Our Infertility Journey- An Update

I have had so many people email me asking where we are in the IVF process so I figured I would update you guys. First of all, THANK YOU for all the support. I have been overwhelmed with support from the blog community! Honestly, my "blog friends" have provided more support than people I know IRL. Sometimes people think that reaching out to you to ask where you are in the process or how you're doing is "nosey" but it truly is comforting when people contact me about it. After all, that's why I opened up in the first place, so that people would ask questions and spread awareness.

So an update: we have done all of our pre-IVF testing and now it's just a waiting game. We had tons of blood work done to make sure we didn't have rubella, varicella, hepatitis, HIV, etc. We had genetic testing done to rule out some autosomal recessive disorders that our future children could inherit. I had a saline ultrasound done to look at my uterus, which is beautiful and a perfectly hospitable environment for our little babes! I had a "mock embryo transfer" where they make sure the embryo will transfer smoothly when they actually have one to transfer.

What most people don't realize is how incredibly complicated IVF is. It takes months of preparation, schedules and monitoring, ultrasounds and blood draws. I start birth control pills tomorrow so that they can monitor my cycle and make my endometrial lining thin before starting injections. Who would have thought that you have to take birth control to have a baby?! Oh the irony.

On March 25th we go back to our doctor for one last appointment before beginning injections. At this appointment he will verify the dosage of the injectable medications and make sure we are good to go. We will also take our "shot class" at this appointment, where my husband will learn how to give me shots. Then on April 10th I will begin injections every day. I am weirdly excited for this day because it means we are one step closer.

The "Big Day" aka egg retrieval day will be the very beginning of May. There is no date set in stone because it all depends on how your body and ovaries respond to the injections. I will be having ultrasounds almost every day after beginning shots to monitor my ovaries and when they are fully stimulated, we will go for that procedure. During the procedure I will be sedated and asleep, thank God!

What is causing me the most anxiety at this point? 2 things. The first is my biggest fear… that no eggs will fertilize. I am terrified of that. Not common, especially with a fertility center and lab as good as the one we are going to, but it is still a possibility. The second, how am I going to miss work that much for ultrasounds, last minute doctor's appointments, and bed rest after the procedures? I will be giving work less than a 24-hour notice on most occasions. They have been so understanding and supportive but it's still hard regardless of what job you have, especially when you just started working a month ago.

Through it all I am trying to remain hopeful and positive, clinging to my faith and His promises. The verse that is on repeat in my head is 1 Samuel 1:27, "For this child we have prayed." We have prayed daily for years and will continue to pray! Will you pray with us? For my nerves, for our doctors and embryologists, for our future babies.

If you or someone you know is struggling with infertility, I'd love to talk! Or if you have any questions about the IVF process feel free to shoot me an email at davisduoblog@gmail.com