We officially started the IVF process today! We had our injection teaching class and our embryology consult. Basically, I got overloaded with information about all the different injections (I start stims on Dec. 31st...Happy New Year), then we had to sign lots of forms saying what to do with our embryos in every conceivable situation. We only found one question difficult to answer...how many eggs we wanted (potentially) fertilized. Before we decided to do IVF, our biggest hesitation was the thought of having lots of leftover embryos and having to make a hard decision about what to do with them. After our losses, we were sure that, in our opinion, embryos are little lives. Please understand that I am not being all judgy here...everyone decides what they are comfortable with, and I support anyone else's decision 100%. Destroying our embryos at any point, though, is not really an option for us.
We had originally thought we would only expose 8 to fertilization. But the more I read the more I worried that if we limited the number exposed we would end up with no high quality embryos. My theory in moving through all of this is that I don't want to have any regrets if we get to the end of trying biologically with no baby. If we do not end up with a quality embryo, I know I would regret not fertilizing all the eggs. So for now we have decided to have all the eggs exposed to fertilization. Our clinic discussed the great need for adoption embryos, so we feel comfortable that there are some good options out there if we end up with more than we can use.
For those of you who have done one or more IVF cycles, is there anything you wish you had known beforehand? Anything that helped you through the process?
And you're off! Wishing you the best of luck on this IVF!
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting. There is so much to learn about IVF. I'm looking forward to reading along as you do this. : )
ReplyDeleteGood luck!! My fingers are crossed for you!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to be starting! Before I started I wished I'd realised that waiting would be the worst part. I wish I'd realised that there was a supportive blogging community - but you already know about that. I wish I'd been more confident in my own instincts and questioned the treatment more. I wish I'd know that pain-wise the injections and ovum pick up were no big deal; it's the mental side (like pointing a syringe at yourself or surrendering your body for the OPU) that was worse.
ReplyDeleteAnd please if you have more embryos than you need to create your family, donate them. There are many couples struggling to create the family they yearn for. As long as you feel mentally that you can do this (and if you don't that's fine!) it could be the most amazing gift.
I read IVF for Couples (in in-vitro for couples? Book with a picture of dummies on the front) and found that really helpful.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I just wanted to sleep, and sleep, and sleep during our fresh cycle; everyone's different, but you might want to plan for loads of naps.
Good luck!
wishing you the very best of luck with this ivf cycle!!! We are here for you every step of the way. Here's to your 2011 baby!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to bring in the new year! Interesting stuff about what to do with embryos, we've gone through some of the same thoughts too. It's a highly personal and deep decision, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteMy advice is be prepared for the wild mood swings. And try to be good to yourself. Eat a piece of chocolate after every shot... :)
How exciting! IVF is scary but it's not that bad. Keep us updated on how everything is going!
ReplyDeleteSo excited for you to start! Best of luck!!
ReplyDeleteWow, exciting!!!! Good luck, I am excited to be reading along!!!
ReplyDeleteJust popping over to say hello!
ReplyDeleteEveryone can use more support and I wanted to spread around as much as I can.
I hope this IVF goes perfectly and you finally get the baby you desire.
Fingers crossed for all of us infertiles!
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