FET #3 Transfer Day! 1dp5dt

Transfer yesterday was probably the best it has ever gone.  I mean, they didn't go bad before, but yesterday, was a whole new level!

My mom came with me to transfer, because C wasn't sure if he was going to be able to make it.  He had meetings that were planned a month ago.  It was with a big client.  I wasn't upset, but sad for him not to be there.  He mentioned that morning that there was a slim chance he would be able to make it if his meeting got done in time.  Mom and I were sitting in the waiting room and low and behold, C walks in just in time!  I was so surprised! I needed my mom there regardless so she could drive me home... a had my valium to relax ;)

After I was all strapped in, cleaned up, the embryologist came in, I told him my name, and he told me the blast, our 4AB, was doing extremely well and was already expanding (getting ready to hatch, but not hatching yet!).  Dr. Amin did my transfer.  I really love her!  She is very sweet.  Anyway, she seemed to be EXTRA careful.  She put the catheter in, waited for 2 min to ensure my uterus was not contracting, dropped our beautiful 4AB, waiting another min or two before removing the catheter.  I got a GREAT shot of our little emby...

We waited 10 minutes.  Got up, peed, kissed C goodbye and my mom drove me home.  I had another friend, L, helping with the boys.  Mom took over once we got home.  I went strait to my bed while she made lunch for all of us.

Rocco, Maximus and Mom all fell asleep on the couch down stairs after swimming, while I got some Zzzz's upstairs.  My mom came in at 5pm saying she just woke up!  So funny!

I was feeling crampy yesterday, a good sign for me and my bb's are already getting big and sore... another good sign my P4 is working, finally!

Today 1dp5dt

I decided that complete bedrest (like I did for FET #2 and got a BFN) was not for me!  Plus my boys needed to get out of the house and burn energy or they are wild ban chi's!  So, I did NO picking up, got them ready and took them to gymnastics class, where I sit and watch.  It was perfect!  Then we got home, ate lunch (I have no help today), and went and floated in the hot tub (set at 95 degrees).  It was awesome!

Symptoms so far: Really crampy today, they are light cramps, but definitely noticeable, and of course sore bb's from PIO

Also, I VOW to NOT test early this time.  It makes me a crazy woman... I cannot do that to my hubby :(

One more thing, my left side/hip/thigh area has gone numb I'm sure from PIO!  Has this happened to anyone before?  It feels really strange.  I must have hit a nerve or something!?

I will leave you with a pic of my lovely shot.  YES that needle has to go  ALL THE WAY IN.

Pain in my a*$... Wonderful PIO shots!

Today is day three of PIO, and today was my first time giving the shot MYSELF! Ouch!  My lovely husband passes out at the site at needles and cannot give them to me.  The last two days, we went camping up in Big Bear with my parents so I had my nurse momma give them to me! What a relief ;) Her shots didn't hurt a bit actually, it just took a long time to push the oil in. Yesterday, my bum was already feeling the effects.  I am already sore!

I knew today was coming.  It took me a few minutes to get enough courage to give the shot.  I've had to do this twice before with trigger, and now every day! ugh!  However, I was shocked that it didn't hurt at all!  Its the size of the needle that is so scary!  I am a little sore and I was told to use heat so the oil doesn't ball up

So far, I am not feeling any effect of the progesterone, or the estrogen.  However, I'm sure I put on 5 lb's since starting this journey (thank you hormones!).  Its all worth it though, if I can get my take home baby... I can't wait for that day!

Last week, I ended up going to visit my sister-in-law's Grandmother, D, who is a prayer warrior, and also prayed for me prior to getting pregnant with my boys.  It was amazing.  She anointed me with oil, and we prayed!  I felt the Holy Spirit.  We prayed for the Lords will in this baby making journey, our marriage, my boys, my uterus, etc... it was very refreshing.  I left there feeling great!  I am so happy I was able to do this again!

Friday was my ultrasound to check lining, it was 11mm, which I believe, is a great thickness, they want it minimally 8mm.

Wednesday, is transfer day... AGAIN!  Unfortunately my hubby cannot go! Boo!  My mom will be going with me this time, which is okay too!  I love my mom!

Here are some pics from the weekend camping trip...

Gluten-free graham crackers, vegan all natural marshmallows, and organic dark chocolate! YUM! 

Stroll around the campground!  It was so beautiful and peaceful!

C and I playing cards with the family

R & M SOOOO excited to be camping in a tent!

R & M following "stink bug tracks and bear tracks"  I love this age and their imagination!

Ooooh!  Maximus has been officially diagnosed with gluten intolerance.  He has been suffering from diarrhea for the last seven months.  We tested for parasites, removed dairy, and low and behold its gluten!  It hit me after he really indulged on Fourth of July and he suffered badly.  We are a mostly gluten free family anyway, so it isn't too bad of an adjustment.  It is just difficult when we go out.  I had to bring gluten free dinner cup cakes to a birthday party my boys attended.  Its a little awkward, but I'm sure we'll get the hang of it!  In some ways I am a little relieved, because we eat an all natural diet and this makes it easy to take our natural life style out of our home. :)

Maybe Third Times the Charm?

6dp5dt I tested because last time I got my first BFP that early... BFN!  

7dp5dt I tested because IF it would surely be positive by now if it was going to work... BFN!

8dp5dt I tested because I had spotting and I REALLY wanted to take my patches off and stop all meds (but didn't)... BFN!  I also started getting sore BB's this day, super late, not a good sign.

9dp5dt I woke up to my period. BAM! BIG FAT NEGATIVE! This was on Fourth of July.

Back to the drawing board again  

What an emotional roller coaster!  I was on and off the phone with the nurses at my RE for the last few days, then texting my RE, Dr. R., on Fourth of July!  He is the BEST, helping me on the holiday no less.

I was really back and forth prior to starting this last cycle, on weather or not to do PIO (progesterone in oil) or the suppositories again.  My gut was telling me PIO, but my bum was telling me suppositories.  I also talked one of the RE's about it (Dr. C) and she said they were the same basically, but you can't check the P4 level  with the suppositories in the blood.

After speaking with Dr. R, I AM doing the PIO this cycle.  There is no way I should be having all this bleeding problem, so my body isn't absorbing the P4 well.  So maybe my 4AA (the one I miscarried) was viable and I just needed more p4? We'll never know, but it makes me sad.  My poor 3 AB didn't make it either! :(

I'm cd3 today and bleeding very heavily... 1 super + every 2 hours! Yesterday was worse.  I had my lining check today and my lining is still pretty thick, 9mm, which means I still have many days of bleeding to do :(  Starting some iron supplements so I don't get anemic again!

The good news is that we are jumping right in to another FET! Yay!  I'm so happy they don't make you wait a cycle if you get a BFN!

My updated protocol and  schedule...

CD3- lining check and blood test, start E2 patches

CD8- blood test again

CD10- having an office hysteroscopy and u/s to make sure there isn't anything in there (polyps, m/c leftovers, fibroid, etc.

CD14- u/s to check lining again and get transfer date!

CD21 - Tentative transfer day and we are transferring a six day 4 AB (July 23)

The last few days of my 2ww I didn't update because I ended up getting really sick with a sinus infection, having to get on antibiotics, and I was EXHAUSTED, physically from the sickness and emotionally from the 2WW.  Luckily it was right before the Fourth so we ending up have an amazing day.  We rode our bikes to watch the annual Huntington Beach parade and then we had a big swim party with fireworks.  It was a good day after a crappy 2WW... and yes, I enjoyed my wine! ;)

5dp5dt... FET #2

Well, I woke up today thinking all hope was lost.  Bloating gone, bb's NOT sore at all, and I felt completely back to normal... besides a serious cold I have!

I'm coughing, sneezing and blowing my nose like crazy, and I can't take a thing!  For now, loading up on fresh ginger and lemon tea with raw honey.  Drinking all day to hopefully kick this nasty bug.

I ended up loading the twins up in my burley bike trailer and towed them with my neighbor friend C (I have a lot of C's in my life as of late!) and her kids to a local park close by.  We had a nice time catching up, Oliver got to do his favorite activity, chase squirrels, they are everywhere down there, and we went on a little "adventure" through the "woods."  The park is right next to the wetlands and is surrounded by trees and bushes and the boys like to hunt for lions, tigers and bears!  It is definitely a favorite activity.

I noticed down at the park that my stomach started feeling a little bloated again and my right nipple keeps having sharp pains in it.  I tried just blowing it off.

Once home, the boys ate lunch, and are now taking a nap.  I am extremely bloated as I sit here and I'm still having that nipple pain on and off (but no sore bbs).  I am also exhausted and might just take a nap too!  The tiredness might just be from my cold or progesterone... or is it maybe a baby? Hmmmmm...  It is funny how as soon as I was SURE our little 3AB didn't take, I am now starting to question!

Holy Cramps! 3dp5dt - 4dp5dt FET#2

All week I was looking forward to spending Saturday with one of my BFF's.  We planned a girls day, breakfast at our favorite little organic restaurant, Green Leaf, then popping over to the Fermentation Farm for some Kombucha tasting, and then to the Hyatt for a day at the spa.  I figured a day of R&R would be perfect for my little 3AB to settle in nicely.  At 3dp5dt or 8dpo is when implantation usually occurs.  Unfortunately, our nice day didn't turn out so nice for me.

I woke up feeling fine, besides a little stuffy/runny nose, got ready, kissed the kids and C goodbye, and drove off to pick up my friend, C.

(TMI)We were having a nice breakfast, good conversation, decaf coffee (of course!), when I realized I REALLY needed to use the bathroom.  That coffee went right through me!  Once done, we headed off to our next stop, except my tummy wasn't feeling so hot!  I was getting excruciating menstrual cramps.  I thought maybe I had to GO again?!

We made it to the Hyatt, and were walking into the spa and I had to stop and catch my breath because the pain was so bad.  We got to the spa, and I immediately asked to use the bathroom.  I try to go again to no relief.  I really just wanted to go home, but I didn't want to mess up C's day!  Our appointments weren't until later, so we headed to the pool.  I laid in the fetal position on the lounge chair to get relief.  Once I stopped moving I began to feel better.

We checked back into the spa and I thought maybe my massage would help my tummy relax. Boy was I wrong!  It had some nice moments, but by the end I couldn't wait for it to be over!  I was in excruciating pain.  Pain so bad I could barely walk, was dizzy, wanted to throw up and poop all at once.  No joke it felt like labor!  WHAT THE HECK!?

C had to help me get dressed, carry my bag.  It took us 30 min to walk to my car, because I needed to keep stopping.  I was scared.  I almost had her take me to the emergency room!

I spoke to the nurse Barbara at my RE, and she seemed concerned but told me to take some tylenol and rest, so that is what I did.

C drove my car home, I collapsed on my bed, while my hubby C brought me tylenol.  I don't understand what that was?  After falling asleep in the fetal position and not moving an ounce, I did feel better, but not great!  Last night I could still barely stand up right, but I could move around and I didn't feel like I was going to die.

Today, 4dp5dt, I do feel much better.  However my stomach is very distended, and it almost feels like I have OHSS again, painful when walking etc.  I know that is not possible.  None of it makes sense.  My uterus is sore and I'm cramping a lot today.  My BB's are NOT sore at all, however I do have some sharp pains in my nipples from time to time.

We did go to church this morning, and I just put my boys to bed for nap.... Now Mommy can rest! Feet up!  I don't really know what else to do or what went wrong.  What I do know is that if labor feels that bad, I KNOW I will need an epidural! YIKES!

I will leave you with a little IF humor...

hahahaha... HAPPY SUNDAY...  Or Seven more sleeps til BETA!

FET #2 and I'm PUPO! 2dp5dt

Yup!  I added a daily dose of this to my diet!  I started two days BEFORE the transfer because 1) of reading how it helps with implantation and 2) because I ate it when I got knocked up with the twins!

Here is how you are supposed to eat Pineapple core:

• Start eating pineapple core AFTER ovulation.  
• Cut up the whole pineapple, cute the core into 5 pieces and eat one piece daily starting the day after O/IUI/IVF transfer
• If you don't have fresh core, eat one cup of pineapple meat a day after O.
• Canned pineapple has been heated, therefore the Bromelian has been destroyed.  
• Continue eating until you receive a positive pregnancy test 

I have two pineapples cut up and in my refrigerator, core separated... hoping this helps for a good implantation this go around! :)

Transfer day was a breeze!  I woke up bright and early, showered, got myself and the kids ready.  My appointment was scheduled for 11am and I needed to be there at 10:45.  Knowing I was going to take this a bit more serious this time, meaning 48 hours of bedrest, I needed to do some grocery shopping and have everything ready for Mommy to be out of commission! No pressure ;-)

I am very proud of myself, however, because I did get everything done!  I think we were the first ones in the grocery store that morning.

I had my friend, L, helping me with my kids those two days. After dropping the groceries off at home, I had her and the boys drop me off at the RE's.  C met me there, since it is right by his office.  I popped the Valium in perfect timing because I was nice and relaxed for the transfer!

We transferred our ONE 5 day 3AB, no collapsing this time around and the embryologist said it looked good! After getting all strapped in and all cleaned out she did the transfer and I honestly didn't even feel a thing, and I even missed the flash on the screen (I think because I was looped up!) and my uterus was nice and relaxed.  Sadly, we didn't get an ultrasound this time either!  I would have asked, but I was seriously out of it!  However Dr. C was very pleased with how everything went and so am I!

After they left the room, C laid his hands on my tummy and prayed over our 3AB. First, of course, praying for God's will for us, and for 3AB to nestle in nicely.  It was beautiful.  We are both hopeful and cautiously optimistic.  

After 10 minutes we walked out of there, paid a BIG bill, and picked up lunch.  I fell asleep from the time C went in to get food and come out! We went strait home I went into bed ate my giant salad and crashed.  The good news about valium is you are really able to relax.  after waking up a few hours later, I just laid on the couch while the kids and I watch a movie.  C came home early and made us some dinner.

Last March, I came home from FET and was very anxious and obsessed over every little thing!  I really did feel something different in there, however!  This time, I literally feel nothing! Nada! 

I will track my "symptoms" or lack there of...

1dp5dt- sore BB's (totally from P4), fatigue (left over from valium and p4), nothing else!  Maybe some cramps on and off, but really nothing to right home over! On bedrest.

2dp5dt- I woke up in good spirits since I am now off bedrest!  I feel back to normal.  My boobs are barely sore, if at all.  Pushing on them now and nothing.  I am a bit tired, but that can be from p4 of course and not having any coffee.  No caffeine since day before transfer and it was barely any!  I slowly added decaf  while decreasing my regular coffee, so I didn't get a headache.  It worked!

What I am going to do different this go around?  Be a good patient.  Take it easy.  No working out until heart beat.  Walking YES! No Sex until heart beat.  I pushed myself a bit last time and I would have bleeding after barre class.  Do I think that is what caused it to fail? No.  However, I want to give 3AB a good shot!  :)

Praying for our 3AB!!!

The Break Was Nice... FET#2 is on its way!

I haven't blogged because it has been pretty boring over here in the IF dept until now!

After my MC, we took time to grieve, but honestly, I'm A-OKAY!  It definitely wasn't fun, nor did I EVER expect to go through something like that, especially since we had such a great first IVF (almost complete failure, but ended up with miracle twins!).

This past cycle post MC was a L-O-N-G  55 days!  I assumed it would be, since I was coming down off hormones, and since I was pregnant.  Finally I started.  It was torture waiting around.

I started AF, started my patches, went in for my day 3 blood work and my estrogen levels were a bit lower to start off (aka hormonal mess!), so they had to up my estrogen patches (vivelle dots) to SIX!  My stomach is covered in sticky residue and six lovely patches, changing every three days.

I had my lining check yesterday and it was 10.6, good to go, so I started my progesterone.  I was back and forth on the whether to do suppositories or the PIO.  I researched and researched, spoke to my RE, and what I found is there really is no difference.  Doctors just like PIO because they can test the blood and get an accurate reading.  The suppositories don't show up in the blood, but the P4 goes directly to the uterus, where its needed.

There are so many ups and downs of both.  Did I want to give myself a shot EVERY NIGHT for the next 10 weeks (God willing!)?  End up with swollen knots on my bum? Hmmmm NO!  Did I want to wear a panty liner for the next 10 weeks and have to shove a suppository three times a day up my hooha and have it leak out constantly? Not swim? Not have good sex? UGH!  I chose the suppository.  The thought of having to give myself a shot in the bum every day, over ruled!  That needle is SCARY!

Good news... Transfer is this coming Wednesday, June 24!!! YAY!!!! We are super pumped!

The plan...  So apparently our last embryo we transferred in March, a 4AA collapsed at first during the thaw and then started expanding again, so they thought it was good and we transferred.  I didn't know this, until I asked yesterday!

So I told them this time, if our 3AB doesn't make it during thaw, we want to transfer the next TWO, both 4AB's, but made it to blast on the sixth day so they really aren't as high as quality at the 3AB.

I also got a prescription for valium to take before transfer to help prevent uterine contractions.  They didn't give it to me in March, so I made sure this time! ;-)

We are just praying for God's will to be done and would of course appreciate your prayers as well!

I also wanted to thank you all for your prayers and support during our loss.  You helped me more than you know! XOXO

Taken post MC! I spent this time reflecting on how blessed we are with these two miracles.   God is good All the time, God is good!