Morning all,
Gosh, it's been a busy evening! Reminds me that I need to get our internet fixed at home...
Thanks for all the tips/experience Smidge that's really useful - though I'm sorry it didn't work for you first time. Really hoping the new protocol works better for you. It's so true what you say about things being psychosomatic - I was having no effects at all of the treatment, until yesterday - once I'd seen the big chunky follicles on the screen I started to feel so much more bloated and swollen.... DH is of course convinced I'm imagining it, and of course I probably am... Sorry but I had to chuckle at the image of the mechanic jacking up the tyre - I certainly hope the speculum doesn't make that clicking sound when he's jacking me open ... 
Interestingly our clinic hasn't said anything about drinking lots of water - in fact they haven't said much in the way of advice at all, except the alcohol, drugs, medicins, etc. I'm generally good about keeping hydrated but now the weather has cooled I should probably make more of an effort...
Tail - it's really crap that you have to take unpaid leave, but good that they are understanding and not making you feel bad about the time off. Sorry you had a teary day - we all get them! Don't give yourself a hard time about it. And we are all complete wimps about something - for you it's needles, which is perfectly reasonable. For others it's a fear of heights, or standing up for themselves when being put down, or not having the courage to go for the job they really want because they're afraid of rejection. We're all wimps in our own ways - in fact, being scared of needles is really quite sensible when you think about it! So give yourself a break and reward yourself for having done so well already. It's great that in just over 24 hours you'll be past the worst of the physical stuff - so exciting!
Ha ha Lildottie, I imagined you arriving at the clinic alone, Mr dottie chilling out on the sofa at home, getting a quick phonecall to dash into the clinic to provide a sample... ha ha.
So yes, DH will be coming to the EC and ET, but neither of us drives so it's either the bus or a taxi home. I don't know if he'll be in theatre or not - I think it might be optional, in which case I would really want him there holding my hand. I should ask at the next appointment. You're not wierd for not wanting him there allchat - I think you just have to do what makes you comfortable. Like childbirth - I know some women who just don't want their DH there at all. I think we need to get over worrying about it and just do what feels natural.
DH is not really looking forward to providing the sample though - it must be pretty hard to, er, perform on demand like that. There's a lot of pressure (like a whole operation theatre waiting!) so I hope he's ok... That said, he's had plenty of practice over the years, so I'm sure he'll manage!
Well done on the first injection Seb - it is a bit stingy, but really nothing as bad as I expected. Good that DH can do it for you (I have done it myself but really prefer when he does it). I agree that it may be worth challenging the clinic over the extra money you spent, but I wouldn't let it get in the way of your treatment - and it sounds like you have a really positive approach, which is the most important thing. I really believe that a positive attitude goes a long way on things like fertility, and you certainly don't want to be tense and angry whenever you're dealing with the clinic.
How's everyone else getting on? Really hope moomoo is doing well and growing some juicy follicles, and Leopard isn't being driven insane by the students...