Waiting and Reserach

We did our 4th IUI this past Saturday. They said everything looked good as far as they can tell. I still only had 2 eggs (which I think they were hoping for more since they upped my dosage). But one baby or two will be plenty for me!(: So, I am in the 2 week wait yet again.

So, in the mean time, I've been doing some research. The Doctors keep telling me I have a "slightly elevated" FSH level which until last night I still didn't understand exactly what it meant. But I found this article that explains it so well. I will post the link below if any of you are interested. I am going to ask my Dr. about this next visit because I really think it's why we aren't getting pregnant.

"In general, FSH levels over 10 IU/L are a little bit concerning. If they are over 12 IU/L, it's definitely a predictor of poor follicle function. And if it's over 20, it's almost for sure that something is seriously wrong with the follicles"

My FSH is 15- which in a nutshell means my ovaries are functioning a lot older than a 28 year old.

Here's the article

http://fertilityfile.com/2008/04/27/how-do-i-lower-my-fsh-level/

Another Round of Shots

If only I were talking about tequilla!(: Not quite so much fun though.. I went to the doctor last Thursday for an ultrasound and the Cysts did in fact shrink so that was a blessing. I started the follistim shots last Friday and will continue to take them until tomorrow night. We will go back this Thursday, August 21st, for another ultrasound to see how I am responding to my increased dose of 100iu (last time I only took 75 and had only 2 eggs which apparently is an "ok" response). They did tell my my FSH (follicle stimulating horomone) was slightly elevated as it has been before. I'm pretty sure that's not good but oh well. If things look good on Thursday then we will probably do another IUI on Friday or Saturday- then another lovely 2 week wait. If we aren't pregnant then we will do one final test on Andy just to close that door. So, I'm feeling like this is it... either way... which is surprisingly exciting to me. I'm ready to move on(:

Thanks for all the prayers and concerns- it really does mean so much to us! I never want to sound like I'm complaining with the "updates" I post. I really have an incredible life- a WONDERFUL husband, family, friends, and a God that loves me enough to take me through this journey because it IS the BEST plan for me!

Ten Year Reunion

Ten Years! Sometimes I can't believe it's been that long but in many ways it feels like yesterday! Most of the 1998 Briarwood Graduates went to Auburn so I haven't really kept up very well with them- Someone had to be smart and go to Alabama!(: It was really fun to see everyone though!

Joy in Heartache

This month has been a really nice break for us- simply the stress of not going to the doctor every other day has been great. We have been completely swamped at the kitchen so it would have been really difficult to get away. As of now, the plan is to go back to the doctor in 2 weeks so they can check the cysts. If they have haven't gone away then I will have to sit out another month and take some medicine to shrink them. They have been somewhat painful and my body just feels out of whack from all the horomones (and lack of them this month). Poor Andy- I know i'm extra moody. But emotionally I am actually feeling better. I guess I am just getting use to it.. accepting the circumstances for what they are- not fun, but completely under God's control. Andy and I can already look back and see how the Lord has grown us over the past 1 1/2 years. I really do feel like a different person in many ways. I am going through a devotional called "Hope" by Nancy Guthrie and have been so encouraged by it... particuarly the week that was on Joy...

"To experience sorrow does not eliminate joy. In fact, I've come to think that sorrow actually deepens our capacity for joy-that as our lows are lower, so are our highs higher. Deep sorrow expands our ability to feel deeply. We feel sadder than we ever knew we could, sadder than we think we can survive. But our sorrow prepares us to experinece a more satisfying and solid joy than we've ever known before. When joy surfaces, it allows us to see that deep beneath the chaos of catastrophe is the strong current of confidnece that we can be content in the sovereign hands of God. It's just not natural to experience profound joy in the face of heartache. It is supernatural; it is spiritual. This is the kind of joy God has for you. It is not produced by the human spirit in response to pleasant circumstances, but by the Holy Spirit in spite of difficult circumstances. It is the very joy of Christ fulfilled in us."