Celia & Ed: our journey through IVF round one, FET round one, and successful pregnancy

October 20, 2010, the best day of our lives or the day our lives really began

2010-12-17T22:54:00.000-08:00

At 7:13 and 7:14 PM we welcomed little Mia and Edward into our lives. They both weighed a healthy 5 pounds and are beautiful. We cannot imagine life before them. My good friend said it perfectly when she said it was the day our lives really began.

34 week appt or Delivery day

2010-12-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

As I mention in my earlier post, I had severe swelling for a few weeks. My size 7 flip flops were replaced with a tight size 9 flip flop. Most of my day (on bed rest) was elevating my feet to try to keep the swelling at a minimum with no luck. I had researched swelling and found that only if my face were to swell would there be a concern of preeclampsia. I didn't think I looked any more swollen in the face than before the pregnancy.

On this day and at my doctor's office, I found that I had gained 12 pounds in one week and my protein levels were high. It only took my doctor one quick glance to realize I had preeclampsia and needed to deliver right away.

We were admitted to the hospital where the admitting doctor ran more in-depth tests to verify the preeclampsia. The lab results were staggering and I delivered an hour later.

Aching to Deliver

2010-12-17T22:09:00.000-08:00

At week 32 I became so severely uncomfortable. For weeks I had been sleeping sitting up in an IKEA chair when over 4 pillows propped up in bed didn't help the enormous pressure on my chest caused by the babies and asthma flare ups. We had also tried a recliner and I often used that for a couple of hours when I needed something a bit more comfortable. I probably averaged about 4 hours of sleep a night with no more than a two hour stretch of sleep. To top it off, I could not cool down. The room temperature was set to 65 degrees and while Ed was walking around in flannel pajamas, I was still hot.

I was also swelling for weeks on end. My feet swelled so much that I had to buy size 9 flip flops when my size 7's refused to fit anymore. There were nights that even if I elevated my feet all day, they would still ache. Compression socks (rite aid) and ace bandages helped but not for very long. I felt the most immediate but temporary relief in soaking my feet in iced water.

My skin would itch. Calamine lotion, vitamin b oil, hydrocortisone and itch relief became essential but never took the itching away for very long. It was as if mosquitoes came for miles to feast on my poor swollen skin. Poor Ed became my mosquito and bug slayer but could never quite kill them all to satisfy me or my psyche.

For these and many more reasons, I would ask my OB to ok an earlier than 36 week delivery. He said he couldn't unless there was a compelling reason because the perinatologists had been brought in to care for me. The perinatologist would have to approve an earlier than 36 week delivery. This broke my heart when at 33 weeks, I was so swollen, exhausted, and miserable. Little did I know I would deliver my babes a week later in an emergency situation.

More Pre-Term Labor drama

2010-12-17T21:59:00.000-08:00

At about week 32 the pre-term labor drama started to pick up. I was in and out of the triage unit at Sutter's Labor and Delivery wing. I was given nifedipine to hault contractions and took this medication every 12 hours for a couple of weeks. This drug worked wonders however if I was even 30 minutes late taking my scheduled dose, I would immediately start having more intense contractions. There were days that the medication didn't quite work creating a revisit to the hospital for different drugs to prevent labor. Nifedipine was the drug I was on up until I delivered.

My contractions never really subsided even on the medications. The severity of the contractions would vary and when severe (once at 5 minutes apart) I would end up in the hospital for more monitoring, more drugs, but always allowed to come home.

I would say I visited the hospital about 10 times in the weeks leading up to delivery. It was fun for Ed and I to take bets as to if it would be the day we'd finally get to meet our little ones.

Bedrest (August - October delivery)

2010-12-17T21:45:00.000-08:00

After my August release (see prior blog entry) I was on strict bedrest. This may sound appealing to many readers however there is something about being forced to stay down that drives one nuts. This is what happened to me. The walls of my large house became to cave in on me and I quickly became miserable. All I could think of was the babies room that needed attention and see the dishes that needed washing or putting away. Plus being locked up in our home with all the xbox, wii, dvd's, cable, on-demand, and netflix didn't do it for me either. Truth is I was sick of not contributing or not having any control.

After noticing this and a talk with my doctor, I rented a wheelchair. The wheelchair allowed me to wheel around the kitchen island and perform tasks like unloading the dishwasher (dishes to the island only), wash dishes, make a sandwich, etc. I was also able to pick up using an arm extender.

Membrane Rupture, August 2010

2010-11-30T12:36:00.000-08:00

In mid-late August at 26 weeks, I had a membrane (amniotic) rupture requiring hospitalization. It all started when I was experiencing severe back pain that I attributed to my growing a big belly. Later that night we thought a warm bath might alleviate the pain. I loved that bath because it did take away all the pain and ache.

Later that evening I noticed some extra water which continued throughout the evening. I still thought this was due to the bath waters so I didn't worry. I was alarmed the next morning when I noticed a red discharge.

My doctor was actually more worried about the excess water and quickly tested it for amniotic fluids. I was stunned when it came back positive.

Once I was admitted to the hospital and they began monitoring, I was shocked to learn I was having contractions every 5 minutes. I then realized the back pain were contractions. My doctor told me I would be hospitalized until the babies were born and they would do everything to keep the babies from being born before 34 weeks.

On that first day I was given magnesium, steroids, indomethacin, and nifedipine. The magnesium was hell with excessive flushing, hot flashes, and general crappiness. We were told this would help protect the babies brains. The steroids would boost the babies development, to some degree. The indomethacin and nifedipine were administered to stop the contractions.

I was also on strict bedrest because we were unsure if I would begin active labor. Thankfully I didn't and was transferred to the high risk wing. My fluid loss was watched closely by the hour. For the first couple of days there was a definite loss of fluids and one day I started to bleed with severe pain. Because I had to have a c-section, the doctors were very close to taking me to the OR. Again, thankfully it all subsided maybe with help from drugs (I just don't remember). Miraculously, the fluid loss lessened and lessened with each passing day where it totally disappeared. My doctors were surprised when they realized the rupture might have sealed on its own, something that rarely happens.

After 6 days of no fluid loss, I asked to be released. After a cervix check it was confirmed that the ruptured bag had indeed sealed.

The doctors told me the cause of the rupture was an infection. My body contracted an infection which is tried to fight by attempting to expel anything foreign.

Wow, it's been awhile!

2010-11-30T12:33:00.000-08:00

I just realized so much has happened since my last post in August including the birth of our precious little ones, Mia and Edward. I will work on updating this blog for those of you going venturing through infertility or have a general curiousity. It will take awhile to update this blog as the twins keep me pretty busy. I will try to remember as many details as possible but please forgive me if they are light.

Announcement

2010-11-30T09:59:00.001-08:00

Script Twins Yellow Birth Announcement

Find hundreds of elegant baby birth announcements at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

25 week belly

2010-08-12T21:45:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to quickly post this picture. It was taken in the hallway of our high risk doctors office on Tuesday. What I love about this picture other than Mia and EJ is the tiny doorway. These itty bitty doorways are all throughout this hall.

Our doctors visit went great. We were able to see our kiddos again and their measurements were taken. Our son is measuring 1 pound 13 ounces and our daughter is measuring 1 pound 9 ounces which is slightly ahead of the 25 weeks.

The big date: November 4

2010-08-03T17:52:00.001-07:00

The c-section has been scheduled for Thursday, November 4th at 7:30 am. We will check in at 5:30 am at Sutter Memorial.

All we need is for Mia and E.J. to stay warm and cozy inside of mom until then.

Gettin' ready for babies

2010-07-29T18:59:00.001-07:00

Ed and I found this gender neutral bedding that we love. The bears are adorable and they match the crib well. Our kiddos will share one crib for as long as possible. When were ready to buy another crib we'll update with a version of the same bedding but in pink.

Everything else is going great. I am 23 weeks pregnant yesterday and except for feeling this extra weight and a bit tired, I'm doing pretty well. If you're curious a what my belly looks like imagine 45 inches around your waist. We measure often especially after "growing weekends" when I feel a lot of action and I'm exhausted with multiple naps throughout the day.

Wowza!!

2010-07-07T20:07:00.001-07:00

We are feeling so blessed today.

Our 2nd visit to the perinatologist went great today. There is no evidence of the uterine clot thanks to the extra folic acid and vitamin c.

In addition to that my cervix looks "beautiful" meaning it's "nice and long and closed". No evidence or worry of any pre-term labor just yet.

Oh yeah, we found out the sexes!! We've been blessed with a beautiful BOY and GIRL! We are in a bit of shock still but would be regardless of the sexes. It just feels more real today.

We head back to the OB in 2 weeks and the perinatologist in 5 weeks.

Good night everyone.

2010-07-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Dear baby B,

Please do your mom a favor and find a more comfortable place to snuggle than her ribs.

Love you,
Mom

Welcome week 19!

2010-07-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was the start of week 19! I cannot believe we’ve made it and I’m so thoroughly happy to have come this far. I will try to catch you up on all the action.

Last time I blogged it was about the extreme nausea I was experiencing from about week 6 to week 13 or so. After week 13, I attended the Sutter Cancer Infusion Center for daily hydration and zofran (anti-nausea) infusions which resulted in a 6 pound gain. After that week of daily visits, I was prescribed oral melt-on-your-tongue zofran to take as needed or every 8 hours and discontinued daily infusion visits. Not only did the medication help curb the nausea but it also helped with my non-existent appetite. Now that I’m at 19 weeks, I feel as if I’ve overcome the major nausea (sure, I still get sick about once a week or so) and that part of this pregnancy is significantly better.

Also at 13 weeks, I woke up at 2am bleeding heavily. I am used to some bleeding since I’ve spotted since about 6 weeks but typically the color was darker. The doctors say dark blood equals old blood so that is ok. It’s the red blood we have to be careful and cautious of. Well, the 13 week episode was complete with red blood, clots and cramps. The next morning we met our OB at his office for an ultrasound which showed the babies were still doing great – we were relieved!

Since then I’ve continued to spot here and there. At 16 weeks, we had our first appointment with the perinatologist. While the babies were right on track and weighing a healthy 5 ounces each, the sonogram showed the root cause of the bleeding – I have a clot in my uterus and my body is trying to expel the clot. The clot is a scary thing since it can grow and eventually cut off the placental flow to the babies. The perinatologist said studies have shown that increasing daily intakes of Vitamin C and Folic Acid have shown to help. We’ve adopted this advice and I’ve only spotted a few days for the past few weeks which is a great improvement.

At 17 weeks, we returned back to the OB where my doctor performed another ultrasound and it was great to see the babies moving and hear healthy heartbeats. Ed recorded the visit and posted to you-tube (links to come).

Today we will return back to our OB before heading back to the perinatologist next week for our check in.

I cannot believe how quickly this time has gone by and so thankful for the love and support received by our wonderful family and friends.

Hello 12 weeks!!

2010-05-12T20:03:00.001-07:00

We made it! Now I know this is the first blog posting since March so there is so much to say.

Within a week of the embryo transfer, I knew I was pregnant because my boobs were so sore. When we took the first and second blood tests it confirmed our suspicions with rock-solid numbers.

The week before our first ultrasound (5weeks) our journey got a little bumpy when I awoke to bleeding. Luckily Ed quickly remembered that darker blood was ok which calmed us. After reassurance from our doctors, we felt calmer. A day later I started vomiting which I thought was a good sign.

At our 6 week ultrasound we were shocked to see two sacs on the monitor. Both embryos "took"!! We were even able to see their precious beating hearts. This shock still has not worn off. At this point I had been vomiting multiple times a day but my doctors were reluctant to prescribe medications at such an early stage of pregnancy.

At our 8 week ultrasound we were so excited to see how much our babies had grown. This was also our last visit to the fertility center. A bittersweet goodbye filled with tears of appreciation and gratitude was had with all the wonderful nurses. The spirited vomiting continued...

At week 10 we had our first OB appointment and we were able to see baby A wave at us. Baby B was a little camera shy but we were able to see them both and hear their awesome heart beats. At this point they suggested I go in for iv hydration which might assist in the vomiting.

At 11 weeks, the doctors were not happy with the 5 pound weight loss from the previous week. After some tough love, I started daily iv infusions with an anti-nausea medication. At the ultrasound, both babies waved and moved a lot then proceeded to flip circles.

At our 12 week appointment, the doctors were happy that I regained the 5 pounds plus a pound. Woohoo! Again both babies were doing great. Baby B is our mellow soul while A is our active one.

And so our journey continues...

This picture was taken today at the Sutter Cancer Center's Infusion Center. The warm blankets are meant to plump up my veins making it easier for the nurses to insert the iv needle.

Tugs, pulls, and general ickiness

2010-03-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

Not much to report since the transfer a week ago tomorrow other than tugs, pulls, and general ickiness...

Tugs, pulls, and cramps are very common after embryo transfer. They started on day 1 (Tuesday) and have continued through day 5 (Saturday). Now they feel more side cramps but in my uterine area.

Additionally, I'm also getting nauseous here and there starting on day 3 (Wednesday). Today, I don't feel as queasy as much as I feel like there may be a short jump from feeling icky and actually puking.

The one thing I remember while waiting the 2 weeks to beta test in 2009 is feeling uber emotional. I remember sitting at my niece's 1st holy communion mass and crying. When Ed asked what was wrong/was I ok, all I could respond with is "The girls (my nieces) are growing up too fast". This go round, I've only been emotional once when watching Molly's first year video. The theme was basically the same "She's growing too fast!".

All in all, I hope these are good signs for a positive beta that will be here before we know it.

It's challenging during some parts of the day keeping up hope and staying positive. I am fortunate that my niece, Regina, recommended a Yoga Kriya called Kirtan Kriya in which sound vibrations (chants/calls) are used to represent birth, life, death/completion, and rebirth. These phases to me represent the cycle of letting go of the fear and nervousness to help bring me back to center and positiveness. I've been practicing on memorizing the sounds this weekend with today starting my first day. The practice should take about 30 minutes however I fell asleep after about 15 minutes during the silent phase of the chant. I took advantage of the calmness and took a 2 hour nap. Thanks Boo and Kirtan Kriya!

Success!!!

2010-03-08T11:27:00.001-08:00

Both of the embryos transferred this morning (about 9:30). As you can see they are beautiful and we are so thrilled!!

Please take a moment to send good thoughts into the universe and God for our little ones.

In the car ride home, after calling them our beautiful babies we settled on a playful names of ice cream and cake after the commercial w the catchy tune.

Now I rest and, I swear, I'll be smiling in my sleep. Thanks again for the love and support.

Cel and Ed

Butterflies!!

2010-03-07T21:56:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow is the big day! It's finally here!

We have so much faith that both our beautiful embryos will thaw easily and be ready to snuggle deeply.

Our consult is at 9:15am where we will receive our first pictures of beautiful 8 cell embryos. After that I will receive wonderful medications that will provide relaxation. The procedure is scheduled for 10 am.

Please say a prayer for us tonight. Thank you for the continued love and support.

We'll keep you posted. Goodnight.

Evidence of Heparin injections

2010-03-05T23:12:00.001-08:00

Heparin is blood thinner that I have to take twice a day given in my belly or upper leg. I am glad our nurse warned us that I would bruise easily but nothing prepared us for this painful bruise found this afternoon. My belly is mostly shades of green and blue. We're planning to start leg injections soon. Goodnight.

My meds

2010-03-05T20:44:00.001-08:00

I thought I would share my medicinal protocol:

1. Estradiol (Delestrogen) - 6 units - Tuesday & Friday nights - Intramuscular into bootie (a true art)
2. Progesterone In Oil (PIO) - various units as we get closer to embryo transfer - Everyday - Intramuscular into bootie (ice, shot, heat)
3. Heparin - 5000 x2, every 12 hours - SubQ (bruising like mad)
4. Estrogen/Progesterone Suppositories -every evening (messy, TMI)
5. Mederol - Steroid - 2x a day
6. Azithromycin - Antibiotic - 1x a day
7. Baby Aspirin - blood thinner - 1x a day
8. Pre-Natal Vitamins

We ended Lupron shots a couple of days ago. Hooray!

Embryo Transfer on March 8th!

2010-03-02T19:42:00.001-08:00

We received great news yesterday on our return visit back to the doctors office - my uterine lining is ready!

Last night was our last night of Lupron - woo hoo - and we started two additional shots today. Heparin will be injected into my stomach every 12 hours with an insulin needle. Additionally PIO (progesterone in oil) shots started this morning administered intramuscularly. We will continue with the twice a week Eatradiol (given IM) shots.

Best news of all is that were scheduled for the embryo transfer for Monday, March 8th at 10am. We will get there early for a consultation with the embryologist.

We're on our way!

Labs and ultrasound today

2010-02-25T20:30:00.001-08:00

Today was exhausting...

We went in for bloodwork and ultrasound. Bloodwork to check my Estradiol levels and ultrasound to check the thickness of my uterine lining. A thick lining provides the perfect environment for embryos to nest and burrow into.

The thickness of my lining was thinner than expected. Additionally there was some fluid or mucous present that required immediate aspiration. So after 3 different attempts with multiple catheters and suctioning devices, a tiny bit remains. This is not to mention the pain.

Because the lining is still too thin, I will remain on Lupron and Estradiol. The Lupron will ensure I do not ovulate. The bi-weekly Estradiol shot and nightly vaginal suppositories will continue to build the lining. We go back Monday.

Our tentative March 4th transfer is even more tentative.

IM shots are evil

2010-02-23T20:35:00.001-08:00

Tonight was my 3rd injection and it sucks. I hoped by now we would have worked through the kinks but I now believe I will never get used to it. From beginning to end, it stings so deeply and it's worse when Ed pulls out the over-an-inch needle.

I am now focused on trying to come to terms with this suckiness. Not only will I need to continue with these shots, we will be adding in an additional daily IM shot next week. Ugh.

Praying for some grace. Goodnight.

Intramuscular shots tonight

2010-02-16T20:36:00.001-08:00

We jumped through a very traumatic hurdle tonight with Ed giving me my first IM shot directly into my upper butt region.

We attempted it about 4 times before successfully managing our nerves. What I felt the most was a slight pinch when Ed carefully and slowly inserted the needle. I was amazed at how much longer it took for the medication to dispense.

Ed will give me this shot of Estradiol twice a week - Tuesdays and Fridays - for a couple of weeks. We will continue with the nightly Lupron shots for a couple of weeks to ensure my ovaries stay quiet (bummer).

Tonight I also start lovely vaginal suppositories at bedtime that assist in building the lining. Plus I will start baby or low dose aspirin nightly.

Also, the best of all is I didn't have a period this month probably due to the birth control pills and Lupron combination. The doctor gave me a transvaginal ultrasound yesterday and confirmed everything looked normal. Plus my Estradiol levels were low enough so we were able to start injections tonight.

We feel like were moving quickly. Hooray for that. Goodnight and thank you for your continued support.

Lupron, day 4 & I am missing my brain

2010-02-07T22:06:00.001-08:00

Today was the first day I really felt my mind slipping into the abyss. I often lose my words but can still visualize or describe the word. Not anymore. I lose all associations with the word left feeling a little moronic. At least I knew it was coming.

Other symptoms include excessive tiredness and severe cramping. Both of which require many deep breaths and being extremly gentle and kind with myself.

The next event is a doctors appointment on Monday 2/15 for baseline blood tests and an ultrasound.

Goodnight.

Lupron shot night 2, 2/4/2010

2010-02-05T20:19:00.001-08:00

Tonight I am reflecting Lupron. It's only night two this go-round but the past experience is fresh in my mind and memories. Last year, I thought I was losing my mind when words would fall out of my brain. This time I am acutely aware this will happen so I am comitted to over-document the effects.

So far the only effect has been mild to severe cramps most of this afternoon. I think my ovaries are quite upset with being forced into slumber.

To my little ovaries, I love you so please be gentle for the next 10 days when I hope to blissfully receive estrogen injections. XxoOoOxxo

Goodnight all.

Lupron fun

2010-02-04T19:56:00.001-08:00

Lupron tonight!

2010-02-04T19:22:00.001-08:00

Tonight we start 10 units of Lupron nightly. We are both pretty anxious.

Bloodwork all came back normal so I will be able to take Heparin when the time comes.

Our first doctors appointment is 2/15 for bloodwork (estradiol) and an ultrasound.

We're on our way folks!!

2010 and Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET)

2010-01-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

It's 2010! And it's time to give this another shot. Ed and I will be starting our first Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) very soon (like tonight). The process is very different that the Fresh Cycle experienced April - May of last year. A few notes first.

Again, if you're a friend or family member then you know how hard 2009 was for us. We remain humbled and are thankful for the experience. As such, the hardest part was telling you all our sad news. The first time was hard; the second time was unbearable. That said, we are keeping this one a little quiet. Only those of you reading this will know what's truly going on in our life these days.

We thought that we might suspend blogging but then I reflect to the reason we started this blog in the first place - to let other women and couples in my/our position know they are not alone in this. So we blog...

Here are the FET highlights:
Tonight we start birth control pills for 21 days. This will allow our doctor to be in full control of my system.
Later this week I will take lab tests to ensure that I'm able to take heparin (blood thinners) injections. If all is good, I will start heparin with the embryo transfer.
On 2/4 we start Lupron injections. Ed will administer these injections directly into my arm or legs every day. This will fully suspend ovulation and put me into a forced menopause (fun).
On 2/16 we start Estradiol injections. Ed will administer these twice a week in to an intramuscular location (like my lower back). Estradiol ensures the uterus has adequate blood flow.
Potential embryo transfer: 3/4. Then we wait 8-10 days for pregnancy tests.

There are a few unknowns/follow up items I need to work with my nurse on. One is when I start intramuscular Progesterone-In-Oil (PIO) injections. They may not start until after the transfer.

There's some scary stuff that can happen like our embryos do not thaw. This would mean that I would have received many injections (especially the painful intramuscular ones) for no reason. That said, I only have space in my brain and heart for positive thoughts.

Updates to come. Goodnight.

Follow up to my last post

2009-09-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

In November when my doc performed the laparotic myomectomy, he was forced to reconstruct parts of my uterus which is a very sensitive procedure and makes my uterus more susceptible to scar tissue. During the June D&C, the doc performed this with much caution - too much caution - in that he did not follow the normal procedure in fear of creating scar tissue. This caution is what created the situation in which I had to go back 3 weeks ago for another surgery.

Ed and I are doing so much better now. Physically, I'm feeling like me again. All the weight I'd gained taking all the medications is starting to fall off (thanks to logging 10+ miles a week). Mentally, we're finally digging back out of the funk and darker place we might have been stuck in for a few months.

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. I love all the emails I get from you readers - they keep me strong and sane. Love you all!

Return visit to the clinic, 8/7/09

2009-08-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

At our doctor's appointment we discussed the frozen embryo transfer (FET) steps, details of genetic testing, and my cycle since the 6/26 D&C. The big surprise is that because of my irregularities the doctor performed an ultrasound to make sure everything was ok and my uterus looked normal. He explained that many women have irregularities after a D&C until their body's hormones regulate. We fully expected the ultrasound to be routine however the ultrasound identified that the sac was still intact within my uterus. How'd this happen? More details to come in a following blog - I just don't have the energy to explain right now.

The FET process will go something like this:

- Lupron will shut my ovulation down and will be administered by daily shots.

- After some time, Estrogen will prepare my uterus and will be administered twice a week.

- Soon after Progesterone in oil shots aids in the implantation of the embryo and will be administered once daily directly into the muscle.

- The two frozen embryos will hopefully survive the thawing process and implanted into my uterus.

- Continue Progesterone in oil shots...

Genetic tests include:

APA - Antiphospholipid Syndrome (http://www.womens-health.co.uk/antiphos.htm)

LAC - Lupus Anticoagulant Test (http://www.sharedjourney.com/define/lac.html)

Karyotyping - check for chromosomal abnormalities (http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/461853)

Immediate next steps include another D&C this week then wait until we can take genetic tests (ETA unknown).

2009-07-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

It's crazy how quickly events happen. We went from happily pregnant to not. At our 8-week ultrasound our little one stopped growing and his/her heart stopped. A week later I had a D&C (about 3 weeks ago).

Now we are recovering, both physically and mentally. We've had time to settle our thoughts and emotions and are focusing our attentions on genetic testing within the next couple of months.

Until then, we wait, we thank God for our blessings, and hope for new life. Thank you in advance for your continued love, support, and prayers.

It's positive!

2009-05-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

Got the test results back yesterday - I'm pregnant!!

Monday's HCG: 22.3 mlU/ml
Wednesday's HCG: 98.4 mlU/ml

Next test is scheduled for 5/30. If all remains well, we'll have the ultrasound between 6/6-6/8 where we'll get to hear the heartbeat and count up all the little babies. Think 2 everyone.

2 perfectly frozen embryos!

2009-05-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

At Sunday's embryos transfer, my doctor warned that the remaining two embryos would probably not grow enough to be able to be frozen. I am happy to report that my little embryos proved him wrong!

The embryologist called yesterday to let us know the two remaining embryos reached blastocyst stage - the stage required for cryopreservation - a whole day early.

She was really sweet, when she was saying good-bye she said "So your little embryos will be here when you decide to get pregnant again"!

and 2 makes 3...

2009-05-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

Wow, so the doctor implanted three perfect embryos yesterday. As mentioned in my earlier post, my assumption was that we'd go with two of the three perfect embryos. We were surprised when we went in for the consult with the doctor and discussed the idea of implanting 3. Based on the factors below we decided to implant 3.

- my age. My 35th birthday is in October and the age the doctor would recommend implanting 2 or 3 embryos.

- overall clinic statistics

- concern over cryopreservation especially since there might only be one viable to freeze

- my doctor's recommendation

- how does one, including the doctor, recommend leaving one out? I just didn't seem realistic to me.

So now, almost 24 hours later I am happy, excited, and thrilled about the 3 little embryos growing strong in my uterus now.

Our next visit will be in two weeks for a blood test - starting believing in a POSITIVE result.

Mork & Mindy are coming home to mama!

2009-05-10T08:41:00.001-07:00

We just got the call from the embryologist and we go in today for the embryo transfer! The 5 embryo's are doing great but 3 are "outstanding" so they will decide which to transfer when we get there. I wanted to puke when I got off the call but Ed reminded me that would be too much stress on my belly - smart guy, right?!

We'll be posting pictures today of our two sweeties later. For now, we're settling on lovingly referring to them as Mork & Mindy but other top names included:

- Batman & Robin

- Roxy 2 & Roxy 3

- Captain Kirk & Spock (we saw the new flick yesterday)

Happy Mother's Day!

Fertilization Report, 5/8/09

2009-05-08T08:37:00.000-07:00

The embryologist, Mario, called this morning with some great news. Of all 7 follicles retrieved, all 7 were mature enough to fertilize. Of the 7 eggs, 5 actually fertilized and are looking good as of this morning. Mario said this was great news and everything looks really good.

Our hopes have always been to have 2 great ones to transfer but to have a few extra to cryopreserve in case this first round didn't result in a pregnancy. Last week when the doctors realized I my body was not producing as may follicles as they expected we felt like our odds decreased however our hopes have now been restored.

We will not have another fertilization report until early Sunday morning when an embryologist will call to let us know if we'll be transferring on Sunday or waiting until Tuesday. Until then, please keep our little embryos in your thoughts and prayers that they continue to grow steady and strong.

All our love,
Cel & Ed

Egg Retrieval, 5/07/09

2009-05-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

I'm at home tonight recovering from this morning's egg retrieval. We were told on Sunday that there were probably 5, maybe 6 follicles to retrieve. We were so excited when they told us they found 7! We are so hopeful that all little ones are mature enough to be fertilized. We'll get our first call tomorrow to let us know how many fertilized and what grade they are all classified as.

This recovery has been challenging. Because my left ovary is tucked behind my uterus, they had to apply pressure on my belly to be able to locate the follicles in the ovary. I can only describe the pain as if my tummy has been used as a punching bag. I'm struggling to walk a little bit but drinking plenty of fluids and the heating pad plus Tylenol have become my best friends.

The embryo transfer is scheduled for 11am on Sunday, Mother's day, which is very exciting. Today during the procedure and when I was out cold, my doctor experimented with a type of catheter,that will be the expressway for my little embies, because I have a curvy uterus. The good news is that I will not have to arrive on a full bladder but the bad news is that if the catheter doesn't work as well as they hope then I'll have to down 30 oz. of water for the traditional catheter.

Ok, on to the TMI portion of this entry. I started progesterone vag suppositories today which will get my uterus ready for implantation. I will insert one in the morning and at noon daily. On the transfer day, I will add an additional vag combination suppository of progesterone and estrogen. Tonight I will also start on steroids and antibiotics.

That's it for now. Good night & please keep us in your thoughts.

Egg Retrieval scheduled for 5/7/2009

2009-05-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

We got the go-ahead this morning for a Thursday egg retrieval. Woo hoo! We are so excited to be moving on to yet another phase. The doctor we met with today was really positive about the size of the 3 of 5 follicles that he was able to see on the ultrasound.

Tonight @ 6:30PST is my last shot of Lupron that suppresses ovulation. Then two hours later (8:30 PST) I will receive two shots of the "trigger" Ovidrel which is one last push at maturing the follicles and eggs. I cannot believe that tonight we are done with shots (for now anyways). It's been a roller coaster of a ride, some nights not believing I have to take shots, some nights not wanting any shots, and some nights - like tonight - very excited for shots. Ed has been the most amazing "shot-giver" & I couldn't have done any of this without him.

As much as I am anxious and nervous, I am also resolved to the outcome. I know that while I would have loved to produce more eggs my body did the best it could do.

Until Thursday...

Cumulative estradiol and follicle counts:
Baseline E2 4/23/09: 31 pg/ml
E2 level #1 4/29/09: 281 pg/ml
E2 level #2 5/01/09: 528 pg/ml
E2 level #3 5/03/09: 1278 pg/ml
E2 level #4 5/05/09: 2078 pg/ml

Follicles:
5/01/09:
Left: 2 Follicles; 1 @ 14mm, 1 @ 11mm
Right: 3 Follicles; 1 @ 9mm, 1 @ 10.5mm, 1 @ 13mm
5/03/09:
Left: 3 Follicles; 2 @ 15.5mm, 1 @ 12.5mm
Right: 3 Follicles; 1 @ 16.5mm, 1 @ 13.5mm, 1 @ 11mm
5/05/09:
Left: 2 Follicles; 1 @ 21mm, 1 @ 18mm
Right: 3 Follicles; 1 @ 21mm, 2 @ 15mm

Blood work & Ultrasound: Estradiol levels & Follicle count, 5/03/09

2009-05-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Today we went back in for a recheck of the good ole' follies. The doc found another one on the right side which is great news. He wants them to cook a little bit longer so it does look like the egg retrieval will be delayed to Thursday of next week.

Here are my cumulative results:
Estradiol (E2):
4/23/09 baseline Estradiol (E2) – 31 pg/ml (picograms/milliliter)
4/29/09 first Estradiol (E2) – 281 pg/ml
5/01/09 second Estradiol (E2) - 528 pg/ml
5/03/09 second Estradiol (E2) - 1278 pg/ml

Follicles:
5/01/09:
Left: 2 Follicles; One is 14mm, one is 11mm
Right: 3 Follicles; One is 9mm, one is 10.5mm, one is 13mm

5/03/09:
Left: 3 Follicles; Two at 15.5mm, one is 12.5mm
Right: 3 Follicles; One is 16.5mm, one is 13.5mm, one is 11mm

Our next appointment is on Tuesday where they'll recheck both blood work and follicle count. We'll post again then.

Blood work & Ultrasound: Estradiol levels & Follicle count, 5/01/09

2009-05-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

A bit of a setback today. My Estradiol levels are too low and I don't have as many follicles as they expected me to have at this point. Starting tonight the gonal-f dosage will increase from 300u to 375u & we will go back on Sunday for another blood test and ultrasound.

Here are my cumulative results:
Estradiol (E2):
4/23/09 baseline Estradiol (E2) – 31 pg/ml (picograms/milliliter)
4/29/09 first Estradiol (E2) – 281 pg/ml
5/01/09 second Estradiol (E2) - 528 pg/ml

Follicles:
5/01/09:
Left: 2 Follicles; One is 14mm, one is 11mm
Right: 3 Follicles; One is 9mm, one is 10.5mm, one is 13mm

Bleek, egg retrieval will probably be postponed a day to allow the new follicles to grow a bit longer.

We'll post again on Sunday, please send us your good thoughts.

Blood work: Estradiol levels checked, 4/29/09

2009-04-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

Results from this mornings blood draw is already posted on my RE’s patient portal. I love technology!

4/23/09 baseline Estradiol (E2) – 31 pg/ml (picograms/milliliter)
4/29/09 first Estradiol (E2) – 281 pg/ml
The ivf nurse expected a range between 200 and 500 so it looks like we’re right on track. We go back on Friday for another blood test and ultrasound. We are excited for the ultrasound because it will show us how many follicles there seem to be and how they are maturing & growing based on size. Additionally, we might have more details around when the egg retrieval might be.

The nurse will call this afternoon to confirm that we stay on our current protocol until Friday’s appointment.

I also completed the anesthesia questionnaire for the egg retrieval procedure that will probably be next week. They also gave us a pregnancy test to take the day after the trigger shots to be sure the they worked. The trigger shot contains the hcg hormone (same one measured in a pregnancy test) and will provide one last push for the follicles to grow. If my body doesn't react to the two trigger shots then my doc will give me something stronger but it will delay egg retrieval. More confirmation this is actually happening!

We’ll keep you posted.

the bloat is ON!

2009-04-26T19:45:00.000-07:00

Tonight is night 3 of stims and it's going really well. It was really awkward for both Ed and I to give/get a shot in the belly so the first one was sketchy - Ed had to give me an unintentional test poke because the belly surface felt different. The amount of medicine is a lot more (went from 10u/5u to 300u) so he had to adjust to a longer push of the plunger.

Usually the Lupron (5u) is a piece of cake but last night we were both off somehow so I got a little bit of a bruise today. I think we were trying to do both injections too quickly (from icing ritual: ice to shot to pressure to ice) so we're going to slow that process down a bit starting tonight.

I must say that since starting the stims I finally feel closer to myself again. I didn't think the Lupron had much of an effect on my mood but I realized today that I am really happy and back to the old me again. Hi Cel, I missed you!!

Well, the real reason for this post is to share that I'm totally and completely bloated! The RE said this is normal and expected but it's just weird to me - it's like I have this little spare tire below my belly. I'm just hoping my closet survives the next few weeks (then beyond that, I hope I need a new wardrobe anyway)! Until then Viva Yoga to stay balanced!

Updates to come on Wednesday when we visit the doctors again and discuss next steps.

Family & Friends, this is really happening! The excitement is unreal and unlike anything I ever expected. Thank you for all of your love and support.

Love,
Cel & Ed

Baseline Appointment 4/23/09 & Stimulation Meds start tonight, 4/24/09

2009-04-24T08:09:00.001-07:00

We had our baseline appointment at the RE's office yesterday. Everything went well and it was a very quick appointment. I gave a blood sample for my current Estradiol level that will be compared next week when I give more blood samples on 4/29 and 5/1. Estradiol is the hormone that can be measured to show how well my body is responding to the stimulation medication. The RE also performed an ultrasound to make sure my ovaries are "quiet" giving us the green light for starting the stim injections tonight.

The stimulation medications will consist of an additional shot which is a coctkail mix of gonal-f and menopur. This shot will be given in my belly at the same time as the reduced dose of Lupron is given in either my arm or thigh. The IVF nurse tells me that with starting the stims and reducing the Lupron will help with all the side effects (major migranes lately) because my estrogen levels will increase. She says to give it two days.

The cure to my headaches are...

2009-04-18T20:29:00.000-07:00

caffeine.

I think, anyways. Earlier when I felt one coming on, I took a quick swig of Ed's Coke and it didn't progress into a migraine. I'm not supposed to take any caffeine but a few sips here and there is ok by me.

Lupron Symptoms

2009-04-17T14:54:00.000-07:00

I've had three shots last night. There are 17 more nights of shots left. I wanted to quickly capture the symptoms I'm experiencing.

1) Headaches. The sporadic frequency is odd. I'm noticing them mainly in the early evening although I had one this morning. I've googled it and found remedies consist of drinking more water (I'm already at 40oz a day), tylenol, and possibly eating chocolate (I'm not quite buying this one though). I also read that once the dosage is reduced on Friday that the headaches will subside.

2) Fullness. I'm not sure if I'm actually bloating but my lower tummy just feels full and achy.

3) Not sharp. It's as if aliens sucked the smart and quick wit out of my brain. This may not be a bad thing because I'm such a quick talker. This is making me slow down and think before I speak. Not sure what it does to my writing, so forgive any grammatical errors. I have an excuse.

All in all, I'm happy. I love that we are finally here. I still heart shots... but not shots in the arm maybe because there's less fat in my arm. We're sticking to the back of the thighs.

Love,
Cel.

Headache today

2009-04-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

The good thing about shots during allergy season is that you don't know the real cause of a monstrous headache.

I heart headaches, not really, but if I do will it go away sooner? Let's test the theory...

Lupron shot 1 tonight, 4/14/09

2009-04-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight at 8pm Ed gave me the first of many Lupron shots. If Ed was nervous, he hid it so well. I was more nervous than I expected to be on the inaugural night of becoming a human pin cushion. Here's our process:

We wipe down the kitchen counter with anti-back kitchen spray then wipe the area with a Clorox wipe
We are using a serving tray to house the Sharps container (where the used needles go), alcohol wipes, and a plastic container that temporary holds waste. The tray is put ontop of the clean counter.
Ed pulls the meds out of the fridge & wipes the top of the vial with an alcohol wipe
I pull an ice pack and start numbing the back of my thigh
Ed fills the syringe to appropriate level - tonight was 10 u on an insulin syringe
We go to the couch, I remove the ice pack, Ed swabs the area, wait for it to dry (else it'll sting), I pinch the area, & Ed stabs me like a pro
I apply pressure for a mintute then the ice pack for a few minutes
I get up and get my m&m's reward - thanks to Kathy for the supply!

1 Lupron shot down, 20 to go.

Now I'm heading up for meditation then to bed. Good night.

Cel.

Big day tomorrow

2009-04-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we have an appointment @ the center to get shot instructions, the schedule, and Ed will practice giving me shots! We are excited, thrilled, & a little anxious.

Tomorrow we also get to write a big fat check for one fresh cycle. It's a big chunk of change but we are so happy to feed the econonmy with our baby making money.

Crazy hormones, here I come! Stay tuned for day 1 of injections on 4/14 at 8:00pm.

Update on major dates

2009-04-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

4/9/09 - Visit to the clinic for shot instructions (Ed'll practice giving me a shot) & review of the schedule
4/14/09 - Lupron injections start
4/24/09 - Stimulation injections start
5/5/09 - Egg Retrieval
5/8/09 or 5/10/09 - Embryo Transfer
5/16/09 or 5/17/09 & 5/18/09 - Doctor's visit for pregnancy test

Last bcp tonight, 3/21/2009

2009-03-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

We're getting so excited because I take my last birth control pill tonight. What this means is as soon as I start my cycle, I call the fertility nurse and she will send over the final schedule! We'll also make the appt for Ed to learn how to do injections as well as a retest for the gunk found a couple of months ago.

Woo hoo, we are so ready to get this show on the road. The only thing left to do is buy some m&m's: what Ed'll use every night at 8p to coax me into the kitchen for shots.

Stay tuned, I'll update soon.

Overview of April IVF draft schedule

2009-03-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

4/14/09 - Lupron injections start
4/24/09 - Baseline appointment: blood test for Estradiol which will be compared later in the cycle for follicle growth
4/25/09 - Stim medications begin. Menopur and Gonul-f injections; Begin 81mg of Asprin
4/29/09 - Last day for high-impact exercise - yay, at least I'll have an excuse not to.
4/30/09 - Estradiol level blood test @ fertility clinic
5/02/09 - Estradiol level blood test and ultrasound @ clinic; Lupron injections continue; Potential change of stim dosages
5/03/09 - Estradiol level blood test and ultrasound @ clinic
5/04/09 - Egg Retrieval date set & receive instructions and time to take Ovidrel injections
5/06/09 - Most common day for Egg Retrieval; Begin taking Medrol and Antibiotics; Progesterone suppositories begin
5/08 or 5/10/09 - Embryo Transfer will be on one of these days; Light bed rest for 3 total days
5/17 & 5/19/09 - Pregnancy tests

The meds have arrived!

2009-02-21T10:48:00.000-08:00

Picture of Lupron, Menopur, Gonul F & Ovidrel

25 vials & 52 needles

Lupron Injection Box (1 box) includes
1 2.8 ml vial leuprolide injection
Menopur 75 IU Box (2 boxes) includes
5 single dose vials of Menotropins for Injection
5 single dose vials of .9% Sodium Chloride Injection
5 Qcap Vial Adapters

Gonal F Multidose 450 IU ( 5 boxes) includes

5 vials of Gonal-f multi dose (1 vial per box)

5 pre-filled syringe of bacteriostatic water for injection (1 per box)

30 administration syringes with fixed needle (27 gauge) (6 per box)

Ovidrel 250 ug/0.5mL (2 boxes) includes

2 ovidrel prefilled syringes

We purchased our fertility meds today!!!

2009-02-18T17:48:00.001-08:00

Here's what $2,700 dollars will getcha in the fertility drugs arena:

Begins before and during Ovarian Stimulation (Step One below):
1. Lupron - Leuprolide Acetate is administered as a subcutaneous injection using insulin syringes. Insulin syringes are used because the measurement on the syringe is in units (i.e.: 10 units is equivalent to 0.1ml/cc). For the role it plays in assisted reproductive technologies, Leuprolide Acetate is used to reduce the amount of estrogen and testosterone in the body. This decrease in estrogen production will prevent ovulation and stop menstrual period.

Used for Ovarian Stimulation (Step One below):
2. Menopur - Menopur is a gonadotropin that contains a combination of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. Menopur is administered as an injection subcutaneously.

3. GONAL-f - Gonal-f is administered as an injection subcutaneously. Gonal-f acts directly on the ovaries to help stimulate the development of follicles. Gonal-f is also used to stimulate the development of multiple eggs with assisted reproductive technologies.

Used 36 hours before Egg Retrieval (Step Two below):
4. OVIDREL - Ovidrel is administered as a subcutaneous injection. Ovidrel is used to induce ovulation (the release of an egg/eggs from the ovary) after patient monitoring indicates that sufficient follicle(s) growth has occurred.

site source: http://www.theapothecaryshop.com/FertilityMed.html

IVF related videos

2009-02-17T18:45:00.001-08:00

Regina asked I post some of the great videos that I've found out on the internet. Enjoy!

IVF Overview: http://video.about.com/infertility/In-Vitro-Fertilization.htm#

Video on preparing the shots (w/o showing the administration of the shot): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkzSc9hyH2Q

Egg Retrieval: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC9UaNtpweE&feature=channel

Embryo Transfer (forgive the money shot at the beginning): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHCE3ale7sI&feature=channel

In Vitro Fertilization Cycle details

2009-02-14T08:43:00.000-08:00

Tentatively, it looks like we'll be starting IVF in the next couple of weeks so I wanted to put out some information around what an IVF cycle will look like for us. Once the schedule has been finalized, I'll be sure to post it.

IVF Definition: In Vitro Fertilization literally means fertilization in glass. Instead of sperm penetrating the egg within the body (in vivo), fertilization takes place in a sterile disposable dish in a laboratory (In vitro).

Step One, Ovarian Stimulation: The treatment at this stage relies upon fertility drugs to over stimulate the development of follicles in the ovaries. The follicles are the "sacs" filled with fluid and contain the tiny, tiny egg that will later be extracted and fertilized as explained in the next step. The fertility drugs are given given by subcutaneous injection and Ed will administer the shots directly into my arm or thigh.

During this time, multiple ultrasound scans will be used to monitor the number and growth of ovarian follicles and the development of the lining of the uterus. The main focus of this stage is the over production of follicles (which contain eggs) so that when extracted in the next step, more can be fertilized and potentially used for multiple cycles assuming one cycle will not be sufficient for obtaining a pregnancy.

Step Two, Egg Retrieval: Once the eggs have matured to a certain point as determined by the various ultrasounds, the egg collection/retrieval will be scheduled. Ed will administer a shot into my tummy that will trigger the follicles and eggs to mature. Egg collection is performed vaginally using a special needle guided by ultrasound. Each follicle is aspirated until all the eggs are collected. I will push to have this procedure conducted under general anesthesia.

The follicles will immediately go to the embryologist who will analyze the quality of the eggs and we will immediately find out how many eggs were collected. The eggs and sperm will be put into a petrie dish for fertilizing the eggs. The inseminated eggs are then placed in an incubator overnight and are checked the following morning to see how many have fertilized. We will receive scheduled updates on how many embryos look viable for implantation or cryopreservation.

Step Three, Embryo Transfer: The fertilized eggs (now called embryos) are then cultured for between two and five days in the laboratory before being transferred into the uterus.

There are strict guidelines that our fertility clinic uses in the number of embryos that will be transferred (even before octomom). For my age, the protocol is to implant two or three embryos and we will pick this number with our doctor's help who will factor in the uterine reconstruction surgery, hysteroscopy and ultrasound results. The best embryos are selected for transfer either two to three days after egg collection or cultured further until day 5 (Blastocyst transfer). Any other good quality embryos may be stored by freezing (cryopreservation) for possible transfer at a later date.

Once transferred, I will remain off my feet for about 3 days and also will begin daily progesterone suppositories to aid in the embryos attaching to the uterus.

Two weeks later: I will have my hormone levels checked to see if it worked!!!

I hope this IVF introduction is helpful to understand what a cycle will look like.

Site source: http://www.content4reprint.com/science/discover-what-is-involved-in-the-ivf-process.htm

Operative Hysteroscopy, 2/11/2009

2009-02-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

I had the operative hysteroscopy yesterday at the fertility clinic's surgical center. It was a complete doozy. I told a good friend this morning that it was so traumatic that I'm surprised I didn't come home with a multiple personality!

I like to break down the procedure into two steps: laminaria insertion & hysteroscopy.

The laminaria was placed in my cervix on Tuesday evening, Feb. 10 to aid in cervix dilation overnight. This would make the hysteroscopy procedure go much easier.

The procedure was 20 minutes of severe cramping and twice there was pain I cannot effectively describe. The outcomes were great! There was 1 small fibroid and 1 either adhesion (scar tissue) or fatty globule that the doctor thinks he was able to remove. Better yet, I will not have to go through anything like that... we are marching to IVF!!!

UPDATE: No surgery required & we're on antibiotics

2009-01-29T18:31:00.001-08:00

Great news! My doc consulted a couple of his colleagues and they all decided that another surgery might create more scar tissue than it's worth so instead I'll be treated with a D&C procedure that should remove some necessary scar tissue. We will not know until the actual procedure how many days this will tack onto the start date of IVF but should find out in the next couple of weeks.

My next steps are to call the IVF nurse when I start cycle day 1 (probably tomorrow) and they'll schedule in the procedure for cycle days 6-10. This procedure is pretty invasive so I'll probably have to take it really easy for a few days afterwards to be sure everything heals properly.

Ed and I started a 10 day course of antibiotics yesterday because my culture came back with positive for UREAPLASMA UREALYTICUM which is a bacterial infection (gross, right?!). The IVF nurse explained that this is not something they look for at the OBGYN and its presence can cause damage to the fallopian tubes, cause infertility, and miscarriage (as most of you know we did experience a miscarriage 10 years ago)!! After the 10 days, I'll be retested to make sure it's gone.

Oh the drama and this roller coaster continues...

Stuff about uterine adhesions

2009-01-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd update to include links regarding the scar tissue (adhesions) that will need to be surgically removed sometime in February.

Stuff about adhesions: http://www.gynecare.com/bgdisplay.jhtml?itemname=adhesions_pelvic_pain_basic_information

Stuff about the procedure: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/wha/wha_hystutad_crs.htm
To ensure my uterus heals properly an intrauterine balloon will be placed in the uterus for a few days after surger to prevent wall to wall contact.

Once the surgery is complete, we will contact the IVF nurse to set an IVF schedule. At this point we know this delay will add about 45 days to our current schedule of possibly starting in late February.

Post-op Hysteroscopy Appointment, 1/14/2009

2009-01-14T17:35:00.000-08:00

Today I had a second Hysteroscopy performed in order to check out how my uterus has healed since the surgery and to gauge whether or not my body is one step closer to being ready for getting pregnant via IVF.

I was given the same meds: valium (for relaxation), vicodin (for pain), and another shot for muscle relaxation. The procedure was probably only a 4 of 10 for pain even when they had to go searching for a video tape for recording.

The results are a bit gloomy. The doctor found scar tissue that's the size of a quarter of my uterus. In order to correct this, I will need another surgery to remove the scar tissue and will have a balloon placed in my uterus for about 4 days. The surgery will be outpatient and the recovery will be pretty quick (a few days) - we are thrilled about that!

We do not have a date for surgery yet and are recovering from our numbness with receiving the news. My good friend reminded me how it's better to go through this now than possibly it become a reason for a future miscarriage and she's so right. We sit here and realize how completely lucky that we have practically zero in our medical history, we have amazing doctors, a fierce support system, and each other. We truly are lucky.

As always, we'll keep you posted.

Schooled in everything IVF, 1/9/2009

2009-01-14T17:20:00.000-08:00

Ed and I visited with the IVF nurse to learn more about what consists of a cycle including medications and the procedures given along the way. We learned a lot, most of which will be documented as we follow our own journey down our first cycle sometime in next few months. Generally we know we'll have one nurse that will become our lifeline into the process and will follow the day to day activities but also help with self injection lessons, where to get the best deal on the medications, and ensure we march to medication and procedure schedule.

Our immediate steps will mainly include figuring out what IVF plan we'll want to pick and gathering up the funds necessary. It's a mix of excitement and nervousness for Ed and I but hope that like everything else in our life it'll just fall into place.

Norco is my devil

2008-12-14T19:16:00.000-08:00

Norco is the oral medication I was given for pain after the surgery. It is a mix of Vicodin and acetaminophen and I like to think of it as a souped up version of Vicodin. It's great stuff when you have an iron digestive stomach and a tummy that isn't the recent location of a surgery...

When my doctor sent me home he told me to get on a laxative because Norco can prohibit normal bodily functions from occurring. We bought the brand he suggested (Senokot Sensitive Laxative) and I took one pill before bedtime each night. On day 4 of the recovery and after a visit to my doctor for staple removals, he reminded me to take one every night which I did. It was not enough. A week after the surgery I was still taking the normal dosage of Norco, experiencing intense pain, and close to needing my 3rd prescription refilled. We started to worry. Ed called the nurses station at found out that I should have been on stool softeners (big difference between a laxative and a stool softener) while on Norco. Once adding that in, it took about a day to get everything functioning again using laxatives, stool softeners, and even tried a suppository (no luck). The nurse also suggested I reduce the amount of Norco I was using because it was the culprit to my problem so I went off of the stuff cold turkey. Big mistake.

One day after stopping the Norco, I started to cough, sneeze, and I got a low grade fever. Coughing and sneezing during the early stages of my abdominal surgery was the worst pain I've ever felt. The comfort of a pillow to protect my tummy wasn't much comfort. 48 hours later and after wanting to die several times, the fever broke, the stomach spasms stopped, and I felt somewhat normal again. From that point on I only used Tylenol for pain.

The Surgery, Hopsital, and Coming Home, November 6-7th, 2008

2008-12-14T19:01:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, November 6th, I had a very successful surgery! The surgery was a breeze (mainly because I was knocked out) while the recovery was a doozy. Our one night in the hospital was enough to strive to be released the next day. The hospital is the last place to get rest although the nurses and staff were amazing.

I experienced an annoying reaction to morphine that made me have phantom itches. When you're not very mobile and your tummy is bandaged up it's really hard to itch your big toe or middle of the back. Luckily I was always surrounded with Ed and/or my mom. I was able to wean off of the morphine early the next day because the Norco (oral medication consisting of Vicodin and acetaminophen) worked well for my pain. After about 4 hours on the Norco and after a visit from my doctor, he released me to go home. I was so excited!

When we arrived home and after my very protective mom left, I coaxed Ed into letting me try to make it up the stairs. See, initially, we planned on sleeping in our downstairs bedroom and avoid the stairs for a few days however I love my bed and would be miserable anywhere else. I was astonished at how reasonably easy it was to maneuver upstairs using the rails and Ed as support.

Surgery is next week

2008-10-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

When we found out about the surgery over a month ago I started making lists after lists of all the things we needed to get accomplished. Now that we are days away the lists really don't matter that much. Sure, we got a lot of the tasks crossed off but I'm not sure there's enough you can actually do to prepare for such an event. I guess it's similar to what they say about having babies: you are never really ready. The really important thing has become collecting books from my family and friends. I've been in a mass frenzy trying to collect enough of a variety that the weeks of recovery will not feel so stale.

On Monday, November 3rd, I have a pre-op appointment and will also receive the test results from all the blood given, urine samples, and other enjoyable specimens given. I'm really excited and hopeful that no other major issues come up. To date, our only discovery is that I tested not immune to Rubella so I've had the Measles Mumps and Rubella vaccine. It's worthy to note here that 30 days must pass before one should consider getting pregnant after receiving the vaccine.

In the same week as the Rubella shot, I also had a tetanus shot as I stepped on the pointy thing on my niece's belt buckle. That shot was fun - my arm swelled for about a week but at least I am healthy and safe from any type of poisoning.

Well then, that's it for me. We hope this finds you in the best of health and spirits. Happy Halloween!

Cel.

Laparotomy & Myomectomy links

2008-09-25T19:54:00.000-07:00

We are waiting for pre-auths, surgery approvals, and other random paperwork to be completed before we get a surgery date. I wanted to post a couple of sites around Myomectomy (surgery to remove the fibroid) & the Laparotomy (the method used).

Myomectomy types (as mentioned we have to go the Laparotomy route):
http://women.webmd.com/uterine-fibroids/myomectomy-17717

Surgery description with pictures and video!!! (disregard the parts about Laparoscopy - my fibroid is too large to treat with laparoscopy)
http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/abdom_lapar_myomectomy.htm

Take care and we'll pass on any info as we get it in.

Love,
Cel & Ed

the Hysteroscopy appointment, 9/23/2008

2008-09-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

The appointment was today. I am still groggy from the medications given to help me relax so this blog entry might be a little loopy.

Medications given: valium (for relaxation), vicodin (for pain), tetracycline (antibiotic), and an ibuprofen shot. The combination of all made me less anxious although the procedure was still painful (about a level 7 of 10 in regards to pain).

Procedure: The doctor inserted the speculum then inserted a catheter of a saline solution (some will use carbon dioxide; inflates the uterus for visibility) then the scope. On the monitor we were able to see my fallopian tubes but could not tell what was blocking them since the tubes are really, really small. The blockage is in the tubes versus the entry point from the uterus to the tubes. The fibroid, on the other hand, is pretty large (it's funny to note that my obgyn thought the fibroid was "small" and today it was upgraded to "quite large").

Conclusion: This test was to tell the doctor how to treat the fibroid. We know the fibroid is only pushing into my uterus however it's important to see if there are any fibroids in my uterine cavity. There are none, thankfully. However, the fibroid will need to be removed using a surgical procedure called laparotomy (see http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/surgery-for-chronic-pelvic-pain for a brief description). I haven't started researching it and only know it'll require a bikini line incision and a 3-4 night hospital stay. The doctors will want to do this pretty quickly however I have no other details yet.

Ed will have the results of today's semen analysis later today.

More details as I have them.

Love,
Cel.

the Hysteroscopy appointment is scheduled for 9/23/2008

2008-09-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

The hysteroscopy appointment has been scheduled for Tuesday, September 23. In this procedure the doctor will inflate my uterus with carbon dioxide then insert a scope into my uterus allowing my doctor a complete view of my uterus. There will be monitors in the room what will display the images from the scope.

I am happy that I will be under some sedation that will help me relax but will not put me completely out - so I will be able to watch the monitors to see what is going on inside of me. Ed will also be able to be there too - yippie.

The main purpose of this procedure is to take a look at the fibroid and of the fallopian tube blockages. I am excited to see what the results will be.

our Blood work, 9/16/2008

2008-09-16T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today Ed and I had blood drawn for numerous tests ordered by the fertility doctor. We had an awesome technician and barely felt the prick of the needle. The most painful was the anticipation in waiting for our turn at the lab. Results to come...

Fertility Center consultation, 9/11/2008

2008-09-15T19:22:00.000-07:00

I've told people I am close to that I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach that IVF was probably going to be the recommendation for our infertility. As I walked into the center that morning, the idea of IVF loomed in the back of my brain and approximately one hour later, after a check of my vitals and a complete review of my medical history IVF became our reality.

I am not against IVF and I wasn't against it walking in there that morning. However when we found out it was like a ton of bricks fell on us and all of a sudden everything started to happen so quickly. This feeling was enhanced by the documentation given to us to start reading the concepts behind IVF: ovulation stimulation, egg retrieval, insemination, fertilization, embryo culture, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation.

The doctor also performed a transvaginal ultrasound to analyze my uterus, ovaries, and fibroid. The fibroid is a little large compared to the overall size of my uterus - 3cm fibroid in my 7cm uterus. Next up is a hysteroscopy to take another look at the blockage and the fibroid to help determine if it should be removed before IVF.

Semen analysis & poor guy

2008-09-15T19:20:00.000-07:00

First of all I have to say that as horrible as the HSG test was, there is probably nothing more mortifying to a man than to take the dreaded walk to the lab counter to drop off a semen sample. For this reason, I have to thank Ed.

The sample wasn't as great as we hoped it'd be however we're in the process of taking it over again... updates to come.

the Ultrasound, 8/8/2008

2008-09-15T19:17:00.000-07:00

Because my test results showed blockages in the proximal area of the fallopian tubes, my doctor ordered an ultrasound to look for fibroids. We were confident that treatable fibroids would be the answer to our infertility woes and while one was located in my uterus its location was not found to be the cause of the blockage.

At this point... we are referred to Northern California Fertility Center.

the Hysterosalpingogram, 8/4/2008

2008-09-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

Quite simply, this procedure is humbling. If you are going to get this done, google the procedure name and use the advanced fertility sit and webmd site. The advanced fertility website will give a good idea of what to look for during the procedure. I studied the images before my appointment which gave me the knowledge to identify on my own that my fallopian tubes were clogged. The webmd site is excellent for describing the procedure. The most important thing is to take a vicodin or a strong dose of advil to help you and your body relax.

After the procedure I cramped pretty severely and had some spotting for a couple of hours. It took a couple of days for my body to recover from being so tense during the procedure. It's important to note that the radiologist expects all symptoms to get better and if they get worse through the day then the office should be called or visit the emergency room.

There is an art to scheduling the appointment which is described on the webmd site but it's crucial to make it after your cycle ends but before you ovulate. They will not perform the procedure if you have any spotting as the tissue can possibly get stuck in the fallopian tubes causing endometrosis - this I know because my first appointment was cancelled due to spotting.

My best advice is to be brave and know the data you receive from the test will outweigh the procedure's invasiveness.

one year later

2008-09-15T18:43:00.000-07:00

After one year of trying to conceive, Ed and I return to my OB/GYN in June 2008. Citing our age (I am 34 and Ed is 37) the doctor immediately orders:

a Hysterosalpingogram for me
a Semen analysis for Ed

We have been using the OVWatch for a few months to collect ovulation data so the doctor is confident that I am able ovulate and does not order up any additional tests.

about us

2008-09-15T18:35:00.000-07:00

My name is Celia. I am married to an amazing man, Ed, and we have been married 12 years and waiting for the perfect time to start a family. Over the years we've been focused on getting prepared for a family - buying houses, upgrading jobs, setting up our life insurance policies and 401k's plus all that other "responsible" stuff one does before having a kid.

We decided over a year ago to start trying although I have been off all birth control for years. Like most everything else in our life that was controllable, we figured getting pregnant would just happen with a snap of the fingers... nothing could be further from the truth.

I decided to start this blog for a couple of reasons: keep our friends and family informed in our progress and to the many hopeful couples out there walking through the same journey.