IVF #2 is Officially Underway!

I started my period on CD41.  I was so frustrated it took so long, but I was just getting back on track with my natural supplements so everything was a bit out of whack.

CD3 I went in for my baseline... blood work, ultrasound, and consult.  C also came to get his bloodworm and drop off a sample for the SA.  We brought the boys with us as well and made it a family trip ;-)  They didn't come back with my for the U/S and had a total meltdown instead.

We aren't telling any of our family about moving forward with IVF, just like last time.  It is going to be a bit more challenging with appointments and a set a twins, but we will make it work.

Why aren't we telling anyone?  We don't want opinions.  Its no one else's business.  We prayed about moving forward with IVF for a long time, just like we did last time.  IVF is such a personal choice and one that people can have very strong views about.  We love our family.  My mom is my best friend and would totally support us as well, but it is still fun to keep somethings private... and hopefully be able to share a miracle surprise!

When I need reassurance, I seek the Lord.  When I struggle, he give me strength.  When I pray, he guides my steps and answers me. I truly feel calm about this IVF, as I did last time.  I trust the Lord and know that what ever happens, it is in his plan for us.  That is so comforting.

The Results

Chris's SA : 40 mil, great motility, but only 2% morphology!  

We didn't wait the full 48 hours (36 hours) of abstinence and he had a little trouble completing the task, so to speak.  As for the morphology, it is no wonder we aren't getting pregnant!  His sperm cannot penetrate my eggs so we are moving forward with ICSI again :)

Sara's: All my numbers were exactly were they were supposed to be!  I can't remember the exact numbers, but my FSH and Estrogen meant I am still fertile (here's hoping!)  The first u/s I did over 5 years ago to check my ovaries, I had about 40-50 tiny cyst on each one!  This time, only 8-10!  How amazing!  Natural medicine and clean eating does really work!  

So Now What?

I started my BCP's.  After being drug and hormone free for four years now, let me just say, my body did NOT like this.  I started the pills (2/day for three days) on CD3.  I had a head ache (and I have one right now!) and was extremely exhausted for a week!  I was taking naps when my boys napped, like 2-3 hours a day!  My body is hating me :(

I go in Tuesday for my hysteroscopy (no fun!) to check my uterus for any changes, especially since I had given birth to twins, had a c-section, and two surgeries to remove my uterine septum.  He is also doing my trial transfer. 

We are on full steam ahead!  Its all happening so fast! Last time, things couldn't move fast enough, now, its going to be here before we know it!  

I start Lupron on the 12th and Stims on the 22, and a tentative Egg Retrieval on the 5th. Eeek!  I just received my GIANT box of meds today.  It is so crazy!  

I'm ready.

Lets do this!

Birth control?

At my six week check up, Dr. I discussed birth control options with me.  But do I need it?  I hear it again and again that after infertility, many people get "surprises."  I guess, I am not sure what to do because our issue ended up being a little different than most peoples.  C's sperm didn't like my eggs!  I mean what are the chances we would have a surprise pregnancy if out of 29 eggs, NOT ONE, fertilized!?

I did get a prescription for a progesterone pill that's safe to take while breastfeeding.  Part of me doesn't want to take it because if we did get a surprise, that wouldn't be anything less than a miracle.  But at the same time, I REALLY don't want to get pregnant again for a LONG time!  I just want to enjoy my new little twins!  So I ask the question... what would you do???


Another pic just for fun :-)

Merry Christmas!!

I just created our Christmas card and thought I would share it with all of you!  I love how they turned out.  You are the first to see...

I can't wait til they arrive!  We spent yesterday getting all the Christmas stuff out too.  We went got our Christmas tree!  I love decorating it, I love the way it smells and adds so much to the room!  I turned on the Christmas music and got to decorating!  It looks beautiful!

Thanksgiving was awesome!  There was so much food it was actually ridiculous.  You know when your mom used to tell you not to eat too much or you'll get a belly ache?  Well, I literally got a belly ache!  I had to drink some mint tea, which did help a little bit. 

We stayed the night at my parents and it was a full house.  The grand kids also wanted to stay so we had a full house.  

The following night, we went on a double date with G and her husband and saw Peter Pan at the Orange County performing Art center.

It was one of the best shows I've seen, next to Mama Mia.  I love the story of Peter Pan because its so magical!  It was the same story as the Disney movie with flying, Tinkerbell, The lost boys, Mermaids, and of course, Captain Hook.  Very well done, with awesome graphics!  I highly recommend it!

On a separate note... I've been on Lupron for six days now. I am NOT feeling good. I've had a headache on and off for the last four days and I got some seriously SORE BOOBS! I never read about the sore boob thing, but FYI they hurt. I have also been extremely tired. I am a tired person anyways, so I'm not sure if its the Lupron or just me being tired from all the Thanksgiving festivities!? I went to bed last night at 9 and woke up at 830!

I took my LAST BCP yesterday (yay!), so I should start my period any day then my next appointment is Friday. I'll be doing bloodwork, ultrasound, and getting more meds!  I can't wait to get this show on the road!

She's HERE...

Yes the infamous AF FINALLY arrive.  After 10 days on Provera and 7 days waiting, I am thrilled to say I have bad cramps!  I was able to call Dr. R's office this morning to share my good news. 

C and I are both going to go in on Wednesday.  I have to go for what I believe is an u/s and to get bcp's.  C is going to give his manly goods which, I guess, they will culture (required for IVF) and do the standard checks... #'s, motility, morphology, etc.  and we both have to get blood work.  C is devastated about the blood work.  He is so scared of needles and almost passed out last time!  I however, am a pro!  I have had so many shots in my life its crazy!  When I was a kid I had to have allergy shots twice a week in each arm for asthma , I also used to give blood (I'm B+ a more rare blood) until I started these IF treatments and became anemic (which I'm not anymore), and of course all of the Follistim shots in the tummy with tons of blood work.  I seriously feel like a human pin cushion, which I'm sure many of you relate! 

So I was doing some research on IVF yesterday and was trying to figure out the time line.  I was wondering how long on BCP's, Lupron, etc.  Normally, you have to be on BCP's for two weeks.  I was able to go over the potential schedule with the nurse the morning.  Unfortunately, I will be on BCP's an extra week because their lab is going to be down for a week (I'm assuming for Thanksgiving?) so everything is going to be pushed back a week or so.  But she said my retrieval will be around the 9th or 10th of Dec with the transfer around the 12th or 13th (I think).  I will know more on Wednesday.  Does that mean that is would be a 3day transfer?  What is better a 3 or 5 day transfer?

Can't wait to find out ALL of the details!!!