Yesterday's "injections lesson" with Nurse Answers was, well, much more than that. It was very informative, if the definition of "informative" is "an overload of overwhelming reams of forms, list of medications, and varieties of very long and sharp needles."
We set the tone well when, about to walk out the door to drive to the appointment, we remembered that we forgot to read through and sign the consent forms. So while we were in the car, I sped-read each one and summarized the options for Aaron. Some choices were rather obvious for us - like initialling the box that says we will not agree to multiple-fetal-reduction. Some were rather morbid - who would have legal ownership of our embryos if one or both of us were to die? Taken as a whole, though, I am glad that the consent forms put our wishes for IVF in writing - things like limiting the number of eggs fertilized, not granting permission for any viable embryos to be destroyed. It is assuring to have legal documentation that this IVF will be carried out within the boundaries that we feel are pleasing to God.
So after Nurse Answers witnessed our signatures to all the various and sundry contracts, she handed me my IVF schedule. Going through that list definitely brought home to Aaron and me how intensive this procedure will be. I thought I had a pretty good idea what to expect, but I was somewhat shell-shocked to find out how many things happen during IVF that I had NO IDEA about. I will be taking a LOT of medications! I knew about the Lupron (which I start on Sunday), the Follistim, the Ovidrel, the progesterone. But the antibiotics (because my body will be invaded by many foreign objects)! The immunosuppressors (so my body doesn't reject the embryos as hostile)! The baby aspirin (to increase blood flow to the uterus)! Oh my! I am about to become a walking pharmacopoeia*. Aaron and I exchanged many wide-eyed looks as we went over the schedule, and Nurse Answers kept reminding us that we won't be doing everything at once. Thank the Lord for that! I certainly don't feel like I will remember all the instructions we were given for each medication. And Aaron sticking a large, long needle into a blue foam block does not seem like enough practice for when he will be injecting progesterone into the muscle in my rear! But we'll take each bit as it comes, trusting God to provide the grace and strength for each day...
This IVF cycle finally feels real. We are actually doing this. We are so glad that we are resting in God's hands, that he is present with us in every moment.
*For the record, I spelled that right on the very first try!
3 comments:
Yes, don't worry about all of those additional tablets and pills. Most of those will be taken after the transfer.
The PIO is the scary part! :-)
The PIO was always the most intimidating for me. I am sure that you will do great with it. Wishing you all the best with your cycle!
Andrea, your blog has been such a blessing to me. I have been "lurking" for a few days now, but thought I would finally post a comment. My husband and I are dealing with secondary infertility - a real heart ache.
A word of encouragement about the PIO. It isn't that bad. Most of the discomfort doesn't come from the actual injection - but rather the knot that develops shortly after. I used a rice sock (sock filled with rice and heated in the microwave) - that seemed to help some.
I am praying daily that you and your husband will conceive this IVF cycle. God bless you.
In Christ, Elaine
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