Took me a while to write this, but here it goes!
Name: KK
Age: Me 33, Husband 35
How long TTC: 5 years
Diagnosis or any known issues: Unknown for both of us, however there were issues when ICSI was not used on the first IVF round (they weren't sure why as egg quality was excellent and sperm were fast and normal). We ended up with only 1 out of 20 eggs to day 5. With ICSI ended with 7 of 10. We still have 3 left. Miscarriage on the 2nd fresh transfer, HCG levels: 50 (10dp5dt), 128 (12dp5dt), 980 (15dp5dt)- empty gest. sac (23dp5dt) (HCG 5 that day).
Treatments you tried before IVF: x3 Clomid challenge, x3 IUI, x2 Fresh Tx, x2 FET (this is over about 3 years due to a break in care)
How many IVF did you do before success: x2 full retrievals with fresh tx (Sept/Oct17), x2 FET (March/May18), 4th (FET) try worked! We took a break over Christmas after the miscarriage, as that takes a while to reset, then I had shingles (blast!) in Feb which delayed it. We took a month off between 3&4 for a fun trip abroad and a quick meeting with the physician.
Are you using donor eggs or sperm: No
Protocol (meds taken): Gonal-F, Cetrotide, Menopur, Lupron (for 2nd), then with FET Progesterone in oil (IM injections) until 10 weeks (we had low progesterone on the miscarriage with the Endometrin)
How many follicles at ER: First: 20, Second 12
How many eggs retrieved: 20, 12
How many eggs fertilized: 6, 10
How many days between ER and ET: 5 days for both
How many and quality/rating of embryos/blasts transferred: AA for all transferred for all 4 tx.
How many days bed rest: It was not full bed rest, I just took it easy after each one. The one that took the 2nd day I went to the gym and did walking up hills for 30-45min.
Symptoms or issues during 2WW: Nothing really at all! I had an enjoyable time on a short vacation with the hubby. I was tired, but it was a big time change and we both took naps. I felt great actually, minus the attempt to cut the caffeine out! Symptoms did not start until week 6/7ish? I started to have tender breasts and REALLY TIRED! I was tired until week 12/13.
What day you got your BFP: 10 days after FET
HPT before blood test: NO, I resisted!
Number of first beta: 528 (then it was 1382(?), then in the 2000s)
Number of babies: 1 (although we tx 2)
Anything else you would have wanted to know before you started this process: I never thought this would work, and sometimes I have to pinch myself knowing that our little baby girl is 30 weeks tomorrow and still growing. I took my time telling anyone, except my Husband, because it was too much and too hard. With already so much struggle and the loss from the 2nd IVF, we waited a while to say anything. I was also expecting these profound symptoms to tell me right away that I was pregnant...and those never came for either one. I can tell you relaxing was the best thing for me. We planned this trip across the country for a long weekend, and it was the BEST THING! We did a ton of stuff, I walked all over the place, and I had an amazing/relaxing time. When I got back I took the test! If you aren't religious that is fine, but I KNOW that is the reason why I got to this point. I prayed constantly, and I said the rosary every time I drove to that clinic. It kept me sane in the losses and the successes. The emotional rollercoaster that we ladies travel is not to be taken lightly, or alone. I can tell you I fell to my knees in sorrow many times, and when I got the good news, I fell to my knees in joyful prayer. I also was anointed for the sick two days before my transfer, a Catholic sacrament, by the most amazing and supportive priest. I am not claiming that this was a miracle, but it was an answered prayer (and maybe a small miracle for at least me). I am saying that having faith in God and relaxing your mind was a gift was very helpful to me and my baby girl. It was beautiful. If you don't have faith, I encourage you to, or find something that can bring you peace. I also want to say this forum was very helpful, but was also good to not look at as well. Use if you need, but turning it off is good too. I stopped posting for the last two transfers after I had gone through the journey, and I let my mind be as relaxed as possible.
We are due in Jan 19. I wish you all the best of luck, and I hope and pray for success for all of you. Thank you for sharing your stories, and I hope you can continue to find others to lift you up. -KK