Tomorrow and Friday are the days! We are doing the inseminations tomorrow afternoon and Friday morning. I took my trigger shot this afternoon. I have one mature follicle that they can see. Since my left ovary is so hard to get to by ultrasound, they think that there could be another one on that side. Dr. Kopher did see one on the left side a couple of days ago so it could have grown or stopped. My final Estradiol level today was 348. I am so relieved that those injections are over. My mom and I tried to take pictures of my abdomen but the pictures just didn't do it justice it was that bad!
Please send a little extra prayer our way in the next day or so and those following. We would really appreciate it! Thank you!

Love, Kristen & Eli

Not much changed from yesterday to today. My Estradiol level today was 184 and my follicles were about the same. Dr. Kopher said he would like to see me tomorrow and if things haven't changed maybe increase the dose of medication for the last part of the cycle.
Along with the ultrasound today I seen Dr. Kopher for my abdomen. There is a large portion of my abdomen that is red, warm, painful to the touch, itching and hard. He started me on antibiotics for possible Cellulitis from an injection site. Cellulitis is a skin infection caused by bacteria. Normally, your skin helps protect you from infection. But if you have a cut, sore, or insect bite, bacteria can get into the skin and spread to deeper tissues. If it is not treated with antibiotics, the infection can spread to the blood or lymph nodes. If its not one thing its another!
I will update tomorrow!

Love, Kristen & Eli

Good news, good news...we are almost ready for the trigger shot and inseminations! I seen Dr. Kopher this morning and there are still just the two eggs growing at the same rate and are almost mature enough for ovulation. My Estradiol level today was 184. I was a little surprised that the level isn't higher but it might be the difference in medications. With the Follistim I remember my E2 levels were very high. I am going to ask the clinic tomorrow why there is such a difference.
I really can't wait to stop giving myself these shots. I am still getting a very bad reaction to them. They are huge red welts that are very painful. I had one of the nurses at work give me the shot tonight in a different place to see if I get the same reaction.
I will update tomorrow! Pray this is my turn!

Love, Kristen & Eli

I was a little worried today after I looked at my Estradiol level online...it decreased! Last time it decreased I had to stop the cycle. I called Dr. Kopher concerned. They reassured me that everything looked good and that today I actually have 2 follicles growing, one on the left and one on the right. My Estradiol level was 134 and that is where they would expect it to be based on the follicles size and where I am in my cycle. They weren't completely sure why the Estradiol level decreased but they definitely were not concerned. My next follicle study and blood work is to be done Sunday morning.

Love, Kristen & Eli

Long past due update...

Sorry for the late update...as everyone has asked how things have been going. Eli surprised me with a brand new computer last night, so there should be no more late updates :)

Last Friday I started a new round of injections. I take two injections daily. One called Lupron, which puts my ovaries on hold, and one called Repronex that is a stimulant for my ovaries. Since my ovaries have been so hyper sensitive, these two drugs together should fight against each other producing a perfect outcome. Not too much stimulation and not too little. That's the plan at least and we all know how perfects plans turn out in the infertility world! I have had one major side effect from the Repronex. The injections are very painful and leave huge welts on my abdomen that are bigger then a half dollar in size, red, itchy, painful to the touch and bruising. I did see Dr. Kopher on Tuesday and he said it is one of the adverse effects of the medication, however its not harmful and as long as I can handle it then we can keep going. This effect happens in about four out of a hundred people. He did offer to stop the cycle, but I felt I could continue and live with this side effect even though its uncomfortable. Everything else has been going well. Tuesday was my first follicle study and I had one measurable follicle on my right side. My estradiol level was 191. That is a great start! I am having my second study tomorrow morning. Dr. Kopher wants to keep an "eye" on me because of how "finicky" my ovaries have been in the past.

I will update tomorrow as soon as I get my results back, and as soon as I have time! Tomorrow I am watching my nephew overnight for the first time. He is 9 months old and keeps me on my feet, but I am so excited to snuggle and have him here overnight. Thanks for all the prayers, wishes of luck and support.


Love, Kristen & Eli