Getting shot up to get knocked up

Second trimester

2009-09-23T11:04:00.006-04:00

Can't believe how fast it has gone by. Everything continues to go great I feel great and loving feeling them move all around. Had some blood pressure issues but it's maintaining now so they aren't to concerned. We did find out baby B (Ashlynn) has only a 2 vessel cord where they should have a 3 vessel. From what we are told it's very common and more so in twins and rarely has any issues. They are just going to watch her closer to make sure she is still growing as she should. We did have to do a echocardiogram on their hearts to make sure there were no issues (since the 2 vessel could sometimes cause issues). All was perfect they see no issues at all nor any future appts woohoo. We still haven't been able to get really good pics yet they are both all over the place and moving to much or facing head down and hiding.

Latest pics:

Conner with his hand on his face

Ashlynn laying sideways

And Ashlynn with her hand behind her head and Conner's foot in her face. Causing trouble already!

Latest belly shot at 27 weeks

And we have.....

2009-09-23T10:48:00.004-04:00

We found out the sexes of the little peanuts at our 19 week appt. It was one of those I want to know, no I don't, ok I do want to know things. We were VERY excited and even though it was still a little early they were like 100% for sure with baby A and 99.9% with baby B.

So baby A is.....A BOY :). Conner James at 19 weeks. He was making it known for everyone he is a boy and not shy at all.

And baby B is.....A GIRL :). Ashlynn Marie at 19 weeks. She was a little more discreet unlike her brother and hates pictures so we haven't been able to get very good ones yet.

First trimester

2009-09-23T10:31:00.011-04:00

I can't believe it has been so long since I have last updated my posts. There is so much since the weeks have flown by I'll try to remember everything. Everything in the first trimester went great, no morning sickness just extreme tiredness and a little nausea. We had our first u/s appt. with the high risk Dr. at about 15 weeks, which was amazing to see them again and how much they had changed from the previous appt. at 8 weeks earlier. We are seeing the HR Dr. every four weeks for growth checks so we will have lots of pics :).

Here are their 15 week shots:

Baby A:

Baby B:

And both babies together (A on top) <3:

And a belly shot at 16 weeks

Second u/s

2009-05-19T11:40:00.007-04:00

It still amazes me to see them and their little h/b's. We were sooo excited to see them again for our second appt. they are both doing great and getting big :0). This is the latest picture of them they even got their own picture and frames!

Baby A - h/b 158

Baby B - h/b 151

Our babies together

And one of the furbaby with his new brother(s) and/or sister(s)

MiracleS do happen!!

2009-05-19T10:56:00.003-04:00

Our first u/s went great we were so happy our RE was there and he was so pleased for us. We immediately saw a beautiful white flicker that brought instant tears to my eyes. It was so amazing I can't describe it I never thought I would see the day. The h/b was nice and strong and the little bean is adorable already.

After they did all the measurements, which are all right on track woohoo the RE said ok let's have a look at the other (insert mouth dropping here). I couldn't believe the words that were coming out of his mouth. He just looked at us and smiled!

Sure enough there was a second h/b flickering away just the same, which was brought on by more tears. I couldn't believe what we were seeing after everything we had been through I would have never guessed it would have actually worked this time and they BOTH took! Both looked great and measuring right on track. My official due date is 17 Dec. but they are expecting me to go early :).

Here is the first shot of our precious little one!

Our first u/s

2009-04-28T16:19:00.002-04:00

Is scheduled WOOHOO!!! I'm so stinking excited because when I initially called to make the appt. I was told I probably wouldn't be able to see our RE since they rotated days. Sure enough he wasn't on the day I needed it and I don't care for the one that was. I talked to our Nurse and she contacted our RE who said he would be more than happy to do it for us. He is fitting us in on schedule which I'm so thankful for :).

We go in on April 30th at 10:45 the day can't come soon enough! We are soooo excited yet so nervous. We just want everything to be perfect with the baby or babies! Hopefully we will also get to hear a nice strong heartbeat (or two) also that would be the icing on the cake for sure!

Belly Shots

2009-04-28T16:08:00.005-04:00

It still seems surreal to talk about a baby but I'm loving every minute. I have always wanted to be able to wear the cute maternity clothes (which I think is going to happen sooner rather than later) and have the big belly (which is happening way sooner than expected) so I couldn't wait to start with the belly shots. I thinks it's neat to watch the progress and I can't really tell a difference from week-to-week quite yet. I feel huge and hoping a lot of it is because I'm still on a lot of meds (Endometrin and Estrace 2x a day) which they say a side effect is bloating. Just at awkward stage and feel more fat than preggo :).

First picture at 5w3d

And today at 6w6d - looking and feeling like 6 months LOL

Results are in

2009-04-14T13:03:00.006-04:00

After three years of TTC and one hell of a roller coaster ride I am very happy to say that part is now over!!! Yesterday's BETA was POSITIVE :) :) it was so amazing it was FINALLY a BFP!!! Now we get to start a new chapter in our lives and we beyond excited God has given us our miracle.

The BETA was 832 and by this point they like to see it at least to 100 so it's a nice strong number. Repeat BETA is tomorrow to check to make sure the number doubles. Fingers and everything crossed it's doubled or tripled it will make us feel a lot better. Hopefully I'll find out soon when the first u/s will be and how often I'll have to have the numbers repeated. If my calculations are correct my EDD is 16 December. Just in time for a Christmas baby and an early bday gift for DH!

After finding out the news I knew I had to get home right away to DH. I rushed to Target to get a Father-to-be card and HPT's. After waiting so long even though I knew the results I had to see that magical word! Thankfully he was golfing so I was able to test and get his card ready for when he got home. As soon as he walked in he saw it right away and knew what it was (I do cards for everything he was expecting it). I always pictured how I'd tell him and his reaction but it was so much more than I could have ever imagined. All we could was hug and cry and thank God.

Everyone's support has been amazing we could have never made it this far without it, for that we thank you :). Now onto the BEST picture I have EVER seen (note the Skins blanket HAHA).

*UPDATE: Repeat BETA was 1,981 so it more than doubled YAY!! They are happy with the numbers and don't feel there will be a need for more. I still have to stay on the meds for probably until 10 weeks. With the high numbers there is a possibility of twins especially since we did put two back and we are perfect with that idea :). We can't wait to find out.

And then there were two!

2009-04-14T13:00:00.004-04:00

Out of the 11 fertilized embies we had two that made it to day 5 (blast stage). Transfer was 30 March and we transferred both :). We are very excited to have gotten to this point this is the farthest we have made it. There is also another embie that is still going strong they hope it makes it to the freezing stage.

Here are two little embies so far!

BETA is scheduled for 13 April - just a day shy of Easter!

One little, eight little, 16 little.....

2009-03-26T09:01:00.002-04:00

Embies is what they retrieved yesterday :) :). We are very pleased with this number it's the highest out of the all the previous cycles. Glad to see all the meds and the plan work out like it was supposed to. The retrieval went great, the RE was wonderful, and the pain wasn't as bad this time thankfully. Still sore and slow but I can walk normally which is more than this point last time.

Our Nurse called first thing this morning with an update she said the embies looked beautiful, out of the 16 retrieved, 13 matured, and 11 fertilized, which is five more than last time :). I'll know more tomorrow how many are still growing (fingers crossed for them all) and when transfer should be. They are hoping they will be strong enough for a five day to give us better chances for implantation and we actually have some to freeze.

Third times a charm

2009-03-24T11:28:00.004-04:00

Hopefully anyways. Tomorrow we go in at 10AM for our third and final retrieval. We are putting a lot into this cycle since this will be the last and pray to God we have finally have success. Things are going great better results this time in regards to the follie count and size. As of my last monitoring appt. yesterday there were approx. 14 follies that were mature and ready to go with several still behind it that they think (and hope) will catch up. My estrogren levels have been very high this cycle compared to last and were in the 2,000's at the appt. yesterday.

It's very hard to let yourself get excited when all you know is disappointment so we aren't overly excited for this cycle. We want this more than the world but it's a long way down when you get your hopes up so high so we are a little reserved this time.

Here is the latest picture of the meds for this cycle. Started BCP on 2/27 last pill was 3/10 and u/s blood work appt. 3/11. All clear to start 225 Bravelle and 150 Menopur injections for six days. Increased to 225 Bravelle and Menopur and added first shot of Ganirelix 3/20 for three days. Took last (booster) shots of 150 Bravelle and Menopur and Ganirelix as well as the Novarel trigger 3/23.

Once again

2009-02-24T09:52:00.003-05:00

Hearing the words "I'm sorry the test was negative" is something that gets harder and harder each time I'm told it. We got the news after the BETA it was a BFN :( it broke my heart. It doesn't make sense how it could not have happened we had not one but TWO grade A embies and neither one stuck? I just don't get it and I know the RE will not have the answers either.

So we are looking at the possibility of IVF #3. From what I read it usually takes couples three attempts to achieve a pregnancy. This will be the last attempt for us so we have a lot riding on it and put it all in God's hands that it will finally work.

As I always say everything happens for a reason and as hard as it is I'm trying to accept and deal so I can move on :). Sometimes I just wish we knew those reasons.

TWW torture

2009-02-19T10:49:00.003-05:00

This is the longest TWW I have ever had to go through. You would think after three years I'd be costume to this and know how to deal. For some reason nothing is working this time. I've read everything I could online and searched for every little symptom. I wish I had more to report but so far nothing. Just a few things here and there which I'm sure are side effects of the IM shot so I'm trying not to read so much into it....easier said than done.

The big day for the BETA is 2/20 at 7AM it's either going to be the best or worst day ever! Looking back this day seemed forever away now I can't believe it's so close. I'm so scared of the results I don't want to hear it if it's not good news. Preparing yourself either way is impossible to do. Tomorrow will be 14DP3DT (14 days past three day transfer) and 17DPO (17 days past ovulation) .

Fingers crossed tight and lots of prayers God grants us the one wish we have dreamed about the last three years.

Transfer day

2009-02-19T10:09:00.003-05:00

Wow what an amazing day! Transfer was set for 2/6 at 1:45PM and we had to be there by 1:30, time defiantly drug on that day. We were fortunate enough to meet up and have lunch with a dear friend Terri, her DH, and her DD Courtney, they are such wonderful people :). It was great finally meeting her and spending time with them since they had been at the same spot we were just a few short years ago.

After lunch we headed to the office I felt like I was going to explode. You have to have a full bladder by that time I was past the full mark. We waited a while to be called back and when we finally were we had to sit in the transfer room waiting for the RE to come in. That again took forever and by this point I was beyond comfortable it was not a good feeling. Finally she came in and went over the results there were two grade A embies at 7 cell they would be transferring back. She assured us they looked great and were definitely the best. There were also a few smaller but she didn't seem to think they would have made it much further so we knew we were getting the best.

I thought I was uncomfortable before what was next was 10x worse. That's when the poking and tools came out and the legs up in the air again. To top it off the Nurse that was there was doing the ultrasound pushing as hard as she could right on my stomach ugh! I laid there for what seemed like forever and really thought I was going to loose it. The RE made a comment I did a great job with the full bladder they had a clear shot...um thanks! After getting the catheter in place and everything else she was doing the Embryologist came in with the embies for transfer :). During the actual transfer you could see the catheter and fluid on the ultrasound which was amazing. Just thinking those are our babies bought instant tears to my eyes. No matter how uncomfortable it was it was for such a great cause I didn't mind a bit. To top it off the Embryologist said she had a picture if we were interested. Are you kidding me of course we were so she printed it off and gave it to us. We now keep it in a spot where it can be seen in the house to remind us how fortunate we are to have gotten this far.

After the transfer they had me lay there for five minutes before I could use the restroom. That seemed like the longest five minutes of my life. Nine minutes later DH says time is up he had let me lay there four extra minutes and I didn't even know it :). I took off out the door so fast and was in the restroom FOREVER!!!!! Such relief :). I was all set for the next set of instructions after that!

Another Nurse came in and went over everything the #1 thing was bed rest for 24 hours. I didn't see that coming but was more than happy to kick back and let the beans settle in. After that time frame light activities for the next 5 - 7 days so that meant DH was it for cleaning duty :). When we got home I kicked back and didn't get up for anything but to use the restroom DH did everything else for me <3.

Our first picture of our beautiful babies :)

Embie update

2009-02-19T09:59:00.002-05:00

We found out on 2/4 that out of 11 eggs retrieved, eight matured, and we had six embies :). Much better than last time when we found out that out of 10 eggs 0 matured. We were way happy with this news and prayed hard they would continue to grow. The next days results were great there were two embies that were dividing as they should and they set my transfer for 2/6 (3 day transfer). The other embies were lagging a little and one had begun to disintegrate :(. We were on pins and needles thinking anything could happen before transfer and we wouldn't make it that far again. Thank God for answering our prayers everything was still on track.

Our RE called the night before retrieval and told us how pleased he was with the results this time and everything looked perfect. He also said he recommends transferring two since they were the best and we happily agreed. His assurance was just what we needed and meant so much that he called.

Retrieval day

2009-02-19T09:39:00.002-05:00

Since we were first on the list for retrieval that meant we had to be there early. It's a good two hour trip on a good day throw in rush hour traffic and we had a little bad weather we had to leave three and a half hours early to make sure we were there on time. Thankfully we were and once we got there we didn't have to wait long until they called us back. The same routine undress, put the gown on, put the booties on, put the cap on, and lay on the stretcher. The Nurse came in went over all the paper work and did vitals everything was good. The Anaesthetic finally came in and started the IV line. We waited for what seemed like forever for the RE to come in and finally say we were ready. Once they we were ready I was on my into the OR and DH was escorted to the "happy room" :). I don't remember much once I got in there just giving my information and asking me to throw the legs up and lay down.

Once I came to DH wasn't there waiting like he was the first time. The Nurse was a little worried because my pulse and blood pressure were high so she waited until it went down a little to get him. Once I started to wake up a little it was immediate pain the first time it was bearable and Tylenol did the trick. Not this time it didn't touch it and the Nurse could tell. She called in a Rx to the Pharmacy in their building and said I need to get it I will need it. Of course when I pick it up it's Vicodin, I hate that stuff it makes me sick every time I take it. I had to have something though the pain was terrible. So we decided to stop at Panera and get something to eat since I hadn't had anything. That didn't go well between the pain and discomfort of sitting I didn't want anything or to be there so we headed home.

Once home I spent the rest of the day sleeping and resting with a heating pad. Felt nauseous all day thanks to Vicodin so I still hadn't had anything to eat. Finally by dinner time I found myself hovering over the toilet and I felt 10x better and finally able to eat. Ugh no more of that stuff again it was awful. I was a lot more sore this time and it took a few days to be able to move normal again. Not sure what was so different between the first and second but everything this time was more intense.

It's been a while

2009-02-19T09:12:00.004-05:00

Wow have I've neglected from writing. A lot has happened since the meds arrived. I began 150iU Bravelle and Menopur injections on1/22 which continued for seven days then the Menopur was increased to 225iU for the remaining three days. I also began Ganirelix (which was already pre-filled woohoo) on 1/28 until 2/1 as well. After tons of monitoring everything was right on track the follies were growing perfectly so we triggered at 7PM on 2/1 (10,000 units of Novarel) and our retrieval was set for 2/3 at 7AM. 2/2 was a free day no injections just the Zithromax (antibiotic) and nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

This was the nightly routine with Ganirelix included (gray cap), which required no mixing. The other vials were all mixed with 1CC of the water (green cap) into the other syringe.

They arrived

2009-01-22T09:13:00.003-05:00

Finally!! Menopur and Bravelle start tonight......now to remember how to mix it. It was overwhelming at first but not so bad once I got it sorted! Let the fun begin :).

Almost time

2009-01-21T16:24:00.003-05:00

I finally took my last BCP on the 18th and had a follow-up on the 19th to make sure everything was clear. After unexpected traffic on a holiday and a Nurse tiff I finally go back for the ultrasound. The Tech. said everything looked great and was quiet just how they wanted. I met with another Nurse to get my med. schedule and go over the dosage. Looks like nothing but baby aspirin and a pre-natal until the 23rd then the Bravelle and Menopur will start. I have another follow-up on the 25th and we wait for the follies to reach at least 14mm before starting the Ganirilex.

Now I'm waiting on the goods to come (meds) so I can sort everything and get it straight in my head again. Bring on the shots!!!

New schedule

2009-01-13T12:58:00.003-05:00

Finally!!! This time we are throwing out the Lupron and doing injections plus Ganirilex. For now it's just BCP until the 18th then another check on the 19th before getting started. Hopefully (everything crossed) our dates stay set for retrieval on Feb. 3rd and either a 3-day transfer on the 6th or a 5-day on the 8th. We pray extra hard it actually works this time and we get further than we did the first time.

Bring on the shots!!!!

Round two...

2008-12-29T16:40:00.003-05:00

Officially starts today, yup the wonderful AF decided to show late Fri. Happy late Christmas to me which was day one putting today at CD3, when they wanted to see me again. I go in this morning bright and early with no appt. (since they don't pick up on the weekends to make an appt.) thankfully traffic wasn't to bad I couldn't deal with that too. I finally get called back and they thought I was there for a BETA , which is what I should have been there for :(. So I had to talk about it again and hear the I'm sorry's which is nice don't get me wrong it's just hard. At first they were saying I didn't need to come in and I thought I was going to loose it. I had to explain to them that my RE and nurse agreed they wanted me to come in on CD3 to make sure everything was clear and no cysts before getting started, then they saw my point.

Finally I go back for the ultrasound and I had to hear once again from the Tech. how sorry she was and if I was ok. Yes I was until you talk about it again which makes me tear up all over again, but it was nice for her to ask. She checks everything and everything was clear there are around 8 follies on each side under 10mm which is good and will probably stay in place to mature. I didn't get a chance to talk to our nurse for she wasn't there yet but I did get a script for the BCP for now. I guess she will get the word I was in today and work our schedule to send to me and get more meds ordered.

Today is DH's birthday it just breaks my heart I wasn't able to give him the Christmas/birthday miracle he wanted so badly. He's been amazing through it all I don't know if I would be able to continue without him. I'm scared to death to do this all over again I don't know that I can handle the devastation again. On the other hand I feel that if I don't I will never have peace knowing we did all we could and more answers. We have two more tries with insurance I pray to God with everything it happens so we don't have to think about the next steps.

I wish I could get out of this funk I've been in for the past few weeks. Christmas wasn't even the same this year I was late with everything including shopping which never happens. I was just in no mood for any of it. We were supposed to find out about our Christmas miracle not preparing for another round of IVF.

Follow up

2008-12-29T16:37:00.001-05:00

As much as I wanted answers I did not want to walk into that office . Our RE calls us back and we sit and of course he starts with the I'm sorry. Well that's great but I don't want to hear that. He then starts to go over the cycle and saying how everything looked great and my lining was a perfect carriage, wow that made me feel better! Then he tells us DH's little guys were perfect with the number and shape and all that so that left one thing....me!! I lost it I didn't expect it to be so hard to hear even though I thought I had prepared myself for it. He did say we did have some good ones they just weren't mature enough for fertilization, which that goes back to the meds. He wasn't telling us it wasn't possible but with only one try there really isn't nothing to compare it to. If we do another round and the same thing happens then we will have better answers. He couldn't give much explanation on the eggs for they are genetically determined which they don't analyze. But he did say there were some things that we could change with meds and in the lab. He wants to give it another try and this time no Lupron it made my estrogren drop to low in the beginning and left a space until the others could bring it back up. He is also going to increase the dose on the Bravelle and Menopur to get more mature eggs. My highest ones were only around 21mm and a lot of 17 - 18mm so our goal is to get them all to the mid 20's and more. So now we wait for AF to show, they want me back on CD3 to check for cysts before starting the pill, then we will do BCP for 21 days again, and then start with the stimulation for IVF#2. So we are looking at a Feb. time frame for retrieval now. Now it's making me wonder since they up'ed my retrieval by three days and cut out those extra meds if that would have made a difference or not. So many what if's and no answers :(.

It's over

2008-12-29T16:33:00.003-05:00

The last two embies we were holding onto didn't make it either :(. Our RE finally called with the news and wanted to see us in person to go over everything. He still seems optimistic and thinks it will be better to talk in person, right I can't talk to him over the phone without bawling how is this going to be better?

It's a loooong way down

2008-12-15T08:56:00.002-05:00

Our hopes were so high for success between our RE telling us everything looked perfect he knew it would work, our nurse telling us she knew we'd have a great outcome, and after all the reading knowing we'd get lucky just like most people on their first attempt with IVF. We put it so high up there we never imagined how much the fall down would hurt.

The RE that did the retrieval called to give us the initial report. When he started the conversation off with "I wish I had better news" I didn't want to hear another thing he had to say. My eyes instantly filled up and my throat lumped up. He said they inseminated five of the embies using ICSI where the place a single sperm into the egg (increases the chances) and none of them made it to fertilization :(. He then said they did two more yesterday and they would watch overnight to see if they take. If they do we will proceed with the transfer when they are ready, if not it's over!

Those were the worst words ever I couldn't believe what he was telling me. He said our RE would call today with the new results and hopefully they'd have a reason as to why this was happening. Having to relay that information to DH broke my heart I didn't want to tell him but knew I had to. I couldn't pretend anymore that it would be ok and they would figure out why and fix it. Because I don't even know if that's possible now. We are crushed by the news and the RE said on the phone the other two they did yesterday might not make it either. We don't even get the chance to finish the IVF now :(.

All we can do now is pray that they find out why and hopefully it's something that can be fixed. Deep down we are still clinging on the hopes of the last two making it and we can actually proceed but know it's probably not reality. After almost three years of TTC, almost a year with the RE, and 6 IUI's, we find this out. I just want answers!!!

Retrieval day

2008-12-15T08:36:00.002-05:00

The day started off good I woke in time to get some breakfast before the cut off when I couldn't have anything. Since we live a few hours away we left early to make sure we got there in enough time. Don't you know that didn't matter after sitting in almost three hours of traffic we were scared to death we were going to miss it. I called to let them know which they said was fine we were still on so that made us feel a little better. When we finally got there it wasn't long before we were called back. We went into a recovery room where I changed into a gown, hat, and booties to get ready. A little bit after that the nurse was there asking questions and going over everything while we waited for the the Anesthesiologist. We waited a while for him to come in and in the mean time DH was called to give his "goods" so he was gone for a while. When he came back the Anesthesiologist finally came in and got the IV going. This man was God everything about him was wonderful. I didn't feel a thing and unlike the lovely nurse that tore my arm up he knew what he was doing and it didn't even leave a mark.

After he got the IV going they let me rest for a while then it was time to go. The Anesthesiologist came and got me and DH went another way to wait. He took me into the OR where there were tons of nurses asking me tons of questions. Before I knew what was going on I asked the Anesthesiologist if he had done something and of course he did and told me to just lay back. That's all I remember nothing after that and nothing until I was back in the recovery room and DH was there. I woke up crying LOL not sure why DH said I was crying when he came in there and thought something had gone wrong. Guess that's just my bodies natural reaction since I cry at everything. So after laying there for a while with a heating pack on my stomach it was time to get up and walk. This was not easy and thankfully they didn't make me go far.

During that time the nurse came in and said they got 10 embies YAY!! We were very pleased and they assured us that was a good number. After I started coming to more I had to get up to get dressed so we could go. That's when the pain started it was the worst cramps I had EVER felt EVER. I made the nurse give me something before we left since it was such a long drive home. That kicked in in no time thank God!!

Knowing I wouldn't be able to sit still after that we decided to go to a friends X-Mas party. They were quite surprised to see us, they knew what was going on and have been so much of a support for us. We weren't there long before the meds were starting to ware off and we had to head out. DH then made me go home and rest the rest of the night. He was a good boy :).

We're booked

2008-12-12T10:52:00.003-05:00

Retrieval is all set for Sat. and they finally called with a time. We are set for 3:30pm and I got my instructions about not eating or drinking, what I can and can't wear, and how early to get there. They also gave me the trigger instructions which were for 4:45AM, wow!! DH got up and got everything ready while I prepared myself HAHA! When we were all set his first attempt didn't go through so he had to do it again, the second didn't go either, by this time he only had one more try left. Third times a charm and it finally went in. The actual needle and meds didn't hurt at all just the inital poke. It was sore afterwards and hurt to lay on that side but went away in no time. Today it's still a little sore and now I have three hole marks on my butt!!

Here is how it started out you can see the needle a little I didn't get one with the top off sorry! We drew back to the 2 mark with the water.

It's a date

2008-12-11T15:24:00.002-05:00

I got the final phone call this afternoon and we are are set for the retrieval on Sat. YYYIIIPEEE!!!!! I was getting a little worried because they were talking about one more night of the injections which would have made the trigger tomorrow night and the retrieval Sun. instead. With my wonderful DH's schedule it would have messed us up and left him working on the transfer days. I was VERY relived she said it would be tonight.

So we are to trigger tonight, which will be the first IM (ouch) and no more meds not even the aspirin, amen!!! I'm waiting now on a call from the office where they will do the procedure at for an actual time but it will probably be morning, hopefully! Then our nurse said I'll get a call Sun. how the embies are doing and she'll call me Mon. with another update and when the transfer will be.

We are VERY excited and can't wait for Sat. :). I'll be sure to get some pics of the wonderful IM shot for tonight!!

Another battle wound

2008-12-08T10:03:00.002-05:00

I had another follow-up appt. on Sat. and the oh so pleasant, nice, and wonderful (joking) IV lady filling in, really did her job. She was so rushed and rude I knew it wasn't going to be good. Every appt. starts out by doing blood work so when they called me back and I saw the usual girls weren't there I wanted to run. After getting what she needed I told her the bleeding hadn't stopped but she didn't care she just slapped some 1/2 sticky tape on me and walked away. So into the room I go with blood all over the place and of course on my white shirt. Thankfully when the Ultrasound Tech. came in she said "oh my gosh" and got me a new gauze and some real tape. I told her how pleasant the experience was ;). After all the that the rest of the appt. was great everything is still on track and the follies are doing good. I was to continue the same meds Sat. and Sun. night and another follow-up Mon.

Here's proof of the wonderful job she did!

Slight change

2008-12-05T14:53:00.002-05:00

After yesterday's follow-up appt. there has been a slight change in the meds. The appt. was for blood work and an ultrasound, all routine. During the ultrasound the Tech. stated there was a little fluid in my lining, which they would need to watch. She didn't sound alarmed and said it could just simply go away, hopefully! Right now it looks like the meds are doing what they are supposed to there are approximately four follies on the right and five on the left. After reviewing my blood work my nurse decided it was time to cut out the Lupron all together for it was suppressing me to fast. She also increased the Bravelle dosage to 150IU from the original 75IU, the Menopur stays the same at 75IU for now. I have another follow-up tomorrow morning we will see what happens then.

Tomorrow will approximately one week until the transfer YYIIIPPEEE!!!!! (if everything stays on track that is).

Adding to the mix

2008-12-02T16:18:00.008-05:00

Last night was my first night for the Bravelle and Menopur. I've done the Bravelle shots before and I don't know how I could have forgotten how bad they burned. I had no problems mixing each one up and the actual needle didn't hurt a bit. But boy when you push the plunger the real fun begins :).

This is one of the two sets

And this is with both and all that's needed to mix them

Lupron evaluation

2008-12-01T14:10:00.003-05:00

Today's appointment went great the Ultrasound Tech. said so far everything looks perfect. I got the ok to continue with the Lupron and the go ahead to start the Bravelle and Menopur YAY!! The Lupron is getting cut back from 20 units to 5 units and we are doing 75IU of Bravelle and Menopur (1cc). My next check will be Thursday the 4th for another evaulation and adjust the dosages if needed.

So the new schedule is:

12-1 - 20 units Lupron (AM)
- 75IU Bravelle and Menopur (PM)

12-2 and 12-3 - 5 units Lupron (AM)
- 75IU Bravelle and Menopur (PM)

12-4 - 5 units Lupron (AM) - Appointment
- PM dose will depend on appointment

What is Lupron?

2008-12-01T12:49:00.000-05:00

Description: Lupron is part of the process to stimulate multiple eggs for assisted reproductive technologies.

How It Works: Lupron is administered as a subcutaneous injection using insulin syringes. For the role it plays in assisted reproductive technologies, Lupron is used to reduce the amount of estrogen and testosterone in the body.

Potential Side Effects: Side effects that may occur includes hot flashes or sweating, mood swings, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, insomnia, headaches, and injection site reaction (redness, itching, and swelling at the injection site). That explains the bumps!!

This is my morning ritual.

The shots have begun

2008-11-26T14:34:00.000-05:00

Last night marked the first official day of shots woohoo! Since we were directed to do the Lupron shots in the morning and I didn't have my meds in time they told me it was ok to take it last night instead. But first thing this morning I had to get on the morning schedule. I made DH do it last night while I watched closely and took over this morning. So far so good knock on wood no major side effects that I've noticed, but it is still early. The shot is super easy to do compared to some of the others and is a smaller needle shew!!! The only thing it's doing is leaving a red knotted up bump afterwards. Not painful just burns a little around the site and itches for a few hours until it starts to go down.

The goods have arrived

2008-11-26T14:26:00.001-05:00

After going back and forth between the RE's office, the pharmacy, and the insurance compay they were finally able to ship out the meds. They put a rush on them and thankfully I recieved them just in time. It felt like Christmas morning and I was five again unwrapping that box. I couldn't wait to take everything out and play with it :). If you know me I can't stand needles who would have ever thought I'd want to see them. I couldn't wait to spread it out to really see what we were dealing with. Think this is enough to hold me over?

Plan of action

2008-11-26T13:46:00.000-05:00

After meeting with our RE and Nurse for hours, signing consent papers, making decisions we hadn't originally thought of, and a mock transfer (which went great) we finally have a plan, with dates! This makes us happy to see it laid out it's finally becoming reality. This is what our schedule looks like:

11-9 - Start BCP's (a tablet a day) for 18 days
11-25 - Begin Lupron (20 units) and 1 children's asprin (81mg)
11-25/11-26/11-27 - Take BCP's and Lupron then Lupron alone
12-1 - Office visit for Lupron evaluation

Tentatively it looks like we will be doing the retrieval on 12-13 and either a 3-day transfer on the 16th or a 5-day (which we are hoping for) on the 18th.

*Subject to change once I get more directions*

The fun begins

2008-11-26T13:41:00.000-05:00

After six attempts of IUI's it's time to move on. We are comfortable with our decision and are so hopeful for success. Thanks to our wonderful RE we are very optimistic we actually have a chance :).