Last blood work appointment before transfer!

This morning I went to ORM to get my blood drawn for the last time before transfer. I should hear back from Marissa by the end of the day with my estrogen and progesterone levels. Then she will let me know how much Delestrogen to inject tomorrow evening. I do my Delestrogen injections on Mondays & Fridays. Hopefully we're all good for transfer day!

I started my Progesterone injection (PIO) : Progesterone is the hormone necessary for the preparation of the uterine lining for the implantation of the embryo and the maintenance of early pregnancy. last night. It went well, Brandon did it for me. Some of the medication oozed out a little bit but that's normal. I'm so thankful for surrogacy groups on facebook. The women on there are wonderful and have been very helpful with the process. If I ever have a question, they always have answers and experiences to share with me.

I started my antibiotics this morning and will continue to do so until transfer day. I also start Medrol tonight: Medrol is a low-dose steroid pill to suppress the autoimmune system from interfering with embryo implantation. and will also continue taking Medrol every evening until transfer day.

I'm feeling a bit tired today.

I just got the call from Marissa about my levels: (she usually calls later in the day so I was a bit surprised!)

Estradiol level: 554
Progesterone level: 8.8

They are upping my PIO injection tonight from 1ml to 2ml. And Delestrogen 0.4 tomorrow. My progesterone level is a bit on the low side so they are having me up it tonight. All is good to go for Tuesdays transfer. Marissa is planning on being there for it too. Whew... here we go!

~Surro-Mama Angela

I got my PINEAPPLES for transfer!

Brandon and I went grocery shopping last night and we picked up my pineapple for transfer day. Sounds silly, but I've read some awesome things about pineapple.

They say that pineapple is an implantation aid, and the rule of thumb after an embryo transfer is to cut the pineapple into 5 pieces, and eat a piece of pineapple, including the core, for five days, counting transfer day as Day 1.

So what is it about pineapple that makes it so special? Apparently, there are indications that the bromelain in pineapple increases cervical mucous. This increase in cervical mucous can make the uterus “stickier,” which can lead to increased rates of implantation. Most of the bromelain in the pineapple is found in the core, so it is important to eat that part along with the meat.

For IVF: one pineapple, divided into 5 pieces. Consume one piece each day for 5 days, beginning on the day of embryo transfer.

I got all of this awesome information from this blog: http://withgreatexpectation.com/infertility/three-days-post-transfer-plus-whats-the-deal-with-pineapple/

Good thing I love pineapple! I'll be eating it everyday after transfer until I'm sick of it-haha!

~Surro-Mama Angela

2nd Acupuncture session!

I met with Morgan again today with Willow Tree Wellness for my second acupuncture session. I was very much looking forward to my appointment. We briefly talked about my week and how everything went at ORM on Thursday for my lining check and blood work. I let her know how everything is going really well. It just seems like it's all falling into place, which is a great feeling. She proceeded to do the acupuncture and added a few more points to help stimulate my uterus. I also mentioned that I've been having more cravings from the estrogen so if she could help me with that. So she added some Vaccaria seeds for ear acupressure for me.

 9 days until transfer! (we're now in the single digits, YEAH!)

I also got my awesome shirt from Super Love Tees in the mail today. I *LOVE* it!!!  I'm feeling great, just more tired some days. I'm so glad my body is processing the hormones well so far. Let's hope it continues!

 

~Surro-mama Angela

Ultrasound-Lining Check & Blood work!

This morning I had my first lining check and more blood work at ORM. Brandon wanted to come with me for support. I've been thinking "fluffy" lining thoughts and hoping for the best. Thankfully, the ORM location that I go to for my appointments is pretty close by. Only 15 minutes away without traffic.

I checked in, got my blood drawn (I made sure to drink lots of water when I woke up to help the blood flow) then went to the exam room for my ultrasound. Dr. Hesla and one of his assistants came in and asked if we had any questions. I just confirmed that we were checking the thickness of my uterine lining. The ultrasound took less than 3 minutes. He said everything looked great and my lining was measuring 12.4. They want it at least a 7-8 at this point. Looks like the Delestrogen injections are working well and that's the goal!

We briefly met with my Coordinator, Marissa and went over the game plan until transfer day. I am off Lupron next week on the 26th and I start Progesterone injections that day as well. I will continue Delestrogen on Mondays and Fridays. I also have another appointment next Thursday the 27th to check my estrogen and progesterone levels to make any adjustments to my medications if needed. That will be my last appointment until transfer day! I'm so EXCITED.

11 days until transfer!!!

Great info on 5-day transfers!

I was curious as to what goes on after the embryo transfer, since my transfer is in 14 days from today... From looking at this chart, I'm putting myself on bed rest until day 5 after transfer. My clinic requires just after transfer and the day after for bed rest, but I'm going to be more cautious. I have a whole game plan ready, I'm so excited! Plus adding acupuncture in the process is going to help.


5-Day Transfer (this was taken from http://www.nyufertilitycenter.org)

Days Past Transfer (DPT)	Embryo Development
One	The blastocyst begins to hatch out of its shell
Two	The blastocyst continues to hatch out of its shell and begins to attach itself to the uterus
Three	The blastocyst attaches deeper into the uterine lining, beginning implantation
Four	Implantation continues
Five	Implantation is complete, cells that will eventually become the placenta and fetus have begun to develop
Six	Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) starts to enter the blood stream
Seven	Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted
Eight	Fetal development continues and hCG continues to be secreted
Nine	Levels of hCG are now high enough to detect a pregnancy

20 days of medication & first acupuncture appointment success!

I just wanted to give a little update on how things are going so far. I've been on medication (Lupron & just started Delestrogen on the 10th) for 20 days now. I've surprisingly haven't had any crazy side effects. Don't get my wrong, I am very thankful that I haven't had headaches or insomnia but it makes me question if the medication is working-haha! I'm sure it is and maybe my body is processing it well.

Last night was my second dose of Delestrogen. This is the one where Brandon has to inject it for me in my backside. I felt pretty good about it since the first one went well. But last night after pulling the needle out, it started bleeding. I of course had to ask my surrogate friends if this was okay. And it's completely normal. It just threw my off guard since it didn't bleed the first time. Right after the injection, I massaged it and put a heating pad on it so it would absorb better. It's really been helping! I've heard if you don't massage the area, you can get lumps, bumps and aches. So I don't want to chance it.

Today I met with the Acupuncturist that will be at my transfer. Her name is Morgan with Willow Tree Wellness. I was completely impressed! She is so sweet and easy to talk to. We went over my history and any concerns I had. We talked about the surrogacy and how I'm feeling. Then we proceeded onto the acupuncture. She focused on stimulating my uterus and helping with relaxation. I felt amazing afterwards! I love holistic healthcare. Although I am doing acupuncture for the surrogacy, it's also a wonderful treat for my well being. I have another appointment next Saturday and every week until transfer day and even a couple days after transfer. I want this to be successful so I will do whatever I can to help. I'm still going strong with drinking my Red Raspberry Leaf tea everyday. 3-4 cups a day. My uterus is going to be strong and ready!

I'm so anxious for my appointment this coming up Thursday to check my lining and do more blood work. I hope my lining is nice and thick! Fluffy, fluffy thoughts!

~Surro-mama Angela

1st Delestrogen injection complete!

Moving right along!

Going on week 3 of medications and so far so good. This morning I had an appointment at 9:30am at ORM to test my Estradiol level. (needs to be low to start Delestrogen) at 2:45pm I got a call from Marissa, my coordinator saying that my level is 32 and it's low enough to proceed with Delestrogen, yay!

When I went in for blood work this morning, the lady had a hard time getting my blood. She tried 3 times between both arms and finally handed me off to someone else. She got me her first try (thankfully!) it's the worst when they poke, wiggle around and nothing comes out! I also had them draw circles on my lower back with a sharpie pen to give Brandon a guideline to do the Delestrogen injection this evening. I'm nervous but excited! Everything is moving right long as planned-whew!

22 days until transfer!!!!!

I have blood work and an ultrasound on 3/20, 10 days from now to check my lining and hormone levels. Crossing my fingers my lining is THICK and ready to embrace some embryos! I've been drinking my Red Raspberry Leaf tea everyday now, hoping that it will help thicken my lining. Plus it's very hydrating too.

I will update next week after my appointment. Until then....

Peace, Love & Surrogacy,
~Surro-Mama Angela