Picking Up Sticks

We continue our journey this week getting a little closer to our official first procedure. Still in the midst of details, we are now using that box of medications that I posted a picture of last time.  

It is kind of like a morning science project at our house, mixing up the needed and prescribed medication to encourage my insides to generate what's needed for the first procedure. (In case you're wondering - currently I am on lots of Bravelle and Menopur.)  Josh is my medicine tech as he feels this is another way he can be part of the process (as much of this journey is happening in and to me). I love that he is doing this!

This week has been a busy week of appointments as the doctor continues to check my hormone levels every other day. Depending on the results, they will let us know if we are on track to continue medication or increase it.  As of today, we are doing good but now need to increase my dosage. We hope the first IVF procedure will happen sometime next week.

Surprisingly, the medications haven't effected my emotions as much as I expected. The main effect has been super-monster headaches. It feels like my head is about to explode! I sit in meetings as work thinking, "ahh, my head!!" which is probably not helpful! Ha!

This week, the doc will continue to track process to let us know when my estrogen levels are ideal. When everything inside is also looking good, we'll schedule the egg retrieval procedure. 

Through this sticking process, I am gaining much more sympathy for people who have to take shots everyday as my stomach is quickly becoming filled with bruises and prick marks. Ugh and Ouch!

We continue to walk through each day remaining hopeful. Even in the weird times it is good to be moving forward. We are thankful to be here. We are thankful for science and just how amazing it is that people can even have babies! It is so detailed and precise I wonder how this happens naturally! Our God is truly and amazing creator! 

Boxes, Papers and Medications

Last week, we received our huge expensive box filled with prescriptions. Necessary items that will help us prepare for the official IVF procedure. Each medicine has it's own job and the timing and "how to's" for each one is different.

I was in a bit of information overload on Monday as they explained each item in the box.

While I typically prefer to be a bit more vague, I suspect it helps people looking into IVF to know more details. I have one drug that I take as a shot every morning that helps keep me from ovulating at the wrong time, that way I can be on right time-table needed for both me and the doctor.

Additionally, Josh and I both have to take medications that help us both be healthier for the whole process. We have become pill popping buddies! A new experience for us! Haha! I am also on prenatal vitamins and birth control (I know that makes no sense but it helps with timing).

For the first part of this, the medications haven't made me feel crazy - I suspect the more emotional medications will begin next week as the real inside prep and hormone boosting drugs begin.

We will see.