Simple Joys and Side Effects

I did not blog yesterday for a couple of reasons.

1. I spent the day with my amazing nephew Mason, my sister-in law and my husband's Grams.
2. The second reason was that the side effects to my meds have officially kicked in and staying in the house was just not something I wanted to do.



Mason and I

Yesterday was one of those days that I just needed, family and the love of a baby.  My nephew, Mason is just about 5 months old and is just such a joy.  We hung out yesterday and let me tell you that love I have for him took my mind off the side effects that I have been experiencing since starting on IVF meds.  On an even more amazing note I was able to see Mason turn over for the first time.  Blessed Blessed Day!!

I promised myself that I would be honest in this blog about the good, bad and ugly of the IVF process.  We will be having a frozen embryo transfer sometime towards the end of February beginning of March.  I will be on meds the entire time, which will very as the  process continues.  The current shot that I take is called Lupron.  Now for many woman Lupron does not bring any side effects, however, not for this girl.  My side effects have included:
1.) Hot Flashes: I will wake up in the middle of the night with far less clothing on then when I fell asleep.
2.) Terrible headaches: I tend to get headaches anyway but these headaches are much different. 
3.) Mood swings: I think I spent much of the day Wednesday just crying.  Crying about anything and   
     everything.
4.) Pain and Discomfort:  This is the real kicker.  As the Lupron starts to do it's job it can become very
     uncomfortable and at times painful.  It's hard to describe other than to say you definitely notice that you
     are manipulating our body.  I have had very restless sleeps because I am just so uncomfortable.  I do not
     remember this from the previous times.

However, I know my goal and if that means a little discomfort I am prepared for that.  Any of you that are considering IVF, know that every case is different I know many woman who had very little side effects on any IVF med.  Of course, I also know woman who have had more extreme side effects.  This is one piece of advice I have for anyone taking this next step, if you are the type that does not tolerate medication, pain, and if you are uncomfortable having doctors and nurses look at your you know what. 

Get over it really quick!

For me the knowing that my husband and I are meant to be parents keeps me going.  Let me tell you that the moment I hear those words, "Stef, it worked your pregnant." will be the most blessed day of my life and one that only Faith and Prayers will ever be able to explain.

To answer a couple of questions about the procedure and what's next.  I will  be waiting on my period to arrive, once that happens I will be adding another medication to the Lupron and then waiting for my body to respond.  Usually about 18days and then it will be time for the big day---Transfer Day!!