Change of Plans

As previously noted, I love my RE. So, when he told me yesterday (yes, I had a 20-minute conversation w/my RE on a Saturday) that he wasn't completely happy with how our IVF cycle was developing and didn't want to go forward with it, DH and I whole-heartedly agreed with him. Although we are still within protocol, meaning we meet all the parameters for retrieval, our RE doesn't like the lead follicle situation. Cetrotide did help a bit, but didn't solve what he saw as a problem.

New plan: in an attempt to "salvage" (his word, not mine) the cycle, we're converting it to an IUI cycle. Trigger tonight, IUI on Tuesday. It's funny because we don't have a CLUE about IUIs -- we skipped right through those b/c of our male factor issues -- so any advice from old hands at the IUI process is welcome.

We know the odds on this IUI cycle are not good at all, but we trust our RE's advice. We want to have the best shot at our second IVF cycle, and if he's not happy, we're not happy!

Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend.

Staying the course -- Stim Day #5

Today's appointment confirmed why I LOVE my RE. I was in the clinic around an hour-and-a-half, about 45 minutes of which I spent sitting in my RE's office talking about my cycle and life in general. That just doesn't happen when doctors are having to play the billing game -- perhaps an argument for concierge medical care? I digress.

He liked my lining (.6), and estrogen level (796 after just four days of stims -- booyah), but wasn't too keen on the development of a "lead follicle" (measuing 1.3). The concern is that, although I remain within protocol numbers, the lead follicle will signal its superiority and all the other little follicles will give up the fight - not what we want to happen. So, I start an antagonist drug tonight and go back on Saturday morning for another round of ultrasound/bloodwork. Our RE did emphasize that if he's not completely happy with how everything looks, he's calling off this cycle. Have I mentioned how much I love this guy? He really has our best interest at heart, and wants us to have the best shot possible at becoming parents. We are so blessed. Sigh.

Anybody else dealt with the lead follicle issue??

Ugh-a-bug

With our new protocol, we went straight from BCPs into stim shots. Funny thing is, nobody told AF she was off duty. In case you're curious, stims + cramps = not a lot of fun. So anyway, I've been harassing my IVF coordinator with questions (Are you really sure this is okay? I really don't understand how I'm going to have enough lining in 10 or so days to sustain a pregnancy? Are you REALLY sure this is okay???) for a couple of days, and today she booked me for a session with our RE after the previously-scheduled ultrasound and bloodwork to discuss the plan.

As much as I want this cycle to go forward, I want it to work so, so much more. I'll let you know what we hear. For now, off to do stim #4.

Happy ICLW!

More on acupuncture

Seems some of you are interested in hearing more about the acupuncture appointment -- for those veterans among the crowd, feel superior in your knowledge and enjoy the ride.

This particular facility is, as I think lots probably are, located in the "funky" part of town. My trusty Garmin led me to a nondescript, low-slung office building. Nothing on the door but the numbers. I made my way in, rang the gong doorbell (seriously), and was ushered in to meet with one of the most gracious, welcoming women I've ever had the opportunity to meet. We chatted and went through my (very thorough) paperwork, and then we made our way back to the treatment room. It reminded me more of a doctor's office than a spa, which was good with me. She showed me that the needles were single-use and sterile (for some reason, it hadn't entered my brain that they wouldn't be, but still a comfort to see), and then we got started. I took off my shoes, but that was it - needles went the top of my head, hands, feet, and tummy (just pulled up my shirt for those). A few of the needles stung going in, but others I didn't even feel. She then turned on some heaters and soothing music, turned off the lights, and left me be for about a half an hour. After my time was up, she pulled the needles out, and I only had a pinprick of blood from one of the ones on my feet. That was it! It was totally non-violent.

I'll have to say, it was waaay outside my comfort zone, but I left feeling more relaxed than I've been in a long time. Even if it didn't have proven benefits re blood flow, the relaxation benefits alone would put it on my list of things to-do. Hope this helps!

Addendum: nope, no insurance coverage. But it wasn't painfully expensive, which was a welcome relief, as well!

In the interest of full disclosure . . . .

That was my lead-in to telling my eye doctor that we were doing IVF -- I didn't think he really needed to know, but it felt a bit strange responding "allergy meds" when the tech asked me what kind of medications I was taking. Anywho, he was glad to have the information, especially since my eyes have gotten significantly worse this year -- a change he chalks up to, you guessed it, the IVF meds. Who knew?! Goes to show that all health care providers (even eye doctors, apparently) need to be in the circle of IVF trust.

And here you thought I was going to tell you how accupuncture went. Okay, okay, I will.

It.

Was.

Awesome.

For those who've asked, yes, it's Dr. Ivey. She's just great! I'm already looking forward to next week's appointment.

Yesterday's testing went well. I'm "sufficiently suppressed," so we're clear to start stims tomorrow night. Bring it on.

Have a great weekend!

Jumping the Shark on the Baby Journey

I'm no Fonzie, but what tomorrow has in store is something that borders on the absurd for this main-line-believer-in-all-things-Western-medicine-girl: acupuncture. Save the comments -- I KNOW that it increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, increases rates of pregnancy, decreases stress, etc. etc. ad nauseum. I FEEL like our path has veered on over to the absurd, and we'll soon have a beloved character return from the dead or there will be an unnaturally-aged toddler in our house or something. Sigh. The motto is, whatever works. The things we do, no?

New do, new calendar, new site

New do: Thanks for all the commentary -- my highlights look great, and I now feel prepared to get pregnant (because that's all it takes is ME feeling prepared, ha ha. The best-laid plans and whatnot.).

New calendar: We got our calendar in the mail this week, and I talked through it with my IVF coordinator yesterday. The plan is an antagonistic protocol, which for me means BCPs until next week, NO LUPRON (I'm doing a happy non-migraine dance over here!!!), stims (375 Follistim and 75 Menopur) next Sunday, retrieval a week to 10 days later, transfer 5 days after that, and we'll know the score before Valentine's Day (I say that not to be dramatic, but to give you an easy marker to remember -- it's how we're pacing it!).

It is a FAST protocol, and also a PAID FOR round b/c we qualified for the shared risk program at our clinic, meaning we paid for 2 cycles up front, and if we don't have a baby (not just get pregnant) this round, we get 60% of the money back (which basically pays for cycle #3). All good things, I think.

New site: I don't think I'm alone in the whole "you're pregnant and I'm not" brain divide that kicks in from time-to-time. Jealousy can be a very unwelcome partner on this journey. As excited as I am for my IRL friends (very few of whom have had any struggles getting pregnant) when they announce their pregnancies, I will admit to a few nasty twinges in my first reaction. Sure, I get over it, but I really wish I didn't go through it in the first place. That's not me, and I hate it. Anyway, the site is the story of 2 sisters, one fertile and the other struggling with IF, and how they learned to love and grow together. It's one I will be digging deeply into over the weekend, and hope to find some inspiration in their words. I hope you do, too.