14th Acupuncture

Last Saturday, Hubby and I went to St. Francis Natural Clinic for my acupuncture treatment. We were late (!) and had to wait a few minutes. There were two new patients who were filling out the clinic's form.

I was assigned cubicle #2. Sister Regina came and asked about my well being. I lay down and she took my pulse. I told her that I had taken Clomiphene (Clomid is the most popular brand but I took Ova-mit, a cheaper brand) and showed her my TVS form from last cycle. She wrote something on my chart and was serious as she jot down notes. I was wondering what she was thinking. She asked me if I'm working (I am). I told her that I had a two-week vacation but is still not pregnant (insert sad face). She touched my left hand and said, "Relax. We'll get there." Right there I realized that I'm really stressed about not conceiving. I'm denying it outside but inside, not conceiving saddens my heart.

As needles were inserted and the moxa was lighted, I closed my eyes and thought about happy things. I sent a little prayer to our future baby to come to us as we are eagerly awaiting for him/her. And then, I fell asleep. I didn't wake when the nurse changed the moxa in my tummy. Maybe I'm really stressed and the needles did me some good.

Sister Regina prescribed another set of herbal medicines for one week.

Fees:
Treatment - P900
Herbal medicines - P1,060   

Most Consistent Award

This award goes to my period. Aunt Flo never misses her visits.

Like other TTC couples, we were very optimistic that this cycle would be "THE" cycle we would conceive. For this cycle, we did the following:

• I had one acupuncture treatment
• took Sister Regina's herbal tea
• took 50g Clomiphene for 5 days
• visited Dra. Aguilar twice for follicle monitoring (on cd 15 I got 1 maturing follicle and 2 not so dominant ones in each ovary)
• went to a local "hilot" to make the position of my uterus OK (translation: nagpataas ng matris)
• had a two-week vacation in my hometown to relax and spend more time with Hubby

I compare this TTC journey as that of Manny Pacquiao's training before a boxing match. Pacquiao said, he trains hard, does everything to prepare for a fight but in the end, only God knows the result.

Water

image here

Tip for those taking Clomiphene Citrate, commonly known as Clomid: drink tons of water!

One of Clomid's side effect is drying your cervical mucus. Sperms thrive on cervical mucus and it helps them "swim". To counter this drying side effect of Clomid, keep your water bottle or your glasses filled and drink up.

13th Acupuncture

Went to St. Francis Clinic for my 13th acupuncture treatment with Hubby. There were not much patients around and I was assigned to cubicle #3.

Sister Regina asked me when I got my period and I told her about the fever/cough I had a few days earlier. Seems there's a virus in town. I told her I started taking Clomid, actually it's Ova-mit, and I will be visiting my OB on my 12th cycle day.

I lay down the bed and she inserted the needles in the usual areas - head, tummy, knees and foot. I had two rounds of moxa.

As always, I try to take a nap during my treatment. I meditate. I release the negative emotions and thoughts. I welcome the bright light to shine inside my body as I call upon our baby. I pray that this cycle Hubby and I will be successful. Sister Regina prescribed another set of herbs for me (P1,150). 

I don't want to stress about the future but I do. Sometimes, the envy bug hits us when we see other parents with their children. I just remind myself that God's timing is best and always perfect. We may never understand what's happening  now but we will in the future.

Duchess Pension

In our Puerto Princesa vacation, we stayed at Duchess Pension located in Valencia St. It is a popular place among backpackers and tourists who want to save on accomodation without sacrificing a comfy stay in the city. According to its brochure, Duchess Pension is 3 minutes away from the city center and 7 minutes from the airport.

I booked an aircon room for two which costs P850/night. Cable tv and safekeeping are optional amenities and you have to pay P100 for each to avail them.The pension house provides breakfast for P100-120 and also laundry services. You will see their "price list" on how much they charge for each clothing item that you want to be washed.

The receptionist is friendly and very informative. He gave us tips on how to vacation well in Puerto Princesa. He told us to avoid riding tricycles that are in queue since they charge P20-40. Instead, we should hail tricycles plying the streets. Fare within the city is P8/person. He gave us a map of the city with marks on where to go and eat in the city.

clean bathroom is a must!

Our room is located in the second floor, facing Valencia Street. Puerto Princesa is a city that feels like a province. In the early mornings, you will hear roosters crow and few tricycles passing the street. Such a nice way to start the day.

That's me overlooking the street below.