13dpst. Just had my blood test today. Should get results in a couple of hours.
We were told that if the treatment was successful we would get a call from the nurse. Otherwise, the doctor would call is himself and explain the outcome.
I am too nervous so have asked the doctor's office to call DH' number rather than mine.
DH and I are just so glad to get it over it. Here's to hoping for a miracle.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Stop Googling!
5dpt. I have broken my own promise of not Googling about poor embryo quality, implantation symptoms post ET (embryo transfer) and eeeeverything related to IVF. You wouldn't believe the amount of internet literature on the subject. Sometime it's nice to know I am not the only going through this, and it helps to learn from other people's experiences. But then I start reading stories of failed IVF attempts and I get concerned.
Speaking of experience, I purposely haven't shared much lately or looked at this blog because I just didn't want to be reminded of what I have gone through. Even my BFF this morning asked why wasn't I writing anything for the past few days. How wrong was I? I started this blog primarily to remind myself of how much I was able to go through, and despite everything I still had the sense of purpose to go ahead.
So far I am experiencing some mild cramping everyday in my lower abdomen but have had no implantation spotting. First IVF I had no implantation spotting, the second IVF I had some. Both times, the blood tests indicated there wasn't even any implantation happening. So, go figure. Then again I have heard not everyone has implantation spotting. Note to self: Stop Comparing!
Took my second Pregnyl injection yesterday. I have two more to take in the next few weeks. I'm experience some side effects on injection day, such as some mild nausea off and on and dizziness. I usually stay in and rest. Drinking lots of water and just taking it easy. Having my family and friends around to visit also helps take my mind of the IVF program. Lots of laughter feeds the soul. Like my doctor said this should be "happy time".
We have eight more days till the pregnancy blood test. In the meantime, it's hard not to wonder whether our embryos have implanted or not. Did they survive? So many unanswered questions, but I am trying not to think about it most of the day. Just sometimes. Can't help it. Who can though?
Friday, March 29, 2013
Against All Odds
1dpst. That's IVF lingo for 1 day post-transfer.
Don't feel bloated anymore now thank goodness, but I am feeling some sharp pains every now and then. Need to ask the doctor about it. Hope it's nothing serious.
My jaw and throat are still sore from the breathing tube they used during the ET yesterday (since I was sedated).
I have been on bedrest most of the day. I Will probably venture out for lunch tomorrow. Starting to get major cabin fever. Luckily, I am surrounded by friends and family who are keeping my spirits up.
The doctor told me to take it easy, make sure I steer clear from people with the flu, avoid getting diarrhea (no spicy foods!), and no over-exertion/heavy-lifting. He basically said, "Just use common sense."
Still taking antibiotics (2x daily) to prevent infection from the egg retrieval in addition to the Progynova tablets (3x daily), folic acid and vitamin C. I have started to use those weekly pill boxes I used to tease my grandma about to make sure I remember which pills and how much to take.
I have started the HCG injections this morning, which I am supposed to do every other day around 8-9am. It wasn't so bad compared to the other shots. I have three injections more to go for the next two weeks. These injections are to strengthen my uterine lining.
I hope our embryos are strong enough to hatch and implant despite the not so great prognosis we got from the doctor. I am told implantation usually takes place 3-5 dpst.
Come on, little embies. Mommy and Daddy are rooting for you. You can do it!
Don't feel bloated anymore now thank goodness, but I am feeling some sharp pains every now and then. Need to ask the doctor about it. Hope it's nothing serious.
My jaw and throat are still sore from the breathing tube they used during the ET yesterday (since I was sedated).
I have been on bedrest most of the day. I Will probably venture out for lunch tomorrow. Starting to get major cabin fever. Luckily, I am surrounded by friends and family who are keeping my spirits up.
The doctor told me to take it easy, make sure I steer clear from people with the flu, avoid getting diarrhea (no spicy foods!), and no over-exertion/heavy-lifting. He basically said, "Just use common sense."
Still taking antibiotics (2x daily) to prevent infection from the egg retrieval in addition to the Progynova tablets (3x daily), folic acid and vitamin C. I have started to use those weekly pill boxes I used to tease my grandma about to make sure I remember which pills and how much to take.
My granny pill box :)
I have started the HCG injections this morning, which I am supposed to do every other day around 8-9am. It wasn't so bad compared to the other shots. I have three injections more to go for the next two weeks. These injections are to strengthen my uterine lining.
I am taking 4 Pregnyl (HCG) injections over the
next two weeks.
Come on, little embies. Mommy and Daddy are rooting for you. You can do it!
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Sticky Dreams
My Mom and I went to see the clinic around 10am to receive our "report card" from the egg retrieval procees. It wasn't great and of course mini waterworks came at the doctor's office. Thank goodness my doctor has famous for his lovely bedside manner and handled my mini-breakdown well. It was all just a lot to take in after such a long and grueling teo weeks of injections and side effects.
To sum up the embryologist report: we got 8 eggs but only four matured. Out of the four, which were fertilized by ICSI, two fertilized. The quality was average to poor. Based on the quality of the embryos, he advised for a Day 3 ET with Assisted Hatching. More on ICSI can be read here.
After a good cry about the not so great results, mom and I headed to the dayward. Glad I had the chance to take a nap before the ET, which was scheduled at 12pm. The time to rest helped me get over the mellow mood and also take off my mind off the hunger pangs (I was fasting since 5am).
Even though I was fasting, I was asked to relieve myself before 11am. The doctor need a full bladder to the transfer, which is done under ultrasound guidance. Because the first transfer was traumatic and my general anatomy, the doctor decided to give me a sedative prior to the procedure so I would be relaxed.
Embryo transfer is the final and most crucial step of the whole IVF process. The doctor said it went well overall. Now, it is up to the power that be to bestow us with a miracle.
By 1.30pm I was back in my room, but this time when I woke up I was super nauseous. The nurse kept telling me breathe deeply, which helped take the sick feeling away.
I was asked to lie down on my back and rest for the afternoon till 5.30pm. Thank goodness my mom kept me company and actually gave me the giggles. Hope all that laughter is good for the embryos.
Now the waiting begins till I can do a pregnancy blood test in two weeks. This period is known as the two week wait (TWW). It can be a nerve-wrecking time for any couple, but having gone through this twice before I will try to have a more positive attitude this time around. It's a good thing the doctor was upfront and honest about our the chances of embryo implantation which helped is manage our expectations.
I am still taking supplements to keep my progesterone levels and help keep my uterus lining healthy. On top of the Cyclogest pessaries and Progynova tablets, I will have to do HCG injections every other day starting tomorrow until next week.
Taking it easy tonight and resting. Wishing, hoping and praying.
Image taken from myselfishgenes.blogspot.com
To sum up the embryologist report: we got 8 eggs but only four matured. Out of the four, which were fertilized by ICSI, two fertilized. The quality was average to poor. Based on the quality of the embryos, he advised for a Day 3 ET with Assisted Hatching. More on ICSI can be read here.
After a good cry about the not so great results, mom and I headed to the dayward. Glad I had the chance to take a nap before the ET, which was scheduled at 12pm. The time to rest helped me get over the mellow mood and also take off my mind off the hunger pangs (I was fasting since 5am).
Even though I was fasting, I was asked to relieve myself before 11am. The doctor need a full bladder to the transfer, which is done under ultrasound guidance. Because the first transfer was traumatic and my general anatomy, the doctor decided to give me a sedative prior to the procedure so I would be relaxed.
Embryo transfer is the final and most crucial step of the whole IVF process. The doctor said it went well overall. Now, it is up to the power that be to bestow us with a miracle.
By 1.30pm I was back in my room, but this time when I woke up I was super nauseous. The nurse kept telling me breathe deeply, which helped take the sick feeling away.
I was asked to lie down on my back and rest for the afternoon till 5.30pm. Thank goodness my mom kept me company and actually gave me the giggles. Hope all that laughter is good for the embryos.
Now the waiting begins till I can do a pregnancy blood test in two weeks. This period is known as the two week wait (TWW). It can be a nerve-wrecking time for any couple, but having gone through this twice before I will try to have a more positive attitude this time around. It's a good thing the doctor was upfront and honest about our the chances of embryo implantation which helped is manage our expectations.
I am still taking supplements to keep my progesterone levels and help keep my uterus lining healthy. On top of the Cyclogest pessaries and Progynova tablets, I will have to do HCG injections every other day starting tomorrow until next week.
Taking it easy tonight and resting. Wishing, hoping and praying.
Image taken from myselfishgenes.blogspot.com
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Back on the Saddle Again
Day 17. Still recovering from my egg retrieval on Day 15.
The egg retrieval or oocyte retrieval process is probably the most painful part of the whole IVF program. The procedure is done under anesthesia, so I didn't feel a thing since I was out cold. However, the recovery process... super ouch!
DH and I arrived at the hospital around 7.30am, and after settling our admission details, I was escorted to my room and asked to change into a hospital gown and rest for a while. The procedure was scheduled at 10.30am, and I was to relieve myself one last time at 10am. I think it was good that I had a couple of hours to rest on the hospital bed before I was wheeled towards the Operating Room (OR).
Once inside the OR, the doctor, nurses and anesthesiologist all tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible. It helps that prior to starting an IV, the anesthesiologist gave me some lidocaine on the injection area before proceeding with the IV needle. Then it was lights out for me.
Once the procedure was done, which took around 30-45 minutes, I was transferred to my dayward room. I regained consciousness in the OR and was asked to rest and go back to sleep. Apparently, if you keep awake once you regain consciousness the patient might get drowsy, feel nauseous and throw up. This happened to patient lying next to my bed (the room was shared among three patients all doing egg retrievals). When I woke up I had a strong urge to urinate. My goodness did it hurt like crazy! Several people going through egg retrieval experience painful burning sensation while urinating after the procedure (felt like a razor blade was going through my urinary tract to me). The doctor told me to drink lots of fluids and said the painful feeling would go away. It did but only after a few painful trips to the bathroom.
Finally, I woke up around noon or 1pm and then started to feel very hungry as I have been fasting since 12am that day. On top of my egg cucumber and tomato sandwich which came around 1pm, I finished a whole bagful of cheese popcorn. My mom had the instinct of bringing some munchies in case I wanted any. Mother knows best. Anyhow, the nurse kept checking on me and how I was doing worried that I would suffer the same fate as my fellow roommate. As soon as she saw me munching on the popcorn and chatting with my mom, she was confident that I would be ok. The nurse then gave some painkillers prescribed by the doctor, and I was told the effect would last about 24 hours. Around 4pm I was sent home along with some antibiotics to prevent infection (it is invasive surgery after all) and Cyclogest vaginal pessaries to be taken twice a day. Our first IVF I was prescribed Crinone for progesterone support. The doctor said one wasn't better than the other and pretty much did the same job.
We got home around 5pm and around 6pm I started to feel sharp pains in my stomach. I guess the pain killers didn't last for 24 hours. It hurt to use any of my stomach muscles. It hurt to bend down. It hurt to laugh. It hurt to turn sideways. I felt like my insides had gone through a food processor and was super gassy and bloated. It felt hard to breathe or take deep breaths. I couldn't lay down straight on my bed, so I had recline seated on the sofa. I ended up sleeping in that position.
Day 16 was pretty much similar to day 15 but the pain was much less and I was able to walk a bit more. I got a call today from the doctor's clinic around noon telling us that the embryo transfer will take place tomorrow at 12pm. I guess we will be inserting Day 3 embryos and not Day 5. Hope that it won't make much of a difference. More about Day 3 and Day 5 embryo transfers can be found here. I have stopped researching on the internet about this by the way. Like I said earlier, too much browsing can damage your brain. Not to mention bring your morale down if you stumble on "facts" that don't reflect what you want to read.
I am starting to feel nervous and a little anxous. Based on my first IVF experience, the doctor has decided to do the embryo transfer (ET) under sedation. Hope everything goes smoothly.
Spent the day at home resting and pretty much not engaged in anything strenuous. Unfortunately, DH won't be able to take me to the hospital tomorrow as he has an office emergency, but my beautiful mother will be with me every step of the way. I hope that one day I can be as much of a wonderful mother as she is to me.
The egg retrieval or oocyte retrieval process is probably the most painful part of the whole IVF program. The procedure is done under anesthesia, so I didn't feel a thing since I was out cold. However, the recovery process... super ouch!
DH and I arrived at the hospital around 7.30am, and after settling our admission details, I was escorted to my room and asked to change into a hospital gown and rest for a while. The procedure was scheduled at 10.30am, and I was to relieve myself one last time at 10am. I think it was good that I had a couple of hours to rest on the hospital bed before I was wheeled towards the Operating Room (OR).
Once inside the OR, the doctor, nurses and anesthesiologist all tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible. It helps that prior to starting an IV, the anesthesiologist gave me some lidocaine on the injection area before proceeding with the IV needle. Then it was lights out for me.
Diagram of an egg retrieval procedure.
Image taken from www.mayoclinic.com
Once the procedure was done, which took around 30-45 minutes, I was transferred to my dayward room. I regained consciousness in the OR and was asked to rest and go back to sleep. Apparently, if you keep awake once you regain consciousness the patient might get drowsy, feel nauseous and throw up. This happened to patient lying next to my bed (the room was shared among three patients all doing egg retrievals). When I woke up I had a strong urge to urinate. My goodness did it hurt like crazy! Several people going through egg retrieval experience painful burning sensation while urinating after the procedure (felt like a razor blade was going through my urinary tract to me). The doctor told me to drink lots of fluids and said the painful feeling would go away. It did but only after a few painful trips to the bathroom.
Finally, I woke up around noon or 1pm and then started to feel very hungry as I have been fasting since 12am that day. On top of my egg cucumber and tomato sandwich which came around 1pm, I finished a whole bagful of cheese popcorn. My mom had the instinct of bringing some munchies in case I wanted any. Mother knows best. Anyhow, the nurse kept checking on me and how I was doing worried that I would suffer the same fate as my fellow roommate. As soon as she saw me munching on the popcorn and chatting with my mom, she was confident that I would be ok. The nurse then gave some painkillers prescribed by the doctor, and I was told the effect would last about 24 hours. Around 4pm I was sent home along with some antibiotics to prevent infection (it is invasive surgery after all) and Cyclogest vaginal pessaries to be taken twice a day. Our first IVF I was prescribed Crinone for progesterone support. The doctor said one wasn't better than the other and pretty much did the same job.
Once the Cyclogest is inserted, it is best to
lay down about 30 minutes - 1 hour to let
the hormones seep in and avoid the pessary
falling out.
We got home around 5pm and around 6pm I started to feel sharp pains in my stomach. I guess the pain killers didn't last for 24 hours. It hurt to use any of my stomach muscles. It hurt to bend down. It hurt to laugh. It hurt to turn sideways. I felt like my insides had gone through a food processor and was super gassy and bloated. It felt hard to breathe or take deep breaths. I couldn't lay down straight on my bed, so I had recline seated on the sofa. I ended up sleeping in that position.
Day 16 was pretty much similar to day 15 but the pain was much less and I was able to walk a bit more. I got a call today from the doctor's clinic around noon telling us that the embryo transfer will take place tomorrow at 12pm. I guess we will be inserting Day 3 embryos and not Day 5. Hope that it won't make much of a difference. More about Day 3 and Day 5 embryo transfers can be found here. I have stopped researching on the internet about this by the way. Like I said earlier, too much browsing can damage your brain. Not to mention bring your morale down if you stumble on "facts" that don't reflect what you want to read.
I am starting to feel nervous and a little anxous. Based on my first IVF experience, the doctor has decided to do the embryo transfer (ET) under sedation. Hope everything goes smoothly.
Spent the day at home resting and pretty much not engaged in anything strenuous. Unfortunately, DH won't be able to take me to the hospital tomorrow as he has an office emergency, but my beautiful mother will be with me every step of the way. I hope that one day I can be as much of a wonderful mother as she is to me.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
A Better Tomorrow
Tough day today. So, unfortunately I am not in the mood to share tonight. Hopefully tomorrow things will be better.
Whoosah.
Whoosah.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Ouch.
Day 15. Oocyte or egg retrieval day. The process went well overall. The doctor managed to retrieve eight eggs (we had 12 eggs the first time around), but we don't know how many will be of good quality.
I am taking antibiotics and vaginal supplement in addition to some pain killers. Speaking of which, I am still experience abdominal cramps and sharp pains but was told it's normal.
Can't write much. Hope to share more tomorrow.
I am taking antibiotics and vaginal supplement in addition to some pain killers. Speaking of which, I am still experience abdominal cramps and sharp pains but was told it's normal.
Can't write much. Hope to share more tomorrow.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Dos and Dont's
Day 14. Spent the day with my dear friends and loved ones.
I started feeling massive headache this afternoon -- not sure if it was because of the heatwave or a side effect from the Ovidrel -- and took a nap. Woke up with an even worse headache, so I had to take some acetaminophen pills to alleviate the pain. After a while, the pain reliever started to kick in and I felt much better.
I will have my egg retrieval tomorrow done at 7.30am tomorrow morning on Day 15. Go to this link to learn more about the egg retrieval process.
Got a long list of what to do and what not do from the clinic for egg retrieval tomorrow. The list reminds me of a patient's pre-op list since it will be done under anesthesia.
- No food and drink after midnight.
- No contact lenses, eye glasses, etc.
- No nail polish, makeup, elaborate hairdo, hairpins
- Do not bring valuables
- Remove denture, inform Dr if loose tooth, etc.
- Empty bowel, bladder close to surgery
- Bath night before / morning after surgery, do not apply anything on skin
- Change in general health or cuts / rashes, inform Dr
Again, I am not so nervous about the egg retrieval perhaps because this is the second time around and I know what to expect. The only thing I totally am not looking forward are the IV needle and the sharp pangs that will come following the procedure. Hopefully the doctor will give me enough pain killers to deal with the pain.
I will be sleeping early tonight, so I will be fresh for tomorrow's procedure. DH will give his sample tomorrow as well at 10 am. Hope we have good quality eggs that will be fertilized and make good embryos.
I started feeling massive headache this afternoon -- not sure if it was because of the heatwave or a side effect from the Ovidrel -- and took a nap. Woke up with an even worse headache, so I had to take some acetaminophen pills to alleviate the pain. After a while, the pain reliever started to kick in and I felt much better.
I will have my egg retrieval tomorrow done at 7.30am tomorrow morning on Day 15. Go to this link to learn more about the egg retrieval process.
Got a long list of what to do and what not do from the clinic for egg retrieval tomorrow. The list reminds me of a patient's pre-op list since it will be done under anesthesia.
- No food and drink after midnight.
- No contact lenses, eye glasses, etc.
- No nail polish, makeup, elaborate hairdo, hairpins
- Do not bring valuables
- Remove denture, inform Dr if loose tooth, etc.
- Empty bowel, bladder close to surgery
- Bath night before / morning after surgery, do not apply anything on skin
- Change in general health or cuts / rashes, inform Dr
Again, I am not so nervous about the egg retrieval perhaps because this is the second time around and I know what to expect. The only thing I totally am not looking forward are the IV needle and the sharp pangs that will come following the procedure. Hopefully the doctor will give me enough pain killers to deal with the pain.
I will be sleeping early tonight, so I will be fresh for tomorrow's procedure. DH will give his sample tomorrow as well at 10 am. Hope we have good quality eggs that will be fertilized and make good embryos.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Final Countdown
Day 13. Last day of injections. Hurrah!
DH and I purposely kept all the syringes and vials from the two weeks of hormone injections, partly because I wanted to see how much was going inside me, but also because we felt more comfortable disposing the medical waste at a hospital facility rather than at home.
DH and I purposely kept all the syringes and vials from the two weeks of hormone injections, partly because I wanted to see how much was going inside me, but also because we felt more comfortable disposing the medical waste at a hospital facility rather than at home.
The syringes and vials used for my short protocol
IVF which lasted 13 Days.
Can't imagine having to do this for long protocol.
Apparently a lot jabbing, especially done by a non-medically trained person such as myself, doesn't do the body good. I kept hitting the small, tiny veins while doing my subcutaneous injections (subcu-whaaa? Click here to know more about it). So, the nurse told me that is what causes the bruising.
Left side of my stomach. Photo taken today.
Right side of my stomach. Photo taken today.
The doctor gave me one final injection, which was the Ovidrel, to do in the evening at 10.30pm. The timing was to be precise as the nurse calculated it considering the time of injections and egg retrieval, etc. It must be real important that I take it at the specified time.
Pre-filled Ovidrel syringe (similar to Ogalutran).
Needle going in didn't hurt, and surprisingly the Ovidrel didn't hurt going in either. I read there are some side effects but at least I am aware of them and will deal with them as they come (hope they don't though!).
We are still set for egg retrieval on Day 15. Don't know why but I don't feel nervous yet. I mean, should I? I was a nervous wreck the first fresh cycle as well as the frozen ET. What's different now? I guess I have come to the realization that if it is meant to be, it will happen. All we can do is just try our best. The final decision and outcome is beyond anyone's control.
On a separate note, yesterday was the one year anniversary of the day my dear friend and mentor passed away. I always looked up to her for advice and guidance, and she was always such a cheerleader in DH and my ART efforts. I wish I could share with her this IVF experience so she could see how far I have come to learn about patience and acceptance.
Friday, March 22, 2013
More Smore
Day 12. Tomorrow is the last day of injections! What a relief.
Doctor visit went well this morning. Bloodwork from Day 8 came out ok, and I had more blood drawn out to make sure my hormone levels continue to be in check.
Ultrascan showed my uterine lining is super thick at close to 20mm (I think thats what the doctor said), and we are aiming for 22mm, which is a good thing I'm told. The thicker the uterine wall, the better it is for the embryo to (hopefully) implant itself.
My left ovary is still a stubborn little fella with only one decent size egg and two additional small ones hanging out in the follicles. My right ovary is a bit more cooperative (read: responsive) and currently shows 5-6 eggs.
So, in total we may have 6-7 viable eggs. I hope we have some good quality ones to work with which can grown into beautiful and healthy embryos. I am just thankful I have any at all. Everything is a blessing! Must remember this at all times.
Based on my bloodwork and ultrascan, the doctor feels that I have met the criteria to begin the egg retrieval procedure which is scheduled for Day 15 at 7.30am. I hope we can wake up early! Definitely both DH and I are not early risers, but I think we should make an exception this time. (Note to self: Hello? Seriously, hello?)
This an outpatient procedure and will be performed under sedation. I got a whole list of instructions from the nurse on what to do this weekend (Days 13 and 14) prior to the egg retrieval Day 15. Will share more on that later.
I have made a conscious decision by the way of not browsing the internet re the average number of eggs a woman has at egg retrieval. Too much browsing can be damaging to your brain. And the thing is, you can't make comparisons or it will drive you insane. Like my doctor said, we're going for quality over quantity.
"More isn't always better. Sometimes it's just more" - Sabrina Fairchild
Doctor visit went well this morning. Bloodwork from Day 8 came out ok, and I had more blood drawn out to make sure my hormone levels continue to be in check.
Ultrascan showed my uterine lining is super thick at close to 20mm (I think thats what the doctor said), and we are aiming for 22mm, which is a good thing I'm told. The thicker the uterine wall, the better it is for the embryo to (hopefully) implant itself.
My left ovary is still a stubborn little fella with only one decent size egg and two additional small ones hanging out in the follicles. My right ovary is a bit more cooperative (read: responsive) and currently shows 5-6 eggs.
So, in total we may have 6-7 viable eggs. I hope we have some good quality ones to work with which can grown into beautiful and healthy embryos. I am just thankful I have any at all. Everything is a blessing! Must remember this at all times.
Based on my bloodwork and ultrascan, the doctor feels that I have met the criteria to begin the egg retrieval procedure which is scheduled for Day 15 at 7.30am. I hope we can wake up early! Definitely both DH and I are not early risers, but I think we should make an exception this time. (Note to self: Hello? Seriously, hello?)
This an outpatient procedure and will be performed under sedation. I got a whole list of instructions from the nurse on what to do this weekend (Days 13 and 14) prior to the egg retrieval Day 15. Will share more on that later.
I have made a conscious decision by the way of not browsing the internet re the average number of eggs a woman has at egg retrieval. Too much browsing can be damaging to your brain. And the thing is, you can't make comparisons or it will drive you insane. Like my doctor said, we're going for quality over quantity.
"More isn't always better. Sometimes it's just more" - Sabrina Fairchild
Thursday, March 21, 2013
When I'm Feeling Blue
Day 11. I keep telling myself I have just a few more days to go of shots until egg retrieval. My stomach is definitely feeling very tender and blue with bruise marks around the injection areas.
Camera 1. Left side of my stomach.
Photo taken today.
Camera 2. Right side of my stomach.
Photo taken today.
Follow up consultation with the doctor is tomorrow. Hope the blood results from Day 8 come out alright. For some reason I am not so nervous going through the IVF treatment this time around. Perhaps because this is our second fresh cycle IVF and third embryo transfer attempt, both DH and I are a bit more relaxed and accepting of the whole process.
I am trying to think positive and just go with the flow. No sense in worrying, no sense in pushing. It is all beyond my, no, our control. It took me a long way to get to this emotional state. I guess failure teaches one humility. And, boy, have I learned my lesson.
The love and support I have been receiving from family and friends is also an important factor on my positivity. It turns out once I was more honest about my IVF treatment to the people who matter to me (instead of staying home and keeping everything to myself and in my head), the stronger my support network became. We definitely can't do this alone.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Keep Cool
Day 10. It doesn't matter where I inject now. It stings. And, the hormones sting going in. The Puregon, the Menopur and the Ogalutran. It was fine the first week, and now everything stings.
Today, I am starting to experience pain throughout the day around the injection areas when I'm walking up the stairs or when I'm bending over to pick up something. Basically, anything that requires me to stretch my stomach muscles. So looking forward to my last round of injections -- four more days to go!
Lego time. Screw on, plug in...
I noticed this morning that I am starting to experience some hair loss, not too significant, but quite a bit to alarm me. I guess that's normal. The same thing happened during our first IVF. Hope it doesn't get too bad. Don't want to look like an Easter egg just because it's coming in a few weeks.
One happy thing to report: I finally found a way to cool myself off without having to resort to air conditioning by the way. I have started to eat more ice cream and fruit slushy in addition to lots of iced water. Anything to keep me cool!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Finding the Perfect Balance
Day 9. Wow. I am now experiencing hot flushes almost non-stop unless the air condition is on full speed at 18 degrees Celsius. The fact that the city is experiencing a heatwave is not helping things.
Well, my stomach is definitely super-sensitive. I can only imagine how it must feel. Three times nine, that's 27 injections in nine days. There is only so much surface area I can insert the needle in and it's starting to show.
Did the injections at the clinic. The first injection I must have pushed the Puregon pen in wrong because it hurt so much going in (needle and serum). When I took the pen out, there was a bit of bleeding (usually the needle comes out clean and I just swipe my skin with an alcohol swab). Notice the red dot on the skin in the picture above. As usual the injection hurt for a while but the pain went away after half an hour except for the area of the Puregon pen injection. It stung for almost the whole day.
Took a bit too long at the doctor's clinic with my first shot, so the nurse was kind enough to help me with the Menopur and Ogalutran shots. Why does it take her like five seconds do each one? Because she is medically trained professional... hello?
Doctor visit went well this morning. The ultra scan showed that my uterine lining is thickening well and the doctor upped my Progynova intake to three times a day starting tomorrow. He noticed that my left ovary is not responding as well as my right one. Ultra scan showed one maturing egg in my left ovary and four to five on my right. Again, quality over quantity I keep telling myself.
Blood test results from Day 5's visit came out ok, or so am told by the doctor. Drew more blood today and will have a follow-up visit on Day 12. Based on my body's reaction to the treatment, it seems that egg retrieval will take place on Day 15. We still don't know whether we will do a three or five day embryo blastocyst transfer.
It's a fine line between expecting the worst and hoping for the best. Finding the perfect balance is tough, but no one ever said this was going to be easy.
Well, my stomach is definitely super-sensitive. I can only imagine how it must feel. Three times nine, that's 27 injections in nine days. There is only so much surface area I can insert the needle in and it's starting to show.
Bruising from all the injections on both sides
of my stomach. Red dot from this morning's
Puregon pen injection.
Did the injections at the clinic. The first injection I must have pushed the Puregon pen in wrong because it hurt so much going in (needle and serum). When I took the pen out, there was a bit of bleeding (usually the needle comes out clean and I just swipe my skin with an alcohol swab). Notice the red dot on the skin in the picture above. As usual the injection hurt for a while but the pain went away after half an hour except for the area of the Puregon pen injection. It stung for almost the whole day.
Took a bit too long at the doctor's clinic with my first shot, so the nurse was kind enough to help me with the Menopur and Ogalutran shots. Why does it take her like five seconds do each one? Because she is medically trained professional... hello?
Doctor visit went well this morning. The ultra scan showed that my uterine lining is thickening well and the doctor upped my Progynova intake to three times a day starting tomorrow. He noticed that my left ovary is not responding as well as my right one. Ultra scan showed one maturing egg in my left ovary and four to five on my right. Again, quality over quantity I keep telling myself.
Blood test results from Day 5's visit came out ok, or so am told by the doctor. Drew more blood today and will have a follow-up visit on Day 12. Based on my body's reaction to the treatment, it seems that egg retrieval will take place on Day 15. We still don't know whether we will do a three or five day embryo blastocyst transfer.
It's a fine line between expecting the worst and hoping for the best. Finding the perfect balance is tough, but no one ever said this was going to be easy.
Monday, March 18, 2013
Rest and Relax
Day 8. I have started to get all OCD with my morning ritual. Finding myself lining up the syringes left to right and making sure to prepare everything just so.
I may have gone overboard with the alcohol swabs.
You think?
Need to wake up early for my follow up consultation with my doctor tomorrow morning. I am trying not to be too nervous about the blood results and tomorrow's ultra scans of my ovaries. Like my doctor said, no sense worrying as it won't make a difference. Quantity over quality is what we are looking for in terms of eggs.
Just need to focus on feeling relaxed, eating healthy, sleeping well and take some nice walks for exercise. Whoosah. Whoosah.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Same Same
Day 7. Morning ritual was pretty much the same. I felt bloated as usual for the whole day with a bit of nausea off and on. No headaches though thanks goodness.
I am still experiencing hot flushes but it's tolerable. I am trying to exercise a little by walking, which helps with my mood. Still feeling a bit mellow and am wondering if it is because of the stimulants.
An important lesson I learned was definitely must take the Progynova right after my meal. Last night I took the tablet a bit late and it did a number on my ulcer so obviously I had trouble sleeping. Made sure I took it properly today, which I did, and my stomach is fine.
Looking forward to my next follow up visit on Day 9. Hopefully, my body will respond well to the treatment, and we will have good eggs to retrieve on Day 14.
Another week to go!
I am still experiencing hot flushes but it's tolerable. I am trying to exercise a little by walking, which helps with my mood. Still feeling a bit mellow and am wondering if it is because of the stimulants.
An important lesson I learned was definitely must take the Progynova right after my meal. Last night I took the tablet a bit late and it did a number on my ulcer so obviously I had trouble sleeping. Made sure I took it properly today, which I did, and my stomach is fine.
Progynova tablets to be taken twice day to
strengthen the uterine lining.
Another week to go!
Friday, March 15, 2013
Morning Meltdown
Day 6. Finally after starting the IVF regimen six days ago, I just lost it. Following my daily morning shots this morning, I just couldn't stop crying. I kept telling DH, "It's hard." I think I said it about six or seven times over and over again. Don't know if it's the hormones taking over or I just have had enough of all of it. Can't believe I have another week to go of shots and stimulants. It's all so overwhelming.
The Puregon shot hurt like crazy today. The needle going in stung. The serum going in stung. I don't know if it's because my stomach area is getting oversensitive now. I had to wait a while in between shots and lay down. The Menopur shot was not so bad. The small needle went in alright just felt a bit of stinging as the serum was seeping in my body.
I had some trouble injecting the Ogalutran this morning and getting the needle to penetrate my skin. Maybe it's because it's the first time I am doing it. Thank goodness the needle is so small, so I didn't feel it. When I pushed the serum in, I didn't feel any pain (yet). We'll see how it I fare tomorrow morning.
My daily injection of Ogalutran.
It comes in a pre-filled glass syringe.
Injecting the Ogalutran inside me. I will continue to
do this in addition to the daily Puregon and Menopur
injections until egg extraction on Day 12 or 15.
I am still taking the Progynova tablets twice a day to thicken my uterine wall. Need to make sure to take it right after a meal. If I wait too long like I did yesterday, my ulcer starts to hurt. There was a warning on the box saying that it may cause a gastritis reaction. Now I know I have to remember to take it right away after I have some food in me and not forget.
Taking it day by day. Just another week to go. We can do this.
Triple Whammy
Day 5 and had my follow up consultation to see how my body is responding to the treatment.
Seems that even with what is considered a high dose of stimulants, this morning's ultrasound detected about 6 eggs in my ovaries. I think the doctor said my left ovary is not responding as well to the stimulants as my right. Our first fresh cycle IVF generated 12 eggs by the way.
My first question to the doctor was, "What's wrong with me?" but was assured that each body reacts differently to stimulants and there is no wrong or right. He also highlighted the fact it is important to go for quality than quantity in terms of harvesting eggs. Finally the doctor told me, "No sense in worrying. It makes no difference." How true!
In addition to the two daily injections that I have to do, I need to take an additional third injection called Orgalutran. I was told that the stimulant was to help prevent ovulation before egg extraction, which would take place approximately Day 13 or 15. More on the Orgalutran stimulant and side effects can be found on this link http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/pregnancy/medicines/orgalutran.html.
In terms of side effects from Puregon and Menopur, I haven't felt any headaches yesterday or today but have been experiencing just a touch of nausea and a bit of bloating off and on. The hot flushes however are just constant, and it feels warm wherever I go whereas I am usually sensitive to cold even to the slightest wind draught.
My stomach is starting to feel tender I guess from all the daily injections that I am doing. No mood swings yet like I experienced during the fresh and frozen cycles. Just been feeling a bit mellow, and I read on the internet that one of the side effects of the stimulants is tiredness and/or fatigue.
Not happy about the third additional injection that I have to do daily, but what can we do? I have read on the internet that the Orgalutran injections will hurt like crazy but will cross that bridge when I get there. Worrying about it now won't make a difference.
One good thing about Orgalutran is that it comes in a pre-filled syringe and there is no reconstituting (mixing) needed like Menopur. I will upload a photo on my next post of what the Orgalutran looks like. Just not in the mood to look at it right now, so it will sit nicely in my fridge until I have to face it again which is... tomorrow morning!
Seems that even with what is considered a high dose of stimulants, this morning's ultrasound detected about 6 eggs in my ovaries. I think the doctor said my left ovary is not responding as well to the stimulants as my right. Our first fresh cycle IVF generated 12 eggs by the way.
My first question to the doctor was, "What's wrong with me?" but was assured that each body reacts differently to stimulants and there is no wrong or right. He also highlighted the fact it is important to go for quality than quantity in terms of harvesting eggs. Finally the doctor told me, "No sense in worrying. It makes no difference." How true!
In addition to the two daily injections that I have to do, I need to take an additional third injection called Orgalutran. I was told that the stimulant was to help prevent ovulation before egg extraction, which would take place approximately Day 13 or 15. More on the Orgalutran stimulant and side effects can be found on this link http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/pregnancy/medicines/orgalutran.html.
In terms of side effects from Puregon and Menopur, I haven't felt any headaches yesterday or today but have been experiencing just a touch of nausea and a bit of bloating off and on. The hot flushes however are just constant, and it feels warm wherever I go whereas I am usually sensitive to cold even to the slightest wind draught.
My stomach is starting to feel tender I guess from all the daily injections that I am doing. No mood swings yet like I experienced during the fresh and frozen cycles. Just been feeling a bit mellow, and I read on the internet that one of the side effects of the stimulants is tiredness and/or fatigue.
Not happy about the third additional injection that I have to do daily, but what can we do? I have read on the internet that the Orgalutran injections will hurt like crazy but will cross that bridge when I get there. Worrying about it now won't make a difference.
One good thing about Orgalutran is that it comes in a pre-filled syringe and there is no reconstituting (mixing) needed like Menopur. I will upload a photo on my next post of what the Orgalutran looks like. Just not in the mood to look at it right now, so it will sit nicely in my fridge until I have to face it again which is... tomorrow morning!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Take It Easy
Day 4. Done with my morning injections. I am getting the hang of it, and the process is starting to proceed like clockwork. Alarm goes off telling me it's time inject, I stall for about 15 minutes, then I do my thing. What I notice is that I am no longer afraid of the stupid itty bitty needle! What a relief.
Once the meds go in my body though I find myself having to lay down for about 10-15 minutes because both the sides of my belly start to sting like hell. But once it's over, it's okay.
I have been reading a lot on the side effects of both stimulants. Well, Day 1 and 2 were pretty bad in terms of nausea and headaches. It was a bit better yesterday as there wasn't any nausea or headache but I did feel a bit lethargic. I spent lunchtime with my BFF (God Bless her for being there for me), and we did a bit of walking which I believe probably helped. I just had to know when to stop and rest because if I walked too much then I started feeling some pain in my lower abdomen and pelvic area. Once I rested, I was fine.
No mood swings (yet). I have been feeling a bit mellow actually. Maybe that's a good thing for those who know me :).
Guess, I will just continue my routine of eating right, sleeping well and exercising a bit and most important of all -- taking it easy.
The second stimulant is Menopur. The liquid on the
right has to be mixed with the powder pill on the left
and then drawn out into the syringe.
DH and I think of it as a fun science
project which helps take the edge off
and lighten our mood.
Once the meds go in my body though I find myself having to lay down for about 10-15 minutes because both the sides of my belly start to sting like hell. But once it's over, it's okay.
Make sure the syringe is at a 90 degree
angle from your skin.
Notice the puncture wound from the
injection the day before.
I have been reading a lot on the side effects of both stimulants. Well, Day 1 and 2 were pretty bad in terms of nausea and headaches. It was a bit better yesterday as there wasn't any nausea or headache but I did feel a bit lethargic. I spent lunchtime with my BFF (God Bless her for being there for me), and we did a bit of walking which I believe probably helped. I just had to know when to stop and rest because if I walked too much then I started feeling some pain in my lower abdomen and pelvic area. Once I rested, I was fine.
No mood swings (yet). I have been feeling a bit mellow actually. Maybe that's a good thing for those who know me :).
Guess, I will just continue my routine of eating right, sleeping well and exercising a bit and most important of all -- taking it easy.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Where There's A Will, There's A Way
Just finished day 3 of injections this morning and am rewarded with a lovely breakfast prepared by my darling husband (DH) consisting of a hot cup of freshly made earl grey tea, a yummy toasted bagel with cream cheese and an anjou pear. For some reason this morning's round of injections stung more than the ones from yesterday. Perhaps it's because the belly is starting to be a bit more tender from all the puncture wounds.
I usually use the Puregon Pen on the left side of my stomach and inject the Menopur with the regular syringe on my right side. Here is a link to an excellent illustration about the Puregon Pen http://www.ivf-worldwide.com/education/ivf-drug-in-use/ivf-guideline-for-drug-administration/instructions-to-inject-of-puregon.html. As instructed by the nurse I made sure to keep to the area two fingers below and away from my belly button. Apparently the area right below your belly button is very sensitive and will hurt a lot if you puncture it with a needle.
I found it interesting and different from our previous ART (assisted reproductive treatment) regimen is that even though day one of injections which we did at the clinic started around 3pm in the afternoon on Day 1, I was told to continue the daily injections the next morning at around 8-9am. Previously, I was asked to have the daily injections at the same time every day the first time I had it which was around 5.30pm. I can't remember why the current doctor advises me to do the shots in the mornings as I was nervous (about the needles, remember?) when I saw him on day 1. Must ask DH about the explanation as he is a better listener than I am and most likely will remember the doctor's reasoning. More on that later.
So, back to the self-jab process. DH is so proud of how resolved I am to do them myself knowing about my ongoing phobia of needles since childhood. I am sharing this for any newbies to IVF who may benefit from this information or if you were just curious about it. FYI there are lots of helpful instructional videos on the Puregon Pen, such as this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLE5ra84u4Y. I obviously prefer the Puregon Pen compared to the regular syringe for the Menopur because it's just more convenient to use, but the doctor prescribed to use both so I just had to suck it up and do them.
I would look at my tummy and establish the area to inject, swab it with an alcohol pad and pinch it. This is the time when I thank the heavens above for the extra fat in my tummy! I make sure the syringe is at a 90 degrees angle from my pinched skin and then I insert the needle all the way. The needle is so small and thin it doesn't hurt much going in. When I am sure it is all the way inside and stable then I push in the medicine with my thumb. As instructed by the nurse, once the medicine is in I would wait for 5-10 seconds before taking out the needle to make sure that none of it will seep out from my skin since it is very expensive and we wouldn't want to waste any. I make sure to clean the area again with an alcohol swab and lay down on the couch for a while since both injection sites on my left and right belly will start to sting for a while as the medicine starts going into my body.
I am currently prescribed 375ml of Puregon and 75ml of Menopur and will be seeing the doctor on day 5 to see how my ovaries are responding to the stimulants, which will be adjusted accordingly if needed. Another interesting difference I noted this time around by the way -- the doctor starts with a higher dose then will decrease if needed as opposed to our previous IVF where the doctor started low and then increased the dosage after a week of stimulants.
Two more days to go till my follow up visit on day 5 to see how my body responds to the treatment. In the meantime, I hope that the side effects won't be as bad today as they were yesterday.
I usually use the Puregon Pen on the left side of my stomach and inject the Menopur with the regular syringe on my right side. Here is a link to an excellent illustration about the Puregon Pen http://www.ivf-worldwide.com/education/ivf-drug-in-use/ivf-guideline-for-drug-administration/instructions-to-inject-of-puregon.html. As instructed by the nurse I made sure to keep to the area two fingers below and away from my belly button. Apparently the area right below your belly button is very sensitive and will hurt a lot if you puncture it with a needle.
The Puregon Pen has a dial on the right side to
gauge the amount of medicine going in through
the replaceable cartridge.
I found it interesting and different from our previous ART (assisted reproductive treatment) regimen is that even though day one of injections which we did at the clinic started around 3pm in the afternoon on Day 1, I was told to continue the daily injections the next morning at around 8-9am. Previously, I was asked to have the daily injections at the same time every day the first time I had it which was around 5.30pm. I can't remember why the current doctor advises me to do the shots in the mornings as I was nervous (about the needles, remember?) when I saw him on day 1. Must ask DH about the explanation as he is a better listener than I am and most likely will remember the doctor's reasoning. More on that later.
So, back to the self-jab process. DH is so proud of how resolved I am to do them myself knowing about my ongoing phobia of needles since childhood. I am sharing this for any newbies to IVF who may benefit from this information or if you were just curious about it. FYI there are lots of helpful instructional videos on the Puregon Pen, such as this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLE5ra84u4Y. I obviously prefer the Puregon Pen compared to the regular syringe for the Menopur because it's just more convenient to use, but the doctor prescribed to use both so I just had to suck it up and do them.
Make sure to pinch the injection area
before inserting the needle. Then release
once it is all the way in and you are ready
to administer the medicine.
I would look at my tummy and establish the area to inject, swab it with an alcohol pad and pinch it. This is the time when I thank the heavens above for the extra fat in my tummy! I make sure the syringe is at a 90 degrees angle from my pinched skin and then I insert the needle all the way. The needle is so small and thin it doesn't hurt much going in. When I am sure it is all the way inside and stable then I push in the medicine with my thumb. As instructed by the nurse, once the medicine is in I would wait for 5-10 seconds before taking out the needle to make sure that none of it will seep out from my skin since it is very expensive and we wouldn't want to waste any. I make sure to clean the area again with an alcohol swab and lay down on the couch for a while since both injection sites on my left and right belly will start to sting for a while as the medicine starts going into my body.
I am currently prescribed 375ml of Puregon and 75ml of Menopur and will be seeing the doctor on day 5 to see how my ovaries are responding to the stimulants, which will be adjusted accordingly if needed. Another interesting difference I noted this time around by the way -- the doctor starts with a higher dose then will decrease if needed as opposed to our previous IVF where the doctor started low and then increased the dosage after a week of stimulants.
Two more days to go till my follow up visit on day 5 to see how my body responds to the treatment. In the meantime, I hope that the side effects won't be as bad today as they were yesterday.
3 days worth of empty medicine containers, used
needles and syringes. We're collecting all of our
medical waste and prefer to bring it to the clinic
and dispose of it there rather than combine it with
household garbage.
Keep Your Eye on the Ball
It's day 2 and the side effects from the IVF regimen have started to hit me.
I feel bloated in the mornings right after the injections but then the feeling subsides after a few hours. Then there are bouts of nausea off and on and I feel a bit gassy. Headaches come and go but the hot flushes are more or less there all day (unless the AC is cranked up to superblast).
Just when I thought this time would be different. Shouldn't have counted my chickens before they hatch. Let's hope that the side effects don't include crazy mood swings. Despite everything that I am experiencing, I still would do it again if only for the hope of growing our family.
Again, thankful for my loved ones especially my DH, who is always so patient with me every step of the way.
I feel bloated in the mornings right after the injections but then the feeling subsides after a few hours. Then there are bouts of nausea off and on and I feel a bit gassy. Headaches come and go but the hot flushes are more or less there all day (unless the AC is cranked up to superblast).
Just when I thought this time would be different. Shouldn't have counted my chickens before they hatch. Let's hope that the side effects don't include crazy mood swings. Despite everything that I am experiencing, I still would do it again if only for the hope of growing our family.
Again, thankful for my loved ones especially my DH, who is always so patient with me every step of the way.
My Puregon pen injector (top left) for Puregon
and a regular syringe for the Menopur injections.
Monday, March 11, 2013
No Pain, No Gain
Finally starting IVF today after having to postpone a month because my menses (Aunt Flow or AF) came a week early. DH and I first saw the doctor back in August of last year, so we have come a long way to be here. I must say I was pretty disappointed when I had to postpone but in hindsight things did work out for the best. Sometimes you just have to let nature take its course.
Since today is my Day 2 of AF, I went to see the doctor for my follow-up consultation, ultra scan and to start the IVF hormone regimen. The doctor advised me to do a short protocol IVF. (More about IVF protocols can be read here.)When I got to the doctor's office I was more concerned (read: freaking out) about having to self-inject the hormones than anything else. Thing is, I was used to having nurses do the injections everyday in our previous ART efforts. This time around I had to learn to do it on my own.
To think that for weeks I was concerned with trying to accept whatever the outcome will be from the journey ahead. But when I got to the doctor's office, my mind went blank and I started to cringe when I saw the needles and syringes. All I knew is that this phobia of needles had to be managed so I just said to myself, "Suck it up, girl!"
Luckily, the nurse at hand was so patient with me and my DH in going through the motions. After much drama (on my part) and half an hour later, I finally learned to self-inject with the Puregon Pen and a regular syringe for the Menopur. Mind you these two shots usually just take a few minutes to do for the average person.
We'll see how I will fare tomorrow morning since I have to do both injections everyday at the same time for the next two weeks. In addition to the injections, I am also taking Progynova tablets to strengthen my uterine wall. It has only been a day of hormones so have not been feeling too off yet but we'll see. Hopefully the side effects won't be too much for me.
I am just so thankful that my loved ones are always there to support me emotionally through what I definitely know will be a roller coaster ride.
Since today is my Day 2 of AF, I went to see the doctor for my follow-up consultation, ultra scan and to start the IVF hormone regimen. The doctor advised me to do a short protocol IVF. (More about IVF protocols can be read here.)When I got to the doctor's office I was more concerned (read: freaking out) about having to self-inject the hormones than anything else. Thing is, I was used to having nurses do the injections everyday in our previous ART efforts. This time around I had to learn to do it on my own.
To think that for weeks I was concerned with trying to accept whatever the outcome will be from the journey ahead. But when I got to the doctor's office, my mind went blank and I started to cringe when I saw the needles and syringes. All I knew is that this phobia of needles had to be managed so I just said to myself, "Suck it up, girl!"
Luckily, the nurse at hand was so patient with me and my DH in going through the motions. After much drama (on my part) and half an hour later, I finally learned to self-inject with the Puregon Pen and a regular syringe for the Menopur. Mind you these two shots usually just take a few minutes to do for the average person.
We'll see how I will fare tomorrow morning since I have to do both injections everyday at the same time for the next two weeks. In addition to the injections, I am also taking Progynova tablets to strengthen my uterine wall. It has only been a day of hormones so have not been feeling too off yet but we'll see. Hopefully the side effects won't be too much for me.
I am just so thankful that my loved ones are always there to support me emotionally through what I definitely know will be a roller coaster ride.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Think positive.
My ex-boss, who has two wonderful children through Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), sent me an email the other day with these two simple words of encouragement after hearing of my plans to do In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Simple to say. Hard to do (at least for me).
By the way, there's a whole language of acronyms out there in the ART community. Here's a good link to go to in case you need to refer to the commonly used terms.
The thing is after two failed ART attempts: 1) a failed fresh cycle IVF in 2010, and 2) a failed frozen embryo transfer (FET) in 2012, I wasn't sure if I still had it in me to keep going for another round of ART. (To read about fresh and frozen embryo transfers go to this link).
The ART process is not only taxing for the woman physically, e.g. daily hormone shots for two weeks, egg retrieval and embryo transfer (minor surgery but still invasive procedures), it is also mentally exhausting for the couple experiencing it. It is an endless piling of hope. Hope that enough eggs will mature on egg retrieval day. Hope that the eggs are good enough to fertilize and will produce good embryos. Hope that the embryos will attach and grow in the womb. Hope, hope, hope.
To top it all off is the popular term that is the dreaded Two Week Wait (TWW) all couples have to go through after the embryo transfer (ET), which refers to the length of time needed before a pregnancy test can be done via bloodtest. More about TWW can be read here. It can be a pretty nerve-wracking time for any couple trying to conceive. So, you can imagine how I feel after two failed ART attempts.
Last week as I was trying to make up my mind about trying yet again, I found myself browsing for inspirational quotes on how to overcome one's fear of failure. I stumbled upon this gem:
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." - Theodore Roosevelt
So, as my darling husband (DH) and I embark on another IVF journey together in a few weeks, I will try my best to THINK POSITIVE (nothing like shouty capitals to reinforce my point to myself) whatever the outcome may be.
Whoosah.
By the way, there's a whole language of acronyms out there in the ART community. Here's a good link to go to in case you need to refer to the commonly used terms.
The thing is after two failed ART attempts: 1) a failed fresh cycle IVF in 2010, and 2) a failed frozen embryo transfer (FET) in 2012, I wasn't sure if I still had it in me to keep going for another round of ART. (To read about fresh and frozen embryo transfers go to this link).
The ART process is not only taxing for the woman physically, e.g. daily hormone shots for two weeks, egg retrieval and embryo transfer (minor surgery but still invasive procedures), it is also mentally exhausting for the couple experiencing it. It is an endless piling of hope. Hope that enough eggs will mature on egg retrieval day. Hope that the eggs are good enough to fertilize and will produce good embryos. Hope that the embryos will attach and grow in the womb. Hope, hope, hope.
To top it all off is the popular term that is the dreaded Two Week Wait (TWW) all couples have to go through after the embryo transfer (ET), which refers to the length of time needed before a pregnancy test can be done via bloodtest. More about TWW can be read here. It can be a pretty nerve-wracking time for any couple trying to conceive. So, you can imagine how I feel after two failed ART attempts.
Last week as I was trying to make up my mind about trying yet again, I found myself browsing for inspirational quotes on how to overcome one's fear of failure. I stumbled upon this gem:
"It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed." - Theodore Roosevelt
So, as my darling husband (DH) and I embark on another IVF journey together in a few weeks, I will try my best to THINK POSITIVE (nothing like shouty capitals to reinforce my point to myself) whatever the outcome may be.
Whoosah.
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