ArtGrrl, I am starting IUI too. I started Follistim (225iu/day) last Friday and started the monitoring Monday. The medication part is pretty easy and the shots, at least for me, don't hurt at all. Then the monitoring starts, almost every other day you will go to the doctor and have a blood test and an ultrassound. They will count the nr. of follicles and measure them. You might increase/decrease Follistim dependind on the results. If you have the right number of follicles, after about 10 -14 days, you will probably get another shot (to ovulate) and go for the IUI.

I am anxious about the nr. and size of the follicles. Too many good follicles, they cancel the IUI (some doctors offer IVF instead), too little, your chances are very low. It is a balance that you doctor has to achieve and it is hard the first time, because he does not really know how you body will react.

Some people suggest acupuncture to keep you less anxious and to try with ovulation. Other suggest massage, meditation... anything to avoid anxiety!

I wish you good luch and please, keep us posted!

__________________
TTC for 2+ years
Me: 36, PCOS
DH: 47, Normal
First IUI: Aril 22 and 23
6 days on Follistim 225IU
3 days on Follistim 150IU