Bloodwork was the next challenge. My favorite phlebotomist who had never failed me wasn't able to get my one vein working. Since it's the only one that works they've been bleeding it dry all week and it's starting to get bruised. She stuck me once and nothing was coming out so she tagged out and let the other person take over. The other person was more experienced and tried to see if any other veins would work but eventually she came back to the original spot and stuck me there again. Luckily it worked and that was the end of it, but it seems like no matter what I do, it gets tougher to give blood every time.
Now I'm waiting to hear back results and as of 12:30 PM still nothing but that's not unusual. If things follow the same path as the last two cycles, I'll probably be starting the anti-ovulation meds tomorrow on day 9. I've taken Cetrotide or Ganirellix in the past and I hate them because they burn and it's another shot at another time of the day. Bookending the day with needles sucks, but at least that means we're getting closer to the retrieval. I still don't have a date for when it is, but I placed another order for medication because I only had enough to last through tomorrow, and I know it'll be longer than that.
Along my research for acupuncture/massage/relaxation, I found various sources talking about keeping your feet warm after a transfer. It was interesting to see that it was a common suggestion across multiple articles regardless of what they were advocating for otherwise. My feet are normally freezing, even with socks on. Even though that's comfortable for me, it's something I can definitely control easily and have no problem trying out.
I went on Amazon and looked for heated slipper boots. I didn't find any, but wouldn't that be a cool invention? Instead, I invested in a pair of cozy fun slippers, pictured below. I also got a pair for my husband in a more mild pattern so we can have warm feet together. I wanted something I can easily get in and out of bed/couch with so these seemed to work. I love fun slippers and these make me happy.
I'm trying to stay positive and optimistic, but the bloating and other symptoms are reminding me of last cycle where we ended up with nothing. I'm trying not to be bummed out but I feel like if I expect the worst it might not hurt as much if that's what ends up happening. For starters, it's unlikely that it will affect the disappointment at all. Beside that, it's clearly a defense mechanism and I know I need to cut it out. We're going out for dinner tonight so spending time with other people (with wine and possibly some candy) should help clear out of this Ramona Raincloud fog.
Update 3:20 PM: Got the call back from my nurse and I was wrong about starting Ganirellix. They're keeping me at the same dosage for tonight and tomorrow with bloodwork/US scheduled again for Sunday.
Shabbat shalom!
Cute slippers!
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