Sometimes, it amazes me how much lead-up time there is to IVF. I thought we’d be getting started in February, but “getting started in February” really means the big things happen in March.
Read more: Here We Go AgainI notified our IVF nurse earlier in the month when my February cycle started, and I was given a tentative schedule:
- Feb. 23: IVF Pre-Op Appointment (more on that below)
- March 6: Bloodwork to confirm ovulation
- Approx. a day or two later, begin taking Estrace (Estrogen)
- March ?: Period starts–IVF Day 1
- Approx. a day or two later, I start daily injections
- ~March 17: Appointment for bloodword/ultrasound
- ~March 21: Daily bloodwork/ultrasounds
- ~March 29: Egg Retrieval procedure
You’ll notice there are a lot of “approximate (~)” dates listed above. When we did IVF the first time, I had concrete dates for everything. One of the changes I’ve discussed in a previous blog is the reason these dates are more in flux.
In our first cycle, I was on birth control. Fertility clinics use this to take complete control of a woman’s cycle. They told me when to start and when to stop and knew when my cycle day one would be based on that.
This fluctuation of schedules has been a little frustrating. I had a trip planned at the end of March/early April to help my sister celebrate a milestone birthday, and now I’ll have to miss it. The whole family understands, of course, but I hate I can’t be there.
IVF is really good at wreaking havoc on travel plans…
The other thing it’s really good at is making you hurry up and wait.
As I mentioned above, I had my IVF pre-op appointment this week, but it wasn’t nearly as exciting as it sounds. The nurse took my vitals and asked me a few questions.
- How did you do on the anesthesia during your last egg retrieval?
Fine. I was groggy and basically slept for 18 hours straight after, but I didn’t have any major issues or reactions. - Still allergic to Septra and Neomycin?
Yep. (Internally: Does that change?) - When was your last period?
**While I answered her, I’ll leave this one to your imagination. - You’re still taking the Vitamin D, Prenatals, and all other egg health supplements?
Yep.
That was it; after that, I headed back home and back to work.
And now it’s hurry up and wait some more–until that March 6 appointment when I’ll get more direction on starting one of my meds. And speaking of meds, that’s what next week’s blog will be about.
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If you’d like to help us on this journey–whether through monetary donations; sharing our fundraising efforts; or sending prayers, thoughts, or good vibes–please visit our GoFundMe page or reach out to ivfthat@gmail.com.
IVF That 