Injections, Injections, Injections

Injections, injections, injections.  When our IVF cycle is complete I will have been stabbed almost 100 times.  At this point, I am unafraid of needles.  By the end of August I will loathe them more than the worst chore there ever was...dusting.

Monday Matt and I went to our IVF Conference in Indianapolis.  We argued some on the way over.  I don't even remember what it was about now.  It was hot, we were sweaty and that definitely leads to irritability on my part.  Never the less, we got over it and arrived in (technically) Carmel with just minutes to spare.  Dr. Henry's waiting room is dim and quiet.  And just as I was getting ready to shut my eyes for a quick cat nap my name was called.

We were lead back to the conference room where more than a year ago we first discussed in detail infertility treatment with Dr. Henry.  The room is small with a nice wood table and chairs.  The walls are covered with pictures of babies the doctor has helped make their way into this world.  Oddly (or maybe not so oddly) I don't like to look at them.  Those photos of twins in their Christmas pajamas and triplets in Halloween costumes will consume me if I am not careful.  They make me too hopeful.  So, I look away.

A very polite nurse (her name has slipped my mind) follows us in the room.  She begins by going over the entire IVF process with us from start to finish; medications (injections) followed by blood work and ultrasounds on more than one occasion, and if my follicles are large and aplenty there's one more injection before retrieval day and then if there are any fertilized eggs (hopefully several) the transfer will follow3 to 5 days later.  She goes over in great detail on how to give myself the injections.  Lupron to start this Sunday (in the belly) for about 3 weeks.  On the 3rd Follistim will begin in the morning and Menopur in the evening (both in the belly) for 10 days or so. Doxycycline (an antibiotic) for the both of us twice a day for 10 days.  If When my follicles are adequate I will take (Matt will give) 1 injection of Novarel (in my rear end).  He was almost giddy when the nurse mentioned this news.  Men.  The last medication comes on the day of the transfer, Progesterone in Oil and more Doxycycline for me.  The oil will have to be given to me (in my rear end) for at least 10 days; more if I end up pregnant.  Ouch.

This evening I will start insulin injections (since I am diabetic) to replace the Janumet I am currently prescribed.  NovoLog Mix 70/30 FlexPen was my doctor's choice in insulin.  She gave me samples today.  Two pens, which is enough for about 2 weeks.  I am to take 12 units at dinner time.  I haven't taken it yet.  I am a little afraid; not of jabbing the needle into my belly, but of low blood sugar.  That is not fun.  But, as I type my stomach is starting to growl.  Wish me luck.

Actually, wish us both luck.  In about 6 weeks Matt and I could possibly, maybe, hopefully be 9 months away from baby Nolan or Abigail or Preston or Cecelia or Elliot or Leah or...well, we have time to decide on that.

Getting Closer

We are getting closer and closer to becoming parents ever day.  Tomorrow is our first of many appointments in Indianapolis over the next month and a half.  Today I am excited, confident and ready to get this started.  On the drive over tomorrow I am sure I will be nervous, anxious and sick to my stomach.  It drives Matt a little crazy, but he is a good sport and comforts me when I need it the most.  He never shows it, but I know deep down he must feel the same way.

So what has happened in the 3 weeks since my last post, you ask?

I have been on birth control (Loestrin FE) for a month now.  I hate it.  I have been spotting/bleeding for over a week.  I am so exhausted that I fell asleep sitting in a hard plastic chair at an auction yesterday.  My mood swings are almost out of control.  And acne...32 years old with acne.  Ridiculous.

On Thursday Matt and I had our infectious disease testing done.  Due to our (his really) work schedule he had to go to one lab and I went to another.  He was stuck at least 4 times and almost passed out.  I was stuck only once and made it back to work in less than 30 minutes.  Men are wimps.

Also last week I ordered my long list of medication.  Four of these had to be ordered though a speciality pharmacy called Triessent in order for my insurance to cover them.  Of course, they are the 4 most outrageously expensive medications I have ever been prescribed.

1) Menopur with Qcap 75IU (20 vials)
2) Follistim AQ 300IU (5 cartridges)
3) Lupron 2.8mL 1mg/0.2mL (2 amps)
4) Novarel 10,000IU (1 vial)

Together, without insurance these would cost about $5,000.  Less with my insurance of course, but I have yet to know the total cost.  Lets just say that my deductible will be met with that purchase.

The rest I purchased at the pharmacy in the clinic where I work.  They totaled about $75.

1) Progesterone in Oil 50mg/mL (2 vials)
2) Doxycycline 100mg (50 pills)
3) 3mL syringes with 22g 1 1/2" needle (quantity of 50)
4) Needles 25g 1 1/2" (quantity of 2)
5) Needles 27g 1/2" (quantity of 15)

Fun, fun, huh?  Instead of a summer filled with boating, swimming, and weekend getaways we get the summer of injections, mood swings, and in-vitro fertilization.  But all of the pain, the stress, and the (I'm sure there will be) tears will be forgotten if at the end of our journey we have a little Fry.  I cannot wait to be mother.  But I especially can't wait to see what an amazing father Matt will be.