Transfer
This morning, about 15 minutes before my alarm was set to go off, my phone rung. The number wasn’t one from my address book. I answered it and the person introduced themselves as “so and so from the RE’s lab.” My heart started pounding… Den later said my voice had a tinge of panic in it. She continued, “Just reminding you about your transfer this morning. Be here at 9:30 for a 10:00 transfer.” I thanked her and hung up… and then collapsed back into my pillow in relief. They’ve never called me to remind me before! Don’t DO that to me!
We grabbed some breakfast on the way, and I drank a bunch of water and hot chocolate to try to make sure my bladder was full, as per my instructions. I remembered bring my valium – although it wasn’t valium, it was something else, something similar. I took one while we were in the car, then another when we got to the hospital. Next time I have to remember to take them earlier, because it really wasn’t doing much for me.
Yet again I got dressed in the lovely hospital gown, though this time with my huge bloated belly. I patted it and mentioned to Den how this brought back memories from the last time I was dressed in a gown with a belly. :( Next time will be much different, much better.
After fighting for space on my bed I finally got in it with the blanket on top of me – Den was using the bed to fold all our clothes. He’s very strange. Den got dressed in scrubs too, as he was going into the OR with me this time.
This time was so much easier than retrieval – no IV, no huge long forms to fill out, just a couple of consent forms to sign and they wheel me and my bed in. (I enjoy that part. I wish I could just take some valium and then get wheeled around the hospital for a while. That would be FUN.) Into the special Operating Room, with Den at my side.
The embryologist came in to show us the sheet on the embryo – Jellybean was listed as a 7-cell embryo and she said it was compacting. (Devin was an 8-cell that was compacting. So very promising!) They’re going to culture our second embryo out to day 5 or 6, then decide if it meets the criteria for freezing… but I have good feelings about it.
They got the stirrups all set up, my legs spread open, all the fun stuff. They checked the position of everything with an abdominal ultrasound. And then we sat and waited. I’m pretty sure I was the most uncomfortable in the room. Just a guess.
Finally the embryologist came in with the catheter that had Jellybean in it. I didn’t feel a thing. A little blip on the ultrasound and that was that!
I layed in the bed, covered with warm blankets, trying to just chill out and meditate, for 20 minutes before they said I could get up and get dressed. And off we went, with everyone wishing us good luck.
My beta would have been 14 days after retrieval, but that just happens to be Christmas Day. So it’s scheduled for the 26th! Den doesn’t want me testing christmas morning, even though I want to, because he doesn’t want the entire day to be ruined if it’s bad news. We will have to work out the timing!
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This evening was the yearly memorial candle lighting ceremony at our local Angel of Hope. We were standing there, holding our candle in memory of Devin, thinking how fitting it was that today was the day that Jellybean was put inside me. We didn’t feel quite so alone as we did before.
I felt so emotional reading this post from you. I have such good feelings about Jellybean. *hugs*
Just slowing down for the day reading up on how your day went. I am excited to see the sun shine on your family. I just know this is going to be a special year for you guys.
Kristy (just mommies/ kwilder)
Congrats on being Pregnant Until Proven Otherwise (PUPO) Natalie! :) I know I am a dork, but I have always liked the optism in that idea… So excited to hear that Jellybean (love the nickname) is now inside of you! I hope and pray that he or she is settling in for the long haul. How fitting that you went to the candle light memorial service tonight. I hope so much that someday you will be able to tell your second child about this night that you honored his or her big brother while you celebrated the hope that he or she would join your family soon too! :) Okay, I am over tired and rambling… But just want to let you know that I have everything crossed for you and hope that whether you test early or hold out for the Beta that it is a BFP! Sending lots of sticky vibes your way… (((HUGS)))
I am sending you so many warm thoughts and good wishes. And sending out some words to Universe, that Jellybean thrives and grows.
Much love.
XOX
Oh my goodness, I’m so nervous and hopeful for you just reading this. I’ve crossed all crossables for you, I really hope it works out really well. Take care and keep thinking positive thoughts.
xx K
I have good thoughts and so much hope. And I’m glad that your jellybean was with you for the ceremony tonight.
Go, Jellybean, go!! waiting with you Natalie.
I’m pulling for the jellybean!
I’m still praying and hoping your beta increases!
I’m glad the transfer went well! All of my positive thoughts are coming your way!
This post brought me to tears. How beautiful that on the day of the memorial, you have a beacon of hope that is Jellybean!
I’m so excited, and I have such good feelings about Jellybean! <3 <3
Sending you lots of positive thoughts every day!
Glad it went well. I am so excited and hopeful for you. Go Jellybean!
Grow, Jellybean, grow!! It’s so nice to read hopeful posts after so much heartache. Take care of yourself, Nat!! : )
Den decide unicorn was too girly after all?
Go Jellybean!