Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001 - 10:07 p.m. - Embryo Transfer Complete

Hi All, if you were on my notify list (hint, hint) you’d have already received an update on yesterdays procedure, and because I’m lazy rather than retype all the information I’m just going to copy and paste what I wrote to my list here.

We ended up transferring 4 embryos. Unfortunately none of our Peeps made it to the 8-cell stage, but we did have 2 that got to the 7-cell stage and one that was at 6-cell and 3 at 5-cell. One more embryo was discounted due to its shape although it was dividing fine; for some reason it wasn't round but rather oval in shape, so they discounted that one for use. Also, we are sorry to report that while we ended up with 6 embryos in the end, it doesn't look like we will be able to freeze any that are left, so this was a one time shot. We debated putting back 5 instead of 4 but Michael was too worried about the risk of multiples, so we just put back 4, I would have liked to have put back 5 personally. Twins don't scare me like they do Michael. :o)

At any rate, the transfer went fine. It was rather uncomfortable for me because of the need for me to have a full bladder for the ultrasound guided transfer. In fact, I was feeling pretty miserable from that. All I could think about was peeing. It didn't help that the nurse was pushing on my bladder with the ultrasound machine. It sure made the whole process something less than enjoyable for me. I wasn't even able to make it the full 10 minutes of waiting before getting up after the procedure because I was afraid I was going to pee on the gurney I was on (seriously). I just hope that my getting up before the allotted time didn't mess me up.

Michael was able to watch them doing the transfer though. They even gave us an ultrasound picture where you can see two small white ‘blips’, which are our embryos in my uterus. I guess they got deposited right where they were supposed to.

Now we just wait. Kind of hard to believe that at this very moment I "pseudo-pregnant" with 4 embryos! Now let's hope that one or two stick!! I didn't know this but our Dr. was telling us that the more embryos they put back the higher the rate of pregnancy even discounting the percentage for each individual embryo. They aren't sure why, but it happens to be the case. I guess that's why I wanted to put in that one more embryo, but Michael was just not sure, so we went conservative rather than aggressive. It kind of makes me sad that those other 2 will most likely go to waste though. They don't think they'll be high enough quality to freeze since they probably won't make the thaw.

Well, that's the news. I'm not sure when I'll post an update to the journal. Maybe tomorrow.....

Thank you to those of you who send me good luck emails. Just knowing you are out there thinking of us really means a lot to me!

Well, since yesterday I’ve done pretty much nothing but lay about on the couch. Believe me, it’s a lot harder than it sounds. I did work on some cross-stitch, watch a movie (Nurse Betty) and a lot of bad daytime tv. I think I saw 2 –3 episodes of Birth Day and A Baby Story! Of course, I’m completely obsessing about my little embryos. I’ve had some cramping today, but nothing really bad and each time I go to the bathroom I check to see if there is any bleeding, which thankfully there has not been. I had a pretty worrisome couple of hours prior to the transfer because I had realized late Monday night, that I had been taking one of my medications incorrectly. I was supposed to be taking 4 tablets of Methylprednisonal 4 times a day and I had only been taking one tablet 4 times a day. I panicked and Michael got all upset with me saying that if that messed us up it was all my fault (not very supportive or reassuring) and I had a rather restless night worrying about it. I asked the nurse about it first thing when we came in for the transfer and she said it wasn’t a problem at all, especially since I was already on Prednisone prior to taking the Methylprednisonal prescription. Thank goodness!!

Let me tell you this two week wait is much harder than you would imagine. I feel so helpless. At this point there is nothing I can really do to ensure that one of my embryos “stick.” About all I can do is try and take it easy and lay down a lot, not lift anything heavy, no swimming or exercising allowed, no baths and try to stay stress free. Other than that it just luck, chance, fate or whatever you want to call it. It’s so frustrating to want something so badly, but not be able to do anything to guarantee success. So I sit here, try to stay off my feet, try to relax and just whisper wishful thoughts to my abdomen that feels no different than it does on any other day yet harbors all my hopes and dreams.

Currently....
Cycle Day : 15
Medications currently taking: Metformin 2000 mg, Levoxyl 125 mcg, Prenatal Vitamins, Estrace 4 mg, Doxycycline, Methylprednisolone, Progesterone in Oil 1.5 cc, Baby Aspirin and Heparin 10,000
Non-prescription: Calcium 1200 mg, Vitamin E, Vitamin C
Number of Injections given so far : 114 (total since starting up fertility treatments again in June)
Feeling: Restless
Reading : House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III and In Vitro Fertilization :The A.R.T. of Making Babies by Geoffrey Sher, Virginia Marriage Davis and Jean Stoess
Reading via Books on Tape : Circle of Friends by Maeve Binchy
Watching: Nothing