Sally's Story
posted July 13, 2005

My IVF journey started a few months ago with the hysterosalpingogram (HSG) -- The procedure where they put the dye in to see if there are any blockages. Everything looked great. It was weird to see how small a uterus is. It looked nothing like the pictures on the wall at the OB/GYN. Anyway, after my procedure, I got up to clean up and leave when my blood pressure dropped. I get vesa-vegal (vasovagal*) response. I threw up all over the X-ray room and almost fainted. The nurse wouldn't let me faint -- she kept telling me to keep my eyes open. I really didn't like her at that moment. However, she knew what she was doing. I was scared and panicked. Thank goodness I had a friend with me who has been through this procedure before. She was very comforting as I was feeling so vulnerable. The hospital kept me for 4 hours. I was exhausted.

Next came the polyp removal. I was terrified to go under a general which my Dr. ordered for this procedure. Smart thinking. I gave birth to a 12mm polyp. The Dr. gave me pictures of it so I thought it would be an interesting start to the baby book. I healed quickly and the ice cream I had that night tasted too good.

Then came the needles. We started IVF. It took forever to get to this point. It went really fast after that. The huge box of needles, meds, alcohol pads, etc came Fed Ex. I felt lost. What was it that nurse Shannon told us needed to go in the fridge?? What should not be cooled?? How do I do this??? I knew I didn't have the credentials to do this. I'm an MSW, not an MD! I figured it all out. Sorted all the needles, meds, etc. Put the red biohazard bin in a cute basket as to not make my bathroom look like a clinic.

We started with Lupron. My husband gave the first shot. We were in this together. It was symbolic for us. Then came the Luverius (Luveris) and
Gonal F. 3 shots a night. Not too bad. My skin looked like a used pin cushion with some brusing. Ok, now the MF shot. The hCG. Yahhh, we are almost there. When my husband finished, I asked him "Did you do it yet?" Ice is the key!!! Then the retrieval. Went well. 16 eggs retrieved. 8 mature enough to inseminate. Great! 3 days later they put in 3 "A+" embryos. Now the wait and bed rest. Booorrrrring! Got through another Dan Brown book and some. Finally, the preg. test. That was yesterday. The call came in. I excitedly answered the phone with a "Do you have good news???" "I'm sorry Sally, the test was negative and there were no embryos we were able to freeze". My heart dropped.

I sank into my couch and the tears rushed down my face. I called my husband at work. Sadly, he finished his overtime. I thank God that I have a wonderful husband and that we have a great marriage! We learned that you HAVE to be in the same place and supportive of one another with this process. Neither of you can be selfish of your desires.

We don't know what we are going to do at this point. Another cycle? Go to China to adopt a wonderful, beautiful baby girl. (I have a niece from China and she is way cool!) Today, we grieve our loss.

Best of luck to all of you starting in this process. I have no regrets! My suggestion to everyone who is thinking about IVF or has been through it, get the book A Few Good Eggs. Cute reading about this incredible journey of IVF.

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*Vasovagal response - A condition in which the person experiences a slow pulse, a fall in blood pressure, and sometimes fainting or convulsions. It thought to be caused by a sudden stimulation of the vagus nerve.