The New Journey Begins

It has been an emotional last few days with passions in all directions. We had the shock of an unexpected delivery of the twins two weeks prior to the plan. There were some initial health concerns that seem to turn out not to be worries. However, as time progressed new worries set in.

Journey’s End…Sorta

So, roughly 24 hours ago, Kristina and I were at the final routine visit before the scheduled delivery of the twins on November 1. There had been a little excitement earlier in the day as Kristina was trying to decide whether an incident was simply some pregnancy-related incontinence or whether she may have had a sign her water might be about to break. With her first pregnancy there was a similar incident that occurred a few hours before her water broke.

Not Big Enough

So, we are beyond 34 weeks now and nothing is big enough.

The 23 Enigma

Last week I mentioned stress coming down on us at this phase of the pregnancy. Many wished for us to have some relief. Well, it didn't come immediately as we were in the hospital last Saturday to treat the second kidney stone Kristina had developed.

Tick-Tock

It has been a stressful week. We had our one-year old SUV break down over the weekend and had to be with loaners for five days. Granted a loaner vehicle is better than no vehicle, but it did throw a curve in our routine. More details would be just complaining...

The Test Results

It has been a long process. We knew when we got married having a child together would present a challenge. After all, I had a vasectomy six years prior. When we learned the reversal surgery was not successful last summer, it seemed that challenge turned into a barricade. After our first cycle of IVF resulted only in a chemical pregnancy, that barricade brought questions about our belief of how the universe works.

What To Expect

I thought I would add a quick note about the upcoming tests for success. It is already a tough week with the anticipation of the results being either one way or another. Kristina and I can both feel the stress of it.

Next Report: 2 Weeks!

The transfer took place today. Kristina is now home and resting for the next 48 hours. She stated this time was a little smoother than the last one. That said, there is a somewhat somber attitude lingering in the early hours after the procedure.

Needles, Needles Everywhere, Nor Any Drop To Drink

Yesterday was the “suppression check” appointment for our IVF cycle. Again what this means is the doctor draws blood to measure Kristina’s estrogen level to be sure her ovaries have “gone to sleep” so that her body’s natural process doesn’t follow the normal pattern. The reason being, we want to control the timing of ovulation and stimulate as many follicles as possible.

We Do Everything Twice

“If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again.”  ~ William E. Hickson

Well, we are back. Yes, somewhat reluctantly, but we are back.
 

Let me clarify what I mean by “reluctantly.” Yes, we are attempting the in-vitro process again. That part is not where any reluctance comes into play. This adverb is reserved for our decision to continue making our progress public for round two.
 

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.

Scheduling Zygotes

This weekend was a bit crazy – and I’m not sure why it had to be. I suppose things just don’t seem right sometimes unless there is the proper balance of chaos. However, I think some of it comes from a "pre-nesting" phase we seem to be experiencing from this whole IVF process - and truth be told, I am kinda being the girl about most of it. However, after Saturday’s ultrasound and adjustments to the amount of Menopur Kristina continues to take, we now have a 95% certainty of when we will be performing the extraction procedure.

And Queue Vomit...

Kristina did throw up last night
A twist of fate, I feared she might
Her dosage has been upped a slight
For the numbers are not quite right

Unknown Steps...

I had planned to write about the orange lying and my continued struggles with giving Kristina the shots. However, after the emotional day it has it has been, that honestly seems like the least of the issues.

About to Get Real

This morning I confirmed today's date for a daily couples' reading we actually only do semi-routinely. She affirmed the date and followed up with the reminder that tomorrow is her "Suppression Check." What that means is

Adjusting The Sails

The purpose of this blog seems to change as more time passes. At first it was technical and details of the medical procedure. However, it has become a lot more about the emotional stress of life while going through the IVF process.