Saturday, September 24, 2005
The Countdown Begins
This past Thursday, we went to our first "major" appointment at UCSF. This was for our first ultrasound to make sure the uterine lining looked good and thin, a follicle (egg) count and an IVF "test run."
All went well - uterine lining measured perfectly, we still have 18 eggs and the "test run" went perfect. I wasn't quite sure exactly what the test run was, however, Dr. Fujimoto said that if they had to do the actual IVF then, everything would have been fine.
I was also given my study medication at this appointment. Up until now I have only been doing the Lupron injections. I know have also been given Fostimon - this is the major intense IVF drug - for additional injection every night as well.
As you will recall from previous posts, I went to UCSF for this study that compared the FDA approved drug (gonal-F) to the European drug (Which they are trying to get FDA approval on, Fostimon.) My random study selection came up with me taking Fostimon. I really don't mind - I have done TONS of research on it and everything I can find shows it statistically vs. Gonal F has had increased success rates, decreased miscarriage rates and the big whammy - increased multiples than the rate of Gonal - F.
We spoke to Dr. Fujimoto about how many embryos to transfer, we have decided on two for this first go around, unless the quality is potentially lacking, then we will transfer three. IVF is a big test for us Virgo folk - you just kinda have to wait and see what happens every step of the way.
I met a wonderful woman through my friend Lori - her name is Jen and she and her 8 week old baby Owen (who was conceived through IVF) met me for coffee this morning. He is beautiful! It was so nice to talk to someone who has gone through the same thing. I am also going to talk to a friend of my Aunt's in Oregon who has endometriosis like me and conceived her two children through IVF......The hormone flux, the side effects etc......
Speaking of hormone flux - here is an update on how I feel. SHITTY!!!! I feel like my ovaries are on overdrive - I have also been exhausted...... I also feel like an emotional mess - mostly due to the crampy feeling I am constantly feeling. Giving myself shots every night is now about a 30 minute ordeal......
So - next week includes daily ultra sounds and blood tests at UCSF. I will keep the blog updated on my progress! Reminder - Garage Sale at Diane Bustos's house next Saturday - 1373 Mound Street. Lots of Stuff!!!!!
All went well - uterine lining measured perfectly, we still have 18 eggs and the "test run" went perfect. I wasn't quite sure exactly what the test run was, however, Dr. Fujimoto said that if they had to do the actual IVF then, everything would have been fine.
I was also given my study medication at this appointment. Up until now I have only been doing the Lupron injections. I know have also been given Fostimon - this is the major intense IVF drug - for additional injection every night as well.
As you will recall from previous posts, I went to UCSF for this study that compared the FDA approved drug (gonal-F) to the European drug (Which they are trying to get FDA approval on, Fostimon.) My random study selection came up with me taking Fostimon. I really don't mind - I have done TONS of research on it and everything I can find shows it statistically vs. Gonal F has had increased success rates, decreased miscarriage rates and the big whammy - increased multiples than the rate of Gonal - F.
We spoke to Dr. Fujimoto about how many embryos to transfer, we have decided on two for this first go around, unless the quality is potentially lacking, then we will transfer three. IVF is a big test for us Virgo folk - you just kinda have to wait and see what happens every step of the way.
I met a wonderful woman through my friend Lori - her name is Jen and she and her 8 week old baby Owen (who was conceived through IVF) met me for coffee this morning. He is beautiful! It was so nice to talk to someone who has gone through the same thing. I am also going to talk to a friend of my Aunt's in Oregon who has endometriosis like me and conceived her two children through IVF......The hormone flux, the side effects etc......
Speaking of hormone flux - here is an update on how I feel. SHITTY!!!! I feel like my ovaries are on overdrive - I have also been exhausted...... I also feel like an emotional mess - mostly due to the crampy feeling I am constantly feeling. Giving myself shots every night is now about a 30 minute ordeal......
So - next week includes daily ultra sounds and blood tests at UCSF. I will keep the blog updated on my progress! Reminder - Garage Sale at Diane Bustos's house next Saturday - 1373 Mound Street. Lots of Stuff!!!!!
