June 20, 2012
This morning I went to the doctor's office to get my HCG lab work completed. Pending the lab work, Justin and I will be required to be in Bedford at 8:15 tomorrow morning for the retrieval. Yay! The lab work did come back great. They wanted my HCG to be over 60, and mine was 136.
After my appointment I drove back to Katie's and had lunch with her. I left her house around 1:00 this afternoon to drive back to Seymour so that Justin and I can drive back to Bedford together tomorrow morning for the retrieval. Justin is having to drive to Seymour tonight from Morton. He should be here around midnight.
On the drive back to Seymour, I had a slight meltdown in the car. I don't know if it's the hormones I've been taking or if I'm just really overwhelmed with everything right now, but I just felt the need to cry. I cried because I hate having to go through this. I cried because I miss Justin. I cried because I'm afraid of how I will handle myself if it doesn't work this time. I can't describe the emotional stress that I have right now. I have the possibility of having the greatest news I've ever had come to me in the next few weeks, but I also have to realize that it might not work this first time. How will I make it through that? Even if I do get pregnant, do I wait to tell everyone in case something goes wrong? I have so many mixed emotions right now.
Once I got home, I pulled myself together and made it to our small group for church. I decided to ask for prayer tonight even though I have been extremely private about our infertility thus far. I just need peace that transcends all understanding in the next few days. I don't want to be constantly thinking about, "Did it work? Am I pregnant? What happens if they tell me it didn't work?". I'm exhausted, and I am too praying for peace right now. I'm going to need a lot of that for the next few days!
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Trigger Time
June 19, 2012
This morning I got up for yet another doctor's appointment in Bedford. At least this time I did not have to make a 3 hour drive there and a 3 hour drive back home. It was shortened to about 30-45 minutes instead. They did my lab work first then took me straight back to have another sonogram. Today one of my larger follicles was measuring in at around 18-19mm. The nurse informed me that I would be ready to trigger tonight pending my lab results.
They gave me instructions on how to give the trigger injection, what other medications I needed to begin with the trigger (a steroid and an antibiotic), what medications to discontinue (the Lupron, Bravelle, and Menopur), what to expect the day of retrieval, what medications to begin after retrieval (Endometrin and Estrace), and what to expect on the day of transfer. Yes, there is a LOT of information to keep up with on a daily basis. Sometimes it can be quite exhausting, but I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
I went back to Katie's and kept myself occupied by cleaning her house and cooking supper for us. I decided it was the least I could do for her since she was providing me with a convenient place to stay during this process.
The doctor's office called this afternoon to inform me that my estradiol level had risen to an excess of 3900. I'm definitely ready for the trigger tonight, as they don't really like your estradiol level to exceed 4000 because you are at risk for developing a condition called OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome). It is a serious condition that can cause hospitalization or even death.
Even later this afternoon, Dr. Kathleen called me to tell me how sorry she was that she was not going to be able to do my egg retrieval and to assure me that I was in good hands because she had handed my case over to her husband. I really respected that she took the time to call me and talk to me and to encourage me about my upcoming treatments. This is one of the many reasons that I know I'm in the right place.
This evening I gave myself the full dose of Pregnyl (10,000 IU) to trigger ovulation. I also began taking Prednisone and the antibiotic. I go back in tomorrow morning to have an HCG blood test to make sure the trigger worked. That means we will be having the retrieval on Thursday, June 21.
So excited!
This morning I got up for yet another doctor's appointment in Bedford. At least this time I did not have to make a 3 hour drive there and a 3 hour drive back home. It was shortened to about 30-45 minutes instead. They did my lab work first then took me straight back to have another sonogram. Today one of my larger follicles was measuring in at around 18-19mm. The nurse informed me that I would be ready to trigger tonight pending my lab results.
They gave me instructions on how to give the trigger injection, what other medications I needed to begin with the trigger (a steroid and an antibiotic), what medications to discontinue (the Lupron, Bravelle, and Menopur), what to expect the day of retrieval, what medications to begin after retrieval (Endometrin and Estrace), and what to expect on the day of transfer. Yes, there is a LOT of information to keep up with on a daily basis. Sometimes it can be quite exhausting, but I'm seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
I went back to Katie's and kept myself occupied by cleaning her house and cooking supper for us. I decided it was the least I could do for her since she was providing me with a convenient place to stay during this process.
The doctor's office called this afternoon to inform me that my estradiol level had risen to an excess of 3900. I'm definitely ready for the trigger tonight, as they don't really like your estradiol level to exceed 4000 because you are at risk for developing a condition called OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome). It is a serious condition that can cause hospitalization or even death.
Even later this afternoon, Dr. Kathleen called me to tell me how sorry she was that she was not going to be able to do my egg retrieval and to assure me that I was in good hands because she had handed my case over to her husband. I really respected that she took the time to call me and talk to me and to encourage me about my upcoming treatments. This is one of the many reasons that I know I'm in the right place.
This evening I gave myself the full dose of Pregnyl (10,000 IU) to trigger ovulation. I also began taking Prednisone and the antibiotic. I go back in tomorrow morning to have an HCG blood test to make sure the trigger worked. That means we will be having the retrieval on Thursday, June 21.
So excited!
Visiting with a Friend
June 18, 2012
Today I went back to Bedford with a suitcase, air mattress, and high hopes for the week. I had another E2 blood test today and a sonogram. The sonogram showed that my follicles were still increasing as they should. My largest one is about 17mm, and they said they can grow up to 2 mm a day. That means I will most likely trigger ovulation tomorrow. Also at this appointment, the nurse mixed my trigger medication (Pregnyl) so that it would be ready when we needed it.
After the appointment, I drove to Lake Dallas to stay with Katie. We decided to go eat lunch at McAlister's and to go see a movie. We watched "Rock of Ages", and it wasn't exactly what we were expecting. It was a musical, and it wasn't all that great. During the movie, the doctor's office called with my E2 results. My numbers had grown to the 1900s. They advised me to come back the following morning for more labs and another sonogram to see if I was ready for the trigger. I was also advised to take 10 units of Lupron, 2 vials of Menopur, and 1/2 a vial of Bravelle tonight.
After the movie, Katie and I decided to have supper at El Guapos in Denton. We visited and caught up with each others' lives and then got to bed at a decent hour since she had to work the next morning and I had another appointment.
Getting Closer!
Today I went back to Bedford with a suitcase, air mattress, and high hopes for the week. I had another E2 blood test today and a sonogram. The sonogram showed that my follicles were still increasing as they should. My largest one is about 17mm, and they said they can grow up to 2 mm a day. That means I will most likely trigger ovulation tomorrow. Also at this appointment, the nurse mixed my trigger medication (Pregnyl) so that it would be ready when we needed it.
After the appointment, I drove to Lake Dallas to stay with Katie. We decided to go eat lunch at McAlister's and to go see a movie. We watched "Rock of Ages", and it wasn't exactly what we were expecting. It was a musical, and it wasn't all that great. During the movie, the doctor's office called with my E2 results. My numbers had grown to the 1900s. They advised me to come back the following morning for more labs and another sonogram to see if I was ready for the trigger. I was also advised to take 10 units of Lupron, 2 vials of Menopur, and 1/2 a vial of Bravelle tonight.
After the movie, Katie and I decided to have supper at El Guapos in Denton. We visited and caught up with each others' lives and then got to bed at a decent hour since she had to work the next morning and I had another appointment.
Getting Closer!
Growing Numbers
June 16, 2012
I got up very early this morning to drive to Bedford for a 9:15 appointment. When I got there, they drew my blood for the E2 test. Then they put me in the sonogram room. I was expecting to see Dr. Doody today because I am getting closer to retrieval day. However, I was hit with some shocking news. Dr. Doody had been in an accident and cut her finger OFF. Yes, I said OFF! This means that she will obviously be unavailable for our egg retrieval and transfer because she cannot perform this surgery with her recently-sewn-on finger. Luckily this facility has other really great physicians (including Dr. Doody's husband) that can perform these procedures.
My sonogram looked great. I have tons of follicles and they are all growing. My largest one was measuring about 13 mm. I still have a little ways to go to reach the 18-20 mm mark. This afternoon they called me about my E2 results. Last time my E2 was 399, and today it was 1168! Wowzas! Remember, they really just need it to double. Mine went a little above and beyond. This is a good thing because it means my follicles are getting closer to the correct size.
They reduced my medication since I was responding so well. I now take 2 vials of Menopur, 1/2 a vial of Bravelle, and still 10 units of Lupron until my next appointment. I may be ready for the ovulation trigger on Monday or Tuesday, so I made arrangements to stay with one of my friends, Katie Gregg, since she lives closer to the clinic. I can't believe we are already so close to retrieval! I'm still in prayer that everything works out and that we will be expecting our first child very soon!
I got up very early this morning to drive to Bedford for a 9:15 appointment. When I got there, they drew my blood for the E2 test. Then they put me in the sonogram room. I was expecting to see Dr. Doody today because I am getting closer to retrieval day. However, I was hit with some shocking news. Dr. Doody had been in an accident and cut her finger OFF. Yes, I said OFF! This means that she will obviously be unavailable for our egg retrieval and transfer because she cannot perform this surgery with her recently-sewn-on finger. Luckily this facility has other really great physicians (including Dr. Doody's husband) that can perform these procedures.
My sonogram looked great. I have tons of follicles and they are all growing. My largest one was measuring about 13 mm. I still have a little ways to go to reach the 18-20 mm mark. This afternoon they called me about my E2 results. Last time my E2 was 399, and today it was 1168! Wowzas! Remember, they really just need it to double. Mine went a little above and beyond. This is a good thing because it means my follicles are getting closer to the correct size.
They reduced my medication since I was responding so well. I now take 2 vials of Menopur, 1/2 a vial of Bravelle, and still 10 units of Lupron until my next appointment. I may be ready for the ovulation trigger on Monday or Tuesday, so I made arrangements to stay with one of my friends, Katie Gregg, since she lives closer to the clinic. I can't believe we are already so close to retrieval! I'm still in prayer that everything works out and that we will be expecting our first child very soon!
Follicle Production
June 14, 2012
This morning I drove to Bedford for an appointment that was scheduled for 11:00 AM. Man that drive is getting tough! They did my E2 blood test first, then they did my sonogram. The sonogram was done to measure my uterine lining (which was already 8.1 mm...YAY!). If you remember, this was one of the issues that was possibly causing our infertility. Anything above 8 mm is good. They also took a look at the development of the follicles in my ovaries. Both ovaries appeared to have lots of follicles, but my left one has the most. They found one follicle that already measured 10.08 mm, which is great at this point in the cycle! They want my leading follicle to end up measuring between 18-20 mm before retrieval. They told me everything was progressing exactly as it should. Later this afternoon, they called with my estradiol results. Mine was at 399...perfect. They are wanting my levels to double each time I go back, and last time I was at 135. I continue with 10 units of Lupron, 2 vials of Menopur, and 1 vial of Bravelle until my next appointment. I am so ready to get this show on the road!
This morning I drove to Bedford for an appointment that was scheduled for 11:00 AM. Man that drive is getting tough! They did my E2 blood test first, then they did my sonogram. The sonogram was done to measure my uterine lining (which was already 8.1 mm...YAY!). If you remember, this was one of the issues that was possibly causing our infertility. Anything above 8 mm is good. They also took a look at the development of the follicles in my ovaries. Both ovaries appeared to have lots of follicles, but my left one has the most. They found one follicle that already measured 10.08 mm, which is great at this point in the cycle! They want my leading follicle to end up measuring between 18-20 mm before retrieval. They told me everything was progressing exactly as it should. Later this afternoon, they called with my estradiol results. Mine was at 399...perfect. They are wanting my levels to double each time I go back, and last time I was at 135. I continue with 10 units of Lupron, 2 vials of Menopur, and 1 vial of Bravelle until my next appointment. I am so ready to get this show on the road!
Good Results
June 12, 2012
I drove to Bedford this morning by myself to get my E2 (estradiol) blood test. It really sucks to have to drive 3 hours for a test that takes 2 minutes to perform, but there is not a lab any closer to us that can do this type of testing. A nurse called me this afternoon with the results. They wanted my E2 to be around 100 today, and mine was 135. I continue with 10 units of Lupron, 2 vials of Menopur, and 1 vial of Bravelle until my next appointment. Everything is looking good so far. In one week, hopefully we will be doing the egg retrieval!
I drove to Bedford this morning by myself to get my E2 (estradiol) blood test. It really sucks to have to drive 3 hours for a test that takes 2 minutes to perform, but there is not a lab any closer to us that can do this type of testing. A nurse called me this afternoon with the results. They wanted my E2 to be around 100 today, and mine was 135. I continue with 10 units of Lupron, 2 vials of Menopur, and 1 vial of Bravelle until my next appointment. Everything is looking good so far. In one week, hopefully we will be doing the egg retrieval!
In It for the Long Haul
June 10, 2012
Today Justin, Jeremy, Worm, Chumley, and I hauled equipment all the way to Morton, Texas. Morton is about 4 hours away from Seymour, and it is where Justin and Jeremy will be working for the next few months. I rode with Justin on the truck today so we could spend some time together before he leaves. This is where he will be working when we will need him to come back to Bedford for the egg retrieval and his "sample". This will be quite a challenge to get everything timed correctly. I hate that it has to be so scientific. Why can't we have a baby like everyone else does? Regardless of the path we are having to take, I am so ready for the beautiful outcome. I can't wait to meet our son or daughter for the first time. All of this planning will soon be worth it. I took my injectibles again this evening (Lupron, Bravelle, and Menopur). They are giving me some really rough headaches, but I am fortunate that that is the only side effect that I'm currently experiencing. I can do this for just a few more days!
Today Justin, Jeremy, Worm, Chumley, and I hauled equipment all the way to Morton, Texas. Morton is about 4 hours away from Seymour, and it is where Justin and Jeremy will be working for the next few months. I rode with Justin on the truck today so we could spend some time together before he leaves. This is where he will be working when we will need him to come back to Bedford for the egg retrieval and his "sample". This will be quite a challenge to get everything timed correctly. I hate that it has to be so scientific. Why can't we have a baby like everyone else does? Regardless of the path we are having to take, I am so ready for the beautiful outcome. I can't wait to meet our son or daughter for the first time. All of this planning will soon be worth it. I took my injectibles again this evening (Lupron, Bravelle, and Menopur). They are giving me some really rough headaches, but I am fortunate that that is the only side effect that I'm currently experiencing. I can do this for just a few more days!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)