My Story Part 5

After waiting for another useless cycle to pass we arrived at August and our first round of IUI's. The cycle began with plenty of blood work and an ultrasound. I met with Eileen, the study coordinator to talk about the medications I would be taking to stimulate a good strong ovulation. Because we were participants in a drug trial I didn't know which medication I was getting (Clomid or anastrozole) or what dosage. I had to take several pills each day, some of which were active meds and others were placebos. I took the pills for 5 days of my cycle. I was very nervous that I would be given the lowest dosage and wouldn't be effected by the meds. We quickly realized this was not the case.

I say we because my poor husband was subjected to my mood swings, crying spells, hot flashes, emotional outbursts and my incessant questions ("do you think this is going to work," "what do you think," "do you think I'm pregnant", etc.). He handled it all like a perfect, patient gentleman. I thought the symptoms would pass once I stopped taking the meds, but they persisted through the rest of my cycle.

During the beginning of my cycle I had to go to the office for blood work and ultrasound every other day. This in itself was a trial. I had to be at the office by 9 for blood work, and those who know me well know that I don't do mornings. Many days I had to go in the morning for b/w and go back in the afternoon for ultrasounds because I couldn't get on the schedule. Once I had a follicle (egg) that measured 14mm I had to go for b/w and u/s EVERY SINGLE DAY. During the first cycle I had a huge follicle early in the cycle so I went to the office for 9 days straight. I also had to get up each morning and do an Ovulation Prediction Kit. This involves peeing on a stick and comparing lines. Finally on August 20th we got a + OPK, so it was time to go.

The rest to come tomorrow.