Today I visited the offices of Dr. Owlish for a lesson in injections, in preparation for the upcoming IUI cycle. If I had know that I would be watching the same instructional video that I saw back in November of '06 (thanks, handy timeline!), I would have brought popcorn to lessen the boredom a bit. Film-making doesn't really qualify as one of the strengths of the fertility pharmaceutical industry. When I met with the nurse afterwards, I declined her offer to go over all the Follistim instructions again. After three IUIs and two IVFs with the stuff, I think I'm familiar enough with the process. What is new for this IUI is that I will be mixing up my own HCG injection. At my previous clinic, the trigger shot prescribed came in the form of a pre-filled syringe. The prescription sent from Dr. Owlish's office includes two vials - one of powdered drug, one of fancy medical-grade water - and two needles - one to mix the contents of the two vials and draw up the combined HCG concoction, and one to administer the injection. This is definitely the next step in my career as a professional self-shooter-upper. Another interesting difference in protocol between the old clinic and the new is that a few days after the IUI, I'll have an ultrasound to check my ovary size. If the ovaries don't measure up, I'll take an HCG booster shot (half the dose of the trigger) in order to notch progesterone production up. Who knew that there is a direct correlation between ovary size and progesterone levels? Other than that, IUI #5 shouldn't vary too much from IUIs #1-4 - except, very hopefully, in the end result. Right now, I'm just waiting for my next cycle to start, so we can start trying again for the first time in a while.
6 comments:
Go Andrea! You're really getting hardcore with the drugs. Bet you never thought people would be saying that to you, huh? I'm praying this is the last time you'll ever have to stick yourself with needles.
~Flicka
It's interesting to me that you've never had an ultrasound to measure your ovaries. That was a standard operating procedure for me every time.
Maybe because we have different issues. Hmmm.
Anyway, echoing Flicka's prayers.
Hoping this is IT!
Coralie, I have had ultrasounds to measure my ovaries during the monitoring leading up to the IUI/IVF; I've just never had the measurement taken after the IUI. Sorry if that wasn't clear!
I think we all should receive honorary biology degrees for the amount of stuff we've learned about our bodies through these processes...or a nursing degree for the self administered shots!
Good Luck. I am praying that this is it for you. It is nice to know that I am not the only one going through this trying and roller coaster ride. fingers crossed for you.
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