Our First IVF Consult

After ten unsuccessful trials of IUI, Alex and I have opted to take the first steps in our IVF journey. We have gone to so many appointments and done so many treatments, we actually had to look back at the chart and count the number IUI attempts - yet another sign it was time to change tactics. We met with our fertility doctor to discuss logistics and next steps. While I'm not proud to admit it, the number of tears shed in that office is a bit embarrassing, so my goal was simply to make it through the appointment without crying - and SUCCESS! We left the office feeling not only informed but also hopeful! Based upon our medical history, we are great candidates for IVF. My creaky joints and recent birthday might have me feeling older these days, but I'm in the best possible age bracket for this sort of treatment option. We also learned that, much to our surprise, being a teacher qualifies us for a 20% discount! Who knew?! Summers off and discounted embryo transfers - perks of being an educator! Someone should probably put that on a t-shirt; it might help curb the current teacher shortage.

For now, we wait for the next cycle to begin and then start the regiment of medications and ultrasound monitoring. Much of the medications and appointments will be similar to what we've been doing, so we're feeling pretty well prepared. Our doctor is hopeful that we can begin right away, but much of this is up in the air depending on how my body responds to treatment. They want to retrieve as many viable eggs as possible but without overstimulating my ovaries, something for which I'm at high risk. It's a bit surreal to think of the procedures ahead and I'm sort of in shock that it's really happening.

There will be a lot of tough decisions ahead. From our info session experiences, there's a whole a'la carte menu of choices when it comes to IVF and each item comes with a price tag and pro/con. How many embryos should we transfer? More embryos increases our likelihood of becoming pregnant but also increases our chance of multiples for which there's a whole slew of risk factors. Should we opt for partially hatched to ensure fertilization? What the heck does that even mean?! I'm not sure we're qualified to make all of these judgement calls but if that isn't a perfect metaphor for parenting, I don't know what is. We're going to be doing a lot of praying and weighing our options in the coming days, weeks, and months. Trusting God and trusting our guts.

I briefly mentioned to Charlie the idea of having baby in the house, a little sibling. His eyes lit up! "Can you have a baby girl, mom? I really want a little sister!" Oh, sweet boy. You would be such a good big brother. Girl or boy, I really hope we can fulfill that desire of your heart. <3