We feel on top of the moon today. I don't know if it was a combination or pure luck or someone from above helping us- but we got the most amazing results.
All in all, I had a fairly good cycle. I did not experience severe OHSS, which I was worried about and still doing what I can to avoid it. I have some soreness and a little bloating but not the other symptoms. The injections were not that bad and resting at home, symptoms were manageable. If you are in the financial position to be off work, do so. I think I owe a good cycle to:
reduced stress/time off work
acupuncture
massage & reiki
TONS of fluids
a good support system/fertility clinic
Today was the day we have been waiting for all this time. Even though the little embryo is nothing yet- I feel so incredibly lucky to have had such a good experience so far. We started out with on-site acupuncture from Riverside Wellness. We went for 9, our transfer was at 10:45. I did bloodwork, had acupuncture, got changed in the recovery room, set-up and waited all before we knew the news about our embryos. We figured- we must be transferring something! lol how incredibly nerve-racking. The Dr on today took us into a room and told us the news. A large weight was taken off my shoulders.
All 3 of the eggs that fertilized, 3 were still alive today and in perfect/textbook condition. This was the best news we have heard all year. She said they were all amazing, grade 4, next to perfect embryos. We were over-joyed and now faced with a decision. Do we transfer one or two? She said we did have the option of waiting 2 more days and doing a day 5 transfer. The catch it- some day 5's are said to have higher pregnancy rates- but the ideal living condition is in a uterus, NOT a dish. Just because we transferred today doesn't make them any less amazing. There was the risk we could get to day 5 and there would be none or not enough to freeze after transfer. So we transferred one single embryo and have two more waiting to grow till day 5 and if they make it, they will be frozen.
The doctors, nurses and embryologist were all comforting, funny & made us feel good. The transfer was painless. We got to watch the embryo be transferred right on a screen in front of us. Pretty incredible. Science is f***ing amazing. My hormone levels were perfect so I don't need to supplement ( this was a slight worry ) Now we wait till November 21st for our blood test to confirm a pregnancy or not. I will try in the meantime not to test at home lol.
We are so thankful, so blessed, and so so so lucky. This was a great experience. It's not over yet. We have to be positive and keep faith and hope the embryo implants and grows and carries to term. We are hopeful for this pregnancy, and for future embryos to be frozen. Have to keep the faith and just relax in this time.
I feel like I have shared some negative things about the process, even though I still didn't get too deep/dark into what it feels like. It's one of the most difficult things we will ever go through. Today, wether its good or bad, made all the money & heartache worth it. Today is the more positive side of an IVF cycle. I will share what OUR cycle cost, as some are different based on their protocol & drug needs.
IVF/ICSI cycle costs (JUST the cycle)
For now, think positive! lots of love & baby dust.
**Pictured below is our embryo being transplanted. To the right, the white line in the middle is the catheter, and the light speck in the middle, is our new addition
All in all, I had a fairly good cycle. I did not experience severe OHSS, which I was worried about and still doing what I can to avoid it. I have some soreness and a little bloating but not the other symptoms. The injections were not that bad and resting at home, symptoms were manageable. If you are in the financial position to be off work, do so. I think I owe a good cycle to:
reduced stress/time off work
acupuncture
massage & reiki
TONS of fluids
a good support system/fertility clinic
Today was the day we have been waiting for all this time. Even though the little embryo is nothing yet- I feel so incredibly lucky to have had such a good experience so far. We started out with on-site acupuncture from Riverside Wellness. We went for 9, our transfer was at 10:45. I did bloodwork, had acupuncture, got changed in the recovery room, set-up and waited all before we knew the news about our embryos. We figured- we must be transferring something! lol how incredibly nerve-racking. The Dr on today took us into a room and told us the news. A large weight was taken off my shoulders.
All 3 of the eggs that fertilized, 3 were still alive today and in perfect/textbook condition. This was the best news we have heard all year. She said they were all amazing, grade 4, next to perfect embryos. We were over-joyed and now faced with a decision. Do we transfer one or two? She said we did have the option of waiting 2 more days and doing a day 5 transfer. The catch it- some day 5's are said to have higher pregnancy rates- but the ideal living condition is in a uterus, NOT a dish. Just because we transferred today doesn't make them any less amazing. There was the risk we could get to day 5 and there would be none or not enough to freeze after transfer. So we transferred one single embryo and have two more waiting to grow till day 5 and if they make it, they will be frozen.
The doctors, nurses and embryologist were all comforting, funny & made us feel good. The transfer was painless. We got to watch the embryo be transferred right on a screen in front of us. Pretty incredible. Science is f***ing amazing. My hormone levels were perfect so I don't need to supplement ( this was a slight worry ) Now we wait till November 21st for our blood test to confirm a pregnancy or not. I will try in the meantime not to test at home lol.
We are so thankful, so blessed, and so so so lucky. This was a great experience. It's not over yet. We have to be positive and keep faith and hope the embryo implants and grows and carries to term. We are hopeful for this pregnancy, and for future embryos to be frozen. Have to keep the faith and just relax in this time.
I feel like I have shared some negative things about the process, even though I still didn't get too deep/dark into what it feels like. It's one of the most difficult things we will ever go through. Today, wether its good or bad, made all the money & heartache worth it. Today is the more positive side of an IVF cycle. I will share what OUR cycle cost, as some are different based on their protocol & drug needs.
IVF/ICSI cycle costs (JUST the cycle)
- $6,500 IVF ($500 early deposit)
- $1,500 ICSI
- $250 Kruger semen analysis
- $200 nurse counsel session
- $250 on-site acupuncture
- $2,680 10 days of drugs/ actual pay after insurance- $360
- massage, acupuncture, time off work
For now, think positive! lots of love & baby dust.
**Pictured below is our embryo being transplanted. To the right, the white line in the middle is the catheter, and the light speck in the middle, is our new addition