FSH shots

Well, so far the "big" FSH shots haven't been too bad. It helps that Dr. Jarrett decreased my dose by about 1/2 from what it was the first time. So, there is less medication to push through the tiny needle and it takes less time to mix etc. So, I'm pleasantly surprised. I do notice though that I have some adhesions/scar tissue from the previous numerous injections in my belly. There are some areas where the needle does not go in easily and it hurts like crazy. So I'm trying to avoid those spots. I'm running out of good spots. . . .

I have my first ultrasound/bloodwork tomorrow after starting the FSH to get an idea of how things are progressing. Hopefully we're on track. Please pray toward that end! :)

I've also had another acupuncture treatment last week. It's interesting. I don't really feel any different after it's done, but hoping that my hormones etc. are responding will to it. Although, I did come home from it this last week and felt inspired to do some cleaning out and organization. Curtis said, "we'll have to send you to do the acupuncture more often." Very funny.

This is a stressful process despite TRYING to say relaxed. Just the waiting, wondering what's going to happen next, how am I going to respond, will the eggs develop well, will the eggs fertilize etc.. . .. . it's so easy to get into a pattern of worrying. I'm just praying for God to calm my heart and teach me to trust Him over and over again. He knows what is in store and we know it's GOOD. Oh, if only I could teach my heart to know that and give up worrying about it! I'll let you all know how tomorrow goes.

Moving on

I know it's been a long time since I've posted last. You all are probably wondering what has been going on with me/us. Well, to be honest until recently there wasn't much to say. Just waiting. And, I think it's probably been good for me to "disconnect" from the blog, IVF forums etc for a while. It was getting a little obsessive last time around. Also, it's been good to have my mind on other things. Happy things. Not worrying. I must say, I think the spring time does help my overall mood and outlook on life.

Anyway, I'm getting into the thick of the meds. I started the Lupron injections a week ago and have just finished 22 days of birth control pills. For those of you who don't know- these are to depress my own hormones so that the artificial stimulating hormones can take full effect. Getting back to doing the injections again was as though I never stopped. No big thing. At least not so far. The stimulating meds (FSH) are a bigger deal. I'll let you know how that goes in a week. I start those on 4/25.

I've been doing a lot of reading in the past couple months. I've been learning what else I can do to maximize my chances of success this time. Let's face it- only 30% isn't great so anything I can do to improve that is positive. I've been reading a lot about Traditional Chinese Medicine and what that can offer. It's been eye opening and I think it does provide another perspective to improve fertility. Basically I've been trying to do some diet modifications including eating primarily organic meats and produce, taking some supplements and trying to find methods to relax and de-stress. I'm also pursing doing accupuncture as several studies indicate that this improves IVF success rates. I had my first accupuncture consult/treatment this past Wednesday. It was an interesting experience. I'm just hopeful it will provide a method of relaxation and improve my odds. I will continue the treatments weekly until the transfer and then one treatment the morning of the transfer and one a week later.

I also had my "Start Cycle" appointment this past week. This basically entailed having a baseline ultrasound and bloodwork, discussing when I do what meds and forking over a whole load of cash. In a way, though, it was a relief to pay it and know that we are DONE paying. We now have 3 chances with that $- God forbid we need them all. My ultrasound and bloodwork came back normal so everything is a go so far. I'll keep you posted.:)