Yes! You read that correctly! I have to have injections EVERY NIGHT! So far my husband has given them to me and they’re not so bad but still…the idea of taking a shot every day is a bit much. The medication burns a little bit but the needle itself isn’t bad because it’s so small. My injection goes in my stomach which also makes it easier to bear. I basically pinch some fat/skin on my stomach and he does the injection. I also make sure I switch sides every night so that I don’t get too sore. So far I haven’t had any side effects from the medication but from what I’ve been told, as the days go on, I will start to feel bloated due to all of the follicles increasing in size. I also take baby aspirin and a prenatal vitamin daily. The baby aspirin is for blood flow to the uterus and the prenatal vitamin is full of vitamins that are essential for preconception.
I will go into the office for my first ultrasound after being on stim meds (Menupor and Bravelle) for about 4-5 days to see what my follicles are doing. I believe the doctor will count my follicles and make sure they are maturing the way that they should be. He will also determine if my medications should be increased or decreased. Some people respond to stim meds really well while others may take awhile to respond. It differs from person to person. As of now, it looks like my egg retrieval will be somewhere between September 9-September 12. That’s right around the corner! I’m so excited and nervous of course. Let me provide a little more information about the egg retrieval as I realize that this isn’t common knowledge:
- Once my doctor determines that my eggs have matured to the size that they need to mature to, we will instruct me to stop my stim meds and I will take medication that will prevent my body from releasing the eggs.
- Then exactly 36 hours before my retrieval, I will take another medication called the “trigger” and that’s when my body will release the eggs.
- I will then go to the doctor and he will put me into what’s called “twilight sleep” which is not quite as strong as general anesthesia but it will put me in such a deep sleep where I won’t feel the process or remember anything.
- He will then go through my cervix and into my ovaries with a small needle to remove the eggs. Crazy, right?
This is what I signed up for so I have to put my big girl panties on and just do it! I know that God is by my side throughout the entire process. I will pray for my doctors and all of the staff involved. We’re trusting God as we have been this entire time.
I will provide another update soon!
I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
Psalm 16:8
Kristen D. Johnson
