We have a plan of action

Met with RE today for f/u after all the testing. All is good with me. We definitely have a case of MF IF. So... the next step is IUI with injectables. The RE thinks it's a good shot and if that doesn't work, we move on to ICSI. I have to take an orientation class to learn how to inject myself. I don't think I can do this. DH also doesn't think he can inject me, so we have to work something out. If all goes well, I'll do the IUI next cycle,which will be next month.

I am overwhelmed right now and honestly, a little sad.

Re: We have a plan of action

I'm not going to kid you, its very difficult at first to stick yourself with a needle. But believe me, after the first 2 or 3 times, it becomes like nothing to you. Usually the stimming meds are subcutaneous injections which are not painful and the needle is very small. Some doctors will give you subcutaneous for the trigger as well, such as Ovidrel. But some want to give you HCG which is an intramuscular injection. Now that's going to freak you out a bit, but take one piece of advice if you're going to take any. Usually the intramuscular injections are done in the upper buttocks area. Numb yourself up with some ice for 30 minutes in that area. You seriously won't feel a thing if you do that.

Good luck! Feels good to finally have a course of action, right?

Re: We have a plan of action

First of all

As scary as it is, it's so good to have a plan of action!

What I really want to say, is don't underestimate yourself, I am really the worst paitent ever and never thought in a million years I could ever go through what we've been going through the past few cycles. Before this, I could never even walk into a medical facility without feeling like I was going to pass out. Everytime I had to go to a doctor (or even visit someone in a hospital which was trama in and of itself) I always had a smelling salt or two with me. Now... I'm a pro, DH no longer needs to come with me for my early morning sono's and bloodwork. Our next step after this cycle is also IVF/ICSI and I have not one reservation about giving myself an injection. If I can do it, ANYONE can!

So what I'm trying to say in my long winded way is that you have the support of your DH, and all the ladies here!

Re: We have a plan of action

Great Hollie-I have a great feeling. Subcu injections are a piece of cake after the first couple of times. Like Lauren said. Good luck!

Re: We have a plan of action

Thanks ladies. Why do I feel like I am going to cry? It upset me so much to look around the waiting room and realize that all these couples want is to have a baby... and now I am one of those couples, too? DOes this make sense?

Sorry for rambling,.

Re: We have a plan of action

I completely understand what you are feeling. I will be starting injects soon (hopefully) and although I am excited to get on with the process, when I stop and think that I actually will be injecting myself I get a little freaked. But the end result will be SO worth it.

If you don't mind me asking, what are your DH's counts like? We have MFI and did 2 unmedicated IUI's and then moved onto IVF/ICSI because of the counts. The "good" part of all of this is that MFI is easy to get around with IVF and since you are healthy your chances of success are really high. I have also heard of success stories with IUI so hopefully you will be one of those It really stinks that any of us are dealing with IF and I for one never thought I would be here, but I keep telling myself how lucky we are to have all the technologies to help us that they didn't have 10+ years ago. Keep your chin up, it's not an easy road, but think positive and you'll see that BFP soon!!

Re: We have a plan of action

It is so overwhelming I know, I am about to start injects and do IVF next month.. and yes I can also cry at the thought.. but at the same time I am happy we have a plan.. I haven't had a plan in years concerning this.. so maybe we are all one step closer to getting what we want.

Best of luck

Re: We have a plan of action

We are starting to cycle for IVF w/ ICSI in the next week or so (fingers crossed). We just received all of our meds yesterday, I freaked out a little when I saw all of the needles they ordered for me! It's an overwhelming process, but all I can remind myself of is the possible end result, and for that, it's all worth it.

Glad you have a plan! Best of luck!

Re: We have a plan of action

Glad there is a plan. No advice just Let me know if you need anything

Re: We have a plan of action

Re: We have a plan of action

My dh and I were in the same situation. MF IF issues. The injections weren't as difficult to do as I thought. It was the pen needles and they are small. We actually took turns (but dh did most of them) and I had to do some myself. Really, I'm the biggest chicken out there and I was able to muster up the courage to do it. I knew that to get what we wanted I had to do what I had to do.

BTW..the injectables is what did the trick for us (with iui), so lots and lots of to you.

Re: We have a plan of action

I too was very anxious about the injectables, but it really is no big deal. I had DH do it the first 2 times, he didn't want to either, but I asked him to. I have done it every time after that. The first one that i did I pushed too hard and got a bruise, but it's been fine ever since. It really is easy, I know easier said then done, but i'm sure u will be giving someone else this advice soon.

good luck!!

Re: We have a plan of action

Hollie, I am so happy that you finally have a plan.....IUI with injectibles is a piece of cake so don't worry.....you are definitely on your way on having a 2008 baby!!!!

GL to you and your DH!!!!!!

Re: We have a plan of action

Thanks ladies. I just got off the phone with the insurance company to verify all of my coverage. The good thing is that everything is covered 100%. I felt like such an idiot talking to the insurance rep... I had to ask her to repeat herself a million times so that I could write it all down.

I do feel a little better today. Yesterday DH and I just spent time together hugging each other. We're both ready for this and are hopeful that when all is said and done, we'll have this beautiful miracle to call our own.

Re: We have a plan of action

Hollie, I just wanted to come on here and offer some

and wish you guys the best of luck with the plan!

Re: We have a plan of action

Best of luck with everything

Re: We have a plan of action

Re: We have a plan of action

Good Luck Sweetie!!!!

Re: We have a plan of action

Best of luck holly... I am rooting for ya!

Re: We have a plan of action

Hollie, I have no words of advice but I wanted to give you lots of &

I am so glad to hear your DH & you have a plan of action & are on your way to having your own little miracle!!!!

Re: We have a plan of action

Hollie - having a plan of action is part of the battle of IF. Now you have one part figured out. You will be able to do this, and you will have that baby in your arms!!!

Re: We have a plan of action

Dh didnt think he could do mine either, but he did and in the end he felt important and a bigger part of the process, but I also could do my own if need be.

I swear its no where near as daunting as it seems now.

Re: We have a plan of action

Although it seems daunting now, you will get past it.
Just remember, knowledge and action = power.
You will be able to give yourself injections and your DH will be able to also.

That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger

Re: We have a plan of action

I'm doing injections right now. DH wasn't sure that he could give them to me but he is. It's not as bad as you think- (and when everyone told me that I blew them off b/c no one knows how terrified I am of needles) but it's true. We do an ice cube first to numb the area the the alcohol prep pad, then inject after the alcohol dries. Then put gauze on for a minute and it's done!