The Post You've All Been Waiting For...

*...or so I think considering the on-going comments concerning my lack of blogging lately, or rather my lack of blogging about my fertility happenings. So, no more complaining, here it is!*

In early December, we received the results of James’ semen analysis and the blood work we both had done at our first appointment with Dr. Hickman (fertility specialist). Thankfully, everything looked good and is in the normal range. The results are as follows:

Semen Analysis

Count - 25 million/mL (want greater than 20)

Progression is moving forward 3+ (want 2-3+)

Percentage motile - 74% (want great than 40%)

Total motile - 66 million (want greater than 12)

Other

Hepatitis B, C - Negative

HIV - Negative

Syphilis - Negative

Blood Type - A+

Cystic Fibrosis - Not a Carrier

AMH (tells how my ovaries are working) - 7.9

As stated in my previous “update” post, the plan was to wait 35 days from the start of my last period. If at that point I had not started my period, I would have to take an at home pregnancy test and if negative, they would call in a medication called Provera that would make me start my period. This occurred the Saturday before Christmas and my very painful cycle officially (has to be full flow) started that Thursday. They want you to come in for an ultrasound on the 3rd or 4th day of your cycle BUT can see you day’s 2 through 5 if necessary.

With this happening in the middle of the Christmas holiday’s, it was necessary. The following Monday (the 5th day), they did an ultrasound and everything looked good (no new cysts on my ovaries or any other surprises). I started the Clomid (medicine used to stimulate ovulation) that day and took it for a total of 5 days bringing us to Friday, December 31st.

New Year’s Day I had to start using an ovulation kit and start testing once a day to see if I was ovulating. That Monday, the 12th day of my cycle, I went in for another ultrasound (a HUGE thanks to my sweet friend Michelle for going with me since James had to work). I didn’t realize what a “big” appointment this would end up being, but it was actually quite exciting seeing the 3 little follicles (or “baby sacs” as Michelle likes to call them). One follicle was measuring a little above 9 millimeters and the other two were measuring a little above 12 millimeters. They were pleased with these results and wanted me to come back in 4 days in hopes that they would be around 18mm. I continued taking the ovulation tests but to no avail.

I went back yesterday (Friday, January 7th) for another ultrasound. I am really happy that James was able to come and see what I was able to see at the last appointment. We were very pleased to find the follicles were all about 20mm and the eggs are ready to be released. I now have to give myself a shot of Ovidrel that will make me ovulate since I am not doing so on my own. From here we will start the timed intercourse part of this process.

I know you are all wondering if three follicles means three babies. Yes, it is possible but no, it is not likely. The nurse explained to us that James’ sperm still has a long way to travel to get to my eggs. She said typically only one baby is made but sometimes it does turn out to be twins and in more rare cases, triplets. We both agree that we will take whatever God chooses to bless us with!

I can’t help but be a little excited....but for obvious reasons, I am trying to maintain a happy medium attitude so that I don’t fall so hard if the results aren’t what we have *hoped* for.

Okay...now this brings me to the next point of this post. Yes, I would love to reveal every last detail to you about this process but James and I have talked and both agree that we want to at least keep the timing from this point on to ourselves so that it is somewhat of a surprise if/when it happens. I have been told I do not have a good poker face so I need everyone to please refrain from asking too many questions...otherwise I might reveal things before I am supposed to! :) I will continue to document my fertility happenings, but will only unleash them when the time is right.

All of this being said, I realize I stuck to the facts in this post and put little emotion into it. Don’t worry, there is a special post to come later...Praise the Lord, He has changed my heart!