Follow Up Appointment

HALLELUJAH!

My period finally came. Wednesday night I became desperate and researched online "How to get your period faster?" Juvenile, I know, but like I said, I was desperate. It had many options: Ginger Tea for example, which I didn't have. The one option I did have? Heat. I warmed up my hot rice pad and sat down on the couch with it on my lower belly and watched a couple hours of TV.

When I took it off to go to bed, I could feel myself lightly cramping. The next day at work I was cramping all morning and by the afternoon: Success. I immediately e-mailed my IVF Coordinator at my RE Clinic. She responded right away stating I needed to be rechecked and once she had those results, we would then discuss the transfer date. Ugh, my heart sunk. I didn't want to have to delay the transfer.

This morning, my husband forgot to wake me up we had a snow storm and the raods were terrible. I realized I wouldn't be able to get the kids to school in time, SO, I brought them with me.

The plus side to bringing two toddlers to a doctors appointment is you get seen RIGHT AWAY! Ain't nobody got time for rowdy kids in their office!

After the ultrasound and blood work, I brought the kids to school and went to work. By 11:30am, I heard! My IVF Coordinator said everything looked great! Good news! EVEN BETTER  NEWS- She told me I could continue with my FET Protocol (Frozen Embryo Transfer) and the transfer date will remain the same!!!

So as of today, I have decreased my dosage of Lupron from 10 units down to 5 units. And, I can add Estrace (2 pills twice a day) and low dose Aspirin (one pill once a day). Things are moving forward! I have a lining check on February 9th. But that's all for now... I have to go pack for our weekend in Boston! XOXO

First Monitoring Appointment

I had my first monitoring appointment this morning. Since my RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist) is in Connecticut, and the fact that there's a lot of monitoring that needs to happen in between our initial meeting and the transfer, he will partner up with a local clinic close to my home that I can see in between. I'm lucky that the closest one to me is right at the hospital where I'll deliver, and only 5 minutes from my work! 

The appointment was a disaster, I won't get into detail, it was all the ultrasound technician, but I've decided to put it behind me... 

As it turns out, the results weren't much better. My ovaries are in fact suppressed, but because I still haven't had my period, my bloodwork was off. I can't begin any new medication until I get old Aunt Flow. They wanted me to have it this past Saturday, and here we are, Monday night and nothing. Depending on how long it takes, this could potentially delay my transfer date. 

So, right now, nothing has changed. I am still injecting 10 units of Lupron every evening. I have a lining check at my monitoring clinic on February 9th, I'm not sure if that will change or not. As of today, there's only 22 days until transfer day! Fingers and toes crossed that everything works out and that remains the same! 

Also, I'm super excited to spend the weekend with my family in Boston at B&P's house! They have welcomed us into their home and I can't wait for this fun little getaway! Pictures to follow! XOXO

Officially a pin cushion...

As of this evening, I am officially a pin cushion on my meds. I am still on birth control, and added in prenatal vitamins today. This evening, I adminstered my first Lupron injection. It wasn't that bad, it felt like a mosquito bite.

 

I'm feeling well and healthy though. I've been keeping in touch with B&P by email every few days, and we speak on the phone about once a week or so.

 

We are actually going to be staying with them for a weekend at the end of January! I'm so grateful that they have opened up their home and invited us to stay. I'm also excited to bring the kids (my two and their precious little girl) to the Boston Aquarium and the Childrens Museum! What a fun weekend! I'll be sure to post updates. XOXO

So much medicine...

A FedEx package full of all the meds I'll need for this process arrived today. Oh my gosh, there's so much! I received my cycle schedule a few days ago, and I'll begin next Wednesday the 14th. Here's what it looks like:

I'll go in order, detailing what it all is, for those who are interested in how to "scientifically" make a baby ;-)  

Birth Control: I am on birth control pill until January 20th so that my RE can monitor my cycle, which needs to be on a specific schedule for the upcoming transfer. Also - for obvious reasons, I cannot get pregnant with my own baby for this process (however, my two months of celibacy begins on Monday.................... Andy is already depressed.)

Prenatal Vitamins: Pretty self explanatory! But, they are vital to providing proper nutrients to myself and the baby.

Lupron injections: This will be a subcutaneous injection in my lower belly. Lupron surpresses my ovaries so I stop ovulating and I'll be on it from 1/14 - 2/11.

Estrace pills: This will thicken the uterin lining - in order for the embryo transfer to stick, my lining needs to be EXTRA thick, and that's what this pill will do. I will begin taking 2 pills two times a day on January 26th until transfer.

Low dose Aspirin: This increases blood flow to the uterus, again, to help thicken my lining. I will take one pill a day from the 26th - transfer.

Progesterone in Oil injections: These are tough - It's super THICK as it's in oil. "PIO" is an intramuscular injection, which will be administered to my lower back. Both Andy and I have been trained, so he or I will administer these shots, once a day, beginning 2/12.

Prometrium Capsules: More progesterone!

Prednisone Pills: Prednisone will help to supress my immunity. I begin taking this 5 days prior to transfer. The purpose is to be sure that my body won't reject the embryo when it's transfered into me.

Doxycycline Pills: An antibiotic which will help fight any infections that may occur. This is to be sure that I am SUPER HEALTHY when we conduct the transfer! This pill is also taken every day, 5 days prior to transfer.

Phew! My bathroom looks like a pharmacy! It's incredible, so much goes into this. I can't wait to begin, and I'll keep you posted! XOXO

Sunday Funday

Andy, the kids and I enjoyed some warmish weather today. That, mixed with the fact that we had awesome packing snow, well, we took advantage and had some fun. With that, I present to you, Champ the Lake Monster. All of you Vermonters know who I'm talking about ;-) What a fun day. I hope you enjoyed your Sunday! Talk soon! XOXO