Saturday, May 2, 2009

Mutiny on the Ovary

My left ovary has staged an insurgence of sorts. I believe it’s disturbed about being forced to work overtime three months in a row. Today marks Day 10 of stims and I still have one, if not two, days left before trigger. But while I have 8-9 nice-sized follicles on my right side, there are only four on my left -- and that’s including the small one. This is not good at all as I’ve been depending on that left ovary to give me another record-breaking response. It certainly played a big role last month when I did exceptionally well after adding DHEA to my protocol. I had really hoped this cycle would bring an even better turnout since I’ve been on the juice longer, so to speak. But because my left ovary has chosen not to live up to its potential, I just can’t envision getting even close to 17 eggs this time.

For this reason, I think I might take a break in June rather than continue my frenetic back-to-backing. Looking at my calendar, my next cycle would kick off somewhere around June 9, so maybe I’ll sit that one out and start up again by the Fourth of July. (It just occurred to me that lately, the primary function of my datebook has been to help me continuously and obsessively count and recount my cycle days.)

On the positive side, I won’t have to worry about whether the upcoming twice-yearly lab closing will affect me and I can enjoy a glass (or two) of wine in the early summer evenings. More importantly, Dr. Schoolcraft has assured me that I am unlikely to go into menopause during the next 30 days. So for now (but, as always, subject to change), I think we have a plan. I will cycle again in July…and by August, maybe, just maybe, have my first transfer.

6 comments:

DJ said...

It may be your body just needing to take it easy. You've been nonstop for a long time now. Focus on the normals you've had. You've accomplished a lot. Maybe just maybe the golden egg has already been taken out!

DAVs said...

I can't believe you can get through these back to backs without going insane anyway, so maybe it'll be nice to have a break! Congrats on your CGH results, too!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm cheering for you! I hope you get many good quality eggs and embryos this month! You deserve a good resting cycle so that you can get rested for the FET! Best of luck with everything!

Mom2beasap from IVFConnections

kayjay said...

My left ovary has always been the "lazy" one and my right always outperforms the left. If my left did the same as my right, I would then have some decent numbers! In terms of your cycling, I am a firm believer in taking a break here and there. I know they tell you that you don't need a break but you know your body better than they do and sometimes, it is better to take some time and recouperate and then go back rested. Congrats on your normal embie and I hope you get to add more to the count!

Anonymous said...

Wow! You have been through so much! I admire your determination and hope you can offer some much needed advice. I am 42.5 with a balanced reciprocal translocation that we just recently discovered after our 2nd child was developmentally delayed. She's almost 2 now. Our first is 4.5 yrs and is fine. We thought we were done (my tubes are tied), but now are considering a 3rd and went for our first consultation at a clinic Fri. Of course the answer we were given was donor. We live in Greenville, SC and my chances of being able to get to Denver are about zero. What sort of "extra" things should I be discussing with our clinic with regards to helping further stimulate egg production at my age? We are waiting on FSH results right now. Any advice is very much appreciated as we are about to call it quits before we even get started. But I keep combing the internet searching for any little glimmer of hope...

JJ said...

How are you feeling today? Hugs, hugs and more hugs!

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