Saturday, April 28, 2012

D-O-W-N That's the Way to Get Down!

As some of you have pointed out this DE cycle is moving at lightening speed.  Within a week of choosing a donor I was heading to see the Baby Maker for my baseline ultra sound and trial transfer.  This is where she looked to make sure nothing weird was going on with my uterus or ovaries.  She also inserted the catheter that she will use for the embryo transfer to make sure there wouldn't be any problems on the day of the real transfer.
Since that appointment I have been taking BC pills and Lupride injections.  About a week ago I stopped taking BC and continued on the Lupride.  To my surprise I got a very heavy but short period 2 days earlier than expected. The Baby Maker assured me that it was fine and not to worry.
Yesterday, I went in for another ultrasound and some blood work.  This time they were looking for normal LH and E2 levels and quiet ovaries.  Thankfully it was a Saturday so we didn't have to miss any work and Jason could join me.  Our first stop was the clinic where the Baby Maker does all of her appointments.  The nurses there are great!  They are sassy and knowledgeable.  So many times I have asked nurses or receptionists questions about what I'm supposed to do and they just say yes, not really knowing.  It's infuriating.  The nurses at this clinic don't do that.  When I ask a question I get an answer and, usually, an explanation along with the answer.  I've never gotten an Indian head bobble that could be a yes or a no that is usually accompanied with a blank stare revealing the bobble head's confusion. When it comes to medical procedures Westerners want to know what is happening. They are usually very well informed and want to know that their medical provider is providing the very best care. This cultural difference can be the most difficult part of dealing with any sort of medical procedures overseas. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, I appreciate that this clinic get's that.
After my blood tests were done and I chatted with my favorite nurse the clinic provided us with a car to take us to another clinic.  The Baby Maker usually does all of her own ultrasounds but she has taken a few days off this month.  This surprisingly puts my mind at ease.  Everyone needs a break and I'm glad that she has taken some time for herself, her family, whatever the reason.  So we arrived at the clinic which was basically right down the street and walk into the waiting room.  It's was a typical scene.  Lots and lots of people, women mostly, sitting around waiting.  There was no real cueing system to check in so I did my best to wiggle my way to the front and was sure to mention that I was one of the Baby Maker's patients.  As I waited I realized that they didn't really know what to do with me and I began to worry a bit.  It's never a good sign when the receptionist and the nurse have several conversations about you in a language that you don't understand.  But, finally, I was called in.
There is little sense of privacy here in India so when I walked into the doctors office and there was another woman there speaking to the doctor I wasn't all that surprised.  The nurse, I presume, brought me to the other side of the divider and mumbled something to me along the lines of "here ok?'  I asked her if I needed to empty my bladder first and she just stared at me.  So I went around to the other side of the divider to the doctor who was still meeting with his other patient and I asked him if I needed to empty my bladder.  Then he began asking me why I was there, what procedure did I need.  I began to panic a little.  So now I have to tell this doctor in front of another patient that I'm using donor eggs and that, no, I am not here for follicle monitoring.  It's all right there in the schedule you have in your hands.  I was shown the way to restroom, which was filthy, and after I peed as I was washing my hands I looked into the mirror and I gave myself a pep talk.  I could totally freak out here or I can just roll with it. I've faced much worse on this journey and decided to just roll with it.  I went in, saw that the other patient was gone,  took off my unders and the nurse prepared the ultrasound machine.  Doc came back and took a look.  Then, surprisingly, he answered all my questions.  As I was walking out of his office he wished me the very best of luck.

So, there you have it.  I'm down regulated.  Let the stims begin!

5 comments:

  1. Good job handling the curve ball thrown at you. So many times in this process we have to give ourselves those type of speeches in order to get out of our own way. It's never easy, but we trudge thru nonetheless. I'm thankful that things are going well with your cycle. Best wishes!

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  2. Sweet!!!!!!! I'm so excited for your donor to start stimming. This is a very exciting time. I must say, the hardest thing for me in this cycle was the day of the egg retrieval. I didn't play a part that day and it made me just a bit sad. But when we found out the next day how many embryos we had, it was no longer about her, but all about OUR embryos!!! It was an amazing day. Anyways, hope this is finally your turn. Thinking of you!

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  3. I'm glad to hear things are moving along nicely! It's so crazy to read about someone going through this in a foreign country like India with such different cultural norms. Good for you for rolling with the punches and best of luck with the stims! I'll be following along with your journey and rooting for you all the way!

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