Finally getting somewhere

I should have posted this earlier, and I promised myself that I would document this every step of the way, so I would know exactly what I did in case I have to do it again, and so I could help others in the future, so I am sorry for neglecting my blog the last few days, when finally something is happening.

That being said.  Today is the third day of my shots for my first round of IVF.  My cycle started on Saturday night (Sunday being official day 1), so I called first thing Monday and got in.  Anxiety started to set in as I waited for my appointment, thinking of all the things that could go wrong and cause us to delay yet another cycle.  They took me right back when I arrived at the clinic, and I am always grateful for that.  There is nothing worse on your nerves than hanging out in a waiting room before something this important.  Dr. S did the baseline ultrasound...Left ovary looks good, 9 follicles!  YAY!  Then onto the right ovary, my heart sank as I saw the big cyst located there.  I have had them monitored before, so I knew what I was looking for.  Dr. S also looked concerned, but said maybe it was not producing estrogen (i.e. just a leftover cyst from where I had ovulated that month), and that we would check the blood work.  If there was nothing wrong, I was to start my injections that night.  Simple blood draw and I would be out of there.

I left the clinic not really relieved, but hopeful that we would not have to cancel.  I told Austin what was going on and went home.  I watched my phone anxiously for the next few hours, and as they went on and no phone call came by 5:00 p.m., I was ecstatic.  That meant we could start my medications!  I checked the online portal where the lab results are posted, and my estrogen level was 73.7.  He said anything under 80 and I could start!

That night we mixed up 7 vials of the Bravelle medication and had our first attempt at injecting it.  I can't watch the needle go into my skin, or I get sick, so I looked away while he did it.  He got the needle in fast and painlessly, but then took FOREVER pushing in the meds.  I don't know exactly how long it took, but I know I asked if it was over yet 5 times, so it was at least THAT long.  It didn't hurt much, just stung a little.  Way easier than I thought it would be.  I just get anxious knowing there is a needle in me.  The area of the shot (lower stomach fat) feels a little bruised, but it doesn't look bruised.  We switched to the other side for yesterday's shot and it went much smoother, since he knew I wanted him to get it in there quickly.  It didn't hurt at all, just a little stinging from the medication.  Now, we've got this thing down.

This morning, I had to drive back to Layton for a blood draw.  It was supposed to be a simple procedure, but it turned out to be the worst thing so far.  When I sat down while Nurse Amy got out the supplies, she told me that the "good" needles they usually use were on back order and I knew this wasn't going to go well. She stuck me twice in the only vein in my left arm that anyone can usually get, with no blood return.  Neither of those two sticks were at all pleasant either.  I'm starting to get used to being stuck all the time.  I've probably had blood drawn 7-10 times just since January in anticipation of this cycle, but I still don't like it.  Nurse Amy then had the other nurse come back to see if she could get the job done.  She looked at my other arm and as per usual, didn't think there was anything worth sticking there.  I've almost never been able to give any blood from that side.  She went back to my left arm and decided to try a second, deeper vein on the inside of my elbow joint.  I was afraid this was gonna be bad too, but luckily, she got it on the first, not-horribly-painful stick and finally got the stupid blood.

Once that was done, it was back to Logan to start my shift typing.  I had to wait for a few hours to get the results that would tell me if my body was responding properly to the medication or not, and what my instructions would be for today.  Finally, at 3 p.m., Amy called and said she was sorry it was so difficult to get the blood, but that in spite of that, it was good news.  My body was producing estrogen right on track, and I am to stay on the same dose (7 vials of Bravelle) for today and tomorrow.  Friday, I go back in for another blood draw and an ultrasound.  She told me we would be able to tell more closely if the follicles were looking right and probably be able to tell how many more days of stimulation I would need.

Austin says he can't believe it is all happening so fast.  I guess I don't know what is fast about 3 years of trying for a baby, blood draws that take 15 minutes, and weeks of injecting hormones into my body....  I'm glad it is all happening though!  It is definitely exciting to think that if this cycle works, I could be pregnant in a few weeks!