The first IUI of two this cycle is done – next one tomorrow morning. I don’t think it’s common to have two IUI’s per cycle – have any of you done this? My doctor believes it increases chances, and according to Dr. Google, it might increase chances, but it doesn’t seem to be common.
Anyway, the first is done – and it was not fun. It hurt much more than last cycle. I wasn’t having ovary cramps or much pain at all this morning, until during and after the procedure, and now I’m in so much pain. I’m back at work, and I’m completely exhausted. I stayed up super late last night – had the trigger shot at 11:15, and then couldn’t sleep. The Hubs has a major deadline tomorrow, so he didn’t get home until 2 am, at which point he woke me up as I requested – really needed a hug last night. And right now I could use one, although if anyone hugged me right now I would start crying, and I really try to avoid that at work. I started crying right after the procedure – during my 10 minutes of half-naked alone time in stirrups. I was so sad that I was alone. I know the Hubs would be there if he could – he worked until 2 am, it’s not like he can take a couple mornings off right now! But I really wish he was there. I told him that via text during the procedure, and he replied “me too” which just made me cry even more. I finally calmed myself down by meditating. But now I’m at work – looking like I was crying before, and just feeling raw and exhausted.
Oh, and I have a question for you guys about sperm counts. When the Hubs first got his SA done in December, there was about 120 million, and they said it should be over 40. So we were happy – no issues with him. Then for the first IUI in January, the first day he had 12 million, and the second day he had 1 million. Granted there was only 24 hours between, but seemed very low, especially compared to the month before. And it worked – technically – I had an ectopic pregnancy – so obviously there were enough, but it still seemed low. Then today there was 17 million. The nurse said they want at least 3 million for an IUI, so we are good. I know these are ok numbers, and it’s enough to get the job done, but don’t you think it’s odd that they’ve dropped so much?
Thanks to all of you for your wonderful comments. I even got a few right at 9 this morning, and the emails I received notifying me of the comments were just awesome to receive right then. Thanks so much – all of you make this so much better!
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I've never done IUI, but I have heard other people talking about doing it twice. Not a lot, but I have heard it. I've even heard people saying the opposite- that they were upset their dr was not doing it twice because they heard others who did have it done twice.
ReplyDeleteSo, I say, Relax, breathe, and tell yourself that your Dr is doing what is best for you.
*hugs* and *fingers crossed*
how frequently is hubby ejaculating (whether with you or on his own)? the answer to that might be the key to why his numbers are so up and down?? but regardless, his numbers over all sound lovely, and i've heard of lots of girls doing the double iui thing. in my own, non-medical opinion, the more sperm the better, yes? *hugs* to you and keeping fingers and toes crossed as well :o)
ReplyDeleteYay for the first IUI done!! It's really not fun, I always make my hubby stay with me if he can and hold my hand while we wait...but I know that wasn't possible for you today. I hope your hubs is extra sweet to you tomorrow and can hang around for tomorrow's IUI.
ReplyDeleteI think that does seem like a significant decline in counts, but definitely enough to get the job done. from what i've seen with our numbers from the sa to the three IUIs is they just vary SO MUCH from time to time...we've had as much as over 400 million or something to his first SA that was only 60 or so (I think).
Fingers cross this time it works and it sticks!
Alex-- It sucks to be so drained emotionally. To me, this totally makes sense. You have gone through a lot lately!! And to have a husband who works late on top of it, well, that is just extra No Good. And although I haven't had an IUI, I did have a uterine biopsy, and I totally felt violated. Recent ectopic + violated womb + absentee husband, well, that would be a HUGE strain on anyone.
ReplyDeleteI re-looked at my 'sperm science' post (http://evolutionary-dead-end.blogspot.com/2010/04/sperm-science.html), and it looks like your husband is totally within the normal range -- which is actually ridiculously wide. It sounds like your husband is pretty honest with you about his ejaculation frequency, so I don't know what you could do besides a home experiment (measure semen volume in teaspoons as a function of differing times since the last ejaculation). :)
Hey, you could even get a little microscope...
Congrats on this first leg of IUI fun! ;) Hon, you are tapped. It's completely understandable that you feel so washed out and emotionally drained. 'Tis unfortunately a pretty standard biproduct of this looney IF world. Hang in there, girl. We've got your back. I have heard of double IUIs. Seems pretty normal to me. My understanding of sperm counts is that they can vary widely vary, and there are lots of things that can influence a cycle of sperm. Good luck tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it's over, and I hope the next one is not so painful! And your husband sounds like he really wants to be there for you and supportive. But what can you do with a major deadline like that. Having been where you are though--with a husband having to stay out late to get work done--I know that it sucks! You feel alone, and you feel bad for your husband for having to work so hard and get so little sleep. I hope the deadline's soon and his schedule calms down a bit!
ReplyDeleteGlad the first is over. I never did the back-to-back IUIs, but I know others who did.
ReplyDeleteAs for the sperm question -- I wonder if it has to do with total after wash and before? I know that one cycle my DH's pre-wash numbers were a really low percentage highly mobile which surprised me.
My doctor does back to back IUI;s.
ReplyDeleteWishing you the best this cycle!
I wish I had an answer for your sperm question but I don't know enough about it.
My only thought is, the 24 hours in-between was just not enough build up time?
Not sure on swim team size amount but hang in there lovely lady I know you'll have success.
ReplyDeleteAlex - hope you're feeling a little more rested today and feeling better! Some great comments here: definitely wouldn't worry about the sperm count. We did one IUI where they told us to have intercourse the night of the trigger and then my husband had to produce again at 1 p.m. the next day. So, count was much lower than previously, but they said they had enough.
ReplyDeleteApparently, somebody up there decided to give men more sperm than they could ever possibly need but give women only a set number of eggs which basically start going bad immediately and are gone by the time you're in your 40s! This world is so unfair sometimes! ;-)
Best wishes for this cycle! I know next to nothing about sperm counts, since all our problems lie with me, but it sounds like all is fine.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a relaxing weekend!