Like many of you, I had read this blog with the hope of having symptoms that would correspond to a positive pregnancy test. For each cycle, every month, I would be checking my symptoms with the blog posts. Over the years, this site had provided me much encouragement when I needed it the most. I vowed to post my story once I was successful in becoming a momma. In sharing my journey, may you find a story of hope that resonates within you during your personal journey!
My husband and I were married for four years before we started infertility treatment in 2011. Our case could be classified as unspecified infertility; although, I was diagnosed with PCOS. We underwent a fresh IVF cycle in 2011, which resulted in an ectopic pregnancy outcome right before Christmas. I think that first cycle was the hardest one because of all of the medications used for egg retrieval and then transfer. We were devastated from it and took some time before going back for two frozen transfers in the summer and fall of 2012. Unfortunately neither of those embryos implanted, but those cycles were less taxing on my body than the original fresh one. Unsure of why the FET cycles were unsuccessful, my husband and I took a break as to better evaluate our situation. We even considered surrogacy; however, the investment needed was a little overwhelming financially and emotionally. By spring of 2013, we were absolutely shocked to learn that we were pregnant naturally. We were not trying to get pregnant, but it happened and we were thrilled. We had heard the heartbeat and started to make plans for a baby due in 2014. At our 12 week appointment, a heartbeat could not be found during ultrasound and the baby measured 9 weeks. After genetic testing, we learned our baby had Turner's syndrome from paternal chromosome. This loss was equally as devastating as our first embryo transfer. It was definitely a low point for us; however, we found that even in the deepest pit, our faith and love grew stronger. We put our trust in God's plan for us. With hope that a frozen transfer might work after this miscarriage, we transferred two embryos in December 2013. Again, we were met with the disappointment that neither embryo implanted. It was shortly after this time that we decided to take another break to try a more integrative and holistic approach to pregnancy. We started with diet and supplements through a naturopathic practitioner. Eliminating dairy, gluten, sugar, and processed foods was a start to becoming more healthy. I lost about 15 pounds through diet and exercise (going from a size 10 to a 6). Then we started acupuncture and herbs in May 2015 with sessions once a week. I was temping and tracking my cycle, yet our attempts to get pregnant naturally were not successful. The acupuncturist was extremely helpful in diagnosing that my uterus needed improvement and my husband had to lower his body heat. By November 2015, the acupuncturist advised that my uterus was in the best condition possible to try another transfer. At that same time, I started taking Metformin 500mg once a day, along with Aspirin 81mg daily. In December 2015, we transferred one embryo and our pregnancy test was scheduled for New Year's Eve. To be honest, I was nervous about the timing of it all. Of course, I was hoping that we would be celebrating the best New Year's Eve ever; however, I was also realistic of our history. It was with great joy that we received a positive phone call on New Year's Eve! And in August 2016, our daughter was born! We rejoice in the miracle of her life each and every day. For anyone who has gone through infertility, miscarriages, and high risk pregnancies, you understand the sweet sorrow that accompanies it. My husband and I are humbled by friends, family, and strangers that have prayed for us during this journey. As we get ready to celebrate our first Christmas as a family of three, I want to share our story of hope so that you find encouragement and always believe!
Parents Age: Dad 36, Mom 35 (Embryo age of Dad 30, Mom 31)
FET (Singleton, Day 6 Blast)
Medications: Endometrin, Estrace, Metformin, Aspirin
Notes leading up to transfer date: Baby danced four and six days prior to transfer of embryo, Massage two days prior to transfer, Cold sore developed one day prior to transfer and Valtrex was taken (first cold sore ever).
Transfer Day: Cramping two hours after transfer
1dpt: No symptoms
2dpt: Brown spotting when wiping
3dpt: No symptoms
4dpt: No symptoms
5dpt: No symptoms
6dpt: Moderate to heavy cramping for about eight hours, Red bleeding/spotting (Thinking that this cycle was another failed one, I cried all evening after Christmas Eve church service. Apparently, this bleeding was implantation bleeding. I had not experienced it when I had gotten pregnant naturally, so I didn't know what to expect. It felt like I was getting my period. It was not subtle in the least.)
7dpt: No symptoms
8dpt: No symptoms
9dpt: Slight incontinence
10dpt: Dream at night
11dpt: Woke up early for bathroom
12dpt: No symptoms
13dpt: Cramping, Beta 688!!
14dpt: Less cramping, tired, a little hungry
15dpt: Tired
16dpt: Bloated
17dpt: Woke up early for bathroom, Beta 3390!!