Monday at 14DPO - 156
Wednesday at 16DPO - 350
Doubling time - 41.17 hours
First ultrasound scheduled for 10/31!!
Showing posts with label IVF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IVF. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
PUPO With........
So, there was debate about how many embryos we would transfer yesterday. I was told by the embryologist that if we had two good-looking blasts, it would be a hard sell to get Dr. Awesome RE to transfer more than two. If everything looked "average" he would probably be agreeable to it and transfer three to "up" our chances of a successful cycle.
We arrived at the fertility clinic and I was nervous that no transfer would be taking place. You know, the fear that sets in over hearing, "So sorry...there were no viable embryos this morning when we looked at them." DH kept saying, "Relax! This is the easy part." In the grand scheme of things, he is right, although none of this shit is easy, let's just be honest. Transfer is easier than retrieval and beats the hell out of an intramuscular progesterone shot, so I opted out of arguing the matter of IVF being difficult in general with the man.
We were escorted immediately back into a holding area and were told that Dr. Awesome RE was going to be in shortly to discuss the transfer and quality of the embryos and whatnot. Almost on cue, there he was. We were told that we had two good looking embryos to transfer. He spoke briefly about his recommendation of transferring only two. He assured us that quality was not an issue with our embabies. He then stated that he would be agreeable to three, but wanted us to know what we would possibly be getting ourselves into. He proceeded to talk about prematurity in multiples, possible time in the NICU, developmental delay, etc. Did he think that it would for sure happen if we transferred three? No. Was it his responsibility to warn us? Yes. He then left us alone with the embryologist to discuss any questions we had as we made our decision.
Me: Are the two ready for transfer blasts?
Deidra: Yes.
Me: How do they look? Be honest.
Deidra: They look really good.
Me: If we did three, is the third one a blast?
Deidra: You have a third blast, but I'm not liking it as much as a cavitating morula you have. It looks really good and would probably be the third. (Note: A morula is the stage before blastocyst. A "cavitating" morula is a half step closer to blastocyst.)
Me: Is it looking like we will have any left over to freeze if we only do two?
Deidra: At this point, I would say, don't count on it. (Note: The grading system at our fertility clinic is VERY strict. Especially when being graded for freezing.)
She then left us alone and DH and I had a private conversation that I won't divulge on my blog. I undressed from the waist down and covered back up on the bed. When Dr. Awesome RE came in to wheel me into the transfer room, he asked if we reached a decision. I said nothing, but held up my fingers:
We arrived at the fertility clinic and I was nervous that no transfer would be taking place. You know, the fear that sets in over hearing, "So sorry...there were no viable embryos this morning when we looked at them." DH kept saying, "Relax! This is the easy part." In the grand scheme of things, he is right, although none of this shit is easy, let's just be honest. Transfer is easier than retrieval and beats the hell out of an intramuscular progesterone shot, so I opted out of arguing the matter of IVF being difficult in general with the man.
We were escorted immediately back into a holding area and were told that Dr. Awesome RE was going to be in shortly to discuss the transfer and quality of the embryos and whatnot. Almost on cue, there he was. We were told that we had two good looking embryos to transfer. He spoke briefly about his recommendation of transferring only two. He assured us that quality was not an issue with our embabies. He then stated that he would be agreeable to three, but wanted us to know what we would possibly be getting ourselves into. He proceeded to talk about prematurity in multiples, possible time in the NICU, developmental delay, etc. Did he think that it would for sure happen if we transferred three? No. Was it his responsibility to warn us? Yes. He then left us alone with the embryologist to discuss any questions we had as we made our decision.
Me: Are the two ready for transfer blasts?
Deidra: Yes.
Me: How do they look? Be honest.
Deidra: They look really good.
Me: If we did three, is the third one a blast?
Deidra: You have a third blast, but I'm not liking it as much as a cavitating morula you have. It looks really good and would probably be the third. (Note: A morula is the stage before blastocyst. A "cavitating" morula is a half step closer to blastocyst.)
Me: Is it looking like we will have any left over to freeze if we only do two?
Deidra: At this point, I would say, don't count on it. (Note: The grading system at our fertility clinic is VERY strict. Especially when being graded for freezing.)
She then left us alone and DH and I had a private conversation that I won't divulge on my blog. I undressed from the waist down and covered back up on the bed. When Dr. Awesome RE came in to wheel me into the transfer room, he asked if we reached a decision. I said nothing, but held up my fingers:
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Update #3 and Instructions for Transfer
I just spoke to the embryologist, whom I will affectionately call "Deidra". It is, after all, her name.
At a little less than 72 hours out from fertilization, we have:
Three 10-cell
Two 8-cell
Three 7-cell (one of those showing no change from yesterday)
One 6-cell
One polynucleated (too much DNA) - discarded.
Five of them are looking "good". Four of them are showing 15% or more fragmentation and are "not as good".
*sigh* I knew that yesterday's high was bound to be stifled a little. Each day, as Deidra said, you are expected to see a drop off. It's the natural progression of things. As long as we have some good quality blasts for transfer on Saturday, there is nothing to be disappointed in. Yet, *sigh*. I just want it to work this time.
We are to come in at 8:45 on Saturday and transfer is scheduled for 9:00. I won't be getting any updates tomorrow as they leave the embabies alone on day 4 and won't look at them again until the morning of transfer.
We spoke briefly about the possibility of transferring three. She said that having a failed IVF cycle before puts us as candidates, but it's a double-edge sword. If we have two beautiful blasts on Saturday, it will be a hard sell to get Dr. Awesome RE to transfer three. If they are just average, he would probably be agreeable. That's what we don't want, though, is "average" blasts. We want beautiful.
I hope it's only two, then.
I will update here after transfer. Please say a little prayer. <3
At a little less than 72 hours out from fertilization, we have:
Three 10-cell
Two 8-cell
Three 7-cell (one of those showing no change from yesterday)
One 6-cell
One polynucleated (too much DNA) - discarded.
Five of them are looking "good". Four of them are showing 15% or more fragmentation and are "not as good".
*sigh* I knew that yesterday's high was bound to be stifled a little. Each day, as Deidra said, you are expected to see a drop off. It's the natural progression of things. As long as we have some good quality blasts for transfer on Saturday, there is nothing to be disappointed in. Yet, *sigh*. I just want it to work this time.
We are to come in at 8:45 on Saturday and transfer is scheduled for 9:00. I won't be getting any updates tomorrow as they leave the embabies alone on day 4 and won't look at them again until the morning of transfer.
We spoke briefly about the possibility of transferring three. She said that having a failed IVF cycle before puts us as candidates, but it's a double-edge sword. If we have two beautiful blasts on Saturday, it will be a hard sell to get Dr. Awesome RE to transfer three. If they are just average, he would probably be agreeable. That's what we don't want, though, is "average" blasts. We want beautiful.
I hope it's only two, then.
I will update here after transfer. Please say a little prayer. <3
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Day Two Embryo Update
I'm so excited! I'm just going to jump right in!
We have:
One 8-cell.
One 7-cell
One 6-cell
Seven 4-cell
At this point, they want to see them around 4 cells. She explained to me that an embryo only has so much energy and if it uses up a lot of it in the beginning, it will, unfortunately, "peter out" when it comes time to turn into a blast. She said that, at this point, the 4-celled ones are our front runners, showing very little fragmentation. Also, one of the 4-celled ones is "just beautiful" (in her words)!! Yay!!
The best part is that she commented that everything looks so much better compared to last cycle. Be it the diet changes, the exercise, the wheatgrass shots, or whatever, something is definitely different this time. In a good way, too!
Before we hung up, I asked her to go sing the babies a lullaby and that I couldn't wait to hear from her tomorrow. Will update here when I get that call.
<3
We have:
One 8-cell.
One 7-cell
One 6-cell
Seven 4-cell
At this point, they want to see them around 4 cells. She explained to me that an embryo only has so much energy and if it uses up a lot of it in the beginning, it will, unfortunately, "peter out" when it comes time to turn into a blast. She said that, at this point, the 4-celled ones are our front runners, showing very little fragmentation. Also, one of the 4-celled ones is "just beautiful" (in her words)!! Yay!!
The best part is that she commented that everything looks so much better compared to last cycle. Be it the diet changes, the exercise, the wheatgrass shots, or whatever, something is definitely different this time. In a good way, too!
Before we hung up, I asked her to go sing the babies a lullaby and that I couldn't wait to hear from her tomorrow. Will update here when I get that call.
<3
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Fertilization Report
The phone call finally came in at about 11:30 this morning. Here's the skinny:
14 eggs retrieved (I guess that 15th one was just a myth!)
14 mature.
14 ICSIed.
7 fertilized normally.
4 are being watched but have yet to show signs of fertilization.
1 is being watched because it appears to be fused (?)
2 showed signs of abnormalities and were discarded.
Will know more tomorrow!
14 eggs retrieved (I guess that 15th one was just a myth!)
14 mature.
14 ICSIed.
7 fertilized normally.
4 are being watched but have yet to show signs of fertilization.
1 is being watched because it appears to be fused (?)
2 showed signs of abnormalities and were discarded.
Will know more tomorrow!
Monday, September 26, 2011
The Retrieval
So, I was negligent in updating my blog after Friday's ultrasound and E2. We were pretty sure we were going to go for retrieval yesterday (Sunday). It all hinged on my progesterone level. If it was elevated above 1.5, he was going to retrieve on Sunday. If not, he wanted to stim me one more day in hopes of getting better quality eggs at retrieval. My progesterone was only 1.23. So, we stimmed Friday, triggered Saturday and did retrieval today.
My retrieval went well. I am a little sorer than I was last time, but as far as nerves are concerned, there were none. DH and I both felt more at ease this time around. No surprises. As the record comes to a screeching halt....
We got 14 eggs!! After being told all week that I had only nine, we got FOURTEEN!! Woo hoo, right?? Wrong! Read on...
I called my fertility clinic this afternoon to get my final E2 from Saturday's bloodwork. The nurse I spoke to said that as of Saturday, before trigger, my E2 was 3125. That is 1000 more than what my estrogen was at the same time last cycle. I got so excited telling her that with one less egg, my estrogen was so much higher. She then informed me that we actually had 15!! They "found" one more after we left. How is that even possible?!
I don't know! But we have babies down the road and I can't wait to get the report tomorrow on how they are doing!! <3
My retrieval went well. I am a little sorer than I was last time, but as far as nerves are concerned, there were none. DH and I both felt more at ease this time around. No surprises. As the record comes to a screeching halt....
We got 14 eggs!! After being told all week that I had only nine, we got FOURTEEN!! Woo hoo, right?? Wrong! Read on...
I called my fertility clinic this afternoon to get my final E2 from Saturday's bloodwork. The nurse I spoke to said that as of Saturday, before trigger, my E2 was 3125. That is 1000 more than what my estrogen was at the same time last cycle. I got so excited telling her that with one less egg, my estrogen was so much higher. She then informed me that we actually had 15!! They "found" one more after we left. How is that even possible?!
I don't know! But we have babies down the road and I can't wait to get the report tomorrow on how they are doing!! <3
Thursday, September 22, 2011
U/s and E2 - Take Two!!
This morning's wanding was bright and early at 8:15. I had seven follicles in my right ovary, ranging from 13.7 to 19.7. My left only had two this time. Both around 14. I was disappointed, but they just called with my E2 and we are at 1456!! This time last cycle, I had more eggs (about 12, but my estrogen was only 915). It would seem that I have some better quality eggs this time around.
Thank you wheatgrass shots!
Next u/s and E2 is at 9:45 in the morning. It looks like I will trigger tomorrow night and ER will be Sunday!!
Holy smokes.
Thank you wheatgrass shots!
Next u/s and E2 is at 9:45 in the morning. It looks like I will trigger tomorrow night and ER will be Sunday!!
Holy smokes.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
U/S and E2 -Take One!
Yesterday I had my first "follie check" and blood draw for estrogen level. During my wanding, Dr. Awesome RE and I talked football. I think that maybe a few years ago, I would feel it weird to talk football while being wanded by a middle-aged male, but I digress. Things have changed, apparently.
During my wanding, I was told that I'm responding "well" and "quickly". I had seven follicles in my right ovary measuring 9.8 to 12.4. My left one came in at a disappointing three follicles, 7.0 to 11.2. My lining was right on track at 6.7. My E2 was over 600. I was told to do only half a dose of my Menopur last night and resume the normal dose tonight. During IVF #1, my first E2 was 370. I am responding extremely fast, in my opinion. ER is looking more like Sunday than Monday.
Next u/s and E2 tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to see a little more action in my left ovary, but as DH said, quality over quantity.
I heart him.
During my wanding, I was told that I'm responding "well" and "quickly". I had seven follicles in my right ovary measuring 9.8 to 12.4. My left one came in at a disappointing three follicles, 7.0 to 11.2. My lining was right on track at 6.7. My E2 was over 600. I was told to do only half a dose of my Menopur last night and resume the normal dose tonight. During IVF #1, my first E2 was 370. I am responding extremely fast, in my opinion. ER is looking more like Sunday than Monday.
Next u/s and E2 tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to see a little more action in my left ovary, but as DH said, quality over quantity.
I heart him.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
A Rude Awakening
I had kind of a rude awakening this morning and I wanted to address it on here and put it out in the open. I woke up to a comment on my blog that was pretty rude and hurtful. It was a post I wrote four months ago when I was three weeks out from my miscarriage. It was a post that was full of emotion - anger, frustration and a sadness that I had never felt before. I use this blog to sort through these emotions and it is probably one of the few posts I have ever written that was 100% honest, despite the fact that what I said wasn't typical of me, which I clearly addressed in a disclaimer at the beginning of the post.
Basically, I was angry after reading another blog where a woman did her second IVF and was pregnant with her second baby. 2 IVFs = 2 babies for her. The whole point of me being upset was this: When you have to resort to IVF to get pregnant, it should work, guaranteed. Plain and simple. I did everything right and followed orders and walked away with nothing. I was hurting.
The comment, which I deleted, called me selfish and greedy for wanting more children after having two naturally and that I had no right to hate on anyone who does IVF and has success in it. I was encouraged to appreciate the children that I have and stop obsessing over having more.
I know that someone on TWW wrote that comment. (1) Nobody has ever stumbled across my blog on the internet and (2) the link to this blog is right at the bottom of every post I make on there. The nasty-grammer also admitted to having tried IVF several times without success.
So, I wanted to put it out there for whoever said this that the decision DH and I made to have more than two children is our decision and our business. There are more types of infertility than primary infertility. It is completely narrow-minded to think that just because we were given two children naturally and struggle to conceive our third, that we do not appreciate the ones that we have. Let me ask this: If we had to do ART to have our sons and were doing treatments again, would you think us greedy? Or is just because we were formally fertile that we are selfish??
I hate even bringing this up here and I apologize to you wonderful ladies who support me for having to read it, but I felt the need to defend myself especially when someone attacked what kind of mother I am to my boys.
Do any of us want to be in this position?? Don't we all want each IVF to result in a child and mean the end of the emotional roller coaster, the injections, the procedures, the appointments, the sleepless nights, the headaches, the fatigue, the night sweats, the arguing with our husbands, and the crying ourselves to sleep?!?!?
I hope that, like the other people who read that post and supported me when I was at my lowest, all who read this would understand and not sit in judgment of me and the words that I wrote when I was still reeling from losing my baby.
Basically, I was angry after reading another blog where a woman did her second IVF and was pregnant with her second baby. 2 IVFs = 2 babies for her. The whole point of me being upset was this: When you have to resort to IVF to get pregnant, it should work, guaranteed. Plain and simple. I did everything right and followed orders and walked away with nothing. I was hurting.
The comment, which I deleted, called me selfish and greedy for wanting more children after having two naturally and that I had no right to hate on anyone who does IVF and has success in it. I was encouraged to appreciate the children that I have and stop obsessing over having more.
I know that someone on TWW wrote that comment. (1) Nobody has ever stumbled across my blog on the internet and (2) the link to this blog is right at the bottom of every post I make on there. The nasty-grammer also admitted to having tried IVF several times without success.
So, I wanted to put it out there for whoever said this that the decision DH and I made to have more than two children is our decision and our business. There are more types of infertility than primary infertility. It is completely narrow-minded to think that just because we were given two children naturally and struggle to conceive our third, that we do not appreciate the ones that we have. Let me ask this: If we had to do ART to have our sons and were doing treatments again, would you think us greedy? Or is just because we were formally fertile that we are selfish??
I hate even bringing this up here and I apologize to you wonderful ladies who support me for having to read it, but I felt the need to defend myself especially when someone attacked what kind of mother I am to my boys.
Do any of us want to be in this position?? Don't we all want each IVF to result in a child and mean the end of the emotional roller coaster, the injections, the procedures, the appointments, the sleepless nights, the headaches, the fatigue, the night sweats, the arguing with our husbands, and the crying ourselves to sleep?!?!?
I hope that, like the other people who read that post and supported me when I was at my lowest, all who read this would understand and not sit in judgment of me and the words that I wrote when I was still reeling from losing my baby.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Suppressed
Today was my suppression check. Dr. Awesome RE was awesome as usual. My ovaries are nice and quiet. My left one is currently housing 12 follicles. My right is housing 10. All my levels are good and low. I start Follistim and Menopur on Saturday. Stay the course with my Lupron. First follie check will be Tuesday at 8:30. Then another one on Thursday. Then again on Saturday. ER is looking like Monday the 26th.
Wow. This is really happening again.
And quick.
Wow. This is really happening again.
And quick.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Of Not Blogging, Traveling, and IVF #2
I am not dead.
I've been more than neglectful of my blogging. And I have a secret. I haven't missed it.
I know that must sound terrible. This blog and your support meant the world to me during IVF #1. When everything went to hell, it hurt to keep coming back to this place. This place where I had hope. This place where my dreams were crushed. This place that changed for me after April 25th.
So, I attempted to move blogs and start fresh. But it wasn't enough. I needed a break. I left Oklahoma. I went to the mountains of West Virginia. I took a trip to Hawaii. I spent time with my friends and my family. I took a trip to San Diego. And here I am...
Four days into Lupron shots for IVF #2. I can't believe I am here again. I should be 26 weeks pregnant. But I am not. I'm back here. But am I really back?
I don't know how to answer that...
We'll see.
I've been more than neglectful of my blogging. And I have a secret. I haven't missed it.
I know that must sound terrible. This blog and your support meant the world to me during IVF #1. When everything went to hell, it hurt to keep coming back to this place. This place where I had hope. This place where my dreams were crushed. This place that changed for me after April 25th.
So, I attempted to move blogs and start fresh. But it wasn't enough. I needed a break. I left Oklahoma. I went to the mountains of West Virginia. I took a trip to Hawaii. I spent time with my friends and my family. I took a trip to San Diego. And here I am...
Four days into Lupron shots for IVF #2. I can't believe I am here again. I should be 26 weeks pregnant. But I am not. I'm back here. But am I really back?
I don't know how to answer that...
We'll see.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Beta # 3 (No April Fool's Joke, Either!)
My beta is 140 today. It doubled and then some. My friend Kara informed me that the doubling time was 40.85 hours.
I honestly don't know what to think.
I am going back in on Tuesday for another beta. If it doubles then, I can wait until the 14th or 15th for my ultrasound.
Still so many worries. My nurses are "optimistic". I feel like I should be, too. I just feel unconvinced right now that this will end in a baby. My bleeding is the same.
My thoughts are all over the place. Apologies.
I honestly don't know what to think.
I am going back in on Tuesday for another beta. If it doubles then, I can wait until the 14th or 15th for my ultrasound.
Still so many worries. My nurses are "optimistic". I feel like I should be, too. I just feel unconvinced right now that this will end in a baby. My bleeding is the same.
My thoughts are all over the place. Apologies.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
WTF
My beta doubled. I have been told to stay the course with my meds and come back in on Monday for another beta. Oh, and to rest with my feet up as it appears that I could be miscarrying a twin.
Let's see, what else??
Oh, and just so you all know, I don't expect this to end well still. That may sound pessimistic, but I don't really hear a lot of low initial betas ending well. Try not to get all cheerleader-y because when the weekend ends, I figure all this will, too. I want you guys to know that I am prepared for what is most likely to come. I will keep you all updated as I know more.
Thanks for the prayers and thoughts and offerings of sympathy. I love you guys.
Let's see, what else??
Oh, and just so you all know, I don't expect this to end well still. That may sound pessimistic, but I don't really hear a lot of low initial betas ending well. Try not to get all cheerleader-y because when the weekend ends, I figure all this will, too. I want you guys to know that I am prepared for what is most likely to come. I will keep you all updated as I know more.
Thanks for the prayers and thoughts and offerings of sympathy. I love you guys.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Beta Hell
My beta was 32.
I have to go back in on Wednesday to have my numbers rechecked.
They wanted them to be above 50.
This is what they call beta hell.
I am in it.
I have to go back in on Wednesday to have my numbers rechecked.
They wanted them to be above 50.
This is what they call beta hell.
I am in it.
Monday, March 21, 2011
ICLW and 2DP5DT
Welcome to my blog ICLWers!! I am going to more than make up for my lack of commenting and returning comments last month by attempting to be an Iron Commentator this month. It will be my act of redemption. I am 30 and so is DH. We are TTC #3 and I am currently PUPO with twins via IVF with ICSI. In January, DH was diagnosed with antisperm antibodies and although we were given the three IUIs option, we opted to jump into the deep end of IF and go straight to IVF. Honestly, I just didn't think the IUIs would work. Too much reading about the condition led us to go for what we felt was our best chance at conceiving. So, that's about it. Grab a seat. Stay a while. At least hang on until next Monday when I have my beta!
So, at 2DP5DT, I am feeling kind of neutral. I keep having positive thoughts for the sake of my little embabies that are trying to make a home in my womb. My mood is peppered with moments of doubt and fear. We didn't receive a phone call yesterday, so none of the other seven embryos we had made it to freeze. I won't lie, I cried. I cried because they didn't get the chance to grow and develop and become our children. I cried because I feel even more pressure for this to work with what we have in there. I'm not sure if it's something that anyone else that I've talked to about understands. I get the feeling that people are too encouraging sometimes. Too optimistic. Is that awful for me to say? I don't know.
What I do know is I have to allow my mind to go to a place where this may not work. I have to prepare myself emotionally for "no". Now that we don't have any frosties, "no" means a lot more. It most likely means the end of the line for us and TTC. I can't see going through this again. Hope for the best. Expect the disappointment. That's what IF has taught me.
Now that I sound like Debbie Downer (sorry), I will say that I'm feeling crampy, which I think is good. I rub my belly a lot and talk to my embabies. DH says goodnight to them and asked them several times over the weekend if they were still in there - lol. I'm thirsty and get over-heated easily. There's also this weird pulling sensation at the very tops of my legs. Don't know what that's all about. I think they will be implanting today and tomorrow. I was thinking of POAS maybe Thursday, but probably Wednesday.
If you don't visit my blog again, I want you to leave knowing that I believe with all my heart that I will get some sort of happy ending. I think we all will. Even if it's not the one we originally thought we'd have. There's a saying I love and it's (something like) "Everything ends happily. If you're not happy, it isn't the end." Or something to that effect. You get the point. :)
So, at 2DP5DT, I am feeling kind of neutral. I keep having positive thoughts for the sake of my little embabies that are trying to make a home in my womb. My mood is peppered with moments of doubt and fear. We didn't receive a phone call yesterday, so none of the other seven embryos we had made it to freeze. I won't lie, I cried. I cried because they didn't get the chance to grow and develop and become our children. I cried because I feel even more pressure for this to work with what we have in there. I'm not sure if it's something that anyone else that I've talked to about understands. I get the feeling that people are too encouraging sometimes. Too optimistic. Is that awful for me to say? I don't know.
What I do know is I have to allow my mind to go to a place where this may not work. I have to prepare myself emotionally for "no". Now that we don't have any frosties, "no" means a lot more. It most likely means the end of the line for us and TTC. I can't see going through this again. Hope for the best. Expect the disappointment. That's what IF has taught me.
Now that I sound like Debbie Downer (sorry), I will say that I'm feeling crampy, which I think is good. I rub my belly a lot and talk to my embabies. DH says goodnight to them and asked them several times over the weekend if they were still in there - lol. I'm thirsty and get over-heated easily. There's also this weird pulling sensation at the very tops of my legs. Don't know what that's all about. I think they will be implanting today and tomorrow. I was thinking of POAS maybe Thursday, but probably Wednesday.
If you don't visit my blog again, I want you to leave knowing that I believe with all my heart that I will get some sort of happy ending. I think we all will. Even if it's not the one we originally thought we'd have. There's a saying I love and it's (something like) "Everything ends happily. If you're not happy, it isn't the end." Or something to that effect. You get the point. :)
Saturday, March 19, 2011
PUPO with Twins!!
Sorry it's taken me so long today to update you all on the transfer. We went in at nine a.m. and had to wait a little while for the retrieval that was scheduled ahead of us to finish. My appointment was for 9:30, but we didn't get called back until close to ten. Needless to say, I was more than anxious at that point!
We went into a conference area with Dr. Awesome RE and he informed us that we had two Grade C embryos ready for transfer. I immediately wondered why they weren't an A or even a B. (I mean, come on, my husband is an engineer and while I lack a wealth of book smarts, I have incredible life skills and am full of common sense.) Dr. Awesome RE said that although As and Bs were not impossible, he rarely saw any embryos receive such high marks there. Their grading criteria is very harsh and Cs and even Ds are what he mainly transfers. I had read a few other blogs where they had A+ embryos for transfer and while, kudos for them, I actually felt really good knowing that ours had gone through a very difficult grading system and came out with the marks that they did. No worrying! Not today!
We went back to the area where I was placed to await ER and I was told to strip down from the waist down and that DH could put on some scrubs over his clothes. I snapped this picture of us before we got ready:
Then we got all dressed (or undressed as it was for me!) and ready. I snapped this pic of DH and Dr. Awesome RE:
After that, I was wheeled into the OR where I had just had my ER on Monday. They kept me on the stretcher for the whole thing to keep me from having to get up afterward. Dr. Awesome RE placed a speculum (think pap smear) into my vagina and then started squirting down my lady parts with saline and talking about how he was creating as sterile an environment for the catheter with the embabies as possible. After the douching, he showed us the catheter that he would be using to insert into my uterus via my cervix. There are actually two catheters: a white outer one for insertion and a clear smaller one that goes inside of the white one that would have the embabies in it. Once he positioned the white catheter, he asked the embryologist to get the clear one with the embabies, a.k.a. the "loaded" one, from the lab next door. When she returned holding that little clear tube, I lost it. I started bawling. I couldn't believe that my babies were in there! He inserted the clear tube into the white one, pushed the plunger on the end and voila! I was pregnant with twins. DH was so sweet. He kept a hold of my hand and wiped my tears with his other one. I was very unprepared for all of my emotions, so I was happy to have his hand as a kleenex. :)
That was it. Took all of five minutes We hugged and kissed when we got back to our little holding area and closed the curtain. DH went on and on about how cool it was (I knew it would hit him eventually!). I laid there for an hour and then we came home. Like nothing had even happened. But everything has happened. I've got two little babies inside of me. Please pray that they snuggle down next to their mama and grow.
Love to all...
We went into a conference area with Dr. Awesome RE and he informed us that we had two Grade C embryos ready for transfer. I immediately wondered why they weren't an A or even a B. (I mean, come on, my husband is an engineer and while I lack a wealth of book smarts, I have incredible life skills and am full of common sense.) Dr. Awesome RE said that although As and Bs were not impossible, he rarely saw any embryos receive such high marks there. Their grading criteria is very harsh and Cs and even Ds are what he mainly transfers. I had read a few other blogs where they had A+ embryos for transfer and while, kudos for them, I actually felt really good knowing that ours had gone through a very difficult grading system and came out with the marks that they did. No worrying! Not today!
We went back to the area where I was placed to await ER and I was told to strip down from the waist down and that DH could put on some scrubs over his clothes. I snapped this picture of us before we got ready:
Awe....the mama and the papa :)
Then we got all dressed (or undressed as it was for me!) and ready. I snapped this pic of DH and Dr. Awesome RE:
Spacemen
After that, I was wheeled into the OR where I had just had my ER on Monday. They kept me on the stretcher for the whole thing to keep me from having to get up afterward. Dr. Awesome RE placed a speculum (think pap smear) into my vagina and then started squirting down my lady parts with saline and talking about how he was creating as sterile an environment for the catheter with the embabies as possible. After the douching, he showed us the catheter that he would be using to insert into my uterus via my cervix. There are actually two catheters: a white outer one for insertion and a clear smaller one that goes inside of the white one that would have the embabies in it. Once he positioned the white catheter, he asked the embryologist to get the clear one with the embabies, a.k.a. the "loaded" one, from the lab next door. When she returned holding that little clear tube, I lost it. I started bawling. I couldn't believe that my babies were in there! He inserted the clear tube into the white one, pushed the plunger on the end and voila! I was pregnant with twins. DH was so sweet. He kept a hold of my hand and wiped my tears with his other one. I was very unprepared for all of my emotions, so I was happy to have his hand as a kleenex. :)
That was it. Took all of five minutes We hugged and kissed when we got back to our little holding area and closed the curtain. DH went on and on about how cool it was (I knew it would hit him eventually!). I laid there for an hour and then we came home. Like nothing had even happened. But everything has happened. I've got two little babies inside of me. Please pray that they snuggle down next to their mama and grow.
Love to all...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Last Embryo Update Before Transfer
Today I got my last phone call updating me on my embabies (thanks for the cool name, Rosachka!). It was a little bittersweet getting the last news of their progress before the transfer. As if this week could get any longer, tomorrow is going to drag on forever without even a phone call to look forward to. Also weird to think that the two lucky finalists will be transferred into me (where they belong!) and the rest will be frozen in time. *big sigh*
Very thankful that on this windy Thursday we have:
~ 1 nine-cell embaby
~ 5 eight-cell embabies
~ 1 seven-cell embaby
~ 1 six-cell embaby
~ 1 four-cell embaby
We lost one. It was a one-cell yesterday and it never progressed any further. We are very thankful for what we have for sure. She said they looked great.
Transfer less than 48 hours away! I can't believe I'm about to be PUPO! :D
Very thankful that on this windy Thursday we have:
~ 1 nine-cell embaby
~ 5 eight-cell embabies
~ 1 seven-cell embaby
~ 1 six-cell embaby
~ 1 four-cell embaby
We lost one. It was a one-cell yesterday and it never progressed any further. We are very thankful for what we have for sure. She said they looked great.
Transfer less than 48 hours away! I can't believe I'm about to be PUPO! :D
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
My 50th Post and an Embryo Update!!
Wow! First of all, I just have to say that I feel such a huge milestone here with this being the 50th post on my little blog about our infertility. I have almost 30 followers, too! Thank you guys so much for being here for me. All the comments are read and appreciated. I've also tried to follow all of my follower's blogs, too. Get the love, give the love, you know?
I have my second embryo update for your viewing pleasure.
We have, on this sunny Wednesday:
~ 2 six cell embryos
~ 2 five cell embryos
~ 4 four cell embryos
~ 1 three cell embryo
~ 1 one cell embryo
We definitely have TEN!!
My little Wilbur runt caught up! What a fighter! Yay!
I have my second embryo update for your viewing pleasure.
We have, on this sunny Wednesday:
~ 2 six cell embryos
~ 2 five cell embryos
~ 4 four cell embryos
~ 1 three cell embryo
~ 1 one cell embryo
We definitely have TEN!!
My little Wilbur runt caught up! What a fighter! Yay!
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