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!
*** Looking for tips on surviving IVF? Check out my post, 10 Practical Ways to Prepare for IVF ***
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