A Bit of a Disappointment

I went in for my day three ultrasound this morning, and everything looked good according to the physicians assistant. But, the nurse just called and said that my Estradiol level (E2) was higher than the doctor wanted it to be (102), and because of that they want me to wait another cycle to begin this IVF. The normal range for Estradiol levels on day three is between 25 and 75. The doctor is concerned that my level would inhibit the number of eggs I'm able to develop once I start stimming. More than likely it's high because I was taking 4 mg of Estradiol during the last cycle. So, I don't think it's naturally high.

The good news was that my FSH was only 6 and that's considered to be very good for my age. A high FSH indicates a low ovarian reserve and that means few or fewer eggs. For more information on E2 and FSH click here.

I expressed my concerns that the next cycle would bump up against my return to work, but the nurse was reassuring and she said if need be they would briefly extend my medical leave of absence. I hope it doesn't come to that.

So, it looks like I'm in a holding pattern for another three weeks or so. I had a feeling this would happen. Aside from when we were doing IUIs with Clomid, I've never been able to cycle back-to-back. I will continue to see my acupuncturist twice a week in the meantime. I'm pretty sure that's contributing to my great FSH number. Thank you, Dr. Pak!

Please pray for the timing of this and my return to work - that everything would coincide, and that I'll be able to be where I'm supposed to be when I'm supposed to be there.



Later...

Yeah, feeling pretty concerned about the timing of it all. I feel like I don't have control over much of anything in my life right now. It's overwhelming, really. Makes me miss Michael all the more.