It's begun

Hello everyone.  My wife started taking dexamethasone yesterday.  It is a steroid  that is suppose to enhance egg quality.  She is such an inspiration to me because no matter what, she is up and ready for the next thing.  She is fearless.


The effects are quite interesting.  Her hay fever is on overdrive (there's some evidence that there is a slight drop in the immune system)

Looking Forward

My wife had acupuncture today.   Triangle Acupuncture Clinic was very involved in understanding our IVF cycle and wanted to make sure that the acupuncture treatments corresponded with the different stages of the IVF cycle.  (They have a program specifically designed for IVF).

We start the steroid on Saturday and from what we can tell on other blogs, many doctors are now prescribing the low dose steroid to improve egg quality and reduce the chances of rejection after implantation.

We pick up our medication this weekend and prepare to start the regimen next week.  Give us your prayers.

The internet can be a dangerous place...

So, my wife and I have been all over the internet looking up low AMH, supplements, steroids, and world peace...  Clearly everyone has their own protocol, but it is impossible not to notice similarities and ask questions.  It amazes me how much people ask about your treatment plan once they see a similarity in numbers or circumstances.  It appears to be a "hunger" for information OR may just a desire for camaraderie.  Every fertility center is different, but the information on treatment options should be relatively consistent.   However, I will say that the importance of staying on top of your medical team is paramount.  If you read something on this, or any other, blog, ask questions.  Don't be afraid or embarrassed.  Feel empowered.  It's your wife (partner), and your money!!!!  Expect answers, but be polite.  :-)

Low AMH? Okay, now what?

Good morning folks.  Yesterday my wife and I got a call from the IVF nurse who had an update on some of our lab work.  She told me my sperm numbers were OK, but they were still going to recommend ICSI.  Well, okay.  More money, but a slight increase in the "successful pregnancy probability" (SPP).  The more I read the more I question the term "OK".  I may not be providing optimal swimmers, but ICSI levels the playing field.  Let's keep it moving shall we?

Then she told us that my wife's numbers looked good but her AMH (just in case someone reading didn't already know this), 0.8, was a little low and that the doctor wanted to treat her with a low dose of steroids prior to starting the cycle.  Hmmmmm.  My wife and I pulled back into our research mode and started reading.  We didn't see alot of people out there being prescribed steroids for lower AMH, but we did see quite a few women with much lower AMH getting pregnant.

So, we are going forward as planned with our faith strong and our laptops ready.  We like and trust our doctor, but we are obligated to not accept everything without team discussion and consideration.

Accupuncture anyone?

My wife and I decided to add acupuncture to our regimen.  I experienced it once before when I hurt my back, but I never thought I would consider it to improve sperm motility, volume, etc.

You ever notice that the doctors/nurses are constantly "inquiring" about the woman's health:  (egg quality, sexual history, ovarian reserve, etc.), but all they ever ask men is whether their sperm is functioning.  I sat by and watched my wife bear her entire history and endure very probing questions, and all they wanted from me was a sample.

So, from now on what my wife does, I should do (well do something similar at least).  For instance, I can't get an ultrasound, but I can certainly do acupuncture when she does.  Now that she's off caffeine, I'm off caffeine.  She can't drink alcohol.....I can't drink alcohol (in front of her... :-) )  Just kidding.  It's important that she not be the only one sacrificing and looking for every edge and opportunity to improve our chances of having a successful and healthy pregnancy and beautiful baby. 

Day of Reflection

Started the day out with early service at Church.  Strong message:
"...think like a soldier, act like an athlete and claim your victory" (Rev. Charles Brooks)

What struck me today was that there isn't enough love, empathy, and forgiveness in the world.  The big thing aren't really big at all and there is so much joy is the basic things of life.  Okay, preaching is over.  :-)

I also have been tugging with my excitement and imagination.  I can see my wife pregnant, picking out stuff for the baby's room, figuring out where everybody sits in the car.  Everything practical in me says, whoa, not so fast big fella, but everything that gives me passion says, "Dream away!!!! and don't stop".  

Saline Ultrasound Day

Today my wife and I went to the doctor for the Saline ultrasound.  Hmmm...sounds innocent enough right?  I had no idea that it would cause my wife so much pain.  Well, cramps for her......PAIN for me!!!!  Everything went ok.  First the doctor used the speculum to "open the door" and then he inserted a catheter and added fluid to watch her uterus expand (probably not the most scientific description).  The discomfort was obvious, but the Doc kept the mood light.  Dr. Mulvaney is truly the right doctor for us.

Then, as he put it, "the good news is the catheter is coming out...the bad news is that the ultrasound probe is going in"....Youch!!  If my wife could have sunk her nails in my arm I bet she would have.  Anyway he looked around and gave my wife's "field of play" an A+.  I was very proud of her.  She has been cramping ever since, but we've been told that this would happen and she is really taking it in stride.  Good day!!!

Introduction

Hello everyone.  This is my first blog and I'm sure I'm doing something incorrectly, but I couldn't wait another day to start.  My wife and I have been trying to have a baby for 3 years.  Like most people we began the conventional way, then IUI, and now we're getting ready to start our first cycle of IVF.

As I was researching, I was surprised to find very few blogs, articles, or posts written from a man's perspective.  While it's obvious the women do the "Heavy Lifting" on this mission, I was in search of other men's experiences in supporting their significant others through this journey.  I find myself feeling a bit inadequate each time I review the plan for injections, ultrasounds, blood tests, etc....and I think about my role.  My desire is to provide a view of my experiences for anyone interested.

Ultimately, it would be great to share stories, ideas, comforting words, and anything else that might be of use.

Anyway, don't want to bore you yet.  Just thought I would create for others what I was in search of for myself.