My first blog post! And IVF #1!

I’ve thought about blogging for a little while, as I’ve received so much value from following other people’s blogs and YouTube vlogs related to infertility and pregnancy.  Finally, I’m going to give it a shot.  I don’t know if anyone will want to hear what I have to say, but it might help me to relieve some stress and have a bit of additional support as I go through this whole infertility thing.  I think my sister and sister-in-laws and closest girlfriends may secretly be sick and tired of hearing about it – maybe even my mom and mother-in-law too.  Lol, well I know there are others out there going through similar struggles who can relate better.

We are about to start an IVF cycle!  Going into this whole TTC thing, I was pretty against the thought of IVF.  Didn’t think it was for me.  However, when we’d exhausted our other options (clomid cycles, femara cycles, femara + IUI twice, various different vitamins and supplements, etc) without any sign of pregnancy, I finally decided it was time to see a specialist.  What in the world took me so long?!  I realized I knew a very influential person in the infertility community who’s worked with fertility clinics throughout the state of Texas, so at the very least I should ask her for a referral to her very favorite Reproductive Endocrinologist.  Turns out, she knew just the guy.  And I was able to get an appointment very quickly.  This doctor was able to use all the diagnostic testing and history we already had on file, with just a few additional tests required, and convince us that our best bet was IVF.  He didn’t try to sell us on something we didn’t want or need, but when presented with several different options, there was no doubt in my mind that IVF was next.  So, here we go!

I’ve got my meds ordered and stocked in my fridge, and am currently on birth control pills until August 20th when I go back in for my baseline ultrasound, test transfer, HSG, and consent signing.  IVF contract is paid and I have no regrets.  I’ve done injectables before, so I’m not scared of the needles or the retrieval, just scared of the heartbreak I’ll feel if it doesn’t work.  But mostly, I’m hopeful.  Very, very hopeful that it will work on the first shot and we’ll have remaining embryos (not too many, though!) that we can and will use for subsequent pregnancies.

Dear God, please give us incredible success in this IVF procedure.  We come to you praying that you will bless us with one or two little ‘bears’ to love and nurture, and teach about the love of God.  Our family needs these little miracles, and will give them all the love and resources we have to give and then some.  Amen.