Never Say Never...

I at one point... not oh so long ago... said that that IVF was our only option, and that it was yet not an option. I had reached absolute infertility.

But, like the blog post title says. Never say never... Mario and I met with my surgeon, and then my RE (reproductive endocrinoligist) who I now call Dr. Sunshine because he seems to be the consumate optimist. We then went in for a 3rd consult with an RE nurse, to get the lowdown on what an IVF cycle actual entails, both the financial aspect as well as step by step of the medical requirements and calendar of events. We were a bit stunned by it all... it's so ... involved! And so expensive as well. We discussed the choice, Mario and I. And somehow the next thing I knew, we had committed to doing it. I had to empty my 401k account, in order to pay for it. As it was, it wasn't enough by several thousand, but Dr. Sunshine's office has been amazing and has helped me with donated meds and a reduction in professional fees.

I started the cycle with blood work and then birth control pills for almost 2 weeks. The point of taking them is to quiet down the ovaries and give them a rest before you put them to work. You don't want any follicles starting ahead of time, and you don't want any cysts either! (I especially don't... ugh!)

I started seeing an acupuncturist, who happens to specialize in fertility and is personal friends with Dr. Sunshine. I've never had acupuncture before, so I was a little nervous my first time...but it was so relaxing the 2nd time, and the dr. gave me some herbs that seem to really help calm me down and balance out. (since we decided to do this, I started having problems with feeling really anxious! it felt like so much pressure and I just couldn't get my bearings. Dr. Acupuncture said it was because of what I went through before with the hyperstimulation and infection, a little post traumatic stress) He checked my tongue and said I am still weakened and anemic, so we're working on building me up in preparation for the upcoming excitement.

On Monday I went in for a baseline ultrasound and bloodwork. Dr. Sunshine saw something on my right side, near my ovary, that he believes is an adhesion from the surgery. He said the bloodwork would confirm if it was a cyst producing hormones, but he didn't think it was. If my estrogen came back low, I was cleared to start the stim shots on Friday. Monday afternoon, I got the call from the nurse that it was low and I was cleared to start shootin' up.

What about hyperstimulation? Well, I am bound and determined to avoid it this time as best as I can. I am already stocked up on Smart Water and juice to drink constantly, and have protein bars to eat. I won't be drinking alcohol. I will be doing the acupuncture 3x a week! I have to say that I feel so much better about having the accupuncturist on my side, I feel like he's really looking out for me and that I am much better aware this time around.

Mario will be giving me shots 2 x a day starting Friday, and I go in for my first follicle monitoring ultrasound on Sunday. I will be doing the shots and going in for blood work and U/S every other day for about 10 days. I am practicing breathing, being in the moment. . . being positive and relaxed!!