Here we go...
After the surgery and recovery period, the next step of our treatment plan was to do 2-3 medicated cycles on Clomid (a medication that helps stimulate ovulation) paired with an IUI (intrauterine insemination). Here's where the real fun began. An IUI is basically a procedure where sperm is taken from the male, and "processed" through a washing technique to basically remove everything but the sperm itself... then injected through a long catheter directly into the woman's uterus. The point is to time it all up perfectly and get the sperm stationed in place at the moment ovulation occurs. Often, an IUI is used when male factor's are a variable contributing to infertility, such as when sperm count is low, they don't live long, and/or have difficulty swimming. For us however, none of these factors were true. In fact, my husband's guys are rock-stars with no trouble at all (so I'm sure they're beyond frustrated with my apparently broken eggs at this point - seriously, sorry guys). Anyways, all in all it's quite the process. Of course, no where near as invasive as IVF, but still medically involved.
The IUI process starts with an internal ultrasound (yup, imaging wand up the whoohaa) to make sure there are no cysts or other concerns on the ovaries, and once you get the ok you can start on the Clomid (for me, it was 50mg once a day for Days 5-9 of the cycle). Then, starting on Day 11 I had to begin using an OPK (ovulation predictor kit) to test for the LH surge (a hormone that typically surges about 24 hrs. before ovulation). Within a day or two, I was right back into the office for blood work and another internal ultrasound to monitor the size and growth of the follicles (aka: small little sacs in which the eggs grow in). My doctor is very particular in closely monitoring the growth and number of follicles throughout the process (because he obviously doesn't want to be responsible for creating the next octo-mom - I'm thankful for this) and because if the follicles aren't responding well to the Clomid, the cycle will be a bust and the IUI basically pointless.
At this point, everything looked good. I had two follicles of decent size and all my other hormone levels were good according to the blood work. So it was time for the HCG trigger shot (given to trigger ovulation within the next 24-36 hrs.). For the trigger shot, I had two choices: in my stomach or butt... ohhh, this is a fun choice. Let's be conservative and not have to drop my pants and bend over (really though, like I had any modesty left at this point after all the poking and prodding), but I decided to go with the stomach option. Well, piss-poor choice on my part. For the next 3 days, anytime anything remotely touched my injection sight, it didn't feel good. Seat belt strap in the car, waistband of my pants, bending over and putting even the slightest pressure on my abdomen all caused pain. But, suck it up Tiff, you want a baby, right? I'm sure many women prefer the injection in the stomach, but note to self: If there's a next time, let's try the tail-feather.
The next day was the day, on Christmas Eve might I add (well this is a fun way to start the holiday season).
Ok, so I know I've said this before, but honestly this time it's true - here's where the real fun began. Step 1: collect the sample from my husband. Although this wasn't our first rodeo of this (since he had to initially have an analysis done), the stakes seemed much higher this time around. We chose the "at home collection" option - seemed a bit more personal than a sterile doctor's office, but still an awkward situation all around. Then frantically rushed over to the doctor's office since the sample had to be delivered within an hour (and the office was about 45min away), collection cup in my husband's waist band to keep his guys at body temperature. Once there, it took about 45min.-1hr. for them to process his sample and then they called us back for the procedure (soooo grateful that my husband was able to be there with me through the entire thing). Step 2: After some initial minor difficulties with the catheter, the procedure was done and all in all took literally 2-3min. I then had to lay there for about 10min. before going home. Once the nurse stepped out of the room, my husband came over, grabbed my hand, and we looked at each other and said, "let's make a baby" (yes, this is exactly how I imagined it being the day we conceived our little bun). Step 3: From there I was ordered to start progesterone inserts once a day for the next 2 weeks (yes, the dreaded 2WW - 2 week wait), and let me tell you the fun these things were... actually, I won't. I'll spare you the graphic details, but say that thankfully I didn't have the adverse reactions to progesterone itself that some women have, but still lived in a state of constant uncomfortable-ness for the next two weeks. Again, anything for a baby, right?
Then it was living through the torturous waiting game to find out whether or not we had successfully conceived a Christmas miracle... Come on little eggs, please hatch this time around...
I found after doing now 4 trigger shots it helps to massage the area afterwards. I, like you was in total pain and SO uncomfortable for about a week after the shot. I learned my lesson and massage and make sure I give it in a nice fatty area. Weird, but it works!
ReplyDeleteThank you, that's great advice! I kind of starting doing that the next time around (mainly to try and massage out the pain), but also kind of wondered if it helped break up the medicine as well, so I will definitely be keeping this in mind!
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