Uterus Gets An A+

Yay, I’m officially cleared for IVF! For those of you who may be gearing up for your own hydrosonogram, Tuesday morning went like this:

• I took 400mg of ibuprofen and half a Xanax 30 minutes prior to my appointment. I must admit I was a little scared and very nervous because my last IUI was painful and the HSG I had done a year ago was quite uncomfortable as well.
• The RE took some vitals. I told him I was nervous, which he confirmed by my crazy heart rate.
• Then it was time for the stirrups. First up was a friendly visit with the dildo cam. To check for cysts, I presume.
• Queue tears at this point. Doc asks me some friendly “I pay attention to my patients’ lives” questions, which was totally touching. I burst into tears so I couldn’t even answer his questions. I don’t even know why I was crying! I guess it was because I was scared. While the water works were gushing, the speculum went in and he cleaned my cervix with iodine. Then in went the catheter. Ouch! But only for a few seconds. Same kind of pain as my last IUI, but lasted only slightly longer.
• I didn’t have any cramping or spotting afterwards.

The doctor said he’s very pleased with my uterus and I’m approved to start IVF next cycle. I then met with the nurse who asked if insurance covered the meds, to which I replied, of course not. She decided to make a few calls and wouldn’t you know it, everything but the HcG shot was covered! We’re only ~$100 out-of-pocket so far. I still have to get the follitism, but I have a BOGO discount card. I think follitism cots around $300. I’m very pleased wih these amounts because I was expecting to have to shell out ~$2,000 for the meds this cycle.

The nurse called in all of my meds so I have everything I need to get started next month. Now let’s just hope AF stays away until mid-Dcember. I normally have 35 day cycles so hoping that’s true again this cycle. Obligatory HOLY SHIT THATS A LOT OF MEDICINE photo coming soon!

How To Make A Baby

So cute! Hubby and I will have to brainstorm a cute way to document our pregnancy.

Hydrosonogram

O.M.G.!!! I am not looking forward to the hydrosonogram tomorrow. They told me to take 400mg of ibuprofen before hand but I know it’s not good to take while TTC. I think it will be good to take in case there’s pain, but I know it can have an impact on ovulation and implantation. But will 2 pills really cause harm? I know this cycle has slim to no chance of success, but a girl can hope right?

Aaaahhh, what do I do?! Ibuprofen or not? I’m definitely taking a Xanax. I know that for sure.

Speaking of this break cycle, I’m only on CD8 but my boobs are sore! Actually, they’ve been sore for about three weeks straight. I know it’s not a “sign” but I just wish they’d stop hurting. Stupid hormones.

My Egg

My acupuncturist gave this to me last year to symbolize what’s to come. I just wanted to share. I look at this little egg every day and even when I’m feeling defeated, it helps me focus in on the tiniest glimmer of hope.

I’m not sure what it’s made of, but it’s gorgeous. I hope my eggs are this gorgeous after retrieval.

Snore

Wow, being on a break is really boring for blogging and today is only CD7! I apologize in advance for putting you to sleep with my posts that happen between now and mid-December. Hopefully things will get more exciting once the injections begin.

I went in for blood work on CD2 to check hormones. My RE doesn’t call with results, and honestly, I’m glad. Sometimes more information is not good. I’m still praying that when we do get pregnant (we will!) that they won’t tell me the beta numbers. I don’t want anything else to worry about. Sometimes trusting and being a little bit in the dark can be good. Well, at least thats the case for me.

Tuesday I go in for a hydrosonogam and if everything looks good, I’m cleared to start IVF in mid-December! I’m not excited for the procedure, but I am excited to get the okay from the doc.

I already mentioned I’m starting acupuncture this week too. Other than that, there will be nothing left on the TTC front to report. Boring, boring, boring. Snoooore. ZZZZZZZZ.

This is what I baked last night. The recipe needs some finessing, but they turned out quite tasty.

Nesting Up A Storm

This weekend is all about cleaning and organizing. I have summer clothes to swap out for winter clothes. I have an apartment that needs a deep cleanse. I have magazines and stacks of papers to go through. I love this stuff! I love seeing the clean, organized finished product. I swear, I should start one of those Home/Life Organization companies.

If only my husband would let me listen to Christmas music, then this weekend would be perfect! I might have to put my headphones in and listen on my iPod because it seriously makes me happy. SIRIUS launches their holiday station (non-stop holiday tunes) on Monday. I can’t wait! I’m practically squealing with dorky excitement.

I’m also going to do a little baking this weekend. I was inspired by this post from Remember All The Way. I’ve decided on trying to wing a pistach.io cup.cake re.cipe. I’ll let you know how it goes, complete with pics of the finished product.

Stay tuned! Nom nom nom.

Acupuncture

Well, it’s decided. I’m getting back on the acupuncture bandwagon starting this week. I am not convinced it will do anything to improve the upcoming IVF cycle, but I know it will calm my nerves and that in itself is worth every penny. I’m not sure how often I’ll get acupuncture treatments, but I’ll learn more about the schedule this week.

My favorite acupuncturist is well versed in IVF treatment, I trust her, and she also knows me very well. She splits her time between two offices, so because timing around egg retrieval and transfer is so crucial, I will see her and her colleague for treatment. I haven’t met this colleague, but I trust my acupuncturist and I’m glad I don’t have to start completely over with someone new.

We haven’t even begun the IVF cycle yet (~4 weeks to go!) and I’m already finding myself worrying about it. I think keeping myself busy will be the very best medicine, but a little acupuncture here and there can’t hurt either.

Now if I could only talk my hubby into it too. My acupuncturist recommends that he also begin weekly treatments because it can help with his fertility and relaxation — both very important parts to this whole process.

Funny Commercial

And maybe a bit gross (has to do with a diaper situation), but I can find the humor in this kind of thing.

Just For Fun

A collection of etsy.com woman parts (click images to view):

Surprise Visit

So another benefit to a BFN is that you get to take care of all of those appointments that you push off “just in case.” I’ve had this weird bump on one of my fingers that’s been bothering me (plus, it’s unsightly) for a few months. I’ve been putting off getting it checked out because I knew they would want to do x-rays. My appointment was yesterday morning, which I scheduled because I knew I’d know the outcome of last cycle by then.

Sure enough, x-rays are required so I go back and the tech asks if I’m pregnant. No, I reply. And then that damn IF psychosis seeps in and I start thinking to myself, Well, my boobs are still really sore. Maybe the beta was wrong because I made them do it early. Dumb, I know but I can be honest (and crazy) here, right?

Find out finger’s fine and before I check out I decide to stop by the restroom. Guess who decided to show up without ANY notice?! Yep, you guessed it. No cramps, headaches, fatigue. None of the signs that AF is on her way. I was expecting her today, but she showed up early.

Good news, I suppose because the break cycle is officially under way! I like to try to see the positives in any situation. I’ll admit, IF makes that pretty hard but looking ahead is really helping.