1st Monitoring Appointment Results

Yesterday was my first monitoring appointment, which meant I had to go in for a blood test (to check estradiol levels) and an ultrasound to see how my body is responding to the treatment.  I was worried going in because I haven't had any side effects besides an awful headache, and I thought maybe that meant I wasn't responding well.

I was wrong.

The nurse counted 21 measurable follicles!  After just 4 days of stims!  I'm not sure exactly what they look for this early, but the nurse seemed very happy.  There are 10 on the left side, measuring between 5.67 mm to 12.41 mm, and 11 on the right, measuring between 5.64 mm and 10.43 mm.  My lining was over 5, which she said is perfect for this point in my cycle.

My coordinator called me later in the day to give me my instructions.  I am staying on the same protocol of 150 units gonal-f and 75 units menopur each night, but I am also adding in cetrotide starting tonight.  This will help to prevent me from ovulating before they want me to.  They also want to monitor me closely to make sure I don't develop OHSS (ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome), which is not ideal by any means.  It happens when your ovaries are over-stimulated, and can result in bloating, weight gain, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and lower abdominal pain.  It can be very serious if not caught early, but my doctors are great, so I'm not overly concerned.

Overall, I'm very excited about the process so far.  I'm a little nervous about what comes next, because I don't know the quality of my eggs or anything yet.  We would never know these things without doing IVF, so if nothing else, we will get answers from this.  But hopefully we will get a baby from it!

Tomorrow is my next appointment.  I will have more bloodwork and an ultrasound.  They will also do my pre-op appointment for my egg retrieval.  This is getting so real!