Move on 15+ years and picture me as a newlywed. My husband and I were not actively trying; however, we were not preventing a pregnancy. 6 months into our marriage we learned we were pregnant. We were thrilled beyond words. My due date was to be December 14, 2008. We went in for a pregnancy test with my GYN and confirmed the pregnancy (as if 2 tests did not scream positive). Soon after it was time for our first ultrasound. We saw a heartbeat and were told that once parents see the heartbeat chances for a m/c were slim to n one. Well, we were not so lucky. Stinko de Mayo was a sad day in our world as I began spotting at work and immediately left to get an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy or m/c. Our doctor was very supportive and sympathetic of our situation. he said his wife in fact had a m/c with their first pregnancy and they now have three children. This was comforting, but you still ask why. Family and friends were great and we began to learn of others trials with infertility as well.
At our doctor's urging we took off a month and then began trying naturally again. Unfortunately, my m/c really messed up my cycle. I would go from 28 days to 45 days for the year following my m/c. My doctor did not specialize in infertility, but suggested we try clomid and take estradoil to assist with our pregnancy efforts. We did this for 3 months and then I decided I did not want to keep putting meds in my body. We continued to try naturally and then were told about a Clear Blue product that indicated ovulation. Many of Chris' co-workers utilized this tool when they struggled with conceiving. So in September 2009 we started using this tool. It indicated normal ovulation and we continued to try for a family. In January 2010, we both were frustrated as this tool was not making it any easier for us. We had been trying for well over a year and still no child.
We scheduled an appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist. The practice was great and did a full consult and a wide range of tests on me. I did a test to see if there were any blockages in my fallopian tubes. The doctor was pleased and said that my tubes looked perfect - they were textbook. The same things went for my uterus. My thyroid levels were normal. My blood clotted perfectly when necessary and was thin when necessary. They did an AMH level which indicated a lower number. This tests for your egg reserve and there is not enough research to fully understand the numbers, but my number is lower which is more commonly linked to a low egg reserve. The doctors were not upset with this number as i was young, ovulating normally, and responding to their treatment of clomind and ovidrel. They completely controlled my ovulation.
With infertility treatment there are several appointments involved. You have to go in multiple times to check your stimulation via an ultrasound where they measure your follicles and uterine lining. Around day 12 you take a shot which will ensure ovulation 36-48 hours from the time of the shot. These were the only meds taking with this doctor. I progressed from two pills to three which was a high dose of clomid. We tried IUI twice with no success. The last month we were going to try this treatment we were in San Diego for the marathon. Yes, we got pregnant. No fussing about the whole process and trying to be relaxed and enjoy one another. We learned of the pregnancy right before my trip out of the country. We did not get too excited because of our past. There were no problems and all was well. Three days after arriving at our destination I noticed some spotting. I called the doctor and my husband and we were trying to relax and not jump to conclusions. The spotting became heavier and changed colors from brown to red. I started to miscarry on my birthday. At our next location I went to get a blood test that confirmed this news. Another sad experience, but were at least excited to know we could get pregnant. The goal now was to keep the baby.
Once returning back home, appointments were scheduled to verify no sac was remaining and that a DNC was not necessary. The doctors tested my blood level again and results came back to their liking. So, they decided that during our next cycle of trying we should take heparin and prometrium to assist with my lining. We tried clomid for another month with these meds and were not successful. Our doctors at this point discussed PCOS with us and said that they would treat us for this as my thyroid imbalance, ovulation (in past), and other symptoms were attributed to this diagnosis. PCOS is a condition in which there is an imbalance of a woman's female sex hormones. This hormone imbalance may cause changes in the menstrual cycle, skin changes, small cysts in the ovaries, trouble getting pregnant, and other problems. At least we now had something to attribute to our lack of success.
Due to work, we moved again and I had to identify a new specialist to work with us. We found another doctor that decided we should look to more advanced options for conceiving based on our file. We started utilizing injectable drugs. Follistim stimulates as clomid does; however, it adds more punch to the process.We continued with ovidrel and prometrium as well. We tried this for 4-5 months. Finally, our doctor suggested IVF. He thought we would increase our chances of pregnancy and success rate. Our first round of treatment entailed additional shots and meds. Both my spouse and I had to take doxycycline to ensure no infections. Lupron was prescribed to avoid ovulation. Follistim and menopur were given to stimulate the ovaries and follicles. Ovidrel was given to release the eggs. Progesterone in oil and baby aspirin were administered to thicken the lining and increase chances of implantation.
Our first IVF experience was not normal and almost cancelled. Stimulation did not occur as expected based on previous injectable treatments. Doctors were only able to get three eggs and they were not of good quality. I had the transfer done at day 2. We knew or had a feeling this cycle would not be successful. One egg did not fertilize while the other two did. Of those two, one was degenerative and the other was not dividing cells as quickly as anticipated. The two week wait was over and then the beta (blood test) occurred. We were not pregnant. After meeting with our doctor we decided to immediately try again. We were moving and really wanted a chance to achieve pregnancy prior to a 3 month window of not being with my hubby.
So here we are now. Another test was done to test my ovaries which came back positive. We were excited and began the second round of IVF. This time around we were able to extract 7 eggs. All fertilized and did well until day 5. On day 5, two were very good embryos which were transferred. There were two others that were being watched for possible cryo. Unfortunately, the cells were not adequate enough to withstand a freeze. Good news is we have to great embies in us and have a beta on Wednesday. Will keep you posted on this round.
UPDATE: Round two worked! I am assuming round 1 would have too had the medicine stimulated me properly. Anyway, we are pregnant with twins and expecting early January. Keep us in your prayers know that good things can and will happen. Have faith and believe in your doctors and their ability. All you can do is try =)
I share all of our history as a lot has been learned, experienced, and felt throughout the past 3+ years.
1. It is ok to be emotional. I am cryer anyway, but being able to share my experiences and talk to friends and family has made my experience not as disheartening. Other similar stories have surfaced and enabled us to ask questions and gain hope. Do not hold anything you are feeling in. It just creates a lot of bad energy and does not allow for a healthy home for the babies.
2. Do not let the process take away from the intimacy of your relationship with your spouse. A lot of times you are told when to have intercourse and are constantly following a schedule. There are still ways to go about the process without thinking of it as a chore. Once you relax and have fun with the situation you may have more success.
3. Maintain communication with your spouse. Do not ever withhold your feelings regarding the process. it is ok to share frustrations and explain your take on the situation. It is also important that when listening to each other you do not automatically become defensive because of words said. It is better to be open and respect one another and the process.
4. Always maintain hope and faith. the embryos can feel everything you feel. By remaining positive you will increase the chances for implantation and pregnancy.
5. Look to your faith. It is ok to ask why, but do not let it control you. We continue to look to God and scripture to help us through our journey. While there are times we are angry, we do not lose site that all is according to his plan and will happen when he is ready.
6. Although you may not be going about the process in a traditional manner, it is important to understand that God gave people certain gifts. It is amazing that we now have technology to fulfill people's dreams of a family.
7. Do not get caught up in the things written on the Internet. Every woman's body is different and responds to treatment and pregnancy differently. This is especially true during the 2ww. Watch movies, read, relax instead =)
8. Maintain a balanced diet. It is important to remain healthy as this affects the sperm and the eggs. You can research diets or work with your doctor to identify the best plan that makes sense for you and your treatment.
9. Ask questions. No question is a bad question. The more you have in your arsenal to understand what you are experiencing will assist you with your treatment.
10. Have a sense of humor. Yes, this time is extremely difficult; however, laughing and keeping it light will improve your mood and rejuvenate you. I feel very blessed to have a good rapport with my doctor's office and they along with my family help me keep things light and go with the flow.
11. You will experience bruising, possible water weight gain, rashes, etc from all of the hormones that you are taking. Continue to relay your symptoms to your doctor. Is better to be overly concerned during this process.
12. You will notice that everyone around you is pregnant. You will also learn of several friends/family becoming pregnant. It is ok to be upset. This does not mean you are any less excited for that individual and the arrival of the baby. Infertility is a long battle. Wanting something so much and learning that you are not able to do have that wish as easily as others can put you down. Allow your grief and then focus with your friend/family on the miracle that they have been given. Remember there are several options available today to achieve the goal of family.
There is so much more to share and say, but i feel I have given you a good picture of what this journey can entail. Best of luck to all who experience infertility. May God be with you!
THE BOYS ARE HERE. THEY ARRIVED SIX WEEKS EARLY AND ARE PERFECT. WE HAD A WONDERFUL PREGNANCY AND CAN'T WAIT TO DO IT AGAIN. ONE THING WE LEARNED WAS THAT WITH FAITH HOPE AND LOVE WE COULD HAVE ONE OF THE BEST GIFTS GOD COULD GIVE US. THANK YOU TO OUR FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND MEDICAL TEAMS FOR HELPING US ACHIEVE OUR FAMILY.
EVERY GOOD AND PERFECT GIFT IS FROM ABOVE
-JAMES 1:17
