And so it begins

Today is Day 3 after getting my period. I'm supposed to start taking my pills on Day 5 and should be back in Taipei by Day 28. I'm just feeling really nervous about the IVF. What if it doesn't work? What if it does? What should I do in preparation for IVF?

Since I'm overweight, my OB here in Manila advised me to lose some weight before my IVF. Right now, I'm just limiting my food intake and have replaced white rice in brown rice. I'm also having acupuncture with Sister Regina Liu. I don't know if the acupuncture really helps with the infertility but I just want to be able to do as much as I can to help produce better and more eggs. 

I guess for now, I would need to do some research on how I should prepare my body for IVF. Wish me luck and baby dust to all! :)

Taiwan and Mackay Memorial Hospital

We got to Taipei around 1AM on a Tuesday evening. I had already arranged for hotel transfer since public transportation was no longer an option. We had an appointment scheduled on the same day that we were arriving so we rushed to the hotel and decided to call it a day. It's a good thing Via Loft Hotel had a 24-hour snack bar in case we felt hungry. :)

We had a 2pm appointment with Dr. Robert Lee that day. We went to the International Medical Services and met Annie and Mandy, who assisted us and toured us around the hospital. Soon after, we headed up to the 2nd floor to Dr. Lee's clinic. There was a short interview about my medical history with one of the assistants then I waited for my name to be called. There is a list of names posted near the door and the corresponding numbers. The number and name will be called and you will be permitted to wait inside for Dr. Lee to call your name along with other patients. My husband was not allowed to go into the room with me.

Behind this curtain, you would hear Dr. Lee to talking to patients.

I waited around 30 minutes for my name to be called. I just told him a few things about my infertility history and he did a quick examination on me. My husband was then called in to discuss our options for IVF and the timeline. He also discussed the laboratory exams we would need to take before I leave Taiwan. Some of the tests were Prolactin, AMH, Thyroid and Semen Analysis.

Annie assisted us through everything and I've never felt so relieved to be able to do everything maybe in about 2 hours. This includes the tests and an injection. My husband needed to submit his semen sample the following day as the Fertility Center only accepts samples until 12 in the afternoon.

This was my total bill for my initial consultation in Mackay. I think it's pretty reasonable.

It was a pretty good experience for a first-timer in Taiwan such as myself. Now, I'm just supposed to wait for my period to come until I start taking my pills and leave again for Taiwan before Day 28. Wish me luck! :)

Doing the IVF in Taiwan

Earlier this year, I was determined to have my IVF treatment done in the Philippines. Mainly because I thought it would be more convenient. I wouldn't have to spend a month away from work and stay in a strange place.

But then again, deciding to undergo an IVF treatment means spending a whole lot of money over a treatment that doesn't guarantee a 100% success rate. In fact, in the Philippines, the success rate is a little under 50%. If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I thought that I'd spend it on a hospital/doctor with a much better success rate. That's when I researched and I came across Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. It also helped that a week before I was scheduled to leave for Taipei for my initial consultation, they held an IVF reunion in Makati Shangri-la to meet new patients and catch up on those who've already undergone treatment with them. I must say it was very inspirational to hear the stories first-hand. After attending that talk, I just knew that I had to take the opportunity to do it in Mackay.

My first post

I created this blog mainly to share the biggest step I have had to take in my journey through infertility. My husband and I have finally decided to undergo IVF in Taiwan. I am both excited and extremely terrified. My body would have to endure something I never thought I would have to do. In the end, though, I am 100% sure that it will all be worth it.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.