Our appointment yesterday was a long one. We had our second growth scan and were hoping that the twins would have grown equally, along with our girl of course! Funny that right now our girl is giving us the least amount of trouble, while the boys are the ones we worry about most. I am sure that will change at some point once they are here! Here's what we saw and found out about each.
Baby A (girl): She was in a normal amount of fluid (about 5) and moving around. She is still hanging out down at the bottom. As she was being measured we saw her yawn, as if she was completely bored with our presence. It was fairly easy to measure her stomach, arms, legs, and head (we even saw the brain and measured the cerebrum), and heart, but it was hard to see her whole spine since she was curled up most of the time. The tech wasn't worried since she had seen the brain so well. She had grown since our last level II ultrasound and now weighs about 1 pound! It was so nice to watch her while they measured everything since we knew that she was our most "normal" baby-this must be what people feel like when they only have 1 baby in there.
Baby B (boy): I think he was the most active baby during this ultrasound. He ended up facing the "camera" for a lot of the time, which he usually does at every visit. We were able to see eyeballs this time on all the babies, not just the eye sockets. It was crazy! His feet were tucked all the way up under my ribs on the right side-nice. The tech had a difficult time measuring his heart since he wouldn't stay still for very long. It was a bit tricky to measure most of him because of his movement! Even if he sat still his arms would be moving, which would make shadows right where we needed to see. Hopefully he calms down by the time he comes out into the world-otherwise I am going to be one tired momma! He also had good growth and weighs about 15 ounces. As she measured his fluid I began to worry (what else is new). His fluid was about 8.4. Normal range is between 3 and 8. So he is considered to be polyhydramnios. He looked as though he was enjoying his extra large amniotic sac as he moved around, but it is not a good thing.
Baby C (boy): So, now that we know Baby B has too much fluid, we move on to our other little boy. He obviously looks like he is in less fluid, but is still moving around. That made me feel a little better since he didn't look like he was "stuck," which is what they talk about with twin to twin transfusion. On to the measurements. He had also grown well, like his siblings. Since he was moving, she had a hard time measuring some areas on him too. She went through most of the areas and I stared intently at the screen for clues. Most of the time, he was measuring at or ahead of where we are. She says, "No visible bladder; he must've just peed." Now I am freaking out inside-no bladder means definite TTTS. Luckily, she was right and after a few minutes the bladder was visible and refilling. I am going to give myself a heart attack! She did an extra test on his heart and turned the doppler on, which she had not done with the others. She did not explain why she was looking more closely, and I didn't ask, just prayed that there wasn't really a problem and she made a mistake. I pretty much held my breath for the remainder of the ultrasound. What else could go wrong is what I was thinking at this point. I also thought about how we were laughing and joking at the beginning of the exam when we were looking at the girl, and now we were quiet and somber during the end for this boy. What a rollercoaster! After all the measurements, he weighs about 14 ounces. She measured the fluid and the first pocket was around 6 and the second was around 7. One sigh of relief.
Now we wait for our doctor to come in to measure my cervix and check for a few things himself. My cervix is still long and closed-yea! The tech told him about the fluid levels and something about baby B's heart (I was confused about it being baby B). So our doctor started to look at the babies and was talking about how the doctors like to look at certain things for themselves with multiples because of operator fatigue. I was hoping that certain things were measured correctly, except the important amniotic fluid and baby C's heart. It was the last appointment of the day, so it was possible! He proceeded to turn on the doppler function and listened. After a few minutes, he turned that off and was just checking out the kiddies. The tech came back in and said it was baby C, not B. So he turned the doppler back on and listened again. I thought he was checking the heart this whole time, but I was wrong. He finally said that he was checking the blood flow on the placentas, even though they don't normally do that this early. He didn't seem concerned with what he found, and actually said, "I may have over-reacted before." I said enthusiastically, "I hope so!" He checked the fluid in baby C's sac and had a level closer to 4-still within normal. He also said that since they were moving so much (which he likes to see), the thin membrane between them was also moving a lot. So it was a bit harder to get an accurate fluid level. He said he was really happy with their growth, which made me feel better too. Time to wipe off the goo, again, and go into a normal room. Almost done!
Blood pressure and weight good, fundal height measurement-38! Oh goodness, almost full term size for a singleton and I am only a little over halfway! I am going to be HUGE!!! My uterus is all the way up to right under where my bra sits-explains the nasty heartburn! The nurse said that now I will start filling out on the sides more and then the top will come down a little. Fun! Dr. K came in and restated that he was really happy with the growth of all the babies. He said that I passed my mid-term report card and was pretty happy with everything at this point. He asked if the weekly appointments were getting to be too much at this point. I told him I would come in everyday if I could, so he said we'll keep doing the weekly checks. Thank goodness. The next growth scan would be in 4 weeks this time-and I thought to myself that'll be the safer zone at that point since I will be 25 weeks. I can now start taking Pepcid since the other meds haven't worked. I also mentioned the tightening again and he wanted to know how often it's happening. The last couple days it wasn't as often, but over the weekend it was most of the day. He said anytime it happens, empty my bladder and lay down. If they aren't gone within an hour of doing that, I need to call and they'll tell me to come in for monitoring. I am now supposed to be on rest more than I am up now-I can get up for about an hour, but then have to lay down for a few hours. That might be part of my problem. Since we are so close to a safer point, but not quite there yet, I will definitely be on top of that more. I am scared that I will go into pre-term labor and lose these little guys. So I think we will be making a trip at some point before 25 weeks, unless my uterus actually cooperates and stops on it's own!!
Sorry this was so long-a lot of info! Just imagine being there for these appointments-they are draining. We stopped for food on the way home and then both fell asleep on the couch at 8. I have to rest up for the shower this weekend-that'll definitely wear me out too! Later I will add pictures of the babies and of my ever growing belly, since I have heard someone requested it!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Quick Update
The appointment last Thursday went pretty well. They all had adequate amniotic fluid, although baby B still has more than baby C. As long as they are all within the normal range, it's good news. Cervix is still long and closed, another good thing. I apparently "popped" and am a bit bigger than I was last week. My doctor even commented that I had grown when he put the u/s goo on my belly. My appointment the week before I was measuring 32 weeks and this week I measured 35 weeks! Quite the growth spurt! I have noticed that I am having a more difficult time walking around and getting up off the couch/out of bed. I am trying to drink enough water during the day-my goal is at least 125, but it is pretty difficult!
I believe I have been feeling baby C moving around, but I am still not sure of the things I feel. I have been having some tightening in areas of my belly more often too. My doctor said that I should go in for evaluation anytime the don't go away after an hour. Lovely pre-term labor scariness to keep me nervous from here on out! I am paranoid and will continue to be for a few more weeks. I will feel a little better around 25 weeks when they are a bit more viable, but can't wait for the 28 weeks milestone. But I'm sure by then I will find something else to worry about!
I believe I have been feeling baby C moving around, but I am still not sure of the things I feel. I have been having some tightening in areas of my belly more often too. My doctor said that I should go in for evaluation anytime the don't go away after an hour. Lovely pre-term labor scariness to keep me nervous from here on out! I am paranoid and will continue to be for a few more weeks. I will feel a little better around 25 weeks when they are a bit more viable, but can't wait for the 28 weeks milestone. But I'm sure by then I will find something else to worry about!
Wednesday is our big appointment where they will do the growth scan. It will be a good sign if they are all close to each other in weights and growth since our last growth scan. Fingers and toes crossed!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Complaints
Okay, I am dealing as well as I can with the discomforts of pregnancy. I feel so blessed to finally be pregnant, but I feel so guilty when complaining about things. It's almost like I feel like I am going to jinx the whole thing. I figure if I can get it out in one place, then I can move on and be grateful for these little inconveniences in order to have 3 healthy babies.
Holy Heartburn-Actually I should call it acid reflux. I have never had either of these issues my entire life, so I didn't know how awful it was! I think I slept one night during the past two weeks without waking up choking on stomach acid. It's hard to eat enough food for the babies and me, but stop three hours before bed? I am starving if I wait that long!
Moving-I can't get up without making noises now. I used to laugh at people who grunted and exhaled loudly while trying to get up or sit down. I completely understand now! Even rolling out of bed is a struggle. Poor Brad gets woken up all night for my bathroom breaks because I am so loud!
Weight-At times I don't feel like I am gaining enough weight quickly enough, at least according to my Dr. Luke book. I was all bloated at the end of our IVF cycle, so I am not really sure what my weight was before that. But going by my retrieval weight, I have gained 20 pounds. I figure I was up at least five pounds from the meds, so I am estimating my total weight gain at 25 pounds at 20 weeks pregnant. I think the babies are just stealing everything from me at this point. I don't know how some women in that book gain 70-80 pounds!
Swelling-I am at the point now that if I am up walking around too much, my hands swell up. I already had to buy a fake ring for $13 a few weeks ago. I think I am going to end up needing an even bigger size!
Sleeping-I have always been a back sleeper, while occasionally rolling over to a side. I now surround myself by two body pillows and tuck them under me to prevent rolling onto my back. I have to say, I fall asleep well enough, but when I get up I feel like I have broken my shoulders and hips!
Hormones-This is worse than junior high! I am happy one second and crying the next. I cry at ASPCA commercials, at the Michael Jackson memorial, and during news stories. I am also quick to be snippy. I owe Brad a lot for putting up with me!
Okay, I think that is it. I feel better now. I realize going through these things are only for a great cause-I will put up with anything as long as these babies come out healthy! I have another appointment tomorrow and am hoping it is as good as it was last week! Grow and share amongst each other babies!!! I'll post tomorrow's appointment results. Hopefully I will figure out how to post some pictures on here too!
Holy Heartburn-Actually I should call it acid reflux. I have never had either of these issues my entire life, so I didn't know how awful it was! I think I slept one night during the past two weeks without waking up choking on stomach acid. It's hard to eat enough food for the babies and me, but stop three hours before bed? I am starving if I wait that long!
Moving-I can't get up without making noises now. I used to laugh at people who grunted and exhaled loudly while trying to get up or sit down. I completely understand now! Even rolling out of bed is a struggle. Poor Brad gets woken up all night for my bathroom breaks because I am so loud!
Weight-At times I don't feel like I am gaining enough weight quickly enough, at least according to my Dr. Luke book. I was all bloated at the end of our IVF cycle, so I am not really sure what my weight was before that. But going by my retrieval weight, I have gained 20 pounds. I figure I was up at least five pounds from the meds, so I am estimating my total weight gain at 25 pounds at 20 weeks pregnant. I think the babies are just stealing everything from me at this point. I don't know how some women in that book gain 70-80 pounds!
Swelling-I am at the point now that if I am up walking around too much, my hands swell up. I already had to buy a fake ring for $13 a few weeks ago. I think I am going to end up needing an even bigger size!
Sleeping-I have always been a back sleeper, while occasionally rolling over to a side. I now surround myself by two body pillows and tuck them under me to prevent rolling onto my back. I have to say, I fall asleep well enough, but when I get up I feel like I have broken my shoulders and hips!
Hormones-This is worse than junior high! I am happy one second and crying the next. I cry at ASPCA commercials, at the Michael Jackson memorial, and during news stories. I am also quick to be snippy. I owe Brad a lot for putting up with me!
Okay, I think that is it. I feel better now. I realize going through these things are only for a great cause-I will put up with anything as long as these babies come out healthy! I have another appointment tomorrow and am hoping it is as good as it was last week! Grow and share amongst each other babies!!! I'll post tomorrow's appointment results. Hopefully I will figure out how to post some pictures on here too!
So far, so good
I am now 19 weeks 2 days along and went for my appointment today. It was a bit crazy there today. My doctor had a med student following him, and my doc seemed a little goofy-it was good to see. I had my ultrasound and the tech was surprised he was checking the fluid levels. She said she checked my chart and last week's u/s pictures 3 times because she didn't really see a discrepancy in the fluid levels. I would prefer that my doctor be extra cautious though, although her comments made me feel a little bit better. So, Baby A, decided to yell at us for looking at her-her mouth was wide open! Baby B was just chillin' and resting. Baby C had moved up a bit inside me and was laying upside down now. The fluid levels were about the same in both boys' sacs!! I was so relieved! I asked if the doc was going to come in to do a cervical check with the internal u/s. The tech looked at me like I was crazy and said that they only check that every 2 weeks. Alrighty then! They put me in a room and my doc came in and told me that he has to check me on u/s too. I knew I wasn't crazy!! He also checked the fluid levels for himself and was showing the med student some things about triplets. We talked after and said that he felt much better about the fluid levels this time, but he still can't pat me on the back and tell me everything is going to be okay. I told him that I realize it is going to be a weekly thing and we'll just take it one appointment at a time. I must say that I was a walking out of there a lot lighter than I was walking in! So, now drink and eat protein (yes, I am trying to incorporate meat into my diet), and relax as much as I can until next week's appointment. Our visit after that one will be another growth scan to make sure they are all sharing their nutrients! Who knew that I would already have to deal with the sharing issue-before they are even born!! Our short term goal is 25 weeks, then 28 weeks. If we make it to that point, our goal will be 32 weeks. Keep your fingers crossed!!
Finally, it comes crashing down
I was so happy to not have any complications up to this point. I knew we would encounter problems, but I was hoping it would happen a bit later. My stats were all good at the 18 week 2 day visit. This was our first growth scan, so I was a bit worried going into this appointment. Baby A was great-she was getting bigger and moving around well. She is laying low across my belly-blocking the exit! Baby B had also grown a lot. I believe he was about 9 ounces. Baby C was measuring about 10 ounces. They all had 4 chamber hearts, each has 2 kidneys, stomachs measured well.
Two issues: Baby B has a 2 vessel cord instead of the usual 3 vessels. Our doctor wasn't really concerned with that at this point. He is growing well and had decent blood flow, so we are hoping it doesn't mean much. Sometimes, a 2 vessel cord can indicate a structural abnormality or a chromosomal abnormality. During this scan though, Baby B seemed to have normal structures, especially in the heart and kidneys. Our doctor said that sometimes it just happens, and it occurs more often in twins.
The second issue is more serious. Our doctor said that it looked like Baby C has less fluid than Baby B at this point. He is pretty concerned with the possibility of twin to twin transfusion syndrome now. We have not been officially diagnosed yet. The good thing is that both are measuring about the same right now, but that we will have to constantly monitor things from here on out. If it gets worse, we would really have 2 options-to reduce the fluid in Baby B's sac or go have laser surgery to separate the blood vessels on the placenta. Both ideas scare the crap out of me and I was pretty upset the whole ride home. I had looked at TTTS a little bit, but I was hoping we wouldn't have to deal with it so I didn't learn too much about it. When we got home I hopped on the internet to learn more. Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power. I found that a lot of people have had success with upping their protein intake and going on bedrest. My doctor just wants me to rest for a few hours, a few times a day. I have been a vegetarian on and off (couldn't give up pepperoni) since high school. I decided I would at least start drinking high protein Ensure and Boost drinks, along with protein powder shakes. Anything I could do to help hold off the TTTS! I took it really easy that week and weekend too. I will be going to the doctor every week now to monitor the fluid levels and to check my cervix. It'll be a long 7 days to wait all the time!
Two issues: Baby B has a 2 vessel cord instead of the usual 3 vessels. Our doctor wasn't really concerned with that at this point. He is growing well and had decent blood flow, so we are hoping it doesn't mean much. Sometimes, a 2 vessel cord can indicate a structural abnormality or a chromosomal abnormality. During this scan though, Baby B seemed to have normal structures, especially in the heart and kidneys. Our doctor said that sometimes it just happens, and it occurs more often in twins.
The second issue is more serious. Our doctor said that it looked like Baby C has less fluid than Baby B at this point. He is pretty concerned with the possibility of twin to twin transfusion syndrome now. We have not been officially diagnosed yet. The good thing is that both are measuring about the same right now, but that we will have to constantly monitor things from here on out. If it gets worse, we would really have 2 options-to reduce the fluid in Baby B's sac or go have laser surgery to separate the blood vessels on the placenta. Both ideas scare the crap out of me and I was pretty upset the whole ride home. I had looked at TTTS a little bit, but I was hoping we wouldn't have to deal with it so I didn't learn too much about it. When we got home I hopped on the internet to learn more. Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power. I found that a lot of people have had success with upping their protein intake and going on bedrest. My doctor just wants me to rest for a few hours, a few times a day. I have been a vegetarian on and off (couldn't give up pepperoni) since high school. I decided I would at least start drinking high protein Ensure and Boost drinks, along with protein powder shakes. Anything I could do to help hold off the TTTS! I took it really easy that week and weekend too. I will be going to the doctor every week now to monitor the fluid levels and to check my cervix. It'll be a long 7 days to wait all the time!
Bigger babies, bigger me!
I was 16 weeks 2 days at my next appointment. I had the usual-blood pressure check, weight, pee in a cup, ultrasound, cervical check, meet with doc. My blood pressure was down again, so I must be getting comfortable going in to that doctor (they even wrote white coat syndrome in my chart)! My mom came with me to this appointment since Brad had to work. We were going away with our families for a long weekend, so I was hoping things would go well at this appointment. During the ultrasound the tech asked if we were going to find out the sex of the babies. We wanted to, but didn't think we would be able to tell at this appointment. We were wrong! Baby A was cooperating and showed off...nothing! I should have known that it was a girl when she kept showing off how much room she had to herself! So now, we just had to find out what one of the twins was-they would obviously be the same! Baby B showed off the goods, as well as Baby C-boys! It was nice to find out and we were pleased that we had a mix in there. I was worried about how 3 girls would work-I was afraid that the twins would gang up on the single later on! Brad seemed pretty excited when I called him on our way home. Everything else was good-cervix was long and closed, fluid levels good, I had gained weight. Set up an appointment in two weeks.
First Trimester
We went to visit our new doctor on May 4. I was really nervous (and my blood pressure showed it) and anxious. Brad and I had decided against selective reduction. It had taken so much to get to this point. I truly believe things happen for a reason, so I couldn't get past the idea that we were given this opportunity for a good reason. I was prepared to fight the doctor on this, but didn't need to. The nurse asked if we were interested in SE and I said no. That was it.
We had another ultrasound (that's 4 if you're keeping track). Already more ultrasounds than most women have for their entire pregnancy! I was 9 weeks at that point. They could not tell if the identical twins were in one sac or in their own. We could not see a membrane yet, so that was concern. We met with the doctor after the u/s. We discussed the possible complications in a triplet pregnancy. We knew we would deliver before my December 8 due date. He said that while the average is 32 weeks, usually his goal is to get women to 35 weeks. That seemed so far away at that point. We also talked about the possibility of twin to twin transfusion syndrome. Even though he didn't see a membrane, his gut feeling was that there was a membrane. So, new things for me to worry about! I was feeling really good at this point besides being exhausted and always hungry! I didn't have any morning sickness, so that was good! We were sent on our way and would come back in 2 weeks.
Our next visit showed that the babies were growing well-they actually started to resemble people at this point! Baby B showed it's face-something that would continue to happen for the next few ultrasounds. Baby A (in it's own sac and placenta), showed off how much space it had in there by doing a few flips. Baby C was pretty calm that time. Blood pressure was lower and weight was up. Everything was good!
Two weeks later, another visit. We opted for the nuchal translucency measurement test since it was non-invasive. Since it was such a long u/s, the tech ended up taking tons of pictures for us! Baby A was calm this time, except for waving at us! Baby B showed us that it is practicing sucking it's thumb. Baby C was in a picture perfect profile, but then decided it was shy and rolled over. Test came back within the normal range-relief! We also saw a more definitive picture of the membrane separating the twins. That made me feel much better too! Everything went so well at this visit, my doctor decided he didn't need to see me for another 3 weeks. I didn't know if I could wait that long, but went along with the plan. First trimester was now over and we were in a safer zone.
We had another ultrasound (that's 4 if you're keeping track). Already more ultrasounds than most women have for their entire pregnancy! I was 9 weeks at that point. They could not tell if the identical twins were in one sac or in their own. We could not see a membrane yet, so that was concern. We met with the doctor after the u/s. We discussed the possible complications in a triplet pregnancy. We knew we would deliver before my December 8 due date. He said that while the average is 32 weeks, usually his goal is to get women to 35 weeks. That seemed so far away at that point. We also talked about the possibility of twin to twin transfusion syndrome. Even though he didn't see a membrane, his gut feeling was that there was a membrane. So, new things for me to worry about! I was feeling really good at this point besides being exhausted and always hungry! I didn't have any morning sickness, so that was good! We were sent on our way and would come back in 2 weeks.
Our next visit showed that the babies were growing well-they actually started to resemble people at this point! Baby B showed it's face-something that would continue to happen for the next few ultrasounds. Baby A (in it's own sac and placenta), showed off how much space it had in there by doing a few flips. Baby C was pretty calm that time. Blood pressure was lower and weight was up. Everything was good!
Two weeks later, another visit. We opted for the nuchal translucency measurement test since it was non-invasive. Since it was such a long u/s, the tech ended up taking tons of pictures for us! Baby A was calm this time, except for waving at us! Baby B showed us that it is practicing sucking it's thumb. Baby C was in a picture perfect profile, but then decided it was shy and rolled over. Test came back within the normal range-relief! We also saw a more definitive picture of the membrane separating the twins. That made me feel much better too! Everything went so well at this visit, my doctor decided he didn't need to see me for another 3 weeks. I didn't know if I could wait that long, but went along with the plan. First trimester was now over and we were in a safer zone.
Background
Well, I figured I should start a blog to keep track of this journey we are on. I will also need something to keep me busy in the coming weeks when I am on bed rest! So here's the background on who I am and how we ended up here!
I am a 31 year old teacher and have always wanted my own children. I married my wonderful husband, Brad, in 2005 after dating for a few years. We waited about a year before beginning to try for children. After about 7 months, my doctor sent us to a fertility specialist for some help. We tried a couple cycles with Clomid, without success. We had just started our third cycle when I learned that my brother was in the process of being diagnosed with a type of muscular dystrophy. Since it is a genetic disorder, I too could have the disease. We stopped that cycle and went to see a genetic counselor to find out. After a long wait, we found out that I did have Myotonic Dystrophy. While I don't have many symptoms, I could pass along a more serious type of the disease to my children.
We went back to our fertility specialist to learn about our options. We chose to keep trying by using IVF with PGD to test the embryos for the MD. It took about 3 months for the genetic testing center to develop a specific protocol for us and our embryos. So, after another long wait, we were told the test was ready and we could begin our first IVF cycle.
In August 2008, I began my shots and meds for IVF. We were excited to be able to finally try something-I didn't care how many shots I had to give myself! Well, my body responded a little too well to the meds they had me on. They took me off and had me coast for a couple days, but then the hormone levels crashed and the cycle was canceled. We were bummed, but knew that it would have been too dangerous to continue since I had about 25 mature eggs and 25 immature eggs.
We were able to try again the next month since they never actually retrieved any eggs. Shots again of a much lower dose of just one of the meds. We made it to retrieval and I think they were able to get 12 eggs. Only about 8 of those fertilized and kept growing. On day 3 they took one cell out of the ones that continued to grow. They sent the cells to the geneticist for testing. We went back to the clinic on day 5 and anxiously awaited the results. I was terrified that after all that we wouldn't have any usable embryos. If I was to get pregnant naturally, it would be about a 50% chance of passing along the congenital form of the disease. Well, that's about what is was with the testing. 3 definitely had the disease (including the two stronger looking embryos), 2 were not diagnosed either way, and 3 did not have it. Unfortunately, the 3 safe ones were a bit behind in development and they were not able to grade them. We took a chance and put two back in and would freeze the other one if it continued to grow. Now we waited again!
I started spotting the day before my pregnancy test, so I was convinced that it hadn't worked this time. Well, the test came back positive, but my progesterone level was pretty low. They gave me more meds to help that and wanted me to return to check for doubling HcG levels. They levels doubled, but I kept bleeding. About a week later, the bleeding became really heavy and it was determined that I was miscarrying. We were devastated, but after the waiting of that week I was ready for it to be over or to stop bleeding and let everything be fine.
We were able to try again in November/December. We used the one frozen embryo that was MD free. Unfortunately, it didn't take.
With my insurance, I had 3 more cycles of IVF since they only count it as a cycle if we have a retrieval. So, we decided to keep on trying!
March 2009 we began our stim cycle again. I responded quickly again, but it was managed well. We went for retrieval on March 17. I was pretty uncomfortable after the retrieval this time and couldn't stand straight for a few days. I was determined to not do a home pregnancy test, but of course I couldn't resist. It came back positive! I went for my blood test the next day and they confirmed it. My HcG level was pretty high at 435. Two days later it was 805. A week later it was over 16,000. No bleeding this time, so I was able to relax (a little bit).
Our first ultrasound showed 2 sacs-twins! Our next ultrasound showed two healthy heartbeats. Our final ultrasound with our RE showed 2 sacs at first. The tech decided to do an abdominal scan just for fun and we realized there were 3 babies. One of the embryos had split! My husband was freaked out first, then reality hit me. We used assisted hatching this time and knew the risks of multiples, but didn't really think it would happen to us. Our doctor was not really pleased with the outcome. He was pushing selective reduction of the identical twins because of the risks. He was sending us to a MFM to be seen within a week. So, that's the beginning of our journey. We were so excited to finally be pregnant, but now faced with more challenges.
I am a 31 year old teacher and have always wanted my own children. I married my wonderful husband, Brad, in 2005 after dating for a few years. We waited about a year before beginning to try for children. After about 7 months, my doctor sent us to a fertility specialist for some help. We tried a couple cycles with Clomid, without success. We had just started our third cycle when I learned that my brother was in the process of being diagnosed with a type of muscular dystrophy. Since it is a genetic disorder, I too could have the disease. We stopped that cycle and went to see a genetic counselor to find out. After a long wait, we found out that I did have Myotonic Dystrophy. While I don't have many symptoms, I could pass along a more serious type of the disease to my children.
We went back to our fertility specialist to learn about our options. We chose to keep trying by using IVF with PGD to test the embryos for the MD. It took about 3 months for the genetic testing center to develop a specific protocol for us and our embryos. So, after another long wait, we were told the test was ready and we could begin our first IVF cycle.
In August 2008, I began my shots and meds for IVF. We were excited to be able to finally try something-I didn't care how many shots I had to give myself! Well, my body responded a little too well to the meds they had me on. They took me off and had me coast for a couple days, but then the hormone levels crashed and the cycle was canceled. We were bummed, but knew that it would have been too dangerous to continue since I had about 25 mature eggs and 25 immature eggs.
We were able to try again the next month since they never actually retrieved any eggs. Shots again of a much lower dose of just one of the meds. We made it to retrieval and I think they were able to get 12 eggs. Only about 8 of those fertilized and kept growing. On day 3 they took one cell out of the ones that continued to grow. They sent the cells to the geneticist for testing. We went back to the clinic on day 5 and anxiously awaited the results. I was terrified that after all that we wouldn't have any usable embryos. If I was to get pregnant naturally, it would be about a 50% chance of passing along the congenital form of the disease. Well, that's about what is was with the testing. 3 definitely had the disease (including the two stronger looking embryos), 2 were not diagnosed either way, and 3 did not have it. Unfortunately, the 3 safe ones were a bit behind in development and they were not able to grade them. We took a chance and put two back in and would freeze the other one if it continued to grow. Now we waited again!
I started spotting the day before my pregnancy test, so I was convinced that it hadn't worked this time. Well, the test came back positive, but my progesterone level was pretty low. They gave me more meds to help that and wanted me to return to check for doubling HcG levels. They levels doubled, but I kept bleeding. About a week later, the bleeding became really heavy and it was determined that I was miscarrying. We were devastated, but after the waiting of that week I was ready for it to be over or to stop bleeding and let everything be fine.
We were able to try again in November/December. We used the one frozen embryo that was MD free. Unfortunately, it didn't take.
With my insurance, I had 3 more cycles of IVF since they only count it as a cycle if we have a retrieval. So, we decided to keep on trying!
March 2009 we began our stim cycle again. I responded quickly again, but it was managed well. We went for retrieval on March 17. I was pretty uncomfortable after the retrieval this time and couldn't stand straight for a few days. I was determined to not do a home pregnancy test, but of course I couldn't resist. It came back positive! I went for my blood test the next day and they confirmed it. My HcG level was pretty high at 435. Two days later it was 805. A week later it was over 16,000. No bleeding this time, so I was able to relax (a little bit).
Our first ultrasound showed 2 sacs-twins! Our next ultrasound showed two healthy heartbeats. Our final ultrasound with our RE showed 2 sacs at first. The tech decided to do an abdominal scan just for fun and we realized there were 3 babies. One of the embryos had split! My husband was freaked out first, then reality hit me. We used assisted hatching this time and knew the risks of multiples, but didn't really think it would happen to us. Our doctor was not really pleased with the outcome. He was pushing selective reduction of the identical twins because of the risks. He was sending us to a MFM to be seen within a week. So, that's the beginning of our journey. We were so excited to finally be pregnant, but now faced with more challenges.
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