Amy Klein's Blog

Have any of you followed Amy Klein's blog on the NY Times website over the last few years?  She's been writing "Fertility Diary" and today wrote a heartbreaking update about the five embryos she got from her last round of IVF and how all of them are genetically abnormal.  I obviously don't know Amy, but I've been following her journey for so long and my heart just breaks for her, the same way it does whenever I read another story of loss or of failed fertility treatments.  If you are going through IVF or other fertility treatments, you might give her posts a read -- she's a great writer and has quite a story.

Patience, Grasshopper

Cycle day 39!  I went in for bloodwork and an ultrasound last week and this week and discovered (last week) that I was about to ovulate (cycle day 34... apparently I am taking my time these days) and that I finally did ovulate (found out yesterday).  Thank God.  I delivered L naturally in early January and ever since then my hormones have been so out of whack.  I was hoping that I wouldn't have to use hormones to withdraw myself from this cycle and now I don't.  As a result, we are now approximately 4 weeks from starting IVF #1.  All of this waiting and my overall lack of patience reminded me of this quote.  We'll get there, just not on OUR time frame.

Image from Kushandwisdom

IVF #1 Protocol

I'm waiting (endlessly waiting...) for my cycle to end so I can start the BCP and get ready for our first round of IVF.  We met with the RE last week to discuss my protocol and I am doing the Antagonist / Saizen Protocol with Menopur, Saizen and Follistim.  We'll lead into the cycle with down regulation on the BCP for approximately 2 weeks. Does anyone have experience with this protocol?  Particularly anyone with DOR?

Given my history of clotting, I'll also have my Lovenox dosing closely monitored.  My last two cycles since we lost L have been totally out of whack (really long - 43 days).  I'm thinking that in addition to stress, the Lovenox might be messing with my cycles?  Has anyone had trouble with longer cycles while on Lovenox?  Prior to L, I had regular 28-29 day cycles naturally.

Also, can I again just express my frustration at how long this process takes.  When my cycle finally comes, I then have my period for 3 days and then start the BCP for at least another two weeks and THEN we can start the stimulation meds.  I need to find a few new hobbies to really tackle in the next 6 weeks or I might lose my mind.  Or maybe just another new show (I'm currently speeding my way through Scandal).