the final step…egg transfer

August 31st 2012….the day we had two little embryos implanted!

Unlike egg retrieval, this procedure is relatively short and painless. Of course, I do use the word relative because I did have an ice cold speculum (yes, they ice it first) inserted so that a catheter could be inserted up into my uterus. That is how the doctor guides the embryos into their home. There is no sedation, although I was given a Valuum about 30 minutes before the procedure. I did not feel any effects from it, but then again, maybe it would have been more painful if I hadn’t had anything. I don’t care to find out. 🙂

Adam was able to be in the room for this particular procedure. And we were able to view what was going on inside on the ultrasound machine. Holding Adam’s hand was helpful since I am a pansy, and I was scared! I, the patient, am on a table just like for a routine pelvic exam. The doctor performs the actual procedure, which is quite amazing. It takes skill and finesse, of the highest level, to guide the little guys up inside and burrow them in a really good spot without damaging the little guys or getting them stuck somewhere. Go Dr. Fisch!

After the doctor had me prepped and ready, he opened the door to the embryology lab, which is so cool, and the embryologist brought the tube forward that has our potential babies inside. He, the embryologist, verifies that I am who I am and that my name is on the tube. (kind of creepy thinking there have been monumental mix-ups in the past)

The doctor then guides each embryo up the tiny catheter line. My second embryo got stuck in the tube, which is common. So the embryologist took the tube back in the lab to verify and reload it. Dr. Fisch said it was a “sticky one,” which could be good. 🙂 The second attempt was successful, and both embryos were buried inside of the lining. We also ended up with four more viable embryos that we chose to freeze (five and six day blasts).

The whole procedure took about 20 minutes. Quick and easy compared to egg retrieval. The coolest part of the procedure was the end when Dr. Fisch drew a little heart around the embryos on the ultrasound. So sweet. He also came to the side of my bed, rubbed my belly, and said he was putting the rest in the hands of the man upstairs. Love that! Oh, and he also wears a charm around his neck of Kokopelli (fertility deity), which he rubbed for me. And lastly, he hugged both of us. I could not have asked for better care on all accounts. No matter the outcome, we know we were in the right place at the right time with the right people caring for us. No regrets!!!!