I don't do this often, but if you read regularly, would you consider leaving a comment on this post? I appreciate each comment, especially right now when I'm "in the thick of it" with this cycle. Thank you!
Sooo, three days until my lining check on the 28th! Time continues to creeep by, but our first of two trips to Sacramento is now right around the corner. Since my last post, I have lowered my daily lupron dose from 10 to 5 units and have begun my estrogen patches, changing them out every other day. Those that have done the patches know they leave a lovely trail of gummy outlines across your torso that only come off when I scrape them with my fingernails (rubbing alcohol was ineffective, but if anyone knows how to easily remove these, let me know!).
I investigated and decided I'm going to do an acupuncture treatment the day before transfer to help with blood flow to the uterus. There is some research to support this. Acupuncture has not been an enjoyable activity for me in the past, so I debated some on this decision. In the end, several people on my Cal IVF FB page felt it was helpful, the research seemed to specifically support receiving a treatment within 24 hours prior to transfer, and I decided to visit RC's acupuncturist here in town before we drive over to Sac. He said she does Japanese-style acupuncture with thinner needles, so fingers crossed.
We have continued our lively discussions about whether to transfer one or two. It seems that an individual's risk tolerance represents a huge factor in their opinion of what we should do. My brother has a very low tolerance for risk, and he had a conniption fit when I mentioned we're considering transferring two. The nurses at the clinic also seem clear in their opinion that they would recommend one. Several other people we have asked say something to the effect of, "You're putting so much into it, you should transfer two and get more bang for your buck." RC and I are currently in a two-day experimental period during which we are mentally choosing to transfer one and seeing how it feels and what comes up.
This experiment has already borne fruit in the form of inspiration to look up the specific statistics on the increased risk of preeclampsia, diabetes, and pre-term birth. After reviewing some reputable studies and websites yesterday, my current understanding and belief is that, while there is an increased risk of these issues surfacing, especially preeclampsia, if the 45-year-old+ embryo recipient is generally healthy (blood pressure, weight etc.) prior to transfer and is monitored frequently, the overall outcomes are positive and don't differ significantly from singleton pregnancies. I don't know why I didn't look up the specific details and statistics earlier, but I think maybe I was protecting my desire to transfer two. When we undertook this two-day experiment of planning to transfer one, it opened up willingness to investigate these issues further. In any case, I'm glad I did it and it yielded some useful information.
When I (finally!) had my first local obgyn appointment yesterday, she was very nice and encouraging but didn't have a clear opinion on the one versus two question. She just brought up pros and cons on either side. Same scenario when RC asked his friend and chiropractor. Both said it's not a question with a clear answer, and we need to discuss and decide as a couple. I guess they're right, and we are trying, but we are not there quite yet. Being established with a local doctor feels great, though, and at least I can get local orders for tests and monitoring now.
One more aspect I want to share about this two versus one decision... for many people, it would be a no-brainer: 70% chance of success with one vs. 80-85% with two, plus a 50% chance of twins if you transfer two? Transfer one of course! But when you have gone through many years of trying and failing, including 7 IUIs, which each had maybe a 10-15% of working tops, 10-15% is not a negligible number. 80-85% sounds a LOT better to me, and I would MUCH rather have twins and take all the risks that go along with them than have NO BABY. So yeah, I acknowledge that I bring some history to the table on this decision. What would you do if you were me?
Lastly, I hoped we would hear from the clinic yesterday about our donor's follicle count, but my nurse there said it will be next week. I'm dying to know! She did tell us that her baseline and all initial tests came back with no problems, and she received and started the medications. I have been thinking of her and sending positive energy, and a few days ago I went on Ets-y and found a cool Celtic gratitude necklace/pendant to give her in appreciation. We share Celtic/Irish heritage (along with English and French), so I thought that was meaningful.
I'll post again after the lining check; hopefully with good news!
If you transfer one and it doesn’t implant, that doesn’t mean no baby. You can then transfer the second. So you’d have 2 tries at 70%. Unless for some reason you are only doing one transfer. Yes you’d have transfer costs again.
ReplyDeleteI previously would’ve welcomed twins when making transfer decisions. Until I had my first. Newborns are hard.
Yes, I hear you. I tend to focus more in the present and I really really want a baby after 10 years of off and on trying, 7 IUIs etc. My partner is keeping in mind the repercussions better than me, and he has older kids. I'm leaning towards two but we'll see.
DeleteI read your posts and I’m super excited about your upcoming cycle!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Catie! It's happening! :-D
DeleteHi Kristina, I've been following your blog for some time. For the last 10 years, my life was consumed by fertility treatments, so I know where you are coming from in your thoughts. Our "last" treatment cycle was successful and we have a son, who will soon turn 3. I used a bit of canola oil to remove estrogen patches residue. It's ultimately your decision but I would recommend to transfer one high quality blast. We had a heartbreaking event when we transferred two and both took, but one embryo was not viable and was supposed to be absorbed by the body. Instead, my body aborted both. With multiples, there is also a high risk of preterm labor which could result in serious health complications for your child. The last trimester of pregnancy is tough with one baby; I can't imagine it with twins! Just my 2 cents. Best of luck! I am so excited for you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughtful and encouraging words, Maya! I'm sorry to hear your experience with the two embryos you transferred. :( But very glad to hear you now have a son. There is a lot to think about.
DeleteWishing you the best of luck! FWIW, I did donor egg, transferred two, and now have one healthy 4-year old. For me, a lot of it boiled down to how I thought I would feel about twins.
ReplyDeleteYes! Thank you for sharing your experience. By myself, I could not imagine twins but with RC, I can. It would be super hard but we would get through. We would prefer one but the odds affect my thinking on it for sure.
DeleteSuch a great idea to sit with the mental choice of transferring one for a couple of days - hopefully, what you want in your heart will come out. That said, reading your comment "80-85% sounds a LOT better to me, and I would MUCH rather have twins and take all the risks that go along with them than have NO BABY."...it sounds like your heart is speaking to you :)
ReplyDeleteLots of positive energy to you and RC, Kristina!
Thanks for your reflection, hopeful. :) Yes, my heart is definitely saying two right now.
DeleteHi, I commented on a previous post but maybe you didn’t get it? I am so excited for you to have reached this point!! What a tough decision. It’s great you are doing your research, I feel like we didn’t. We just decided on two because we were desperate to get pregnant with one. We got pregnant with two and had twins. It was an extremely rough road with problems, and I regret not researching things more. My body could not handle carrying two. You have to research and come to your own decision as a couple, like you said. Very very best wishes to you, no matter what you choose! It is SO exciting!!
ReplyDeleteThank you!! No, I didn't get it until now because blogger always notified me of comments before and then suddenly stopped. Sorry! I'm so happy to see these comments now. :) I know your pregnancy journey with the twins was rough. I wish I could predict how mine would be...Your little ones are pretty awesome, though!
DeleteGood luck with your lining check! I hope the acupuncture treatment goes well and leaves you feeling relaxed and hopeful. I always found acupuncture relaxing and even fell asleep on one occasion!
ReplyDeleteThe question of transferring one or two is so tough. For me, if we had gotten to the point of doing IVF, I likely would have opted for two, for the simple reason that we couldn't have afforded multiple cycles. We likely would have been in a position where we had one shot at it. I'm not sure if that's particularly helpful to you, since I don't know if money plays as much of a factor in your decision making on this.
I'm looking forward to more updates!
Thank you, Jenny! Money is a factor for us, also. Even though it looks like we will have several frozen embryos, another cycle would be an additional 4-5K at a tough time when we are looking towards moving, too, etc.
DeleteThis is such an exciting time for you! I am really hopeful for you as this cycle moves forward. As far as doing one or two, I’m not sure what advice to offer. I really can see plusses and negatives for both. Twins are more high risk which worries me but putting in two definitely gives you a higher chance of success. It seems to me that just you and RC need to make a decision together. You have taken advice from your doctors and now you need to go with your gut. Sometimes letting too many cooks in the kitchen leaves you up to going with other people’s decisions, not your own. So basically I am offering no help:) other than I know you will make the right decision for you and RC. And I think the Etsy gift is lovely. Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deborah! :) You're right, it comes down to us. It's hard to make a decision that has many pros and cons on both sides. We are trying to take in all the information, but in the end, we will go with what we feel. Looking at this point like two but we'll see.
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