Day One is set by the first day we started the stimulation meds. We have a calendar up on the fridge that helps us know what “day” we are on and keeps track of all the daily meds. We take the calendar down and put all the drugs away when guests come. Kinda funny, actually.
My Fabulous Uterus
Today is day 6. After getting my morning injections, I went in to get poked again by the vaginal wand and a big needle for blood. When Dr. H opened the door and came in he was in an extra good mood. I couldn’t tell if it was because of the Amish Friendship bread I brought he and his staff or just because. But when he got the big magic wand in me and looked at the ultrasound screen his face lit up like a Christmas tree. He said, “Wow! Well, your uterus looks fabulous!”
Long pause. This was said with such enthusiasm it was like he was talking about my hair and makeup on prom night.
Finally, I said, “Well, thank you!” with a little swish in my voice.
We all laughed. He looked at me out of the corner of his blue eye, all twinkly and chuckled, “I don’t just say that to everyone, either.” Katie, the phlebotomist was in the room. She winked at me and said, “He’s right. He doesn’t.” and smiled big. It was one of the sweeter exchanges we’ve had.
A Good Group
By today (day 6), the follicles should measure between 8-10 cm. Dr. H found 14 follicles growing! Only a couple were larger or smaller than that range. So, while they are still not all uniform, the gap has closed even a bit more and he was all smiles today when he said, “I’m pleased, we have a really nice group we are working with here. This is good.” By group he means group of follicles, not his staff. He asked me to come in Saturday, told me we’d likely do retrieval Wednesday, smiled his sweet smile and was on his way.
Hormonalandia
Meanwhile, it was only 10:30am and I had already cried twice, thanks to the raging hormones (songs, magazine article in the waiting room… anything can trigger the tears really). By the days end, I would end up crying, feeling overjoyed or having deep upset at least another eight times. My bloodwork came back and my estrogen is now at 857. Exactly where they want it. AND… holy cow! You may want to send Gina a sympathy card or two.
Good news is that my headache has been gone all day for the first time in about 2 weeks. It’s SUCH a relief. I’m wondering if I’m in such a giddy mood because of the hormones, because I’m so happy we are this far in the process or because my freaking migraine is gone! Anyway you slice it… Caitlin was right. I am MUCH happier and it’s all good.
Growing, Pinching Ovaries
Last but not least, today is the first day I have felt a little ovary cramping. Feels like little pinches in my lower abdomen. I was told this would happen as the ovaries expand with the growing follicles inside. In normal months this doesn’t happen because only one little follicle grows- that’s what our bodies are made for. In this case, we are asking my body to expand about 14x the size it normally would. When we saw a pic of this at the IVF training, the entire auditorium gasped. I was wondering what that picture would actually feel like in my body. I think I’ma but to find out.