IUI Numero 4

And they're off!

As of 12:20 p.m., 11798's swimmers were on their way to my giant follicle filled with an egg for them to fertilize.  This was my fourth IUI, so sadly, I feel like an old pro.  It was a different doctor this time.  An older man, with a funny accent.  Clearly I'm not the only one who had trouble understanding him, the nurse had to ask him three times to repeat what he had asked her for.  This was also by far the most painful of the four IUIs.  I was hoping that by leaving my bladder slightly full it would help with the 'tilted uterus issue' the doctor mentioned last time.  That damn speculumn pinches the crap outta my lady parts (that's just fun to say) and this time there was actually some spotting afterward.  OWWWW.  After it was all done, I stopped at the store picked up a few of the foods I read about people eating after the proceedure that supposedly helped in them getting pregnant (figured it couldn't hurt) and then came home put my legs up and indulged in some pineapple and walnuts (protein).  For dinner, we're having chicken (more protein) and I will drink 100% grape juice. 

I even went so far as to put my legs in the air for awhile.  Yep, that's me above with my pug socks on, lying flat on my back with me legs up to the ceiling.  Hey whatever works.  It only takes one and I will do everything in my power to make sure that lil' guy or gal makes it to the right place.

Fertile Friday

Well Friday I had my follicle check with Dr. Lovely.  My appointment was at 11 a.m., but for some reason they were running WAY behind.  I say way because I didn't get into an exam room until 11:55 a.m.  But I wasn't the only one who was waiting; the waiting room was more packed than I had ever seen it before.  In fact there weren't enough seats, people were standing outside. 

Apparently it was a "Fertile Friday" at California IVF. 

During my nearly hour-long wait, at least two couples learned they were "with child."  I am hoping their baby dust will rub off on me since I was seated in between the two fertile women.

The first couple were these two adorable gay men who were there with their surrogate.  It was so cute, they called her back for her blood draw (I assume it was blood because one of the guys asked her if she had to fast beforehand) and they wanted to know if they could go with her.  So the three of them proceeded back into the exam area and ten minutes later everyone on the otherside of the door broke out into applause and congratulatory expressions.  I could see through the glass window one of the proud smiling papas, holding a picture of his lil' "bean" from the ultrasound.  Then they emerged with a little baby gift bag. 

Fifteen minutes later, the second couple, a young man and woman received their blessed news... they too had a baby on the way.  Again, applause all around and hugs.  Minutes later the smiling couple emerged and went on their way.

This has to be lucky right?  Never, in the four cycles I've been going there (each cycle consisting of at least three visits), has this congrautulatory ritual taken place.  I hope I was able to inhale and consume of of that baby dust, juju or whatever you want to call it during my long wait before being called back to examine my follices.

Anyway, when I finally get back there, Dr. Lovely eventually comes in.  We exchange pleasantries and get down to the exam.  Much to my disappointment, and I'm sure hers too, there was only one follicle on right.  What the heck?  In her words, "you've had a better response to the Clomid."  It's bizarre, the dosage hadn't changed. 

So I've decided I am going to be optimitic about only having one follicle.  It was a nice, big follicle.  And even though there is only one, I was an only child... I got LOTS of attention growing up.  So I'm hoping this one little follicle gets a lot of attention from the swimmers tomorrow morning when I go in for my IUI.  This follicle is "supercharged" in the words of Dr. Lovely. 

Last night, I did my part.  I had my hcG injection at 11:30 p.m. in anticipation of my Monday morning 11:30 IUI.  So sperm, I need you to do your thing... GO RIGHT, ATTACK the EGG and MAKE MAMA PROUD!!!! 

Steph and I are ready to be parents!