Third Time Lucky
Posted in IVF, Pregnancy on 10/19/2009 03:29 pm by Michelle
It has been 21 days since the start of my last cycle and today we are to begin the process for Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). As you recall from my last post, our issue is implantation. No area of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been as misunderstood as implantation failure. Before an embryo can implant in the lining of the uterine cavity, it must first break out or “hatch” from the shell that surrounds it. It is at this point where our doctor believes that my immune system is not allowing our embryo’s to implant. It is his best guess, as our embryo’s are perfect.
We (well me) only needs to take one shot to suppress ovulation this time, which in itself is exciting, as you really feel like a pin cushion during this process. Once I get my period, I will need to take Estrogen twice a day for up to 7 days. Then Progesterone is added twice a day (and you recall how I feel about the progesterone). Since the doctor is going with the assumption that my immune system is wonky, he will be adding two drugs: Intravenous Inter-lipid which is a mild steroid (I am hoping this does not give me whiskers) and Heparin, a blood thinner.
It is amazing how my mood improves once the process starts again – I am excited that this is the round that we get the great news we have been waiting for. Third Time Lucky.
10/19/2009 at 5:29 pm
Good luck Michelle. Looks like the Doctor has all the bases covered.
10/19/2009 at 5:31 pm
They always say things happen in threes……third try = success!!! We are crossing everything we can and sending the most give our kids a cousin energy we can. Hugs to you both…..
10/20/2009 at 6:00 am
This time will have the results you hope for. We have to trust they have figured out the problem and have found the best possible solution. Thinking about you all the time.
How are those puzzles coming? Will you be taking any time off this time?
10/20/2009 at 8:01 am
I am glad to hear that you are still excited about the process and not dreading it. I guess when it starts, you feel like something is being accomplished towards your goal. I had a sex/reproduction talk with Jensen last week and she knew all about embryos and eggs and sperm because of you guys. She was telling me all about how Uncle Dirk and Auntie Michelle and lots of eggs and embryos to make a baby. So thanks for the help on the sex talk
10/22/2009 at 5:14 am
I feel good about this round.
“The number 3 (三, Pinyin: sān, jyutping: saam1) sounds similar to the character for “birth” (生, Pinyin: shēng, jyutping: saang1), and is thus considered a lucky number.”
10/22/2009 at 2:33 pm
Hope all is well with you and keeping my fingers crossed. Ben and Henri need more cousins.
10/26/2009 at 9:19 am
Third time is definitely a charm. Sounds like a good protocol. Good luck!
10/26/2009 at 3:46 pm
I thought IVIG had to be administered by a doctor… do you give it to yourself at home?
I’ve heard good things about this drug and know one couple who are now happy parents thanks to it. Best of luck to you!
10/26/2009 at 4:11 pm
Hi WannabeMoomy – yes I believe I spend the day or at least part of the day at the clinic getting the IVIG. I think just the Heparin I can give myself – but stay tuned.
10/26/2009 at 4:52 pm
The best thing to do is to go into a cycle full of positive thoughts!! Im so glad to see that you are doing just that! Good luck to you…you and dirk deserve it!
10/27/2009 at 5:24 pm
I hope that the addition of the Heparin and IVIG will address the implantation problem. Wishing you and Dirk lots and lots of luck.