Journey for a Baby- IVF Post 1

Since deciding that we are indeed going to go the IVF route a few things have happened. I had my first official appointment with Dr. Dayal last week. She performed a fluid ultrasound to check for any uterine cysts or polyps. None found! However, she did find that my egg production this cycle is a bit on the low side, which is not good for someone who is about to go through the IVF process, in this case using donor eggs were suggested. However, upon reading my AMH results she said that my ovarian reserve is normal for someone my age.

Yesterday I got a call from the case worker for Sher Institute that my bloodwork came back for my Natrual Killer (NK) cells. Apparently my levels are elevated. Upon doing a bit of research, I found that everyone has NK cells, they help fight off viruses and infection. However, with elevated levels and in the TTC side of things, these cells are basically 'attacking' the embryo preventing it from implanting and in some cases causing women to have chemical/ recurrent miscarriages.

Treatment for elevated levels is a 2 hour dose of intravenous intralipids(the same medication that they give to MS and cancer patients)prior to embryo transfer as well as upon a positive pregnancy test.

I am just hoping and praying that doing all of this will mean a little babe in my arms this time next year.
Fingers Crossed!

Going through with IVF

I think we are going to go through with it! We have to get the okay from my pulmonologist first since my lung function was under 50% last time after coming off of the flu. I have an appointment with him June 2nd. If he gives the okay, August is going to be the month for our first IVF session. I cant believe it. We met with Dr. Molina Dayal of the Sher Institute for Reproductive Medicine, she was so nice and took the time to explain every aspect of the process with us. I am so excited, but at the same nervous for the unknown. Here we go...

Update...Finally

Wow, feeling a bit ashamed, this poor blog has been neglected for almost a year now. 

Not much has changed on the TTC front. I am now on CD10 of my 19th cycle. Back in February we got the results of Peter's more in depth gene sequencing and the results were a bit shocking and confusing. He apparently has 2 CF gene mutations(I don't know them off the top of my head). The confusing part is that it is a known fact that two mutations of the CF gene cause the disease Cystic Fibrosis, however Peter has no signs or symptoms of the disease. 

After finding out the results we met with my CF doctor as well as a genetic counselor. My doctor explained to us that with the mutations he has, he is not classified as having the disease. As far as us having a baby, he said he has never seen the results of both of our mutations acting together (I have 2 copies of delta F508). He said there is still a possibility that if we conceive there is a 50/50 chance of the child not having CF. 

Now for the big news, today we are meeting with Dr. Dayal of the Sher Fertility Institute here is St. Louis. Back in February we went to a seminar on IVF and today we are meeting with her to talk more in depth and to see if it is something we can even afford. My stomach is currently in knots, I am so nervous, I don't know what to expect. 

Instagram

So I have really been trying to get back into Instagram. I love the effects that you can apply to pictures. I also love the fact that on Instagram the author is able to let the picture do the majority of the 'talking'.

Here are a few of my Instagram pics from this past week.

The last couple months

So, I feel bad. I haven't updated in the past month and a half. I will say that a lot has happned to keep me busy. 

TTC Front: I am currently on cycle 10, found a new OBGYN and I recently had an HSG done. TUBES ARE CLEAR! Peter also had a Semen Analysis done this past Friday and we hope to hear the results tomorrow. We have decided that if it doesn't happen for us by October(which is our 1 year TTC mark) we plan to do an IUI. 

Speaking of babies, I have a brand new little nephew! He is so precious. His big sister is so cute with him too. She's not jealous at all and points him out to anyone who comes near him. Makes me want to have one of my own so bad!

Got a new(to me) car last month too. 2012 Ford Edge. I love it. Sunroof, Moonroof and it has the touch screen. It's my current obsession right now. I am so glad I got it, I should have switched from a car to an SUV a long time ago.