Thursday, December 31, 2009

Still Struggling

Well, I'm still struggling with the mental aspect of "stabbing" myself with a needle. This morning I gave up on the quick jab that the nurse instructed me to use and instead I pressed the tip against my skin and just pushed it through. I'm hoping that the clinic will give me the green light on this technique because it was honestly so much easier for me. I felt calm (after trying for a good 10 min to work of the nerve to jab it in!). I'd love to know what my blood pressure is while anticipating the injection. This morning I even began to sweat! And I rarely sweat.

Instead of getting easier over time it seems like it is getting HARDER to give myself the shot. :-(

Monday, December 28, 2009

5 Down! So many more to go....

I've now given myself 5 injections of Lupron, and although I know the tiny needle is not going to be painful I still have a hard time sticking it in. Makes me wonder how addicts are able to get hooked on needle drugs. Must be the peer pressure to try it?

I did have some cramping yesterday which I've read is somewhat common a few days into the Lupron cycle. The discomfort only lasted about an hour, so I'm not concerned.

My last birth control pill was on Saturday and I can expect my flow to begin soon - the last one for 9 months! The birth control is used to suppress ovulation before beginning Lupron. Otherwise, Lupron would stimulate multiple ovulation before it goes into suppression. Multiple eggs = Bad!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

My first injection

It was harder than I thought it would be to jab a tiny needle into myself. It probably took close to 5 minutes to work up the courage. In the end, I think I stuck myself by accident! I was doing these practice motions .... "Ready.... 1... 2... 3.... " and got a little too close, fortunately, because it went in and the suspense was over! I imagine it will continue to be hard for the next 10 or so injections, and then maybe I'll be a fearless pro. :-)

The needle really didn't hurt too much. But afterwards the injection site STUNG and was itchy for a good 20-30 minutes.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

So far so good!

I had a checkup at the IVF office this morning. All is well! My body is responding appropriately to the medications thus far, and tomorrow I start Lupron which is the first injectable medication. The needle is thin and short - like an insulin shot - and goes into the belly pudge once a day.

I'll post again tomorrow after I've experienced my first self-administered injection. :-}

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Got Lupron?

I opened my shipment of medication and found BAGS of disposable syringes, tons of alcohol swaps, and bottles and bottles of pills! OMGoodness! Of course I knew this was a necessary aspect of guaranteeing a successful surrogate pregnancy, but the sight of SO MANY needles and pills makes me cringe!

Friday, December 18, 2009

It Begins...

I have been matched with a loving couple in Germany who have been unsuccessful in fulfilling their dream of parenthood. I've completed the medical screenings and the psych tests, and have started my first set of medications to suppress my own ovulation and start building up a nice cozy uterine environment for their baby. :-)

My next appointment at La Jolla IVF is on Wednesday, December 23rd, when I will have a sonogram, blood work (I think), and a lesson on my first injectable medication which will be once daily. If all goes according to schedule, I will receive two 5-day blastocysts on January 28th, 2010. Transfer of two blastocysts makes for very high odds of a successful implantation on the first try, but also a possibility of twins.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

A Little About Surrogacy

What is a Surrogate? There are two types of surrogacy - traditional and gestational.
  1. A traditional surrogate is one who uses her own genetics to help another couple conceive a child. A biblical example is Sarah's servant, Hagar, who bore a child to Abraham on Sarah's behalf.
  2. A gestational surrogate carries a fetus that has no genetic connection to her - either the mother's egg or a donor egg. This is only possible through the use of In Vitro Fertilization.

Who needs a Surrogate?

  1. There are many couples across the world who have been unsuccessful in creating a family due to a number of infertility issues: hysterectomy, cancers, endometriosis, ovulation disorders, fibroids, thyroid problems, Cushings disease, sickle cell... these couples will often have several unsuccessful IVF cycles before turning to a surrogate.

Won't it be hard to give up the baby?

  1. Most surrogates agree that because the baby is not their own that it is not difficult to give to it's parents. From beginning to end, the baby belongs to it's Intended Parents. Keeping someone else's baby... that is what would feel wrong.

Can anyone be a surrogate?

  1. Potential surrogates must complete a very lengthy application and questionaire. Applicants must meet age requirements, body-weight requirements, be healthy, with a history of healthy pregnancies and uncomplicated deliveries.
  2. If the application looks good, there is an interview with the agency before pursuing a match with Intended Parents.
  3. After being matched, a surrogate must pass a medical screening (blood work, urine test, physical exam of the reproductive organs) and a psychological screening to examine the surrogates mental health and motives.

No, not anyone can be a surrogate.