I lied. This is the last post. After this, you can hear about my journey at Tammy's Journey. I decide to post our IVF protocol in hopes that it will helps someone who is going through the IVF process.
Our IVF protocol and schedule:
September 6: CD 1.
September 8: Start BCPs. FSH and estradiol. FSH is a little high. Continue BCPs through September 24. Chiropractic adjustment.
September 15: Acupuncture.
September 18: Acupuncture and chiropractic adjustment.
September 21: Start Lupron 20 units. Continue through September 30.
September 22: Acupuncture.
September 25: Acupuncture.
September 29: Acupuncture and chiropractic adjustment.
September 30: Estradiol and ultrasound. Everything looks good. 8 follies on the right and 5 on the left.
October 1: Lupron 5 units every morning. Continue through October 16 (day of retrieval).
October 3: Start Menopur 75 units (through October 14) and Follistim 225 units daily.
October 5: Estradiol drawn. Good at 47. Instructed to continue same doses.
October 6: Acupuncture and chiropractic adjustment.
October 7: Estradiol and ultrasound. 3 follies on the right, largest 10 mm. 5 follies on the left, largest 8 mm. Most are 7-8 mm. Instructed to increase Follistim to 300 units to try to speed the process up and continued on that dose through October 13.
October 9: Estradiol and ultrasound. 8 follies over 10 mm, largest 16 mm.
October 11: Estradiol and ultrasound. Largest were 20 mm and 8 were 14 mm.
October 12: Estradiol and ultrasound. Quite a few more from day before.
October 13: Estradiol and ultrasound. Lots of follies. Could have as many as 11 mature eggs. Acupuncture and chiropractic adjustment.
October 14: HCG shot at 9:30 p.m.
October 16: Egg retrieval at 9:30 a.m. Retrieved 12 eggs. 9 were mature.
October 18: Only 4 fertilized out of the 9 (below average) and did not start dividing which they should have.
October 19: None of the eggs continued to divide. Transfer is cancelled.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Talked to the doctor
***After this post, I won't be posting on here for awhile until if/when we do another IVF cycle. I will continue posting on my other blog at Tammy's Journey. Please join me there! Thanks!***
Our doctor called today and the first thing he said was "This is a disaster". Of course, that wasn't what I needed to hear and the tears just flowed. He said this is very uncommon and, although he has seen it before, I am the first this year and he sees a lot of patients. He was very, very compassionate and apologized several times for not "being there for me" (he was out of town last week).
Basically because of the sperm situation....that I don't wish to go into detail here....chances are there is a problem with my eggs. I have to undergo some genetic testing that I won't know the results about for about a month. If we do decide to do IVF again, the soonest we would be able to do it would be January.
ICSI (where they insert the sperm directly into the egg) probably wouldn't have helped. I probably would've had more fertilize, but the fact that they didn't divide means there is something seriously wrong. We will be checking on the sperm, but most likely it's me.
The fact that I responded so well to the meds, had a good number of eggs retrieved and a good number of mature ones (9), leads more to the fact that there was something wrong with my eggs where only 4 fertilize but won't go anywhere. Based on stats, more than 4 should've fertilized anyway.
This could explain why some months I felt something happen but it was a BFN. It could be fertilizing, but not going anywhere beyond that. I always felt there was a reason...just didn't want to hear this.
Why us? Why did we have to get this road block?
Our doctor called today and the first thing he said was "This is a disaster". Of course, that wasn't what I needed to hear and the tears just flowed. He said this is very uncommon and, although he has seen it before, I am the first this year and he sees a lot of patients. He was very, very compassionate and apologized several times for not "being there for me" (he was out of town last week).
Basically because of the sperm situation....that I don't wish to go into detail here....chances are there is a problem with my eggs. I have to undergo some genetic testing that I won't know the results about for about a month. If we do decide to do IVF again, the soonest we would be able to do it would be January.
ICSI (where they insert the sperm directly into the egg) probably wouldn't have helped. I probably would've had more fertilize, but the fact that they didn't divide means there is something seriously wrong. We will be checking on the sperm, but most likely it's me.
The fact that I responded so well to the meds, had a good number of eggs retrieved and a good number of mature ones (9), leads more to the fact that there was something wrong with my eggs where only 4 fertilize but won't go anywhere. Based on stats, more than 4 should've fertilized anyway.
This could explain why some months I felt something happen but it was a BFN. It could be fertilizing, but not going anywhere beyond that. I always felt there was a reason...just didn't want to hear this.
Why us? Why did we have to get this road block?
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Transfer is cancelled
None of the 4 divided. It's over. The transfer is cancelled.
Words can't describe what we're feeling.
I have to lay low....I'm sorry I can't be more supportive right now. I need a break from the board. Please know that I will be thinking of you all and praying for BFPs. Good luck.
Words can't describe what we're feeling.
I have to lay low....I'm sorry I can't be more supportive right now. I need a break from the board. Please know that I will be thinking of you all and praying for BFPs. Good luck.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
No more anonymous
Sadly, I have decided to turn off my anonymous commenting ability. I wanted to keep this option open because I know a couple people like to comment who do not have a google account and I definitely wanted them to have the option to leave their support.
However, I have received a couple comments that, although tried to be helpful and informative, have bothered me. I respect everyone's opinions and information...I just don't want people to feel they have to hide their name from me. You can post it on the board or under your own name. I'm 32 years old and I can take it...I promise. I promise not to judge you and I respect your opinions.
I realize my journey has been more of a struggle than others, but I know less of a struggle than others. I'm sure there are plenty of women who have been in my shoes at this point. That doesn't mean they weren't dealing with "nonprofessionals"...it's just the luck of the draw. My IVF clinic came highly recommended and I have no regrets going to this clinic.
As much as some people don't like to hear this, I believe it's all in God's plan. He knows the right time and I trust Him. During one of my IUIs, I had the same number of eggs, same trigger shot and timing as someone else on the board. They had twins, I had a BFN. It just goes to show you that God is in charge.
This anonymous commenter stated I should be angry because of this. I want to thank you for watching out for me and I know you mean well. While I'm disappointed this hasn't panned out, I'm not angry. I know these doctors are doing the best they can and the way things happen are all in God's plan. Some will believe that and others won't...I just happen to be one of those who do.
And let's not forget, it's not over yet! They'll be calling me tomorrow. I'm just holding out on prayer along with many other people....thank you for that.
So, I apologize for having to turn off the anonymous comments. I really didn't want to do that. I want to know you and know how you feel. Please don't hide your name. I'll love you no matter what.
However, I have received a couple comments that, although tried to be helpful and informative, have bothered me. I respect everyone's opinions and information...I just don't want people to feel they have to hide their name from me. You can post it on the board or under your own name. I'm 32 years old and I can take it...I promise. I promise not to judge you and I respect your opinions.
I realize my journey has been more of a struggle than others, but I know less of a struggle than others. I'm sure there are plenty of women who have been in my shoes at this point. That doesn't mean they weren't dealing with "nonprofessionals"...it's just the luck of the draw. My IVF clinic came highly recommended and I have no regrets going to this clinic.
As much as some people don't like to hear this, I believe it's all in God's plan. He knows the right time and I trust Him. During one of my IUIs, I had the same number of eggs, same trigger shot and timing as someone else on the board. They had twins, I had a BFN. It just goes to show you that God is in charge.
This anonymous commenter stated I should be angry because of this. I want to thank you for watching out for me and I know you mean well. While I'm disappointed this hasn't panned out, I'm not angry. I know these doctors are doing the best they can and the way things happen are all in God's plan. Some will believe that and others won't...I just happen to be one of those who do.
And let's not forget, it's not over yet! They'll be calling me tomorrow. I'm just holding out on prayer along with many other people....thank you for that.
So, I apologize for having to turn off the anonymous comments. I really didn't want to do that. I want to know you and know how you feel. Please don't hide your name. I'll love you no matter what.
Our report today
Well, out of the 12, only 4 fertilized and none of them have started to divide...which they should've by now.
So the results aren't good. :( We're in shock and devastated.
So the results aren't good. :( We're in shock and devastated.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Pictures and more info about the retrieval
Here are a few pictures that we took the day of the retrieval. We left our house at about 6:45 in the morning.
Here is Mark attempting to be up and ready to go.
Once again, Mark is "attempting" to be up
Mark, me and Peyton
Mark and I. No, I don't think Mark knows how to smile....especially at this time of the morning
My mom, Peyton and I
Everything went so well yesterday. I was a little nervous at first and Mark could tell. He was so sweet and would get me laughing and relaxed. That helped so much. At one point when they had me change into my gown, Mark said "You know, we could switch places. I don't think they would suspect a thing." He can always make me laugh.
The thing that was so special was that when I first woke up, I saw Mark standing right next to me with a smile on his face. He asked me if I had heard how many eggs and I told him I hadn't. He was so proud to tell me they retrieved 12 eggs. It was so special to me to hear it from Mark and not a nurse or doctor...not that they aren't cool, but to hear it from Mark was so special. I don't remember much, but Mark said I was pretty out of it and kept repeating myself. He said I said "Can you believe it? We're going to be parents" at least a dozen times. I was pretty excited. :)
I remember someone saying that after the retrieval, they felt a sense of loss from the follies. I can totally see where they are coming from. It was a little sad for me to realize that those 12 eggs that we had seen on ultrasounds for the last couple weeks were no longer in me. Granted, yes, I know it was a good thing and I was excited....but there was still that sense of loss and a little sadness.
Overall, I was one of the lucky ones who had no problems. I was really tired and slept when we got home at about 1 until 3:30. Then I was worried I wouldn't sleep that night so I forced myself to stay awake. Then I was in bed by 8 and slept in until 6:30 this morning which is late for me. Otherwise, I had very minimal cramping and a little low back pain, so I consider myself very lucky. It did hurt a little to go to the bathroom yesterday, but not bad.
I think I'm coming down with a cold, too, which could be why I'm tired, too.
I think about our 12 eggs so much. Like a protective mother, I just wanna be there and watch them and make sure they're okay and being treated right. :) I can't wait to hear tomorrow how our babies are doing.
Thanks again for all the support you guys! It means so much.
Here is Mark attempting to be up and ready to go.
Once again, Mark is "attempting" to be up
Mark, me and Peyton
Mark and I. No, I don't think Mark knows how to smile....especially at this time of the morning
My mom, Peyton and I
Everything went so well yesterday. I was a little nervous at first and Mark could tell. He was so sweet and would get me laughing and relaxed. That helped so much. At one point when they had me change into my gown, Mark said "You know, we could switch places. I don't think they would suspect a thing." He can always make me laugh.
The thing that was so special was that when I first woke up, I saw Mark standing right next to me with a smile on his face. He asked me if I had heard how many eggs and I told him I hadn't. He was so proud to tell me they retrieved 12 eggs. It was so special to me to hear it from Mark and not a nurse or doctor...not that they aren't cool, but to hear it from Mark was so special. I don't remember much, but Mark said I was pretty out of it and kept repeating myself. He said I said "Can you believe it? We're going to be parents" at least a dozen times. I was pretty excited. :)
I remember someone saying that after the retrieval, they felt a sense of loss from the follies. I can totally see where they are coming from. It was a little sad for me to realize that those 12 eggs that we had seen on ultrasounds for the last couple weeks were no longer in me. Granted, yes, I know it was a good thing and I was excited....but there was still that sense of loss and a little sadness.
Overall, I was one of the lucky ones who had no problems. I was really tired and slept when we got home at about 1 until 3:30. Then I was worried I wouldn't sleep that night so I forced myself to stay awake. Then I was in bed by 8 and slept in until 6:30 this morning which is late for me. Otherwise, I had very minimal cramping and a little low back pain, so I consider myself very lucky. It did hurt a little to go to the bathroom yesterday, but not bad.
I think I'm coming down with a cold, too, which could be why I'm tired, too.
I think about our 12 eggs so much. Like a protective mother, I just wanna be there and watch them and make sure they're okay and being treated right. :) I can't wait to hear tomorrow how our babies are doing.
Thanks again for all the support you guys! It means so much.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Our Flintstone Follies report
They retrieved 12 eggs! I'm not sure if all of them are mature or not. They will be calling on Saturday with the embryo report and we'll know then. That was more than they thought and were very happy with 12.
It went well. I'm just mostly tired and have a little back pain, but not too bad. I had a little cramping, but not like I expected.
Sorry this is short. I will catch up on everyone later, I promise...I'm going back to bed right now. :)
Thanks so much for all your support and prayers! It means a lot.
It went well. I'm just mostly tired and have a little back pain, but not too bad. I had a little cramping, but not like I expected.
Sorry this is short. I will catch up on everyone later, I promise...I'm going back to bed right now. :)
Thanks so much for all your support and prayers! It means a lot.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The HCG shot
More proof that my husband is a dork.
We're getting ready for the HCG shot. I can tell Mark is really nervous. It was actually cute how he was so nervous about it. :) In the typical Mark fashion, he asks me to take my pants and shirt off because it's "easier"....sure Mark.
So, I'm standing there naked, ready to get this HUGE needle poked in me and this is what Mark says:
"You're not going to fart on me, are you?"
I turn around and look at him "I'm about to get the biggest needle God ever invented into my skinny little behind and all you can think about is YOU getting farted on?"
Mark says "Well, think about it, Tammy. Your butt is right here! Wouldn't you be a little concerned?"
He's got a good point.
We're getting ready for the HCG shot. I can tell Mark is really nervous. It was actually cute how he was so nervous about it. :) In the typical Mark fashion, he asks me to take my pants and shirt off because it's "easier"....sure Mark.
So, I'm standing there naked, ready to get this HUGE needle poked in me and this is what Mark says:
"You're not going to fart on me, are you?"
I turn around and look at him "I'm about to get the biggest needle God ever invented into my skinny little behind and all you can think about is YOU getting farted on?"
Mark says "Well, think about it, Tammy. Your butt is right here! Wouldn't you be a little concerned?"
He's got a good point.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Fatigue answers
I want this blog to be as informative as possible and to hopefully help someone in the process. :) So, I thought I would post some of the answers from fellow IVF'ers to the fatigue question I had:
From twicejess: Jess was tired too, but she thought it was just from the stress of it all. She didn't sleep real well during either IVF cycle. I don't think she ever thought it was the meds.
From s&j&j: I was very tired and uncomfortable. It takes a lot of energy to grow so many eggs. I kept saying that I am doing a year's worth of work in one month. It's a bit crazy, but yes, VERY emotional and tiring! The hormones go crazy and it sounds like you have some extra stress on top of everything. You just have to take it easy best you can to help your body do what it needs to and heal as fast as it can to be ready for baby growing afterwards.
From Rajen: The drugs you're being pumped with is primarily increasing your estrogen (E2) which is a "happy" 'drug' that runs through our endocrine system. So that's probably not why you're tired or emotional. The process (IVF) itself, however, combined with the emotional strains of managing that plus Mark's health issues can definitely wear you down. Just try and rest and take care of yourself along the way!
From Samantha: I was fatigued and it could have been from the meds but I also had a drive of 1 1/2 hours without traffic but up to 3 plus hours with traffic for my monitoring so I attributed my fatigue to that and the fact that I have CFS. But I would imagine with the stress you are going through with Mark and the IVF on top of the meds it would be strange if you weren't tired.
From Jackie: It's totally normal to feel fatigued. There is a lot happening inside there, not to mention the meds, and the anticipation, etc..I think that emotional affects of the meds, also cause people to feel tired.
From twicejess: Jess was tired too, but she thought it was just from the stress of it all. She didn't sleep real well during either IVF cycle. I don't think she ever thought it was the meds.
From s&j&j: I was very tired and uncomfortable. It takes a lot of energy to grow so many eggs. I kept saying that I am doing a year's worth of work in one month. It's a bit crazy, but yes, VERY emotional and tiring! The hormones go crazy and it sounds like you have some extra stress on top of everything. You just have to take it easy best you can to help your body do what it needs to and heal as fast as it can to be ready for baby growing afterwards.
From Rajen: The drugs you're being pumped with is primarily increasing your estrogen (E2) which is a "happy" 'drug' that runs through our endocrine system. So that's probably not why you're tired or emotional. The process (IVF) itself, however, combined with the emotional strains of managing that plus Mark's health issues can definitely wear you down. Just try and rest and take care of yourself along the way!
From Samantha: I was fatigued and it could have been from the meds but I also had a drive of 1 1/2 hours without traffic but up to 3 plus hours with traffic for my monitoring so I attributed my fatigue to that and the fact that I have CFS. But I would imagine with the stress you are going through with Mark and the IVF on top of the meds it would be strange if you weren't tired.
From Jackie: It's totally normal to feel fatigued. There is a lot happening inside there, not to mention the meds, and the anticipation, etc..I think that emotional affects of the meds, also cause people to feel tired.
The schedule
Tonight we do the HCG at 9:30 p.m. The actual egg retrieval is set for 9:30 Thursday morning. :)
Pretty exciting! :)
Pretty exciting! :)
Monday, October 13, 2008
Egg retrieval is on Thursday!
Everything is really coming together! There were quite a few eggs today. We could have as many as 11 mature eggs, that's a big "could". :) I have to go down for another blood draw tomorrow, but the retrieval will definitely be Thursday.
How exciting huh? :)
Question for all the IVF'ers. I've noticed I'm exhausted. I'm so tired. Is that from the meds? I was thinking maybe it was from all the driving and Mark's heart issues and maybe I just wasn't sleeping real good. I'm emotional and crying over every little thing...which I know is probably from the meds....but just not sure about the fatigue part.
Here are pictures of our biggest Flintstone Follies:
How exciting huh? :)
Question for all the IVF'ers. I've noticed I'm exhausted. I'm so tired. Is that from the meds? I was thinking maybe it was from all the driving and Mark's heart issues and maybe I just wasn't sleeping real good. I'm emotional and crying over every little thing...which I know is probably from the meds....but just not sure about the fatigue part.
Here are pictures of our biggest Flintstone Follies:
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sunday ultrasound
Once again, everything looks great and coming along. :) There were quite a few more that popped up today from yesterday. My lining has jumped up to 14, too. So, we're going back tomorrow and we'll see how things look. They may decide to do the HCG on Monday, making the retrieval Wednesday, or may want to wait another day to see if they want to wait for the ones found on today's ultrasound. I guess we'll find out more tomorrow. :)
I did have 2 really big ones. When the tech was measuring, Mark said "Wow. Those are really big. They have to be Fred and Barney."
I just shook my head and rolled my eyes. I think the tech was trying to look like she hadn't heard him. :) I don't blame her. Mark can be a geek. :)
The clinic was really busy today. The waiting room was packed. We were sitting next to a woman who told me "I guess we're all on the same cycle." I smiled and nodded. On the way home, Mark brought that up and said "I was so excited that maybe she was talking about my kind of cycle. I wanted to ask her if she meant a Harley or a Honda!"
I'm telling ya, he's a geek. :)
And of course, a picture of the Flintstone Follies :)
I did have 2 really big ones. When the tech was measuring, Mark said "Wow. Those are really big. They have to be Fred and Barney."
I just shook my head and rolled my eyes. I think the tech was trying to look like she hadn't heard him. :) I don't blame her. Mark can be a geek. :)
The clinic was really busy today. The waiting room was packed. We were sitting next to a woman who told me "I guess we're all on the same cycle." I smiled and nodded. On the way home, Mark brought that up and said "I was so excited that maybe she was talking about my kind of cycle. I wanted to ask her if she meant a Harley or a Honda!"
I'm telling ya, he's a geek. :)
And of course, a picture of the Flintstone Follies :)
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Saturday ultrasound
Everything looks great! The largest ones were 20 mm and then there were a total of 8 that were 14 mm. My lining is at 11 which is great. We get to go back down tomorrow for another ultrasound and blood work. They are thinking the HCG shot might be either tomorrow or Monday. Therefore the retrieval will be Tuesday or Wednesday.
Wow. :) Pretty exciting! I wasn't able to get a picture this time. :( I was really bumming...but I'm definitely going to get one tomorrow. :)
Wow. :) Pretty exciting! I wasn't able to get a picture this time. :( I was really bumming...but I'm definitely going to get one tomorrow. :)
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Thursday ultrasound
Everything is looking good. :) We had 8 follicles over 10 mm. The largest one was 16 mm. Right now, they are predicting we may have 5 mature ones but that's not for sure and just a guess. But, everything is going very well!
My mom was able to go which was really special for me. I was glad she was able to be a part of it. Peyton also came which was fun. :) The nurses were so good to her. When the nurse found out Peyton was our niece, she said "We gotta get you some cousins!". :) The nurses asked Peyton how old she was and Peyton said "2. I've got big girl underwear on!" She is just soooo cute. :)
It was really special to have that experience with my mom and Peyton. Mark was there, too, of course. :)
Wlk nicknamed our follicles the "Flintstone Follicles" which we thought was pretty cool and we've been calling them that. Thanks Faith!
I've been having some burning and pain and feeling bloated, kind of like I've gained 20 pounds. I feel like someone has put 2 bowling balls in my stomach. But, I love it. :) Granted, yeah, it's not fun, but I know this is happening because of our babies, so it's worth everything to me. :)
We have another ultrasound on Saturday and I'm thinking the retrieval should be early next week.
Here is a picture of our "Flintstone Follicles". Aren't they the cutest thing you've ever seen? :)
My mom was able to go which was really special for me. I was glad she was able to be a part of it. Peyton also came which was fun. :) The nurses were so good to her. When the nurse found out Peyton was our niece, she said "We gotta get you some cousins!". :) The nurses asked Peyton how old she was and Peyton said "2. I've got big girl underwear on!" She is just soooo cute. :)
It was really special to have that experience with my mom and Peyton. Mark was there, too, of course. :)
Wlk nicknamed our follicles the "Flintstone Follicles" which we thought was pretty cool and we've been calling them that. Thanks Faith!
I've been having some burning and pain and feeling bloated, kind of like I've gained 20 pounds. I feel like someone has put 2 bowling balls in my stomach. But, I love it. :) Granted, yeah, it's not fun, but I know this is happening because of our babies, so it's worth everything to me. :)
We have another ultrasound on Saturday and I'm thinking the retrieval should be early next week.
Here is a picture of our "Flintstone Follicles". Aren't they the cutest thing you've ever seen? :)
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Ultrasound results
We had another ultrasound today! There are 3 follicles on the right, the largest measuring 10 mm. There are 5 follicles on the left, the largest is 8 mm. Most of all the follicles are 7-8 mm. They said by the time of retrieval, there could be another 2. We were told this is a perfect amount at retrieval. :) Anyone agree, disagree?
My estrogen level was 217 which is perfect. :) They did increase the follistim injection to 300 from 225 to see if we could get the follicles responding a little more. That freaked me out as I thought something was wrong, but they said everything looked good, they just didn't want me on the meds forever, so they thought increasing it would help speed up the process. Anything for speeding it up is good news to me. :)
So, once again, everything looks great. :) We're superexcited at this point. It was great to see the follies again. Each one I kept thinking "I wonder if that's THE ONE". It's a great feeling. I was a little preoccupied as the nurse wanted me writing down the sizes as she was checking everything out. I'm sure that's quite the sight...me with my legs wide open with a clipboard staring at a screen. :)
Mark did inform me on the way home that he has named all our children. I looked at him and said "Okay, so I'm afraid to ask, but go ahead...what are the names?"
Mark starts counting on his fingers "Fred, Barney, Wilma, Betty, Pebbles, Bam-Bam, Mildred, Prudence. Do you know who Fred and Barney are?"
I roll my eyes "Ah, yeah....and if you name our child Pebbles, I'm signing the divorce papers immediately".
I really don't know where he gets some of these things.
For those IVF'ers, I've got a question. I've found I've had hot flashes and I've heard that's because of the Lupron. Is that true? I have to sleep with the fan on and with nothing but my underwear on. I'll be throwing the blankets off, then get cold, then have to throw the blankets off again. Meanwhile, Mark is laying next to me with his winter p.j.s and with his electric blanket on. :) It's actually kind of funny.
My estrogen level was 217 which is perfect. :) They did increase the follistim injection to 300 from 225 to see if we could get the follicles responding a little more. That freaked me out as I thought something was wrong, but they said everything looked good, they just didn't want me on the meds forever, so they thought increasing it would help speed up the process. Anything for speeding it up is good news to me. :)
So, once again, everything looks great. :) We're superexcited at this point. It was great to see the follies again. Each one I kept thinking "I wonder if that's THE ONE". It's a great feeling. I was a little preoccupied as the nurse wanted me writing down the sizes as she was checking everything out. I'm sure that's quite the sight...me with my legs wide open with a clipboard staring at a screen. :)
Mark did inform me on the way home that he has named all our children. I looked at him and said "Okay, so I'm afraid to ask, but go ahead...what are the names?"
Mark starts counting on his fingers "Fred, Barney, Wilma, Betty, Pebbles, Bam-Bam, Mildred, Prudence. Do you know who Fred and Barney are?"
I roll my eyes "Ah, yeah....and if you name our child Pebbles, I'm signing the divorce papers immediately".
I really don't know where he gets some of these things.
For those IVF'ers, I've got a question. I've found I've had hot flashes and I've heard that's because of the Lupron. Is that true? I have to sleep with the fan on and with nothing but my underwear on. I'll be throwing the blankets off, then get cold, then have to throw the blankets off again. Meanwhile, Mark is laying next to me with his winter p.j.s and with his electric blanket on. :) It's actually kind of funny.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Estrogen level
My estrogen level was 47 yesterday which I was told was perfect. :) So, same protocol for the follistim. We get the level checked again on Tuesday and have an ultrasound again then. We can't wait to see how our potential babies are doing. :)
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Started the stims!!
Yesterday I started the stims! They've actually been going pretty well. I started the Menopur yesterday morning. I had trouble mixing it up and I was nervous I didn't get all the medication in. But, when I talked to the nurse, she said it shouldn't be a problem and it sounds like I got enough in. Then I did the follistim last night. That went good, too, although Mark was having trouble pushing the injector button in from the pen. It seemed really hard to push in. Has anyone else had that? Otherwise, everything went great.
The only thing I didn't like was how the Menopur burns. Major burning! It's like take a piece of burning charcoal to my stomach, that'll feel much better. Anyone else have the burning or is it just me?
Tomorrow, we go in for labs. Then Tuesday and Thursday we have labs and ultrasounds. I just can't believe that it's soon here! In about 2 weeks I will officially be pregnant! I just hope our babies decide to stay here with us.
I wanted to show you guys a picture of Mark's and my vials of medication:
I really hope I don't accidentally give Mark some Menopur and Mark gives me some insulin. It wouldn't be so good if I have an insulin reaction and Mark's ovulating, huh?
The only thing I didn't like was how the Menopur burns. Major burning! It's like take a piece of burning charcoal to my stomach, that'll feel much better. Anyone else have the burning or is it just me?
Tomorrow, we go in for labs. Then Tuesday and Thursday we have labs and ultrasounds. I just can't believe that it's soon here! In about 2 weeks I will officially be pregnant! I just hope our babies decide to stay here with us.
I wanted to show you guys a picture of Mark's and my vials of medication:
I really hope I don't accidentally give Mark some Menopur and Mark gives me some insulin. It wouldn't be so good if I have an insulin reaction and Mark's ovulating, huh?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Our baseline ultrasound
Yesterday we had our baseline ultrasound after being on Lupron for 10 days. Both Mark and I were excited to see how things were going and I think the nurse could tell. Right away when she came in she asked "So, are you excited?". I smiled and nodded. She went on to say that it was getting to the point where things were going to go so fast and she was excited for us which I thought was really sweet.
Everything looks great! The nurse said things are right where they are supposed to be. She pointed out the lining to me and the uterus and then we looked at the ovaries. There are 8 follies on one side and 5 on the other. She said this was a perfect amount for a baseline.
Everything seems to be going so well and it's so exciting that everything is lining up so well. Just like it's meant to be.
Friday we start the stimulation meds. 3 shots a day. But after seeing those follies on the screen and knowing those are our potential babies, I'd do 100 shots a day. Okay, maybe not, but 3 is okay. :)
Everything looks great! The nurse said things are right where they are supposed to be. She pointed out the lining to me and the uterus and then we looked at the ovaries. There are 8 follies on one side and 5 on the other. She said this was a perfect amount for a baseline.
Everything seems to be going so well and it's so exciting that everything is lining up so well. Just like it's meant to be.
Friday we start the stimulation meds. 3 shots a day. But after seeing those follies on the screen and knowing those are our potential babies, I'd do 100 shots a day. Okay, maybe not, but 3 is okay. :)
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