IVF - Here we go again...

I thought you guys might be interested in knowing that Chris and I decided about a couple of months ago that we were ready to give InVitro fertilization another try. We decided to go with Dr. Wilshire at Mid Missouri Reproductive. This is the same office we used about four years ago, but a different doctor. Dr. Wilshire’s success rates are very good…he has made some changes to the process and lab that I think will make the difference for us. So here we are. We have been working with the doctor for about one month now. Here’s what has been going on…

After a month of Birth Control Pills to suppress my hormones (and make me a complete grump) I was able to stop taking them about a week ago at which point I started taking Lupron shots which continued to suppress my hormones (think menopause – tears, crabbies, etc.) The doctor called it “Loopy Lupron” and told Chris to give me “a long leash”. I don’t know if it was that bad – you would have to ask Chris :) I am still taking very minor amounts of this drug to keep me from ovulating when they don’t want me to.

I started taking my Follistem (what I call dial-a-hormone) on Tuesday. This is the drug that tells my body to create many follicles (eggs) to be retrieved and later fertilized. Unfortunately, as I was taking this shot tonight, I realized I started taking it three days earlier than I was supposed to!! I immediately called the doctors office and was told that it was nothing to cry about (remember the hormones) and that it would be fine but I would probably be a couple of days ahead of schedule. I can’t believe I’m such a dork!!! I was so worried about making sure I did the shots correctly at the right amounts and time that I didn’t even think about what day I was supposed to start. So, I have a doctor’s appt at 7am on Friday to find out where I am and what changes need to be made to my schedule. We were originally planning retrieval on July 29 but that may be earlier now.

At this point, I would love to have you join me in praying for this cycle. I apologize for the blunt information but hey, its how the process works…here are my specific requests:
*That hormones don’t control my attitude. I can choose how to behave and not be difficult to live with.
*That my body responds appropriately to the drugs and creates healthy follicles.
*That Chris would be creating healthy & strong sperm.
*That the doctors and nurses would choose the right course of action and know how to create the correct conditions in my body.
*That I would stay relaxed and stress free, creating the perfect environment for the embryos to attach when the time is right.
*That timing would work out so that nothing occurs on a Monday when Chris is not available.
*That I would continue to rely on God and be prepared for what is in store for us.
*That I would not worry about anything including all the scenarios that play out in my head like what will happen when it works and I have twins, what will happen when it works and I have extra embryos, what will happen if it doesn’t work, any and all money issues, etc.

The schedule – at some point the doctor will determine that the time is right and will “release” the follicles. Then I will go in for surgery to “retrieve” them. They will be fertilized in the lab and grow there for three to five days. When they have reached a certain level - known as blastocysts - they will be “transferred” into my uterus. The number transferred will depend on the number retrieved and their health, most likely it will be two. After transfer, I will be on bed rest for 48 hours. Then, I will wait two weeks to see if they attach…meaning I am pregnant.

I will continue to posts updates as there are updates to be given. Thanks for praying for us!!