You guys, remember how I said I wasn't loving this protocol? Remember how I said I didn't want to overstimulate? That my husband would kill me if we ended up with multiples? That I didn't want to have to have two mid-cycle visits? Welp, none of the above worked out.
I've got FOUR follicles*. F-O-U-R! Worst nightmare. If it was six, we'd cancel.No question. If it was one, I'd be bummed, we'd probably do another shot, and hope for the best. But four?!?! What the heck am I supposed to do about that?
*And ladies who are in the midst of IVF or approaching IVF, please hear me: I know that some of you would love four follicles. I know that you are giving yourself all sorts of meds nightly praying for a hand full of eggs. I do not take that lightly. I know that I am blessed to have follicles. To have eggs. I fully understand that things could be worse. With that said, as we are looking at an IUI, and not IVF this cycle, we have some pretty big decisions to make.*The contents of my lady parts currently stand thusly (not a word, I don't care):
Left ovary: 10mm, 11mm, 12mm
Right ovary: 14mm
Lining: 6.4
I've taken Femara 7.5mg CD4-8 and 75iu Follistim CD8. Today is CD9.
This is my fourth IUI. We've had three previous IUI's with 3 eggs, 1-2 eggs (unsure), and 1 egg. All failed to result in even a positive Beta. Am I crazy to worry? Should I be thrilled with four, assume that our fertilization sucks, and that we'll walk out of this with none again, or maybe, just maybe, one baby?
So, for those of you far more versed in these things than I am, any ideas what to expect? Will all four follicles continue to grow? Will my lining plump up (because that's pathetic)? If I take another injection, will one or two follicles surge ahead, will they all grow, will (gasp) more grow?
I'm currently waiting on the phone call from my nurse about next steps. She hinted at the likelihood that I'll do another injection or two and then come back in for another ultrasound. Bahhh! Depending on what my doctor comes up with, I'm guessing we'll be having a little chat tonight to discuss risks vs rewards.
What would you do?
So I am definitly one of those IVFers you speak of who is reading this and thinking "DO IT!!!!" But this is not just because I am doing donor egg IVF! It is because you have had three failed IUIs. And your lining is in an OK but low range. Definitly talk to your husbad and your doctor, but my advice is do it.
ReplyDeleteWith 3 failed IUI's at up to 3 good looking follicles, I say to move forward with the IUI this cycle. Just my $0.02!
ReplyDeleteMy guess is that the 10mm would not catch up in time, even with another injection. It is 2 days behind the 14mm. The 11mm might not make it in time either. I would bet that you wind up with 2 (maybe 3) mature ones if/when you trigger. Just a hunch, I'm no doc! :) If it were me, I'd do it even if all 4 were mature. We've had our fair share of failed IUIs, so 4 wouldn't scare me, but that's just me!! Fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteI'd do it. A couple of your follicles might not even be released, depending on how mature they get. I had four possible follicles (didn't have a second ultrasound, so I wasn't sure how much they grew)for my 1st IUI and didn't get pregnant. There's always a possibility of multiples, but I'd personally take the risk!
ReplyDeleteDO IT!!! You are only CD9 and its not a guarantee all of those follicles will continue to grow. You are way over thinking this and just need to keep your eye on the prize! If The Lord wants you to have multiples it won't matter if you have 10 follicles or just one. It's not up to you it's up to Him so stop trying to control the situation and give it up to The Lord! (And I mean that in the nicest way possible!) love and prayers to you!!!
ReplyDeleteI say go for it! I agree with Becky, I am not positive they will all catch up. It is always better to say I am glad I did instead of I wish I had...
ReplyDeleteHI I just found you from Risa's blog. Everybody else is saying go for it and maybe they are right. However, I just wanted to say that this is why injectibles terrify me personally. BUT, you have had failed cycles and it is likely that all four won't release, or if they do won't fertilize. I would definitely talk to your doctor about what he thinks and then go with your gut. I see both sides to this though.
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I don't know all the answers to your questions, but I, too, say: GO FOR IT!! I hope your doctor will be able to help answer your questions and put your mind at ease. xoxo
ReplyDeleteI say go for it as well! God is in complete control and His will WILL happen regardless (multiples or not). Just trust Him that this is the path He has you on for a reason and do it! (Remember this is coming from the girl who transferred only 1 in IVF but only because it was our first IVF cycle).
ReplyDeleteI've been silently stalking your blog for quite a while now, so you can take my "first comment ever" with a grain of salt! Our doctor always told us that while the number of follicles is important, the e2 will give you a better sense of how many of them are actually mature. Ladies who have gone through IVF will also tell you that a "present" follicle does not mean a "mature" follicle or "good" egg.
ReplyDeleteAnd at the end of the day, which is really the "worst case scenario"? Another month or so waiting and trying again, with the possibility of overstimulating or it all working next time, or getting pregnant with a set of twins or multiples? Only you can really answer that question.
I know how concerned you've been, but 4 is fairly normal for an IUI cycle. Just think of it giving you more targets for a chance at a baby!! I would say go for it as well. I don't think that the 10 will catch up enough, and I definitely don't think you'll have more that will pop up and be in play. This of course is ultimately up to what YOU (and your hubby) feel comfortable with though, so chat with your doctor and see what he thinks. Your lining should be fine by IUI time...Probably closer to 8mm at that time. Good luck, whatever you decide. I'll be thinking and praying for you!!
ReplyDeleteI don't have much advice, but do whatever you have a peace about!! If you are hesitant with moving forward, then wait! If you feel a complete peace with it, then do it!!! Prayers!
ReplyDeleteAgree with the other ladies- you will probably end up with 2 (maybe 3) perfect sized follicles by trigger! I think you'll be right where you want to be! Mine are usually right within that range too and I always seem to have 2 in the running. Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteAfter 3 fails, I would do it if I were you. The highest I had with my IUIs was 3 and I DID NOT want triplets, but I felt like the chances that all 3 would fertilize AND implant was a long shot considering I had gone 2 years of one egg a month and never got a BFP. Hoping the best whatever you decide!
ReplyDeleteIts ultimately up to you but like some of the other ladies pointed out...not all 4 will be mature enough to be released. Talk it over with the Hubs and ur Dr to make the best decision.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit the Follistim injections are my least favorite of all the ones I have to do, it's something about the clicking of the pen. Would you consider injecting yourself? I've found the angle to be easier than having my Hubby face me and inject. I hope your follies all grow and mature. Thinking of you!
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was also that all follicles probably will not mature, so you should be fine. But, I also think you have to talk about it, pray about it, and listen to your doctor. Ultimately, you'll make the right decision!
ReplyDeleteLike I said in another comment, I have triplet nieces/nephew that were born at 24 weeks and have significant, lifelong health problems as a result. So multiples freak me out. But these other ladies made excellent points. Praying you'll have wisdom!
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