Our Journey

I created this blog to journal everything during our journey to have kids. I didn't realize how complicated it would be but it is finished! We got our paperwork in the mail to pay our annual storage fees for our one no result embryo. We will be sending back the paperwork to allow CCRM to use it for research.

We are so thankful for our gorgeous daughters and are looking forward to every moment we spend with them!! So, you can find me at CaitlinandCamryn.blogspot.com to see what we are up to!! Before I go, two pictures of my lovies!!

On October 11, 2011, Camryn Hope was born via planned c-section! She arrived at 6:07pm, weighing 7lbs 9oz and measuring 20.75 inches.

I had a planned c-section since Caitlin was born via c-section. I was really afraid that I would have the same issues again so I opted for it. My c-section was scheduled for 5:30pm on October 11th.

We dropped Caitlin off at daycare and headed out for breakfast. I had to stop all food and liquids by 9:30am. We spent the day packing and finishing up loose ends. We went over around 2pm to get Caitlin with Tom's sister since she would be watching her while we were in the hospital. Caitlin went home with her Aunt and we headed to the hospital. We arrived around 3pm. We waited a bit and I noticed that I was having contractions. We finally got called back after what seemed like forever! I was sent to triage and they started all the paperwork. I got my IV and got very lightheaded. They said it does happen every so often. We waited in Triage for the doctors to arrive. I was very nervous and kept checking the clock. I was really afraid of getting the spinal and wanted that part over! It was beyond 530pm and the doctors hadn't arrived yet. I really just wanted to get in the OR!!! They finally arrived and were getting ready when all of a sudden, the nurse was like can you walk to the OR? They are trying to bump us and we need to get in now before they bump us! So, we practically ran to the OR.

I got up on the table to receive my spinal and was soooo terrified. Fortunately, my doctor was there and holding my hand. I remember her saying, be careful, these hands have to operate on you very soon! I ended up leaning forward and hugging the nurse. It stung a bit but it was over quickly. As I got back down on the table, I felt awful. Everything got very fuzzy and I felt very out of it. I kept telling them I don't feel good. My blood pressure had dropped which they said is common after the spinal. I was given medicine and felt much better. It seemed like it took forever for them to get the baby out. She kept telling me that everything was fine and we were in no hurry so they were taking their time. At one point, I heard them say we may need to vacuum her out. I was like huh?! This is a c section! Apparently, she was tucked in there very nicely. They get telling Tom to get ready and then, wait! LOL Finally, she was out and brought right over to me. They weighed her and we were all surprised by her 7lbs 9oz, nothing compared to her 10lb sister at birth.

We were in the OR for a very long time after it seemed. I kept asking if everything was okay and they told me it was. Again, no hurry! but, after surgery, she did say that she was concerned about all the bleeding and that was why it seemed to take so long. Plus, they tied my tubes. She also told me that I was 3cm dilated already and having regular contractions.

Here is a peak at Camryn, 3 months old! We are so in love with our newest addition!

Yup, you read that right! (if there is even anyone reading anymore!) Caitlin is going to have a little sister in October. The ultrasound picture is from the NT scan around 12 weeks.

After the chemical pregnancy in December, I needed to take a break from blogging and step back. But, we did continue on and do a frozen embryo transfer with our last embryo on January 27th! Dr. Schoolcraft did suggest we transfer two embryos and do a fresh cycle. When I explained, our goal was one healthy baby and to save whatever sanity I had, he agreed that if we wanted to transfer one embryo that we use the last frozen one. I really felt like it was a long shot being the embryo quality was as bad as it can get. I will never forget what he told me at the transfer though. He said, those 2/3 embryos can surprise you! (2/3 is the grade of the embryo) and sure enough it did.

I did have symptoms that I was pregnant all week but I did with the chemical pregnancy too so I really was apprehensive. It was a bumpy 1st trimester with the gestational sac measuring significantly behind (even though the fetal pole was measuring fine) and my OB mentioning miscarriage. But, I am now 25 1/2 weeks! Everything is looking good now and we are moving right along. I have my next appointment on Monday with the OB and I hope to have a c-section date then!

My beta came back and it turns out I was pg but short lived.

I got to speak with my nurse further about the abnormal APA panel. It turns out I have a few issues a slightly abnormal cardiolipin, MTHFR and high glycoproteins.

What does all this mean?! It basically means I need to start lovenox next time two days prior to transfer and also start on something called Folgard. I think that's how you spell it. I've always had this and it's nothing new. It was likely the cause for my miscarriage in August. Of course, we'll never know for sure.

so, where do we go from here? I'm really not sure. We still need to speak with Dr. Schoolcraft and find out his suggestions to help with our decision. We basically need to decide between preparing for a FET in hopes our one last embryo thaws or do another fresh. I'm really not quite sure what to do and money is the main factor here.

But, it's time for me to take a break from all things IVF related until we can start again. It's time for me to focus on enjoying life, spending time with those that I love and just doing things I enjoy. The holidays are coming up and I am hoping for a few great weeks without being on meds, needing bloodwork or ultrasounds.

There is a lot to consider and decide but not continuing on is not an option at this point for us. I'm not sure that I'll come back to blogging or not. I'll have to see how I feel when things start back up again. I really appreciate all the comments and all the emails. It's helpful more than anyone will know.

one negative digital test
one negative first response test

please no comments of there's still hope or people get neg hpts and still positive betas and no questions on what next. it only stresses me out to think about doing this again, nevermind what is next.

I could feel it, I knew I wasn't.

I can't remember how much I posted about the drama surrounding all the clotting bloodwork. It was a huge pain in the ass to get it done. In the end, most of it did not get processed through LabCorp so CCRM finished it last Friday. He wanted to rerun one thing anyways because it was in the low abnormal range.

Well, it came back today. It turns out that I do have some sort of issue. If I have a positive HCG, I have to start daily injections of lovenox. peachy.

So, I guess I have my answer as to why I miscarried.

ugh. I am so bummed. I called my old RE to schedule the appt. They are the ones that do weekend stat bloodwork for me. I use another RE closer to home during the week. Well, I called to make the appointment and they don't do it anymore. I am so bummed. I've tried walk in clinics, labs, and the hospital. My only choice is to go through the ER at a local hospital but being I'm a cash patient, I'm guessing that's going to cost me BUCKS!!

My friend works in the medical field and she looked at all the labs they use, they are all closed. So, her hubby works for a local hospital and he's going to check into it there!! It's my last option. I pay $95 at the RE on Monday so if it's a substantial amount more, I'm going to have to pass. I really can't afford it if I don't have to do it.