Today I had an appointment with Dr. L.

I asked him if we could begin being more aggressive this cycle to increase the odds of pregnancy. He said the next step is to superstimulate the ovaries with the goal of having 2-3 follicles that are mature enough to ovulate. While superstimulating the ovaries increases the odds of pregnancy it also, of course, increases the odds of multiples. However, if there are more than 4 follicles mature enough to ovulate, we would cancel the cycle and not inseminate. And, maybe, just maybe, God is indeed trying to prepare me for twins…I’ll explain that in my next post. :)

From all my research on the computer and reading other infertility blogs, I had come to the conclusion that even though Dave and I have struggled for a year to conceive, we are tremendously blessed in the simple fact that our infertility issues are minor compared to many of the infertile couples out there. I wanted to discuss this with Dr. L. His response to me was, “I can’t ensure a pregnancy, but I am pretty optimistic about you guys.”

We then began discussing the failed IUI cycle. We were talking about statistics and odds and how there was a 16%-18% chance we would have conceived that cycle when I suddenly said, “Dr. L, I believe God is the creator of life. It’s amazing what you as a doctor can do, but ultimately you can’t create life. Only God can. That is just how we have looked at this failed cycle and it brings much peace.” He looked at me, and with all sincerity said, “You are exactly right.” It made my heart do a flip to know the very doctor who can insert a sperm into an egg through possibly the most complex and aggressive fertility treatment available (ICSI), recognizes that his hands are tied behind his back as far as creating life goes.

Cycle 3 (which is really Cycle 2, since we did not inseminate during Cycle 1) begins approximately September 5th. I chose not to ask detailed questions about the protocol for ovary superstimulation. I’m sure it just means more medications and more shots, but I am in a month of resting now and just didn’t want to deal with all that today!

So, I continue to be still and know that God is God this month. I know He is at work in my life.

Thank you for your continued prayers.

- Elaine