Today was our Mock Embryo Transfer and Injections class. Probably the least invasive so far! First, I went in for the Mock. Much less discomfort than the dye test and much shorter, too. Well under 10 minutes! Without too much detail, this is basically to check out the area where the embryo will be transferred to make sure there won't be any surprises that day.
Next, it was time for our injections class. Hubbs is so awesome, he came with me, earning some major husband points. Here is where we learned how to mix the medications and how to administer them (hint: so many needles...). Most of the injections are sub-cutaneous, which means they're going in my belly. The awesome thing about this? There is a lot of area around my most recent scar (gall bladder surgery) that is still pretty numb. I think this might actually work out! Then we got to talk about the 'trigger shot'. This is the last shot I take to get ready for egg retrieval, or as I like to call it: The Harvest. The trigger shot is a giant needle, and it is an intra-muscular shot. Ok, it's not THAT giant, it's just a lot larger than the other ones. It goes into a muscle on my hip. The hubbs will be doing that one for sure.
**Small and really basic science lesson if you're interested:
In a very short and abbreviated version, this is how IVF works. Every month, your body puts eggs into your ovaries. Only one of those eggs really gets to mature and be released for possible fertilization. (P.S. at that point, the sperm has only 24 hours to get it done, or no babes. How do people get pregnant without trying?!) For IVF, we want to maximize the possibilities. So, right now I'm on the pill to stop my body from beginning a cycle. After this, fertility drugs are injected to make your body create several mature eggs that can be retrieved. During this period, there is a lot of monitoring, so that the drugs can be adjusted as needed. Once they are 'harvested', they will be fertilized and embryos will (hopefully) be created. The embryos are inspected, the best one(s) are chosen, and then implanted. After the embryo transfer, it's a 2 week wait to find out for sure whether it worked. AKA the worst 2 weeks of your life!!**
Then, we had a load of paperwork to sign. Giving them permission to do what they need to do. What do you want to do with any embryos left over? What testing do you consent to? These are the charges and the terms, sign here...etc. Always paperwork. I felt anxious, nervous, and scared. Can I stab myself with these needles? Can I handle the scheduling? What if I forget, or time it wrong? Let's face it, I've never been accused of being particularly organized. How am I going to do this? Then I stop feeling sorry for myself. This is the hand I've been dealt, and I'll play my cards like I always do. And, if all else fails, with my estrogen levels spiking like that, I'm sure the hubbs will have no problem stabbing me with a needle :)
So I titled this post 'Social Challenge' and I do intend to deliver. I went to see Amy Schumer's new movie Trainwreck over the weekend. First of all, it was hilarious and I love Amy Schumer. There is a great scene that totally nails real life. In the scene, there is a baby shower that a new couple is attending. They are completely bombarded with the most inappropriate questions and comments. I only saw it once, so I can't actually quote it, but the questions were along the lines of what you would expect: How long have you been dating? Where is it going? Do you have kids? You'd better hurry, you're not getting any younger! My life didn't start until I had kids! etc....
I think that we have all been on both sides of these invasive questions. There are questions you feel the need to ask: "How's married life?" and "When are you having kids?" to your recently married friends. "When are you finally getting married?" to your friends that have been dating forever. "When is the next one?" to your friends that just had a kid. "When are you going to settle down?" to your single friends. With strangers, it can be just as bad if not worse. There are small talk questions that appear innocent on the surface, but can sting on the wrong day. I work in customer service and I am constantly in these situations. It's a fine line to walk: to brush off the intrusive questions yet stay polite and professional at the same time. I enjoy getting to know people, but on the wrong day, "Do you have any children? You'd better hurry, you're not getting any younger" hurts so badly. I'm a pretty open book, so I don't mind talking about it, but it can make others feel awkward.
My challenge to you is this: get creative. Think outside the box. The next time you find yourself forced into making small talk with a stranger, or trying to get to know someone for the first time, be less intrusive. Be friendly. Be kind. Be interested. There are more things to talk about than husbands, boyfriends, kids...let's find them and talk about them instead.
😘 Always thinking of you.
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