Wednesday, March 3, 2010

ivf - day 51 - embryo transfer

Today began early, like all my previous trips to Nashville. The whole way down (an hour drive, but it takes 30 minutes longer in traffic), Greg and I talked A's and B's and what our final decision would be regarding the number of embryos to transfer.

It's such a difficult decision to make and one that fertile couples never have to discuss. Can you just imagine, "Honey, I think you should ovulate 3 eggs this month." "Why of course, sweetie, then we'll have one implant." Um, no.

And, like I've said numerous times before, IVF is a numbers game or statistics game if you like that fancy word better.

Our 2009 round of IVF, we transferred 2 embryos. One was almost an A and the other was definitely a B and we ended up with a singleton which we later miscarried at 10 weeks. So, the dilemma this time was whether we should transfer 2 or 3, but we knew all along the decision would be made that morning (after my Valium) when the embryologist brought in photos of our embryos with letter grades beside them.

So, on the drive down, we were still discussing A's and B's and the risks involved, as I was drinking Gatorade so I'd have a full bladder for the procedure, even though we had no clue how many of the 5 stand-out embryos would be presented to us this morning.

We were supposed to arrive by 9:00am, but of course, we were there by 8:45 because in my family, if you're not 15 minutes early, you're late.

So, we waited for 15 minutes until we were called back to the surgery center. Like always name-bands were checked about 53 times from point A to point B.

When we got to the room, Greg changed into his lint-free outfit, or purple-people-eater-outfit, whichever you prefer.


And, I disrobed waist down except for my awesome socks (knee-high socks are a must in these cold rooms).

I'm digging my outfit here. The mix of patterns is fantastic. Not particularly happy about my level of Gatorade consumption at this point, though.


We talked with the nurses, signed papers, got my discharge instructions, and then, most importantly, took my Valium.

And, I'm glad I did, because when the embryologist came in with our embryo photos, I was a tad disappointed.

3 blastocysts, all grade B.

I was so hoping for at least one A, and that the doctor would try to talk us out of transferring all 3, but we had no such luck.

Our embryos had done great up until day 3, when they slowed a bit, so they are about 6 hours behind this stage here:

Isn't this one beautiful?

But, that's okay....ours may be ugly ducklings at first, but we're hoping for one beautiful swan.

After discussing our decision of transferring three with our doctor, I was wheeled back into a dark room. It's dark because embryos are normally kept out of the light. At that point, the embryologist showed Greg the embryos one last time (hence the lint-free-garb). The embryologist loaded the embryos into a catheter and the doctor inserted that tiny tube through my cervix and into my uterus.

Now, this isn't my uterus, but see the white line that looks like a feather? That's where the embryos go, because that's where they attach. During the transfer procedure, my bladder has to be full because it presses down on the uterus making it easier to get the embryos in the exact right spot. So, my ultrasound monitor had a big black spot on the top 1/3, which was my gatorade sitting there, and even warranted a complimentary comment by the embryologist: "That's a great view!"

Me: "Why thank you."

I pride myself on being able to hold my bladder, so I'm the perfect patient for this procedure.

So, using an ultrasound the doctor guided the catheter to that very spot and pushed the embryos out of the tube. Once removed, the embryologist examined the tube under his microscope to ensure all 3 had left the tube, then I was wheeled back into my room to lay flat for an hour.

With my still-full bladder.

Thankfully, Jennifer my IVF nurse came in to check on me and help pass about 15 minutes of time encouraging me about my chances of pregnancy.

With grade B embryos our chances aren't as good as we'd like. We're at about 50% chance at best for pregnancy, but Jennifer said I'm pregnant until proven otherwise.

It's just a mixture of emotions today. Disappointment, but potential excitement.

Today and tomorrow are bedrest, then a progesterone check on Friday.

27 comments:

nichole said...

praying for you & greg during this process, april!
i'm sure it's a big mix of emotions...just rest up & know that God has wonderful plans! hugs! (and i can't thank you enough for sharing this story-it helps other dealing with this journey-like me, so, so much!)

Karen said...

praying for you and greg. and your little ones. rest, rest, rest. xoxo

Erika said...

I am glad your babies are with you now... I will pray.. and HARD. HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I know many a B and even several C's and one "might as well" that never got a grade.... that turned into beautiful babies. As of today, you ARE pregnant. Fingers crossed that the little ones snuggle in deep and stick around for a good 38 weeks or so! When is your BETA??

Anonymous said...

congratulation April! I am praying for you, Greg, and the little bitty ones. Now get lots of rest!

Keshet said...

Praying for you and Greg and those three little Bs!

Davinie Fiero said...

Jennifer is right. Rest easy, mama. Keep us updated!

Michelle said...

I've been reading your updates and rooting for you. Take care of yourself and rest. I am praying for you to find out you are going to be a mamma soon.

Stephanie said...

I am learning so much! About you and your uterus. Lucky me, and hopefully, lucky you.

Praying!

Lulu said...

B is for Baby, right? :) Sticky thoughts your way!

Betsy said...

Rooting and praying. Go B's.

Mrs Frizz said...

To be honest, I've got tears of joy for you ... I've been following your story. I've got my fingers and toes crossed for you and may those B's blossom for you both.

Sasha Farina said...

Babies, sweet babies thoughts :) *hugs*

Melanie said...

Congrats on being PUPO! I keep my fingers crossed for you & wish you both all the best. I hope you manage to have a nice, relaxed 2ww.

Christa said...

Tons of hugs and prayers for you April!! I'm hoping and praying this is it!

jenney said...

Thinking about you and praying for you and Greg. Hope these next couple of days pass quickly for you!

JennL said...

Thinking of you & your family, feeling so hopeful and anticipating good news & a beautiful baby.

Cari Skuse said...

I'm sending big implantation vibes your way and that everything goes as it should! I so hope that you and Greg have super good luck this time around. And know that we are all thinking about and praying for you!

Kristyn G said...

Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I am praying for you and Greg and you little babies.

Shannon said...

I have been thinking about you for the last 24 hours and will be praying like crazy for baby or babies Foster to keep growing and growing!

Angela W said...

Congrats! Stay positive! Know that many people are praying for all of you! I like what bumpfairy said!Hugs!!

lisa truesdell said...

greg looks smashing in purple. =) thinking lots and lots of good thoughts for you and those embryos!!

Joaniebolognie said...

B's are Beautiful!!!! Those Baby B's are lovin their Mommy right now!!! Praying & hoping for you and Greg! Rest, read, blog & pray!
This is BEYOND exciting....it's a miracle in the making!

diana albright said...

i agree with Lisa... greg looks smashing in purple! and i might add that your socks are fabulous! both of you are positively glowing. i continue my prayers for you both and for those 3 little B's that they will grow and thrive and become beautiful babies. stay positive! you are pregnant!

sylvie said...

Thinking of you both. I'm sure everything will be fine. Take care ans get all the rest you need. ;o)

Anonymous said...

You're all in my thoughts and prayers!!! Beth Ann

cannycrafter said...

Thinking of you and your charges {Hugs} Rest now and don't over do it!