Where We Go From Here

Many of you are aware that Gretch and I have been undergoing the process of vitro fertilization (usually called IVF). This process has been the culmination of a year and half of treatment for infertility. After a failed intra-uterine insemination (IUI), our doctor got us approved for IVF. There were a handful surgeries between getting approved and finally meeting with the IVF specialist who works out of Indiana. We met with him for the first time in September and had plans made for IVF at the end of November.

There was a huge period of concern at the very beginning of the process because of issues with Gretch's cycle going all crazy for the first time ever. Fortunately, things started on the last possible day and we got started with the month-long process of subcutaneous injections to prepare for IVF. This involved a daily dose of a drug called Lupron that inhibits the process of ovulation. Then there were the daily doses of Menopur and Bravelle, which stimulate the development of follicles in the ovaries, which are where eggs develop. You may have seen this picture on Facebook, but I'll share it here, too:

Those are all of the vials of drugs that we had to mix and inject on a daily basis. Of course, I should point out that Gretch was the one getting the injections, not me. After several weeks of drugs and regular visits with the doctor, the day for the first part of IVF, the retrieval of eggs, came. There was one last injection, Ovidrel, which was administered 36 hours prior to the actual procedure. This is the drug that induces ovulation so that the doctor could retrieve the eggs from the ovaries.

We had to leave the house at 3:45 am so we could get to doctor's office near Indianapolis at 7:15 am local time. Gretch's dad was gracious enough to clear his schedule so he could give us a ride. The procedure was quick and without complications. Gretch had some discomfort afterwards, but, by and large, it was simple and not nearly as unpleasant as the hysteroscopy or the laparoscopy.

The doctor was able to retrieve seven eggs and then was able to fertilize three of them. They were then monitored for a couple of days to ensure proper growth and development. The best two were selected for transplanting into the uterus after three days.

This time I got to go in during the procedure, although it was strictly for moral support. The procedure was scheduled for 9:30 am, so we didn't have to leave our house until 5:45 am! Both of Gretch's parents came with this time to give us a ride there and back. Gretch took a single dose of Valium about 30 minutes before to help her relax during the transfer process, and then we were on our way back home. She slept the entire ride home and is now resting in bed, where she is to remain for the next couple of days. After that, she will still be taking it easy for several weeks.

So, where do we go from here?

First of all, it is important to remember that there is a chance that this won't work out. Our doctors are fairly confident in the likelihood that things will work out, but nothing is guaranteed. So there is a lot of waiting that we will have to do. A lot of hoping, fasting, and praying. We are so incredibly grateful to everyone who has been praying for us, lighting candles, thinking of us, sending positive thoughts our way, putting our names on prayer rolls in churches and temples, and anything else they have done on our behalf. The outpouring of love has been overwhelming. 

We have continued to share with family and friends this part of our journey, but don't be surprised if you don't hear much about this over the next several weeks. Even with a positive pregnancy test, there is going to be a long time before we publicly share the results of all this, so please, don't be surprised if we dodge questions about the results of this. Better yet, please don't ask; let us be the ones to share with you. We will share the results when we feel it is appropriate to do so.

Thank you so much for your encouragement, for your love, and your support! I promise that we will keep you posted. And I promise to get back to updating our blog once a week, with information about things other than infertility and baby-making.