Not holding my breath

This morning I had my second IUI done.  We went in early this morning to collect Shawn's sample.  We figured we had a great count the last time we collected it at the clinic, so maybe that's what we needed to do.  Wrong...this time his count was 0.9 million, just under half of what it was last time!  We also didnt abstain as long this time but next time we definitely will!  I'm not very hopeful about this cycle but as a friend just told me, it only takes one.

Shawn is also getting a referral to a Urologist who specializes in infertility.  I'm hoping we can get some answers this time as to why his count is so low and what we could do for it.  I'm already planning on going out and getting him some fish oil today to add to his multivitamin, vitamin E, and vitamin C.  Poor guy will be taking all sorts of vitamins before this adventure is over!

Last year when Shawn went to the Urologist we got no answers.  He was initially seen by the doctor, then he had to do two more SA's.  We got the same results from each SA.  The last time we were also told that his sperm stick together, so they just swim in circles.  I asked everytime if there was something that we could do to help his sperm we were given no answers, so I'm definitely not a big fan of this doctor.

Warning!  TMI ahead!

I thought I'd edit my post because this time I have had a small amount of bleeding after the IUI.  Last time I was told this may happen.  Other than that I have been taking it easy today!

The next time I go back will be next Monday to see if I did, in fact, ovulate.

Thought I had a choice

My appointment went well for the most part this morning.  Looks like there will be two follicles on the right side and one follicle on the left that will release eggs.  I had to sneak over during work but at least it was a Saturday so I could drive instead of walk.  The doctor wanted me to get my trigger shot at the appointment and do the IUI tomorrow but I work all day and there is no way I could get it switched around that short of notice.  Luckily, I was able to find someone to give me the shot tonight so we can do the IUI on Monday.  He said I could do it as early as 8pm but one of my friends will be giving it to me at 10pm.  Ideally, they wanted it given at 11-11:30pm but 10 is closer than 8! 

The trigger shot is typically giving 24-36 hours before the IUI and can be given up to 40 hours before.  I want the best shot (no pun intended) at this working so I am very thankful for my friend who is willing to poke me!

The doctor also wanted my husband to give it to me but 1) he'll be at work and 2) no one taught him to give an IM shot and that's not my job.  Plus, he said he wouldnt do it.  Some else asked me why I dont I just give it to myself?  I have a hard time giving myself SQ shots, so I dont think a bigger needle will help anything!

Day 6

Went in the morning for my ultrasound and bloodwork.  There are decent follicles growing on both sides this time!  The right side had two and the left had one.  Looks like the IUI will be on either Sunday or Monday.  I go back on Saturday for more blood and another ultrasound, and hopefully pick a day.  Monday works better for me but Sunday works better for Shawn.  I am definitely shooting for Monday right now!

First time with an audience

Last night was Day 5, so it was time to start giving myself the shots again.  I would think it went pretty good after a pep talk from Rach.  I had minimal burning and bleeding.  It was kinda weird having an audience though.  I had to give my medicine a little bit late, I'm hoping that it wont be a big deal and plan on working on getting it back on the schedule I want.

I'm going to go off-topic here and talk about why I had an audience and a late start on the medicine.  Rach and I went to the BEST boyband concert ever last night.  NKOTBSB!!!!  We had so much fun and I am glad we went!  Thanks Groupon for the tickets!  I never imagined I would have been able to see New Kids on the Block in concert, they were my favorite band many many years ago!  Anyways, I decided to do my shot after the concert thinking it would be done by 10pm, nope it was 11pm before they sang their last song!  But it was well worth it!

So we meet again...

Well, that was the beginning of my period so we are trying again this cycle.  This morning I had my bloodwork and ultrasound and everything looks good to go.  We are upping my medicine this time.  I will start poking myself again on Sunday.

Let's hope it's implation bleeding!

Let me warn you ahead of time that this post contains TMI.  If you dont like that stuff stop reading now but you dont care continue reading.

This morning I took a pregnancy test to get Shawn to shut up about taking one.  Of course it was a BFN.  I know it's too early to take one but they're just $1 at The Dollar Tree.

This afternoon I went to the bathroom and I saw that I had spotted.  (Cant say I didnt warn you!)  I am sure I will be starting any day now.  I just went to the bathroom again and there is nothing else there.  I just did some Googling and found out that this can be implantation bleeding at 10dpo.  Right now all I can say is let's hope this is implantion bleeding!

I also read that a pregnancy test wont show a BFP until after implantation.  I guess I should go to The Dollar Tree and grab a few more tests since I just used my last one.  I'd rather buy that than tampons (I'm hoping I wont have to use my last three).

1 Week Post IUI Appointment

I had an appointment for an ultrasound and bloodwork post IUI this morning.  Everything checked out on the ultrasound and I just recieved the call saying that my bloodwork showed that I ovulated!  Woo-hoo!  Now the wait continues to see if I'm knocked up.  I have an appointment for next Saturday for a pregnancy test.  Lets hope and pray I dont start before then!

This morning I also learned why I should be thankful I have to be at work so early.  Traffic was awful!  I even left early this morning because I needed to stop and fill up on the way to the doctor's office.  Somehow I ended up in the lane that would not move and there were no wrecks or road work!  I guess someone up ahead felt like letting every car merge in front of them.  I had never had any problems with traffic and getting to my previous appointments.  I am glad I was only 13 minutes late and they were running behind at the clinic.

Baby-Making Day!

Alright everyone, let's hope and pray that this worked and I will be pregnant!  I am over all the shots and appointments already!

This morning we got up bright and early because we had to drop his stuff off at the clinic at 7am and come back for the IUI at 8:30.  In between those two times we enjoyed some breakfast at BTT because I wanted to introduce it to Shawn.  Yum!

We got back to the clinic about 8:15 or so and off course they were running about 45 minutes late and my bladder was definitely full.  It was miserable waiting our turn! 

Shawn's post wash count was 2 million and the doctor told us they do get good results wit that number.  When it's under 1 million, they usually dont have successful IUI's.  They used an ultrasound to make sure the catheter was going where it was supposed.  It was pretty cool to see the catheter go in and also to see the sperm when they injected it.  Afterwards, I laid there for about 10 minutes and had some more blood drawn along with Shawn getting blood drawn.  Then it was time for me to finally be able to pee!  When we got home I laid down for about another hour.

My next appointment is set for next Friday morning.  They will do an ultrasound and more blood to see if I really did ovulate like I should have. 

I got triggered

I had another appointment this morning.  More blood and another ultrasound.  Finally, my largest follicle was big enough to trigger, so before I left I got my trigger shot.  I was relieved that it was done in the office and that I wouldnt have to find someone to give me a shot tonight!  It also didnt hurt going in like I thought it would, but it is a little sore now.

Tomorrow is going to be a bright and early morning.  We have to drop off Shawn's sample by 7am and we go back at 8:30 for the insemination.  I think we'll go enjoy some breakfast (hoping for some BTT) between those times and make my bladder full.

Next Friday I have an appointment for bloodwork and an ultrasound.

After two weeks of madness I think I am finally getting used to all of this and it's not quite as overwhelming as it was in the beginning!