First IUI

The deed has been done.  As of right now, there are 6 million little swimmers making their way to my soon-to-be-released eggs, all 4 of them!  Here's the scoop on how it happened (and it's quite a detailed account, for anyone who may be interested).

We got up this morning and had a nice leisurely drive to the city.  Once we got to the clinic, DH went in to give his sample while I took the dog for a walk and prayed, prayed, prayed like crazy!  I specifically prayed that he would be able to do what he had to, and that his little guys would be healthy and strong.  I took a picture of myself and texted him some support too!  It wasn't too long till he was out and we headed for some lunch.  He said it was awkward - it's just a small little room with a chair and a sink.  But he did it.  I was so proud of him.  This is WAY out of his comfort zone.  I know it's not comfortable for any guy, but my DH is especially sensitive about private matters like these (I think he blushes inside when I even say the word "sex").

After lunch we headed back in for the "fun" part.  DH came in with me and lay there waiting for the doctor.  This was the first time I felt nervous.  But the Dr. came in with some great news.  DH had given an awesome sample of 6 swimmers at 92% motility (after the wash)!  Woo hoo!  The Dr. said that it was really good.  He handed us the sample and made me check the name to make sure it matched up (haha, that was the best part).  He then wanted to check me to make sure everything was looking alright.  I had 4 eggs, but they had not been released yet.  And then it was time for the procedure (if you don't want to read all the gory details, you can skip the rest of the paragraph).  It was different than a normal U/S or Pap... definitely felt more invasive and uncomfortable.  First of all, whatever they put in first (to open me up, I assume?) felt warm, almost like a burning metal.  The Dr. made me cough to release some sort of pressure, or something.  Then he had to steady my cervix so he had to put some sort of device in, which pinched.  There was a feeling of cramping as this was all going on.  I think he then must have put the sample in because it felt like a cold liquid made its way up.  It was all a bit painful, more than any of the other procedures so far.  It may have just been that I was nervous and really had NO IDEA what to expect.  How do you mentally prepare for something like this?  Finally it was over.  It pinched as they took everything out, but that was it.  Done.

Since my eggs had not released, the Dr. wanted to give me a HCG shot to trigger the eggs.  He explained what I was to do next, and then left the room.  A nurse came in and gave me a shot in the belly (which stung, and still is tender).  Then we lay there for 15 minutes.  At this point both DH and I felt a surge of stress release.  Well, for me I was still feeling the effects of my anxiety, and got a bit shaky as I lay there.  DH just started to freak out about the possibility of having 4 BABIES!  This, in turn, freaked me out.  Eventually we put some music on our ipod and I tried to just relax.  Whew!

After that, I got dressed, we headed out to pay, and left.  That was it!  The Dr. said I would probably have some cramping today and tomorrow and that the shot might burn a little.  I was given a requisition for blood work in 2 weeks (two long weeks!).  We decided not to do much more and made a few quick stops and then started the 3-hour trek home.  I lay down most of the drive, just letting things "settle."  DH didn't want me to pee, haha, and I tried to hold it, but didn't last long.  I know it doesn't make a difference, but it still felt counter-intuitive.  I bought some grape juice, as I've heard that is good to help something with implantation (may be an old wives tale, but I'll try anything!).  Also picked up a pineapple on the way home.  It is supposed to contain bromelain, which helps stimulate the blood flow to the uterus.  Anything to help my lining develop is great!  And now I'm at home, in comfy pants, lying on the couch watching TV while a store-bought lasagna cooks in the oven.

I really can't believe it is done.  What a weird day.  Now, of course, I'm obsessing over statistics about amount of eggs, sperm count and IUI...  I don't have anything in my agenda tomorrow, except for a Downton Abby date with my friend.  I need to start a new knitting project.  That will be my saving grace over this 2WW.  Overall, I feel really hopeful about today.  Everything seemed to line up.  I know it's not too common for IUI to work on the first shot, but maybe we'll be lucky?  Oh I have so many thoughts in my head right now, but I should probably stop blogging and save some for later.  Thanks for listening and thanks for all the support!  Will keep you posted!!!