Human Pin Cushion

I know we're way behind on updating our IVF journey...it may take a few posts to fill everyone in....

I have to first say that I'm in awe of any couple that go through the IVF process. Wow! What is does to your body and emotions!

The first week of the injections weren't so bad. I pretty much continued with my same routine and even kept up with workouts, but just proceeding with caution. I was told that by day 5 of the injections that I shouldn't do any type of workout (or even movements) involving bouncing. The goal of the drugs are to stimulate the ovaries to produce lots of eggs, so I could feel some bloating and discomfort going on. By the first weekend, I walked slowly up and down the starts to avoid overstimulation which could even rupture the ovaries and cause me to lose one. I'm sure this is rare, but I didn't want to take any chances.

For the most part, I just was super tired and having a lot of abdominal pain. A couple major hot flashes popped up too. I was also trying to eat better and just do what I could to remain normal and not think about what was coming up.

For the first week, we had an ultra sound and blood work on Monday and then again on Friday. Everything was proceeding as expected and we were to go back the following Monday for the same drill. After each appointment, we'd get to call to let us know how the blood work came back and how or if we need to adjust our dosage of the shots.

I was so impressed with my husband, who took charge of all the drugs. He measured the dosages and had a system going with our mini-pharmacy. Our nightly routine just wasn't fun. We'd hang out and then he'd get the shots ready for me and then I'd have to make sure I was taking the right pills on top of it.

I know I just wasn't feeling myself and we were both stressed thinking about the upcoming egg retrieval.

Several months ago we had started talks of how our church needed a couples support group for infertility. We're both comfortable as leaders and sharing our story, so we met with a member of our church staff to talk about it. We both procrastinated on getting it started and finally in the fall, we realized that we needed to get going.

The first meeting was to be in November. We designated the 2nd Monday of the month. The first meeting fell during our IVF process. There were only two couples besides us that showed up, but it went really well. We all had different and interesting stories. Every infertile person I have met has the same goal in mind, growing their family, but the adventure it takes them to get to that point is always so different.

I know God called us to go through this journey for a reason. I'll never fully understand why, but I appreciate that He knew I could handle it enough to never lose faith in Him and never give up on my dreams.