Ups and Downs

We have had another exciting week here at the Miller house. My second HCG test was on Monday and it had risen from 58 to 257. This was great news and the doctor was happy with the increase in numbers. My third, and typically final, test was yesterday and showed that my levels had risen to 1058. At that point, an ultrasound was scheduled for November 8.

While we felt we could breath a sigh of relief with the positive results, I started spotting and cramping last night. The doctor feels it could be from the implantation of the embryo but we won't know for sure until Monday. Since I just had my levels measured yesterday, another blood test won't be conclusive until Monday. Until then, I am supposed to stay in bed and rest in an effort to stop the bleeding.

While we are definitely worried, we're trying to stay positive and are hoping for the best on Monday. Please send out good thoughts and prayers that we are able to sustain our second miracle.

The early results are in and ...

We are officially pregnant!

Since we're headed out of town tomorrow, my IVF nurse let me come in a day early for my blood test. She called this afternoon to report that my 'beta HCG' level was 58, which is great. I need to go back in on Monday to ensure that the HCG levels are rising but so far everything looks great! We are thrilled and excited but know it is very very early and we have a long road ahead of us.

We're hoping and praying for strong numbers on Monday so keep all those good thoughts coming our way!!

Two Embryos Transferred

Yesterday was another very exciting day for us as we got to transfer two beautiful embryos!

 

The procedure was more difficult than the doctor had anticipated but he was able to successfully complete the transfer. Fortunately, I was asleep so didn't feel any of it.

We also managed to freeze two embryos to use in the future. We didn't have any left over last time so weren't expecting it this time but it was a nice surprise.

In addition to continuing the progesterone shots, I've also added estrogen patches so am chock full of hormones. Now that all the procedures are done, I'm trying to take advantage of my bedrest while I can!

No more appointments until the 21st when I go in for my pregnancy test. So now we wait...

7 Embryos Growing

After a quick visit to REACH this morning, the doctor confirmed that there was no more fluid in the uterus. This means that we are all ready for a transfer on Monday. The embryologist also told us that all 7 embryos are still growing which is great news. We have five perfect ones which are eight cell, one that is ten cell, and one that is twelve cell. (Apparently, those that have a higher number of cells don't do as well as the eight cells.)

Our transfer is scheduled for 10:00 am on Monday so we're optimistic that we'll be able to transfer two healthy embryos. Until then, I'm doing my best to rest up for the big day!!

We've also successfully completed our first two progesterone shots. While these are my least favorite shots of them all (given the huge nature of the needles), Steve is doing a great job!

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers :)

Seven Eggs Fertilized

We got the fertilization report this morning and are happy to report that all 7 mature eggs fertilized. That means we have 7 little embryos growing in the lab. The hope is that they will continue to grow until Monday (day 5) so we can implant the strongest. If there are any extra, we will freeze them for use in the future. As we didn't have any to freeze last time, we aren't anticipating this, but you never know!

During the retrieval, the doctor had to drain some extra fluid so I need to go in on Saturday to make sure it hasn't returned. Provided all looks good, we'll be set for a Monday transfer. 

Keep up the good thoughts and prayers for our embryos :)

Eight eggs!

We made it through the retrieval and the doctor successfully retrieved 8 eggs!! Of those, 7 were mature so we hope to get a few good embryos. As usual, as soon as I got my IV, everything went smoothly. We'll get our first fertilization report tomorrow so will be praying that our embryos are growing big and strong tonight.

It's been a big day and I'm exhausted so am off to bed...will update more tomorrow.

Retrieval Tomorrow

After a busy busy busy few days, we're finally ready for the retrieval tomorrow. The doctors saw between 8 and 9 follicles so hopefully we'll have some good quality eggs. I got my trigger shot last night at 11:00 PM and the retrieval is scheduled for 11:00 AM tomorrow (exactly 36 hours after the shot).

I brought Alex today to pick up my pre-op instructions and he was able to meet the people that helped him come into this world. Hopefully his visit there will be good luck for his future brother or sister ;)

Off to bed to rest up for tomorrow. Keep up the good thoughts!!

Follicle Checks

I've had a busy weekend filled with blood tests and ultrasounds. Now that I'm in the midst of the stimulation phase, follicles are constantly monitored to help determine the growth of my eggs. (The eggs are too small to see but the follicles are fluid filled sacs which each contain an egg.)

At yesterday's visit, the doctor counted 7 follicles on the left and 4 on the right. As usual, it was almost impossible to see anything on the right so this was more of a guess based on the limited visibility! Today's visit was about the same and I was told to continue with the stimulation and come back tomorrow.

The question on everyone's mind is, 'when is the retrieval?' At this point, the doctor needs to be satisfied by the number of swollen follicles and their size. Once this happens, I'll be given an hCG trigger shot to release the eggs within 36 hours. Fingers crossed we'll get the go ahead tomorrow!