Trying to Start IVF

Ok, I know I shouldn't be surprised that I can't get off the ground running. It just seems like every time I turn around there is another obstacle.

First we had to go over several tests again. I had no objection since, it seemed, not one test had been accurate. Thankfully, nothing more was found. I did this in record-breaking time, and if I had had my appointment 4 days earlier, I could have started one month earlier than I did - due to the injection class.

Do I expect I am going to remember anything once I start the injections? Nope. My memory is a sieve. Has been for quite some time. I have got to learn to pay closer attention. I was just too happy that the actual needle was no bigger than an allergy shot needle! I couldn't get past that point.

Now it needs to be said, that IVF has only a 20% success rate. That is an 80% failure rate. Of everyone, I am the least confident of this working.

Well, we try to start and I have a cyst on each ovary plus my E2 is 59. With cysts this is a bad number. Follicle growth, according to one literature survey I found, is almost always unsuccessful in these cases. Well, I don't tolerate birth control pills (BCPs) very well.

What do I mean by "not tolerating BCPs"? You know how most women take them to help with painful periods? Well, if I take them - and I tried 3 different types - I get the most excruciating cramps imaginable. I cannot walk. I fall down on all fours in pain. Obviously, we want to try and avoid that if at all possible.

So, considering my history, the RE wants to wait a cycle.

The next cycle comes. There are more cysts or follicles: 30 and 20 on right; 17 and 14 on left. The nurse said something about there being some smaller follicles as well. My E2 is only 51, but they decide to put me on BCPs.

I remind the nurse about my issue with BCPs. The RE on call decides that it would be best to give me a progesterone only BCP. It comes with mood swings.

That is where I am at now. Let's hope that the BCPs don't cause pain and quiet my ovaries. It is going to be a long cycle.