Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Let the Mock Cycle Begin

It's official, CCRM is considering today cycle day 1. I started spotting on Sunday and today had what seemed like my period was taking off. Then it stopped and has returned to spotting. Regardless, my nurse has said they are counting it. I think considering my thin lining during last week's hysteroscopy, they didn't anticipate a heavy or even necessarily normal period.

The protocol:

Starting Thursday - February 27th
Vivelle Patch (starting with 1, will build up to 4 over the next few weeks)
Estrace (vaginally) 2x per day
Trental - 400 mg 2x per day
Vitamin E - 400iu 2x per day

Wednesday, March 5th
Estradiol check

Friday, March 7th
Add in Viagra Suppositories - 25mg 4x per day

Thursday, March 13th - JUDGEMENT DAY
Labs and ultrasound to see where my lining is.

Saturday, March 16th
Prometrium - 200mg (vaginally) 3x per day - This step will only begin based on the results my labs and u/s.

Monday, March 24th
Integrin Biopsy - This step could also change based on the labs and ultrasound from the 13th.

There's a lot of doubt in my mind right now. I've obviously been here before and so much rides on this. It's only a matter of whether I'm going to be the one to carry our child(ren)…no pressure, right?

Has anyone used the Trental in their protocol before? This is a new one for me, and I've never heard of it. The side effects sounded like a bowl full of JOY. (flu-like symptoms, laryngitis, malaise, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, bloating and constipation) Seriously, am I going to be able to leave my house for the next 3 weeks? Would love, love, love to hear from any of you that are familiar with this.

I also emailed my acupuncturist tonight. These past 7-8 months I put that on hold since we hadn't been able to really do much. Now, I feel like if we're throwing the kitchen sink at this mock cycle, acupuncture seems like a no-brainer. Not to mention I love the guy I see. He's such a calming force and to be honest, has been someone that has been with me almost from the beginning, so the familiar, supportive face will be nice going into this.

I want to send out lots of positive vibes to Julia at Finding a Way Out of IF who's out in Colorado this week for her transfer. Wishing so much happiness and success for her trip!

Lastly, I can't help but throw out a big, giant congrats to Heidi at Hidden Infertility on her BFP and great first beta!! She's been through so much, that this seemingly long-shot cycle that has overcome the odds seems be a perfect ending to her infertility journey and her new beginning into a super happy and healthy 9 months!!






25 comments:

  1. And the emotional infertile is in tears. It doesn't take much these days. I'm going to share with you the wonderful advice someone who has been here more times than I could ever imagine, gave me today because it helped me. She said, "I always believed more than I feared. I had to trick my heart to think that way. That's how I coped minute to minute." Believe. Let yourself imagine the 'what ifs'. Have your joy, don't let anything rob you of it! I'm rooting on that lining. Xoxo love ya girl!

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  2. Super happy for you! And sending good thoughts for an excellent mock cycle. One step closer.

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  3. Oh Suzanne! Super super over joyed for you to get the show started. I believe that everything will work out just hang in there! Believe and u will achieve. (:

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  4. So glad this day has finally arrived. I feel like "mock cycle" has been on the calendar for far too long. Praying for great things and believing that the kitchen sink will deliver a rock star lining. So hopeful!!!

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  5. Let's go mock cycle! I will be praying for you that the symptoms stay mild and everything goes great.

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  6. Let's get the show on the road! I'm so happy to read that your mock is starting. Enough with the delays already! I'll be holding my breath for good news on March 13.

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  7. This is so exciting! March 13 is YOUR day, girl!!!

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  8. I've heard really good results with the viagra suppositories. Good luck girlfriend, I couldn't be more hopeful for you! xo

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  9. Yes!! So glad that you are moving forward with this cycle!!! Keep believing this is it!! Keep asking God to perform this miracle!! Please Jesus!!!

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  10. Sounds like they are definitely throwing the kitchen sink at this mock cycle, which is great! Maybe you will get lucky and have none of those crazy symptoms from the trental. I'm sure someone gets them, but hopefully you'll get to skip those joyous effects. I will be routing for you so hard on March 13th!

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  11. Thinking of you! I love the comment above ---- "I always believed more than I feared." Good stuff. ~theunexpectedtrip

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  12. Just found your blog. So happy I did. Good luck!

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  13. Yay for the mock cycle starting! I hope you get great results! Saying lots of prayers this is successful so that you can then move onto a real cycle!

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  14. I'm glad you are moving forward. I hope that the (mock) cycle goes smoothly, without too many side effects, and much more importantly, that you'll get to carry and bring home your baby sometime soon!

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  15. I am so happy you are finally able to start! I know so much is riding on this and I am praying for you with all my heart that this is it, that finally 2014 is your year. *hugs*

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  16. Congrats on starting up the mock cycle!! I will be thinking of you! Keep us posted on the Trental... I've never heard of it but I'm hoping you get NONE of those symptoms!! Xoxo

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  17. I'm so glad that you got to get things started with your mock cycle.

    I'm thinking good things about March 13th. I've never heard of Trental, but when I did a quick search, it sounds like something that could be good! Other than the nasty side effects of course. And yes, I'm with you on with the acupuncture. I was totally doubting the recommendation of acupuncture, but that combined with no alcohol and zero caffeine (uh- two of my favourite coping mechanisms!) it seemed to do something for me. Or, I think it was that. Haha.

    Thank you so much for all of your support, and the shout out on your blog. It means so much to me!

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  18. I thought your blog and name looked familiar. I have a few ladies that follow you were discussing the vitamin E that was prescribed. I have also been put on vitamin e from my RI, but wasn't sure for the reasoning behind it. Wishing you the best of luck with this cycle!

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  19. Hi Suzanne - GOOD LUCK, I hope this all works for you. I am on Trental right now and haven't any side effects. I mean in general I feel like a bundle of side effects but haven't noticed anything major. I do bruise super easily these days and when they draw blood it takes an extra few seconds for it to stop but I don't even count those.

    I just did pretty much everything you listed and didn't have a ton of success so we are moving forward with IVF if the IUI doesn't work this month. Apparently even with thin linings they can do endometrial biopsies which can help with implantation. Dr Minjarez was the one that suggested this so I'm sure Dr G is familiar with it too. We said we would try to transfer 1x and then I have to do the carrier thing. It's definitely a tough pill to swallow. Keeping my fingers crossed for you, please let us know how it's going.

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  20. Just stopping by to say hi again!! I hope things are going well :)

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  21. Forward progress, exciting!! Fingers crossed that March 13th goes flawlessly, and that the side effects are minimal! xo

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  22. Thinking of you as you journey through this mock trial. I hope that you get lucky and don't have a single side effect :)

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  23. Thinking of you and hoping Viagra day goes well tomorrow and that judgment day brings nothing but positive news. Enough of this non-sense….it's time for you to get some good news!!!

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  24. How has all of this been going, Suz? Hoping you're feeling okay on these meds. Sounds intense, that's for sure.

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  25. T minus 72 hours until the lining check!!! Thinking of you SO MUCH my friend, and I said a special prayer for you tonight. No joke, on the floor of my bedroom just now. :) xo

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