IVF got this [Part II]: Here we go...again

If you’re just now starting to read this blog, refer to the beginning of our journey: It all started with infertility or start with Part I of the IVF got this series. Again, this is a sensitive topic for most and some do not feel comfortable sharing. Therefore, I hope some of the information brings a little comfort and peace to those facing uncertainty or fears or simply provide a little understanding to those that would like to learn more about the IVF process. This is a journey we choose to rely on faith and take one day at a time for we know we have no control over our future. Every person, every story is a testimony. We are all living miracles. Links are provided for additional information on resources and as always, talk to your doctor about any of your concerns or recommendations you hear about.


WHAT NOW?
After a summer of battling gastrointestinal (GI) pain and an ER visit thinking at one point it was an aneurysm, I was thankful that we had held off on the previously-scheduled IVF. An MRI lead to the discovery that I was basically full of poop leading to severe lower chest pain (had no idea that was possible!). After several tests, I was able to finally control my flare ups with a
low FODMAP diet guided by a dietician.  It was a game changer as days and weeks turned into months of pain-free symptoms!

Enjoying what was supposed to be the trip to let out all our nerves before a retrieval procedure,
but ended up being our usual adventure of exploring God's creation and more [Santorini, Greece].


It was September, time for our big trip to Greece where we enjoyed every minute of the adventures. Additionally, for the first time after the summer of painful stomach episodes, I didn’t have any flare ups. Greek food is one of the BEST foods we’ve ever had. We even heard of all the food in the world, Italian and Greek are at the top of the best food list. Needless to say, we didn’t regret our bail out of the original IVF plan scheduled during this time. In fact, I clearly remember the day we were walking around our neighborhood with our little fur baby and discussing the topic again. I wasn’t feeling comfortable with the idea of moving forward. Neither was my husband. We have been married for 10 years and have grown so close together and love our current little family so much. We couldn’t imagine life any different. The topic of foster and adoption came up over time which is also very difficult to discuss as a couple because both spouses must be on the same page. I met with a few moms who adopted and one who gave her daughter up for adoption when she was a teenager where I learned about open adoption (such a beautiful story). I even asked if my husband would be willing to attend a seminar on foster / adoption. We did and neither one of us walked away feeling strongly about adopting or fostering at that time. Even as a little girl, I often dreamed of adopting; however, I didn’t want to push it on our relationship. We were content with life as it was, but continued our life of daily prayer regarding IVF and adoption.

A CHANGE OF HEART
A another month passed and we decided to set another date for the egg retrieval. What changed our heart? It all came back to how we fell madly in love with our little pup, Lincoln. If we could love a dog as much as we do, we began to imagine how special a love for a human must be. We still visited the idea of growing older with “what if” we gave it our all and still remained childless. I think the whole idea of a child changing our life scared us a bit since we’ve been together so long without one. There are days we think, “if we had a kid, no more spontaneous quick trips to Lowe’s or Home Depot,” or “how much longer would it take to pack or even plan for short trips especially impromptu,” or “no more lounging in bed reading, listening to music on random Saturday mornings because someone is going to rush in yelling for cheerios and chocolate milk.” Silly I know, but when you consider a different future and realize that you’re making a life-changing decision (that usually come natural to most), it becomes daunting. It’s hard to decide if you “want” to become parents when it doesn’t come naturally. Some people are okay without any kids and we are too. However, when time is a factor and you’re having any hesitation, it suddenly becomes a decision. And we decided, “let’s go for it.” Plus, my husband wanted to try this before considering adopting and I respected his input, as always. I need someone to lead me.

THE PREP
Prior to our scheduled egg retrieval, I became a type ‘A’ nazi about getting my body and my husband’s body ready for good quality eggs and sperm. If we were going to do this, we were going to do EVERYTHING we could to get the best results. We both agreed we are only doing this once and I might have threatened my husband when I said, “if we’re spending $20,000 on all this…we will eat healthy, take supplements, make changes in our environment, and keep up our exercise or I’m not doing this.” During my extensive search and a book I read, “It Starts with the Egg,” I found that following something like the Fertility Diet (low carbs, low sugar, more greens, etc.) can not only improve egg and sperm quality, but can also reduce all the side effects of the drugs / shots and effects of the pre-post egg retrieval procedure. Even changing the products we use in our home and on our bodies can improve the balance of our hormones and quality of eggs/sperm.

THE EGG RETRIEVAL
Being new to the IVF club, it was a continuous learning process and we never fully understand everything, but one thing I do know is that when someone goes through IVF it’s a 2-step process. Step one is the egg retrieval where they place a woman on weeks of a preparation protocol. Drugs (that include multiple shots) to pump your follicles resting on the ovaries and drugs to suppress ovulation, then a drug to “trigger” ovulation letting the follicles know it’s okay for the eggs to prep for release. After the doctor is happy with the size of the follicles or sacs where the eggs are stored on the ovaries and the results of the bloodwork or hormones come back favorable, they give you a specific time window to take “the” shot (in the butt cheeks!). Lucky us, we had a hockey game at the time I was to take the shot (my first booty shot).  I ended up taking the shot in the back seat of a friend’s car at the start of the match.

Another decision to add to our complicated case is whether or not we want to perform pre-implantation genetic screening (PGS).  Given our scenario and history, our doctor, Dr. Rhee, recommended this screening. This step also costs extra. PGS requires removing a cell or more from the embryo to test for chromosomal normalcy because a defect or abnormal chromosomes can lead to miscarriage. Shortly before making our final decision on IVF and starting the egg retrieval, my husband found out about a new method called INVOcell where the egg and sperm are fertilized naturally inside a capsule which is stored inside a woman’s body cavity for a few days. Well, if we did that, we couldn’t do pre-implantation genetic screening (INVOcell is less expensive and fertilized in a natural environment). Dr. Rhee also strongly recommended a frozen embryo transfer where the fertilized eggs will grow and develop in the lab for 3-5 days. They want day 5 embryos meaning they become blastocysts and have a higher chance of implanting. In addition, PGS can only be performed on frozen transfers due to the amount of time it takes to process the results. I panicked when it came to the day to make the decision whether we do INOVcell without PGS or the traditional IVF with PGS. My husband was not with me on that final decision appointment. I went with Dr. Rhee’s recommendation and made the decision to do the traditional IVF with PGS (increases the success rate of pregnancy up to nearly 70%!). When I called him after that visit, he said, “you made the right call. We both agreed we are going to give it our all and doing the other would be riskier.” I was comforted by his words and felt like a load of pressure was taken off. Once again, I felt God’s peace.

THE BIG DAY
I was one of the first patients of the day which is a relief. Less time waiting and a quick in and out. I was super nervous for I don’t like the risks of going under anesthesia. My body is just simply weird and I never know how it will respond to certain things. Probably explains why I don’t like taking medications. Oh, and the night before the egg retrieval I finally told my mom. Yes, I wasn’t going to tell my family (except my Mee Maw). However, after I shared with my mom the update, I was surprised to find myself covered with a blanket of peace. My family does not have a medical background and IVF is complex enough for us that it’s hard to explain to a mother who is concerned and wants to know EVERYthing about the process because it involves her daughter. Understandable. I’m glad I opened up to her because she encouraged me to share with the women in our family to surround us in prayer and boy, am I glad I did.


Although, I was super nervous, I could sense the prayers and of course, my husband...
was simply the BEST at covering me with comfort.

As they were getting me prepped for the surgery room, I was getting more anxious. So anxious I was tapping my feet on the stirrups, kind of like nervously shaking your crossed legs while sitting. Dr. Rhee and all the nurses are always positive at this place. Like there’s nothing to worry about. I remember them asking me how I feel and I said, word for word, “just hurry and knock me out.” They laughed and I remember waking up in recovery with my husband by my side thinking, “keep me here, I want to sleep.” Well, it didn’t take long before they came in to kick me out like triage. I was super tired! Then I found out I couldn’t work out for 2 more weeks! I was doing good holding off the 2 weeks prior but wasn’t prepared for another 2 weeks off. The fact this step of the process puts a woman at risk for ovarian torsion was all I needed to hear to be super compliant.

The waiting game began as we walked out of the office…but first, we had to make a stop on our way home. The office, over the state border, is perfectly located for post-surgical or post-procedure patients. Krispy Kreme is conveniently on the way to the interstate. I’m not sure how many I ate.

Stay tuned for the results…

IVF Facts:
IVF is quite fascinating and the statistics and numbers are even more interesting. Each clinic is different and share all their numbers but one to start off looking at for general stats across the nation is the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology.


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