I've got four days off from work and I actually slept in later than I have in years. I'm going to read all the newspapers we've accumulated from the week, finish my book, clean my house and do my art projects. I know, sounds lame...but it makes me happy.
I finally got my nurse on the phone yesterday (no, I haven't requested a new one yet- I wimped out). She confirmed my IVF class is on Jan. 31st. I'm just hanging out until then. Guess I need to start reading up on it, as I have no idea what I'm in for. I swore I'd never do it too- it was always the last resort. I'd love to hear from any one about the process or maybe you know of someone who blogs about it..?I'm looking for positive, helpful advice...nothing that's going to freak me out any more than I already am.
Thanks.
6 comments:
I think there is a section on IVF on Lost and Found. I know there is an IVF section on the blogroll there too. Maybe that will help. Maria at Love Will Tear Us Apart is just starting IVF too. She's probably just a couple of weeks ahead of you, so that might help.
I don't know anyone who has gone through IVF but I wish you lots of luck. I'm so sorry you are having so much trouble. I've added you to my baby prayer list. To answer your question, my Father had died by the time I started the conversion process so I didn't have to worry about him but my mother was happy. She told me I was going to hell and a few other choice things. But as I told her, religion should be a personal experience and she didn't have any right to try to control my religious decisions. She has grown to love my husband and I guess somewhat accept my decision. She lives far away so I don't see her much and we just avoid the topic of religion when we do talk or see each other. I would love to work for a non-profit but the problem is ... money. Non of them around here pay anything and I just can't take that big of a pay cut right now. Maybe someday I will figure out a business I can start. Still searching.
There are various IVF protocols, but the one I was on, after all the testing, I began with 3 weeks of BCPs, then moved on to sub-cutaneous injections of Lupron. I ditched the BCPs, then halved my dose of Lupron and began Menopur and Follistim for, oh, 10-12 days (with blood draws and ultrasounds every other day to make sure I wasn't over-responding and to check follicle size and amounts) before taking the HcG shot. No more meds for 36 hours, then the eggs were retrieved , fertilized, and on Day 3 two embryos were transferred to my uterus. Some women have 5 day transfers of blastocysts. I think it depends on cell growth and fragmentation.
12 days after that I poas and came up negative, 8 hours later I was in the ER diagnosed with late-onset OHSS and a positive beta.
My Oro and I found the lead up to IVF far scarier than the actual procedure, but I think that also depends on the protocol you're given. I never did IUI, only IVF, so my protocol was guesswork on the part of my doctor as no one knew how I'd respond to the meds. And, of course, it worked for us the first time, although we didn't know it when I poas.
The strangest thing was how ambivalent we both shortly before retrieval to the time we got home after transfer. Of course I was hopeful, but I also knew the odds, and for whatever reason, luck was on our side. I hope it's on your side, too.
I'm lined up for IVF #2. Feel free to pop over.
One of the things I did learn last time (and there were loads) was the anticipation of it all was worse than the cycle. The worst part was the waiting for information (how may eggs, fertilisation report, how many divide, grading etc)
Hope it all goes well.
I'm new to your blog - just found it by way of the squawkery...
If you don't mind, I would like to share my story with your (abbreviated version, I promise). We were TTC for quite a while when we finally were told by my OB/GYN that I needed some help. Chlomid was the best alternative, according to him. He kept me on it, along with progesterone suppositories for way longer than I should have been on it - over a year. Unfortunately, I didn't know that after a few months on it, it dries you up and the effectiveness is nil. After demanding an RE, we got on track and tried a few different approaches including injectables and IUI. After about 8 years of TTC, including a M/C, we were finally blessed with a child. We have two now. Hang in there. Don't lose hope. If you need an ear, email me and we can chat. I have friends who have done IVF also and can give you some insight. Nicole
Thanks for popping over and saying hello. I'm glad to meet you. When we started TTC, the internet wasn't what it is now and there were few areas for support or research. After a few years of it, I found ivillage and the parentsplace forums and finally had some support and information.
My DDs are 5 and 3 now. I have an email for my blog (my blog url at gmail.com) if you ever need to talk!
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