IVF #2 Update

We are just over a week into stimulating for IVF, and things are going well so far. We got off to a little bit of a rocky start, but we're smooth sailing now. When I went in for my monitoring appointment last Thursday, there were only 11 follicles that were growing, and my estrogen levels were at 82. That's really low, and not what they like to see. So they upped my meds and told me to come back in two days.

My appointment on Saturday was met with better results. Estrogen levels were approaching 300, and a couple follicles had reached the 10mm mark. We're aiming for 18-22mm, so still a ways to go. At yesterday's appointment, there were 26 follicles at 6mm or higher, and 2 of those were at 15mm, and my estrogen was at 753. Things are looking good. 

When they upped my meds, I went to 187.5iu of Menopur and 200iu of Follistim per day. We were tentatively scheduled for retrieval on Friday, but I have a feeling they're going to push us a day. The slow start put us behind enough that I thing we're looking at Saturday. I go back in tomorrow for another ultrasound and more blood work, and we'll know tomorrow afternoon if we will be triggering that night, or if we'll continue with stims. 

By Sunday morning, I was really starting to feel the bloat come on. Something as simple as chasing the kids around the playground, or giving them underdog pushes on the swings has become difficult. Monday morning I decided it was time to give up on real pants for the rest of this cycle. My jeans still button without a fight, but man do yoga pants feel so much better. 

We've been telling Brooke and Harrison that mommy is going to have tummy surgery and that's why I can't pick them up or run around with them. They seem to respond to that logic, but it's hard to not be able to pick them up. We've been trying to get out of the habit for a couple months now, but it's tough. I've still been picking them up if they get hurt, but I won't carry them anymore if they ask for it, and after retrieval it will be no lifting at all. 5 lbs will be my limit.

I've been trying to be conscious of what I'm eating, but it's hard with 6724 pounds of Easter candy in the house. In the grand scheme of things, I know a couple pieces of candy per day won't make or break a cycle. I have been eating a lot of protein and healthy fats, along with fruits and vegetables. Hard boiled eggs, yay Easter, avocado, grilled meats, pistachios, Penne Pomo, because olive oil, and Virgin Marys with lots of olives are a few things I've been consuming in mass quantities over the last week. I've been drinking as much water as possible and have also been upping my milk intake. I know I need to kick my decaf coffee to the curb, but I swear my days go better with a cup of decaf. I know I didn't worry too much about any of this last time around, but this cycle feels so different. So final.

Other than being sore and bloated, I am feeling really good. No crazy hormonal side effects and no headaches. I'll hopefully go in tomorrow and see lots of follicles approaching the 18mm mark. I'm ready for my last day or two of stims, and then the dreaded PIO starts. Bring it on!