From Acupuncture to Zzz

With no explanation as to why my last two FETs failed, I am throwing a lot at this next one. Here’s a list of all the stuff I’m doing to prepare for this next FET—some things are tweaks to the last two protocols, some are on my acupuncturist’s recommendation, and some are of my own doing. (Obviously, this is not medical advice and should not be construed as such. I just thought some of you might be curious.)

Acupuncture

My acupuncturist thinks my hormones need some fine-tuning. My periods have been very light, which suggests a thin lining, so she has me taking two kinds of herbs twice a day.

Booze

Plan on stopping after this weekend. One last hurrah!

Caffeine

Plan on stopping this weekend. (That way, if I end up with a migraine, DH will be around to watch V.)

GULP.

Collagen

On the advice of nutritionist friend, I started taking collagen to help with migraines. But collagen is also supposed to be very good for preparing for pregnancy, so I have been very good about taking it almost every day.

Delestrogen

Aka injectable estrogen. The kind that I took with the V cycle, but did not with the two failed FETs because there was a nationwide shortage. With FET1, I responded so beautifully to the estrogen patches that we moved up transfer day a whole week; with FET2, I was slow to respond and didn’t quite make it across the 8mm finish line. I’m hoping by mainlining (okay, not really—it’s intramuscular, not intravenous, haha) estrogen, that’ll make a big difference to my uterine lining.

Folate

My clinic’s protocol includes 4mg (yes, really) of folic acid, which is 5x the amount found in a standard prenatal vitamin. For good measure, I take folate, which is the natural version of [synthetic] folic acid. I haven’t been tested for MTHFR, but I do have a few autoimmune issues.

Juleber

Aka birth control pills. I started taking them today (CD2) to avoid a Lupron flare. I’m not really sure what that is, but it sounds like your body can have a hormonal meltdown on Lupron which can fuck up a transfer. Yeah, let’s not have any more failed transfers, please.

Lupron

Again, this is a drug that I took before the V cycle that I did not take with either FET cycle. For a fresh transfer, it synced me up to my donor; for FET3, it replicates the successful V cycle. Also, Lupron is the treatment for women with endometriosis who are thought to lack the beta-3 Inhibin protein that is essential for implantation. By adding Lupron to the protocol, I avoid shelling out for the e-Tegrity biopsy which might confirm that I, as a woman with endometriosis, lack beta-3 Inhibin.

Maca

Another recommendation from my acupuncturist, to help with hormone levels.

Magnesium + Calcium

My acupuncturist suggested I take calcium + magnesium to help with hormone regulation. Plus, taking it at bedtime promotes more restful sleep.

Mayan Abdominal Massage

I did this a few times before the cycle that resulted in V. The idea behind abdominal massage is that it increases blood flow to the uterus, which I’m all for. It also claims to be able to reposition a tilted uterus—which I have. Not to mention, after having had my uterus taken out of my body and then put back again, I felt somewhat rearranged for a few months after V was born. I’m hoping this will do something toward replicating the successful cycle.

Physical Therapy

Because my sacro-iliac joint and pelvic area is loose from a slight diastasis recti separation, I’ve been having physical therapy to strengthen my core and therefore support my back. I’m lucky that I haven’t experienced any incontinence, but I have been in a lot of pain for over a year. I’m hoping to start Pilates again soon.

Prenatal Vitamin

Because, like duh.

Probiotic

I suffer from migraines and believe they are triggered when my digestive system is out of whack. My nutritionist friend recommended a mega-probiotic that isn’t too expensive. I haven’t had a migraine for over a month and it’s helped my entire digestive system stabilise and become more regular. Probiotics for the double-whammy win!

Water

I’m trying to stay on top of my water intake. Let’s flush out those toxins!

Zzzz

There is the temptation to stay up late after V has gone to bed, but I find that if I get to sleep around 11pm I wake up refreshed around 6.30am. I’m a big believer in the healing powers of sleep!

So there you have it. Hey, can you think of anything else I should add?!

I’m guessing I’ll be on BCP for two weeks, then two weeks of Lupron, then the two weeks of estrogen. I’ll know more when I get my calendar, but right now my best guess for a transfer date is May 29th.