Second Beta

My second beta was 871! I am a little nervous because it seems like most girls betas more than double, and mine wasn't quite as high as some peoples by this day. But they said everything was fine, they were looking for anything 800 or more, and I don't need to come back in until my first ultrasound in March. The wait for the second beta was killer so I can just imagine how much harder the next two weeks will be!

I still can't believe this is happening to me. Husband and I both cried when they gave us the news. I know that anything could still happen at this point - but we are praying and trusting God that this pregnancy is viable and enjoying being pregnant for the first time ever.

PREGNANT!

HCG was 200! We are overjoyed and thrilled. Next beta is Monday.

To God be the glory!

9dp3dt

The cramping is back. It's still not very bad, but it's there.

I also started spotting. This morning I woke up with just a little bit. Have had an even smaller bit after wiping once this morning.

I know this could be a good thing. So many girls have cramping/spotting and BFPs with IVF. On the other hand, I always cramp and spot before AF, so it could just be that. However, I have NEVER spotted on progesterone support before. I just get my period automatically once I stop it without any spotting. Holding on to hope in this one small difference!

Thanks for all the prayers, support and encouragement!

7dp3dt

Trying so hard to not go crazy during this 2ww. 

I am trying to have faith in the impossible - that this could work despite there being no reasons to lead me to believe it has. That God has a plan for me, a plan for good things and hope and a future.

But it is hard. I basically have zero symptoms. The cramping has pretty much stopped altogether and I am not really having any of these other symptoms that so many girls seem to have. At the same time, I don't feel like AF is coming. I just feel nothing. Good, actually.

I don't think I am going to POAS. I just can't handle the disappointment if it's a no.

3dp3dt and Frozen Babies

Things have been going well so far during the arduous wait. I have had light cramping on and off since transfer - is this normal, or does it already spell doom for me? I have been so worried that it is toxins killing my babies. Then, when it stops, I worry about why it has stopped! It's easily relieved with Tylenol or rest. Husband thinks it's left over soreness from enlarged ovaries and a traumatic transfer.

In other news - I am happy to report that we have two frozen embryos! I cannot tell you how ecstatic I was to get that call today. Of course I had been praying for all five to make it, but I know that just doesn't happen very often. I am thrilled that I have two. One is a 5BB and the other is a 4BB. Of course I have no idea what that means, but the nurse said it was good and that they were frozen today on day 6. Excellent candidates for future babies. Either way, I am just so happy to have a second chance at this.

Blood test is Feb. 16!

Transfer

Transfer was this morning! We transferred two Grade A- embryos (or Grade AB in other scales), one 8-cell and one 7-cell. It hasn't been quite 3 days yet, so I am hoping the 7-cell has already divided again! Doc was very pleased and said they were great embryos. I have two pictures of them I keep staring at today.

The transfer itself did not go great. I have had very easy IUIs and my mock transfer was also smooth. Since one of my ovaries is enlarged it was pressing on my uterus and bladder, causing my cervix to be hard to reach and for them to have trouble reaching the uterus once they got in. The whole thing took about 30 minutes!

On Monday or Tuesday we should know how many we have to freeze. All were still going strong today and I was so happy to hear that! Four of them were a grade B and between 6-10 cells and the fifth was lagging behind a bit. 

Doc doesn't think bed rest is necessary, so I am just taking it easy and relaxing around the house for the next few days! Husband and I are enjoying being pregnant for the first time that we know of in our life. Stick and grow little babies!

Retrieval and Fertilization

Retrieval went pretty well yesterday. Out of all the things I was terrified of, the one thing I never thought twice about ended up being hellish.

They couldn't get an IV started in me and had to poke around several times. By the final time I was lying on my back in complete agony, screaming, cursing and crying. Most excruciating pain I have ever felt. They had to get the anesthesiologist in there for a try, and she dug around in my thin wrist for about five minutes hitting my nerves and bone over and over again. It was so bad that had I known in advance it was going to happen I would have called the whole thing off. Yes, that bad.

Fortunately the retrieval itself was great, recovery was smooth and I feel great today! They retrieved 10 eggs! Out of those 10, 8 were mature and 7 fertilized with ICSI.

I was a little bummed. I was hoping for a better response and more mature eggs because I am only 28 - but it is what is, and I am so very lucky and blessed to have seven embryos growing! We are praying that they each make it through the night.

My nurse sounded as if they were leaning more towards a three day transfer for me. I feel like most people I read about do five day transfers - so I am worried doing a three day won't be as good or something. I honestly don't know that much about either, so feel free to enlighten me! The nurse said it all depended on my embryos - how many are still growing tomorrow, if they can clearly tell which ones are the best by tomorrow, etc. 

I am off work today and tomorrow. So another day of waiting on pins and needles for that phone call!