Okay, although the title of the post is “embryo transfer”, I think I should probably provide other important updates as well.
Egg Retrieval:
So my last post was the day before my egg retrieval but I haven’t provided any updates since then so let’s talk about how the egg retrieval actually went. The day of the retrieval I was EXTREMELY uncomfortable and bloated. I was so ready to get those eggs OUT! The retrieval went pretty quickly and they ended up getting 28 eggs. YES 28! Out of 28 eggs, 21 were mature and 20 ended up being fertilized. So we had 20 embryos to start with. They watched the embryos develop over the course of 5 days and determined that 11 embryos were still of good quality on day 5. The other embryos either stopped developing at some point or weren’t of good quality. Those were very exciting numbers, however, we still had to consider the fact that some embryos would be chromosomally abnormal and because we didn’t do any genetic testing, we would have no idea which ones. We would just have to trust that God would lead the embryologist to choose the “right” embryo to transfer.
Embryo Transfer:
The day of transfer, my doctor did an ultrasound to look at my ovaries as my right ovary was pretty enlarged and we were still keeping a close eye on whether or not I was developing OHSS. My doctor did officially say that he felt like I had a mild case of OHSS BUT if I did get pregnant, it could quickly turn to moderate or even severe OHSS (due to the HCG produced). With that being said, he decided that we would go forward with the fresh cycle, however, he would only allow me to transfer one embryo. I was a little disappointed but I knew that he was doing what was best for me. Everything went well during the transfer. Unlike the egg retrieval, the transfer is much less invasive and I don’t have to be put to sleep but instead, I take a Valium. For the days after the transfer, I have to take estrogen as well as progesterone. These are hormones that our bodies naturally produce after ovulation, however, since this isn’t a “natural” cycle, I have to supplement these hormones to ensure that my body will support the pregnancy. I am scheduled to come back into the doctor’s office to take a blood test (pregnancy test) in 10 days! My doctor STRONGLY recommends that you don’t test at home because it will only stress you out if you happen to test too early and it ends up being negative.
I’m excited about this entire ordeal but TERRIFIED as well. What if it doesn’t work? What will I do? I’m trying my best to remain positive and not let any doubt creep into my mind. I have to trust that God’s will WILL be done. I probably won’t be providing anymore updates until after I take my pregnancy test. Keep me in your prayers!!
…“Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”
Mark 5:36
Kristen D. Johnson
