My Spirits are Lifted!

Lifted Spirits

Today I had my first ultrasound and blood draw since I began my fertility treatments.  Admittedly, as you could probably tell from my last post, I was an absolute wreck about today's testing.  I have been so scared that my body would somehow fail me; I was filled with fear that I would not produce enough quality eggs to create the strong embryos we need to transfer into Ashley's uterus.

So...how did today's ultrasound go?  BEAUTIFULLY!!!!  All along I have been privately rooting for eight eggs.  I don't know what it is about that number - I just thought eight sounded like a good start.  Well my friends, I am happy to report that my right ovary is producing 16 eggs, and my left ovary is producing 10 eggs.  Yep...I've created 26 eggs for my retrieval!!!!!  Now, the doctor was quick to note that we may get more eggs during my surgery, and, we may get less eggs as well, but, she was pleased and said I'm exactly where she wants me to be.  Hallelujah!  I really, really needed a spirit boost, and, I sure as heck got it today!  As a result of this great news, insiders are now wondering if we'll have twins.  I'm thinking of starting a baby pool - any takers?!

Ovarian Cysts
Of course, this is me we're talking about here, and, as you've probably learned by now, I have about the most frustrating reproductive system of all time.  One side effect that has been driving me somewhat crazy is my stomach.  It hurts and is huge.  This often happens to me when I develop ovarian cysts (which is a regular event for me).  In fact, when we started our journey, my right ovary had a fluid cyst parked on it.  Since it was just a fluid cyst, we left it alone, and, it has since vanished after making my ovary it's home for over a year.

So what's up with my belly aches?  Well, it turns out my left ovary, the one that is stapled into place, has developed a complicated cyst.  What does that mean?  Well thankfully it doesn't mean anything harmful for baby making.  It just means that I will be uncomfortable for a few more weeks until we can do something about this.  If my symptoms continue, I will look into having the cyst, or, the entire ovary removed as it's becoming a bit of a pest.  After all, the thing first fell out of place and had to be stapled back in, and now it has a complicated cyst which is composed of blood and other disgusting things that typical fluid cysts are not made of.  I'm starting to think my left ovary has paid its dues, and God willing, has blessed me in ways I never imagined.  I am thankful for its service, but, I think it may be time to give that thing a proper farewell.

Honestly, I don't care about the cyst...at all!  I'll take my bloated belly and horrible cramps if it means George and I will get our baby!  No amount of physical pain can steal my joy over the fantastic news that my body is not failing me as I feared - it's kicking ass and taking prisoners, and, I couldn't be more pleased!!!

So what's next?  My IVF nurse will call me later today to tell me when to begin my next series of injections, and, we're nine days (or less!) away from my egg retrieval.  HOORAY!!!!!

Here's to more happy baby news!