I’ve been on Lupron now for 10 days. The first injection was a little nerve-wracking, but by the fourth day, DH remarked at how much more confident I am. Gotta love adaptive intelligence! I have a cluster of tiny red dots, like a Strawberry Shortcake doll’s freckles, on either side of my belly button.
I came off birth control pills last Thursday, and on Sunday Aunt Flo showed. Technically, it’s not a period because I didn’t ovulate last cycle, thanks to the birth control, but I’m hoping it’s the last show of blood for 10 months…
Being the geek that I am, I charted last month. I was curious to see how my body responded, temp-wise, to the surge of artificial hormones coursing my veins. (My acupuncturist was very excited to see my chart because I am, apparently, the only person to chart during ART!)
CD2: Started BCP | CD19: Started Lupron | CD23: Stopped BCP
Oh, and the painful, red lumps in my armpits? My PCP (GP) said it they are unlikely related to the hormones — the most likely explanation is that I have a blocked sweat gland (not swollen lymph nodes, phew!) because of the commercial deodorant I used the day before. I normally use a natural deodorant — either one I make or one I buy from San Diego’s Little Italy Farmer’s Market, which are far more effective. (I have an underarm sweating problem so if you want specifics, let me know!)
Yesterday, I had my baseline ultrasound appointment. My lining measures about 4.5mm, so I’m hoping that means it will be easy to get to a minimum of 8mm. I’m shooting for a minimum of 10mm, so am trying to eat lots of pineapple (as recommended by my acupuncturist) and meat, and I’m also doing an egg donation meditation from Circle + Bloom.
And last night, DH injected me in the butt with estradiol for the first time. He was so nervous! I told him, it’s going to hurt, just don’t worry about it. He did great — a steady hand and strong fingers meant it was over quickly. But — and this is so weird, because I am not squeamish and used to donate blood in the UK* — I felt unbelievable nauseated afterwards. Maybe it was seeing the trickle of blood in the mirror, or the drop in the needle, but I thought I might throw up. Then I thought I was going to pass out, so had to lie down for a few minutes afterwards.
* If you’ve spent more than three months living in the UK, you can’t donate blood in the US. Because of Mad Cow Disease. WTF? Crazy, right?!
At my baseline appointment yesterday, the nurse told me that Nellie begins her stims this Friday, and that we can expect updates on her progress. I didn’t realise that we would be kept informed, so that was very reassuring. It’s exciting!
But I still haven’t heard from Nellie, and it’s been almost two weeks since I sent her my email. I’m wondering if my email, which had a photo attachment, ended up in her Spam folder. Then again, she uses Yahoo! which has lousy spam filtres. I just don’t know. An infertility therapist I saw (the same one who did our psych eval) said that it would be highly unlikely that we’ve scared Nellie off. In her experience, donors fall into two camps: one wants absolutely nothing to do with the Intended Parents; the other is quite relaxed about having contact. The therapist said it’s most likely that she is very busy, hasn’t found the time to sit down and write back properly, and doesn’t understand that we might be desperate to hear from her. She could also be waiting until she knows I’m pregnant before getting emotionally involved.
I feel a strong connection to my cycle buddies, but I’m also quite wary. It would be wonderful if we all got pregnant and stayed pregnant. But what if one of us doesn’t? Or, worse, what if one of us miscarries? Even if I’m not the one to be dealt the cruel blow, I would still be very upset. It’s really scary to think about, so I’m trying not to think about it too much.
Generally, I’m feeling fairly upbeat, helped by the fact that my best friend came to visit from NYC for five days. We hadn’t seen each other since August 2012, a few days before I went off birth control… So much has happened since, it was good to catch up and run around for a few days doing fun stuff. I actually cried with happiness when I went to collect her at the airport. So unlike me to cry in public and for happiness, so that’s a first.
Our transfer will be in about three week’s time. I hope it’s a year of firsts. Good firsts.
Hi there thanks for sharing your blog with me. Sounds like you are well on your way! That was funny you charted during ART I had a wee giggle about that but good for you! We like to know what our messed up bodies are doing as much as we can!
I agree with the therapist I think Nellie will be in touch when she’s ready but I totally understand you’re anxious to hear back from her after so long since sending your message.
wow I didnt know that about not being able to give blood in US after living in UK!
Wishing you all the very best & praying for you in the coming weeks & months xxx
I always temped during ART cycles too! I just didn’t trust my doctor- he was a bit of a moron.
Ack! I’m going to be away for your transfer! And I promised Hubby no technology while we’re away! I may have to sneak a peak anyway to see how it went. So excited for you!!! :)
Don’t forget that it’s actually the pineapple CORE that contains the bromelain!
I’m a weirdo and tracked BBT during ART as well. Glad I’m not the only one. :)
So exciting that you’re cruising along on this journey right now. I hope you hear back from Nellie soon!
((hugs)) You are so thoughtful thinking about your cycle buddies. Most of mine got pregnant, so I was the one left behind. I kinda felt like I was abandoned as they (understandably) moved on to talking about pregnancies, ultrasounds, etc.
I hope no one is left behind, but if one of you is and you are one of the lucky ones (praying!), I know you won’t forget about them!