For our 6th wedding anniversary, my husband and I gave ourselves the riskiest and most expensive gift to date: IVF. After 2.5 years of infertility and two miscarriages, we decided to make the jump to IVF with ICSI (aka sperm injection) and PGS (aka preimplantation genetic screening). We both had fears going into IVF. Mine was mostly about the financial impacts and significant time necessary for all the appointments. My husband was worried about putting my health at risk and also concerned about the cost. We are lucky. I was able to change my employer provided health insurance to a plan that covers 50% of IVF and we have the financial means to pay for the remainder. Additionally, we have access to fantastic Reproductive Endocrinologists (RE) locally and a flexible work situation to cover all the appts.
After completing all the required pre-IVF requirements
(consents, injection class, blood work, financial), the day actually arrived
when all my IVF medication was delivered. I remember thinking “Wow, this is
actually going to happen!”. The amount
of medication is overwhelming but I was not intimidated. I had paid attention
in the injection class and done my research. I was confident I understood the
process and the medication schedule. I reminded myself that I would take this
one shot at a time.
During my previous IUI’s, I had already learned how to
administer an injection to myself. That didn’t scare me. I did not need my
husband to perform the injections for me. I could do it on my own. In fact, I
was really excited to start IVF. The possibility of IVF working and becoming
pregnant with a healthy baby was enough to get me through. I was also intrigued
by the science behind PGS. I found it amazing that technology has evolved to
the point of freezing and unfreezing embryos without damage and performing an
ity bity biopsy to examine the DNA!
Friday, 2/13/15
Stimulation Day 1
Tonight is my first night of IVF medications. It’s hard to
believe everything finally got worked out with insurance coverage, medication shipping,
pre-IVF blood work and appts. I feel so lucky to be able to have an opportunity
to try IVF. We have the funding and access to great doctors. Not all couples
get the chance to try IVF.
In 30 mins after a hot bath, I will administer my first 2
injections. I am not scared. I am excited. I have all my medication organized and
ready to go. I am strong and I can handle these injections on my own. I am excited for the possibilities. I feel hopeful IVF will
lead to a health pregnancy.
I can do this.
Saturday, 2/14/15
Our 6th
Wedding Anniversary
We traded an expensive anniversary trip/gift for dinner and a movie
with friends. It was a fun, low key evening.
Monday, 2/16/15
Stimulation Day 4
Right Ovary = 16
Left Ovary = 12
Today I had my first monitoring appt. The appt was quick –
easy blood draw today. The RE office called me back this afternoon and
instructed me to stay the course with the current medication dosage I am on. I
am taking that as I am responding appropriately to the medication. Next appt is
on Wednesday.
I am doing well with the nightly injections. I have a
routine down. I take out the chilled Gonal-F and let it warm up. Then prep the
room temperature Menopur injection. I put an ice pack on the injection site for
10 min to numb. That helps with the pain – although the injections do not cause
much pain.
I view IVF as a gift. Not all couples get the opportunity to
try IVF – it is expensive, time consuming and emotional. We stared IVF the day
before our 6th wedding anniversary and I consider IVF our most expensive
anniversary gift of all time! And if it works, the best anniversary gift ever!!
I told a good friend that we are doing IVF. She asked a lot
of good questions. She recently read an article about the PGS and asked if we
are doing that. We are. I was hoping she would be hopeful and excited, however
by the end of the conversation she was questioning when we would stop trying to
conceive if IVF doesn’t work. She doesn’t want us to wait around forever before
deciding on adoption. I think she means well but I am hopeful IVF will work and
I’m not ready to start worrying about what we will do if it doesn’t. There is
no reason to worry yet. I’d rather stay hopeful.
Wednesday, 2/18/15
Stimulation Day 6
Another monitoring appt today. 20 follies all together. They
haven’t grown much. RE is expecting growth by Friday appt.
Friday, 2/20/15
Stimulation Day 8
11 + 8 follies with an additional 4 or 5 that the nurse
measured. They are starting to grow big. The RE is happy with my progress. The
nurse called this afternoon and is having me change up the medication to add
Centrotide – which prevents ovulation from occuring naturally. I created
myself a medication calendar in excel to keep track and check off the
medications each day.
Today I am feeling some discomfort in my ovary area. I can
feel things are growing. I don’t actually feel bloated yet but I can feel an
abnormal sensation. I am thinking just another few days before egg retrieval
sometime next week. IVF patients stimulate for 8 - 14 days. An egg retrieval
surgery next week is really bad timing for work because I have a lot going on
but I will make it happen.
Friday, 2/27/15
1 day post Egg Retrieval
A lot has happened. Yesterday was my egg retrieval. We
traveled an hour to Rockville MD in snow for the procedure. Luckily, we arrived
on time. My husband provided his sample and I was prepped in the OR waiting area
with an IV. My least favorite part of visiting any OR room is an IV.
I went into the procedure thinking it would be no different
than the other 4 times I had been in an OR for fertility issues either a
D&C or Hysteroscopy. I was
wrong. I came out of the procedure and was in pain immediately. The nurse gave
me two doses of morphine to calm the pain and a vicodine pain pill after I ate
some crackers. The pain was manageable after that. At least I wasn’t feeling
nauseous from the anesthesia, which I had experienced in the past.
The OR tech told me they retrieved 20 eggs which is a great
number to start with. She told me on average they usually get 8 – 12 and my own
research online indicated that 15 is a good number. So I was happy with 20
eggs.
When I finally got home I was surprised at how much pain I
was still in. I decided to take another pain pill and go to sleep. I had a hard
time simply sitting up because my ovaries were swollen, sore and inflamed. Originally, I had planned to go into work the
day after the egg retrieval, however, I woke up this morning with a lot of
discomfort. Going to the bathroom nearly made me throw up and pass out this
afternoon!
I am feeling a bit better now. My husband stayed home with
me and has been waiting on me hand and foot.
I got a call from my RE this afternoon. He reported that out
of the 20 eggs retrieved, 17 of them were mature and out of the 17 mature eggs,
16 of them successfully fertilized. That is a great place to start! I will get a report every day until they embryos
are frozen on day 5. I expect the number of growing embryos to reduce each day
because only the healthiest and strongest will survive.
At this point, I am waiting on my period to arrive on her
own to start a new cycle for the frozen embryo transfer.
Summary Fertilization
report for day 1!
20 eggs retrieved
17 of those eggs were mature (only mature eggs can
fertilize)
16 eggs have successfully fertilized!
Saturday, 2/28/2015
Fertilization
report day 2!
The fertilized eggs are starting to grow and multiply
cells. So now they grade them on how many cells the embryos have. All 16 of my
embryos are still growing today. Below is the break down:
5 embryos at 5 cells
9 embryos at 4 cells
2 embryos at 3 cells
The doctor says this is great.
Sunday, 3/1/2015
Fertilization
report day 3!
They said all the embryos are still growing. 8 of them
have grown to the “compacting” phase, which means they have so many cells, the
doctor’s no longer attempt to count them. These are really strong. 6 more are
in the phase just before that so they look really strong as well. 2 of them are
starting to slow at growing so those may not be healthy enough.
The doctor says I have 14 strong embryos now and that is a
really great number. So much so that we may have to spend more $$ on the lab
tests because there are so many. The lab has a flat rate for up to 8 embryos
then you pay for each one after that. It is going to add up. But we talked
about it and we want to biopsy as many strong ones as possible because we have
no idea how many of them may be unhealthy.
No report tomorrow.
Monday, 3/2/2015
4 days after egg
retrieval
Period started
Tuesday, 3/3/2015
Update for day 5 – Biopsy Time!
Today 3 of the embryos were ready for biopsy and freezing.
They all are really good quality. The doctor said they are keeping an eye on 6
more embryos to see if they can be biopsy’ed and frozen tomorrow.
Day 5 embryo biopsy |
Both my husband and I were disappointed with the drastically
dropped number of embryos. The doctor assured me this is normal and the 3
frozen today are something to celebrate.
I found this article
on my doctor’s website that really helped explain this part of the IVF process
and the natural selection that occurs at this stage. Specifically, the
paragraph "Are there benefits of blastocyst transfer with IVF?”
Wednesday, 3/4/2015
Update for day 6 -
the final embryo update!
Good news today. The doctor called and they biopsy’ed and
froze an additional 5 embryos! So we have a total of 8 - all of which had the
biopsies sent to the lab for chromosome testing. We are really happy with
the total of 8 embryos. Our fingers are crossed that most of the embryos have normal chromosomes.
Tomorrow night I start birth control pills for 21 days. After
which I will be on medication (Del estrogen and Progesterone in Oil) for 2.5
weeks to prepare my uterus for the transfer. The medication will build up my
uterus lining to the appropriate size for a 6 day old embryo.
They sort of match up your uterus to the age of the embryo somehow.
Unfortunately, the RE office could not schedule my embryo
transfer until April 14th - but that’s not so bad. That will get us past an out-of-town wedding on March 21, a few pre-wedding events in March and the wedding I am maid-of-honor in on April
11th.
Anyway, here are some more articles to read about the biopsy
part. There has been some bad publicity on genetic testing for embryo’s. My RE
office responded to the negative news with this
article, which I found interesting. Additionally, here is the
website for the lab doing the genetic tests. We are doing PGS -
Preimplantation Genetic Screening. We should get the results back late next
week I hope.
That is all for a while. I welcome the chance to relax for a
month.
Tuesday, March 24,
2015
Genetic Results and
Next Steps
Last week, we received information regarding the genetic
tests on our 8 embryos. Bottom line: Out
of 8 seemingly good embryos, we have only 1 viable, healthy one. The RE said 5
embryos were genetically abnormal, 2 were inconclusive and 1 is genetically normal.
The RE is planning to thaw, re-biopsy, refreeze, then retest 1 of the 2
inconclusive embryos because it is high quality. The other inconclusive is not
strong enough to make it through the thaw and refreeze.
I asked about the 5 abnormal embryos and learned that each
one had a different genetic defect. One
was missing a chromosome while another had an extra one – there was no
consistency. Both my husband and I have already been through genetic testing
and our results are normal so the high rate of genetic abnormalities in our
embryos is really confusing to me. My RE
said it is not normal to have only 1 out of 8 be normal and this
explains a lot about my history with miscarriage. The doctor explained that
abnormalities occur at the time of fertilization and he sees these types of
abnormalities with other couples who have had losses. Unfortunately, the
doctors cannot explain it. I am thankful to know why I’ve had my losses – even
though, I can’t fix it.
I asked my RE if I should avoid ever trying to conceive on
my own again. While he did not say no, he did say I would have up to an 80%
loss rate in his opinion. That information made both my husband and I stop and
I think. An 80% loss rate?! Considering the health risks associated with
miscarriage – the gamble may not be worth it. We have spent the last few days
letting that information sink in.
I do want to end this post on a positive note. I do have something
to look forward to. One healthy little embaby. My husband reminded me that our
normal little embaby is the closest we have ever been to a successful
pregnancy. I know the Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) is not guaranteed to work,
but I am hopeful. My RE said with one genetically normal embryo, the pregnancy
rate is about 70%. Today I received the medication to prepare my body for the
FET. I also scheduled a few extra acupuncture appts to help with relaxation and
blood flow. My baseline appt is on March 27th and if all is well, I
will start the medication that evening.
The FET of our healthy embaby is scheduled for April 14,
2015.
Fingers crossed for our embaby! |
Tuesday, April 14,
2015
Frozen Embryo Transfer
Today was the day! We had a successful embryo thaw and
transfer! I am really excited. Despite
the rain, we arrived at the surgical center early. We stopped by Cheeburger
Cheeburger for a quick bite. Then headed over to the doctor’s office.
After validating our IDs, I prepped for the embryo transfer.
My husband stood next to the exam table and held my hand.
The doctor came in and told me the embryo thawed successfully – which was great news. He explained the procedure to me and I signed some paperwork. There was a screen on the wall that showed the view from the embryologist microscope. After they flashed my name on the screen, I saw our little embryo hanging out all alone. Then the focus switched to the ultrasound machine, the doctors inserted the catheter through my cervix to my uterus. We were able to see the catheter on the screen. Next, the embryologist came in with our embryo loaded into a tube, which was inserted through the catheter into my uterus. We could see the tube come out the end of the catheter. The doctor said “transfer”, then the embryologist said “transfer” and our embryo was pushed into my uterus with a poof of air. We were able to watch the whole event via ultrasound. We saw the “poof” happen. Afterwards, the embryologist checked the tube via microscope to ensure the embryo was successfully transferred.
The doctor came in and told me the embryo thawed successfully – which was great news. He explained the procedure to me and I signed some paperwork. There was a screen on the wall that showed the view from the embryologist microscope. After they flashed my name on the screen, I saw our little embryo hanging out all alone. Then the focus switched to the ultrasound machine, the doctors inserted the catheter through my cervix to my uterus. We were able to see the catheter on the screen. Next, the embryologist came in with our embryo loaded into a tube, which was inserted through the catheter into my uterus. We could see the tube come out the end of the catheter. The doctor said “transfer”, then the embryologist said “transfer” and our embryo was pushed into my uterus with a poof of air. We were able to watch the whole event via ultrasound. We saw the “poof” happen. Afterwards, the embryologist checked the tube via microscope to ensure the embryo was successfully transferred.
And that was it! I am PUPO – Pregnant Until Proven
Otherwise. The nurse came in afterwards,
gave us instructions and a super zoomed in photo of our embryo.
A selfie with our embryo! |
I am officially in the 2 week wait until my pregnancy test.
Monday, May 11, 2015
1st Ultrasound
This past weekend was scary. I woke up Saturday morning with bleeding and light cramping. It freaked me out. After a call to the emergency phone line of the RE office, they told me to monitoring things and go to an ER of the bleeding increases. It didn't take long for the bleeding to slow down. I still was freaked out so I went to an urgent care facility. They were not able to do a ultrasound - which is what I wanted. However, they did do another beta test. My beta was 55,000, which is perfect for how far along I am. After a basic physical, they released me. By that point the bleeding had stopped and the cramping subsided. The next day was mothers day and I really wanted to have a normal day. So I didn't seek additional check-ups because I had no more bleeding or cramps.
Today at 6 weeks, 4 days along we had our first ultrasound. I was hopeful but worried due to the bleeding I experienced. To my disbelief, our little Popsicle was alive and well with a heart beat of 116 (I think). Popsicle was measuring on schedule and looked great. We were overjoyed! This was the first "normal" ultrasound I had ever had. We are so very thankful!
Friday, April 24,
2015
Pregnancy Test
Today I had my blood drawn for a pregnancy test. This afternoon we found out that I am still pregnant and my beta level is 232!!!
We are so excited and happy! I'm still working on wrapping my head around the fact that I am pregnant. It is hard to believe because this journey started back in Jan/Feb time frame and now we are in April. We have been through so much - so many shots, procedures, worry and $$$.
I know we still have a long way to go from here. Everyday I will continue to remind myself that today I am pregnant and I love my baby.
Today I had my blood drawn for a pregnancy test. This afternoon we found out that I am still pregnant and my beta level is 232!!!
We are so excited and happy! I'm still working on wrapping my head around the fact that I am pregnant. It is hard to believe because this journey started back in Jan/Feb time frame and now we are in April. We have been through so much - so many shots, procedures, worry and $$$.
I know we still have a long way to go from here. Everyday I will continue to remind myself that today I am pregnant and I love my baby.
Monday, May 11, 2015
This past weekend was scary. I woke up Saturday morning with bleeding and light cramping. It freaked me out. After a call to the emergency phone line of the RE office, they told me to monitoring things and go to an ER of the bleeding increases. It didn't take long for the bleeding to slow down. I still was freaked out so I went to an urgent care facility. They were not able to do a ultrasound - which is what I wanted. However, they did do another beta test. My beta was 55,000, which is perfect for how far along I am. After a basic physical, they released me. By that point the bleeding had stopped and the cramping subsided. The next day was mothers day and I really wanted to have a normal day. So I didn't seek additional check-ups because I had no more bleeding or cramps.
Today at 6 weeks, 4 days along we had our first ultrasound. I was hopeful but worried due to the bleeding I experienced. To my disbelief, our little Popsicle was alive and well with a heart beat of 116 (I think). Popsicle was measuring on schedule and looked great. We were overjoyed! This was the first "normal" ultrasound I had ever had. We are so very thankful!
1st Ultrasound |
Thursday, April 14,
2016
I Year Ago Today
I can't believe it has been a year since our IVF embryo transfer and the day I became pregnant with our precious daughter, Cora. How far we have come! Tonight I am thankful...for rubbing vicks vapor rub on my daughter before bed to calm a cough, for being able to bond with my daughter through nursing, for having to prepare my daughters daycare bottles and I am thankful to wake up every morning to my beautiful little girl.
I can't believe it has been a year since our IVF embryo transfer and the day I became pregnant with our precious daughter, Cora. How far we have come! Tonight I am thankful...for rubbing vicks vapor rub on my daughter before bed to calm a cough, for being able to bond with my daughter through nursing, for having to prepare my daughters daycare bottles and I am thankful to wake up every morning to my beautiful little girl.
Cora at 5 months old |
All what you have wrote is wonderful, describing everything so people can understand it all. All the quotes that you posted are so inspiring also. Sorry that you had to go through all this, but you will be able to have a safe pregnancy, we hope. Like you said you and Chris have done everything now, it is in the hands of God. . Good luck, honey.
ReplyDeleteThank you G!
DeleteYou are pregnant, Honey as you could tell when I talked to you that Pop and I are so happy that things are going great. I know it will be a long road still ahead of you, but we are all thinking positive thoughts. Take care. Love you
ReplyDeleteLove you too G!
DeleteHoney Pop and I were on cloud nine when you called, said you heard the heart beat of the little one. It had been a long weekend but everything is fine. I know you and Chris are over joyed. Pop and I might be up there when the little one is born. That would be really special. We were there when you were born, might be there when our great grand child is born. Take care Love you
ReplyDeleteHoney, can't believe it has been a year since IVF embryo transfer. Looking at little Cora and holding her is so special to Pop and I. You, Chris and little Cora are all so blessed. Enjoy the little one.
ReplyDeleteTake care Love you