Booty's Not Going to Like This

Today's RE appointment was 1 part baseline ultrasound & 2 parts complaint fest. I kinda hated to start off this cycle on a negative note, since I'm resolved to keep things all butterflies and unicorns up in my psyche for our last chance FET. However, I honestly felt I needed to bring up the whole "Neg. Sorry" nurse communication thing to my RE.

I am not a timid person, but my RE is just so darn likeable and even keeled that I hate to complain to him personally. Yet, he's the one who owns the place and has the power to change things, so he did get a small earful today. Of course, he was extremely thankful I brought it up along with a couple other things that have bugged us about their level of service as of late. He just kept thanking us, taking the blame, saying they need to do better and how it was unacceptable and they WILL do better.

Seriously, this last FET better work, because that is how badly I want it to work out with Dr. Vaughn as our RE. I want to be able to thank him for his help, to show him baby pics someday, and for us to have the satisfaction that we've been in the best hands possible...which is what I felt in my heart at our first consultation with him. I've got to admit though, that lately as much as I love this man as our doctor, we are losing a tiny sliver of faith in the relationship each time we have a failed IVF transfer. 3 of those can really start to wear on you emotionally, financially, physically, and spiritually.

Nevertheless, here we are onto FET #3 (IVF Transfer #4). The moment is NOW, so that is the moment I'm focusing on...not on what we'll do if this doesn't work. I feel like we've got nothing to lose at this point by putting every single little ounce of faith and mojo and positive thinking into the fact that THIS IS GOING TO WORK!

We are doing things a little differently this time around too...

1) 0.3 mL Delestrogen (IM shots)- to increase lining thickness, instead of oral/vaginal Estrace

2) 1 mg dexamethasone- low dose steroid to calm any inflammation, perhaps lower uterine NK cells (which I tested slightly high for), increase receptivity of the uterus (in theory)

3) 1 mL PEO/Progesterone in Ethyl Oleate- (IM shots)- to maintain lining, instead of Crinone suppositories

4) 40 mg Lovenox (SubQ shots)- to reduce viscosity of blood/increase blood flow, counteracts blood clotting factors (which I test + for). Have used this in the past, but not for full cycles with all IVF transfers.


This is not going to be fun, with 3 shots (2 of those being IM and 1 that feels like liquid fire ants) scheduled on the same day sometimes. However, it would make absolutely no sense to just keep using approaches that haven't worked at this point. I don't want to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result. We have changed it up a little with each previous IVF transfer, but only in dosaging and not really with type of meds as much.

We're going the more painful intramuscular route this time around with hopes that maybe, just maybe, my body might react differently if I am plunging a big ass needle full of the goods straight into my ass cheek with no chance for escape! What did we sign up for though??? Look at this thing!

ALL the way in? Are you sure?

It is even scarier in person, I assure you. And yes, that is the injection needle, not the drawing needle. T minus 1 hour until hubby plunges our first dose of Delestrogen into my gluteus maximus. I am gaining all possible strength from my fellow friends in the infertility community for sure. I know plenty of women who have given themselves these shots IN THEIR OWN ASSES! If they can do it, so can I!

I've posted our FET #3 Calendar with our meds schedule, anticipated transfer date, and test date at the top of the page next to the rest of them. Please keep us in your thoughts as we embark on our final chance at IVF. We need all the good vibes, baby dust, and spare prayers for a miracle that you can muster!