Like Donkey Kong (and a Gonal-F Q)

poppies717 · December 2013

It's on! I had my u/s and b/w this morning. The cyst is still there, but it is considerably smaller. I start Gonal-F this Friday night! I'm using the pen. Is it pretty easy to use?

I am 100% sure that MIL told DH's grandmother what was going on after the Knitted Blanket Thanksgiving Mishap of 2013. I came home to a card in the mail from her that read, "Dear Poppies, MIL told me about Mr. Poppies' and your desire for children. The Lady of the Miraculous Medal has helped many. You may want to say the prayers and carry the medal in your purse. Our prayers are with you."

Okay, okay, it's a nice gesture. I've been praying since February of 2012. One of the things I'm working through in therapy is my loss of faith because of 3T. I guess I'll keep the medal in my purse and say the prayers she sent me, but seriously? Gah. I've never felt more "alone" in my faith than I have over the past year or so. I do, however, believe in signs from the universe. I guess this piece of mail on the day I was cleared for stims means I should say the prayers.

Wow, this got a lot more serious than I had intended. Here's a funny.

brij2006 · December 2013

So happy to hear that you still get to continue forward with this cycle, and the cyst has gotten smaller.

Keep that medal in your purse. It can't hurt anything. ;-)

Also, it's understandable to question faith in times like 3T. Have you talked to a pastor at all about things?

LooneyLife · December 2013

No advice about the GonalF, but good luck!

mrshall1027 · December 2013

I don't have any input as far as the Gonal-F, but good luck!

I hope you can find some peace through your prayers. I know it's hard to keep your faith during hard times in life; I've been there myself. Keep your chin up

poppies717 · December 2013

@brij2006 - We haven't spoken to pastors or priests about it. We never really found a church we like (not that we spent a ton of time looking, our own fault) when we moved here, and the priest who married us gave us the raised eyebrow when he found out we were living together before the wedding. Somehow I don't think IVF will be cool. I fear getting a lecture about pursuing IVF when I try to remember what someone's priest (ILRV?) told them: You'd regret not doing it if the church changes its position down the road.

On top of that, I feel tons of Catholic guilt for not being super religious on Sundays. I often feel like that's the reason we've been set down this road. I like to think that I can have my own personal relationship with God without having to sit down for attendance every week. If that makes me a bad Catholic, so be it.

amandaf6383 · December 2013

WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!

Xan921 · December 2013

Yay! Good luck!!!!!!!!!!

brij2006 · December 2013

Try searching out a non-denominational church. We don't go to one, but we were very surprised as to how "for" fertility intervention our church was. H has been against any assistance because he feels like it's "playing God." Till we actually sat down and discussed the process and obstacles with our pastor. He showed us many parts of the bible that are for guidance and assistance, and how God gives man the tools to make things happen.

So maybe talking with someone who isn't as strict on it would be a good option, and would make you feel better about the process.

sgautschi · December 2013

Good luck!!

BruinsBabe33 · December 2013

Woo! I'm glad this cycle is a go!

sweetpotato123 · December 2013

Wishing you so much luck! I can't speak to GF buy I've done Follistim 3 times. I understand they're very similar. Super easy to inject with the pen and I had minimal side effects while taking it.

poppies717 · December 2013

Try searching out a non-denominational church. We don't go to one, but we were very surprised as to how "for" fertility intervention our church was. H has been against any assistance because he feels like it's "playing God." Till we actually sat down and discussed the process and obstacles with our pastor. He showed us many parts of the bible that are for guidance and assistance, and how God gives man the tools to make things happen.
So maybe talking with someone who isn't as strict on it would be a good option, and would make you feel better about the process.

This basically sums up how I feel about it. Believe me, my struggles with the Catholic Church go so far beyond ART. I've been struggling since I was confirmed. DH and I are really hoping to move to a different sect of Christianity, but we know we would cause some MAJOR waves with his family if we did so.

lilliesandvino · December 2013

Good luck to you!

LuckyAngel07 · December 2013

I'm so, so, SO happy you're clear to go forward and start stims!! GL with them, sweetie.

I'm sorry you're having a hard time with the faith side of 3T. I've struggled with my faith for years in finding my own way to observe, and this journey (and especially the recent events) have made it harder for me. I truly hope you're able to find some peace and middle ground.

If it helps at all, my aunt (my mom's side of the family is devoutly Catholic) left her church several years and moved to an Episcopal church. You're not alone in questioning the church and if they provide the support you need.

Sorry that got long. ((Hugs!!))

islandmonkey8 · December 2013

So freakin' excited for you!

I'm sorry you're struggling with your faith because of the 3T.

BUT more importantly, so excited you're moving forward! Crossing all my crossables for you!

DangerMuffin23 · December 2013

I'm soooooo glad you get to continue with this cycle! Fx for that BFP!

callitcompulsive · December 2013

yay!! good luck moving forward! I'm crossing everything for you and your H!

thecuddleeffect · December 2013

You got this! Gonal f is easy peasy! I used it the first 2 times. the pen comes pre loaded, easy to dial and easy to inject. Doesn't burn or anything. I did all my GF shots in my belly, alternating sides.

I had a lot of trouble with faith after the twins passed away. But I came to the realization that faith is something I needed to cling to rather than turn away from. Many people have given me little tokens and gestures. I put them all on a shelf and use them to remind me how many people care for us and our desire for a family. It took awhile to frame my thinking that way, and sometimes I get all huffy about 'yeah right thanks I'm sure this coin, angel, statue, etc will bring me a baby..' but I'm trying really hard to think differently. But as we all know sometimes the anxiety just gets the better of me. It's a long process.

Good luck this cycle!

sandollar1010 · December 2013

Good luck! The Gonal-F pen is super easy to use. I went on the village pharmacy website the first time I used it. You can click on the video for gonal-f. There is short video on how to inject. I found it helpful to watch before I did it. I was nervous, but there is really nothing to it.

PandPMeant2B · December 2013

GL moving forward! And also with keeping your faith!

barefootbluejean204 · December 2013

poppies717 said:

Try searching out a non-denominational church. We don't go to one, but we were very surprised as to how "for" fertility intervention our church was. H has been against any assistance because he feels like it's "playing God." Till we actually sat down and discussed the process and obstacles with our pastor. He showed us many parts of the bible that are for guidance and assistance, and how God gives man the tools to make things happen.
So maybe talking with someone who isn't as strict on it would be a good option, and would make you feel better about the process.

This basically sums up how I feel about it. Believe me, my struggles with the Catholic Church go so far beyond ART. I've been struggling since I was confirmed. DH and I are really hoping to move to a different sect of Christianity, but we know we would cause some MAJOR waves with his family if we did so.

My best friend grew up Catholic and still goes to mass but she has major disagreements with it. Her fiance has had a divorce in his past and is not a member of the Catholic church and if they want to be married, he would have to file all kinds of paperwork to be approved for them to be married within the Catholic church which she does not like. I think it's great that you and DH are searching for what's best for you despite what your family thinks although I am sure it would be very difficult. People have different ways of worship and if you find what inspires you, builds your faith and builds relationships with other Christians that's what matters imo!

GL and congrats on moving forward<3 I believe God does send signs too<3

RockABye · December 2013

Good luck! I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with your faith through all this. I'd recommend maybe trying out a different church. We have been members of a Bible church (non denominational) for almost 10 years and grew up in the Baptist church and both, esp the Bible church, have been fantasic for me. I am not Catholic and don't really do the whole praying to saints or statues/medals thing, but I DO believe in the power of prayer and as long as you don't mind, I am going to pray to the Lord for you that you will find your way in all this mess and come to a personal decision on what/where you fit in regards to faith, TTC, and life in general (((big hugs)))

Like Donkey Kong (and a Gonal-F Q)

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