Hopping on the Baby Train...Again!

I feel like half of my adult life has been trying to have a baby. After everything happened this summer I was feeling unbelievably defeated. I felt broken. About 2 weeks after the transfer, we found out the test was negative and about a week after that my period came. It last almost a week and a half. Worst cramps ever and lots of spotting afterwards. I never really thought much of it. Just that my body had been through so much and this was it's way of flushing it out.

Fast forward through November and December -- I never got a period. While this is something I always wished for, I was starting to freak out a little. I went to the gynecologist in January and she prescribed Provera. It started my period right away. She also did an ultrasound and everything looked fine.

February went by without anything then I got my period again the beginning of March. Not that anyone really cares about my cycles, but being fairly regular, this has weighed heavy on my mind. What the heck was going on?

My gynecologist suggested we get a second fertility opinion and, if anything, get answers as to why my cycles are going crazy. So here I am, right back at the beginning.

March 21, 2016

• Blood Tests
• Ultrasound- nurse said I was going to ovulate. Lining was about a 5.
• Met doctor for the first time and discussed a plan of action.- I left feeling really good. He said he wanted to try a less invasive approach to really see what is not working. I am actually really excited.

TIMELINE PLAN

1. Start Prenatal, CoQ10, and D3

    Nick start motility vitamin

    Nick go for semen analysis

2. Go in for ultrasound 1 week later to check for ovulation

3. Wait for period

4. Call with period to set up an office hysteroscopy

5. Day 3 of period- go for blood work

6. Day 4- Start Letrozole 2.5mg AM & PM (days 4-8)

7. Day 13- have sex

8. Day 14- ultrasound and post-coital test, consider insemination

9. Complete IVF orientation

10. Check into injectables 

March 28, 2016

• Blood Tests
• Ultrasound showed I ovulated and doctor predicts 22-23, lining was 7
• Progesterone was low- started progesterone AM & PM for 8 days
• Nick- completed semen analysis (nurse said it was "good")

Flashback Friday- Baby Journey Part 2

|| Embryo Transfer ||

Sometimes I think about the things Nick and I have been through to have a baby and I find it remarkable. I know there are some who go through so much more and for that my heart breaks.

Well, I made it through another school year. My baby turned one. And all was right with the world. Nick and I decided July was our month to transfer. Got my period at the end of June, called the doctor, and was told, "sorry you will have to wait to August because he is going out of the country for the rest of the month for vacation." I was freaking annoyed. (Red Flag #1)

Waited another month, got my period. Period was pretty light which was unusual but seriously I did. not. care. Called the doctor and started an Embryo Transfer cycle. I went in for day 3 blood tests and ultrasound and was given a prescription for all my meds. I was on injectable estrogen, baby aspirin, prenatal, and folic acid. If all went as planned my transfer would take place on August 14. During my visit, I also found out the main nurse who basically ran the office left. (Red Flag #2)

After about a week of being on the estrogen I went in to get my lining check. It was at about 3mm and needed to be at an 8-9mm. This was really bad news. And just like that the transfer was canceled until this progressed. (Red Flag #3) My estrogen scheduled was changed from every 3 days to every 2.

I went for another check a few days later and once again no change. Nothing. Nada. ZERO! (Red Flag #4) The Dr decided to mix it up and prescribed Viagra and Neupogen.

I went again for a check and was at 4mm. At this point the Dr. tried to explain how my lining was like "dead grass" and it needed to be fertilized in order to grow. It may take time and we just needed to be patient. OH and since it wasn't check with my originally blood test they decided to check my estrogen levels. (Why wasn't this done originally? Red Flag #5)

Shit basically hit the fan at this point. my levels were sky high. To the point the Dr was very concerned. I had to stop all meds and my levels were checked about every 3 days for 4 weeks. If that didn't piss me off. Each week I noticed the nurse was questioning me and the amount of estrogen I was taking. Basically, I messed up. - (Note: I am human and I make mistakes all the time. I can 99.9% say that when it comes to medication and medication I am injecting I made pretty damn sure I am giving myself the right amount to begin with.) (Red Flag #6-7)

At the end of September 2015, I went in for an ultrasound. By some sort of miracle my lining was 7mm enough for a transfer. I went back on the estrogen and followed the same dosage as previously told to me on the sheet of paper. We were so excited.

Now, let me just say, when people treat you like your are an idiot you feel like an idiot. When someone makes you feel like you did something wrong, no matter what, you are going to feel like you are screwing up. On September 24 we went in for our transfer. Two embryos from our original batch.

Do you see the Red Flags mentioned earlier in the post??? Well that was what was on my mind. I was stressed and frustrated.

I tried very hard to get in a good place.

I laid on the table. The Dr was frustrated with the nurse so they were bickering. The nurse couldn't get the ultrasound in the right place and because of where she stood Nick had to stand so far away he wasn't even next to me. As I watch the little embryos get sucked up into the catheter the nurse decided this was a great time to ask me how much estrogen was I taking. WHAT?!?!? FREAKING PISSED. That is what I felt in that moment. I told her I was taking the 1cc listed on the sheet.

Then she told the Dr. and they both basically start yelling at me that I was to be taking half the amount. And didn't I learn anything from the past few months. REALLY PISSED. -- on the table... I was on the table. Not 2 minutes from having 2 embryos placed in me.

It was an emotional 2 week wait that ended up with a negative pregnancy test. We were devastated to say the least. We (I) tried very hard to accept that we may only be a family of 3 but always question if there is anything else we can do. At the beginning of the new year (2016), we decided to seek a second opinion and made an appointment with a new fertility doctor. I have to say I am a little excited to just have some answers.

One Year Later...

May 21st marked ONE YEAR since our embryo transfer. A 20 minute procedure that has completely changed our lives and given us everything we ever wanted. The journey to get to that point wasn't easy and it is really hard for a lot of people to understand.

When I first started this blog, my hope was to connect with other people going through the same procedure. I spent and logged countless hours searching for answers, people to connect with, and just stories of experience. Now, my hope is that someone might stumble upon this little blog and find something helpful about our experience. For out entire story check out...Our Baby Journey and IVF.

Thinking back to that day, one year ago, I decided to create a list of things that helped me along the way and some things people do not always talk about. Now, I can only speak from my experience with IVF (obviously not a medical doctor) but I am sure many going through a fertility process can relate.

PLAN, PLAN, PLAN
Deciding to begin any fertility process is not like jumping in the sack and doing the deed. It is a time and life consuming process that takes mental, physical, financial, and spiritual planning.

• Mentally, you have to get yourself in a good place. It can be a mind game when things work out one day and change the next. This can be the hardest thing to do but try to stay positive and believe it will work whether it's your first cycle or your third. BEST ADVICE... have a support system to help you with this. Having 1, 2, or even 3 people you can talk to, cry with, or pray with can help tremendously. 
• Physically, treat your body well. I am not the healthiest person but anything you can do to get healthy now is that time to do it. If you have a couple pounds to get rid of, I would do it before you get started. The meds take a toll on the body. Start walking, cut out the soda, try to eliminate or reduce stress, and start taking your vitamins.
• Financially, be prepared to pay. Talk to the financial person in the practice you are going to. They can give you an estimate about how much it will cost, find out what your insurance will cover, and tell you about any packages available. Also, talk to your doctor. Whatever fertility process you are starting, the doctor can guide you on the best course of action. Having a baby can be very expensive and you don't want to do so sitting on debt. 
• Spiritually find something comforting that can provide you with guidance and strength. Whether it is praying, meditating, reading the bible, or reflecting. Do it!!!

HAVE SUPPORT

Whether it is your partner, family member, blog buddy, therapist or support group. Have someone or a handful of people you can talk to. Being brutally honest, it might be helpful to have someone other than your partner since he/she is also going through the process as well. My husband was an incredible support system but sometimes having an outside neutral perspective was needed.  

DOCUMENT YOUR EXPERIENCE

Keep something that tells your story. Even if it is just for yourself, you'll be surprise going back and reading your experience. Both successes and failures give us the strength and knowledge to move toward the future.

MEDICATION

Have a special place you will keep your medication/supplies. In this area, also have a calendar of what medications will be given when. 

A lot of advice could be given on the best way to give a needle...all I can say is follow the directions for the medication and breath. You can ice up and rub, rub, rub but really after the first few, it gets a little easy to tolerate the pain. Be prepared though...you will most likely have bruising and bloating.

AN IVF CYCLE...

AFTER AN EMBRYO RETRIEVAL & TRANSFER...

TAKE IT EASY

I found that after the embryo retrieval I really needed to take it easy. I took off the day of the retrieval since they did require bed rest because of the anesthesia.  However, I also took off the following day. I was moving around fine but had slight cramping. Don't plan any trips or crazy activities. 

KEEP HYDRATED

I heard about and tried to keep hydrated many different ways. I started drinking water before we even started the medication but around the time of the retrieval and transfer I was drinking coconut water and even Pedialyte.

PINEAPPLE??

Some people I talked to, that had gone through IVF, suggested pineapple after the transfer. I don't know if it works...but I did it.

PROTEIN

After the transfer, my doctor told me to incorporate 100 grams of protein a day into my diet.  

DON'T OVER DO ANYTHING!!

Live life but don't go out and do anything crazy. It's time to take it easy. Your ovaries are very fragile from the time they are stimulated until weeks after the transfer. No exercising or intercourse!!

THE 14 DAY WAIT...

WAITING IS THE WORST!

From the moment you arrive home from they fertility treatment your mind will go into over drive waiting for the minute you can take a pregnancy test. I was literally driving myself crazy with the "What Ifs." Plan some things to do during this period of time: Lunch with friends, going to the movies, spa day, sports game, date night. Anything!! Fill the days up!

Like I said before, I can only speak from my experience. Everybody has their own story and situation but hopefully this is helpful. : )

Week 5- A Little Sac

This has been an incredibly busy week. The school year is over and I plan on relaxing and nesting for the next three months. I have a lot of catching up to do...

Nick and I went to our first ultrasound appointment on Wednesday. I was told I was 5 weeks 4 days. I didn't really know what I was expecting to see. The chance of twin was definitely there but I was mostly full of nerves. 

When we arrived I was called back and had my LAST set of blood work taken. Thank the lord I can have my veins back!! (All blood work came back looking great. My BETA was 10978.) 

Then we waited for the nurse to call us back into the room. It seemed like forever but finally our name was called and we were taken back.  The doctor greeted us and once again said how high our numbers were and basically said, "let's see how many we have in there." He inserted the ultrasound wand and on the screen all you could see were giant follicles. My ovaries are still enormous and the doctor actually commented on this. I don't think think he was thrilled but he didn't raise any concern. He said there isn't much I can do beside what I am doing already but he did say that the pregnancy hormones are probably contributing to the swelling.

So around and around he moved and we weren't seeing anything. Not that we were looking at an empty uterus, it was that we couldn't find the uterus through these GIANT ovaries. The doctor explained that the ultrasound waves have to travel through them to get to the uterus. After much angling and re-angling, we did see one little sac on the screen. As soon as he tried to zoom in on it though the resolution distorted. He said because the ovaries are large there could be another sac hiding but he didn't think it was likely and was very happy with ONE little bean growing inside me!!! 

I was crazy nervous at this appointment and it was written all over my face. The doctor took an extra 15 minutes just to talk to me. He said it is very early so it's not the time to go around and tell everyone we are pregnant but he has really liked my progress so far. I expressed my concern about my miscarriage and he reassured me that there is a major difference between the natural process of any egg and sperm coming together and how they actually took the best of both. He actually called our embryos the "Embryos of the Month." I left the appointment feeling pretty confident and excited but I don't think I will be completely set until we actually see that little bean growing. 

4 weeks

Warning: Some of this information is a little much. Sorry!!: )

It is still really early and besides the blood test we have not received any visible confirmation but I wanted to document some of the symptoms I have been feeling so far. The progesterone has caused a lot of symptoms that are identical to early pregnancy symptoms but as of Saturday I started to notice some changes.

Symptoms:

• My boobs were already swollen and sore but they started to change shape and become more round. The nipple seems to have expanded and they have developed these white dots that almost look like white-heads.
• My stomach continues to look like I am 4 months pregnant.
• I have new white discharge. (Sorry, gross I know.)
• I have been waking up fine in the morning and having trouble going to sleep but NEED to take a nap after dinner. I have also felt more exhausted in the afternoon to the point where I feel like I could close my eyes and sleep.
• Nausea usually in the morning hours. 

Medication: I am and will continue on 1cc of Progesterone until 12 weeks. In addition, I continue to take a prenatal vitamin and folic acid once a day. 

Nervous: 

• I have slight pulls in my abdomen which are sometimes like dull pain. Nothing like cramps. The nurse told me this is my ovaries because they are still very swollen. She reminded me that I need to continue to be very careful with my activity to prevent them from twisting. 
• When I went for my blood test one of the nurse told me that at the next ultrasound they will look at the placement of the embryos. I have never heard of such a thing so of course I Googled. This is to make sure the embryps have not implanted some place other than the uterus. This is rare but of course now I feel like every pain is really to something not in the right place. 

Upcoming Appointments:

• Wednesday, May 12: Week 5 ultrasound and blood work- View the sacs and the placement. This is the ultrasound where they will be able to see if there is one or two.

It's Official!!!!

WE'RE PREGNANT!!!!

I took a pregnancy test at 11dp3dt (Saturday) which came back faint but the line was definitely visible. On 12dp3dt (Sunday), I woke up super early to take another test which showed they same type of line. I wasn't satisfied with the results so I went out and bought two more tests, a First Response and a Clear Blue Digital. I took them as soon as I came home and they both came up positive. Finally, just for good measure, on 13dp3dt (Monday) I took the two remaining tests I had in the packs from Sunday....and they both came up positive.

        

                               Happy Dance...but not official!!

On Tuesday at 7:45 I had my official pregnancy blood test. It was a quick and easy session but had to wait a few hours for the results. At 11:00, the nurse called as said,

"Everything looked great and was definitely positive. The number was really high, which is great. It was 434. We are going to have you stay on the same medication and see you back next week."

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!

Holy Shit!!! 434!!! That is super high. I am not sure what it means exactly but I know that it is high. We are BEYOND thrilled with this news. I can't believe it....we are going to have a baby!!!!!

Summary & Catch Up

Our life has been consumed with baby making, planning, and everything in between FOREVER. We have put a lot of things young couples do like get together, vacations, or nights out to the side to focus, save, and plan for this. This is not to say we don't have some pretty amazing friends and family and I think I can speak for both of us when I say there have been many moments when we wished we could be doing all of those things. Ever since the transfer date appeared on the calendar I told Nick that I wanted to keep as busy as possible. Work fills up the day but I wanted to do more with our friends just to make the time go by faster.

Here is a little run down on what has been going on during the 2 Week Wait...

1dp3dt-3dp3dt: Constantly thinking. Googling. Wondering how I am suppose to feel. Going crazy.

4dp3dt: Picnic with the family. Felt good but a little nauseous.

5dp3dt: Hard day today. Little break down in the morning and couldn't really get myself together. Just felt down and like I was going to get my period. I laid around and watched TV most of the day. 

6dp3dt: Memorial Day. Nick and I literally watch movies ALL day. Around 3:00, I got uncomfortable cramps, like I was going to get my period and past out for about an hour. Even when I woke up I was exhausted. 

7dp3dt: Back to school today. I don't think I would receive the award for being the happiest today. I was SOOOOO irritable and felt crappy. I was completely exhausted after school and went up to bed early.  

8dp3dt: On Wednesday night we had dinner with amazing friends who recently had a baby. This beautiful baby boy has become my good luck charm!! His amazing mom has definitely been an incredible support system and cheerleader for me through everything. I could not be more thankful!!! 

              Really hard day at work. Freaked out a little bit. Not really feeling much today just VERY bloated!!

9dp3dt:  I woke up wondering why I felt nothing. I was on the war-path again today...one could actually call me a bitch. By the afternoon I decided I was pregnant and texted Nick. I wasn't sick. I didn't take a test. I just felt it inside. Long day with meetings after work then a grocery store run. After dinner I thought I seriously was going to pass out. Went upstairs early, tired, with a headache. By the time I did my shot that night, my stomach looked 4 months pregnant. 

10dp3dt: There was a double baby shower after school. School showers are unlike the traditional baby shower. It is more of a get together with food and laughter. I ate A LOT but felt like I was going to burst and pass out at a certain point and decided to make my way home. Once again, my stomach is really bloated in the evening. - Stopped a the drug store on the way home and bought some pregnancy tests.

8dp3dt- Ultrasound

Today I had my first ultrasound since the embryo transfer. I have to say, for the past 3-4 days, I feel like I've had symptoms of a period...backaches, bloating, and cramps....but today I don't really feel anything. Just bloated and extremely irritable. Who know what that means???

I have promised myself not to get stressed but I think today was it. I had to deal with a whole bunch of ridiculous problems. 11 more days...11 more days...11 more days!!! Work is a horrible place to be when you are suppose to live stress free.

Back to my ultrasound....

The nurse actually did the ultrasound today which I really liked. She is so nice and always explains everything. Basically she was checking in on my uterine lining and my ovaries.

Since my ovaries were stimulated for the eggs, they watch to make sure there is not a built up of fluid. The also watch to make sure nothing is twisted which could be caused by exercising, lifting heavy objects, of even having sex. The twisting of the ovary could cause the blood supply to be cut off. Everything looked good and there was only a small amount of fluid build up.

They watch the lining to make sure it is a proper thickness. This is the reason I take Progesterone and eat the protein. The nurse said she usually looks for about a 12 and mine was a 19-20ish. Very nice. I do not need to add or change any medications at this time.

I told the nurse how I feel like I am going crazy waiting and asked her if it would be okay to do an at home test. She said "of course," and after looking at the calendar, she said trying it on Sunday or Monday would be my best bet. Nick is not all about this but I really would like to have a little at home experience since all of our tests are done in the doctors' office. I think we are going to try it this weekend. His thing is he doesn't want me to get down if it says "not pregnant" showing a false negative. We'll see but right not I think I want to.

My next appointment is next Tuesday, June 4th. OUR PREGNANCY TEST!!!!

7dp3dt- Progesterone

Just because the big part is over doesn't mean the medications are finished. Currently, I am still taking a prenatal vitamin and folic acid everyday. Ever since the egg retrieval I have been taking a Progesterone oil injection once a day.

What is Progesterone Oil?
A drug to help promote implantation. Progesterone is a naturally occurring hormone which enriches the uterine lining in order to help embryos stick and stay put.

The substance is thick and looks like a very light olive oil.

Administer: intramuscular injection (top part of butt)

Possible Side Effects: cramping, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, joint pain, drowsiness, nervousness, increased urination at night

*Notice how all of the side effects are similar to early pregnancy symptoms. It's a terrible mind game.

Another main component to helping my uterine lining has been my diet. I have been ordered by the doctor to take in 100 grams of protein a day. When you say it it doesn't seem like a lot but when you begin to calculate ...let me just tell you. In addition I have been doing my best to stay hydrated with water and other drinks like Gatorade or Pedilyte.

The one wives tale I have read about is that eating pineapple. It is suppose to help with implantation so I have been eating that once a day as well. Can't hurt!!!

6dp3dt

I'm not sure if I mentioned it before, but just to clarify, 6dp3dt means 6 days past 3 day transfer.

Yet another count down in this amazing process. This countdown is the waiting period between the embryo transfer and officially finding out we are pregnant (or not). Just like when you ovulate naturally, you do the deed, and wait that two weeks for your period not to arrive.

Like I said in my last post. This waiting period is hard. Emotionally and psychologically draining. From the beginning I have been an internet addict so of course I tried to find something to give me a sense of what is going on.

3-Day Transfer

Days Past Transfer (DPT)	Embryo Development
One	The embryo continues to grow and develop, turning from a 6-8 cell embryo into a morula
Two	The cells of the morula continue to divide, developing into a blastocyst
Three	The blastocyst begins to hatch out of its shell
Four	The blastocyst continues to hatch out of its shell and begins to attach itself to the uterus
Five	The blastocyst attaches deeper into the uterine lining, beginning implantation
Six	Implantation continues
Seven	Implantation is complete, cells that will eventually become the placenta and fetus have begun to develop
Eight	Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) starts to enter the blood stream
Nine	Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted
Ten	Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted
Eleven	Levels of hCG are now high enough to detect a pregnancy

 Citation

Next Appointments:

Wednesday, May 29: ultrasound to look at the uterine lining and make sure that is healthy

Tuesday, June 4: pregnancy blood test

4dp3dt- Confession

The past few days have been the absolute worst. Wednesday was the first day I finally felt back to my old self after the egg retrieval. However, the negative is that, I haven't felt anything. I have no idea what is going on inside of me. I have heard of the 2 week wait being terrible but seriously this amount of time has a way of playing terrible tricks.

It's really hard to explain how I am feeling but I am going to try for the sake of documenting and some how getting it off my chest. The desire to be a mom is something I feel deep within in me. I've had this feeling ever since I can remember. I pictured growing up as a child, getting married, and having a big family. Never did I imagine the journey I would be taking to reach that dream. The one thing I have been told by the doctor since the beginning is that the chance of not getting pregnant are small since I was pregnant before and our biggest obstacle was the sperm fertilizing the egg. Well, that first hurtle was jumped on May 18th. Now these two beautiful embryos are inside of me AND I am doing my very best to take care of them. But, honestly, I don't know what to do. I've been taking care of myself with activity choices, diet, rest, etc but I have no signs of anything actually going on. As positive as I try to stand everyday, there is always the growing fear that something is going wrong or not working. I HATE being like that. I HATE not feeling like I am going to get bad news.

I completely blame this on the miscarriage. Why did that have to happen? Many women get pregnant and have no sense of what it feels like to have problems in a pregnancy. No sense in what it feel like to lose something that is part of you. For a very long time I thought I came to an understanding but now I realize it has forever tainted something that should be pure and exciting. I am now filled with constant worry and a sense of not believing when all I want to do is BELIEVE that everything is going to be okay. Every night I pray that the two little embies find a place, that they will remain strong and grow, grow, grow. Everyday I rubbed my belly envisioning what it could feel like in a few months.

But I am so scared.

Do other people feel this way? Am I setting myself up?

IVF- Day 54: TRANSFER COMPLETE!

We are PUPO! That's PREGNANT UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE for anyone not up on all the catchy lingo. Yeah buddy!!

Today we had our embryo transfer.

Nick and I woke up this morning and got ready just like any other day. One, because we knew the doctor was going to call early with the possibility that we might go in today and two, we thought for sure that we weren't going in until Thursday and we both needed to do to work. Around 6:45 the embryologist called and said we had two 8 cell embryos, one that was not really growing, and two that will probably make it to blastocyst. She said we were ready to transfer today. With a whole load of nerves we finished getting ready and made our way to the 7:30 appointment.

Once at the doctors, I sign in and we waited for a little bit. The nurse came out and escorted us to the fertility operating area which is the back end of the ICU. I dressed in a very lovely pale blue gown and Nick wore gorgeous green scrubs. Very sexy!

I hopped up into bed, covered up and waited....in complete pain, because I needed to pee so bad. If you know me, this is normal, and as always bad timing. I needed to have a full bladder for the ultrasound so I was afraid to empty it.

As we settled in, the nurse brought us a picture of our beautiful embryos. I have to be honest. I have put a thick wall up to getting too attached until things were at a complete safe point but the picture of something that will be our baby takes my breath away. Both embryos are 8 cell. One was 4.5 and the other was 4.2 which is out of 5. The nurse said they were really good....she could have said "almost perfect" but I could be wrong. :) Then, Nick and I signed off that we would only be transferring 2. The best part was we got to keep the amazing picture of our embies.

We sat and waited for the doctor to arrive. Took some pictures...

Then off I was rolled to the operating room. I stayed on the same bed but scooted down all the way to the end. The doctor inserted a speculum and did some other business I am unsure of. Possibly inserted a catheter? And it was time... The window opened and the doctor told the embryologist that he was ready for the embryos. In front of us was a large television screen. First our name flashed across the screen then it was white. But it wasn't all white, in between a few bubbles sat two BEAUTIFUL embryos. The embryologist sucked them up and they were past to the doctor through the window.

I was incredibly tense because a.) I had to pee and b.) I was nervous the procedure was going to cause cramps. (I felt nothing) I couldn't really see anything since the nurse was standing next to me. I held Nick's hand the entire time as he watched the screen. The nurse did and ultrasound on my belly and BING, BANG, BOOM...the embryos were in safe and sound.

*Any and all prayers needed now*

I pray that my body keeps these little bitties safe. That my body allows them to grow and develop into a healthy baby (s).

Which brings me to my final story. After the transfer, which only took 10 minutes, I was wheeled back into the recovery area to lay down. I was told to lay flat for 15 minutes before using the bathroom. Another lady went back for her transfer and returned after what felt like an eternity. Since I was still in the laying down portion of the procedure, I had to use a bed pan. I tried to be lady like and keep my dignity but blessed with a tiny bladder you got to do what you go to do. I asked the nurse if going to the bathroom after the transfer would mess up anything and she reassured me that it would do no such thing. I got myself together, laid down, and the nurse put me in an incline.

I laid flat for 60 minutes. (and possibly used the bed pan one more time) *Thankful for a good husband*

When the nurse came back, I got dressed and we were on our way home with two beautiful embryos hanging out in my belly.

To celebrate our special day, Nick and I stopped at Whole Foods and picked up two cupcakes to celebrate.

An amazing day!!!

IVF- Day 53: Fertilization Report #2

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Image from Shady Grove Fertility

The image above shows what happen the day of the egg retrieval when the sperm met with the egg via ICSI.

Image from Shady Grove Fertility

The above image shows the progression of the fertilized egg as we wait for the transfer.

FERTILITY REPORT #2

We now have 5 fertilized eggs that are continuing to grow. They have 3-4 cells and are symmetrical. Very clean.

Possible 3 day transfer tomorrow (Tuesday).

Check this website out to see images and an explanation of what happens on Day 2.

IVF- Day 52: Fertilization Report #1

I am feeling so much better today. The spotting has stopped and I have hopefully taken my last Tylenol this morning. The plan is to take the day and just relax.

My biggest obstacle through this entire process has been to stay positive. From the meds working to how many eggs were retrieved, I have been a HUGE worrier. On Friday, I decided as worried and nervous as I am, Nick and I are on the path we need to be to have a baby. We are in the process of making a baby right now. It is a really special and long awaited time for us, so I bought this for our baby. So stinkin cute!!

FERTILITY REPORT #1

12 eggs fertilized using ICSI 

(6 were kept frozen and 6 will be kept out to watch)

Check this website out to see images of what happens from Day 0 - Day 1.

IVF- Day 51: Egg Retrieval Day Part 2

Now that the retrieval is over, I have a list of instructions for the day.

ACTIVITY AND DIET: 

BEDREST when I get home. I can get up and go to the bathroom and to eat. No driving or working. Drink 8-10 glasses of water.

MEDICATION:

• Tylenol for the pain. - NO Ibuprofen, Motrin, or Advil.
• Continue prenatal vitamin and folic acid 
• Z-pack for next 5 days
• Methylprednisolone 16 mg for 4 days
• Start 1cc Progesterone in Oil - tonight

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Abstain from intercourse
• Spotting is normal
• No swimming

* The lab will call with an update everyday.*

IVF- Day 51: Egg Retrieval Day!!

Yesterday (Friday), was spent cleaning the house and doing everything we usually do on the weekend. Laundry...cleaning...etc....etc... It was the first day in a very long time that I didn't have to take a shot. Loved that!! My only preparations for the retrieval were that I could not eat after midnight and I had to use a medicated douche.

~ Early to bed....Early to rise Saturday morning

4:30: Nick and I woke up and prepared for the retrieval. Nick took care the the dog. I showered and did the second medicated douche. I was told not to wear make up, perfume, lotion, or jewelry. Very natural in comfy clothes!! 

5:30: Nick gave his specimen.

5:45: We were out the door and on the road to the hospital. Surprisingly I wasn't too nervous. Only a few butterflies.

6:10: Arrived at hospital and met the embryologist in the waiting room. Nick filled out some paperwork and turned in his specimen. 

6:15-7:00: WAITED, played on our phones, WAITED, made predictions about the number of eggs we would get (Nick-13 & Jess-11), WAITED, snapped some pictures, and WAITED some more

7:10: Doctor arrived and took me to the fertility operation area.  

7:15: A nurse gave me a robe to change into. Nothing but the robe and onto a bed with a blanket. 

I am not sure about the rest of the times since it got a little hectic. 

- Several people came in and asked me the same questions over and over. I do have to say, I was shaking with nerves but the doctors and nurses taking care of me were hysterical. I was laughing more than anything else. 

- They inserted an IV to start the meds. He was pretty good. Stung a little but not too bad. One meidcation was an antibiotic and I believe the other was saline. The anesthesiologist gave me a shot which made me a little loopy. Then off I was wheeled to the operation room.

- Once I was in the operation room the doctor asked me to slide over to the the table. Then, the anesthesiologist gave me the "cocktail." From that point I was out.

- I woke up with the nurse talking to me and asking me questions. She checked my vials. Slowly I felt like I was becoming more and more with it. I had slight cramping.

- After about ten minutes, I got up and the nurse helped me to the bathroom. There was slight spotting. 

- I was able to get dressed and by this time the doctor was back from the second retrieval he was completing. 

He said..... 13 BEAUTIFUL EGGS!!!! He said he was so happy with the results!!! Fantastic news!

- Nick came back to the room and then I was wheeled to the car. 

10:00: We were home. I took all of my meds, Nick hooked up the heating pad, and I was in bed for the day. 

IVF- Day 49: TRIGGER

Last night was the last of the stims and tonight was the night we have been waiting for. THE TRIGGER!!!

The trigger is a human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) injection. It is completed when the eggs are closing in on their peak of maturity. Egg retrieval will take place about 36 hours later.

A little bit about HCG...

I used a brand called Pregnyl. It's considered a superovulatory drug which comes from the urine of pregnant women. (A little gross) The hormone, produced by the placenta, triggers the release of eggs from the ovaries roughly 40 hours after the injection is administered.

Delivery: intramuscular (right above the butt)

Nick had to give this shot and I give him so much credit. He was really good!!! I was a complete basket case. First, I was super nervous that I wasn't mixing and getting the medication properly. Following the directions word for word and still feeling like I did something wrong. Then, nervous about this giant shot going in my ass. I burst into tears before anything ever started. Next thing I knew...it was over. I didn't feel a thing. I iced for about 15 minutes beforehand which I think helped a lot. I was almost completely numb.

Well...drama that I can be....didn't stop me from crying even after the shot was over. I am trying to be so positive but I am so nervous. I just lost it. Hoping, praying, and trying to believe that everything is going to happen just the way it should but I still have this little shithead in me that pokes me with "well, what if it doesn't work?" That little voice scare me more than anything.

Tomorrow I have a 7:45 blood test then we should be set for the retrieval!!!

CYCLE DAY 19

IVF- Day 48: Just About Ready

On the 10th day of stims...

First, I have to say that today has been an absolute crazy day. First, I woke up at the butt crack of dawn for my doctors appointment that was at 6:45 A.M. and once I got to the hospital I realize I forgot my wallet. Called Nick and had him drive and meet me at the DR. office so I could actually get out of the parking garage.

Doctors appointment....I arrived and was taken right back to the ultrasound room which is a little different because they usually do my blood test firsts. The doctor came in...made a little small talk...and moved on to do the usual ultrasound. He took a look at my lining and said that it looked good. Then he scanned over my ovaries. OMG!!!! Those follicles are huge now. I really couldn't tell if there were any more because they looked like they were squished on top of each other. *Side note... I have noticed that my doctor is a man of few words. He doesn't give too much information. He also has a pretty thick accent which sometimes makes it hard to understand especially when my legs are half way up in the air and there is a paper sheet between us.* I asked him if there were more follicles and he said..."oh yeah." He didn't really give any measurements but said I had a couple at 17. He decided they retrieval will be on Saturday, May 18th. A beautiful day to make a baby!!

The nurse took me to a little sitting area and went over all of the paperwork. Then she took my blood and drew two huge read circle right above my butt.

Plan of Action:

May 15: 125 IU Follistim & 5 units Lupron
May 16: 5 units Lupron & TRIGGER @ 8:00 p.m.
May 17: 8:30 a.m. blood test, continue with prenatal  and folic acid, & use a medicated douche (no eating or drinking after midnight)
May 18: use second medicated douche, collect semen sample between 5:30-6:00, be at office at 6:30 a.m.

Transfer: Day 3- May 21 or Day 5- May 23

I can't believe we are finally ready. I am beyond excited. So, in all of this, I thought I was going to be going in for the retrieval on Monday so I ordered more Follistim. Not a real big deal but one little cartridge of this runs at about $300. Tonight was my last dose so there was no need for it. I spent the morning talking to the pharmacy canceling my order. They spent the day trying to have the delivery man take it off the truck. Honestly, THE BEST PHARMACY EVER!!!! They were able to get it sent back to the warehouse and refund the money. SCORE!!!

After this really crazy day I was able to sit and do one of my favorite things...get my hair done. I am relaxed, ready for summer, and most importantly ready for babies!!!!!

CYCLE DAY 18

IVF- Day 47: Blood Tests

Why all the blood tests?

The blood tests are used to measure estrogen levels.


"Your body's estrogen levels reveal a lot about your current fertility, and are used to measure your response to fertility treatments. Practitioners and patients often use three terms interchangably when talking about the same thing: estrogen, estradiol, and E2. Estrogen stimulates the lining of the uterus, so that it grows and can sustain a pregnancy. And estrogen is a measure of ovarian activity - as follicles produce estrogen. So the more follicles there are, the more estrogen will be present. Estrogen is measured in pg/mL."

~ www.ivfconnections.com


As the stimulation continues, the nurse said she wants to sees a steady growth. At my last appointment my E2 was in the 60s so she predicted my next blood test should be in the 100s.

IVF- Day 46

On the 8th day of stims...

My stomach is really bloated and I am completely exhausted!!! I can't even believe my stomach. I went to do my shots tonight and it looked 10 times the size it was this morning. CRAZY!! I also feel fuller and every once in a while a slight pain.

Today I had a really good doctors appointment. After Friday I felt a little defeated but the change in my dosage did the trick.

• I had another blood test. I also found out my number from the last test was 62. I will go more into what that means later.   
• My ultrasound showed 5 follicles on each side measuring "12ish." The doctor said they looked great and were all pretty much the same size which is good. We need them to grow to be around 17-18.
• I am continuing the same dosage of Follistim...150 IU & 125 IU
• Next appointment is on Wednesday
• The retrieval is looking like...Monday, May 20th.

CYCLE DAY 16