2dp5dt Update

In "IVF lingo", I'm 2dp5dt (2 days past 5 day transfer). What does that mean? Pretty much nothing big to report. It means the embryos they put in should have hatched and begun to implant. It means it's still too early to POAS (pee on a stick), too early to detect if anything has worked or not. It means I need to be patient...luckily it's a busy week at work so I can keep my mind off of it for awhile. You can easily drive yourself crazy trying to associate anything to being a sign of being pregnant. But all you can do in this time period is wait and pray.

So the day of the procedure was uneventful. Going to Tampa General Hospital on a Saturday is awesome, nobody is there, all appointments are running on time, and you do not feel rushed. Dr Mayer did the procedure and gave us pictures of our "blasties". Blastocysts are embryos that have formed enough to develop into strong cells. Below are the pictures of the TWO blasties that Dr Mayer transferred. (Yes, we decided to go with two. Better chances with 2, since it's a 50/50 shot anyway).

I really like this website and their explanation of the cell development and there is even a very short video of the transfer process. This is EXACTLY what we saw! Todd was in the room and was holding my hand as we both watched the ultrasound monitor during the procedure and it truly is a white dot that pops out onto the screen after a "3-2-1" countdown! And then of course I cried  because really who gets to see themselves get pregnant!?! http://www.advancedfertility.com/embryotransfer.htm

While I'm in the 2 week waiting period, I think I want to reflect a little on the process and give my top 10 review of the process so far.

1. I was nervous about writing a blog or publicizing what I am going through to people. However, I am so glad that I did. Talking about the process and procedure makes it less scary to me, and allows others to be involved and give support. I'm so thankful and blessed to have people that want to know what's going on.
2. I cannot say enough good things about USF Health. I have felt like I was Dr Mayers only patient because he takes the time to explain and educate and the nurse coordinators call and provide information in a timely manner. It wasn't until I had everyday monitoring that I even considered there were other women on the same timing of cycle as I was!
3. There is a lot of internet research and resources out there. Probably too much so there is information overload.
4. Time FLIES! I cannot believe I'm in the 2ww (two week wait) already. It feels like yesterday that I was starting at the 43 shots that I have to go through!
5. Group medical plan insurance should cover infertility treatments or at least the medicine. If our company can cover the other things they chose to cover that are controversial, they should cover this as well. I understand pregnancy is never a medically necessary procedure but a little help from group health plan would have gone a long way not only for me, but to continue to be an employer of choice.
6. As much as it lacks intimacy, the process has reinforced me and Todd's appreciation for each other and what we would go through for each other. His procedures sure weren't pleasant, and neither were mine. But we do it for each other.
7. Todd will never be OK with needles.
8. We feel extremely intelligent with the beginning stages of how pregnancy occurs! I know nothing about the (hopefully) upcoming 9 months of pregnancy but I sure know about near everything to the conception process and what a magnificent science it is!
9. Todd has a very new understanding of what a gynecologist does. He knew it was an up close and personal encounter, but he never quite understood HOW close!
10. God is ultimately in control. Medicine can do wonders, but it is still God's choice if and when and how we have a family.

The blood test will be scheduled sometime the week of the 12th so there is still a considerable time of waiting left to do. In the meantime, continue to pray, continue to have hope, and thanks for the support.