Climbing the Fertility Mountain

Today is stims day 8 and I've had approximately 20 pokes, with more to come. Here's a quick update on what's happened the past week. I'm pretty much over these daily injections, but trying to stay positive! I started the week with only one shot a day - 250 IUs of Gonal-F every evening. After two ultrasounds, and a few blood draws, I was told to add Ganirelix as an AM shot, and an additional 75 IUs of Menopur along with the evening dosage of Gonal-F. The morning shot prevents the follicles from ovulating too early, while the Menopur also helps stimulate the ovaries. Ultrasound #2 - Follicles are still too small to count. Ultrasound #3  - A total of three follicles measuring at 10mm and lots more little ones. Ultrasound #4 - Around seven follicles measuring 10-12mm and a few more 9 or smaller. The goal is to have at least three follicles measuring at 18mm or larger before scheduling the egg retrieval surgery, and taking the "trigger" shots. So, I still need a fe...

Today is the day! My Covid test came back negative, my baseline ultrasound looked good, and we are starting stims!  First ultrasound of my IVF cycle. I'll continue to go in for ultrasounds every two days to check on follicle growth and the doctors will adjust the medication doses as needed. Brandon gave me the first shot of Gonal-F this evening to stimulate the follicles into growing. I'll continue to have a shot of Gonal-F every night for the next 12ish days until the follicles are mature. About halfway through the cycle I will add two more (Ganirelix and Menopur) to my daily shots, which will prevent the follicles from ovulating too soon.  Gonal-F Shot - Stims Day 1 I told a friend yesterday that I was starting IVF and she said "That's exciting!" And yes, while it is exciting that we are moving forward with a plan to *hopefully* get pregnant and have a healthy baby, I still wish my body would have just done its job and given us our healthy baby last year. Or, th...