Friday, June 09, 2006

The First Phone Call



Egg retrieval was yesterday. Things went well. I got the same super anesthesiologist as I had for my cyst aspiration. Man, that guy is good. No "hangover" or grogginess afterwards, and the pain management (for whatever could be expected) has been perfect.

Hubs did his important part of the deal at home right before we left. "Oh man, I hope I got enough out," was his comment upon handing the cup over to me to keep warm. I want to shout out to the guys in our lives - they have their own pressures within all this. Props to the studs who have to do this on command at 5:30 in the morning while we "wait" on them to go have a surgical procedure. Seriously. All jokes aside, it takes a good amount of mind control and focus. I can tell you that that's the LAST thing I would want to do at that moment.

Anyway, my RE got 10 eggies out, and his comment to us a little later after I woke up a bit more in recovery was that they were excellent quality eggs. He said at that time that we were aiming at a 5-day transfer if everything continues to go well. Interesting. I didn't know they could examine the eggs alone and right away know they look good. But I'll take that. No complaints here.

Yesterday I napped and generally took it easy. My lower abdomen felt a little sore but not too bad, especially if I was lying down and taking the pressure off. Those ovaries went through a lot yesterday. Did you know that the way they aspirate the follicles on the far side of the ovary (the side furthest away from the vaginal canal where the ultasound-guided needle is) is by going RIGHT THROUGH THE OVARY? Dang. Sorry I asked.

Now it's about 25 hours since oocite retrieval. About an hour ago we got a phone call - the first of many we'll receive in the next couple days. It looks like 6 have fertilized for sure and there are 3 more that still look like they may fertilize. It's still pretty early in this part of the process. They say 60 to 80 percent of those eggs that show the first signs of fertilization will actually go on to be viable. So hopefully 1 or 2 of those questionable 3 will pull on through. If not, 6 is good.

Tomorrow we'll get another call, telling us whether we're likely to replace on Sunday (day 3) or Tuesday (day 5). In the meantime, I am so grateful that some eggs fertilized. This is a big stop along this road trip. This means that our "stuff" works together. This means that my eggs are not fried (at least as we can tell thus far). That Hubs' sperm can get in there and make things happen. This means that if this cycle does not wield a pregnancy (or a pregnancy that works) that we can try again. That surrogacy is a possibility. That IVF can potentially eventually work for us.

I will never consider this first IVF a "failed" cycle, even if we don't get pregnant. We've gained so much out of it already. This is important to those of us who are Unexplained. It gives us some answers - or I should say - eliminates some of the worst case scenarios.

Now, back in the metaphorical car (a hybrid, of course ;) ... and onward.

19 comments:

x said...

Sorry I haven't commented all week, everytime I'm on the pc blogger comments are down.
I am so glad to hear that everything went well with the ER. The first fertalization report sounds great too.
All the best for transfer day!

Rachel said...

Glad that everything went well. I am impressed by your positive outlook. You're in my thoughts. Go zygotes! Go blastocysts! Go embryos! Go!

Hopeful Mother said...

Great attitude and outlook! I hope your transfer goes well. I'll be thinking of you!

MoMo said...

Great fertilization report and I love your attitude. Things are looking good and I hope the transfer goes as well!

Fertility Faux Pas said...

Congrats on the strong fert report. Keeping fingers crossed for the good news to keep on coming. Good luck!

Sunny Jenny said...

What a great outlook you have! I really hope everything goes well for you!

Lisa said...

So glad things went well! I've got everything crossed for you that the rest of this process is as successful.

Lut C. said...

I'm glad things are progressing nicely. Your positive outlook is admirable. Hang on to it.

One of the things that appeals to me in IVF is learning more about the precise nature of our problem. My time hasn't come though.

Alli and Frankie said...

Congrats on your numbers! I hope this is the only time you have to go through it! :)

S said...

Awesome news about the enbryos-sending good vibes that they'll grow healthy and strong.

Glad to hear that ER went well for you....aren't IV drugs fabulous!?

Shauna said...

My thoughts and good vibes will be with you. Praying for Tuesday.

xo

Meg said...

Utrus - Congratulations on at least six good embryos. I think you have a super-healthy attitude to this. I agree. I'm trying to think of the upcoming IVF/ICSI #1 as a test run, and am curious to see how everything responds.

Thalia said...

It's great that things look good so far, that's a good percentage of retrieved/fertilised. Hoping they all keep going.

Dawn said...

Good luck, glad to hear you are feeling well!

StellaNova said...

I wish I could have that attitude. I have been so disheartened by my first failed cycle that I keep forgetting that the small part of success that we had means that there is still hope for future cycles. Thanks for reminding me of that. I hope for you that your answers are all good ones! :)

Mary Ellen and Steve said...

It sounds like everything is going well. That's awesome! I wish I had your attitude and outlook. I wish you all the best for your transfer. Hugs!

ellie said...

Awesome. And thanks so much for the detailed report. Being a few weeks behind you- I totally appreciate the knowledge of what lies ahead. Good luck- and I will be thinking of you!

Bea said...

Ooh, gosh - I'm sorry you asked about the far side of the ovary too.

But it sounds like you're doing great! In more ways than one. I hope the good things last all the way to the end.

Bea

Sarah said...

Great job! Sounds like things are really going well. Hope all continues on this path as they grow over the next few days! Good luck and hope that you are not too sore from the ER.