Hello Lovelies,
So this is it. The week is finally here. I will get my period any minute now and then, dun dun dun, start stimulation! For those of you that don’t speak IVF yet that means this is the week I start giving myself the shots. Active treatment cycle! AHHHH This is CRAZY!
I truly felt like it would never come. The beginning of this last month off really seemed to crawl by and then… All of a sudden, it was over. I cannot believe we are starting IVF. This post is about my utter disbelief over the crazy things we are willing to do for a baby. Things I would never have dreamed were possible. Things that make my thoughts swim, even now, staring down the barrel of it all.
I never would have believed I would…
1. Undergo IVF. Until very recently this was not even on my list of things to consider, yet here we are. Paying 15,000 dollars for a shot at parenthood seemed crazy, it still seems crazy… But I signed up to do it anyway.
2. Stab myself with 3 needles a day. For two weeks. Straight. I hate needles. It’s almost a phobia. No one likes them but I truly fear them. But I am gonna do it. On a time limit. Every day. Come hell or high water… Moving on.
3. Allow science to dictate my movements. No sex at certain times? Sure. No dinners out unless you want to stab yourself in the washroom? Sure. No fixed work schedule in case we need you at the clinic pronto? Sure. No heavy lifting, and by heavy they mean <10 lbs? Sure. No twisting or running in case you flip an ovary? Sure. No meds for allergies or headaches? Sure. Basically, whatever you say Dr … SURE!
4. Reach a point where this is basically our only way to conceive a child. If you had told me this, even a year ago I would not have believed you. Not in a million years. I probably would have even bet against you on this one. But I was wrong. Well, crazier things have happened.
But here we are! IVF. NOW. This week! Dear God, Goddess, Allah, Yahweh, Buddah… EVERYONE… Please give me strength. It is like we used to say on the playground, and what I hope to say with my future offspring… Ready or not, here we come!
XOXXO,
Unpregnat Chicken
You can do this! I was where you are in the spring of 2013 before my 1st IVF, and I shook and cried after the first few needles. But soon I became an EXPERT at stabbing myself in the belly in restaurant toilets and I’m now 7 weeks pregnant. I’m still having to inject needles every day, but now it’s not even a big deal. You will become SO BAD-ASS. 🙂
Good luck! Here’s to a BFP and a healthy pregnancy.
Margaret,
Thanks! Yeah I am feeling optimistically terrified. Which I think is an appropriate mix of emotions for right now. Fingers crossed I get soooo many good embryos and at least one healthy baby out of this!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Wishing you so much luck as you get closer to IVF. It really is crazy to think of how just a little over a year and a half ago, we too were that bright eyed couple who thought sex twice a week would be all we need to get a baby. I guess the positive side is we have all learned so much about reproduction and now really really really realize a baby is a true miracle.
Nicole,
Thanks, hun. Truth. I have a definite different outlook from the last 2 years 9 months. None of my friends will have wanted their babies as much as I will have wanted mine. For Real!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Kaeleigh, I am sending you my good wishes. You will be able to do it. Stay positive.
Anamika,
Thank you so much! So far feeling upbeat. Hopefully, that continues through the needles.
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
thinking of you xxxx
Laura,
Thanks, girl, I appreciate it!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Sending lots of positive thoughts your way! Thank you so much for sharing your journey!
Carrie,
I’ll take all the good thoughts I can get! Thank you for following along!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
You will do great through all of this! I honestly dreaded the needles & then found they were not as scary or painful as the nurses described them to be/as I had imagined in my head. It just becomes part of the routine for a few weeks. Good luck!!
McKenzie,
Thanks. I sincerely hope you are right!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Yep. Been here, had the same thoughts. But here’s the thing: after all of this you will be able to do things most people squirm at. When others complain about needles, I’m now in a position of “just stick me and get it over with it,” which surprises many. Or when the fret about some uncertainty, I remind myself that one can always find a way (even if it seems impossible) to resolution.
Hoping for you. Hoping this cycle leads to much joy and celebration very soon.
Cristy,
I am also hoping for that. Haha.
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
I hope it goes well. I have to give myself injections every day for MS. It is a big deal to get your head around in the beginning, but now it feels like a normal part of my routine. I hope they go ok for you. Above all, I so hope that this will be what it takes for you guys.
Rachel,
Also I think having to master the injections makes us some kind of bad-ass super hero! HIIIIYA! So that helps.
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Sending you god thoughts. IVF is pretty intimidating, but you are right you can do it. Take it one day at a time and (This is very important) plan for ways to reduce stress.
Turtle,
Thanks! Yes I’m planning lots of coffee dates and fun things to do to take my mind off it.
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
oops, I meant good thoughts not god thoughts lol.
Wishing you all the positive energy your little body can handle. You are a bad ass and those shots will be nothing for you after the first couple. We love you and are so excited for you! (((((HUGS))))))
Tracy,
Have your support means so much to me. Thank you for being an awesome Mother-in-law. I’m excited for us too!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Good luck, Kaeleigh! I hope there’s a BFP in your very near future.
Molly,
Me too! Please let it be sooner rather than later.
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Sending 3000 good thoughts for this cycle! We’re cheering you on.
Mel,
Golly that’s a large number! Thank you!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Oh, good luck to you! It is crazy when you think on where you thought you’d be and where you are, but this is such a time of possibilities. I was always anxious until I started a cycle, and then it would be so much excitement overwhelming the thoughts of, “so THIS crazy process is how babies are made?” I wish you smooth sailing, and anxiety-free injecting. Quick tip–if you’re taking anything that requires mixing with a powder, let it rest for a few minutes on a sterilized counter before injecting. It will sting WAY less. Thinking such excited, positive thoughts for you!
Jess,
I do have one that I have to mix! Thank you for the tip, the stinging is what I am most concerned for. I am pretty anxious to get things started and hoping for only excitement after that.
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
OH yay its starting– GOOD LUCK and sending you positive thoughts and energy! XOXOXO
You always have us to talk to if it gets stressful!
Iris,
It is! Friday will be the big day for stims!
XOXXO,Unpregnant Chicken
Yippeeee! Excited and hopeful for you. Not only are you on your way to overcoming infertility, but also your phobia of needles. You got this, twinzee! My thoughts and prayers are with you today and throughout this journey.
Renuka,
Thanks! I felt much better after the nurse showed me how to do them.. although there are an awful lot of them :s lol.
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Sending the best wishes your way! God bless! 🙂
Aish,
Thank you!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
Just take it easy, one day at a time. You can do this. The first shot will be the hardest but it gets easier, I promise. Don’t forget to breathe.
Deathstar,
Yes, I hear breathing is so important! Oxygen and all… Thanks for the reminder 🙂
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
As someone who is waiting to have reconstructive surgery to fix a cervix so we might be able to kids, I totally understand. good luck!
Tracey,
Woah! I’ve never heard of that before. Science is so cool! I hope it works for you.
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
I know you’re already deeeeep in it 😉 but I wanted to wish you all the best!! I’m sure you’re a PRO by now 😉
Sending very good thoughts and positive vibes!!
Sunflower,
Thanks! Yeah it was way easier than I thought. I wouldn’t say I LIKE the shots now.. but it’s not bad!
XOXXO, Unpregnant Chicken
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