TRANSFER DAY!

After all of this preparation today is finally here. It's still so surreal to me. As I'm laying here in bed thinking about how it all happened today, I'm so grateful for the experience.

Brandon got off of work early and picked me up. I was a bit nervous.. actually I was really nervous. Brandon asked if I was going to be okay. I just kept taking deep breaths in the car ride to ORM. When we arrived, Brandon took a photo of me outside in the parking garage.  Then we headed inside.

My lucky green shirt! LOVE it!

I was drinking water all morning so when I arrived, I had to pee. I checked in and asked the front desk lady if I could pee first before going back. She said I could as long as I drank two bottles of water. But someone was using the restroom. Then a nurse called me back to prep for transfer. I asked the nurse if I could pee and she said she'd rather have me wait until they can check my bladder. Morgan, my Acupuncturist arrived right as they brought us back.

Talking with the nurse

They brought us into a room and they had me change into a hospital gown, hair cap and booties. Morgan began the acupuncture right away. Right after she put the needles in, Marissa my Coordinator came in to say hi and to wish us the best. Then shortly after, the Embryologist Rebecca came in to talk about the embryos. She confirmed that we would be transferring one boy and one girl from each father. She said the embryos were perfect and they dethawed great. They were frozen on Day 5 of being created. Rebecca seemed very optimistic about the embryos. After Rebecca left, Dr. Hesla came in to say hi and to see if we had any questions. The nurse came in with an ultrasound machine to check how full my bladder was and she said it was good. After she did the ultrasound I had to pee even more after the pressure on my belly. When Morgan came back in to remove the acupuncture needles, I let her know that I *really* needed to pee so she let the nurse know. They let me empty a cup full and I felt much better.

My Acupuncturist, Morgan with Willow Tree Wellness

I laid back on my bed until it was show time. The nurse came in and asked me how many embryos we are transferring and I said two. She said okay, I just want to make sure before I give you Valium. I took the Valium and laid there for a bit. They rolled me into the "Transfer room" and it was mainly dark with the light for the doctor to see and the ultrasound machine. There was a screen to my right that was off but then turned on with a photo of the embryos. The boy embryo already started hatching which is great! He's a little overachiever! And the little girl looked like Minni Mouse. I wish I had a photo to share. They mentioned e-mailing it to me, but I haven't received it yet. Dr. Hesla explained what he would be doing. The nurse and embryologist, Rebecca confirmed my name and the Father's names with me to confirm that we transfer the right embryos. The nurse checked my bladder with the ultrasound and my bladder was still a bit too full so they had me pee a cup full again. And even after that it was STILL full but not uncomfortably full thankfully.

After Dr. Hesla cleaned my cervix, he gave the embryologist the "Okay" and she brought out the catheter with the embryos. He inserted the catheter carefully watching on the ultrasound screen. And within two minutes the transfer was complete! Rebecca stood on my right side with her fingers crossed and smiling. He said that he placed the embryos in a really good spot in my uterus and everything looked great. He asked me not to move and to stay laying flat while they rolled me back into the room I was in before.

After transfer acupuncture

I fell asleep during the acupuncture which is great. It gave the embryos some relaxing time to snuggle into my uterus. It seems like time flew by while we were there. I believe we left around 3pm. I reclined my seat in my car on the ride home. We picked up some lunch at Panera Bread before going home.

I love this photo Brandon took of my hands after transfer acupuncture. My lucky bracelets.

Now we wait... the waiting game is the worst but I hope that both babies get cozy! My first blood draw, beta is on April 10th, 9 days! I plan on taking home pregnancy tests before the beta and asked permission from my IF's that it would be okay. They would like to know soon! I'm sure they are so anxious. 

~Surro-Mama Angela

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