About a week ago (tomorrow), I started the shot, Follistim. Follistim includes a hormone that stimulates the follicles within the ovaries so they grow to the proper size and produce an egg (or eggs). I started with 150 units/day for 4 days. On Sunday (day 4), my doctor drew blood to check my hormone levels. They were a bit high, so I was told to drop down to 75 units/day for 2 days. I went back Tuesday for a Tommy Lee. I have one follicle at 15 millimeters, two at 13 millimeters and another at 12 millimeters (the ideal size is 15-20 millimeters). They say I'm right on track and lowered my dose to 50 units/day for 2 more days. So, I go back tomorrow and I'm not really sure what's going to occur. I have a feeling I will be probed once again and, at that point, given further instructions. I have gathered they aren't giving me the full run down of what to do until its time because they don't want me self-administering. I can't imagine injecting myself with drugs without my doctor's blessing but I guess they have their reasons. Maybe it's a liability thing.
Nonetheless, during my Tommy Lee experience Tuesday, the doctor asked if my ovaries felt 'full.' I wasn't sure what she was talking about at the time, but I do now! It's the craziest feeling. I can literally feel my ovaries. My belly is also swollen. Not swollen, bloated. I feel like I have a full water bottle hanging from my waist. It's actually kind of gross, but I don't mind...just making room for my future little stinkbug. She also said I have several follicles and that's why they lowered my dose again...they don't want me to be the next octo-mom (I verbally thanked her for that).
As for the drugs, so far no extreme reactions. My emotions haven't been swinging like a pendulum (although I think my husband might beg to differ). :) I have taken measures to keep my emotions in check through this experience. I avoid reading anything about fertility. I listen to my doctors, I follow their instructions to a 'T' and I focus on my own experience. I feel I'm doing myself more good than harm by avoiding everything that's out there. It's kind of like ignorance is bliss? I don't know, but it's working for me so I'm sticking with it.
As always, thanks for checking in and I will continue to keep you posted.
No comments:
Post a Comment