Probes and Pokes

We are now well into our first round of IVF shots, and I have to admit, so far they aren’t bad at all! I stabbed that first one in like a champ! However, I do seem to have an issue mixing the meds so that is now my husband’s job. He claims I am “too slow”, but I prefer perfectionist. We make a great team though. Every day around 6:15pm he sits down at our dining room table and performs his “chemist” duties, and then I inject. Piece of cake! There really is no pain unless I don’t let the alcohol on the injection site dry, then there is a slight burn.

I have been on 2 vials of Menopur and 2 vials of Bravelle until yesterday when my RE increased my dosage of Menopur to 3 vials. I have also begun my morning shots of Ganirelix (I believe this is to keep me from ovulating early).

I have been to the office now three times for ultrasounds and lab work. I’m getting more action from the vaginal ultrasound probe than I am my own husband (to be fair, we haven’t been permitted to “baby dance” for about two weeks now)! The whole process has become so routine. Every other day I go in for an ultrasound to check out my follicles, followed by blood work. The insides of my arms are forever bruised and I’m pretty sure I look like a druggie to spectators. And I’m OK with that.

My last ultrasound was yesterday and everything looks pretty good so far. My lining is “beautiful” and my eggs are growing at the same rate. I have several follicles on my right ovary but only a couple on my left, which is kind of disappointing. Apparently only about 80% of follicles have eggs in them, so I am keeping my fingers crossed for a good bunch of high quality eggs.

As far as side effects go, I feel pretty good. After 8 days of stimming I still don’t really have much bloat or cramping. I will say that I have been exhausted, I can’t seem to go to bed early enough each night. And I think I feel hungrier than usual, but who knows. Besides that, I feel pretty darn good. I am trying to walk on the treadmill a few times a week to stay active. I really miss my high intensity workout but I will do anything to up my chances of this working, even if it means sitting on my butt and getting fat for the next month!

I go back tomorrow for another ultrasound and blood work, and during this visit we should have a better idea of when the egg retrieval will be. Right now it is looking like this coming Sunday or Tuesday. Fingers crossed things keep looking good!