looking good so far

Back to the clinic today. On day 14 the follicle was a whopping 21.5 mm and the lining 8 mm. That’s really good for my (poor) standard. Actually just as good as the last time I got pregnant. I had my LH surge this morning and the follicle looked like it had just started to break down. The timing couldn’t have been better.  I have a fertility charm in my pocket – the daughter of a friend gave it to me. I am sure it’ll help

On the IVF front: I will go to the information evening at the clinic next Wednesday. I really hope I won’t have to do it but if I have to I’d rather not delay anything.

 I forgot to mention. My acupuncturist asked me to get checked for anemia and thyroid problems. Both blood tests came back normal. The TSH (thyroid stimulation hormone) was 2.5 and within the normal range of <3.5. I did read many times though that the best range for conception is 0.5-2.  I can’t worry abouyt anything else right now so maybe just let it go.

make this one count

Another DI cycle today.  Day 11, 16 mm follicle and 6mm uterus lining. The lining is slightly better than in the previous months so at least things are moving in the right direction. They did the insemination because they think it’s quite likely I will ovulate on the weekend. I think it’s going to be Monday so I’ll be back there for a top up. Until then I will try to relax and keep my fingers crossed.

I still think they should treat me on the weekend as close to ovulation as possible.

number 4

Cycle number 4 today. I went in on Friday for scan (day 11 ) and I had one follicle (11mm) and a very thin lining of 4.2 mm. They asked me to come back in four days – assuming the follicle grows at 2mm per day that would lead to 19 mm follicle, just in time for insemination. And voila, 4 days later I have 18.8 mm follicle (and my LH surge). The nurse did her magic. This time it was one of the really nice nurses, she is just so positive one can’t help but believe it has to work.

I also had an acupuncture session today; ears, legs, toes and tummy full of needles (I looked like a hedgehog). But it does make me feel very calm. Job done. waiting starts…..now.

third try for a baby

Another try yesterday. This was my third scan this month. On day 9 it still looked quite undecided, two follicles of 10mm each on the right and one with 11 mm on the left. The uterus lining was 4.8mm. Two days later, on day 11, I had a leading follicle of 14mm and the lining had grown to 5.7mm. Three days on and I feel like I am ovulating, nice clear mid cycle mucus, LH surge detected in the morning, a 20.8mm follicle. The lining is 6.7mm and quite thin but apparently it looked healthy with clearly defined outer layers which shows up as a white line on the ultrasound. So they did the insemination and I will go in today for another checkup. If the follicle is still there they will do it again. Ready to get pregnant again.

What I didn’t realize until know is that you shouldn’t test first morning urine for an LH surge. Apparently the surge happens between midnight and 8 am for most women but the hormone doesn’t show up in the urine until 4 hours later. So best to test from 10 am onwards or you may get the date wrong. Insemination (or sex!) should then happen 12 -48 hours after the surge has been detected mid day.

D-Day

12.04 am. Second insemination after they checked today whether the follicle was still there. It was – 21.5 mm in size. The first insemination was on Wednesday when the follicle measured 19 mm (day 11). They repeat the procedure two days later if ovulation hadn’t taken place. I knew it hadn’t because only today was my LH surge. Tested with the ovulation strips you can buy in the supermarket. Together with taking my temperature it is pretty easy to understand where I am in my cycle. The nurses were lovely and made this pretty sterile procedure into something more of an event – like a conception should be. I am so overwhelmed that it is finally happening. Fingers crossed.