Sunday, May 17, 2009

9w6d - Elegy for PIO

Tomorrow we reach another significant milestone: the last PIO injection, and hopefully also my last infertility-related injection ever.

My refrigerator is still full of leftover Gonal-F pens, which I will donate to my clinic as soon as I pass the 13 week mark. Some part of me still doesn't quite believe that this will all work out. I guess that's just how it is when you're an infertile. You can never quite settle into it and enjoy the ride. I keep saying I'll believe it worked when I hold my babies in my arms.

My infertility clinic's discharge instructions said to stop PIO on May 18 (10 wks) and the pro.metrium by 12 weeks. Dh and I have been counting the days to the end of the progesterone in oil injections. We have never been so relieved to say goodbye to anything in our lives. Especially after what happened on Thursday. If you're squemish, stop reading now. You've been warned.

We've done more than 50 of these injections - and considered ourselves "experienced." Ha ha, you know a curve ball is coming. The unexpected happened. The needle kinda burned on the way in which happens from time to time, Dh pulled back on the plunger, there was no blood, so he bravely proceeded to inject the PIO. When he pulled the needle out, the blood didn't trickle, pour or gush out, but squirted and splattered EVERYWHERE. I guess he must have hit a vein on the way in, the needle plugged the hole while he was injecting, and when he pulled it out, well, the dam wall burst.

I was oblivious for a few seconds, because I don't have eyes behind my head (yet! that will surely happen when I become a mom of toddler triplets). In those seconds before I could put my hand on the spot, the blood sprayed all over him, all over the vanity, and all over the floor. It looked like a freaking massacre. It was all I could do not to picture a CSI team with a UV light inspecting the scene and wondering who had met an untimely death.

I started laughing.

Dh was clearly traumatized by it all, but totally keeping his cool. He grabbed paper towels and started wiping everything down, while I stood there still laughing my a$$ off because I couldn't believe the massive mess. It just wouldn't stop bleeding, despite my best efforts.

I grabbed some toilet paper, put pressure on it, but nothing worked. I decided to go down on all fours, hiney in the air, in an attempt to put an end to the craziness while Dh tried his best to stay a step ahead by wiping it all up. The blood flow eased, but by then our puppy pushed the bathroom door open to see what the commotion and excitement was all about. That pushed Dh over the edge and I had to swallow the rest of my giggles while pushing the dog out.

Oh my gosh, what we wouldn't go through to have children. The insanity of it all just never escapes me. In those moments, I always think: fertiles have no clue what we go through in pursuit of a family.

So, here's to you, PIO. Thanks for the memories, the bruises and the lumpy butt syndrome, but we're so done. I'm over you. Bye bye. And good riddance.

12 comments:

Emmy said...

Hooray for no more shots! Hopefully the last will be less eventful!

Anonymous said...

Amazing!!!! I cannot imagine the joy and relief you feel coming the end of the PIO. I too hope that it is the last infertility related injection you ever need.

I laughed while reading your post - it is good to hear joy from you.

Triumph in Learning said...

Oh MY!!! I would have freak out!!! But I do see how it was funny too!!! You'll never forget it thats for sure:)

Kate said...

Yay to your MFM appointment and your wonderful end of PIO spray fest. good lord. Glad you had it in you to laugh, I have every hope you never ever have to do another one. Ever. Warmly, Kate

Joannah said...

Great story! Too funny!

I'm glad you are moving past all the injections, and on to bigger and better things!

Best wishes for a continued healthy pregnancy.

Anonymous said...

Oil Jekkies, I had one or two and then switched to Powder...was nervous a number of times about stopping the Progesterone altogether....then again...I was well assured that things were well on their way and progressing as a pregnancy does.

Have you come up with a novel way to spread the news yet to family --- or did you just HAVE to do it...already? Do tell more....

Love Shaz

Me said...

Wow - that is what scares my husband about injections. It totally freaks him out. I'm not letting him read your post! Ha. Good luck and cheers to the last shot!

Tiger said...

That was a great story. I am so glad you and the babies are doing so well :)

Anonymous said...

OMG! That happened to me the other day, but not nearly to that extent. It just bled much more than normal (usually one dab with the gauze and it’s gone) but I guess the same thing must have happened. How funny!

Kate said...

I will come by when i can-- and I so celebrate your wonderful amazing incredible journey-- truly, I do. This is vicarious living at its best! thank you for your sweet support, I appreciate it so much, Kate

Alex said...

OH.MY.GOSH. I had no idea that could happen, good thing you guys kept calm... I thin I would have passed out! Hooray for no more PIO's!!! Definitely a milestone to celebrate! Hope your bum gets to feeling better quick! :)

Anonymous said...

All sounds very exciting...I'm stocking up those baby clothes - I tell you! Think you might like a pair of "Lederhosen" HA HA...for that one boy you imagine? I'm sure this adventure and journey is far more than you ever imagined or bargained for. Really, take it EASY and enjoy! When you feel up to it - you and DH get out for those Movies and Romantic Dinners. Will keep you in our prayers - regardless. Both T and A were High Risk Pregnancies - which has its advantages too - like getting to see the babies a little more frequently and having the knowledge that things are progressing as they should (or at least get some idea before hand if there is a possible "issue" - which these days can very often be resolved or dealth with). As you know Miss A was born at 30 weeks and while she is still a little baby - and those weeks in the NICU were a fuzz...it's worlds away now, she's gurgling and cooing, and thriving. I wish you a continued healthy and comfy pregnancy and a brilliant outcome - all that you wish for. And Kudo's to you for taking the Oil Shots...the powder caps did the trick for me...I'm so OVER needs too. Kick back and enjoy. Yours, Shaz