Stims Day 5
Black and Blue
Yesterday my stomach had a few bruises from the injections thus far. Post endermologie session, not only was I left with petechiae all over my upper back, leaving me to look like a victim of domestic abuse, but the purplish marks on my midsection are starting to coalesce into large purple bruises. Honestly, this is so icky that I've asked my BFF, JS, so swing by with her camera to capture the moment. If my child ever asks if s/he was "wanted" all I will have to do is whip out said photograph and it'll be clear that I walked through hell bring him or her forth.
Tomorrow morning I go in for my first IVIg infusion of the cycle and a routine blood draw to test my NK levels (Natural Killer cells). If elevated, I'll be doing yet another infusion of IVIg two days prior to the embryo transfer (knock on wood that we get some!). It's disconcerting to be doing an IVIg before we even know how many embryos we might be getting (one report said 12 follicles, one said 7, the latter report came from Dr. Russian who clarified that antral follicle counts can fluctuate within a cycle) but at least we'll know for sure by the time of the next treatment. I am worried about the idea of 7 follicles. We're used to much more. At my age (42) it's reported that 1 in 5 eggs is "normal" (which aneuploidies they're referring to is up for grabs) so I am quite uneasy about having so few. I'd like to put back 10, yes TEN, embryos as that would give me a chance at two normals, and hopefully one will implant. Both implanting would be ideal, actually, but given my score card, I think one will do nicely.
Tomorrow morning I go in for my first IVIg infusion of the cycle and a routine blood draw to test my NK levels (Natural Killer cells). If elevated, I'll be doing yet another infusion of IVIg two days prior to the embryo transfer (knock on wood that we get some!). It's disconcerting to be doing an IVIg before we even know how many embryos we might be getting (one report said 12 follicles, one said 7, the latter report came from Dr. Russian who clarified that antral follicle counts can fluctuate within a cycle) but at least we'll know for sure by the time of the next treatment. I am worried about the idea of 7 follicles. We're used to much more. At my age (42) it's reported that 1 in 5 eggs is "normal" (which aneuploidies they're referring to is up for grabs) so I am quite uneasy about having so few. I'd like to put back 10, yes TEN, embryos as that would give me a chance at two normals, and hopefully one will implant. Both implanting would be ideal, actually, but given my score card, I think one will do nicely.
Labels: IVF3, The Hell that IVF Is
posted by linda at 9:21 PM
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Black and Blue"
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post a commentHoly cow! I had no idea that those petechiae marks should be checked out by a dermatologist. I have some of those! Thanks for the great PSA (public service announcment).
And so sorry to hear about the bruising... it can be so brutal. I'm hoping your NKs come back low, and that you get many great follicles! I'll keep checking back to see how things are going for you.
Wow. You have so many injections. I think that photograph will be guilt producing for decades.
It's my understanding that antral counts are continually fluctuating. They aren't a measure of how many follicles you will produce, just the best measure of ovarian reserve (much better than fsh according to most of my docs).
It sounds like you're not doing pgd, is that correct? I hope you have one normal one implant. Unfortunately some of the others are really good at implanting as well so I hope it's ok if I'm a little more specific in my wish to the universe for you. One normal one implant.
I really hope this cycle is it for you. Prayers going your way!!
Linda, have you guys considered PGD?? Sorry about the bruises and the pain. Menopur was so painful when I used it on my last cycle with my own eggs.
Oooh sorry you're bruising from all the shots Linda. I hope its all worth it in the end (nudge nudge wink wink). Would your doctor actually put back 10? I think mine would have an embolism at the very mention. Good luck!!