And so, I have been attending driving lessons since June 2012. It was a major step for me. I have had my Basic Theory for more than 10 years but never crossed my mind to go for Finals and actually taking up practical lessons. I'm timid! The mere thought of sitting behind the wheels sends me off to outer space!!
But here I am, 3rd month into driving lessons at CDC. My hubby said I have to go to a proper school or else I will never get pass. With private instructors, there is no commitment and I can drop out anytime. How well he knows me! And me too, though reluctant, have to believe in that. At CDC there is a limit of 18 cancellation counts and anything beyond costs $5 (excl GST)! This ensures I go through the lessons like a good little girl.
I registered myself in April 2012 and my first lesson was on 7 June. One week prior, I got cold feet and tried frantically to cancel the first 2 lessons! Thank God the system did not allow that or I would not have been here today. I have not gotten my license as yet but I now have a test date! How exciting is that!
OK I still aint into driving, still abit fearful, still skeptical. But I had 22 lessons behind me and with another 20 booked and paid for, I'm pretty certain I will not do too badly. Maybe pass at first try? The recommended is 22-25. I would have gone through about 40 by the time I attempt the Practical Driving test on 4 Dec so .. I think I should pass la.
At CDC, I opted for team instructors meaning I pay $5 (excl GST) more each lesson but will only be coached by either A or B instructors (up to a max of 5 --> if my perm A & B happen to be on leave/MC). And though it was made further more expensive for peak hour lessons, I have no regrets! I am an ambassador for CDC! Ahem, I meant for my instructors. I train with the same car every time, and I am so pleased with my instructors. Iving Bay might seem abit terrifying at first but he teaches with passion and is truly patient even though i almost got him crashed once. I began my lessons by hating driving, I am still trying to "like" it .. He knows and though surprised (he said most of his students are excited by each lesson, except me hahahah). he is very encouraging. He is receptive to advice too and he listens. I love the fact that even though I drive like shit on some days, he has never shown any impatience nor anger at me. He is always smiling and soft spoken. With this, I am getting better by the day and I am sure going to miss him when I pass. Oh yes, and I also passed my Finals 49/50 at first try. Yay!
And Vince! Vince is just waiting for me to get my license to get back at me for always criticizing the way he drives!! Its going to be fun!
Friday, September 28, 2012
Tuesday, April 03, 2012
Do you really have to dampen my spirits before my vacation?
I fail to see how this is my fault.
I have informed my one level up about my intention for 2 weeks leave beginning 26 April. Unfortunately, Kristy's son's health is not in the best condition to undergo a major operation and she had to postpone his surgery which was originally planned for on 29 March. She was to go on leave from 29-March to 20 April. But now, with the surgery rescheduled to 20 Apr, it will clash with my vacation. 2 of us work as a pair and back each other up on our work. My one level up asked Kristy to swap leave period with me. This meant I will have to source and book airtickets and accommodation within a week. I did it last night & applied for leave right away.
This morning, my one level up was mad. How do I know? Oh well, she complaint to Ronald, Kristy, Audrey .. basically the entire team but me. ME! whom she is mad at?? I mean, hello??? I would expect you to come to me. And then I will remind you that you were the one who suggested Kristy asked ME for a swap of leave. I will only accept the blame for not being able to attend CISCO training next Mon/Tues but beyond that? Sorry, No. Kristy was not supposed to be here right now isn't it? So what is the problem exactly? And I'm most upset cos I felt I had so much to compromise yet have my vacation spirits dampened. I do know a vacation of any kind is insignificant compared to a child's life, and that is the reason why I have been juggling between work, son, school work, ECA and trying to book a package.
I miss Johnny, I miss LF.
I have informed my one level up about my intention for 2 weeks leave beginning 26 April. Unfortunately, Kristy's son's health is not in the best condition to undergo a major operation and she had to postpone his surgery which was originally planned for on 29 March. She was to go on leave from 29-March to 20 April. But now, with the surgery rescheduled to 20 Apr, it will clash with my vacation. 2 of us work as a pair and back each other up on our work. My one level up asked Kristy to swap leave period with me. This meant I will have to source and book airtickets and accommodation within a week. I did it last night & applied for leave right away.
This morning, my one level up was mad. How do I know? Oh well, she complaint to Ronald, Kristy, Audrey .. basically the entire team but me. ME! whom she is mad at?? I mean, hello??? I would expect you to come to me. And then I will remind you that you were the one who suggested Kristy asked ME for a swap of leave. I will only accept the blame for not being able to attend CISCO training next Mon/Tues but beyond that? Sorry, No. Kristy was not supposed to be here right now isn't it? So what is the problem exactly? And I'm most upset cos I felt I had so much to compromise yet have my vacation spirits dampened. I do know a vacation of any kind is insignificant compared to a child's life, and that is the reason why I have been juggling between work, son, school work, ECA and trying to book a package.
I miss Johnny, I miss LF.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
"goodbye" to fertility treatments, "hi hi" my new life
Saturday, 17-March-2012
I began spotting on d14 (15-Mar) .. streaks of red, brownish stains. Today is d16 and I told Vince to help me buy a pregnancy test kit. I was still hoping that brownish stain might be an implantation stain.
Benghua was picking me up at 4:30pm to Irene's housewarming. I felt really bloated and uneasy. So before leaving home, I checked again and confirmed my MC "has arrived". I cannot help feeling disappointed even though I know we can continue our current lifestyle if we don't have a 2nd baby but I cannot help feeling sorry because kyros will be without siblings. Vince said God must have his plans and reasons for not blessing us with the baby we so longed for. When he closed one door, he will open another for us.
We've discussed during the start of my 2WW and we decided that enough is enough. If I fail this SO-IUI, we will not attempt another fertility treatment again. Vince agreed I've tried my best. We will not have any regrets later on in life. I rang my mother-in-law and told her about it. She's resigned to this and said too that it is just not fated to be. She asked how much I've spent since I started trying to conceive. wooo .. Dr WK Tan @TMC is just as expensive as Dr Loh. So is Dr Soon. I've also lost count of the amount I've spent on TCM. $20K maybe? My IVF & SO-IUI (inclusive of the approx $4.5K via Medisave) already came up to ~$12K. And I remembered paying between $200-$300 for some trips to Dr WK Tan, and my bill for one of the x-rays was nearly $500. Incredulous. Now, this is a good reason why my savings account has dried up.
So, good bye my Kate. Looks like I'm not fated to have you afterall. After so many years, I'm really saying good bye to you and start living life from now on.
I began spotting on d14 (15-Mar) .. streaks of red, brownish stains. Today is d16 and I told Vince to help me buy a pregnancy test kit. I was still hoping that brownish stain might be an implantation stain.
Benghua was picking me up at 4:30pm to Irene's housewarming. I felt really bloated and uneasy. So before leaving home, I checked again and confirmed my MC "has arrived". I cannot help feeling disappointed even though I know we can continue our current lifestyle if we don't have a 2nd baby but I cannot help feeling sorry because kyros will be without siblings. Vince said God must have his plans and reasons for not blessing us with the baby we so longed for. When he closed one door, he will open another for us.
We've discussed during the start of my 2WW and we decided that enough is enough. If I fail this SO-IUI, we will not attempt another fertility treatment again. Vince agreed I've tried my best. We will not have any regrets later on in life. I rang my mother-in-law and told her about it. She's resigned to this and said too that it is just not fated to be. She asked how much I've spent since I started trying to conceive. wooo .. Dr WK Tan @TMC is just as expensive as Dr Loh. So is Dr Soon. I've also lost count of the amount I've spent on TCM. $20K maybe? My IVF & SO-IUI (inclusive of the approx $4.5K via Medisave) already came up to ~$12K. And I remembered paying between $200-$300 for some trips to Dr WK Tan, and my bill for one of the x-rays was nearly $500. Incredulous. Now, this is a good reason why my savings account has dried up.
So, good bye my Kate. Looks like I'm not fated to have you afterall. After so many years, I'm really saying good bye to you and start living life from now on.
Friday, March 02, 2012
IUI procedure
I'm glad they came up with Novena Medical Centre & Novena Specialist Centre. Jeez! These buildings are so sleek, so new .. unlike most hospitals which are so run down .. TMC is one of them .. so tiny, so dark and old, so badly in need of renovation huh?
We were at CARE @Novena Specialist Centre (opposite Sq2) at 9:30am this morning to have Vince's sperm processed / washed for the IUI this afternoon. The fresher the better so Vince had his masturabated at CARE. Collection was at 12:30pm so we went to our fav Burger King for breakfast (yum yum crossiants!) and drove home because we wanted to send Kyros to sch. The process of “washing” the sperm increases the chances of fertilization and Pre and post concentration of motile sperm is counted. Dr Loh said Vince's were really good and concentrated.
Both Dr Loh & Dr Marianne were out for lunch when I reached at 1pm. It was weird having the collected specimen in my bra haha but thats what I was told to do because the processed sperm had to be maintained at room temperature.
The IUI procedure was over in 3 mins but it was extremely comfortable to have my virigina held open by a cervical cap or whatever it is. Some refer this to like having a pap smear but to me, this is a many times more uncomfy. I was also given 30 caps of utrogestan to take for 15days orally.
Dr Loh also asked us to go home and "add more power" haha .. vince was definitely delighted to know we can have sex as much as before ..
My bill fr Dr Loh came up to $345 today
consultation: $68
IUI $250
Utrogestan $27
$150 for washing of sperm at CARE
timeline
10-Feb: first consultation & collection of purogon $393
12-Feb to 15-Feb: 50iu of purogon
16-Feb: consultation, scan & increase purogon to 75iu $413
16-Feb to 19-Feb: 75iu of purogon
20-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogen to 100iu + 1000mg metfomin/day $415
20-Feb to 22-Feb: 100iu of purogon
23-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 150iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $78
23-Feb to 24-Feb: 150iu of purogon
25-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $403
27-Feb: consultation, scan and continue purogon at 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $400
25-Feb to 28-Feb: 175iu of purogon
29-Feb: consultation, scan, urine test, collection of pregnyl 5000/$128
29-Feb: final jab of 50iu purogen & pregynl 5000 + 150mg metfomin
02-Mar: IUI $345
We were at CARE @Novena Specialist Centre (opposite Sq2) at 9:30am this morning to have Vince's sperm processed / washed for the IUI this afternoon. The fresher the better so Vince had his masturabated at CARE. Collection was at 12:30pm so we went to our fav Burger King for breakfast (yum yum crossiants!) and drove home because we wanted to send Kyros to sch. The process of “washing” the sperm increases the chances of fertilization and Pre and post concentration of motile sperm is counted. Dr Loh said Vince's were really good and concentrated.
Both Dr Loh & Dr Marianne were out for lunch when I reached at 1pm. It was weird having the collected specimen in my bra haha but thats what I was told to do because the processed sperm had to be maintained at room temperature.
The IUI procedure was over in 3 mins but it was extremely comfortable to have my virigina held open by a cervical cap or whatever it is. Some refer this to like having a pap smear but to me, this is a many times more uncomfy. I was also given 30 caps of utrogestan to take for 15days orally.
Dr Loh also asked us to go home and "add more power" haha .. vince was definitely delighted to know we can have sex as much as before ..
My bill fr Dr Loh came up to $345 today
consultation: $68
IUI $250
Utrogestan $27
$150 for washing of sperm at CARE
timeline
10-Feb: first consultation & collection of purogon $393
12-Feb to 15-Feb: 50iu of purogon
16-Feb: consultation, scan & increase purogon to 75iu $413
16-Feb to 19-Feb: 75iu of purogon
20-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogen to 100iu + 1000mg metfomin/day $415
20-Feb to 22-Feb: 100iu of purogon
23-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 150iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $78
23-Feb to 24-Feb: 150iu of purogon
25-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $403
27-Feb: consultation, scan and continue purogon at 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $400
25-Feb to 28-Feb: 175iu of purogon
29-Feb: consultation, scan, urine test, collection of pregnyl 5000/$128
29-Feb: final jab of 50iu purogen & pregynl 5000 + 150mg metfomin
02-Mar: IUI $345
Thursday, March 01, 2012
yay! i'm ready!
The clinic was not so busy today so I opted to consult Dr Loh. Not too bad. My appointment was at 4:30pm, I saw him at 5:10pm. 2 of my follicles were around 16mm avg and a 3rd slightly smaller. I had a urine test done but it showed I am not ovulating. This meant I cannot have my IUI carried out tomorrow, and Dr Loh arranged for me to have the IUI on Friday 1:00pm instead.
The downside of seeing him at his clinic is, there is no nurses along the "production line". He had to do most things himself and I guess he has not gotten used to the idea of an ignorant patient. Its only today that I actually appreciated the well-trained-and-knowledgeable nurses at KKH IVF centre. I still hated the queue though.
I was given this form which I had to ring CARE @Novena Specialist Centre and make an appointment for my husband to go down on Friday 9am to retrieve & to have his sperms processed. Then we are to send them directly to Dr Loh's clinic. Dr Loh said either himself or Dr Marianne will perform the IUI for me. I hope its going to be Dr Loh .. perhaps I should make a special request huh ..
timeline
10-Feb: first consultation & collection of purogon $393
12-Feb to 15-Feb: 50iu of purogon
16-Feb: consultation, scan & increase purogon to 75iu $413
16-Feb to 19-Feb: 75iu of purogon
20-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogen to 100iu + 1000mg metfomin/day $415
20-Feb to 22-Feb: 100iu of purogon
23-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 150iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $78
23-Feb to 24-Feb: 150iu of purogon
25-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $403
27-Feb: consultation, scan and continue purogon at 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $400
25-Feb to 28-Feb: 175iu of purogon
29-Feb: consultation, scan, urine test, collection of pregnyl 5000/$128
29-Feb: final jab of 50iu purogen & pregynl 5000 + 150mg metfomin
furthest left navy box containing my purogon pen
1 syringe & 2 needles (Green for mixing and Orange for jabbing)
Before handling, always ensure hands are washed
Purogen pen with balance 50iu
Pregnyl 5000 comes in 2 individual vials which I had to mix the two together
The orange needle is now attached ~
The downside of seeing him at his clinic is, there is no nurses along the "production line". He had to do most things himself and I guess he has not gotten used to the idea of an ignorant patient. Its only today that I actually appreciated the well-trained-and-knowledgeable nurses at KKH IVF centre. I still hated the queue though.
I was given this form which I had to ring CARE @Novena Specialist Centre and make an appointment for my husband to go down on Friday 9am to retrieve & to have his sperms processed. Then we are to send them directly to Dr Loh's clinic. Dr Loh said either himself or Dr Marianne will perform the IUI for me. I hope its going to be Dr Loh .. perhaps I should make a special request huh ..
timeline
10-Feb: first consultation & collection of purogon $393
12-Feb to 15-Feb: 50iu of purogon
16-Feb: consultation, scan & increase purogon to 75iu $413
16-Feb to 19-Feb: 75iu of purogon
20-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogen to 100iu + 1000mg metfomin/day $415
20-Feb to 22-Feb: 100iu of purogon
23-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 150iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $78
23-Feb to 24-Feb: 150iu of purogon
25-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $403
27-Feb: consultation, scan and continue purogon at 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $400
25-Feb to 28-Feb: 175iu of purogon
29-Feb: consultation, scan, urine test, collection of pregnyl 5000/$128
29-Feb: final jab of 50iu purogen & pregynl 5000 + 150mg metfomin
furthest left navy box containing my purogon pen
1 syringe & 2 needles (Green for mixing and Orange for jabbing)
Before handling, always ensure hands are washed
Purogen pen with balance 50iu
Pregnyl 5000 comes in 2 individual vials which I had to mix the two together
Drawing the liquid out with the thick green needle
See the liquid in the syringe? I'm now putting this into the vial to mix with the white powder which will dissolve immediately once it comes into contact with the liquid.
OK my hubby is really lousy at photo taking. Here I am removing the green needle with a swab and attaching the orange needle for injection.
The orange needle is now attached ~
To ensure there are no bubbles in the syringe, I hold the syringe upwards and pushed the syringe stopper till I see 1-2 drops of liquid oozing out of the needle.
Hubby didnt dare administer the jab for me & I am afraid it will be painful to jab into my thigh muscle so Vince helped me ice the area .. and indeed there was no pain though the needle was a tad hard to push in .. and I reckon will be painful if he had not iced the area for me prior. And I also ensured the area is cleaned with alcohol swab after icing, before the jab.
aftermath ~
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
purogon @175iu
timeline
10-Feb: first consultation & collection of purogon $393
12-Feb to 15-Feb: 50iu of purogon
16-Feb: consultation, scan & increase purogon to 75iu $413
16-Feb to 19-Feb: 75iu of purogon
20-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogen to 100iu + 1000mg metfomin/day $415
20-Feb to 22-Feb: 100iu of purogon
23-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 150iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $78
23-Feb to 24-Feb: 150iu of purogon
25-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $403
27-Feb: consultation, scan and continue purogon at 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $400
25-Feb to 28-Feb: 175iu of purogon
10-Feb: first consultation & collection of purogon $393
12-Feb to 15-Feb: 50iu of purogon
16-Feb: consultation, scan & increase purogon to 75iu $413
16-Feb to 19-Feb: 75iu of purogon
20-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogen to 100iu + 1000mg metfomin/day $415
20-Feb to 22-Feb: 100iu of purogon
23-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 150iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $78
23-Feb to 24-Feb: 150iu of purogon
25-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $403
27-Feb: consultation, scan and continue purogon at 175iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $400
25-Feb to 28-Feb: 175iu of purogon
Friday, February 24, 2012
more purogon ~ *ouch*
its time to stop being lazy and start documenting my first SO-IUI just like what I did when I went through IVF last year.
timeline
10-Feb: first consultation & collection of purogon $393
12-Feb to 15-Feb: 50iu of purogon
16-Feb: consultation, scan & increase purogon to 75iu $413
16-Feb to 19-Feb: 75iu of purogon
20-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogen to 100iu + 1000mg metfomin/day $415
20-Feb to 22-Feb: 100iu of purogon
23-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 150iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $78
23-Feb to 24-Feb: 150iu of purogon
I have alot of follicles in each of my ovaries yet none of them are big enough. We need them to be 17mm. And Dr Loh looked at me and said: chum chum, this is going to be expensive. My lining is ready though. Well, we have come this far, we just have to increase instead of giving up and letting those monies I have spent right? I hope to keep the total below $2K but I don't think this is possible anymore .. 300iu of purogen is costing me $393. Ouch. And I'm seeing him again on Sat. Keeping my fingers crossed.
timeline
10-Feb: first consultation & collection of purogon $393
12-Feb to 15-Feb: 50iu of purogon
16-Feb: consultation, scan & increase purogon to 75iu $413
16-Feb to 19-Feb: 75iu of purogon
20-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogen to 100iu + 1000mg metfomin/day $415
20-Feb to 22-Feb: 100iu of purogon
23-Feb: consultation, scan and increase purogon to 150iu + 150mg of metfomin/day $78
23-Feb to 24-Feb: 150iu of purogon
I have alot of follicles in each of my ovaries yet none of them are big enough. We need them to be 17mm. And Dr Loh looked at me and said: chum chum, this is going to be expensive. My lining is ready though. Well, we have come this far, we just have to increase instead of giving up and letting those monies I have spent right? I hope to keep the total below $2K but I don't think this is possible anymore .. 300iu of purogen is costing me $393. Ouch. And I'm seeing him again on Sat. Keeping my fingers crossed.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Back to TMC~
My last menses was on 20 Dec 2011. After nearly 2 mths, it came again today. I was elated! Happy beyond words and went down unannounced to consult Dr Loh. Clomid's not ideal because it wouldnt give me the lining thickness SO-IUI needs. So I agreed to purogon. 50units/night for 5 nights beginning 12 Feb 2012. I will see Dr Loh again next Thursday.
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