Yesterday at 4:13 and 4:15pm we had 3 beautiful babies that came in to the world screaming. Due to Kyra's increasing blood pressure over the night on Wednesday, the decision was made to perform the C section yesterday afternoon to avoid the potential for eclampsia in mom or injury to the babies.
All the babies were a good size, baby A was 3lbs 4oz, baby C was still a bit small at 2lbs 14oz, and baby B at 3lbs 6oz. They were admitted to the NICU for obversation and some minor interventions; baby C is on CPAP (nasal cannula that provide positive pressure to prompt them to breath), the rest are on room air.
I think we're so fortunate to have things go so well for us, especially when triplet pregnancies can involve so much complication. I'm off to the hospital to hold some babies!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Week 31 And More Waiting
We've reached week 31 and week 3 of Kyra's hospital capitivity; she's definately ready to come home. There aren't many new developments other then more waiting, but we did receive news that there would be no going home for Kyra, she was there for the duration of the pregnancy due to the potential for things to go bad quickly. I'm glad she's there for the health of our children, but I miss having my wife at home after so many weeks.
We've also been told that we have a maximum of 3 more weeks before an elective C-section, provided that the growth scan this coming Friday is as expected. As I mentioned before, if baby C doesn't grow enough, they'll perform the C-section to benefit his health as he's just not getting the nutrients he needs despite all of them having their own placenta.
Time for more waiting!
We've also been told that we have a maximum of 3 more weeks before an elective C-section, provided that the growth scan this coming Friday is as expected. As I mentioned before, if baby C doesn't grow enough, they'll perform the C-section to benefit his health as he's just not getting the nutrients he needs despite all of them having their own placenta.
Time for more waiting!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Preeclampsia and Week 29
It's been a while since I've had the chance to blog anything due to our weeks being filled with constant activity related to the babies and selling our house. Kyra did really well until large amounts of protein started showing up in her urine (Kidneys aren't filtering well) and her BP was beginning to climb - in the 140/90 range when she was previously normotensive.
The decision was made by the team that she should be admitted for a 24 hour urine collection to further assess her proteinuria (protein in the urine) and do some ultrasounds on the triplets. Her initial 24 protein count was 1.2 grams, if memory serves me correctly mild pre eclampsia is >300 with a change in blood pressure. Her repeat a few days later was much better at only 700mg, but she still got a ticket to stay in the hospital for observation, which makes me feel better knowing the babies will be more closely monitored.
Since her admission she has been on bedrest, fluid/cord flow ultrasounds twice a week and growth scans every 3 weeks. The initial growth scan showed baby C 7 ounces smaller then A and B, which wasn't an immediate concern to the OB team, but if he shows no or little growth at the next scan a C section will follow rather quickly. They are moving and practicing their breathing as they should be - it's definately cool to see!
Now it's just a game of hurry up and wait.
The decision was made by the team that she should be admitted for a 24 hour urine collection to further assess her proteinuria (protein in the urine) and do some ultrasounds on the triplets. Her initial 24 protein count was 1.2 grams, if memory serves me correctly mild pre eclampsia is >300 with a change in blood pressure. Her repeat a few days later was much better at only 700mg, but she still got a ticket to stay in the hospital for observation, which makes me feel better knowing the babies will be more closely monitored.
Since her admission she has been on bedrest, fluid/cord flow ultrasounds twice a week and growth scans every 3 weeks. The initial growth scan showed baby C 7 ounces smaller then A and B, which wasn't an immediate concern to the OB team, but if he shows no or little growth at the next scan a C section will follow rather quickly. They are moving and practicing their breathing as they should be - it's definately cool to see!
Now it's just a game of hurry up and wait.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Fetal Movement at Week 23
Today was the start of week 23 for our babies, and we got a little surprise of palpable movement through Kyra's abdominal wall. While I think she has been feeling light fetal movement that's often called fluttering since week 18-19, this is the first time that there is no mistaking it. It was pretty awesome to feel, it really makes you realize that there's little people in there growing day by day, I sometimes forget that when I just see little (but cute) images on U/S.
Kyra contines to do well with her blood pressure and cerivcal length, I think the fact that she's resting whever possible is really helping out. Hopefully things will continue to go well for us and our babies.
Kyra contines to do well with her blood pressure and cerivcal length, I think the fact that she's resting whever possible is really helping out. Hopefully things will continue to go well for us and our babies.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Week 20 Repeat Anatomy Scan
Last Wednesday we went for our repeat anatomy scan. The reason it was repeated wasn't due to any abnormality, but rather due to the early anatomy scan done at week 17. The fetal monitoring center initially did first anatomy can a week to two weeks early in the event there was something visibily wrong with the babies, then it would give us more time to selectively reduce if we chose.
The repeat scan looked great, all the babies were active and with good heart beats. Unfortunately, for a proud dad like myself, I don't get any of those nice U/S pictures that singleton fathers do because of the crowded house in that uterus of Kyra's. Never the less, we do get some neat, seemingly random shots of head, hands, feet, etc. The one below is of baby "A" scrunched up with his head on the left and legs on the right, the arrow pointing to his boy parts (the U/S tech did that, not me).
Kyra looks great, she really appears pregnant in the last couple weeks, and has had some trouble sleeping due to hip pain. We went and bought a "Snoogle" and that seemed to really help. She eats very small meals and drinks plenty of water which seems to help her not get nauseous at all.
We're coming up on Week 22 this Thursday, and Kyra's cerival length continues to measure more then what they would be happy with. With every passing week and no cervical changes I feel better about healthy triplets. It's still hard for me to be convinced healthy triplets arrive in this world every day when I see a 23 week singleton that received CPR for several minutes, Epi, and was intubated like I did last week. Kyra's doing an awesome job looking after herself, so I hope better for mine.
The repeat scan looked great, all the babies were active and with good heart beats. Unfortunately, for a proud dad like myself, I don't get any of those nice U/S pictures that singleton fathers do because of the crowded house in that uterus of Kyra's. Never the less, we do get some neat, seemingly random shots of head, hands, feet, etc. The one below is of baby "A" scrunched up with his head on the left and legs on the right, the arrow pointing to his boy parts (the U/S tech did that, not me).
Kyra looks great, she really appears pregnant in the last couple weeks, and has had some trouble sleeping due to hip pain. We went and bought a "Snoogle" and that seemed to really help. She eats very small meals and drinks plenty of water which seems to help her not get nauseous at all.
We're coming up on Week 22 this Thursday, and Kyra's cerival length continues to measure more then what they would be happy with. With every passing week and no cervical changes I feel better about healthy triplets. It's still hard for me to be convinced healthy triplets arrive in this world every day when I see a 23 week singleton that received CPR for several minutes, Epi, and was intubated like I did last week. Kyra's doing an awesome job looking after herself, so I hope better for mine.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Week 18/19
Kyra just went for yet another weekly OB appointment and things continue to go well (knock on wood). The clinic has been checking her cervical length every week for the past 3 weeks to ensure there's no thinning which would signify premature labor. Her length has been >4 cm, which our clinic (and most others) consider normal for the second trimester. I wasn't able to go to this weeks appointment, but Kyra tells me the babies are doing well on U/S; they're all quite active with good heart beats.
As far as momma, she's been having a bit more difficulty. A couple weeks ago she began to have a lot of groin pain which seems to have subsided in recent days. Her "baby bump" has continued to get noticably larger with the occasional Braxton-Hicks contraction, which are normally seen in the second trimester and thought of as practice contractions. She's had a bit more difficulty getting around, bending over, and shortness of breath with exertion, which I'm sure will get worse in the coming weeks.
As far as momma, she's been having a bit more difficulty. A couple weeks ago she began to have a lot of groin pain which seems to have subsided in recent days. Her "baby bump" has continued to get noticably larger with the occasional Braxton-Hicks contraction, which are normally seen in the second trimester and thought of as practice contractions. She's had a bit more difficulty getting around, bending over, and shortness of breath with exertion, which I'm sure will get worse in the coming weeks.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The Big News from the Anatomy Scan
Our anatomy week 18 anatomy scan was done on June 1st, which is a bit early, but they wanted to do that since our initial genetic testing wasn't early enough due to triplets. It took 3 hours for all the triplets, and they examined very fine details of each one to rule out defects and genetic problems.
Obviously the brain was examined to make sure all of it was present, they looked for what appears as a dark spot in the lower brain which is known as the cavum septi pellucidi which is where part of the brain known as the corpus callosum will form. They remeasured the nuchal thickness again, checked lateral ventricles, and a couple other structures. Things like humeral lengths and 5th digit (finger) bone formation were checked to help rule out Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome); the upper lip and palate were checked for a clef with is often present in Trisomy 13. The vertabrae were also examined to rule out a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. There was much more done, but those are the main things I can recall from the scan.
When we first found out Kyra was pregnant, we weren't going to find out the sex of the baby, however, since triplets were in our future we decided we would for planning purposes. One of the exciting parts of the scan was checking the sex, it didn't look like much, but you could definately tell a boy from a girl. Kyra and I were happy to find out we were having 2 boys and a girl, what a great mix, now we can start to buy pink and blue stuff instead of yellow and green all the time!
So everything seems to be going well right now, they're watching Kyra's cervical length until week 23, it looks normal so far. Once we get to week 23-24 (viability) I'll feel a bit better, then when we reach week 28 I'll feel a lot better, but ultimately my goal is for them to stay put until week 32.
Obviously the brain was examined to make sure all of it was present, they looked for what appears as a dark spot in the lower brain which is known as the cavum septi pellucidi which is where part of the brain known as the corpus callosum will form. They remeasured the nuchal thickness again, checked lateral ventricles, and a couple other structures. Things like humeral lengths and 5th digit (finger) bone formation were checked to help rule out Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome); the upper lip and palate were checked for a clef with is often present in Trisomy 13. The vertabrae were also examined to rule out a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. There was much more done, but those are the main things I can recall from the scan.
When we first found out Kyra was pregnant, we weren't going to find out the sex of the baby, however, since triplets were in our future we decided we would for planning purposes. One of the exciting parts of the scan was checking the sex, it didn't look like much, but you could definately tell a boy from a girl. Kyra and I were happy to find out we were having 2 boys and a girl, what a great mix, now we can start to buy pink and blue stuff instead of yellow and green all the time!
So everything seems to be going well right now, they're watching Kyra's cervical length until week 23, it looks normal so far. Once we get to week 23-24 (viability) I'll feel a bit better, then when we reach week 28 I'll feel a lot better, but ultimately my goal is for them to stay put until week 32.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Nuchal Translucency Scan - Week 12
May 5th was our nuchal translucency and everything looked good. It was pretty unnerving to watch them scan eat baby and look at the monitor to see if the measurement was normal (since they told us what they consider normal). After the scan was done, they gave us a simple report stating the measurements on each baby and their gestational age; and verbally reported all was well.
The genetics counsellors called us a couple days later regarding the outcome of the scans, which intially worried Kyra (and later myself before I heard they had called her), and they did some analysis based on measurements and age. They figure in the normal measurements, her age, and normally blood values (which you can't do with triplets), and come up with a percentage of risk for trisomy 13, 18, and 21. Since we can't do the blood test the estimated our likelyhood of trimsomy 13, 18, and 21 at close to 1 in 1000 per syndrome, which made me feel better.
Our next step is to complete our week 18 anatomy scan, which they would like to do early to rule out any major defects that we can reduce if necessary. They told us that we'd likely have to come back later for a complete scan, but they'd like to at least rule out the major defects early, around week 16.
Kyra bought some used baby clothes, they're very cute and I'm excited!
The genetics counsellors called us a couple days later regarding the outcome of the scans, which intially worried Kyra (and later myself before I heard they had called her), and they did some analysis based on measurements and age. They figure in the normal measurements, her age, and normally blood values (which you can't do with triplets), and come up with a percentage of risk for trisomy 13, 18, and 21. Since we can't do the blood test the estimated our likelyhood of trimsomy 13, 18, and 21 at close to 1 in 1000 per syndrome, which made me feel better.
Our next step is to complete our week 18 anatomy scan, which they would like to do early to rule out any major defects that we can reduce if necessary. They told us that we'd likely have to come back later for a complete scan, but they'd like to at least rule out the major defects early, around week 16.
Kyra bought some used baby clothes, they're very cute and I'm excited!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Week 11
It's been a pretty quiet week compared to the rest; Kyra has hardly been sick and we haven't been running to appointments. The Vitamin B6 continues to help Kyra's nausea, she's only been sick one or two times this week and since she's coming to the end of the first trimester hopefully it's gone for good. Kyra is often not hungry a lot, and continues to just eat several small meals per day to stave off the nausea, which seems to help in conjunction with the B6.
Both Kyra and I have started to think about these little guys/gals actually being born. We spent some time picking out three boy and three girl names, in the event they're all one sex. I'm really hoping for a little girl, Kyra remains impartial to either sex. Kyra's done a great deal of research on having multiples, including how to find clothes and things like baby baths for cheap. She got some used neutral clothes at a consignment store for $1.50 each, and they looked brand new. It sure beats paying full price!
Both Kyra and I have started to think about these little guys/gals actually being born. We spent some time picking out three boy and three girl names, in the event they're all one sex. I'm really hoping for a little girl, Kyra remains impartial to either sex. Kyra's done a great deal of research on having multiples, including how to find clothes and things like baby baths for cheap. She got some used neutral clothes at a consignment store for $1.50 each, and they looked brand new. It sure beats paying full price!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Week 10 and Vitamin B6
I thought I would just write a short note to provide an update on Kyra's vomiting after she started the vitamin B6. She's been taking them twice a day every day now and is finding both her nausea and vomiting have decreased markedly. She would be nauseous most of the day and would vomiting with almost every meal, and how she's down to about once day. Over all, we're pretty happy with our $2 purchase from Walmart haa haa.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
The Start of Week 10 and More Fun Pregnancy Sickness
Last night was the last progesterone injection for Kyra, which of courses she's happy about since both sides of her upper butt cheeks (gluteus maximus muscle) are visibly swollen from 10 weeks of this. Our clinic does 10 weeks of luteal support, a lot do 8, but research doesn't support one over the other; I guess there thinking is by week 10 the placenta is functioning enough to continue the pregnancy.
Kyra has been really sick this week, I think she's at a 1 for 3 average when it comes to keeping meals down. She's tried to wait until she's been up a while to have breakfast, that seems to have mixed results, other meals have been about as bland and as small as she wants with no improvement. She bought some vitamin B6 which is supposed to help with nausea and vomiting, I'm not sure if it's due to it's roll in carbohydrate and protein metabolism or if there's another action that causes it to help.
I continue to be nervous about genetic defects, which as the genetic counsellors told us, we have a 1.5% chance per fetus. That doesn't seem like a lot, but two days ago I transported a Trisomy 13 neonate which makes me worry since I see genetic defects like that on an almost weekly basis, one forgets there are babies born normally in this world. Trisomy 13 is a genetic disorder where the infant has 3 rather than 2 of the 13th chromosomes - they are severely mentally retarded, have scalp defects, cleft lip, extra digits, and organ or cardiac defects; they typically don't live long after birth. In my experience I've always seen the addition digits and cardiac defects.
We've been letting it slowly leak out that we're pregnant with triplets everyone is very excited about it, but I notice I do get a bit of a puzzled look. I've been explaining to people that yes, we did IVF, to me it doesn't carry a stigma, I guess to others it may.
As of today we're at 10 1/7 week... go babies go.
Kyra has been really sick this week, I think she's at a 1 for 3 average when it comes to keeping meals down. She's tried to wait until she's been up a while to have breakfast, that seems to have mixed results, other meals have been about as bland and as small as she wants with no improvement. She bought some vitamin B6 which is supposed to help with nausea and vomiting, I'm not sure if it's due to it's roll in carbohydrate and protein metabolism or if there's another action that causes it to help.
I continue to be nervous about genetic defects, which as the genetic counsellors told us, we have a 1.5% chance per fetus. That doesn't seem like a lot, but two days ago I transported a Trisomy 13 neonate which makes me worry since I see genetic defects like that on an almost weekly basis, one forgets there are babies born normally in this world. Trisomy 13 is a genetic disorder where the infant has 3 rather than 2 of the 13th chromosomes - they are severely mentally retarded, have scalp defects, cleft lip, extra digits, and organ or cardiac defects; they typically don't live long after birth. In my experience I've always seen the addition digits and cardiac defects.
We've been letting it slowly leak out that we're pregnant with triplets everyone is very excited about it, but I notice I do get a bit of a puzzled look. I've been explaining to people that yes, we did IVF, to me it doesn't carry a stigma, I guess to others it may.
As of today we're at 10 1/7 week... go babies go.
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Triplets Take a Ride to the High Risk OB
Today was our appointment and ultrasound at the high risk OB center. They first had us see the genetic counselling folks, which I guess is a pretty common practice, but not strickly due to maternal age or multiple gestations. It gave us some things to think about, but since I transport sick neonates, it made me feel like there was no hope of having 3 normal babies, something which has been on my mind since we started this process.They also talked to us about reducing, but while we understand the risks to the whole pregnancy, we feel it better to just ride it out and run the gamble of delivering early. We may change our mind depending on what happens in the future.
The ultrasound was the highlight of the 3 hour appointment, they wanted to check the identicals to see they had their own placenta. Much to their surprise they did, which again gives us more options if we had to reduce and eliminates the possibility of twin to twin transfusions. They were moving around and just looked darn cute. We have to return to them for a nuchal translucency ultrasound on all babies which will help them predict genetic defects since several syndromes present with neck webbing.
Kyra has been doing really well with nausea/vomiting this week, although she did throw up her breakfast out of the blue this morning.
Above is zoomed in ultrasound picture of babies A and C, they're legs and arm buds are visible, I think they're cute little guys.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Big News
Kyra and I went for our first ultrasound yesterday and received some very, very, very positive news, it showed not one, but three! Back on February 23, we had two 3 day embryos returned, one was a 7 and one was an 8 cell, both with 25% fragmentation (none is desirable). All fetuses appear heathy and dated appropriately at 9 and 1/7 week, all in their own gestational sacs. So I guess we now fit in to the 20% statistic from the fertility center of having multiples.
We have an appointment with the high risk OB/GYN in a few days, they're going to evaluate the identical set of twins to see if they share a placenta or have their own. Each twin having it's own placenta would just give us more options if he need to reduce, which we don't plan to do if everything goes fairly well.
Kyra continues to have mimimal nausea or vomiting, but a lot of reflux for which she's been taking Tums. She's also been getting up one to two times per night to urinate due to the fluid retention, I find it ironic since she always used to make fun of me for getting up during the night.
We have an appointment with the high risk OB/GYN in a few days, they're going to evaluate the identical set of twins to see if they share a placenta or have their own. Each twin having it's own placenta would just give us more options if he need to reduce, which we don't plan to do if everything goes fairly well.
Kyra continues to have mimimal nausea or vomiting, but a lot of reflux for which she's been taking Tums. She's also been getting up one to two times per night to urinate due to the fluid retention, I find it ironic since she always used to make fun of me for getting up during the night.
Above is a picture of the initial ultrasound showing the triplets. Since they're small their not well defined by you can make out the head of baby B and the body of baby A, I'm not really sure what baby C is doing.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
End of Pregnancy Week 8
As we approach Thursday we come to the end of week 8. Kyra isn't morning sick, she's just randomly "day sick", with nausea and vomiting shortly after lunch in to the evening. Usually once she gets vomits she's done and feels better.
Our ultrasound is tomorrow, we'll find out how many viable fetuses are present of the two we had implanted. I use the word fetus since this week marks the end of the embroyonic period and start of the fetal period.
Our ultrasound is tomorrow, we'll find out how many viable fetuses are present of the two we had implanted. I use the word fetus since this week marks the end of the embroyonic period and start of the fetal period.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Week 7 Pregnancy Changes
We're rolling through week 7 and just waiting to go for the ultrasound on April 8. Kyra's main symptom right now is pretty extreme fatigue, but also lack of appetite. She used to be a light sleeper and toss a turn a lot, lately she sleeps like a rock, which is nice for me. She can sleep all night, get and tired, work all day then come home and nap for a couple hours, then go to bed and still never feel caught up.
Making dinner is a bit more of a problem now because she's just not hungry, even though she hasn't eaten most of the day. She's hasn't complained of any nausea lately, or having any food aversions; other then that all is well to be best of my knowledge.
Making dinner is a bit more of a problem now because she's just not hungry, even though she hasn't eaten most of the day. She's hasn't complained of any nausea lately, or having any food aversions; other then that all is well to be best of my knowledge.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Another Week of Waiting
There hasn't been much new in the last couple week since we found out Kyra was pregnant. By the regular pregnancy calendar she is currently 6 weeks, but 4 weeks via the IVF calendar. I thought that signs of pregnancy would be fairly obvious by now, but she's only had one little bit of nausea a couple mornings ago, which passed quickly, and has been more fatigued in the last week or so. One could debate if the fatigue is her busy lifestyle with school, so if you're looking a pretty early sign,assuming you get enough sleep, it seems to be a pretty sure fire one.
I was talking to a coworker of mine who also underwent the IVF with ICSI shortly before us, unfortunately, there wasn't a heart beat at her 6 week ultrasound. While she was older then Kyra, it does concern me since I'm a worrier about things I don't have any control over. I'm excited, but afraid for ultrasound day, which is still a over a week away.
I was talking to a coworker of mine who also underwent the IVF with ICSI shortly before us, unfortunately, there wasn't a heart beat at her 6 week ultrasound. While she was older then Kyra, it does concern me since I'm a worrier about things I don't have any control over. I'm excited, but afraid for ultrasound day, which is still a over a week away.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Repeat Beta HCG
Kyra went for her repeat Beta HCG on Wednesday, the result came yesterday. We were pretty happy to know that it doubled as expected in the two days since the original lab draw. We've been scheduled for scan after 3/26 (5 weeks) to confirm a fetal heart beat. Hopefully all is well.
Otherwise, Kyra is doing well, no nausea, just the usual symptoms she gets from the progesterone injections... only 8 more weeks to go for those.
Otherwise, Kyra is doing well, no nausea, just the usual symptoms she gets from the progesterone injections... only 8 more weeks to go for those.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Our IVF Pregancy Journey From The Beginning
Over the course of our adventure to become pregnant, I've relied upon a lot of web searches and published research for solice in those times where I've needed answers. So, I thought I would give back a bit, and share our experiences with those of you that are looking for answers during this difficult journey they call procreation.
Our story so far:
Kyra and I have been nurses for about 12 years now. Kyra has worked in adult ICU for most of her career, and has been in a doctorate of pharamacy program for the last 3.85 years (no, I'm not counting). I've been an ICU nurse, ER nurse, and for the last eight years, a flight nurse who's seen every slice of life. About two years ago, we decided that despite Kyra going to school, it was time to have a baby, unfortunately, as with most well hatched plans our's didn't work out very well.
We tried the normal way to get pregnant for a long time, even using ovuation predictors with no effect. Finally, in the spring of 2008 we turned to a fertility clinic for a consult due to our inability to conceive. We both endured a few tests, Kyra a Hysterosalpingogram which looked at her uterus and fallopian tubes, and I had the easy part with a Semen analysis. While it was felt that Kyra had a possible blocked fallopian tube, the likely cause of our problem was male infertility.
Knowing the potential problems, we decided to go ahead with intra-uterine insemination (IUI), where by the sperm is collected, spun down to remove excess fluids, and injected in to the uterus at the time of ovulation after using Clomid to stimulate multiple eggs to mature.
We, especially I was very disappointed when we did the home pregnancy test two weeks after the IUI day; the result was negative. We opted to start another cycle due to the relatively low cost vs IVF, again, the second result was also negative.
In late December of 2008 we decided it was time to bite the bullet and start IVF with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) due to my repeated low sperm counts and motility. It began with the usual "calming phase" of the ovaries where birth control pills are taken for a period of 1-2 months, followed by the prescibed regimen of gonadotropins and Follistim.
After multiple ultrasounds 1o of Kyra's eggs where harvested on 2/19/09. When we returned for reimplantation three days later, only 4 of those 10 had fertilized, and in the end, 2 of those were suitable for implantation. The two we had were a 7 and an 8 cell embroys with 25% fragmentation (parts of the nucleated portion have broken off) where suitable for implantation. I can't deny that I was pretty disappointed, out of 10 eggs, we only ended up with 2, what the heck?
The implantation procedure was completed and we hoped for the best. I continued to give Kyra her Progesterone IM shots every night as scheduled (is she lucky I'm a nurse or what - mad IM injection skills). Finally the two week wait was over, I'll admit, I wasn't very optimistic that she was pregnant. Due in great part to the Progesterone, and the fact that she was only (potentially) 14 days pregnant, there were no signs. Of course she had gas pains, constipation, bloating, emotional lability, and breast tenderness from the Progesterone, but there was no implantation bleeding or other signs that we talked about every night while I waited.
Finally today, she went for her first Beta HCG and it was "very positive" according to the clinic, what that means without seeing the numbers I don't know. As I mentioned, we had two embryos implanted, did they both take?
That's where we stand as of today, a repeat HCG in two days will confirm continued growth; more to follow.
Our story so far:
Kyra and I have been nurses for about 12 years now. Kyra has worked in adult ICU for most of her career, and has been in a doctorate of pharamacy program for the last 3.85 years (no, I'm not counting). I've been an ICU nurse, ER nurse, and for the last eight years, a flight nurse who's seen every slice of life. About two years ago, we decided that despite Kyra going to school, it was time to have a baby, unfortunately, as with most well hatched plans our's didn't work out very well.
We tried the normal way to get pregnant for a long time, even using ovuation predictors with no effect. Finally, in the spring of 2008 we turned to a fertility clinic for a consult due to our inability to conceive. We both endured a few tests, Kyra a Hysterosalpingogram which looked at her uterus and fallopian tubes, and I had the easy part with a Semen analysis. While it was felt that Kyra had a possible blocked fallopian tube, the likely cause of our problem was male infertility.
Knowing the potential problems, we decided to go ahead with intra-uterine insemination (IUI), where by the sperm is collected, spun down to remove excess fluids, and injected in to the uterus at the time of ovulation after using Clomid to stimulate multiple eggs to mature.
We, especially I was very disappointed when we did the home pregnancy test two weeks after the IUI day; the result was negative. We opted to start another cycle due to the relatively low cost vs IVF, again, the second result was also negative.
In late December of 2008 we decided it was time to bite the bullet and start IVF with ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) due to my repeated low sperm counts and motility. It began with the usual "calming phase" of the ovaries where birth control pills are taken for a period of 1-2 months, followed by the prescibed regimen of gonadotropins and Follistim.
After multiple ultrasounds 1o of Kyra's eggs where harvested on 2/19/09. When we returned for reimplantation three days later, only 4 of those 10 had fertilized, and in the end, 2 of those were suitable for implantation. The two we had were a 7 and an 8 cell embroys with 25% fragmentation (parts of the nucleated portion have broken off) where suitable for implantation. I can't deny that I was pretty disappointed, out of 10 eggs, we only ended up with 2, what the heck?
The implantation procedure was completed and we hoped for the best. I continued to give Kyra her Progesterone IM shots every night as scheduled (is she lucky I'm a nurse or what - mad IM injection skills). Finally the two week wait was over, I'll admit, I wasn't very optimistic that she was pregnant. Due in great part to the Progesterone, and the fact that she was only (potentially) 14 days pregnant, there were no signs. Of course she had gas pains, constipation, bloating, emotional lability, and breast tenderness from the Progesterone, but there was no implantation bleeding or other signs that we talked about every night while I waited.
Finally today, she went for her first Beta HCG and it was "very positive" according to the clinic, what that means without seeing the numbers I don't know. As I mentioned, we had two embryos implanted, did they both take?
That's where we stand as of today, a repeat HCG in two days will confirm continued growth; more to follow.
The picture above is of both of our embryos that were returned, some blebbing or fragmentation can be seen.
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