Even though many aspects of this adventure have been kept hush hush I've been keeping a 'blog log' to post when the time is right. And its time.
Written 10-17-11
We had 12 frozen embryos from our previous IVF. The plan, same as last time, transfer 2 embryos. Initially, 3 were defrosted, only 1 survived. So, 3 more were defrosted, 2 of which survived. Yes, that makes 3 'survived' embryos, but only 2 were used.
Which brings me to this, every once in awhile I totally panic at the thought of having twins. Sure, the odds are about 30% that there are 2 babies, but that means the odds of having only 1 baby are 70%! Taking care of a newborn and a toddler is already daunting. Taking care of TWO newborns AND a toddler is bound to be downright impossible, right? So, why put in 2 embryos and risk twins, the answer is easy; We put in 2 last time and only 1 hung on. Don't get me wrong, whether this pregnancy results in 1 or 2 babies, I will be thrilled. Twins just present more, um, challenges.
When I'm not totally panicked about having twins, I'm worried about miscarrying. It seems as if I know hundreds of people who've recently lost pregnancies. Ok, maybe that's an exaggeration but its been several people. I'm sure also playing into the fear is the fact that I was told I lost the pregnancy last time (which of course I didn't). Anyway, as my hubbie says, positive thoughts!
Written 10-21-11
I've had a headache for three days now. Of course, I can't take my usual arsenal of drugs. It wont go away! I took a percocet two nights ago and not only did it not help but it made me sick! I just took a lortab and while it did work, It makes me feel drunk and very sleepy (which really limits it's usage when caring for a toddler). And the trade off is headache for stomachache. Let's just say it's not a fair trade.
Written 10-28-11
We have 6 days til we get to see our baby, or babies, that are causing me so much trouble. My debilitating headache passed (after a trip to the OB and some demerol) just in time for severe morning sickness to settle in. Or rather, ALL.DAY.SICKNESS. With Ryan I was somewhat sick but this takes the cake. My nausea laughs at the efforts of phenergan and zofran. Today is day 7 of complete misery. I have a stash of saltines by my nightstand, in my car, in the diaper bag, and at work. I'm so sick of saltines, no pun intended.
As all this was going on my mom happened to be in town, I had to practically lie to her all weekend. Not only did I hide 'all things fertility' such as drugs, needle boxes, and our precious embryo pictures, I even said we were planning to try for #2 after the holidays. I wonder if she figured it out and is waiting for me to tell her. Seriously, I have no idea if I'll make it til Christmas!
Written 11-4-11
Yesterday, Chris met Ryan and I at the RE's office for an ultrasound (7w4d). I was so nervous I was shaking and sweating. Chris held Ryan in one hand and held my hand in the other. As soon as the image appeared on the screen Chris and I saw exactly what we both suspected, more on that in a minute. The doctor immediately moved the wand to look at my ovaries and as he did so he reassured us that things looked ok and that it would take him a minute to get oriented (such a crock but I still loved the reassurance). He then moved over and showed us our sweet baby, measuring about 10mm, with a fluttering heartbeat. He said 'looks great!' Then he moved over and showed us baby number 2, measuring about the same, also with a fluttering heartbeat! 'Both look great, congratulations!' TWINS. That first image Chris and I had seen was both babies!
I was instructed to continue my drug regimen until 12 weeks, have a few more drug level labs, and to make an appointment with the OB (which I did and is scheduled for 11-16-11).
Written 11-6-11
It's officially been 2 weeks of non stop nausea. It's taking a toll of my mental sanity. I've resorting to investigating alternative therapies like ginger and motion sick bands...desperate? Yes.
We had 12 frozen embryos from our previous IVF. The plan, same as last time, transfer 2 embryos. Initially, 3 were defrosted, only 1 survived. So, 3 more were defrosted, 2 of which survived. Yes, that makes 3 'survived' embryos, but only 2 were used.
Which brings me to this, every once in awhile I totally panic at the thought of having twins. Sure, the odds are about 30% that there are 2 babies, but that means the odds of having only 1 baby are 70%! Taking care of a newborn and a toddler is already daunting. Taking care of TWO newborns AND a toddler is bound to be downright impossible, right? So, why put in 2 embryos and risk twins, the answer is easy; We put in 2 last time and only 1 hung on. Don't get me wrong, whether this pregnancy results in 1 or 2 babies, I will be thrilled. Twins just present more, um, challenges.
When I'm not totally panicked about having twins, I'm worried about miscarrying. It seems as if I know hundreds of people who've recently lost pregnancies. Ok, maybe that's an exaggeration but its been several people. I'm sure also playing into the fear is the fact that I was told I lost the pregnancy last time (which of course I didn't). Anyway, as my hubbie says, positive thoughts!
Written 10-21-11
I've had a headache for three days now. Of course, I can't take my usual arsenal of drugs. It wont go away! I took a percocet two nights ago and not only did it not help but it made me sick! I just took a lortab and while it did work, It makes me feel drunk and very sleepy (which really limits it's usage when caring for a toddler). And the trade off is headache for stomachache. Let's just say it's not a fair trade.
Written 10-28-11
We have 6 days til we get to see our baby, or babies, that are causing me so much trouble. My debilitating headache passed (after a trip to the OB and some demerol) just in time for severe morning sickness to settle in. Or rather, ALL.DAY.SICKNESS. With Ryan I was somewhat sick but this takes the cake. My nausea laughs at the efforts of phenergan and zofran. Today is day 7 of complete misery. I have a stash of saltines by my nightstand, in my car, in the diaper bag, and at work. I'm so sick of saltines, no pun intended.
As all this was going on my mom happened to be in town, I had to practically lie to her all weekend. Not only did I hide 'all things fertility' such as drugs, needle boxes, and our precious embryo pictures, I even said we were planning to try for #2 after the holidays. I wonder if she figured it out and is waiting for me to tell her. Seriously, I have no idea if I'll make it til Christmas!
Written 11-4-11
Yesterday, Chris met Ryan and I at the RE's office for an ultrasound (7w4d). I was so nervous I was shaking and sweating. Chris held Ryan in one hand and held my hand in the other. As soon as the image appeared on the screen Chris and I saw exactly what we both suspected, more on that in a minute. The doctor immediately moved the wand to look at my ovaries and as he did so he reassured us that things looked ok and that it would take him a minute to get oriented (such a crock but I still loved the reassurance). He then moved over and showed us our sweet baby, measuring about 10mm, with a fluttering heartbeat. He said 'looks great!' Then he moved over and showed us baby number 2, measuring about the same, also with a fluttering heartbeat! 'Both look great, congratulations!' TWINS. That first image Chris and I had seen was both babies!
I was instructed to continue my drug regimen until 12 weeks, have a few more drug level labs, and to make an appointment with the OB (which I did and is scheduled for 11-16-11).
Written 11-6-11
It's officially been 2 weeks of non stop nausea. It's taking a toll of my mental sanity. I've resorting to investigating alternative therapies like ginger and motion sick bands...desperate? Yes.
Written 11-16-11
First OB appointment was fairly standard. Labs, flu shot, pap, education, ultrasound, etc.. Everythings looking good.
Written 11-24-11
We couldn't wait any longer. The cats out of the bag. Well, at least one cat is. We're saving the news of twins for Christmas.
Written 12-15-11
Second OB appointment. This was the first time we got to hear the babies heartbeats. I love that sound. Both heart rates were in the 160's, perfect. I learned I will be seeing my OB every 2 weeks til 20 weeks and then weekly after that. Seriously? Seems like overkill to me but better be safe than sorry. The good news is I will have an ultrasound monthly to check on the babies growth!
Written 12-19-11
Both Chris's parents and my parents have asked if it was twins and we said no, a singleton pregnancy was confirmed. My mom was in town this weekend and directly asked me if I was having twins and just holding out on her. I said no. Does she believe me? Not sure. Only 6 more days til the secrets out, thank God!
Written 12-20-11
I'm 14 weeks and 2 days today. That's 2nd trimester. Why, oh, why am I still so sick? All I want for Christmas is relief.
Written 12-25-11
The secrets out. More on that soon.
2 comments:
I love that you did this. I did it too and never published it on the blog, but it is in my blog book. I hope those babies are treating their mommy well...all 3 of them! :)
Oh my goodness, Jen!!!! Sooooo excited for you!!! So so blessed!!
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