E.T. – not the movie

So, a quick update about the Embryo Transfer, which took place two days ago. There isn’t a lot to say other than it is the second pivotal point of the process. We know very little, and there isn’t much more to do than just wait…and continue with the shots.
 

We did place two embryos inside Kristina’s uterus. I say “we” but really the doctor did that; I just stood by, kept my hand on her shoulder and smiled a lot.
 

Anyway, the two embryos were graded about four hours prior to the transfer. One was a complete blastocyst and graded as a “C.” The other one was what is called an early-blastocyst, and by formality cannot be graded. The technician who explained this to us said that is probably matured to a complete blastocyst from the time it was examined, but due to the strict guidelines of the process no “late grade” could be given.
 

Understanding the grading was a bit tricky because we tended to consider these like grades in school. A grade of “C” didn’t seem very hopeful, then there was the one that couldn’t be graded. However, Dr. Reshef explained the grades from “A” to “D” have statistically no difference in success. There is a slight lesser chance with the non-graded embryo, but these are generalized statistics. He personally felt confident in the early blastocyst simply because of its good quality despite the technical grading, and further an additional four hours had passed.
 

With all of that said, now we wait. Kristina has been on bed rest for the past 48 hours and has further limiting physical restrictions for the next few weeks. She can’t play football or jump on a trampoline. Okay, that’s obvious, but she has a weight limit she is allowed to carry, which means things will fall on me for a lot of the routine.
 

And speaking of routine, the shot routine has not continued to go well. While there has not been any major issue, Kristina is becoming very sore. My confidence is waning as well. I had been told I would be “an old pro” by this time, but neither of us are feeling like this is something we should continue. If continued shots are required (and switching to another form of supplement is not permitted), then we will probably pursue some professional medical personnel to administer them. Sadly, that’s how difficult that aspect has been.
 

In an odd way, this whole thing is still surreal and it’s not like a regular pregnancy. It becomes easy to focus on the problems and not the end goal. The fear of failure, with nothing we can do to change the outcome, is a quiet and ever-present stress. A lot of deep breaths!