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My Surrogacy Medication Kit

I count this week as officially the start of our first (and hopefully only *fingers crossed*) IVF cycle.  Yes, I already started on birth control pills for this cycle two weeks ago, but this was the big week where I got my big box of medications.  Ok, the box really wasn't that big compared to others I've seen, but there were a lot of medications in it.  Included in my box was Lupron (injections), Estradiol (pills), Endometrim (vaginal suppositories), needles, alcohol wipes, a sharps container, and a CD to show me how to do it all.  Phew!  I can totally do this!  I was so excited when FedEx dropped off my box.  I couldn't believe it was finally here.  Seems weird to be so excited about taking medications and sticking myself with needles, but this symbolized the beginning.  First is meds, then the transfer, then pregnancy, then a baby for Belle & Adam.  Eeeeek!  It's just too emotional to put into words, but I trust that you know what I mean.

My Lupron Injections

Yesterday was my first day of Lupron.  Lupron is an injectable that basically shuts down the female hormone system thus suppressing the ovaries from releasing any eggs.  I don't want those little guys getting in the way and messing up everything we're working toward.  So yesterday was the beginning. I took a nice long shower, got dressed, did my makeup, and fixed my hair.  Then I set up my sharps container, needle, alcohol wipes, and Lupron on a table in my room next to a chair.  After that I set up my video camera.  Ok, why the camera?  So I can talk to you all of course.  Haha!  The truth is that I was a bit nervous and I needed your help.  I figured if I was on video talking to you all then I couldn't take an hour (or more) to take the plunge, and I hopefully wouldn't cry.  Well, it worked!  I stabbed myself quite quickly and most importantly I didn't cry.  I did however bleed a bit.  I think I either didn't stick myself at the right angle, or I was shaking too much while I pushed down the plunger.  I'll have to work on that next time.  About that video though... Well I looked at it after and I totally cut my head off.  I think I was so nervous I forgot to do a test run.  Anyways, I'm still not sure if I'm going to post it on here ... I guess you'll know when you read this.

I'm not sure how long I need to take the Lupron for.  I guess they'll tell me when I need to stop, but till then I'll give myself a shot once a day and think of that happy day when I get to watch Belle and Adam hold their baby for the first time.  Oh what a happy day that will be!

**UPDATE** - As a quick add to this post before it goes live... I found out that the reason I bled was because I hit a vein or artery when I poked my leg.  I should have pulled up on the plunger a little after I stuck myself.  If blood came up then I should have taken the needle out, gotten a new needle and started all over again in a new spot.  If no blood came up then I could proceed.  Good to know!

Don't forget to check out my "Surrogacy" tab at the top of this page to catch up on any posts you might have missed

*Some of the names in this post have been changed to protect the identities of those involved in this journey