Here. We. Go .... its lining check day!

FETs – Frozen Embryo Transfer – here’s how it works:

Every cycle and every pt is different when it comes to medications and protocols.  What I have been experiencing (well, watching) with her this cycle and her medication is quite a bit different than what I have been used too.  Yes, its similar medications but with my cycles it seemed much more intense with more medications, higher dosages and the monthly to bi-monthly infusions.  I guess thats why you get when your body spits out embryos about as quickly as you make them.  It has been nice to see things can be much easier for her and a big relief on my end.  It was hard enough opening up her medication bag and handing over a calendar which had upto 6 pills, 2 suppositories and 2-3 injections a day.  Thinking she would be on similar regimen as me (why I thought that I don't know) I was thrilled, and quite relieved when I saw all she was going to be doing was those 6 pills, 2 suppositories and 2/3 injections.  Not sure the look on her face that day was relief, actually I know it wasn't, but knowing all the extra meds I had been on – it was so much better than what I was originally expecting for her.

3 weeks ago our ‘Baby Baker’ started her meds, the dexamethasone and Lupron then 2 weeks ago she started adding in the bi-weekly estrogen injections.  I never experienced s/e's from that medication, other than a leaky vagina.  The body loves estrogen ... well at least the womens' body.  Unfortunately for her that was not the case, poor thing cant sleep, has smell aversions, is nauseous and the list goes on.  The estrogen, other than giving her some awesome s/e's, is triggering her body to start producing the uterine lining, which will be critical for the transfer as it is the 'landing pad' for our embryos.  Growing the uterine lining can be a headache for some.  In my case, and many others, Viagra is required to help with blood flow to the uterus which also helps the body produce healthier and thicker lining.  Thankfully ‘Baby Baker’ didn’t have to worry about this and it was one less medication in her magic bag of goodies.  Viagra is done 4x/day for 3 weeks (or longer) and you find yourself having to be flat on your back for an hour-in-a-half every day (in 20 min intervals) and that alone is a pain - plus it makes for an even leakier vagina.  The boys might love 'em, but let me tell ya they are a pain in the neck at times.  

Anyway … today is D-Day for us.  Today is what the rest of this pregnancy (hopefully) will be going off of.   As long as her lining is measuring thick enough, we are go ... and it will be the start the next 8-9 months!!  

The uterine thickness heavily weighs on the success of an embryos transfer.  The minimum lining thickness should be (5 days before transfer) is 8mm, anything less than that and you would typically be recommended to cancel a cycle (if it’s a fresh cycle) or in a FET scenario be given another week or so in a 'watch-and-wait' game to see if the uterine lining thickens up.  Ideally doctors like to see you at, at least 9mm, but would prefer 10mm or thicker – and of course there is nothing wrong with being thicker.  Makes for a little comfier home. 

With all that being said our lining check appointment is at 1245 today – I say ‘our’ as in her lining check.  I very much wanted to go to this appointment, its very strange for me being on the other side of the curtain for all of this, but a 600 mile R/T for a 10 min appointment seemed a little crazy.  

I have been watching the clock since 5am and it has been going by ever so slow this morning.  Tick-Tock-Tick-Tock … and I could probably bet that Dr. S is running behind today and the appointment wont be until 145.  Why, because isn’t that how things always seem to work out when your in a rush or anxious for something to get done!!  

Hopefully will have some impress news to share shortly.  Praying she is wants to show off of her unreal skills of growing uterine lining!!  
So if you want to pray for us as well ... please do, pray, pray, pray!!

The uterus outlined in blue and the uterine lining (landing pad for the embryos) outlined in yellow.