I married my husband in 2006 and we have a blessed relationship. After waiting a year, we decided it was time to grow our family. I had a hard time figuring out my ovulation and decided to find a reproductive endocrinologist. Before my scheduled appointment, I had my first miscarriage. Blood work didn't confirm it, but I know in my heart that I lost my first baby when a sac like pouch came out of me. Since then, I've had 4 more early miscarriages and our most recent loss was in April, 2011 from an ectopic pregnancy. I decided to start a blog to document our IVF journey because I don't want to forget any details about this chapter in our lives. Also, infertility is such a lonely place and I'm finding an online presence of women who share in my sufferings. There are few reasons why I'm choosing to share our story with you. Primarily, we covet your prayers, it's also easier for me to communicate details and emotions in one place, and lastly for loved ones to know how to show their love and support towards us when it's a difficult subject to address.
Today marks our 12th day post transfer. Tomorrow is our scheduled beta and we're anxious to get our number! Yesterday, my estrogen was 2,929 and progesterone was over 200. My numbers are rising and my OHSS symptoms persist, but I'd rather feel something than nothing at all! :) A cute visual of how I feel with fluid in my belly:
I came across the image above on pinterest. If you don't know what pinterest is, it's a "virtual pinboard" that lets me "collect the things I like." I've created pinboards that organize my favorite recipes, desserts, interests, etc. If you'd like to get started, you can register for an invite or get one through an existing pinster, like myself. I just need your email address and I'll gladly send you an invite! Feel free to click on the red button on the top right to check out my boards. Below are some quotes from my "words to live by" board.
We've missed a few weeks of church due to BWs (blood work) and our ET (egg transfer); it was so good to worship yesterday and catch up with some friends! I was filled with the holy spirit when we sang, "Forever Reign." Take a listen:
Today is our 9dpt3dt (9 days post transfer of a 3 day transfer) and I officially have late OHSS (Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome). It is a side-effect from some forms of fertility meds whereby the ovaries get enlarged and fluid is built up in the abdominal cavity. There are 3 levels of OHSS - mild, moderate, and severe. I fluctuate between moderate and severe. Dr. M doesn't think I need to be hospitalized unless I can't breathe, urinate, or gain too much weight. I'm thankful my OHSS decided to show up late and not earlier during ER (egg retrieval) or ET (egg transfer) and interfere with our timeline. For more info: http://infertilityblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/ovarian-hyperstimulation.html
My symptoms started over the weekend and they include:
Mild weight gain (4lbs)
Nausea
Severe abdominal pain
Severe bloating
Severe nausea (so much that you can’t keep down any food or fluids)
Vomiting
My treatment:
Drink at least 10 c. of electrolyte water a day
Increase sodium intake
No pelvic exercise (in layman's terms - no sex)
No excess fluids
I woke up this morning feeling very uncomfortable and nauseated. JP picked me up for BW this morning and I'm so glad she drove me because she pulled over just in time for me to vomit. I felt so much better and thought maybe this was a good sign! After my BW, I asked to see my NP (nurse practitioner) and told her what had happened. She had me do an ultrasound and more BW to check my electrolytes, sodium levels, and internal organs. My ultrasound showed that my ovaries aren't too enlarged so there was no need to worry. My NP weighed me (I gained 4 lbs.), took my blood pressure, and measured my belly. Dr. M did an abdomen check and confirmed that fluid is stuck in my abdomen cavity because it was soft to the touch and it made a hollow sound when he knocked on my belly. Dr. M didn't want to get my hopes up, but he said that late OHSS is a good sign of pregnancy. Per, http://www.drmalpani.com/ovarian-hyperstimulation-syndrome.htm:
"Interestingly, the worst cases of hyperstimulation syndrome occur when a woman becomes pregnant. This is because her placenta is making HCG and stimulating the ovaries to continue to pour out large amounts of estrogen-rich fluid. So although it is a very unpleasant side effect to endure, hyperstimulation syndrome often means good news."
This afternoon, my NP called with my BW results. Estrogen is 1,945 and progesterone is 173. My levels, in addition to the fluid is causing the OHSS. My sodium level is low and need to increase my salt intake in order to help pull the fluid to where it needs to be and leave my abdomen. I thought salt causes water retention, but with OHSS, salt pulls the fluid from the abdomen. With OHSS my blood vessels have become leaky and I'm leaking fluid into the surrounding tissues. Salt helps keep the fluid in the vessels helping to evenly distribute the fluid in my body instead of it gathering in my ovaries, abdomen, or lungs. The water build up makes the symptoms worse. As soon as my call ended, I opened a new bag of salty organic potato chips. Delicious! I go again on Wed morning for 2 BWs and ultrasound.
We spent a lot of time at Dr. M's office this morning and it was well worth it. Thanks JP for being with me! By the time we left, it was time for lunch and we ate at Red Robin. Yum! We have our 1st BETA in 4 days! I'm anxious to POAS (pee on a stick), but J wants to wait. I respect his thoughts on waiting. I'm glad he's the strong one. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for a BFP (big fat positive)!
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