So I just read this post over at Stirrup Queens about an INSANE phenomenon involving brides-to-be who decide to not only mail “save the date” cards to people who are invited to their wedding but also “don’t save the date” cards to those who aren’t invited. Ya know, just to really rub it in. CRAZY, right? I mean, seriously. Get over yourself.
Anyway, right now, I feel like the endocrinology fairies* have just sent me a “don’t save the date” card for this IVF round, delivered by Aunt Flo herself (more bluntly: I got my period). Now, part of me cannot believe I’ve turned into that person who gets her period and immediately feels the need to blog about it, so Imma keep this brief.
Although it probably screws up my cycle in some way I have yet to fully determine and almost certainly negates the effects of that “uterine nicking” my doctor did to me last Friday, I’m looking on the bright side here because it means: 1) My estrogen and progesterone should start to drop; and 2) My lining will start to develop nice and fresh-like, so Mr. Blastocyst won’t arrive and be all, “This place smells weird, I’m outta here!” (cue blastocyst sliding down wall of my uterus and desperately escaping through my cervix).
I’m scheduled for another round of bloodwork and ultrasounds this coming Friday, so fingers crossed I can finally start stimming this Sunday and Get. On. With. The. Show.
The impatience is getting out of control. Does anyone have advice for dealing with this? Back-to-back manic crafting sessions are a definite possibility, as is horrible TV and unacceptable amounts of malbec, but I could do with more ideas!
*I must credit Eat Love Procreate for this amazing terminology; she uses it to refer to the nurses at her fertility clinic, and it’s just so apt.
(Greeting card up top yoinked from over here)
Yeah, Science! 
Re: the endo biopsy, this is actually EXACTLY how it’s supposed to work. The irritation is supposed to take place the cycle BEFORE the IVF, so your lining grows back (after your period) nice and sticky. Looks like nature decided to take a little bit longer in your case, but hopefully things go swimmingly from here!
Wha?! Really?? That’s so weird… don’t know how I ended up with a different explanation (most likely I got no explanation, and just made up my own). :) Thanks for the reassurance!
No problem! Of course there’s also the possibility that I’ve been totally wrong the whole time, but both times I bled shortly after the biopsy.
As if I didn’t already hate brides with the blazing intensity of a thousand suns. That “Don’t save the date” story makes me want to set someone on fire.
Yay for AF? I’m not sure. I know nothing about how these things are supposed to work. I’m sure a fresh lining is best, though. Good luck with the blood work!
I’m pretty sure that’s how it’s supposed to work! I had basically the same protocol as you and I got AF (which really tripped me out) after the bcps and during the lupron. AF came, I sorta coasted on the Lupron for a while, numbers got all set whatever they were supposed to be and then BAM! Stimming! For me, getting AF in the middle of the IVF stuff was a total mind$#@^ (pardon the french), but as you have been saying, it’s what you want to clear things out! And yes, the sticky lasts! And finally, I know you feel like everything is at a standstill right now, (I was SOOOOOO frustrated and (just because the universe wanted to kick me in the ovaries), I found out that our across-the-street BFFs were pregnant after trying for 2 months (that’s right. 2 months) at exactly this standstill time in my IVF process. I wanted to throw in the whole IVF towel), BUT….once the stimming starts, things move quickly and get very exciting! My advice: enjoy a lack of swollen belly and engorged ovaries while you can! Soon enough you’ll be full of eggs and it’ll all be happening! Good luck! Congrats!
I honestly can’t remember when/if my AF decided to drop by as an uninvited guest to the (pseudo) IVF party we had in June. So, of course, I’m no help on that front. But in terms of the necessary distractions… besides your already stellar ideas for “manic crafting” :), and excessive bad TV and malbec, I’ll add a few alternatives (some of my own go-to-time killers). Having good audio book plugged into your ears at all times can be very helpful- something riveting now, not War and Peace. Also music. And sleep (a melatonin-induced nap-time can be quite enjoyable. I know I blogged a lot when I was waiting for it all to go down… helped me to process all of my emotions with a clear head (as opposed to after the stims started when i was anything but clear-headed). But that can be a double-edged sword, ie, only do it if it’s helping you. Ditto for spending time with friends. When in doubt, have more wine.
I’m thinking of you and hoping for the best.
Oh thank god for your funny blog post, it cheered me up, I’m in the same boat. Effing waiting. Again. I really don’t know what alleviates it. (other than wine).
I hadn’t ever heard about having your uterus nicked in the hopes of a good bleed, but it makes sense.
Fingers crossed Aunt Flo makes it quick so you can giddy up and get on with it.
Just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for an award on my blog! http://nogoodeggs.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/awards-season/
Whhhhaaaaaaa??!! Crazy! Thanks, you! :) Just read through the instructions on how to “accept” and pass along the award — holy homework, Batman! But will get on that as soon as possible. Loved reading through your answers…
This is all such a confusing rollercoaster!! IVF sucks! I agree with the others though, I’m sure this is a good thing to get your body ready. I’m staying positive and hopeful for you! Your lining should have lots of time to grow again. Hang in there, girl!