OB Ultrasound - 10 weeks

Had a great appointment yesterday at Seattle Reproductive Medicine. The baby is still going strong and I was discharged from their care. Meaning, I can now go to a regular OB/GYN. They even handed me a little graduation gift on my way out. I was hoping it would be a big fat check but alas, it was some lotions and some other small trinkets.

And my ovaries are finally measuring smaller so I was cleared to do some light exercise. Happy day!

Here is a little sneak peak of our baby. He/She was moving its tiny little arms and legs the whole time. These ultrasounds always amaze me.

What a process! I thought it would be fun to have a summary of all that I went through at Seattle Reproductive Medicine during this IVF cycle, so here are some numbers:

• Injections = 22 in 9 days
• Appointments = 19
• Ultrasounds/Surgery/Transfer = 14
• Prescribed Medications = 12
• Blood Draws = 9
• Duration = 5 months (from initial consultation to being discharged from their care)

Of course, this was only on my side. Michael had to go through a lot as well and this journey started a lot longer than 5 months ago. Just feeling grateful for modern-day technology that has given us this chance to be parents again.

OB Ultrasound

Just got back from my OB Ultrasound. I could see the heartbeat. Everything is measuring right on schedule at 7 weeks and the heartbeat is strong at 133 hbpm. Seems a bit surreal. Just all the pain, stress and emotions getting to this point. I have been cautiously optimistic trying to not get my hopes up, but I couldn't help but smile as I was looking at that fast-beating tiny heart today. Oh, if only you knew how difficult this journey has been little one. I realize I have a long ways to go, but today I am happy.

They also took measurements of my ovaries since they are still very large. My left ovary seems to be shrinking a tad but my right one is still measuring the same as previous weeks. They want to take measurements again in a few weeks but there is really nothing that can be done. It will just take lots of time before my ovaries go back to their regular size. Which sadly means no exercise for me and having to be careful doing pretty much everything it seems.

Good news on my thyroid level. My TSH level is at 1.55 which is great so I will continue the same dosage.

Relief

I feel so much better this week. My stomach is starting to go down and I can tell the excess fluid is starting to get out of my body. If I could do a happy dance I would. So. Much. Better.

OHSS & hCG Results

Good news is that my hCG level rose to 1,089 today so I am still pregnant. I am between 4-5 weeks pregnant today and don't have to go back in until August 25. At that time, they will do an OB ultrasound.

Bad news is my body is suffering from complications of OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome). Since I am pregnant, my stomach is abnormally distended and filled with lots of fluid. I look about 5 months pregnant already because of all that fluid. They did another ultrasound today and found that my ovaries are still very large. In fact, the tech said my ovaries have not gone down since my post operation.

So, lots of pain still and very uncomfortable. I have a hard time walking straight and can feel every step I take. I was told to rest, keep my body hydrated with electrolytes and to load up on protein.

Looks like I will have these symptoms for many more weeks, but I am keeping my spirits high and am hoping I get some relief soon.

And my Thyroid levels are still too high at 5.77 so they are now upping my dose to 75 mcg.

Pregnancy Test & hCG Results

My nurse called this afternoon with my blood results and they were positive. I have an hCG level of 290.

We are cautiously optimistic at this point because although I have cleared one hurdle, there are still a few more to go. That happens a lot with this whole IVF process.

In 3 days, they will again measure my hCG level and they are expecting it to double. If the levels do not rise appropriately, this could be an indication of an early miscarriage.

My stomach is still very bloated. Pretty sure my body is still recovering from the surgery and OHSS. Not to mention that the positive pregnancy result is probably making it worse. 

I am thinking that if this doesn't punch my golden ticket to get into heaven, I don't know what will because quite frankly, my body has been put through A LOT (understatement of the century).

Test Scheduled

I have my pregnancy test scheduled for next Tuesday, August 4 in Tacoma. Until then, we will just keep waiting.

I feel a lot better today and am starting to walk with less pain.  My stomach is still very distended so if the pregnancy does take I guess I will just grow into it.

Frozen Embryos

I was just told that a total of 4 of our embryos made it and are being frozen. Great news because if I don't get pregnant this round, I can use those frozen embryos at a later date. As of now, I just keep wondering if that little embryo inside me is growing or not.