Thursday, August 30, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Beta #2 & The Nut House
First things first. I took a digital test today and got a ugly, "not pregnant"! Really, come on, give me a break. Then, I took a FRER (First Response Early Something) and got a faint positive! Really, come on, give me a break. So I am pregnant but I'm not? Okay, I don't want to diminish that it was pretty cool to see our first positive POAS (pee on a stick) test ever.
Next, I had to go pick up some meds that I ran out of at our clinic today. Although my next test was scheduled for Friday, I asked to talk to my nurse about the ugly "not pregnant" but she was out for the day and Dr. Opera was in a meeting.
The assistant said, "since you are here do you want us to do your 2nd beta test?"
"That would be awesome!" I happily accepted.
While she pricked me I asked, "So, we will get the results tomorrow sometime?"
"You will get the results tonight".
Ahhhh those were nice words to hear.
Beta #2 Results:
Doc Opera just called from his personal cell (he is the best) and told us that he is much more optimistic than he was earlier in the week. My beta had more than doubled and was now 81! Great news.
Beta #3 scheduled for Friday.
BTW: I am proclaiming myself to be officially nuts and I am totally cool with it.
Next, I had to go pick up some meds that I ran out of at our clinic today. Although my next test was scheduled for Friday, I asked to talk to my nurse about the ugly "not pregnant" but she was out for the day and Dr. Opera was in a meeting.
The assistant said, "since you are here do you want us to do your 2nd beta test?"
"That would be awesome!" I happily accepted.
While she pricked me I asked, "So, we will get the results tomorrow sometime?"
"You will get the results tonight".
Ahhhh those were nice words to hear.
Beta #2 Results:
Doc Opera just called from his personal cell (he is the best) and told us that he is much more optimistic than he was earlier in the week. My beta had more than doubled and was now 81! Great news.
Beta #3 scheduled for Friday.
BTW: I am proclaiming myself to be officially nuts and I am totally cool with it.
Ye of Little Faith
The story of our first BFP!
The day was long. The nurse told us we would get our pregnancy test results back, "this afternoon". Our plan was for Mr. C to get the call and then he would deliver the news to me (poor Mr. C now that I think about that). I worked well until about 1ish. Then my brain began playing tricks. "It's the afternoon" I thought to myself. Three ridiculous, slow, work-worthless hours later 4pm arrived. I couldn't take it anymore. I locked up my office and walked down to the shop. Mr. C was on edge too. We sat in awful anticipation for another hour together. We came to the conclusion that late news was bad news and I had a good cry. One of our friends came by the shop for a visit. The phone rang. Mr. C answered. Our thoughtful friend looked at me and said, "do you want me to give you guys a minute?". I responded, "that would be awesome". At first Mr. C's face sunk and I sunk with him. Wait - then his face went sheet white and he got up and started pacing. Finally he came over and grabbed me. I looked up and whispered, "are we pregnant?". He nodded yes and then spoke the words, "we are pregnant!!!". I burst into tears of joy. I will never forget Mr. C's smile at that moment. Then he started pacing the shop listening to the nurse as she explained our low beta number and our next step. He asked numerous questions and after he hung up we were in complete and utter shock!
* Disclaimer: I am human
I feel like I have to justify what I am about to post by shouting, " I am SOOOOOOO thankful for this living soul inside of me!!!" and "SOOOOOO thankful for a positive pregnancy test!!" Hallelujah!!!...
My beta is low. I wish I never knew my beta number! Yesterday was bitter sweet. I was so joyful for the pregnancy yet so faithless about the outcome due to my first beta number which was 35 at 9dp5det (9 days post 5day embryo transfer). The nurse described it as, "low but not horrible". They would have liked it to be around 50. I will go in on Friday for my next beta. My beta should at least triple by then if the pregnacy is progressing well. If there was ever a time for TMI (to much information)...this is it! Seriously a crazy rollercoster people!
Oh Mrs. C, Ye of Little Faith!!!
The day was long. The nurse told us we would get our pregnancy test results back, "this afternoon". Our plan was for Mr. C to get the call and then he would deliver the news to me (poor Mr. C now that I think about that). I worked well until about 1ish. Then my brain began playing tricks. "It's the afternoon" I thought to myself. Three ridiculous, slow, work-worthless hours later 4pm arrived. I couldn't take it anymore. I locked up my office and walked down to the shop. Mr. C was on edge too. We sat in awful anticipation for another hour together. We came to the conclusion that late news was bad news and I had a good cry. One of our friends came by the shop for a visit. The phone rang. Mr. C answered. Our thoughtful friend looked at me and said, "do you want me to give you guys a minute?". I responded, "that would be awesome". At first Mr. C's face sunk and I sunk with him. Wait - then his face went sheet white and he got up and started pacing. Finally he came over and grabbed me. I looked up and whispered, "are we pregnant?". He nodded yes and then spoke the words, "we are pregnant!!!". I burst into tears of joy. I will never forget Mr. C's smile at that moment. Then he started pacing the shop listening to the nurse as she explained our low beta number and our next step. He asked numerous questions and after he hung up we were in complete and utter shock!
* Disclaimer: I am human
I feel like I have to justify what I am about to post by shouting, " I am SOOOOOOO thankful for this living soul inside of me!!!" and "SOOOOOO thankful for a positive pregnancy test!!" Hallelujah!!!...
My beta is low. I wish I never knew my beta number! Yesterday was bitter sweet. I was so joyful for the pregnancy yet so faithless about the outcome due to my first beta number which was 35 at 9dp5det (9 days post 5day embryo transfer). The nurse described it as, "low but not horrible". They would have liked it to be around 50. I will go in on Friday for my next beta. My beta should at least triple by then if the pregnacy is progressing well. If there was ever a time for TMI (to much information)...this is it! Seriously a crazy rollercoster people!
Oh Mrs. C, Ye of Little Faith!!!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Beta Test #1 Results
BFP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BIG FABULOUS POSITIVE!!!
Praise the Lord! OMGoodness. We are pregnant!!
Beta was a bit low so please pray for my numbers to shoot up by Friday which is my next appointment. We are both beaming and so tired from the long emotional day so I will get to our beta result story tomorrow.
Ahhhh....so stoked and can't believe I'm even writing this!!!
Mrs. C
BIG FABULOUS POSITIVE!!!
Praise the Lord! OMGoodness. We are pregnant!!
Beta was a bit low so please pray for my numbers to shoot up by Friday which is my next appointment. We are both beaming and so tired from the long emotional day so I will get to our beta result story tomorrow.
Ahhhh....so stoked and can't believe I'm even writing this!!!
Mrs. C
Still waiting...
Well....its 4pm and no results yet!!!! We r going mad. I am worthless at work and I can not believe this is taking so long!!!!
Beta results hopefully soon to be posted.
Mrs. C
Beta results hopefully soon to be posted.
Mrs. C
Sunday, August 26, 2012
8 Days Post 5 Day Embryo Transfer
One more day. One more day and Mr. C and I will find out if my stomach will pop out over the next 9 months and I can eat whatever I want, or if I go back to boot camp and hot yoga in an attempt to get rid of my medicine belly. One more day and we will find out if all of these "symptoms" I am having are from the shots or growing baby/ies. One more day. It is hard to describe the last few days. I guess you could say that I am in a daze. I have been working lightly, hanging out with family and friends, and clinging to Mr. C all the while 3/4 of me is completely alert, aware, and frankly a little ridiculous. I can not help but imagine every twinge inside my stomach and womb being growth, and then the darker thoughts creep in and I imagine the wicked witch of the month coming at any moment. Other than the on and off cramping, my "girls" are HUGE...even Mr. C's mama pointed it out this morning. Of course we both laughed and smiled hoping with each other that a pregnancy, and not the trigger shots, was causing this growth.
We are talking about having our immediate family over tomorrow for pizza and either good or bad news. I was a little nervous about being completely crushed in front of the everyone all at once but now I am thinking, "who better to be crushed in front of?"..."nobody". Our families rock in good and bad so I can't think of a better way to get the news.
I know this is just one small step in the amazing process of life. I know that a positive does not mean a full, healthy 9 month pregnancy. But from a gal who has never seen any kind of pregnancy: chemical, ectopic, etc..., I am seeing this first step of getting us pregnant as a BIG milestone.
I will post our results either way tomorrow. Thank you so much for all your prayers, emails, texts, notes, etc...
Your encouragement has kept me going. Your humor has lightened my mood. Your kindness has touched me.
Positive or Negative - God is Good!
1 more day and so over counting,
Mrs. C
We are talking about having our immediate family over tomorrow for pizza and either good or bad news. I was a little nervous about being completely crushed in front of the everyone all at once but now I am thinking, "who better to be crushed in front of?"..."nobody". Our families rock in good and bad so I can't think of a better way to get the news.
I know this is just one small step in the amazing process of life. I know that a positive does not mean a full, healthy 9 month pregnancy. But from a gal who has never seen any kind of pregnancy: chemical, ectopic, etc..., I am seeing this first step of getting us pregnant as a BIG milestone.
I will post our results either way tomorrow. Thank you so much for all your prayers, emails, texts, notes, etc...
Your encouragement has kept me going. Your humor has lightened my mood. Your kindness has touched me.
Positive or Negative - God is Good!
1 more day and so over counting,
Mrs. C
Friday, August 24, 2012
Poof....Gone!
You know that mental and emotional awesomeness I was feeling all week, and wrote about yesterday? Poof....Gone! Literally a few hours after I posted yesterday I had my first mental break-down which lead to my first emotional melt-down. BLURG! I completely blame the drugs! Crocodile tears running down my face, I could not even describe in words to Mr. C what was wrong (CRAZY MEDS!!). At the very least it did feel like kind of a relief to get it out and today I am doing good. This wait is just nuts!
2.5 days and still counting,
Mrs. C
2.5 days and still counting,
Mrs. C
Thursday, August 23, 2012
5 Days Post 5 Day Embryo Transfer
Okay, so here we are 5 days post our 5 day embryo transfer and so far I have been pretty mentally and emotionally strong through this cycle. I am mostly attributing this relaxed state to my awesome support system! My husband has encouraged staying away from work as much as possible and my mom, dad, friends, and family have been lifting, cleaning, cooking, taking me out for lunch and to the park. I do not think I have ever been this relaxed in my life :) What a fantastic group of people I am blessed with!!!! I also have been talking to HIM constantly, which I normally do, but anytime worry trys to creep in I immediately meet HIM in my heart and ask for HIS peace and comfort. I have also been so stoked with Mr. C. His faith through this whole thing has carried me. He is not afraid (like me) to ask HIM to bless us with a child - so he does and it is a beautiful act of faith.
I have to admit that I have been googling here and there things like, "3 days past 5 day embryo transfer symptoms" and "how many ivf cycles did it take you to get your BFP (otherwise known as a Big Fat Positive)." I like to read the success stories because it keeps my spirits lifted and gives me hope. I have noticed that I have been going back and forth between trying to guard myself by telling myself, "okay Mrs. C this very well might not happen. In fact it probably won't" and "yes, this is it! This is going to work! Mr. C is going to be a daddy and you are going to be a mommy". The waiting is the hardest part! Mr. C and I have thus far committed to not testing early because I had to take 2 trigger shots which is pretty much a big dose of pregnancy symptoms; so we don't want to end up with a false positive before the blood (BETA) test on Monday. That would just plain suck!
Symptoms (whether they be from meds or possible pregnancy):
1. I have had sore tata's since the beginning of meds so I am pretty sure its the meds on this one. My girls have definitely filled out, changed color, and hurt more over the past 2 days though.
2. Very small bouts of nausea. Just a little uneasy stomach...no running to the bathroom or anything. Typically happens at night
3. Times of extreme tiredness
4. Low back ache mostly at night. I hear this one as well as the rest can be a progesterone side-affect
5. Crampy here and there. At night it is more frequent. Some days more than others.
6. Hunger...but then I'm always hungry, or think I am, according to those who know me best ;)
4 more days and absolutely counting!!!
Peace Out,
Mrs. C
I have to admit that I have been googling here and there things like, "3 days past 5 day embryo transfer symptoms" and "how many ivf cycles did it take you to get your BFP (otherwise known as a Big Fat Positive)." I like to read the success stories because it keeps my spirits lifted and gives me hope. I have noticed that I have been going back and forth between trying to guard myself by telling myself, "okay Mrs. C this very well might not happen. In fact it probably won't" and "yes, this is it! This is going to work! Mr. C is going to be a daddy and you are going to be a mommy". The waiting is the hardest part! Mr. C and I have thus far committed to not testing early because I had to take 2 trigger shots which is pretty much a big dose of pregnancy symptoms; so we don't want to end up with a false positive before the blood (BETA) test on Monday. That would just plain suck!
Symptoms (whether they be from meds or possible pregnancy):
1. I have had sore tata's since the beginning of meds so I am pretty sure its the meds on this one. My girls have definitely filled out, changed color, and hurt more over the past 2 days though.
2. Very small bouts of nausea. Just a little uneasy stomach...no running to the bathroom or anything. Typically happens at night
3. Times of extreme tiredness
4. Low back ache mostly at night. I hear this one as well as the rest can be a progesterone side-affect
5. Crampy here and there. At night it is more frequent. Some days more than others.
6. Hunger...but then I'm always hungry, or think I am, according to those who know me best ;)
4 more days and absolutely counting!!!
Peace Out,
Mrs. C
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
2 Days Post Transfer
5-Day Transfer
| Days Past Transfer (DPT) | Embryo Development |
| One | The blastocyst begins to hatch out of its shell |
| Two | The blastocyst continues to hatch out of its shell and begins to attach itself to the uterus |
| Three | The blastocyst attaches deeper into the uterine lining, beginning implantation |
| Four | Implantation continues |
| Five | Implantation is complete, cells that will eventually become the placenta and fetus have begun to develop |
| Six | Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) starts to enter the blood stream |
| Seven | Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted |
| Eight | Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted |
| Nine | Levels of hCG are now high enough to detect a pregnancy |
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Embryo Transfer
Wow!
Crazy, amazing, tears...those are the words I have for our Embryo Transfer this morning. Oh yeah, it was uncomfortable (more than I expected) but its hard for me to use that word when we just were a part of something soooo awesome!
When we arrived we met with Dr. Opera (I'll get to his new nick-name later) and discussed our full Embryo Report. Four embies made it to transfer day. So here is the break down:
12 eggs retrived
10 matured
8 fertilized normal
4 kept growing and made it to transfer day
1 out of the 4 made it to the blastocyst stage and the other 3 were a little slower. Dr. Opera showed us a picture of all 4. The embie in the bastocyst stage was a perfect circle with a lot of activity going on inside it. The other 3 looked smaller, not as perfect shape, and less activity (but they all looked perfect to me). We discussed our numbers and how many we wanted to transfer and decided on 2 which was pretty much our desion from the start, but it was a tad bit tempting for us to blurt out, "put 3 in Doc!" . Our other 2 will be frozen for later. Next came the transfer.
Mr. C and I were in the same room as my egg retrieval. Our Dr. came in humming pretty loud what sounded like The Phantom of the Opera, which made me laugh and inquire. He said that it was in fact a new pop song he keeps hearing that sounds just like Phantom. We went on to chat about seeing Phantom and Dr. Opera's recent and pleasantly surprised viewing of Cline Dion which made me laugh too. The room was set up for a pap-type event but I would not describe it like that (even though I have read it to be much like a pap). For me, the prep for the transfer was pretty uncomfortable; lots of tugging, pulling, washing, weird noises, tubes, and light pain; however, I just breathed through it all as Mr. C massaged my head which totally helped. Dr. Opera explained and showed on the screen his game plan and to Mr. C's advantage he spoke in golf terms. He showed us on the screen with the catheter where he was going to go put our embies. We all agreed it looked like a dog leg right hole and our golf expert Mr. C confirmed. They called the lab to bring our embryos. Dr. Opera put them into a catheter and said, "here they go,". Mr. C took a picture of the screen. Then we watched our two embies be shot inside via syringe and kinda twirl around. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Dr. Opera stood up and crossed his fingers and smiled. And that is that.
I started my 2 day post embryo transfer bed-rest as soon as we got in the car. I am realizing that Mr. C is right when he says, "you can't sit still", because I am struggling already through 1 day. Ha! Never thought of myself that way but I do like getting stuff done. If I were at the beach or pool - different story - but "no swimming" is on my restriction list so housebound I am. Thankfully I was completely wiped from my lack of sleep the prior night so I pretty much slept the day away. I have some cramping here and there and my system is kinda starting to get back to a normal place. I am still taking all the prior meds plus 2 more suppositories - yuck!
Praising HIM for the life HE created and allowed inside me. Thanking HIM for Dr. Opera and his amazing team. Praying for the implantation process to occur and a healthy full term pregnancy.
Now we wait for the 27th which will be our pregnancy test.
Crazy, amazing, tears...those are the words I have for our Embryo Transfer this morning. Oh yeah, it was uncomfortable (more than I expected) but its hard for me to use that word when we just were a part of something soooo awesome!
When we arrived we met with Dr. Opera (I'll get to his new nick-name later) and discussed our full Embryo Report. Four embies made it to transfer day. So here is the break down:
12 eggs retrived
10 matured
8 fertilized normal
4 kept growing and made it to transfer day
1 out of the 4 made it to the blastocyst stage and the other 3 were a little slower. Dr. Opera showed us a picture of all 4. The embie in the bastocyst stage was a perfect circle with a lot of activity going on inside it. The other 3 looked smaller, not as perfect shape, and less activity (but they all looked perfect to me). We discussed our numbers and how many we wanted to transfer and decided on 2 which was pretty much our desion from the start, but it was a tad bit tempting for us to blurt out, "put 3 in Doc!" . Our other 2 will be frozen for later. Next came the transfer.
Mr. C and I were in the same room as my egg retrieval. Our Dr. came in humming pretty loud what sounded like The Phantom of the Opera, which made me laugh and inquire. He said that it was in fact a new pop song he keeps hearing that sounds just like Phantom. We went on to chat about seeing Phantom and Dr. Opera's recent and pleasantly surprised viewing of Cline Dion which made me laugh too. The room was set up for a pap-type event but I would not describe it like that (even though I have read it to be much like a pap). For me, the prep for the transfer was pretty uncomfortable; lots of tugging, pulling, washing, weird noises, tubes, and light pain; however, I just breathed through it all as Mr. C massaged my head which totally helped. Dr. Opera explained and showed on the screen his game plan and to Mr. C's advantage he spoke in golf terms. He showed us on the screen with the catheter where he was going to go put our embies. We all agreed it looked like a dog leg right hole and our golf expert Mr. C confirmed. They called the lab to bring our embryos. Dr. Opera put them into a catheter and said, "here they go,". Mr. C took a picture of the screen. Then we watched our two embies be shot inside via syringe and kinda twirl around. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Dr. Opera stood up and crossed his fingers and smiled. And that is that.
I started my 2 day post embryo transfer bed-rest as soon as we got in the car. I am realizing that Mr. C is right when he says, "you can't sit still", because I am struggling already through 1 day. Ha! Never thought of myself that way but I do like getting stuff done. If I were at the beach or pool - different story - but "no swimming" is on my restriction list so housebound I am. Thankfully I was completely wiped from my lack of sleep the prior night so I pretty much slept the day away. I have some cramping here and there and my system is kinda starting to get back to a normal place. I am still taking all the prior meds plus 2 more suppositories - yuck!
Praising HIM for the life HE created and allowed inside me. Thanking HIM for Dr. Opera and his amazing team. Praying for the implantation process to occur and a healthy full term pregnancy.
Now we wait for the 27th which will be our pregnancy test.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
It's 3am and I'm Awake
It is 3:30am the morning of our 1st Embryo Transfer :) and I am awake - Bummer. As much as I would like to tough it out and pretend I'm all good, the progesterone/PIO (progesterone in Oil shots) side affects are starting to take a little toll. I am - TMI - totally backed-up ( to put it politely), my tatas hurt, a bit grumpy, and the injections sites feel bruised making it hard to get comfortable. Supposedly, (people like to remind me) some of these physicality's are common early pregnancy symptoms which I will gladly take on - when I am actually pregnant. Its a funny thing in the infertile world. I don't know what it is but many like to make me aware that I should just get used to these physical and emotional things because, "its not going to get any easier." One of my other not-so-favs is when peeps present to me their kids and say (in front of their kids) "are you sure you don't want to reconsider" or "want to borrow mine to make sure". Yes, someone literally pulled their kido in front of me yesterday as asked me if I want to reconsider going through with it all because their little one was grumpy. I know these lovely people do not mean harm so I usually can let is slide pretty quick. I also know and truly believe that being a parent is the hardest job on earth so I'll give them all some slack because hopefully I'll need that slack some day. Although sleeping through the night would have been welcomed I am cool with being awake right now because I have 2 days complete bed rest ahead of me - plenty of time to sleep! But enough about that.
As soon as my minor physical ailments faded this early am I began thinking about Hannah. I woke up not thinking about how God blessed her with children, but about how HE recognized and included Hannahs' barrenness, and therefore grief in HIS Living Word. Then, I started thinking about Jesus walking the earth just as we do. Man! Sometimes I just can't believe how much HE loves us. How precious to be loved so much.
Anyway, enough thoughts for this early hour. Time to watch an old black and white and try to fall asleep, or at the very least watch the minutes go by.
Toodles,
Mrs. C
As soon as my minor physical ailments faded this early am I began thinking about Hannah. I woke up not thinking about how God blessed her with children, but about how HE recognized and included Hannahs' barrenness, and therefore grief in HIS Living Word. Then, I started thinking about Jesus walking the earth just as we do. Man! Sometimes I just can't believe how much HE loves us. How precious to be loved so much.
Anyway, enough thoughts for this early hour. Time to watch an old black and white and try to fall asleep, or at the very least watch the minutes go by.
Toodles,
Mrs. C
Friday, August 17, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Day 3 Fert Report
Hurray! So far so good. Doc called today saying that 8 embies are still fertilizing normal and thriving! Great news! I did not ask any questions regarding how the embies are dividing, or stages they are in. Honestly, I do not need any information to get me googling up a storm. Better to be patient and wait. Saturday is right around the corner and if there is one thing I have learned is that nothing is a sure thing in the process. One day at a time. Our embies could be thriving today, but gone tomorrow. So for now, I am trusting His Will, the doc, the nurses and just going with it.
I am definitely learning to live in the moment. People keep asking me if I'm nervous, excited, scared... To be honest I am doing pretty good but yes, I feel all of these feeeelings at certain times. I am - yes again I use this word - CONSCIOUSLY making an effort to live in the moment and not look to far past the current day. It is becoming more of a challenge and I can only imagine what it is like during the 2WW (which is thankfully cut to a short 8 day wait because my clinic tests that early after transfer) WHEWWW....that helps! But anywho, yea...it is hard to relax as much as possible, not work to hard, and then not think to much/google to much. You know? Mr. C logically (as usual I can count on his logic) said the other day, "don't work to hard or to long, but keep busy with a book you are totally into or movies that will keep your attention." Good advice Mr. C! By the way Day One after Egg Retrieval of our embies was our 7 year anniversary...we think this is very cool!
Lord. Heavenly Father Above,
Thank YOU for YOUR continued-always-forever presence in our lives. Thank YOU for our friends, family, and support team! Thank YOU for giving us the opportunity to even try IVF financially, emotionally, physically, and every way and everything else it takes. I am weak but YOU ARE STRONG. My feelings come and go but YOUR love, mercy and grace withstands! I am once again in awe of YOUR outstanding glory.
Mrs. C
I am definitely learning to live in the moment. People keep asking me if I'm nervous, excited, scared... To be honest I am doing pretty good but yes, I feel all of these feeeelings at certain times. I am - yes again I use this word - CONSCIOUSLY making an effort to live in the moment and not look to far past the current day. It is becoming more of a challenge and I can only imagine what it is like during the 2WW (which is thankfully cut to a short 8 day wait because my clinic tests that early after transfer) WHEWWW....that helps! But anywho, yea...it is hard to relax as much as possible, not work to hard, and then not think to much/google to much. You know? Mr. C logically (as usual I can count on his logic) said the other day, "don't work to hard or to long, but keep busy with a book you are totally into or movies that will keep your attention." Good advice Mr. C! By the way Day One after Egg Retrieval of our embies was our 7 year anniversary...we think this is very cool!
Lord. Heavenly Father Above,
Thank YOU for YOUR continued-always-forever presence in our lives. Thank YOU for our friends, family, and support team! Thank YOU for giving us the opportunity to even try IVF financially, emotionally, physically, and every way and everything else it takes. I am weak but YOU ARE STRONG. My feelings come and go but YOUR love, mercy and grace withstands! I am once again in awe of YOUR outstanding glory.
Mrs. C
Fert Report & In-Between Days
We received a call the day after retrieval with our fert report: 8 fertilized embies :) I should get another call today to schedule for our 5 day transfer, which will land on Saturday, as well as a Fert report.
I went back to work the day after retrieval for a few hours and then spent the rest of the day at the beach with my sister-in-law, niece, nephew, cousin, and Mr. C's mama. Yesterday I'm pretty sure that even though I took it way easy at work, I worked a little to long because by the time I made it home I was completely zombied out. Just another reminder to take it easy as this is a huge investment. So far I am feeling pretty good this week. I get super bloated by the evening to the point where I look a couple months pregos and I get tired pretty quick. From what I have heard the progesterone shots can give you this bloat side affect. It seems to subside in the morning and blow up like a balloon by mid-day and then into full solid form by evening. Besides the progesterone shots I am currently taking; baby aspirin, prednisone, etrace, z-pak (to prevent infection after egg retrieval), and the obvious pre-natal and folic acid supplements.
The number one advice I have received thus far is to do as little as possible and be stress free. I am kind of thinking that the stress free state of mind is nice and hoping it will last long after the transfer and into the rest of my life...I wish right! I am praising Him that I have had this opportunity to learn and put into practice this way of life. Summary: Over analyzing is over rated for sure!
I will update with our next Fert Report as soon as I know...praying for lots of strong division (is that an oxymoron or what) and thriving embies!
I went back to work the day after retrieval for a few hours and then spent the rest of the day at the beach with my sister-in-law, niece, nephew, cousin, and Mr. C's mama. Yesterday I'm pretty sure that even though I took it way easy at work, I worked a little to long because by the time I made it home I was completely zombied out. Just another reminder to take it easy as this is a huge investment. So far I am feeling pretty good this week. I get super bloated by the evening to the point where I look a couple months pregos and I get tired pretty quick. From what I have heard the progesterone shots can give you this bloat side affect. It seems to subside in the morning and blow up like a balloon by mid-day and then into full solid form by evening. Besides the progesterone shots I am currently taking; baby aspirin, prednisone, etrace, z-pak (to prevent infection after egg retrieval), and the obvious pre-natal and folic acid supplements.
The number one advice I have received thus far is to do as little as possible and be stress free. I am kind of thinking that the stress free state of mind is nice and hoping it will last long after the transfer and into the rest of my life...I wish right! I am praising Him that I have had this opportunity to learn and put into practice this way of life. Summary: Over analyzing is over rated for sure!
I will update with our next Fert Report as soon as I know...praying for lots of strong division (is that an oxymoron or what) and thriving embies!
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Egg Retrieval
Doc order 2 trigger shots of Ovidrel for Saturday night at 8:30 on the dot. Sunday I got a shot free day...hurray, and welcomed a needle free 24 hours. Our Egg Retrieval (ER) was scheduled for 7:30 on Monday morning. I made a conscious effort not to read or investigate to much on the procedure. I am finding that the more I know the more nervous I get. Better to be left in the dark on some things, especially when it includes putting me out, needles, shots, operations, etc...
Monday morning we arrived at the clinic at 7am. I filled out the normal pre-opp paper work, vitals were taken, and I used the restroom. Around 7:20 I was taken to the operation room and Mr. C was told it would be about a 1/2 hour total procedure with changing time. I quickly undressed and put on the operation robe, booties, and cap. As soon as I laid down the anesthesiologist came and in explained that he was going to administer the meds that would put me in a twilight state. So, I would be totally asleep but breathing on my own. He explained that it is the same drug that Michael Jackson was addicted to for sleep and that I would feel euphoric when I woke up. I chatted with the anesthesiologist for about 10 minutes while he hooked up my iv and oxygen. Then our Dr. came in and said hi and 30 seconds later I was out. The next thing I remember was waking up and feeling pretty darn good...nothing like the laparoscopy general anesthesia journey I had been through. I was rolled to a small curtain room where I rested a few minutes and then Mr. C was brought back to sit with me. After about 10 minutes of resting our awesome Dr. came in and said that he got 12 eggs! Obviously more than he and we expected as we ere all smiling and totally happy with the results. He literally looked relieved and said, "everything came out smooth and it looks great!." He then explained that 9 eggs were fully matured, 2 were possible, and 1 might not make it. He also explained that he was 90% sure we would have a 5 day transfer which would land on Saturday. Considering we were expecting and hoping for at least 8 and expecting a 3 day transfer we were very pleased. After the good news our nurse came back and gave us post-opp directions and my new meds calender. Our favorite post-opp direction was, "the doctor says not to drive and definitely do not make any critical decisions...lol." Mr. C helped me get dressed and we were in the car around 9:15.
My mom met us at the shop so Mr. C could work and she took me home and set me up for a day of rest. I had a tiny bit of bleeding once and some cramping throughout the day. I took a couple Tylenol to help with the cramping and took it easy the whole day. I had two dear friends and Mr. C's mama come for visits bearing gifts and hugs which was totally welcomed and appreciated! I took a long deep nap and pretty much had a normal appetite the whole day but ate light knowing that my system was not quite awake yet. I took my new meds including the the newest being progesterone shot. I was feeling a little nervous about this one because I had heard it was worse than Lupron, Bravelle/Menupor shots, however; it was not that bad and was totally bearable. I woke up today feeling a little more achy, tired, and crampy and it reminded me that I did indeed have a operation and to take it slow today. Overall I will say the Egg retrieval was a smooth experience for me and the hardest thing is making myself rest even though I feel pretty good.
Monday morning we arrived at the clinic at 7am. I filled out the normal pre-opp paper work, vitals were taken, and I used the restroom. Around 7:20 I was taken to the operation room and Mr. C was told it would be about a 1/2 hour total procedure with changing time. I quickly undressed and put on the operation robe, booties, and cap. As soon as I laid down the anesthesiologist came and in explained that he was going to administer the meds that would put me in a twilight state. So, I would be totally asleep but breathing on my own. He explained that it is the same drug that Michael Jackson was addicted to for sleep and that I would feel euphoric when I woke up. I chatted with the anesthesiologist for about 10 minutes while he hooked up my iv and oxygen. Then our Dr. came in and said hi and 30 seconds later I was out. The next thing I remember was waking up and feeling pretty darn good...nothing like the laparoscopy general anesthesia journey I had been through. I was rolled to a small curtain room where I rested a few minutes and then Mr. C was brought back to sit with me. After about 10 minutes of resting our awesome Dr. came in and said that he got 12 eggs! Obviously more than he and we expected as we ere all smiling and totally happy with the results. He literally looked relieved and said, "everything came out smooth and it looks great!." He then explained that 9 eggs were fully matured, 2 were possible, and 1 might not make it. He also explained that he was 90% sure we would have a 5 day transfer which would land on Saturday. Considering we were expecting and hoping for at least 8 and expecting a 3 day transfer we were very pleased. After the good news our nurse came back and gave us post-opp directions and my new meds calender. Our favorite post-opp direction was, "the doctor says not to drive and definitely do not make any critical decisions...lol." Mr. C helped me get dressed and we were in the car around 9:15.
My mom met us at the shop so Mr. C could work and she took me home and set me up for a day of rest. I had a tiny bit of bleeding once and some cramping throughout the day. I took a couple Tylenol to help with the cramping and took it easy the whole day. I had two dear friends and Mr. C's mama come for visits bearing gifts and hugs which was totally welcomed and appreciated! I took a long deep nap and pretty much had a normal appetite the whole day but ate light knowing that my system was not quite awake yet. I took my new meds including the the newest being progesterone shot. I was feeling a little nervous about this one because I had heard it was worse than Lupron, Bravelle/Menupor shots, however; it was not that bad and was totally bearable. I woke up today feeling a little more achy, tired, and crampy and it reminded me that I did indeed have a operation and to take it slow today. Overall I will say the Egg retrieval was a smooth experience for me and the hardest thing is making myself rest even though I feel pretty good.
Catch Up
Fridays appointment: Doc saw 10 possible follies, a few mature and the rest we will see :) My estradiol hit 2200, so Friday was my last dose of Bravelle/Menupor and Lupron. The nurse called me Friday afternoon and said Doc wanted us to take 2 shots of Ovidrel at 830pm on the dot on Saturday night. Sunday I get a day off shots and will continue the prednisone and begin fasting at midnight to prepare for anesthesia. Our egg retrieval is Monday morning, (wow...cant believe I am actually writing this)! It is about a 1 1/ hour total long process and then I am on bed rest all of Monday. We will receive a call on Tuesday from Doc to give us an update. Our transfer date will either be on Thursday or Saturday depending on how many embryos we have. (again, can't believe I am writing this).
He told us we have a 50/50 chance. 50/50 chance. To be honest, I don't know exactly how I feel or what I think about our odds. I guess kind of indifferent because I know He is in control. I welcoming this calm I have as well as my support team! I am praising Him for this peace. Yes, there is a little nerves here and there but nothing like before. I am more nervous about the possible side affects of meds and the procedure than anything right now. At this point our game plan has been to take one appointment and one day at a time. I have also come to realize that the more I rest and the more water I drink the better I feel.
He told us we have a 50/50 chance. 50/50 chance. To be honest, I don't know exactly how I feel or what I think about our odds. I guess kind of indifferent because I know He is in control. I welcoming this calm I have as well as my support team! I am praising Him for this peace. Yes, there is a little nerves here and there but nothing like before. I am more nervous about the possible side affects of meds and the procedure than anything right now. At this point our game plan has been to take one appointment and one day at a time. I have also come to realize that the more I rest and the more water I drink the better I feel.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
A Day Off
Well, yesterday turned out to be a rough day, physically and emotionally. The doctor said my estradiol levels were quite high making it a shoe-in for an emotional day. Everything seemed a bit tougher, but thankfully not to much to handle. The shots hurt a little more, my stomach was upset, I was "backed up", no appetite, headache, couldn't sleep, weepy. So, I woke up this morning and decided to take the day off...the whole day off. A rarity for me, but a great choice!! I felt good all day, enjoyed the company of a friend and her boys, watched the US women's soccer team kick some bootie, cooked din with the hubby and enjoyed it with the padres. Many loved ones have told me over the last week, "this is the time to be nice to yourself." Taking today off was just that and I am very thankful for it!
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Day 6 Stim
Todays' Appointment:
- 1500 Estradiol levels = 1 day of 3 to 1 Bravelle/Menupor and 1 day of 2 to 1 Bravelle/Menupor
- Doc says my levels are high for how follies are growing but its not horrible. Thankfully, Doc also confirmed why I woke up at 3am emotional today...estrogen, estrogen, estrogen. Made me content with my emotions knowing that my levels were so high.
- Doc saw about 10 follies today. He prefers 15 at this point but 10 is definitely something to work with.
Okay...onto the meds! Holy Kamolie! I was expecting a 5x5 box to arrive with the rest of our meds, but man this box is huge, contains is own cooler, and is packed full of meds injectables, needles, etc... The first thing Mr. C says is, "and that all has to all go in you at some point." We both gave each other a look that screamed YIKES!!
We have another appointment on Friday so we shall see.
Thoughts:
1. Take one appointment at a time
2. Talk to someone who has been through the process often during your process...it reminds you that you are not alone. I did this today and it was such a blessing! The first thing my friends said was, "I remember feeling that exact same way!"..what a relief to hear those words.
Helpful Link of the Day: http://www.advancedfertility.com/ivfstim.htm
New Book: Love Out Loud; 365 Devotions for Loving God, Loving Yourself, and Loving Others by Joyce Meyer
Praise: Growth
- 1500 Estradiol levels = 1 day of 3 to 1 Bravelle/Menupor and 1 day of 2 to 1 Bravelle/Menupor
- Doc says my levels are high for how follies are growing but its not horrible. Thankfully, Doc also confirmed why I woke up at 3am emotional today...estrogen, estrogen, estrogen. Made me content with my emotions knowing that my levels were so high.
- Doc saw about 10 follies today. He prefers 15 at this point but 10 is definitely something to work with.
Okay...onto the meds! Holy Kamolie! I was expecting a 5x5 box to arrive with the rest of our meds, but man this box is huge, contains is own cooler, and is packed full of meds injectables, needles, etc... The first thing Mr. C says is, "and that all has to all go in you at some point." We both gave each other a look that screamed YIKES!!
We have another appointment on Friday so we shall see.
Thoughts:
1. Take one appointment at a time
2. Talk to someone who has been through the process often during your process...it reminds you that you are not alone. I did this today and it was such a blessing! The first thing my friends said was, "I remember feeling that exact same way!"..what a relief to hear those words.
Helpful Link of the Day: http://www.advancedfertility.com/ivfstim.htm
New Book: Love Out Loud; 365 Devotions for Loving God, Loving Yourself, and Loving Others by Joyce Meyer
Praise: Growth
Monday, August 6, 2012
Day 4 of Stim Process
Estrodial Levels Today: 647
Meds lowered again: 3 to 1 Bravelle/Menopur
Resume: 25 units Lupron
Resume: 20mg Predisone
* Next apointment Wed. morning where I will have an ultrasound to see how the follies are responding to the stim
PS. If you have to take Predisone for Stim...take it in the Morning and drink lots and lots of water!!
Meds lowered again: 3 to 1 Bravelle/Menopur
Resume: 25 units Lupron
Resume: 20mg Predisone
* Next apointment Wed. morning where I will have an ultrasound to see how the follies are responding to the stim
PS. If you have to take Predisone for Stim...take it in the Morning and drink lots and lots of water!!
Sunday, August 5, 2012
The Stim Process
We have officially started the Stim process of our second (our first being canceled due to a cyst) IVF cycle. We went in Friday morning for an ultrasound, blood work, and to pick up our meds. Our doctor and nurses took us step by step through the stim process and meds distribution. They were incredible with their explanations and actually had a fake tummy to practice shots on. The nurse explained she would call us later that day and based on our results tell us when to start the shots. I received a call Friday night and the nurse said to take the shots that evening and also that my estrodial levels came back a bit off, so the doctor wanted to me to come back in on Saturday morning for more blood work. Team Mr. C and Mama Nurse gave me my first set of shots on Friday evening. Not to bad. I went in on Saturday morning and got a prick and waited for the doctor to call to tell me that we would either cancel this cycle, up my dose, or lower my dose. Saturday evening our Doctor called and said to keep the dose going but reduce it from 5/1 to 4/1. The stim process will last about 10 days depending on how the follies progress.
I am taking the following meds (Two shots a day and predisone):
Lupron
Bravelle
Menopur
Predisone
& of course Prenatal & folic Acid
I was also given two more prescriptions and was told not to fill them yet so I haven't even looked at them.
The Process:
Two shots are given every night about an inch below my belly button and spread out in different spots to help with the tenderness. The lupron is a very simple, quick, small-needled shot that I can barely feel. The Bravelle and Menopur are in powered form and have to be mixed with water using a syringe. This shot has a slightly bigger needle and a bit of a sting but really a lot easier than I thought. I watched Mr. C become a chemist overnight and it was really awesome that he participated in the whole thing. I would highly recommend to anyone going through the stim process to ask your hubby to be involved. Thankfully, we also had mama nurse standing by to teach us both and help when needed. I am hoping to have a video post by tonight to share what the shots are actually like.
The Side Affects:
Friday and Saturday were great and I have no side affects to mention. Early Sunday morning the side-affects kicked in. I woke up at 3am hot and sweaty, sick to my stomach, a headache, and wide-eyed AWAKE! I was told that the Predisone might keep me up and I am pretty sure that is were the headache came from too. I also had a few small, what the doctor named, "crying spells" - embarrassingly happy spells from watching What Not To Wear as well as hugging my mom. I feel asleep about 7am and got another hour of welcomed rest. Other than that, my stomach is starting to get a little tender from the 4 shots thus far but nothing unbearable.
The Feelings:
It was and is my first reaction to insert a big :) after every sentence in this post because I'm excited, but I'm also nervous. I have been down the high-hopes road and have learned to step back and take this process one appointment at a time. But I'll admit it; I'm excited and nervous, but thankfully a bit calmer and settled then ever before which I attribute to a bit of a numbness and my previous rides on this roller coaster: in other words experience.
I am taking the following meds (Two shots a day and predisone):
Lupron
Bravelle
Menopur
Predisone
& of course Prenatal & folic Acid
I was also given two more prescriptions and was told not to fill them yet so I haven't even looked at them.
The Process:
Two shots are given every night about an inch below my belly button and spread out in different spots to help with the tenderness. The lupron is a very simple, quick, small-needled shot that I can barely feel. The Bravelle and Menopur are in powered form and have to be mixed with water using a syringe. This shot has a slightly bigger needle and a bit of a sting but really a lot easier than I thought. I watched Mr. C become a chemist overnight and it was really awesome that he participated in the whole thing. I would highly recommend to anyone going through the stim process to ask your hubby to be involved. Thankfully, we also had mama nurse standing by to teach us both and help when needed. I am hoping to have a video post by tonight to share what the shots are actually like.
The Side Affects:
Friday and Saturday were great and I have no side affects to mention. Early Sunday morning the side-affects kicked in. I woke up at 3am hot and sweaty, sick to my stomach, a headache, and wide-eyed AWAKE! I was told that the Predisone might keep me up and I am pretty sure that is were the headache came from too. I also had a few small, what the doctor named, "crying spells" - embarrassingly happy spells from watching What Not To Wear as well as hugging my mom. I feel asleep about 7am and got another hour of welcomed rest. Other than that, my stomach is starting to get a little tender from the 4 shots thus far but nothing unbearable.
The Feelings:
It was and is my first reaction to insert a big :) after every sentence in this post because I'm excited, but I'm also nervous. I have been down the high-hopes road and have learned to step back and take this process one appointment at a time. But I'll admit it; I'm excited and nervous, but thankfully a bit calmer and settled then ever before which I attribute to a bit of a numbness and my previous rides on this roller coaster: in other words experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)