Good news and bad news

Sorry I haven't posted for a while... Not been feeling well.

Well, the good news is that the IVF worked!!! Finally preggo!

The bad news is that hyperstimulation was worse since I found out last Friday. Was drained on Monday, and got some relief from that. Some of it came back, but I can breathe ok, still. Went to the doc again yesterday, and ovaries are getting a little smaller....

Anyways, so this is probably my last post. I will continue to hang in there and wait out these hyperstimulation symptoms.

Reverted back

Well, I just thought I was getting better. About 1/2 way into my accountibility last night, my stomach started collecting water again.. We went grocery shopping after that, and I barely made it.

Now, today, walking is a difficult thing. I think I'll have to work from home for a while, as I can't walk much.

I hope that my crappy symptoms are a good sign of something better. If so, I'll suffer through.

80% back to my old self

Well, I'm now able to walk and breathe, and sleep fairly comfortable. Most of the water in my tummy is now gone. There is still a little remaining, but it is now like normal AF bloating.

That is a BIG praise!! I do however, pray more that the transfer took, since doc said my symptoms would get worse if I got pregnant, but symptoms are getting better...

I've been having some dull cramping, but not sure if that is a good sign or not.

Going a little crazy until Sunday (my blood test)... Time is going by so slow.

2 embies in the freezer

Well, just found out that out of the 8 we had left, only 2 made it to the final stage, so they froze those two. The remaining six were not viable according to the embryologist.

Well, if this first transfer works, this will be GREAT news! We were wondering what we'd do if we had 8 embryos left. But we were leaving it in God's hands. We didn't know what God had in store for us, but happy to report, it is not 10 children. :)

Here is a breakdown of all the eggs taken out of me:
Total 19 eggs

• 5 eggs not mature enough
• 14 eggs injected with sperm (ICSI)
• 3 eggs not fertilized
• 11 eggs fertilized
• 1 embryo not viable on day 5
• 2 embyros transferred back (my little embies)
• 8 embryos on observation until day 6
• 6 embryos not viable on day 6
• 2 embryos frozen

Transfer and Beyond

Well, transfer was on Friday.. I had 2 blastocysts put back in (day 5 embryos). The process was fairly painless.... After this, I had to bed rest for 2 full days, which wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. It wasn't complete bed rest, but I just had to take it easy, and not do anything.

However, afterwards, having some more hyperstimulation. My belly is somewhat very extended (equivalent to 5 lbs of water, since I gained 5 lbs). I think it is getting a little better, though. I have been drinking 2 liters of gatorade per day, so I think that might be also helping.

Friday at 12:30pm

My transfer is at 12:30 pm on Friday. We have to arrive at 11:30 am, and I'm getting really excited. When the nurse called today, she said.. "well, your little embryos were too beautiful to put them in on day 3". :) They have a better chance of sticking on day 5 anyways.

We have started the progesterone injections yesterday, and first one was totally fine. The 2nd one today, he didn't warn me, and I jumped. But, other than that, everything going fine.

Transfer on Friday!!!

Hey all...

Well, I went into my appointment today to see if I had the transfer or not.. And NOT... They said I am supposed to come back on Friday for my transfer, so they can find the best quality eggs to transfer! So, Friday it is.. Which is good, since I only have to miss 1 day of work, and not 2.

Be praying!

Also, a little update on my OHSS (hyperstimulation).... I am still really bloated, however, a LOT of the symptoms have went away. I am no longer having trouble walking or breathing. It is still a little uncomfortable when I lie down, and I still look fat, but other than that, I'm fine... I was even able to make it into work today.

Friday or not to Friday, That is the Question

Well, I received a phone call from the on call nurse yesterday, and it appears we have to go in tomorrow (Wednesday) anyways, just in case the transfer is tomorrow. So, they said since I'll be there anyways, they may just go ahead and do it on Wednesday.

So, we'll see what happens, I guess. They will also give me pictures of my little embies. :)

I also went to the doctor today to get examined for my OHSS (hyperstimulation). He says I have a severe case (which means a lot of fluid, and my ovaries are 2x the normal size). But he said that will not stop the transfer. We will go ahead and do it BUT, if I do get pregnant, it will get worse. There is a possibility that they may have to take fluid out of me 1x per month, if I get pregnant (wohoo, fun). He also put me on baby aspirin, to lessen the risk of blood clot.

Eggs fertilized! and HyperStim

Hey all,

Well, I have good news (I think) and bad news.

First the good news (at least I think it's good news). Out of our 19 eggs retrieved, 14 of them were injected. Out of the 14 injected, we have 11 eggs fertilized!! And possibly another 2 that they were unsure about! That is crazy! Anyways, so, this probably means a day 5 transfer, which is on Friday. So, on Friday, probably some of these eggs won't make it to day 5.

Now for the bad news... It seems I'm hyper-stimulated, which basically means fluid is leaking into my abdominal cavity. This is happening due to the excessive amount of eggs and estrogen my body made, and it is supposed to resolve itself. But for now, it is causing shortness of breath, and hard time walking, or laying down. If I sit, I'm fine, however. All day yesterday, I assumed it was gas, but in talking with the nurses, they say I'm definitely hyper-stimmed. So, I will keep monitoring my situation, drink lots of gatorade, and let the doctor know if it gets any worse. I also will probably take some darveset for now to help with the pain, and get as comfortable as possible.

Tomorrow, they won't check the eggs at all, but on Wednesday, they will look at them again. I am supposed to call on Wednesday morning, to see if I have a Wednesday transfer or not. (but 99% chance it will be on Friday).

Pray for no hyper-stim

There is a chance we could get hyper stimulated due to high estrogen numbers. Please pray this doesn't happen as I could be in pain or hospitalized.

IVF Retrieval

Hi, I had my retrieval today, and here's the chain of events.

Yesterday - started fasting at midnight
Today:
8 am - arrived at surgery center - still fasting
8-9 am - filled out paperwork and received IV
9 am - egg retrieval via ultrasound guided needle. I was knocked out during procedure.
9:25 am - back in my room, still knocked out
9:30-10:30 am - still laying there, waking up gradually, and watching Pretty Woman
The embryologist came in and told us my egg count - 19 eggs!!!
10:30 am - tried to put my clothes on, and got nauseous. Nurse brought pill for nausea.
11 am - being wheeled out.
11:30 am - got sick when got home, and laid in bed until 5:30 pm
Also noticed I was bleeding a little, which is normal.

Overall, I'm still in a little pain, but not enough to take a darvesett. My ovaries are tender, and I either have severe gas or bloating. Not sure which. I can't walk really well, or go to the bathroom.

I'm supposed to call tomorrow to get my fertilization report.

Sunday it is!

Well, it's a go for retreival on Sunday!!!! Yes!! I'm really excited, but at the same time a little of me wished it wasn't on Sunday but on Saturday or Monday... So, I will go in at 9am on Sunday morning, which means I will totally miss church. Bummer. :(

I went to the doc today, and saw a different doc, since mine is out of town. The new doc says "well, I think you are good to go, but let's see what your doctor says". Life always has to throw those "maybe it won't happens" in there to keep us relying on God. But I just kept on praying.

My estrodiol level also rose by 1000 with no meds! It is at 4860 today. The doc says I'm at risk for hyperstimulation for sure. They don't seem to understand why my body is so sensitive to these meds. Pray I'm not sick after the procedure. Need prayers on that.

So, the nurse called me today, and says "your ovidril time is 9pm"! (which in IVF language, means your retrieval is Sunday at 9am). :)

Possibly Sunday now

Well, I went to the doc yesterday, and my body wasn't quite ready, which means the retrieval won't be on Saturday. They said it was looking more like Sunday. So, I go in again today to find out.

However, even though I'm on low dosages of Gonal-F, my Estrodiol still doubled in the last 2 days. Yesterday, it was at 3808. The doc said no meds last night, so we'll see where I'm at today.

My follicles were at about 16.5's and 17's. And I have 21! Crazy!

IVF Retrieval date estimate

Had a doc appointment today, and everything still going great! Estrodiol is at 1675, and I have several follicles at 13, 14, and 15. No exact count, yet, but I saw a lot (but not as many as last time). :)

Doc says that ERD (est. retrieval date) is Sunday. However........... I think it will be on Saturday. We have a church plant that has been on God's radar for a LONG time. And I have a feeling that my body will be ready on Saturday, so I can be available for the folks that I've invited opening day. (either that, or I can be done in time to go to service).

God has total control over me, and I'll deal with this either way, but I just pray that everything is done according to God's glory.

Psalm 19:1 - The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Fun Facts about Needles

Since July 15th, I've had to give myself over 60 injections, with more than 60 more to go if I get pregnant! That is a LOT of needles!

Poll says 2 - What do YOU think?

Hey all, if you haven't taken a chance to vote, please do so before this weekend. Right now, the poll says I should put in 2 embryos.

Here are the upsides and downsides of 1 v. 2.

With 1:
Upsides:

• Higher percentage chance for only having 1 baby(although it still could split)
• With my age (26), there is a good chance that 1 would stick

Downsides:

• Not as high as a percentage chance for pregnancy as putting in 2 embryos
• 1 could split and still have twins

With 2:
Upsides:

• Higher total percentage chance for live birth - in about 50% of the time, at least of of the 2 will stick.
• Can see the upside of having twins, especially if I have to go through all this trouple to have 1. (45% chance)
• 2 for the price of 1!! ;-)
• Could save on clothes, toys, crib, etc.

Downsides:

• Chance that both could stick, and 1 could split, resulting in triplets (not as likely, but could happen - maybe 3% chance)
• Twins would mean (twice the crying, diaper changing, etc)

Fast Approaching

Well, I guess I didn't realize how fast everything was coming (maybe since I haven't been to the doc every day this time). ;) However, I am getting really, really close to extraction date (probably less than 7 days away). It is sooo crazy! I can't believe it!

I will ask tomorrow at my appt to find out exactly when he thinks it will be. My follicle sizes were at 10 on Friday, and excited to see where they are now. The end goal is 20.

I've been wrapped in prayer by everyone I know, and I think I've been way more relaxed this time.

First Appt after Stimulation Today

Today was the first appointment after stimulation today. My Estrodiol level was at 167, way lower than the 476 from my first appointment last month (which is good, by the way).

Doc says everything looks fabulous, and is keeping me on the same dosage (alternating 150, and 75). I go back in on Tuesday.

Everything is looking good!! About 1.5 more weeks to go... Man, it really seems like when I start these, time zips by! I can't believe it is only a few more weeks away.

Romans 5:3-5
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Baseline Sonogram - A relief

Hey all,

I had my baseline today, and there were NO CYSTS!!!! I was so excited, and thanking God so much. The sono tech says, "everything looks great, and you make my job easy". Oh, man... What a relief.

We saw a lot of little follicles already starting to develop.

Also, I got a free 300 pen from the doc (apparently, all they had right now).

All green lights for another go at this... I need prayers!

7 day long AF finally OVER

Man, AF was weird this month. It was like 7 days of DAY 1 bleeding. It's a wonder I have any blood left! ;)

Basline Sonogram on Monday

Well, Monday is the big sonogram to see if I can proceed with this IVF cycle. If the cysts are small, or gone (praying for gone), then I can proceed with my Gonal-F injections. I am starting out at 150 for the first 3 days.

But throughout all this, I know there is something much bigger than me and my struggles... God controls everything to His plan. I just pray that He uses me as part of that. That has been my daily prayer for the last few months. "God, please use me today".

Ponderings

It seems that every time I give myself a shot in the right side of my stomach it hurts, but on the left I feel nothing.

I wonder if it is all in my head, and by thinking this, it ensures that the same is true each time.

Or maybe I have more "hurty" nerves on the right side?

Just things I think about.... Nothing of real significance. ;)

1 day left on BCP

All, sorry if this is TMI, but just trying to keep track of everything.

Yesterday, AF came, and I was having doubling over cramping. Also, for a few hours yesterday, clotting seemed to be huge (plum-sized). I was wondering if I should call the nurse line, but then it got better today. I wonder if some of my cysts broke, and that caused the extra pain and clotting. That is the only thing I can think. If they were hemorhagic cysts that is certainly possible. I guess I'll find out at the doc appt on Monday.

1 more BCP left!! Wohoo!!!

I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength. - Phil 4:13. My memory verse for the past month.

Started Lupron today

Well, I started my Lupron shots today. Reminder that these are the ones that supress my ovulation. It is my first of many of these shots. :) I also only have 4 BCP's left, and am really excited.

My next doctor appointment is one week from Monday. They will check and make sure the cysts are getting smaller or gone completely, and make sure I'm ready to start on my Gonal-F (follicle stimulating) injections.

Please pray that cysts are gone or to a point where we can begin the other injections. (I never thought I'd pray that I can do injections).

Back in the saddle again

I went to the doc on Friday, and I had some cysts that were leftover from the previous cycle. They were all really small, and the doc didn't seem too worried, although he wouldn't really give me any information on it.
So, I'm praying that they go away, as they should in normal circumstances. :)

I was a little frustrated, but know it is all in God's hands. So, that gave me comfort.
In all the circumstances in my life right now, I can feel God moving. I know He is here with us, so, why not leave all my worries and frustrations with this in His hands too.

Starting Again....

Well, got a call from the nurse today. We are starting again, and she gave me my new schedule.

I quit BCP on the 23rd, and start my lupron injections on the 19th. I then do my baseline sonogram and start Gonal F on the 28th.

I go back to the Dr. on next Friday... Man, I'm sick of that place.

The doc failed to tell her about the free meds he promised me, but I'll deal with that when it comes closer. I told her to followup with him and get me some free $1000 drugs. :) I have about 450 units and 2-300 pens left.

So, possibly, the retrieval would be on September 10th or so... That is just speculation at this point.

Overall, my optimism is high, and outlook is good. But at this point, I wish I could fast forward through all the injections, emotions, and daily trips to the blood lab. Not that it is too painful, but just a pain.

Oh, well...

But at least this time, I know what to specifically pray for:

• Pray for hormone levels to keep in balance
• Pray for gradual ovary stimulation, and not hyper-stimulation
• Pray for little follicles to grow to desired range
• Pray for uterine lining to reach desired size
• Pray for no complications in egg retrieval
• Pray little eggies fertilize
• Pray for it to STICK!
• Pray for some leftover embryos to freeze for our next child, since this one will work. :)

IVF Cycle Cancelled

Ok, this is a little depressing... But I just found out today that the first cycle will be cancelled. We did have some input into it, but the doc gave low odds that if we went through with it, that it would work.

Today, my estrogen dropped severely by 1/2, and also my follicles didn't grow a whole lot. It could be partially due to the fact that my estrogen was so high at first.

So, he recommended we cancel. He said he now knows how we should do it, and it should be much better next month, since he'll start me on a lower dosage.

So, I guess try again next month. I probably won't post anything for a few weeks.... I start BCP tomorrow.

DH and I prayed about it separately, and both decided that we made the right decision. It is a hard decision to make, but God will carry us through.

Maybe Sunday now

Well, went I went into the doc yesterday, most follicles still weren't big enough, so doc decided to hold off one more day (until today). The only risk of waiting, is that they may have quit growing, which would mean we would need to cancel the cycle.

I'm praying that they grew. I guess I'll find out at my doc appt today. Man, never in my life have I been to the doc every day of the week! Crazy.

I told the lady at the lab that I wouldn't be in for another 2 weeks. We're now on a first name basis, so she said she'd miss me. :) Also, funny that at the lab, they quit checking my id and insurance. They all know me by now.

If I get my hcg shot today, that means a Sunday ER (egg retrieval).

Fun Vote!

Hi everyone... I thought to make it fun, we could have a vote on the right hand side to vote on the number of embryos we should put in.

Since I'm under 35, I have a high chance, so they may want to put in 1. But if they put in 2, the chance is higher, but also higher percentage chance for twins.

Only 2 days left to vote!

Praying for No Pain

All throughout this process, I had prayed for no pain, and stuck to the belief that God would provide that for me. If you haven't read "supernatural childbirth", it is a must read for any Christian woman who is pregnant, or trying to be.

I was talking with the nurse, and she couldn't understand why I wasn't feeling any pain due to the large amount of HUGE eggs that are in my ovaries. Most people with 1/2 or 1/4 the amount are in pain, but I haven't felt any.

Also, during one of the sonograms, I had some pain on my left side. However, I prayed for no pain, and haven't felt any pain in any of the sono's after that, even though the eggs are now bigger, so one would assume the pain would also be more. But NO.

God is so great!

Almost there!

Well,

I should find out today at my sonogram when my ER (egg retrieval) is. They are thinking that I'll get my HCG shot today (this is the trigger shot to simulate ovulation). What that means is.. NO MORE SHOTS (lupron and Gonal, anyways).

If all goes well, the ER will be on Saturday morning. I am praying everything goes smoothly, and God is providing exactly enough eggs for the number of children He wants us to have.

I paid the hospital fees today, and was REALLY excited that most of it is covered by insurance. I don't know what I'd have done without insurance. It has really been a lifesaver.

Producing Estrogen like a bandit!

Well, this is the doc's phrase, not mine. Apparently, he put me on a reduced dose of Gonal-F (he usually gives everyone 300 or 350, but only gave me 225), but I'm making a lot of eggs anyways. Which in turn, is producing more estrogen (btw, my level is now over 3300). No one in the office could believe it. When I went in today, I talked to several nurses who couldn't believe it. They said on my first reading, I had progressed what took everyone else 1 full week. That is why they called yesterday to confirm I was taking the correct dosages. I am only supposed to take 37.5 tonight.

So, what that means folks is..... They are moving up my surgery date. It is possibly going to be on Friday or Saturday, instead of Sunday or Monday.

Also, what this probably means is... I will have the eggs or egg (not all of them!) transferred back into me on day 5 after the surgery.

Responding a little too well to meds

Well, I just had another lab and sono today. The nurse called, and sounded a little concerned, and was asking if I was in pain (which I'm not). But she said I was responding VERY well to the medications, so well, in fact that I'm not supposed to take any today, and supposed to go in again tomorrow for another lab and sono.

My estrodiol level is at 2335! That is very high. I don't know what that means, but I guess I'll see tomorrow when I can actually talk to the doc this time, instead of a sonogram tech.

Only about 1 week to go....

First Estridol Lab and Sonogram

Well, I had my first estridol (check estrogen level) lab today, along with my sonogram. My estridol level is at 493 (which, I don't know if that is good or bad), but they said I'm progressing right along. And in my sonogram today, they found 26 follicles!!! Whoa!! That is like 26 possible eggs! That is crazy.

The doc lowered my Gonal-F to 150, 225, 150, for 3 consecutive days, then I do another lab and sono on Monday.

We also met with the financial person today, and she went over what we should charge to insurance, etc. She also mentioned that we may be able to use DH's insurance for the IVF fees! That would be GREAT! I know it is a slim possibility, but I'm praying for it.

Thank you for your prayers!

I want to personally thank everyone who has been praying for us. This is so encouraging, since my husband and I don't have to go through this alone. We have you - Family members, current small-group members, past small-group members, and close friends.

We know that accoring to Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.". God is with us when may are praying together.

We know that prayer moves mountains, and glad to have you guys helping us move them. :) We are so blessed have a loving family, and an awesome church family -- so many people who care about us.

Here comes the hormones

Well, this whole process is really exciting if you look at the end result, but there are a few things in which I had to apologize in advance to my husband for. I don't know how my body will react to these meds, and I just really wanted him to know that I love him no matter what. And don't get upset about anything I say or do over the next two weeks, as I cannot be responsible for my emotions, and have no clue what it will be like. Also, I told him starting on Tuesday, he will just have to be more sensitive to my needs, because I don't know that I'll be able to control myself.

I found this passage from one of the IVF sites, and it is so true... The following are the things we must put ourselves through in order to have the baby that comes so easy to everyone else....

the drugs, have my body probed, apply the patches, eat certain foods, jab myself with sharp instruments, drink special tea and tonics, visit alternative practitioners, have my hormones altered, feel tired, become uncontrollably moody (to name a few)

Started Gonal-F on Tuesday

Well, I have now done 2 Gonal-F injections, and it is a little more difficult to give than the lupron. The injections come from a pen, in which you need to change out the needle tips. But the part that makes it more difficult, is it has to click at every 75 units. I have to do 225 units, so lots of clicks, so it hurts a little bit, since I have to do the clicks, try not to jab it in too far, since there is a plastic tip that could bruise me. I guess it is all about coordination.

The only cool part is, that I only have to think about my doseage for 3 days at a time. I go in on friday for another sonogram and estrogen lab, and depending on my numbers, they will change my dosage for another 3 days.

Baseline Sonogram

I had my baseline sonogram today. The Dr. showed up 2 hours late, since he was held up in surgery. Unfortunately during my wait, they didn't have wireless access, so I couldn't work while I waited.

However, other than that, the sonogram was good. No cysts, and have follicles already developing. I am to start my Gonal-F injections tonight, and cut my lupron down to 5 units, instead of 10.

So, now, I will have Dr. appointments every 3 days for the next 2 weeks. And before those appointments, I will have to get an estrogen lab to check my levels. Based on the levels, they increase or decrease my stimulation meds (gonal-f).

One weird thing happened today, though. I brushed it off on my last appointment when they said I didn't need to pay, since it was only $40, but today, I was supposed to owe $1650, and they said I didn't owe anything, since I still had a credit. Oh, well.... guess I need to call the financial person anyways.

2 weeks left to go

Well, I since I ended my BCP last Thursday, I started AF today. I never thought I'd be so excited for my cycle to start again. This means, I should be good to start stimulation tomorrow as planned.

And I have my baseline sonogram tomorrow, so he should tell me whether or not I'm ready to start another set of injections daily. (love those shots! - not really) Once I start the 2nd shots, I'll have one in the morning (lupron), and one at night (gonal-f).

Last BC Pill Today

Wohoo!! Today was my last BC pill. It has been causing me to break out like a bad acne commercial. Thank goodness that part is over.

The Lupron shots are still going ok every day, and I should be ok to start my Gonal-F (stimulation drugs) in 5 days.

Another bible verse

I found another GREAT bible verse:

Exodus 23: 25-26, "Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and NONE will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span."

It is very encouraging, since it comes straight from God's precious word. I know this is going to happen for us.

First Lupron Shot

Well, I had my first Lupron shot on Sunday. The whole night before, I had nightmares about the shot (that I would butcher my stomach, that the needle got bigger, that I overslept, etc). I kept waking up every 2 hours thinking it was time for the shot. I prayed each time, and it allieviated my anxiety, and I woke up at exactly the right time (10 min before my alarm). I mechanically gave myself the shot, and was like "that is it?". It wasn't too bad at all. The 2nd night, I dreamt peacefully. :)

As a reminder, the lupron supresses my cycle, so that I don't ovulate on my own. It has to be given at the EXACT same time every morning(within a 30 min window).

P.S. This weekend was fabulous. We stayed at an awesome B&B, and relaxed. It was definitely the break we both needed.

Weekend Away

Well, my sweet DH has setup a romantic mini-getaway for us before all this stuff kicks in full force. He is so sweet, and I am so lucky to have him. He wanted to get my mind off of everything, and have a mini-break before the madness begins.

Although, I do have to remember to take my first Lupron shot on Sunday.

My IVF Schedule

So, here is my schedule:

6/27/07 - First day of cycle
6/28/07- Start BCP
6/29/07-7/19/07 - Continue BCP
7/15/07 - Start Lupron - inject every morning
7/24/07 - Go see doc again for baseline sonogram
7/24/07 - if everything is good, start Gonal-F (superovulation)
7/27/07 - First estrogen lab, and followup sonogram (This will happen every 3 days for 2 weeks) - this is to make sure I don't have too much estrogen. If I do, they lower the dose of Gonal-F.
Week of 8/5 - Retrieval and implantation

Doc Appointment and IVF Orientation

Well, I had another doctor's appointment today. He did a sonogram, and measured my uteris/mock transfer today (the 2nd part, he didn't tell me beforehand that he was doing it, but they measure your uteris, so the day of transfer, it is much easier, apparently). It was very painless, and everything checked out just fine.

After the sono, I chatted with my IVF nurse. She is really cool. I talked with her for an hour, and she explained everything. My whole schedule was given to me (when to take what meds when), when to come back in for the doc appointment, and labs, etc. I had to keep stopping the nurse, and asking her to explain in "people terms", as she was going really fast and using a lot of fertility jargon that I'd never heard before. But she was really nice, and showed me how to give a shot, and we even got to waste a whole pen of the superovulation drugs (which costs about 1k per pen) - It was fun!!!

A little later after that, I picked up DH, and we went to IVF Orientation. I took a lot of notes. Most things I already knew from reading, and I learned some new things. The biggest take home items from this Orientation are as follows:

• 10-12 eggs during retrieval is average
• In those 10-12, it is average to have 1-2 children from that
• For under 35 age range, the success rate (live baby) is 70% (Holy crap, that went up 10% from 2005).
• For under 35 age range, they typically transfer 1-2, and if they think 1 will stick, they give the couple an option to do only 1, and freeze the rest. We are still talking about how many we want to do.

Bible verses and prayer

Throughout this whole process, I've been praying a lot, and reading the bible, particularly Psalms, and clinging to certain things that God is saying. I thought I would share some of them:

Romans 5:3-5 - Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Psalms 37:4 - Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Psalms 128:3 - Thy wife shall be as fruitful vine by the sides of thine house; thy children like olive plants round about thy table.

John 14:12-15 - I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

Overall, though, I've learned a lot about myself, and grown a lot spiritually through all of our fertility struggles. My husband and I are closer than we have ever been, and we started praying together, and discussing important issues on a more consistant basis.

Meds arrived today

Well, I just got a BUNCH of meds in today. And wohoooo, I only got charged $140. I was expecting like $2k, but it seems my insurance covered extra. Great news!!!

I received:
Ovidrel (for ovulation simulation)
Methuulprednisolone (not sure what this is for)
Doxycycline (antibiodic)
Propoxy - Darvesett (um, I hope I won't need this for pain)
Gonal-F (super-ovulation)
Leuprolide (supress ovulation)
Progesterone in olive oil (to keep in balance)
And a LOT of needles

Insurance and costs

My insurance (thankfully) covers infertility treatments (3.5k for medical, and 3.5k for Rx). The whole IVF cycle is supposed to be about 12k, which is CRAZY!! - But worth it, if it works.

And hoping that our medications are covered, and we don't have to pay too much out of pocket.

But believe it or not, for this first one, we are only out 1.5K, since we have about 3k in our flex spending account at work.

August IVF - starting BCP

Well, in June, the nurse called me, and we started setting up everything to get ready for an August IVF cycle. After I started my period in June 27, 2007, I was instructed to start BCP on Day 2 of my period. The RE said it would make all my eggs line up. LOL.

IVF Journey Begins

Well, we begin here with my IVF Journey. We have been TTC #1 since Dec 04. I am 26, and DH is 29. In December, we had decided to get off birth control to "see what happens". I had a chemical pregnancy in Feb 05, and have been TTC ever since.

We have charted, used ovulation predictors, check CM, used ovulex/amberoz, preseed, etc, etc, etc. And through all of this, nothing worked.

Poor hubby has been restricted to boxers, hot tubs, baths, etc for over 2 years.

We are both Christians, and let me tell you this has helped us drastically in our journey for a baby. I prayed, and God instructed me to quit all of the above (charting, etc) we were using. It was stressing us out, and taking away all spontaneity. In God's word, He gives promises that we can have children, and those are what I'm clinging to.

In August of 06, we finally decided to start pursuing fertility treatments. I went to my GYN, and had an HSG done. Man, this is like 100 times more painful than your most painful period. But it showed everything ok. DH went to the urologist, and it showed low numbers in all areas. The doc put him on clomid for 3 months, which didn't help his numbers, so then sent us off to a RE.

In May 07, we finally met with the RE. He took all our info into account, and said DH's hormone levels were fine, so that is why the Clomid didn't work. The RE also said that I looked fine - as far as we can tell. In his 2nd consult with us, he said that IUI would be pointless, since they typically like 15M good sperm to put in, and DH is only starting with 5M (which would drop once they spin it), so he suggested that we go the IVF route.

And the journey begins................