Though It Tarries

Yesterday I went in to get my blood drawn for a progesterone test.  They do this a week after an IUI to determine whether ovulation was successful or not, which, in my case, it was. But that's not what this post is about. Despite the fact that getting my blood drawn sends chills down my spine and nausea up my throat, I couldn't help but feel thankful as I pulled out of the Kaiser parking lot.  I am fortunate to live in a place where health care is available (10 minutes away from my house, nonetheless).  I am fortunate to have a job that not only enables me to pay for my health care, but also contributes toward my monthly premium.  I am fortunate that we can choose to pursue treatment for our "disease".  And I am fortunate that, no matter the outcome, this treatment will enable us to open a new chapter in life and move on.

"Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you.  For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." -Isaiah 30: 18

Welp, the extra dosage of Clomid has done its trick this month.  I went in for my ultrasound today (the one where they look at the follicle size to determine when ovulation is likely to occur), and I've got two follicles that are ready to go!  Normally, the follicles aren't quite ready by this point, so the insemination is scheduled for a few days later and the "trigger shot" is done at home.  But today my doctor gave me the trigger shot at my appointment and insemination has been scheduled for tomorrow morning! I'm excited that this cycle is moving along quickly.  I'm tired of waiting... just want to get things done now.  Ah, patience... how you torment me with your virtue.

Quick update post... I went in today for a baseline ultrasound to begin our second round of IUI.  The purpose of the baseline ultrasound is just to check and make sure there are no ovarian cysts forming as a result of the Clomid. Today I also begin taking Clomid again for 5 days.  The doctor has increased my dose by 50% this time around because last cycle my progesterone was a little on the low side, and typically Clomid should make progesterone spike.  So, we'll see if I have any side effects this time around. I'll go back for another ultrasound on the 18th, and will likely be doing the insemination sometime around the 20th.  Then I have to find some way to occupy my brain for 2 weeks. I've been sick the last couple of days, which didn't make today's appointment much fun.  All I could think about was getting home to take a nap... but then there was that pesky pharmacy wait.  Ugh. Please pray for me to regain my health quickly so I can get back to...

IUI cycle #1 = FAIL.  Le sigh. Today sucked.  Tomorrow will (hopefully) be better.  And another way to look at this is that it's the beginning of another opportunity. Please say a prayer for us if you are so inclined.  It's pretty exhausting to have to hold yourself together all day when all you want to do is climb into bed with a bag of cookies and cry.