We had another appointment at the Green Valley office of Nevada Fertility Cares and Dr. McConnell was going to show us exactly what was inside there. We arrived and had our standard blood tests for Estradol and Progesterone, which I had been taking since the transfer along with an HCG (pregnancy hormone) level check to ensure it was building and everything was on par. While all of this news was really exciting, I must say that I was a bit apprehensive because we’d had 2 miscarriages in the past that occurred very early (5 to 7 weeks) and I just was sort of holding my breath to see if we could get past that point. So, when we finally got the ultrasound going, what do you know??? There are 3 babies. We are expecting triplets!!!! Who could have guessed after all of our failure that we would have 3 that worked. WOW. Both Chip and I were extremely happy that it worked, but had never thought for a moment that there would ever be 3 babies. So with that news, we left the office and called the families. Wow, what wonderful news we shared! We told the girls a couple of days later and they were really excited. I have had a flood of emotions. Extreme happiness that all of this effort worked, but also wonder what to do first. What does a family need for 3 babies. How would our life change?
Author: Sherri
The moment of truth!
We went to the Green Valley office of Nevada Fertility Cares and took the blood test that we had been waiting 2 long weeks for. So we were there at 9 a.m. as instructed. The morning seemed to drag on. Finally about 1 p.m. Mary Ann from the Summerlin office called and told us we were pregnant. Not only were we pregnant, but the HCG levels were 700. Normal to prove pregnancy is 50. So, that meant that there were probably more than one. However, we’d have to wait until 3/2/07 to see what exactly was in there via ultrasound. Our due date is determined to be 10/25/07. On 3/2/07 we’ll be just over 6 weeks. It’s so hard to wait!
Egg Transfer
Well, the big day is here. We had 4 good embryos to choose from and we asked that they all be transferred. Dr. McConnell indicated that if all 4 attached, we would need to think about reduction, which to me was a much better decision to deal with rather than dealing with it not working. We agreed. Then they brought the embryos in the procedure area and Dr. McConnell, along with Mary Ann, her physician’s assistant, put each egg back in. I was awake this time and they were guided by ultrasound. Then it was time to go home and rest. 3 days bed rest. I made myself comfortable on our sofa bed and Chip took care of me for the rest of the week. I missed some work meetings, but that’s ok, I just wanted one of those little buggers to stick!
Egg Retrieval
This was the first step of the IVF process after all the hormone stimulating drugs. We did 12 days of injections, both subcutaneous in my belly with an epi pen type of injection (Follistim), a subcutaneous injection in my leg (Lupron) and finally a wonderful intramuscular injection in my hip (Repronex). It’s too much fun for one person to have. The cycle was difficult and both Chip and I knew it would be our last if it didn’t work. Both of us were tired. Especially after at least 8 inseminations that failed. This cycle with the additional drugs also made it harder. I was more emotional and not so excited about being a pin cushion, but Chip was equally frustrated at the medications, timing and all of the other “fun” that came with it. Finally, though, on 2/1 we went in early to Nevada Fertility cares and prepared for the egg retrieval. I was put under by a fabulous anesthesiologist. I just remember being rolled into the procedure room and then waking up about an hour later. 22 eggs were retrieved. I felt really good the day of the retrieval, but the 2 days following were just painful and difficult.
On 2/2, we learned via a phone call that 15 had fertilized. Things were looking really good. However, every cycle before had looked good as well. Now it was a waiting game for 5 days to see how the embryos would grow. I was excited, but also very afraid to be too happy about this small success.