Cycle #7, IVF #1: Stims Day 5

Had my first monitoring appointment today for IVF. I also had my acupuncture appointment.

Ultrasound

The ultrasound went really quickly, but the results weren't where I wanted them to be. The results:

• Right Ovary: 4-5 follicles 
• Left Ovary: 2 follicles and a cyst! 
• Uterine Lining: 11.56

The RE didn't seem worried about the cyst... Said some women get a cyst during stims, that they're just going to ignore it. Ugh. Not sure how I feel about it and scared to check Google-verse. So maybe I won't...

So potentially 7 follicles developing right now. I was hoping for over 10... I had about 15 at the baseline ultrasound. 

I'm a little worried. But, can't really let myself worry about it - just have to see things through and see what happens. 

My fears are that I won't have many mature follicles and that I won't have any embryos to transfer and/or freeze. It's a true fear and a possibility, which is scary... Because the % goes down. Not all eggs are mature, not all mature eggs will fertilize, not all fertilized eggs will divide to a 5 day blastocysts. I wanted to start off with enough so that I would have a few left at the end of the entire process.

To go through all this IVF stuff, you really hope and pray for good results. It's so much to put your body through. 

Anyways. I'm trying to stay positive. Some days are more difficult than others, especially when the results aren't what you wanted or expected. 

Forgot to mention, I'm HIGHLY emotional - I'm assuming due to the medication. Since I started Stims, I am so easy to cry! 

Christmas card shopping = cry fest. 

Sad news stories = cry fest. 

Happy news stories = cry fest. 

You get the point. My emotions are all over the place. Darn meds mess with your balance. 

Just praying that this process will get me Baby C at the end of all this. Praying - wishing - hoping.

Blood Work 

Results for E2 = 280.5

Acupuncture Session #4 

I had my acupuncture session today. We focused on my headaches. The sessions are becoming more and more relaxing as I continue to go. Felt light again afterwards. Wish that feeling stuck all day long!

Portal Message: Medication Changes 

I received the portal message and here's what it said:

Based on your lab results your medication dosages have changed. Please follow the new dosing starting with your next scheduled dose.  

TONIGHT: 12/3
Gonal-F 300 iu
Menopur 150 iu
Lupron 5 iu  

FRIDAY NIGHT: 12/4
Gonal-F 300 iu
Menopur 150 iu
Lupron 5 iu  

SATURDAY NIGHT: 12/5
Gonal-F 300 iu
Menopur 150 iu
Lupron 5 iu 

The only real change is the Gonal-F is going up to 300 iu (was at 225 iu). I have to think that they weren't happy with my response thus far then. Hoping the change in dosage will help push more follicles to develop. Fingers crossed.

Next Steps in IVF-Land:

• 12/6/15 @ 9:30am: Ultrasound and bloodwork. 

For more details on my IVF process, see my IVF Calendar/Timeline.

Cycle #7, IVF #1: Quick Update + Acupuncture Session #2

IVF Update

Haven't written an IVF update in a few days. Not much to report. I stopped Birth Control pills after 23 days of being on it. Just a note - I got really bad headaches in the birth control. At first, I didn't make the connection - but after I stopped, the headaches stopped! 

I am continuing on with Lupron (10 iu). The injections were going extremely well. Then the last two days the needle kind of hurt going in. Not sure why... I'm not doing anything different. Psychological maybe? Who knows. I am starting to feel like a pin cushion though. Injections in your belly every day is not a fun task.

I did start my period, which is not my "normal" type of period. They told me I might start it and that it might not be like my normal period, so I wasn't surprised. But it's still annoying because it's lasting longer than my normal cycle and it's a different consistency... Sorry if that's TMI. 

Although things have seemed slow, it's about to get busy-busy with IVF updates, as I start stims on Sunday and monitoring appointments next week.

Acupuncture Session #2 

I don't know if I'll ever get used to acupuncture! It's such a different way of thinking. I really do need to read more into it, so that it can be more effective.  Only if I had more time! LOL. My acupuncturist looked at the color of my tongue when I go in and I guess that tells her stuff about my balance. This time needles were in the following places: calves, feet, by my knees, inside of my elbows, lower tummy, and forehead. None of them really hurt going in. 

The difference this go around is, I was actually able to relax! I even almost fell asleep a few times. Maybe next time, I'll be able to relax even more and fall asleep. I felt great afterwards. Wish I could've taken a nap though, I was tired for the drive home.  

Next Week in IVF-Land: 

• 11/29/15: Start Stims! Menopur, Gonal-F, and continue Lupron
• 12/1/15: Acupuncture Session #3
• 12/2/15: Blood Work 
• 12/3/15: Ultrasound and Blood Work, Acupuncture Session #4

For more details on my IVF process, see my IVF Calendar/Timeline.

Cycle #7, IVF #1: Acupuncture, Session #1

At my IVF Consult, my RE provided a referral to two acupuncturist. I was on the fence about really going for it... fear of needles and all. Also, the additional $ that goes along with it. I've already spent so darn much on this process... I didn't feel comfortable dishing out more money on a concept that might not really "up the odds". There are so many contrary opinions out there: it works, it doesn't work, can't hurt. Well, I figure -- It can't hurt.

I heard acupuncture really relaxes you. I'm so tense lately, I can definitely use some relaxation.

I called one of the acupuncturists my RE referred. She was really nice and had some good information on her website. It says that you really should start acupuncture 3 months prior to IVF. Well, obviously I'm behind the ball on that one! I didn't think I'd get here and didn't foresee having to take these extra steps towards having Baby C. But here I am: IVF-land and now acupuncture-land.

Here's the plan:

1. Initial Consult / 1st Session: go over medical information, provide any test results from RE and PCP. $150 
2. Ongoing Sessions: have 1-2 regular sessions a week prior to egg transfer. $85 per session 
3. Day of Transfer: have treatment before Egg Transfer and treatment after. $325 

Session #1 

This was my first acupuncture session, ever. So, I wasn't really sure what to expect. I provided my blood work and lab results, we discussed my medical history, we discussed IVF and infertility. Then after the paperwork and initial discussion was complete, I had my first real acupuncture session.

Let me say, it was a little surreal. I have a big fear of needles. Knowing this, I kept my eyes shut while she started sticking me. Some spots it hurt. Others, I didn't feel it. Places that hurt: my right wrist, my right foot, and my forehead. After awhile, it didn't hurt. The right wrist was uncomfortable if I moved it wrong.

After she stuck me with the needles, she put a heating lamp over my stomach. I guess to help "warm up my uterus." Then, I laid there for 20-25 minutes. I couldn't really relax. I did open my eyes to check out the needles. They look scarier than they felt.

Afterwards, we discussed my next steps in regards to: IVF prep, supplements, diet, exercise, and meditations. She's recommending 1-2x per week prior to IVF, day of transfer (before/after), and 3-5 days post transfer to help with implantation.

It's all very interesting and now that I'm doing acupuncture, I need to really research it a little more. She recommended I read two books: 1) The Infertility Cure and 2) Feed your Fertility. I need to check if these are available at the library.

All in all: an interesting experience! I've never really looked at fertility/infertility in this type of way before. I guess I haven't really had time to think about it as things get so busy when you're cycling for fertility treatments. I've been more focused on the medications, the injections, and not missing a step. I haven't really thought about all these other things, like Chinese Medicine.

I can't say I "enjoyed" it. But I feel good that I'm doing it! Here's to hoping it turns out well.

Next Week in IVF Land:

• 11/24: Acupuncture Session #2  
• Lupron: Continue 10 iu until 11/29
• 11/29: Start Stims - Day #1 

For more details on my IVF process, see my IVF Calendar/Timeline.