PUPO #3

That's "pregnant until proven otherwise" for those not versed in this crazy IF world of acronyms.

We had our 3-day transfer on Monday, February 9th. The other significance of this day is that it is the 12-year anniversary of mine and M's first date. Okay, that isn't entirely true because as our 1st dating anniversary neared in 1998, we realized that neither of us really knew what the real day was so we had to make one up. It has been the 9th ever since. I suck at this "girl" thing on so many levels........

Our transfer day started out with our "water only" showers as we were instructed to avoid scented soaps, lotions, perfumes, and deodorant. We went for a good old fashioned McDonald's breakfast based on one more idiotic IVF superstition, and then bought the pre-requisite fresh whole pineapple that I will consume over the next 5 days - core and all (or really 4 days since we plan to leave the great state of CO on Thursday). Don't worry, I haven't completely lost my mind in all these crazy superstitions, but at this point WTF, huh?

We arrived at CCRM around noon to do bloodwork, testing my estradiol and progesterone to make sure the baseline is "okay" and meds don't need adjusting. We then went up to the transfer waiting area where we were welcomed with a Valium to get my uterus all nice and relaxed.

I had brought along my required bottle of water to drink in order to fill my bladder for transfer. After stripping down my dignity (clothes) to expose my "water cleaned" lady bits, I snuggled in and we were given our med and bedrest instructions for the next days. After my bladder was checked for fullness via u/s, we were left waiting for a bit. During this time, my bladder in all it's fucked up-ness decided to start spasming. If you don't have or don't know what Interstitial Cystitis is, consider yourself lucky. M called the u/s tech who was at first a bit hesitant to let me relieve a little as I was just barely full enough, but gave in for 1/2 a cup when I explained the IC and no possible way of making it any longer. Who would have guessed this would be the most painful part of this process?

We were originally told that the embryologist would come talk to us, but then it changed to Schoolcraft would just talk to us. We pretty much knew then that we didn't have much for transfer options and would be transferring everything that was left once again.....at least we are consistent with this.

We did ICSI and Assisted Hatching on all. The overall stats ended up being:

eggs retrieved: 16
eggs mature: 10 (6 at retrieval and 4 matured in the lab after the fact)
eggs fertilized: 5 (3 after retrieval and 2 the day after retrieval)
embryos transferred: 3

The optimal number of cells on day 2 should be around 4 and on day 3 should be around 8.

The embryos are graded on a scale of 1-4 (with 4 being the best). (Other clinics use 1 as the best just to screw us all up).

Grade 4 means even cell division with no fragmentation
Grade 3 means even cell division with small fragmentation
Grade 2 means uneven cell division with moderate fragmentation
Grade 1 means uneven cell division with excessive fragmentation

transferred these 3-day embryos:
1) 8-cell grade 4-
2) 8-cell grade 3 (fragmentation removed before transfer)
3) 5-cell grade 3- (fragmentation removed before transfer)

discarded these 2-day embryos (these are the ones that were matured in the lab and fertilized a day later):
1) 4-cell grade 2
2) 3-cell grade 2

Schoolcraft mentioned that he thought this was our best cycle of the 3 we have done and he really thinks we have a good chance with the 8-cell grade 4-. Having 2 8-cell embryos on day 3 with one graded highly and not fragmented is very much the best we have done.

The transfer went fine and the nurse was oh so kind as to bring the bedpan in immediately after to let me relieve my bladder. I mean, really, after 3 IVFs, 1 IUI, a whole host of invasive procedures including a laparoscopy in front of a room full of med students, I really do have no shame at this point. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.

I rested on the table for an hour and even managed to fall asleep. I peed one more time before leaving and the nurse wheeled me to the front door where M was waiting with the front seat reclined and ready to go.

I spent the rest of the day in bed sleeping off the Valium and will remain on my back at less than 45 degree angle until Wednesday afternoon. I'm sure M will continue to keep me entertained. His resolution for 2009 is to be funnier than he was in 2008. He has always been full of ridiculous one-liners, but now they are all followed up with. "In 2008, I would have just said 'xyz', but for 2009 I added 'lmn'." It's going to be a long few days.........

Honestly, I am just relieved it is all over. Expect fully neurotic posts for the next couple weeks. I have a feeling this may be the longest 2ww ever. Shouldn't Valium be included for this part too?

I really shouldn't share this picture as I look absolutely horrible, but I wanted to share my transfer shirt with you........(In case you can't make it out, it is a picture of 3 embryos with the words "Think Positive" printed underneath.) Oh, and how can you miss the socks? I wore striped ones of the same flavor for retrieval. I prefer warmth over fashion any day of the week.