More adventures in shared maternity

mollykelley · March 2013

Hi all, thanks for the positive vibes this week for our retrieval and subsequent transfer. K was so amazing over the past several weeks, giving herself shots and still managing to take care of me like she always does, even when she was sore and tired. The retrieval went well and they got 21 eggs on Friday. 16 were fertilized initially, 13 were viable the next day, 8 the day after, and by the time we got to day 5 (Wednesday) there were only 3 :-( So we transferred one beautiful little blastocyst and froze the other 2.

The transfer itself wasn't what I was expecting. They didn't give me any meds and I was able to observe the whole procedure. (Unlike with K's retrieval, she was completely out and in the OR, so I couldn't see her.) K was by my side the whole time, holding my hand. They did an ultrasound on my stomach, and could see my 12mm lining and the catheter go inside my uterus. Then, they shot the little embryo into my uterus and we saw it! It was like a little shooting star! A flash of white! From now until our beta, this baby will be our little shooting star... We are praying that it grows and attaches safely.

My mom is here visiting, and she stayed at a coffee shop outside while we were in the clinic. She was reading the paper, and read an SF Chronicle article about IVF that happens to mention my clinic and has quotes from the doctor that was doing my procedure that day! (My regular female RE was off on Wednesday.) He is the IVF director of the clinic and has been in the business for 25 years. It all seemed very significant and I hope it is a good sign. He was confident that the procedure went perfectly.

The nurse told me to be on bed rest for two whole days. Seriously. Only getting up to go the bathroom. What? People get pregnant and walk around all the time. I guess they just want to be extra sure. She even said, "and no work emails, because it makes your blood rush up to your head, and we want you to have maximum blood flow to your uterus." Wow. ALSO, the paperwork says no intercourse for 30 days. When I read that, I thought (like I think when I read a lot of things) "Oh, that doesn't apply to us, that only applies to straight people." But then the nurse said no - no orgasms for 30 days. Really. Completely taking the fun out of baby making.

I'm so nervous and excited and scared because we only have 2 frosties. My beta is 3/22 and K will be visiting her dad (who is sick with cancer and lives in Indy) until that date. So many emotions around this time. I'm just hopeful and praying and meditating a lot.

I'm going to get up for the first time today so my mom can drive me to my acupuncture appointment. I'm praying that our little shooting star sticks!

Thanks in advance for your positive thoughts!

JGY · March 2013

Wow, thank you so much for the full update! Good luck to you both, I am so sorry that you have spend the waiting time apart from each other but it sounds like a worthy trip to IN.

ball.and.chain · March 2013

Yay mk!!! I'm so glad things are going well. I know you won't defy your RE, but don't sweat the bed rest stuff too much -- there's a LOT of variation amongst REs as far as whether they recommend 1 day, 2 days, or none at all. Mine just t

trisholio · March 2013

Thank you for sharing. I will keep my fingers crossed for you and your little shooting star. How cute!

lilweb2013 · March 2013

Wow this is wonderful news! Lots of babymakin'energy your way....

My wife went to acupuncture before & after IUI. It was helpful with FSH and blood f l o w.

Best to you all.

2MamazInSeattle · March 2013

MK! I was so excited to read your update. Sounds like all went to plan and now your wee one is just snuggling in for the long haul! My little one took 3 times to get him out of the tube he was so sticky! But I took it as a good thing, figuring he'd sti

JoySeattle · March 2013

What a great experience! Sending sticky thoughts to you and your shooting star!

clairmeij · March 2013

So very exciting! It sounds like it was a great experience, I'm so happy for you! Very best of luck!

Twinkler2011 · March 2013

Congrats MK, how exciting for you both!

I enjoy following your guys' story, I think it is amazing. I can't wait until you update us. I will be thinking of you and your shooting star and sending good thoughts your way!

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