No Pain, No Gain

Finally starting IVF today after having to postpone a month because my menses (Aunt Flow or AF) came a week early. DH and I first saw the doctor back in August of last year, so we have come a long way to be here. I must say I was pretty disappointed when I had to postpone but in hindsight things did work out for the best. Sometimes you just have to let nature take its course.

Since today is my Day 2 of AF, I went to see the doctor for my follow-up consultation, ultra scan and to start the IVF hormone regimen. The doctor advised me to do a short protocol IVF. (More about IVF protocols can be read here.)When I got to the doctor's office I was more concerned (read: freaking out) about having to self-inject the hormones than anything else. Thing is, I was used to having nurses do the injections everyday in our previous ART efforts. This time around I had to learn to do it on my own.

To think that for weeks I was concerned with trying to accept whatever the outcome will be from the journey ahead. But when I got to the doctor's office, my mind went blank and I started to cringe when I saw the needles and syringes. All I knew is that this phobia of needles had to be managed so I just said to myself, "Suck it up, girl!"

Luckily, the nurse at hand was so patient with me and my DH in going through the motions. After much drama (on my part) and half an hour later, I finally learned to self-inject with the Puregon Pen and a regular syringe for the Menopur. Mind you these two shots usually just take a few minutes to do for the average person.

We'll see how I will fare tomorrow morning since I have to do both injections everyday at the same time for the next two weeks. In addition to the injections, I am also taking Progynova tablets to strengthen my uterine wall. It has only been a day of hormones so have not been feeling too off yet but we'll see. Hopefully the side effects won't be too much for me.

I am just so thankful that my loved ones are always there to support me emotionally through what I definitely know will be a roller coaster ride.