  When using assisted reproductive technique (ART), depending on the type of treatment used, the pregnancy rate will be variable, but will not be lower than that of a normal cycle.

2. We understand that in a normal pregnancy, 4% of the newborns may have mental or physical defects and 20% can result in miscarriages.  Infertility treatments can only help a woman to get pregnant but does not increase the chance of having a newborn with congenital defects.  Washed sperm used during infertility treatment do not increase the rate of congenital malformation in the newborn.

3. We understand that during ART procedures, drugs are use for ovarian stimulation.  They can result in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and can increase the rate of multiple pregnancy and preterm labor.  After a successful pregnancy from ART, we agree to a prenatal care and genetic diagnostic procedures, if deemed necessary.  After delivery, the baby will undergo newborn screening for congenital metabolic disease.

4. We understand that after a successful pregnancy from ART, such pregnancies have a higher chance of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy than a normal pregnancy.

5. ART will entail some surgical procedures, thus, bleeding, infection, or any other complications may occur as consequence of such procedures.

6. We understand that ART institution respects the patient's right of privacy.  Thus, only patient him/herself can request for information regarding on his/her medical records.

7. We understand this ART institution will keep the patient's well being as its highest priority, thus, all disposable instruments used during any of the ART and sperm washing procedures will be discarded.

8. We agree to undergo IVF type of pf artificial reproductive technique and any anesthetics procedures associated with it.  The medical staff in this ART institution will do their best to fulfill their responsibilities to promote patient's utmost well being.  If any unforeseen emergency occur during any of these procedures, we will allow any interventions they considered deemed necessary.

9. We understand all the procedures necessary for ART, as well as, all the statements above.

Ms. Tsai also explained to us the difference of Protocol 1, 2, 3.  Once we get the result of the AMH, we'll know as to what protocol we will use for the IVF procedure.  The difference lies in the dosage of Buserelin (Suprefact). 

By the way, you can buy Buserelin (Suprefact) 5.5ml per vial at Center for Reproductive Medicine Inc. (CRM) located at 11/F Raffles Corporate Center, F. Ortigas Jr. Rd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines.  Telephone Nos. 470-5092, 915-1048, or 915-1049.  It costs Php6,000 per vial.

After this, she repeated the orders of Dr. Lee and off we went for the blood test, scheduling of semen analysis, picking up of medicine and payment of everything we have done that day.

To be continued... IVF Consultation Part 4: Blood Test

IVF Consultation Part 2: Consultation with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang

Borrowed from this site.

Consultation with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang

The clinic of Dr. Lee started around 2pm.  Since we were new patients, Ms. Vanessa was the one who got the number for us.  We waited for our turn in the waiting area.  Your name will be called.

Obstetrics-Gynecology Department, Mackay Memorial Hospital

The clinic of the doctors are on both sides, while the center is the waiting area.  This is located on the 2nd floor of Mackay Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang's Clinic

Dr. Lee holds clinic in Room No. 2 every Monday morning, Wednesday afternoon, Friday morning and Saturday morning.

After around 30 minutes, I was called in.  But I have to wait on the couch first.  Then when it was my turn already, husband was allowed to come in.  Dr. Lee reviewed our medical and reproductive history and verified a few more information.

I was then shown into an examining room where he performed a pelvic exam on me.  Pelvic exam is done to check that your pelvic organs (uterus, tubes and ovaries) are of normal size and shape and located in the normal position; to detect infections that may result in vaginal discharge, pelvic pain or infertility; and to detect abnormalities of the cervix.

After this, he requested for an ultrasound which is done at the far end of the waiting area. 

Ob-Gyne Ultrasound Room

Dr. Lee gave me a sheet of paper, which I need to present to the lady in the Ultrasound Room.  She then gave me a number and I waited outside for my number to be called.  

After the ultrasound, I got the results in a few minutes.  After which, I brought back the results to Dr. Lee for the interpretation.

By the way, just in case you want a copy of the ultrasound result for yourself, you can ask them for one.  You just have to pay an additional of NT6.00 for the reprint. 

The result: I have 2 myoma.  But according to Dr. Lee, they are just small so there is nothing to worry. 

He asked me to stop all my immunotherapy sessions and stop taking aspirin for the immune system problems that I have.  Apparently, he does not believe that the immune system problem has anything to do with me not getting pregnant.  He says that this is only the problem of those who experience habitual miscarriage.   

He then explained to us the IVF procedure.  He also requested for a semen analysis from husband.  He said that in the Philippines, our semen analysis only magnifies up to 200x only, wherein in Taipei, they magnify it up to 1000x.  Through this, we can have a more comprehensive analysis of the sperm and will therefore be able to determine if male factor is involved in our infertility.  Should this be the case, he would perform Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), an in vitro fertilization procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.

As for me, he requested for a blood test to measure the Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), a hormone produce by the ovaries and helps the eggs mature each month.  It is also important in the production of the female sex hormone estrogen.  The level of AMH indicates how well you ovaries are functioning and represents both the quantity and quality of the egg store.  Women with higher AMH value will tend to have better response to ovarian stimulation for IVF and have more eggs retrieved.  In general, having more eggs with IVF gives a higher success rate.  The result of the AMH test will be used to determine what protocol you will follow for the IVF procedure.

  

Protocol 1: Good Ovarian Reserve or AMH > 2.5ng/mL; 
Protocol 2: Moderate Ovarian Reserve or AMH 1.5-2.5ng/mL; 

Protocol 3: Poor Ovarian Reserve or AMH < 1.5ng/mL

Dr. Lee also asked for a retest of my Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and prolactin. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland.  It is responsible for controlling thyroid function which is important for all metabolic processes in the body.  A TSH result that is over the expected range can indicate an underactive thyroid which is linked to infertility.  Prolactin is also a  hormone produced by the pituitary gland and in increased amounts when breastfeeding.  High levels can stop ovulation and menstruation.


After the consultation with Dr. Lee, he endorsed me again to Ms. Tsai for further instructions and explanations. 


To be continued... IVF Consultation Part 3: Infertility Treatment Consent Form