October 26, 2009...so far, so good

The first couple days of injections have gone very well. As you can see, the needle we are using now is MUCH smaller than anything we have done in the past. It is smaller because this injection doesn't have to go into a muscle. It is actually given in my stomach, just below my belly button to either side. Although the needle is smaller and given in an area where I could give it to myself....I of course have opted to assign that job to my wonderful husband. I find having to deal with so many needles actually rather humerous at this point. For those of you who are familiar with my past fear of needles, you know the panic I would have at just the thought of a sharp object. For those of you who did not know that, there are literally no words to describe, as some might call, a "2-year old fit" I was known to have...yes, even into my 20's.  I am ashamed, but have come a long way. We have a lot of injections ahead of us, so we can definately both say we are thankful for my recent "maturity" on the matter.

October 23, 2009...Today's appointment

Wow...another appointment with a ton of information. Today:
*We each gave 5 vials of blood
*Cody collected a "just in case" sperm sample. This would be used as back-up in the event that Cody would be sick or would have an emergency the day of my egg retrieval and wouldn't get a sample collected.
*I completed a Saline Infusion Sonogram (SIS). This consists of imaging the uterus through an ultrasound while injecting saline into the uterine cavity. This is an attempt to detect any abnormalities such as polyps or fibroids that could be contributing to our infertility. Another VERY uncomfortable procedure, but thank goodness for normal results!
*We finished by going through injection training. Yikes!! Again, a lot of information. I was getting extremely overwhelmed but the nurse assured us that she was just giving us an overview and we only have to take it one step at a time and worry about what we are doing in the "now" versus looking at what is to come.
As far as my injection schedule goes, I already start tomorrow. This shot of Lupron is something I will do everyday and is to be taken in conjunction with the last five days of my birth control (to continue the suppression of my ovaries). I will continue this everyday until my egg retrieval, which will probably take place somewhere around November 13-17th.
I can definately say I'm getting a little anxious about starting with all of these injections, but we completed another big hurdle today and were blessed by coming out on top!!

October 9, 2009...and we begin...

Well, we have officially taken the very first step. I started taking the birth control pills on the 8th. I know it doesn't seem like much at this time, but Cody and I are very, very excited and hopeful that this process will result in expanding our family!! I will take the birth control pills until the 28th to keep my ovaries "asleep." We both have appointments on the 23rd...lab work, more tests, and injection training. You probably won't hear from me again until after that appointment. I am very surprised at how excited I am for this all to take place. A few months ago, I was terrified of the thought of going through with IVF. But now that we are here...bring it on!!! I can't wait!!