Gearing up for IVF

Here lately, this is all I can think about. I have read every book I can find, scoured the internet for hours on end, hung out in message boards, and more. I just want to be so prepared. I LOVE learning everything that has to do with infertility and all of the amazing things that God has given the scientists the ability to do. It's so baffling how cool it is. You should look up ICSI and read more about it! Soooooo cool!! =)

We had our second IVF meeting with Dr Phy last week and she went over everything we will do and did some blood tests and an ultrasound of my ovaries to count the follicles. She said I had an amazing number of follicles and she feels very confident about us doing IVF. She did tell us, though, because I am so young, she has to monitor me very closely, to watch for Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. It is extremely serious, (and rare...), but because of my age, I am at a higher risk of developing it due to the heavy dose of medications I will be on. She is gonna keep me in the middle area of medications for our first IVF (heck, I hope it's the ONLY one!)

They did a new blood test that cost us $75, but we felt it was important to go ahead and do the test. It checks the anti-mullerian hormone. This is a pretty new test, and it isn't guaged to use for a diagnosis at this time, but it does help give a little more information about my ovaries and follicles, which will help her determine how much of all of the stimulating hormones I will need to be on. It gives her a key as to how low or high the amount of eggs I have left, or ovarian reserves. It also tells her how responsive my ovaries are. Usually, it goes hand and hand with age. Like, the older you get, your egg supply and response will lower. Well, not in my case. She wanted the levels to be at a 3, and mine are 1.1. Higher than 3, is an indicator of PCOS, which is very troublesome for people trying to conceive. Usually, with people who have a lower AMH level, they would increase the stimulating medications, but because of my chance of overstimulating, she isn't going to. So,we have to be prepared for this not to work, as it's basically a "trial run". I was very bummed out when I got the news, but I know that God is in control and He is able to do mighty things! So, we just know that we have one more thing that gives us answers about why we are having trouble. I always wondered if something was wrong with my ovaries, because I would only produce 1-2 follicles during IUI, and everything I have ever read, women would produce 6 or more. So, maybe it is helpful, after all!?

We have our 3rd IVF appointment next Tuesday, the 21st. It's kind of boring to me right now, because we are in the wait-wait-wait- process...I'm ready for some action! (Yes!!! even the shots!!!) Our next appointment is going to be a saline ultrasound so Dr Phy will be able to check and make sure I have a beautiful uterus! =) She is checking for any scar tissue from the septum surgery. If there is any, we will have to have surgery again to remove it. BOO!!! So, prayer request number one! Pray for NO scar tissue! She is then going to do what is called a Mock Embryo Transfer. And it's basically what I just said. She is going to use a catheter like what she will use for the actual embryo transfer to gauge where she will need to place the embryos. This is important to do prior to the actual day of ET (Embryo Transfer) because everyones uterus is so different, it helps to pinpoint the perfect place. The whole goal of IVF is to obtain perfection with every step.

We are soooo excited to embark on our new journey to try to become parents, and cannot wait. Please pray for His guidance and will for us during this whole treatment, as it's pretty lengthy and can get greusome. Thank you all for everything you have done to help us get this far and I give glory and praise to the ultimate physician who is able to give us our hearts true desire!