Here’s a update on the past week of IVF.
Egg Retrieval
The egg retrieval went much easier than I expected. We were in and out of the clinic in less than two hours. I had no negative reaction to the anesthesia and experienced very little pain or bloating afterwards. I’m very grateful that my RE opted to use Lupron as the trigger, because it’s my understanding that doing so greatly decreases OHSS risk and symptoms.
| Right before the retrieval |
| My husband snapped this pic of the cat watching me while I napped after the retrieval |
PIO Shots
My first two shots were a breeze, and I was having trouble understanding what all the fuss in the blogosphere is about. Well, let me tell you- I found out exactly what all the fuss is about on the third shot. I don’t know why the first two were so easy, but the third made me feel like someone punched me in the hip. It feels exactly like the terrible ache you get in your arm for days after a tetanus shot. I can’t look at the huge needle, either!
Embryo Transfer
Since we had so many eggs fertilize, we were hoping we’d be able to do a 5-day transfer. However, we ended up doing a 3 day transfer because we didn’t get as many Grade 1 and Grade 2 embryos as the RE expected we would. Going into the transfer, my husband and I thought our biggest decision would be whether to transfer one or two embryos. I was leaning towards one, but he was leaning towards two. However, the RE sat us down and told us that due to the quality of the embryos, we should do at least two and perhaps three.
This threw me for quite a curveball because the possibility of twins terrifies me, and the thought of triplets makes me nauseated. Of course, we’d be thrilled with whatever God blesses us with, but I’m asking Him for just one! I just couldn’t bring myself to transfer three. I’d rather take my chances at this first cycle failing than end up with triplets. I know some people would choose differently, but that’s how I feel at this point. It was a very difficult, unexpected decision we had to make in about five minutes. I cried before and after the transfer because it was just so overwhelming, and a decision I hope I don’t regret.
Here are the two embryos we transferred. The RE chose the single Grade 1 we had and the best-looking of our Grade 2s.
I went straight to acupuncture after the retrieval and had a nice nap there! My doctor says to take it easy the next few days, and he specifically said no laundry! My husband has also decided that means no dish washing, cooking, cleaning, or making the bed. Fine with me!
Future Updates
My first beta is scheduled for a week from Friday (8dp3dt), but my doctor does not release the results until I have a second beta two days later. Talk about a long two days!
I’m not sure yet what I’ll do in regards to posting the results on this blog. I have a feeling I’ll want to wait awhile to share the results, regardless of the outcome. If it’s positive, I’ll want to let our family and close friends know first. If it’s negative, I will probably need some space and time to process. I will, however, continue to post other interviews and reflections on the blog. I know most of you readers understand this, so thanks for your patience!
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So exciting i’m so glad everything turned out so well! I hope the best for you guys good luck!!!
Thanks, Karissa!
Gosh, if this doesn’t sound like my own story… except for the anesthesia. So glad you weren’t a mess after that like I was! Your two embryos look beautiful to me… the one is perfect!!! Seriously, textbook photo right there. I’m very hopeful for you, Lisa! Hang in there and be good to yourself!
Thanks, Amanda! I’m trying to take it easy today!
You’re in my prayers! Glad everything went well!
Thanks, Melissa!
I am crossing my fingers for you!! I really hope at least one of those little bugger’s sticks!!! Try to enjoy your resting time…I’d be playing it up big time, lol!
Oh yeah, I plan on milking it for all it’s worth!
So glad things went well! I can’t even imagine having to make that snap decision. The thought of triplets terrifies me as well, especially since the pregnancy would be so high risk! I think you did great making a decision you would be comfortable with! And kudos to hubby for taking over the cleaning (unless he’s just not doing it either, then shame on him) I can’t wait to hear.. even if it takes awhile!
Thanks, Holly. It was a tough decision, but we know God’s in control no matter how many embryos we put in or don’t put in. And I agree- kudos to my hubby! 🙂
Sending good thoughts your way! I would draw the line at two as well…if transferring three made you uncomfortable, it wouldn’t have been the right decision. Can I ask what type of anesthesia you had? Were you completely out? As I get closer to IVF that’s the thing that has me worried most…
They put me completely out for the retrieval. I believe it’s sometimes called “twilight” anesthesia. You basically fall asleep and don’t feel or remember anything, but it’s not as deep as general anesthesia. You’re still breathing on your own and all that. The transfer is just like an IUI or a Pap. They gave me a valium and that was it. I’ve had twilight several times before and never have any problems with it. If you’re worried, you should talk to your doctor and see what your options are. I know some ladies have done the retrieval awake, but apparently it’s quite painful. Best wishes to you!
Thanks so much! I’ll make sure to bring it up with the doc.
Awesome! Thanks for the recap. Best wishes and prayers for you!
Thanks, Amy!
So exciting, Lisa!!! I didn’t realize you were so close! Incredible!!! I am praying for you…and for your little babies. Thanks for sharing so honestly and opening about your experience! Looking forward to when you share again! 🙂
Thanks for the prayers, Katie!
Sounds like everything went really well! In my opinion, you made a good decision in only transferring two and they look like little beauties! Good luck with your upcoming Betas, that sucks that you’ll have to wait so long but here’s hoping time passes quickly.
Thanks, I feel good about my decision now, too!
Saying a prayer for you!!
Thank you!
I think you made a good decision in transferring two. Hoping that at least one of them is implanting by now and will become your baby!
Waiting two days for the beta results sounds awfully long though. I already found the time between the blood draw and the call hard to handle, harder than the rest of those two weeks… Good luck!
Thanks!
Stopping by from ICLW. I hope this week sails by for you and you have a great beta. My clinic holds the beta results until after the second draw, too. It’s such an agonizing wait!
It totally is, but I think I’d rather wait in ignorance than wait and over-analyze the numbers.
I didn’t have too many issues with the PIO shots! The biggest issue that I have is that it has almost been 2 months since I took the last shot, and I still have pains/discomfort on the injection sites.
I am hoping and praying for your miracle! I can’t wait to hear the results!!!
Thanks, Hope! Yes, I am soo sore from the PIO!
Oh, those rushed and important decisions — they’re tough! My head can talk me into / out of many things, but my gut and heart need to be in agreement. Sounds like you made a wise choice.
Best of luck this cycle! I hope that you get some great news soon.
Thanks, Hope!