IVF Journey
Welcome to my IVF journey page! I will be posting regular updates on this page of how the journey is progressing.
I was diagnosed with endometriosis and ultimately lost both of my fallopian tubes. I discuss in depth my journey of being diagnosed here: https://www.sulyslifeinablog.com/post/livingwithendometriosis (blog post), https://youtu.be/ZE47DP4S4mc?si=QWXFdholQYbq6CDY (YouTube video)
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Therefore, I cannot conceive naturally. Following the guidance of my doctor, an endometriosis specialist, we have decided to try IVF (In-vitro fertilization) as a hope to become parents.
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*Trigger warning: I included needles and injecting myself in some of these videos*
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For background on what IVF is:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/in-vitro-fertilization/about/pac-20384716
Thank you for being here!
Part 1: Egg Retrieval (ER)
IVF calendar update
October 11, 2023
I made a quick video after getting my calendar of medication/ appointment schedule. Was feeling very hopeful and optimistic about what was to come.
New doctor update
October 24, 2023
Update about getting a new doctor. This was a big deal, since I had only known my doctor that I had been working with and was about to start the process in a couple of days.
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Baseline ultrasound/ bloodwork appointment
October 26, 2023
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Talking through how the appointment went with the new doctor. Later in the day, doctor let me know that we were ready to get started based on my lab results.
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Day 1 of Injections
October 28, 2023
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First time ever injecting myself. This injection took way longer that it should have. My excitement has dwindled since seeing the reality of having to inject myself everyday for the next 10+ days. In the morning, I was also having a hard time getting the needle out not realizing it had to get unscrewed off.
The night time injection was rough. I panicked and David went to see if one of the neighbors that has medical experience could come help. They were not home but we figured it out.
Day 7 of Injections
November 3, 2023
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Today was the first day of increasing to three injections. Also, poked my thumb this day and had a mini panic attack. This was after my follow up doctor's appointment. A few hours later, my bloodwork came back and doctor advised to continue injections as normal until my next appointment on Monday.
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Day 8 of Injections
November 4, 2023
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Feeling tired, almost to the end of stim injections. Also, feeling bloated, bruised, like a walking pin cushion, but can almost see the finish line, so that helps.
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Day 3 of Injections
October 30, 2023
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Today I learned that my ready fill pen is single time use. After trying to re-use the pen, I realized it was only meant for 300 IU, which is my dosage. The day before was a disaster. Therefore, I did not record. Also, some light yoga today to ease the stress.
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Day 5 of Injections
November 1, 2023
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Before and after my follow up doctor's appointment. Things are progressing well.
Day 9 of injections
November 5, 2023
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Today is the last day of three injections in the morning, all done with Omnitrope. Feeling good today, besides getting out of breath quickly. Taking things slow today, follow up appointment is tomorrow morning and trigger show will likely be tomorrow as well.
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Day 10 of injections and trigger shots
November 6, 2023
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Today is trigger shot day, it was dependent on how my doctor's appointment went. I did not film the trigger shots since they had to be taken at 11pm and I was really out of it by then.
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No injections day, pre-surgery
November 7, 2023
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I did not have to do any injections today, since the trigger shots were last night. Did have a doctor's appointment to make sure trigger shots worked as they should. Nothing notable today, only had to take an antibiotic in the evening for surgery tomorrow.
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Egg retrieval day
November 8, 2023
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Today is egg retrieval day. The procedure was 30 minutes, was in and out pretty quickly. I am now on bed rest for a couple of days. I only have some cramping and bloating, was told to take Tylenol for the pain, drink plenty of liquids and rest. In the next day, the embryologist will let us know how many eggs were fertilized. In a week, we will know how many embryos were biopsied and frozen. For now, resting up until the next phase.
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