Yesterday, I woke up with some wicked vertigo, (everything was spinning uncontrollably.) I think it is probably just my medication, but somewhere deep inside, I hope it is an early pregnancy symptom I am having. It seem to get better as the day went on, but still would have little episodes here and there. I have had a couple little bouts of it today as well. Sometimes, I just wish I knew!! ;)
(Trying to be) Patiently waiting...
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
OUR LITTLE FROSTIE!
Brian, the embryologist called us today with the news that only 1 of our little babies made it to the stage that they could freeze it. But... at least we were able to freeze one!! Hopefully we won't need it any time soon, but it will be there when we do!!
Still waiting to the 7th.... It sure does seem like a long ways away!!
We'll get there...
Still waiting to the 7th.... It sure does seem like a long ways away!!
We'll get there...
Sunday, June 27, 2010
TRANSFER DAY!!
We scheduled the transfer for Sunday, 06/27/2010 at 10:00 am. I was to arrive wearing no scented products, makeup, jewelry or with any personal belongings. I was also supposed to drink 32 oz of water starting 1 hr before arrival time. We arrived at the office and they had me change, drink 16 oz more of water, and then Dr. Rychlik came in and talked to us about our embryos and which embryos he was going to transfer and why.
We had 2 embryos that were a little ahead of the rest in development and so he wanted to transfer those, but they were still a little developmentally behind, (about 12 hours.) They said the embryos that we were going to transfer still could have no problem developing normally and growing into great healthy babies. We had 5 more that he was continuing to look at as possibilities to freeze.
After the transfer, we were able to talk to the embryologist a little more in depth about the embryos with did ease our mind a little more about them being developmentally behind. We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out.
Right now, I just need to continue on the medication schedule that has been given to me, and we will schedule a pregnancy test for 7/7/2010.
MEDICATIONS:
Please keep us in your prayers...
We had 2 embryos that were a little ahead of the rest in development and so he wanted to transfer those, but they were still a little developmentally behind, (about 12 hours.) They said the embryos that we were going to transfer still could have no problem developing normally and growing into great healthy babies. We had 5 more that he was continuing to look at as possibilities to freeze.
After the transfer, we were able to talk to the embryologist a little more in depth about the embryos with did ease our mind a little more about them being developmentally behind. We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out.
Right now, I just need to continue on the medication schedule that has been given to me, and we will schedule a pregnancy test for 7/7/2010.
MEDICATIONS:
- Progesterone injection 50 mg 2 X Day
- Prednisone 10 mg 2 X Day (through tomorrow)
- Aspirin 81 mg 1 X Day
- Estrogen Patches (starting 7/1/2010)
- Prenatal Vitamins
Please keep us in your prayers...
Friday, June 25, 2010
WAITING...DAY 3 AFTER CAPTURE
Dr. Rychlik schedules the embryo transfers on a 3 or 5 day schedule, and they will call you on day 3 after the egg capture and let you know if they are going to do it that day, or wait 2 more days.
On day 3, we waited and waited and waited to get the call, then finally we gave up and called in around 11 to see what was happening. Rekha, the nurse practitioner, and Brian, the embryologist, were in with patients and they would call us back as soon as possible. Rekha did call back a little bit later and informed us that the eggs were doing fine, but there was no actual update on the eggs and that we would schedule the embryo transfer for day 5 (June 27, 2010.)
So still waiting, 2 more days...I think we will head to the aquarium to take our mind off it!!
So long for now, we're off to see the fishies!
On day 3, we waited and waited and waited to get the call, then finally we gave up and called in around 11 to see what was happening. Rekha, the nurse practitioner, and Brian, the embryologist, were in with patients and they would call us back as soon as possible. Rekha did call back a little bit later and informed us that the eggs were doing fine, but there was no actual update on the eggs and that we would schedule the embryo transfer for day 5 (June 27, 2010.)
So still waiting, 2 more days...I think we will head to the aquarium to take our mind off it!!
So long for now, we're off to see the fishies!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
THE VERDICT!!
The embryologist called today with the official egg count which was...
We'll have to wait and see how they grow... Good Luck Little Guys!!
- 32 eggs total
- 24 mature eggs
- 18 fertilized
We'll have to wait and see how they grow... Good Luck Little Guys!!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
THE EGG HUNT...
So as I said, they moved my egg capture appointment from Wednesday to Tuesday, and also had me come in on Monday for another blood draw.
Obviously the blood draw went alright, because I didn't hear anything different, so we went in for our egg capture this morning.
They had given me an instruction sheet for my egg capture, to give me directions on all the medications and then also reminding me that embryos are very sensitive to smells, so not to wear ANY scented products (including all lotions and deodorants) and also no jewelry, nail polish, make-up or personal belongings. I made sure to follow ALL directions and we headed in early for our 7:00 am arrival time.
When I arrived, they led me to my recovery room, where I met with the anesthesiologist, and they started my IV. Soon after the medical assistant came and got me and led me to the procedure room where they positioned me, put on my EKG and started my "twilight sleep." This time it only lasted for about 20 minutes, which ended up being about a quarter of the time it took last year. When it was finished they woke me up, and wheeled me back to my recovery room. I stayed for a little while and then they released me to go home.
Before they left Dr. Rychlik and Bryan the embryologist came in and said they captured 32 eggs. They will call me tomorrow with a report of how they are doing and tell me how many were mature. HOPEFULLY a few of them are mature, and will take fertilization.
We'll see tomorrow!! Until then, we're keeping our fingers crossed.
Obviously the blood draw went alright, because I didn't hear anything different, so we went in for our egg capture this morning.
They had given me an instruction sheet for my egg capture, to give me directions on all the medications and then also reminding me that embryos are very sensitive to smells, so not to wear ANY scented products (including all lotions and deodorants) and also no jewelry, nail polish, make-up or personal belongings. I made sure to follow ALL directions and we headed in early for our 7:00 am arrival time.
When I arrived, they led me to my recovery room, where I met with the anesthesiologist, and they started my IV. Soon after the medical assistant came and got me and led me to the procedure room where they positioned me, put on my EKG and started my "twilight sleep." This time it only lasted for about 20 minutes, which ended up being about a quarter of the time it took last year. When it was finished they woke me up, and wheeled me back to my recovery room. I stayed for a little while and then they released me to go home.
Before they left Dr. Rychlik and Bryan the embryologist came in and said they captured 32 eggs. They will call me tomorrow with a report of how they are doing and tell me how many were mature. HOPEFULLY a few of them are mature, and will take fertilization.
We'll see tomorrow!! Until then, we're keeping our fingers crossed.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
GETTING CLOSER!!
Today I went in for another appointment for (surprise, surprise,) ultrasound and blood work!!
ULTRASOUND: My follicles are looking good but have grown immensely since the last ultrasound and are measuring around 16ish mm. I do still have some smaller ones that they would like to grow a little more, but I am definitely getting closer. Everything in the uterus is still looking great as well.
BLOOD WORK: Originally after the ultrasound Rekha was thinking that they would like to recheck on Monday and then have me trigger Monday night. When we were at the pharmacy waiting for Rekha to call and let us know definitively, we found out that my estrogen level more than doubled from last time and so they need me to trigger tomorrow night (Sunday) for a Tuesday morning egg capture. Thursday appointment Estrogen 1381. Today's Estrogen a little over 3300. They would like to see me to check my Luetenizing Hormone on Monday morning and make sure that everything is going well with the trigger injection.
Back to the Doctor's on Monday!!
ULTRASOUND: My follicles are looking good but have grown immensely since the last ultrasound and are measuring around 16ish mm. I do still have some smaller ones that they would like to grow a little more, but I am definitely getting closer. Everything in the uterus is still looking great as well.
BLOOD WORK: Originally after the ultrasound Rekha was thinking that they would like to recheck on Monday and then have me trigger Monday night. When we were at the pharmacy waiting for Rekha to call and let us know definitively, we found out that my estrogen level more than doubled from last time and so they need me to trigger tomorrow night (Sunday) for a Tuesday morning egg capture. Thursday appointment Estrogen 1381. Today's Estrogen a little over 3300. They would like to see me to check my Luetenizing Hormone on Monday morning and make sure that everything is going well with the trigger injection.
Back to the Doctor's on Monday!!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
THURSDAY APPT (DAY 8)
This morning I had another ultrasound and more blood work done.
ULTRASOUND: Everything is coming along good!! The lining of my uterus looks great. Nice and thick and getting ready for a baby. We recounted the follicles and it looks like I have 18 on the right and 15 on the left!! They range in size from 10 to 14 mm and are at an average size 12 mm. Dr. Rychlik told me that they grow at approximately 2 mm per day and he would like me to "Trigger" (cause an artificial spike in my luetenizing hormone to make me release the eggs) at 18-20 mm. He is thinking I will probably trigger on Monday, but he is reserving the right to change his mind. He told me that because he works with women all the time, he gets to reserve that right!! ;)
He also told me that he would like me to start my Ganerelix, the third injection, tonight. Ganerelix is an injection that will hold off my bodies normal LH (leutenizing hormone) surge, which would cause a premature ovulation and we could loose the eggs.
Andy started his antibiotics yesterday, to make sure that any bacteria that could just be lingering around in his body is taken care of, and to make sure that his sample will not be contaminated. He will need to take them through the egg capture.
BLOOD WORK: My blood work seems to continue to stay on track. They would like me to stay at the same dose of medication. The estrogen number for last time was 263, and they usually like it around 300ish. Rekha (the nurse practitioner) said it was doing just fine and this time they would like it to be around 500-600. Andy did not get the actual number when he called in for results, hopefully I will remember to get it at the next appointment.
MEDICATIONS:
Follistim Injection 150 IU
Menopur Injection 225 IU
Ganerelix Injection 250 mcg
Prenatal Vitamin 1 daily
Andy's Levaquin 1 daily
Overall I am still feeling pretty good. I am still really tired and it is getting painful to move in certain directions. Anytime I cough or sneeze, I have a friendly reminder of what is going on as well. It's good for now.
My next appointment is on Saturday...
We shall see what happens then.
ULTRASOUND: Everything is coming along good!! The lining of my uterus looks great. Nice and thick and getting ready for a baby. We recounted the follicles and it looks like I have 18 on the right and 15 on the left!! They range in size from 10 to 14 mm and are at an average size 12 mm. Dr. Rychlik told me that they grow at approximately 2 mm per day and he would like me to "Trigger" (cause an artificial spike in my luetenizing hormone to make me release the eggs) at 18-20 mm. He is thinking I will probably trigger on Monday, but he is reserving the right to change his mind. He told me that because he works with women all the time, he gets to reserve that right!! ;)
He also told me that he would like me to start my Ganerelix, the third injection, tonight. Ganerelix is an injection that will hold off my bodies normal LH (leutenizing hormone) surge, which would cause a premature ovulation and we could loose the eggs.
Andy started his antibiotics yesterday, to make sure that any bacteria that could just be lingering around in his body is taken care of, and to make sure that his sample will not be contaminated. He will need to take them through the egg capture.
BLOOD WORK: My blood work seems to continue to stay on track. They would like me to stay at the same dose of medication. The estrogen number for last time was 263, and they usually like it around 300ish. Rekha (the nurse practitioner) said it was doing just fine and this time they would like it to be around 500-600. Andy did not get the actual number when he called in for results, hopefully I will remember to get it at the next appointment.
MEDICATIONS:
Follistim Injection 150 IU
Menopur Injection 225 IU
Ganerelix Injection 250 mcg
Prenatal Vitamin 1 daily
Andy's Levaquin 1 daily
Overall I am still feeling pretty good. I am still really tired and it is getting painful to move in certain directions. Anytime I cough or sneeze, I have a friendly reminder of what is going on as well. It's good for now.
My next appointment is on Saturday...
We shall see what happens then.
Monday, June 14, 2010
DAY 5 APPOINTMENT
Today we went in for another appointment for an ultrasound and blood draw.
Ultrasound: Everything is looking good. I have 17 follicles on my left ovary most measuring 9-12 mm. I have 12 follicles on my right ovary measuring about the same. My largest follicle is measuring 13 mm. So it seems as if I am progressing as planned.
Blood Draw: They didn't tell me my actual numbers today but they would like me to stay at the same amount of medication. I would say that I must be doing alright... they didn't increase it, so it must not be too low, and they didn't decrease it, so it is not skyrocketing yet.
I am starting to feel a slight amount of pressure and uncomfortableness in my lower abdomen and have been super sleepy. I'm not sure if I'm not sleeping that well, or if over worked ovaries are accounting for the tiredness. That is pretty much all I remember from the end of last time, was how tired I was all the time.
Next appointment on Thursday.
Until then...
Ultrasound: Everything is looking good. I have 17 follicles on my left ovary most measuring 9-12 mm. I have 12 follicles on my right ovary measuring about the same. My largest follicle is measuring 13 mm. So it seems as if I am progressing as planned.
Blood Draw: They didn't tell me my actual numbers today but they would like me to stay at the same amount of medication. I would say that I must be doing alright... they didn't increase it, so it must not be too low, and they didn't decrease it, so it is not skyrocketing yet.
I am starting to feel a slight amount of pressure and uncomfortableness in my lower abdomen and have been super sleepy. I'm not sure if I'm not sleeping that well, or if over worked ovaries are accounting for the tiredness. That is pretty much all I remember from the end of last time, was how tired I was all the time.
Next appointment on Thursday.
Until then...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
BLOOD DRAW... DAY 3
Today we went in for a blood draw to check and see how my estrogen levels were responding to the medications. Apparently my body is not producing enough estrogen and my level was a little lower than they wanted it to be, (mine was 93 and they like about 100.) They increased my Menopur to 225 IU and Follistim stayed the same at 150 IU. My next appointment is on Monday, we'll see what happens then.
Have a great weekend!!
Have a great weekend!!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
MEDS... DAY 1
Today is the first day of the medications. I am a little nervous, but I have done them before, and I don't remember them being all that bad. We will see!! ;)
Wish me luck...
Wish me luck...
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
1ST DAY OF MONITORING
Today, I had an appointment for my first day of monitoring. I'm not sure why, but I was unusually nervous for this appointment.
They did an ultrasound to check my ovaries, to make sure there were no cysts, and make sure my lining in my uterus looked just fine. Everything looks great so far. They also drew blood to check and make sure my estrogen level was doing fine.
I stopped my Birth Control pills on 6/6/10, and the estrogen levels came back fine, so I have the green light to start the Follistim and Menopur injections on 6/10/10.
So far, so good...
They did an ultrasound to check my ovaries, to make sure there were no cysts, and make sure my lining in my uterus looked just fine. Everything looks great so far. They also drew blood to check and make sure my estrogen level was doing fine.
I stopped my Birth Control pills on 6/6/10, and the estrogen levels came back fine, so I have the green light to start the Follistim and Menopur injections on 6/10/10.
So far, so good...
Monday, June 7, 2010
HOPING...
IVF round one was successful, but hopefully there are some things that will go a little differently this time. Last time my body overstimulated, and made too many follicles. Each follicle theoretically will develop a single egg, but actually the number usually comes out to about 70 percent of the follicles will develop an egg. Only about 50 percent of mine developed an egg, and only 1/2 of those were mature.
At the end of my cycle, I had WAY too much estrogen to go ahead with the egg transfer so they froze the embryos that were good, and we didn't have very many viable embryos. This time... we are hoping that it will go a little differently, and my body will be able to respond well to the medication, and the medical team will know how to change my medication to make it more effective.
The doctor has decided to initially keep my medications exactly the same, except I will give myself injections at night instead of the morning, and I will have a longer course of Birth Control Pills to suppress my ovaries. My medication course will start with
At the end of my cycle, I had WAY too much estrogen to go ahead with the egg transfer so they froze the embryos that were good, and we didn't have very many viable embryos. This time... we are hoping that it will go a little differently, and my body will be able to respond well to the medication, and the medical team will know how to change my medication to make it more effective.
The doctor has decided to initially keep my medications exactly the same, except I will give myself injections at night instead of the morning, and I will have a longer course of Birth Control Pills to suppress my ovaries. My medication course will start with
- 150 IU injection Follistim PM
- 150 IU injection Menopur PM
- Prenatal Vitamin
Sunday, June 6, 2010
HERE WE GO!!
I have been thinking about doing this for a while now, and just decided if I don't do it now, I probably won't do it!!
My husband and I have been trying to have children for about 6 years and I would like to share our in vitro story with anyone who would like to know. This will be our second attempt at in vitro fertilization, or IVF with ICSI. We had decided to keep our first attempt a surprise and in turn did not tell anyone. The procedure ended up being successful, but unfortunately we did lose the baby around 7 1/2 weeks. This happened in January, and at that point we decided that we would try one more time when we were ready and we would be very open about the process. In April, we thought that we were about ready, so we would go ahead and have another consultation and schedule for a May or June cycle. May did not end up working as we were on a Mexican Riviera Cruise the first day of monitoring. So June it is!!
I would like to just put a word of caution... This blog may contain a little too much information about me!! I am solely doing this for informational purposes, a record for me and for those who want to know.
My husband and I have been trying to have children for about 6 years and I would like to share our in vitro story with anyone who would like to know. This will be our second attempt at in vitro fertilization, or IVF with ICSI. We had decided to keep our first attempt a surprise and in turn did not tell anyone. The procedure ended up being successful, but unfortunately we did lose the baby around 7 1/2 weeks. This happened in January, and at that point we decided that we would try one more time when we were ready and we would be very open about the process. In April, we thought that we were about ready, so we would go ahead and have another consultation and schedule for a May or June cycle. May did not end up working as we were on a Mexican Riviera Cruise the first day of monitoring. So June it is!!
I would like to just put a word of caution... This blog may contain a little too much information about me!! I am solely doing this for informational purposes, a record for me and for those who want to know.
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