Here We Go Again

After getting the negative pregnancy bloodwork results on Friday, we went back and forth a few times on whether to start back up with my next cycle. 

Day 1 hit like clockwork this Monday, so once we settled some insurance questions (my plan restarts April 1, so we were being responsible and figuring out deductible math) we decided to continue our momentum and start on attempt #2 right away. 

And away we go... I just got back from my Day 3 baseline test.  Since I JUST had a bloodtest, I didn't even need bloodwork (nice to give those veins a rest now and then ;). Just an ultrasound to check around that everything is "ready" to go and make sure there were no cysts.

ALL CLEAR!

I start taking the Clomid tonight thru Sunday and continue with the injections on Day 9, an ultrasound on 11 to check follicle count and hopefully the "trigger" shot that night.  Same course as last time (unless something happens between now and then), if you've been following along. ;)

Then, our 2nd IUI procedure will be around Day 14, and then the dreaded LOOOOOONG two week wait before my "Beta" (pregnancy) bloodwork. 

Funny thing is - that's just a repeat of our last 4 weeks and it feels like FOREVER since the beginning.

But... only way to go is onward. Fingers crossed, hopes in check.... xo

Time to Re-Group

Yesterday, we received the news that our first IUI procedure was unsuccessful. And while highly common for the first attempt to not result in pregnancy, the disappointment is very, very real. 

I tried to keep a level head thru the last two weeks, but hopes and excitement inevitably got raised as time went on. And now...well now, we restart when ready. 

I've learned so much about myself through this process. I've learned how strong I can actually be, I've learned how I deal with some truly devestating disappointment (for better or worse) and I've learned that my husband truly can see me at worst and hug away the tears. 

And though tears may appear at a seemingly random time, I am TRYING to keep a good outlook and my hopes up. 

And now, we wait...

Friday proved to be an intersting day, to say the least. We DID in fact get that call from the Dr. on Wednesday that we were a go! So it was a trigger injection on Wednesday, "day of rest" on Thursday, and procedure on Friday.

Although I was nervous to boot, the procedure went very smoothly. That said, I was in pain the rest of the day. I wasn't expecting to have that much cramping... I only made it through a little over an hour back at work before I had to lay down. Fetal position was really the only way to be comfortable.

I woke up Saturday so much better. Feel strange - but better!

But now, we wait... the dreaded 2 weeks in between procedure and bloodtest.

And though I'm CAUTIOUSLY excited, I'm more of a realist and the chances of the first IUI actually working are only 18-20%.

So March 10th we'll know for sure. Here's hoping for a quick 2 weeks! :)

Day 11 | Just. Got. Real.

Had my day 11 blood work and ultrasound this morning... I almost cried when the Technician told me the I had a follicle ready for trigger.

Met with the nurse for further instructions and she said if the bloodwork comes back good this afternoon, I'll be giving myself the trigger injection this evening and to go ahead and make the appointment(s) for our IUI procedure Friday morning. So. Many. Emotions. But I don't want to get ahead of myself.

As I sit at the pharmacy waiting for a Rx to be filled (they want my lining a little thicker, most likely thinned by the Clomid), I'm consumed with how far we've come. It'll be 28 months, almost to the day, since we've started trying. I know I didn't think it would take this long or that this is the route we'd have to travel. But we're almost there. So close I can just about see it.

I am cautiously hopeful. It's so hard not to be down right giddy about today's news, but on the other hand - there's still A LOT that has to go right. I take comfort in knowing we've made it this far.

On a side note, this Friday is Mike and I's 5th anniversary of our "4th first date"... so the day we officially got back together. This day is already pretty special (known as the day we both got our heads out of our asses ;), but to possibly conceive a baby on the same date would truly make my heart soar.

Anxiously waiting this afternoon's phone call from the doc. Fingers crossed.

Day 9 | Injection Day!

This day came up faster than I wanted! ;)

At the beginning of this process, I was not a fan of needles. Ok, still not, though I'm a pro at giving blood at this point.  But there's something that feels very wrong about stabbing yourself with a needle, LOL.

That said, as expected, the anticipation was much, much worse than the prick. All done for the day and now we move on...

Wednesday (Day 11) will be my follow-up bloodwork and ultrasound, where they'll take a look at how the clomid and the Follistim "worked". Hopefully everything is on track and we'll be having our first IUI treatment by the end of the week!

It's crazy to me how "up in the air" everything is until it's "go time". I mean, I definitely get it. There's so many "what if" factors - but it's just nuts to have all the contingency plans.

So, good thoughts people. Only good thoughts this week. :)

On a side note: this process became very, very real after giving myself an injection. Not that the plethora of tests and Rx wasn't real - but I have to tell you, I woulda give myself a needle for any other reason!

Day 3 | All Systems... GO!

Today was an exciting day!

As day 3 of my cycle, I had a doctor's appointment this morning for  baseline bloodwork and an ultrasound. By afternoon I received word that everything looks good to start the process!


So this means that starting today (and through day 7) I'll be taking Clomid. After that will be the injections, but let's not think about that yet. ;)

I really can not express how much I appreciate the ongoing support. There are a handful of friends who constantly ask and check-in on me and it truly means the world to me. Knowing you're in our corner gives me much-needed strength.

Getting Pregnant with a Hormonal Imbalance

I love the emails I get from Shady Grove, but I especially love the emails that speak directly about the issues we're currently having. Today's was no exception...

9 MUST-READ FAQS ABOUT HORMONAL IMBALANCES AND TRYING TO GET PREGNANT

Since I've been on the Vitamin D supplements and the Dostinex (for lowering my prolactin levels) - my cycles have shortened to normal length and consistency. So if anything, that can't hurt the process!