Tuesday, June 24, 2008

FINALLY!

yes, we finally had success. I am currently 9 weeks pregnant, with TWINS!!! Oh boy!
It has been a bit of a rough start, but they look fine now. Here is the history...
After our third fresh cycle failed in March we were pretty devastated. Of course we asked a thousand times, why? Our reproductive specialist suggested it may be a sperm issue, and the urologist still insisted it is not. So where did that leave us? I called an acquaintance who's husband is also a quad, and now they have twins via IVF. They went through one failed cycle with frozen sperm and then she insisted her husband have the surgery again so they could do a "fresh" cycle. She then was pregnant with twins.
**let me add here we got an 8 week old yellow lab*** (like life wasn't crazy enough)
We made an appointment with the urologist to further discuss the situation. (He is pretty much the best in the Northeast when it comes to sperm). He told me the research continues to state there is no difference in using fresh vs frozen sperm, and therefor the frozen sperm we have should be fine. He DID say though, that for any one situation, maybe the fresh route will be successful. He was willing to do another surgery coordinated with my cycle if we chose. He suggested that we try and transfer the two frozen embryos we have from our third cycle, and if that didn't work he gave us the name of a physician at another reproductive center.
In April we went through with the frozen transfer. Our Dr warned us that only having two frozen they may not survive the thaw as usually 50% of what is thawed dies. But we figured, lets try anyway. This cycle was slightly easier than the fresh cycles as I didn't need to stimulate my ovaries to over produce eggs, although I was on excessive estrogen and progesterone which was HORRIBLE on my overall well being. I cried at the drop of a hat and was pretty much miserable.
The day of the transfer everything seemed to go smoothly and much to our surprise, both of the embryos survived the thaw. So we transferred them both and I rested at home again. I was VERY loopy that day (from the Valium) so I slept and slept and slept.
The major difference in this cycle was that I asked to have my progesterone level checked prior to my pregnancy test as during my last three cycles my period started prior to my pregnancy tests despite being on progesterone. When we checked my level, it was at 8 (supposed to be over 20). I was started on additional injections of progesterone in oil daily. (Thanks to my boss for shooting me in the bum EVERY day)!
WELL....the day of my test I got a call from my nurse at work...I didn't answer it. They called back...I hemmed and hawed (I did not want to get bad news there). So I answered it...
"Louise? Its Trish. Are you sitting down?" (holy shit)
me, "yes..."
Trish, "You're pregnant!"
me, "I am? With a good number?"
"Yes, 385 and we look for it to be 100."
me, "I'm going to cry!" and I start crying.
She then tells me they will re-check my progesterone and call me back later...blah blah blah. I'M PREGNANT!!! I have never been pregnant!!! WAHOOOO!!!
So we tell our parents and hold off on the rest until we get more news. My next bloodwork is in a few days. Meanwhile I googled HCG numbers, hmmmmm I am in the multiple range...
Two more HCG tests that continue to rise and continue to be a little high...
Our first ultrasound was at 6 weeks two days. She saw one yolk sack and baby immediately, saw another yolk sack, but not sure if there was anything in there, so she went back to "Baby A" first. Got the sack and baby measured and then...we heard the heart beat. boom, boom, boom, boom. We both cried.
Ok, back to the other yolk sack...yup, "Baby B"...and another heart beat.
So we met with one of the NPs and reviewed all the info. What to eat and not eat, and the measurements of the babies. One slow heart rate and one small yolk sack. Advised to have another US in two weeks with my OB. We though we would keep everything fairly quiet until we know both are growing appropriately.
And they are! At our second US we saw them both again and heard the heart beats.
So here we are. Rob called them "Jack and Diane." (although we won't know the sexes for a few more months).
I am growing (ugh) and had to buy maternity pants yesterday. The nurse at my last appointment said my uterus is about the size of someone 12 weeks along (I was 8). (Great...I am probably carrying two enormous boys).
We are thrilled and so is our family. Its been a long struggle that I never thought would lead us here, and am happily surprised.
I'll post photos soon. We'll try to track my belly growing.
Thanks for all of the support, its been awesome.

5 comments:

Kerry Lynn said...

I'm so glad you updated! It was great to read the whole story.
It brought me back to when I went through the same thing!

PLEASE make sure you take lots of photos. After around 26 weeks I took them weekly. The best thing to do is schedule a particular time and do it at the same time every week so you don't forget.

I started wearing maternity at 9 weeks too! The belly grows fast embrace it!

I know I already left you a crazy message on your voicemail but congratulations again.

I can't wait to follow you on this journey!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you! What wonderful news!

Don & Erin said...

I am so happy for you guys!!! Please keep up the posts, I really love the updates (and watching the belly grow too!!!!-or should I say two?) Truly enjoy every moment, both fun and uncomfortable, it is all worth it in the end!

Anonymous said...

We are thrilled for the two of you. Thank you for sharing the wonderful news. We know you will both make wonderful parents.

Laura said...

so happy for you! hope thelma catches on to the training quickly... maybe you can teach her how to fetch for your food cravings :) hope you are feeling well. CONGRATULATIONS