One of the things I remember most about our first IVF appointment was the bullet point in the literature explaining that once I started my stim meds, there was no sweet lovin' allowed. Right next to that point was another one in boldface and underlined print noting that my partner had to "keep it fresh" every 2 to 3 days. For some reason, M & I found this terminology hysterical. Since then, we have been shouting out to each other at random points during the day "keep it fresh!" It is just really fun to say. The poor guy has to keep it fresh all by himself...I wonder when I'll ever get to keep it fresh again.
SO, last weekend I started my 4 units of Bravelle once a day in addition to my Lupron. I had a doc appointment last Tuesday, where they counted 14 follicles, averaging around 6mm each, with the largest ones being 8mm. After that appointment, they changed my dose to 3 units of Bravelle and 2 units of Menopur nightly with the Lupron. By my Friday appointment (yesterday), they counted 24 potential follicles, averaging around 9mm, with the largest one being 11.5mm. I realize that these are all "potential" follicles but it is still very exciting that they are counting so many!! My next appointment is Monday and I am hoping for some major growth! The nurse said they usually grow around 2mm per day so I am praying for lots of little follicles next time I take a peek on the ultrasound monitor! I asked for her prediction of when she thinks they might trigger me, and she said Tues or Weds trigger shot with retrieval Weds or Thurs. I can't believe it is so close!!
I have been running around like a crazy person all day today trying to get a refill on my Menopur because I won't have enough to last me through the weekend. As of yesterday morning's appointment, my protocol left me enough to get through until my Monday appointment. However, when the nurse called at 2pm yesterday to let me know about my bloodwork, she switched my dosage to more Menopur than previously taken so that left me light on my meds. I have enough to get me through tonight, but not enough for tomorrow so I had to call the mail order pharmacy this morning. Unfortunately, they couldn't guarantee tomorrow delivery so I had to get my prescription transferred to a local pharmacy- and when I say "local" I mean 1 hour away- so I have to go pick my meds up tomorrow morning. Happy Mother's Day to me.
I never thought I would say that I wish I could go back to just the Lupron shots...but I really miss those little guys! Those needles were so small and left no bruising/bleeding. The Bravelle/Menopur combo...those are a little more painful. I am still using a fairly small needle, but the amount of medicine is much larger and you can't pump yourself full of it too fast. That means the needle is in for longer and I have been bruising and bleeding afterwards which completely sucks. I know that this has to be better than the trigger shot and progesterone in oil (PIO) shots that are taken after implantation...but still not as easy to take as the Lupron injections.
I haven't had much bloating but have been acutely aware of my ovaries. During the monitoring appointments they are very sore when the nurse performs the internal ultrasound, but I'm taking it as a sign that those little puppies are getting nice and ripe! Emotionally, I have definitely been on a rollercoaster again this week. One day I will be optimistic, hopeful and ready for anything and the next day I just want to stay in bed and feel sorry for myself. I don't feel mentally any different, and I haven't seen M enough this week for him to even be able to tell any difference. I think I will just conclude that I'm doing well with the drugs and haven't had any weird reactions.
I just jinxed myself , didn't I?
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