Second IVF cycle

Looooong time has gone and it's already April 2014! Happy new year to you all ,BTW.

My last cycle of IVF obviously didn't work. It was sad but I didn't have my expectation high knowing many have tried it for many and long time,so  it was OK.

I am not day 7 of my new cycle. I'm going to have another days of blood test and one embryo transfer around day 17 I think...

I have stop taking multi vitamins since I feel sick in my stomach. I still feel great so hopefully it doesn't affect on the success of IVF. We'll see.


     

The verdict of the first trial of IVF

It was the last Friday afternoon, 12 days after the embryo transfer, after the blood test in the morning, I was told that the implantation was not a success. I kind a knew because there was no sign of pregnancy like tenderness in my breasts or change on taste, but I was still trying to be hopeful and believing 50 % of the chance until the verdict was announced. But I have to admit that my guts was telling me that unfortunately. Well, even though I was so aware that it's always 50 % of chance of success and failure and I was ready for both good and bad news, still disappointing.

I know it's not the end. We have got three more embryos frozen ready to be transferred. But I have decided to have a bit of break before next one. I realized that my heart is more fragile than I thought. I think my heart will get hit deeply if it failed again. So, I want to make sure I feel that I'm up for it before I go on next one.

In the meantime, I will do my best to create the best condition for welcoming the next embryo. Keep taking Noni Juice and veggie juice, improve body circulation, feeling happy and positive= laugh and love a lot...!      

IVF Day 82 Embryo Transfer !!!

OK. It's been a while so I don't know where to start. But main thing to write is my embryo transfer is done...!!!
On Tuesday last week, I was advised that I was ovulating and my embryo transfer is going to be on Sunday. It had to wait 5 days to match the days that took for my egg's fertilization before freezing. I was also told to take Pessaries which is a stuff shaped like a tampon to improve the condition of my womb to increase the chance of implantation from Friday.

I followed the instructions the rest of the week and the day came, Sunday. My husband came with me and we met the embryologist who had informed the state of my embryo on the phone. She told us my embryo is thawed well and it is at 10 cells stage and the cells are nicely together which is the ideal condition for the transfer. I was with my husband in the Theater, the operation room. We were told it was very easy procedure like pep smear and it was. it only took about 15 min but I had to rest on the bed for half an hour to let it settle.I will have blood test which will determine my pregnancy.

I'm feeling ... quite relaxed. In fact, I feel that I should be more excited. I was more excited when I found out the success of egg fertilization. I think I'm trying not have the hope too big in case it didn't go well. I've done everything I could so I will just believe the will of universe.

 

Day 92 on BSP and 65 on IVF

Long waited! Finally my second periods has come and  it means we can finally move on to the next step of IVF, embryo transfer. I have reported the clinic on my day 1 of this period and they advised me that the blood test will start from 26th to monitor my hormone and see the timing of ovulation. Pretty excited!

I've kept drinking Noni J and fresh carrot and apple juice which I make every morning. I haven't really feel significant difference. But I think I feel less tired, I used to need a nap or rest in late afternoon which I haven't had for a while. It also seem to be affecting my bowel. I have had constipation for long time but my routine to go to toilet is much regular now which is awesome! However, it can be due to having the veggie left overs from making juice with yogurt. I hate wasting in my nature and the waste of juice seems to content lots of fiber so I started eating them as my breakfast. Well, whatever reason is, it's perfectly working!

I also have Goji berry. I discover the taste of dry Goji itself is not my cup of tea but I like it better when it's hydrated. So, I have it as Goji tea. To put two tea spoon in a hot water and drink and eat berries. It's my late night drink instead of coffee or tea lately.

It's about 3 months since I started my Body Shape Program and the time is over. My weight is around 50 kg now so I couldn't achieved my goal 47kg. I have to say there was an great interruption, getting on to IVF which I could not avoid and my priority has shifted on to. Even though, the weight is one of the indicator, what really counts is the shape and I do to my body appears on my body shape I believe. I will keep doing things like walking with my dog, exercise with videos on YouTube and fasting to maintain my shape.

I'm going to stop making record of my body shape program at this point.  

Day 73 on BSP and Day 47 on IVF

It's almost two weeks since last post.

My IVF is now on hold.I'm excited with the fact that I'm one step closer to pregnancy. I feel my body is back to normal and have treated my body with extra care. I'm ready for receiving the egg of our baby!   

Talking about extra care, I have bought Noni Juice and Goji berries. Noni is a tree which grows in the pasific island, Southeast Asia, Australia and India and the juice is made with all components of the tree the fruits, stems, flowers, bark and roots. The list of its effect goes like immune booster, digestive stimulant, anti-oxidant, antibacterial, etc...it's pretty amazing. It's not pleasant to drink at all but only drinking 20ml enhances my overall body condition. Of course I take it happily everyday. In fact, I have noticed that I have been feeling much refreshed more energetic lately and my facial skin tone is better and shape is less puffy. I think it's too early to determine Noni Juice's credit, but so far, it seems working well in me. About Goji berries. I bought for snack. I haven't really research the benefits well enough, but I just did and stunned with them! Wow! Again, it has long history and lists of benefits such and anti-oxidant and anti inflammatory and high in Vitamin C, iron and protein, calcium and so on. It's much much better in taste than Noni J so I'm gonna have more Goji berries to top my goodies in my body!

Another thing which could be working for my noticeable differences in my body conditions are "one day fasting" that I do once a week that is to limit intake calories under 500 kcal. Fasting is also claimed to improve immune system and internal body functions by giving hardworking organs a short break. Improving the function also helps detox unwanted stuff so that goodies is absolved well in the body. I have done much more hard-core fasting before and know its amazing effects but couldn't continue because it requires a huge commitment. However, this moderate version is so much easier to do so that I can continue to maintain my body efficiency. Actually it's my fasting day today so good to write this to reinforce my positive attitude toward fasting.

Instead of using the weight training machine, now I do cardio exercise with YouTube video. It's 10 min video but I do two or three videos from the series. It's more enjoyable and easier than going gym or using machine upstairs which is always at least one hour long work which requires big commitment. I can do it even in the kitchen in my spare time while I'm cooking. With this easiness, I can imagine continuing this pattern easily which is a key to bring better outcome in long term. No fuss and no big commitment! I love it!

It's no doubt that to do something good for my body is nice but not easy to continue sometimes and it has always been challenge for me. And I know I'm not alone. I think I've found good routine that suits the current condition of mine. Hopefully, I can report good update with my new routine.

Day 62 on BSP & Day 36 on IVF

OH! Big gap again since the last post! 16 days ?! Where did the time disappear.. ?

Ah, I know! I had a pretty fun week last week. Monday evening, I was at a Bollywood themed ball hosted by the association my husband works for. It's always good fun to be part of. What's interesting for me when it comes to attending a ball is seeing the way guests, especially ladies, dress up according to the theme. However, for this one, I enjoyed dressing up myself as much as I see and learn from others. I decided not to wear Sari, Indian traditional formal dress because of its costs, $300 or over if you want one with beautiful and decorative sequences and the frequency of wearing it if I got one and  to create Indian feel with something more practical with items which are versatile so that I can wear with other combinations even after the party. I wore a two piece dress, one shoulder coral top and golden orange long skirt with matching sash, a scarf with fringe which happened to have the golden orange colour in the print, lots of gold jewelries made in India and, my favorite item of the night, an head piece which I remodeled one of my earring made by myself. It was so much fun planning the costume and seeing people's reaction. Some people I've known didn't even recognized me! Of course, some wore Sari and they were absolutely beautiful, but I was quite happy with my unique styling. The ball room, food and entertainment, all was spectacular! It was fantastic night. And it was followed with another good news in the weekend. I appeared on the social page on the local paper with the groceries, who wear what type of stuff, which made me even happier with my work. It's nice to be recognized!

Then, I flew to Queensland to see my friends in Gold Coast and family in Brisbane. I stayed QT Gold Coast in Surfers Paradise. It was in a convenience location and very pop,colorful modern hotel which reminded me of W brand. I had a ocean view from my room and the view brought so much memories of Hawaii where I lived for about a year six years ago. I caught up with one of my friend who i hadn't seen for two and half years. We browse the city to decide a place for dinner for a while and we came across the evening market along the beach. It was about one kilo meter long and the products were fresh cookie, crafts and clothes locally made. It was great spot for tourist to pick souvenirs. I bought a beautiful long one-piece dress and a jumper from a local designer. I loved both pieces and it's nice to have clothes not from commercial retailer so that I know no one in Perth would wear them. Another friend of mine joined us later the night and it was good fun night. They told me how different the people in GC is compare to other city in Aus. I thought people in Perth were pretty relaxed and casual but apparently the people in GC are in another level and safety is also an issue there. It sounded that they were struggling to get accustomed to it. It made me more appreciative of my life in Perth. Another thing I noticed there was the emptiness of the city. I've been to GC once four years ago and my impression was it was very much like Hawaii. Pretty beach with palm trees, high-rise condominiums, relaxed but colorful and gritter sprinkled in the air in the city with buzz of people. However, the city was very quiet this time. Although, I knew it was not in season, seeing one of the most popular destination in Aus for international tourists with such emptiness was a bit shock for me.

After interesting stay in GC, I took a train going back to Brisbane airport to catch up with my hubby flying from Sydney then went to my hubby's parents place to spend two night with them.We used to visit them once or twice a year, but since their youngest son passed away early this year, I determined to try to visit them more often. It got me think to show our love and support for them as much as we can and to have close relationship with whole family member. We had lovely time together at home and a family dinner with the younger brother's family one night. It was really nice,too.

My IVF process is on hold at the moment due to having to give my body time to get back to normal for embryo transfer. I feel my body is pretty normal now. I recently get back to the once a week fasting and light exercise. My weight is now 49.0kg so got back pretty much.I had my first period three weeks ago which was unusually early and now I'm waiting the second period which will be the cycle for my embryo transfer. Actually, I was planing to visit my friend in Adelaide in early September but now I don't know if I can do it anymore because the timing of my period is unpredictable. People suggest me to relax as much as I can so I should drop it and not even thinking about going away...

Anyhow, all is good :)

Happy weekend for everyone!
   



          

Day 46 on BSP and Day 20 on IVF

After the last blood test, I've heard that my estrogen went back to normal but I still need to drink lots of water, over 2,5L per day and protein diet. I feel it in my body. The abdominal pain and bloating and the tenderness of breasts has eased and feeling much better lately.

However, one major change since I started IVF is not having a craving for coffee. I've been a proud coffee addict for 20 years. I had to have 2 cups of it at least till a weeks ago then it just disappear. Now, despite the several attempts of enjoying a cup of coffee, I have no craving what so ever and I don't enjoy the taste I used to looooove at all! In fact, the coffee cup is still next to me for over an hour untouched after a sip. It's so weird and miss loving the "ahhh" moment with the aroma and flavor so much. I've heard that ppl change their cravings to different food during pregnancy but I'm not pregant yet. hormone does this? hum... But I guess it's over and it's sad somehow....

I want to find a drink which picks me up and give me " ahhh " moment. I think the time with "ahhh" has been a little highlight of my day for ages so I definitely need it. I hate soft drink and sweet drinks so no coke or hot chocolate I'm not too fond of tea, a bit boring for me but maybe milk teas to start with.

Day 44th on BSP/ Day 18 on IVF

It’s been 5 days since my husband and I had operations and 19 follicles were collected.  They were fertilized and  6 eggs were successfully fertilized by the day two.  Apparently,  others which didn't get fertilized were discarded. However, by the day 3 only four of them were cultured to the stage that they divided to 8 cells and frozen.

It was quite uncomfortable and also painful after the surgery and we had to stay home and rest. It took about 4 days to recover. So not hard to imagine I had no way to bear the exercise at all. For my husband, it was even longer to recover due to the cut and stitche. But it is all worthwhile because we have 4 eggs ready to come back in me.

I started telling family and friends about the progress of us on IVF. Especially my mum and sister have been waiting for it for loooong time and soooooooo bad so they are pretty excited.  It’s so good to share such joyful news to who I love most and be happy for me.

There are not much activities from this stage to the second period which is the timing that egg transfer is taken, though, I will still have to go to the clinic to get blood test to check my estrogen level. I feel much better so it should be much normal now. 

Day 39 on BSP/ Day 13 on IVF

Day 37 51.0k
Day 38 51.9k

I've recorded my heaviest!!! But I don't care now because it was an extraordinary week! I'm super excited.

So many have happened since I found that my follicles were high in number and mature and was advised to have the theaters in two days.

Usually husband hands out their sperm on the day of wife's theater, however, my husband had vasectomy more than 10 years ago so that his sperm are highly unlikely reach egg by swimming due to distinction in the tube that they need to swim in. Therefore, my husband had to have sperm collection on the same day.

We were told to fast from 6 hours prior to the theater. No eating, no drinking. His one was early in the morning and I had egg collection on from 10 am on day 12. A nurse explained the procedure and gave me a tag on my wrist with my name and BD on then took me to the second floor on where the theaters are taken. I was told to get change to the robe with no underwear. I was told that the theater before mine was delayed so I would have to wait for a while. I was given a warm pack on the back of my hand to surface the vain for later. While I was waiting my turn, I saw at least four ladies in the waiting room and the recovery room. I was quite surprised how many has taken this option to have their baby. It's not unusual in these days.

Both mine and my husband's operations are with  a surgery with full anesthetic but the sperm collection is more complicated. My hubby was quite frighten with the anesthetic so that he even told me what to do if anything goes wrong. I've got some friends who have done IVF and got baby with the assistance of same doctor or the clinic, so I had a peace in my mind. While I was in the waiting room, I was able to see my hubby. He was fine and a bit excited how quickly he was put sleep and all procedure went so quickly. well, He thought it was quick but it should have been an hour long. He said nurse told him it went smooth and found good ones!

Then my turn came. I was taken to another waiting room and stayed for about 15 min. I talked with anesthetist and was taken to the theater room. There were the lights and equipment that I have seen on TV drama and reality hit me. But the nurse who looked after me there were super nice so I was still calm and the doctor was my doctor who I've seen so it was also good. The needle for the anesthetic was the most painful part that I remember then 5 second later, I had a mask on then I was knocked out. 

I was about to be transferred to the other room to rest when I woke up and told a nurse next to me I was in pain. Then i was given a shot of painkiller through tube on my hand and put me sleep again. 

I don't know how long I was a sleep but I guess it was for about an hour. I woke up in the bed next to my hubby. I was sooooooo thirsty so got a nurse to bring a glass of water. When I finally woke up fully, I smelt my hubby's toasty sandwich which got me hungry. They made a cup of coffee and ham and cheese sandwich. The nurse there were very caring and helpful.

We organized a friend of us to pick us up since we were not allowed to drive under the influence of the anesthetic. In the comfort of the recovery room, I almost forgot that we had a proper surgery but when I saw a slash of blood on my bed, I realized we just had a big one.

Before we left the room, the embryologist came to see and explain us the procedure of fertilization. I was told to ring up the clinic to get the update on the progress with it.

As I left the clinic, I was quite in pain so got another painkiller which made me sleepy again. I spend most of the afternoon in the bed at home.

Today, the embryologist told me they have fertilized 6 eggs successfully and 2 have started dividing which is pretty good! It means.... the life of our baby has STARTED!! It's just amazing...

It was quite overwhelming but certainly one of the biggest and exciting weeks of my life so far.




 

Day 36 on body shaping program / Day 10 on IVF

Day 35 50.0k

I went to the clinic to take another blood test and the first ultrasound in the morning. The number of follicles were 7 in the left ovaries and 9 in right. The ultrasound also showed the size. According to the ultrasound specialist, the follicles looked good in size and number and the condition of my ovaries seemed good and young. It was big relieve that to find out the number was not in dangerous revel so that I can still continue the process of IVF.

In the afternoon, I got a call and went back to the clinic to see the nurse with a news for me. I was advised that the date for our theater, sperm and egg collection, is going to be on 31st, in two days. It was fantastic news that we could go to the next step!! !! She gave me the trigger injection which will release the follicles from ovaries and has to be taken exact 36 hours prior to the theater. Another news was that the embryo transfer is not going to happen straight after the fertilization which follows the theater due to the current high estrogen level. Embryo transfer has to be held till my body condition goes back to normal and it will be in two periods away which should be in September. So, they will freeze my fertilized embryo(s) till then.

I was given a medication called CABERGOLINE to get my estrogen level settled ASAP in order to prevent OHSS. The level apparently rose up again to 21.000 today. I will have to take it for 8 days. I was also told to drink a lot of water, to rest (so no exercise for a while)  and protein diet as well as keep eye on any symptoms for OHSS such as short of breath.

I just had the trigger injection. It was pen type injection so as easy as others.

It has been a bit of worrying time the last two days since I found the estrogen is concerning level and the possibility of cancellation and further damage on my fertility. Sure it is a bit of wait but I'm pretty happy with this outcome.

I will try to get my body back to normal and get ready for further process!

今朝は2度目の血液検査と初の超音波検査。左の卵巣に7個、右の9個の卵子があった。超音波ではそのサイズまで測れる。検査をしてくれた専門の人に、よるとサイズも数も良く、卵巣も若く良い状態といわれた。何よりも卵子の数多すぎて今回の治療を諦めるというようなことにならなかったことが何よりもほっとした。

その午後にまたクリニックから電話があり、看護婦さんとミーティングの必要があるとのこと。ドキドキしながら戻ると、卵子と精子摘出の手術を二日後の31日に行うという知らせだった。卵子摘出の36時間前きっかりにする排卵誘発剤の注射も受け取った。もう一つのニュースはエストロゲンの数値が高すぎて体が通常の状態ではないので、受精した卵を膣内に戻すのは体が通常に戻るまで待つ必要がある。2回目の生理の後にということだった。約2ヶ月待つことになるが、リスクを考えたら待つことはなんでもない。
OHSSを避けるために大至急の処置をする必要があるとのことで、CABERGOLINEというエストロゲン数値を下げる薬も貰った。今日は昨日よりまたさらに1000あがって21000になっていた。この薬を毎日欠かさず取ることと、水をたくさんのみトイレにたくさん行き、極力体を動かさず休んでおくように、また呼吸が浅くなるなどの症状が出たらすぐにクリニックに連絡するようアドバイスされた。

午後10:30予定通り、たった今注射を打った。ペンタイプでピュラゴン同様、簡単なものだった。

卵巣の薬への過剰反応による中断もやそれによる妊娠の可能性の低下も心配していただけに、いよいよ大事な次のプロセスに移れるのは最高に嬉しいニュース。

無事に手術を迎えられるように細心の注意を払ってこの二日、過ごそう。

Day 35 on the body shaping program and Day 9 on IVF

Day 32 49.6k
Day 33 50.1k
Day 34 50.6k

The weight has gone back to the beginning since I started taking injections for IVF. I blame the hormone injection which affect my apatite,of course. My first priority is on conceiving so again let's not stressed.    
I have started using weight machine, once so far, and it made me feel good. However, I started feeling funny around my abdominal area, bloated and slight pain from day 7 of stimulation. I didn't feel to do intensive exercise is not good idea. On day 8, I had a blood test and the result came back rather negative. The nurse said that my body responded "extremely well" to the injection and the estrogen level is quite high so that I need to stop taking one of the medicine, Puragon to prevent over-stimulation. I followed the instruction today, day 9 and the result hasn't change, in fact slightly worsen. The ideal level of estrogen is between 3000 -9000 however mine was 17000 yesterday then 20000 today. The nurse concerned about my condition, if there are any symptom of OHSS, Ovarian Hyper Stimulated Syndrome such as nausea and shorten of breath. Actually, I shared my concern about the dose before it started. I've got a friend who suffered from severe OHSS and undergone so much with it for 6 month. She told me I was small like her and healthy, we both care about diet and lifestyle so our body could be actually younger than the average people in same age group. I thought it totally made sense. My doctor convinced me to go with the dose that was advised originally and I trusted his experience but my doctor now thinks the dose might have been too high for me. Well, hope it won't go any worse. I'm going to take another blood test and ultrasound to see how many follicles in my ovaries tomorrow. Fingers crossed for good result after all.


体重は元に戻ってしまった。というのも、体外受精の注射を打ち始めてから、ホルモンの影響か食欲の増加が著しくて。。。妊娠するのが今は一番の課題だから、体重は今のところ考えないようにしてる。
ダイエットプラン通りウエイトトレーニングも始めていい気分で二ヶ月目をスタートしたんだけど、注射を打ち始めて6,7日目辺りから腹部の張りと軽い痛みが始まって…
どうもウエイトトレーニングのようにお腹に力が入る運動、スクワット等が出来なくなった。
注射を打ち始めて8日目に初めての血液検査。エストロゲンの数値でホルモン注射への反応を見るためだ。検査結果は少し気になるものだった。反応をしすぎている様子なので、ピュラゴンの注射はひとまずやめるように言われた。
そして9日目。二回目の血液検査。数値はさらに上がり｢OHSS(卵巣過剰刺激症候群)｣の心配があるという。

実は私の友人がこの症状にかかり入院し、その後も大変な思いをして結果子作りは諦めることになったという。彼女曰く、彼女は痩せ型で食事や運動、精神状態等に常々気を配っているタイプ。だから同世代の女性よりも薬への反応が良かったことを医師が考慮しなかったため、薬剤の量が多すぎたためそのような結果になってしまったということ。そして、私とも共通する部分が多いので、担当医師にIVFを始める前に確認したほうがいいとのアドバイスをくれた。
日本人で体の大きさもオージーの女性とは全然違うこともあり、心配になっていろいろ調べて医師にも相談した。医師は年齢を考慮して、様々な患者を通しての経験から決めた量だというので、信じてそのままでいくことにした。

軽度とはいえ心配していた反応が起こってしまったことは残念だし、心配はあるが、明日はまた血液検査と初めての超音波検査。卵胞の状態を実際に確認できるので、はっきりしたことが分かるはずだ。
薬剤投与を減らしたことで状態が落ち着き、IVF治療をこのまま続けていけることを祈ろう。


   

IVF: my journey to meet the precious life has just started...!!

FINALLY!!!We have started IVF cycle recently and it's day 3. We had everything in place once last year but had to postpone it due to several family issues. Thankfully, things seems settled so that we could finally move forward.

It's pretty personal thing so wasn't sure if i should make record of it on this blog. However, I believe it's going to be great to note the journey and share it with someone who also choose IVF in order to meet their baby, treasure of the life.
 
I'm doing self injection, Lucrin and Puregon. It is self injection is much easier than I imagined, Thank God! It made things less stressful. I also had a big concern about my mood swing due to the influence of the chemical. However, I don't see any difference on my mental state so far which made me so relaxed as well. In fact, I feel much happier. I think it is with the fact we are one step closer to meet our future family member.


Blood test will be started on day 8,and soon after that, ultrasound will be started. All new and quite experience. Really hope all goes well and be able to share good news in about a month time.


一年ほど前から準備はしていた体外受精、家庭の諸事情で延期せざるおえなかったものの、3日前、ようやく第一歩を踏み出しました!

私の体外受精の記録をつける事はもちろん私自身のためでもあるけど、
シェアすることで同じく体外受精で赤ちゃんに会う道を選択した方のお役に立てたらいいなと思ってます。

毎朝、ラクリンとピュラゴンというホルモン剤を自分で注射します。注射は拍子抜けするくらい思ったよりずーっと簡単。ホルモン剤の精神的な部分への影響もかなり気になっていたんだけど、今のところ全然違和感なし。それどころか、気分はすごく幸せ。長かった停滞期を越えてようやく前進できて、赤ちゃんに出会うことが現実的になっているからだと思います。

8日目には血液検査をして、その後に超音波で卵子の数の増加の様子を見ていきます。
あらゆる事が初めてでもちろん少し緊張するけど、順調に進んでいって、一ヵ月後には嬉しい報告が出来るといいなぁ。