IVF: an update

I can't believe that I am almost done with 3 weeks of shots, and 1 full week of stims. Time is flying by! The two new medications I added last weekend brought with them all the dreaded side effects. I knew they were coming but UGH. I am trying so hard to remain positive and keep my eyes on the prize. However, my poor husband is probably sick of me telling him how tired I am and how bad my head hurts. I feel so bloated and can't sleep. I am waking up almost every hour and then for good at 5am. He woke up to go to the bathroom and saw me scrolling through my phone at 5am and said, "why are you awake?"... GOOD QUESTION.

I mentioned in a previous post how sensitive I am to medicines and how I get headaches so easily. Well I have had a headache almost every single day since starting stims. There is nothing more crippling that a pounding headache while trying to see patients. However, I've talked to multiple ladies that went through this and they said the Menopur caused awful headaches for about 4-5 days then it stopped so I am praying the headaches will resolve soon. The Menopur also burns like a biatch! It feels like fire going into my skin... not the most pleasant feeling. I have come to dread 8:00pm because that's shot time. I keep reminding myself that I only have a few more nights of shots, as egg retrieval will be some time next week! So crazy!

I had blood work on Tuesday and my hormone levels had skyrocketed since Saturday so my doctor decreased the dosage of one of my medicines. Probably the reason for the crazy bad hot flashes I've been getting. I feel like I'm 50 years old and going through menopause! I go back again this morning for an ultrasound and bloodwork to see how big my follicles are growing (grow eggs, grow!). After this appointment they will likely tweak my dosages again then I will come back for another monitoring appointment this weekend. IVF is such a fine balance. They literally have it down to a science and the smallest changes in injection dosages can make the biggest difference! I sure am glad they are experts because this stuff is CONFUSING!

Despite my complaining, overall I am doing great. I realize how blessed we are both physically and financially to even be able to attempt IVF. It absolutely crushes my heart when I hear about couples that cannot attempt IVF due to the financial aspect. If I ever win the lottery you better believe all that money is going to fertility clinics to give everyone a chance at having a babe of their own.

When I think about all the hormones I am pumping in my body, I realize that I could be feeling a lot worse. So for now we just continue shots until all my levels and ovaries look just right. Praying for perfect little eggies!