IVF appointment numero uno

Today was our first appointment to get the ball rolling. We saw a lovely Doctor (a Gynaecologist linked to the fertility clinic we’ll attend)  who went through the whole IVF process with us, how ovulating works, what the  injections do and she also gave me the blood test sheet that states what I need to get tested for. I have to get these blood tests on day 2, 3 or 4 of my next period due early March. They’ll be testing for STIs, my hormone levels, and about 20 other things that I can’t think of off the top of my head. The week after my period, I’ll go in for an internal ultrasound (fun times) to have a look at my ovaries and the like. Kate got her tests done there and then, also testing for STIs. She didn’t flinch when she had the blood drawn. It will be a different story with me. Something I better get over quick smart! Our results will be sent back to our Doc and our next appointment will be on the 12^th of March to go over them, sign consent forms, and go onto the next step….off to the fertility clinic to choose our anonymous international sperm donor and have orientation, where we’ll be shown how to use the injections and so forth.

After answering some questions about my medical history, period history, smoking, drinking, etc, the Doctor said she was really optimistic about us having success quite quickly. Obviously she can’t say she’s %100 sure it will happen, but again, quite optimistic. That was great to hear!

In the meantime, we’re booked in to have a counselling session in a week and a half, I assume to make sure we’re sane parenting material. If I thought today was nerve wracking, I have another thing coming. I’m imagining it will be like sitting in the principal’s office, getting quizzed on all things lesbian parenting and having to give the right answers. Is it a pass/fail thing? Will we be told we’re too cray-cray to parent a baby and be turned away? I’ll be sure to tell Kate not to make her “bug eyes” during the session, which she thinks is hilarious.

At this stage, we’re hoping to begin IVF mid May, but it could be June. Either way, we’re very excited and looking forward to what lies ahead for us!