Stim Check #1

I went in this morning at 7:15am for an ultrasound and blood work. They said I only developed 6 follicles and that I will not develop more. We just have to watch those mature. My estrogen level went from 60 in suppression to only 80. Therefore, they increased my meds to Menopure 150 and Gonal F 375. I find that I am bruising at the sites where I give myself the menopure. It burns a bit too! I had my husband give it to my in my arm tonight because my belly is sore and black and blue. I go back Tuesday for stim check #2.

This roller coaster ride has it's hi's and low's. I am low right now.

Suppression Re-check

Good news...my estrogen level dropped down to 60 (my RE said that this was OK because of the cyst) and the cyst went to half of the size that it was before. I start my stimulation medications tonight! Yay! I am not looking forward to the 3 shots but I am looking forward to moving this along. I go in for my first stimulation monitoring on Sunday at 7:15am. I am so excited!

Accupuncture

I had my first accupuncture appointment today. It was weird and I am not sure that I felt that much different. However, I have read in so many places and spoke with a few people that have felt accupuncture helped this IVF process out.

I have been on pins and needles (no pun intended) waiting for Thursday morning when they will repeat my bloodwork and sonogram. I have asked all of my prayer buddies to pray for me. I am hoping with all of my heart that everything will be a go ahead for starting the stimulation meds.

Suppression Check

Well...my estrogen level was 67 and they would like it to be 50 or lower before starting the stimulation meds. I also have a cyst on my right ovary that might have caused the elevated estrogen level. I was told to continue on Lupron until Thursday morning (2 more days) and return at 7:15am for a repeat sonogram and bloodwork. If my level is below 50, I would start the stimulation meds that evening. If not...I am wondering if the cycle will get cancelled. This process is quite emotionally draining. I feel more depressed today than yesterday.

I scheduled an accupuncture appointment for tomorrow. I am hoping that will help relax me if nothing else. ;-(

Moodiness

Tomorrow is my suppression check. I have been so depressed these past few days. I am afraid of how much MORE depressed I will be if this doesn't work. I hope I get good news tomorrow. I also decided to have accupuncture done. I think I need all of the relaxation help that I can get.

Lupron Begins

Today I started my Lupron shots. I am taking 10 units subcutaneoulsy, every morning. I was glad that it didn't hurt at all. I actually barely felt the needle or the medication. However, I did feel tired most of today. I also vomited after my breakfast. I can't tell if that is because of the Lupron or the birth control pills or the baby aspirin. I have been queezy ever since I started the birth control pills...it was just worse today. I haven't been able to take my vitamins consistantly since this IVF process has started. My little stomach pouch can't take all of this! Vitamins are really important to gastric bypass patients. That might even account for my exhaustion.

I keep looking at my calendar and counting the estimated dates before I start the stimulation meds and then I count the estimated days until I have the embryo retrieval/transfer. I really would like for this process to be over. I keep praying and hoping that it will work!

Mock Embryo Transfer

I had my mock embryo transfer on September 5th and everything went well. The doctor basically goes through the whole physical process of transfering the embryo's without actually transfering anything. They are trying to make sure that they won't encounter any structural problems or difficulties on the actual date of the transfer.

I am still on the birthcontrol pills. I start the Lupron injections next Monday. I am really excited but I try not to think about it because it has the potential to drive me nuts. I know that this might sound dark...however, I find myself thinking of all of the possible reasons that I wouldn't want to be pregnant so that if it doesn't work...I won't feel so devastated.

The biggest one would be that I lost about 80 pounds and would absolutely hate to go back there again. However, when I go to my sons' football games...there is this little girl there that just turned one....she is just so adorable and totally melts my heart! I look at her and I feel pain at the thought that I might not get pregnant.

Drugs

I received my shipment of fertility drugs in the mail today. Thank you, thank you for good insurance! I only had to pay a $28 copay rather than the $3200 that they cost. I am in the first phase...taking the BCP's. I start taking Lupron on September 17th. I have a tentative schedule for the embryo transfer on October 10th. I also feel blessed because I just found out that I was given a $1500 discount for my IVF cycle. I know the doctor that is doing it from a mutual friend, I have also worked with her when I took care of a patient of hers at the hospital. I imagine the discount came as a result of being a nurse and the rest of it that I mentioned. I did ask about a possible professional courtesy discount to the finance office. They emailed her and sent me a notice this week about the discount that I was given. I am so relieved and grateful for that.

We are paying out of pocket for the cycle because of my tubal ligation being the cause of my infertility. I have heard about prices varying from area to area...in this area (DC metropolitan area)...a cycle runs $9500, ICSI is an additional $2000. Thus far, I was told that we will not need ICSI. Things have been working out for us so far. They do offer the shared risk program...and I believe that runs from $25,000 to $30,000 for up to 5 tries. My husband and I simply couldn't afford that. Keep me in your prayers.

It's stressfull enough to bring a baby into this world with debt from creating it....but it comes at a time when you will hopefully be needing money for possible time off work, baby items, child care, formula, diapers. I guess it shows how the desire to become a mother/father outways the finances. I can't help but be sad that it couldn't happen naturally.