KATO: 8th Consultation - The first sonogram

Hubby and I got to Kato at 9:00 a.m. on November 24th. Many couples were already there waiting for their turn. While the nurse was taking my vital signs, she mentioned that only Dr. Perillo was there to attend to the patients. There were four patients scheduled for egg retrieval that morning.

It was my first sonogram (transvaginal ultrasound) after the initial confirmation of pregnancy (1st b-hcg). Hubby was also called into the examination room. We saw a gestational sac that measured 9.9 mm. Dr. Perillo said everything looked fine --there were no signs of bleeding or any kind of threat so far. Based on my LMP, I was 5 weeks 6 days far along and according to IVF computation I was 5 weeks 4 days far along.

We waited for a little while in the patient's lounge before we were called into the consultation room where Dr. Perillo was waiting. She said, "So far so good!" My 3rd b-hcg, estradiol, and progesterone levels showed good numbers. I would stop taking Progynova (for estradiol), but continue with Duphaston (for progesterone). 

On our next visit (December 1st), we should be expecting to see the yolk sac, the fetal pole, and hopefully see (or hear) a heartbeat. 

I am so excited, yet still anxious at the same time.

KATO: 7th Consultation - The second b-hcg test

HCG levels should double every 48-72 hours from the first b-hcg test. This would mean that the embryo continues to develop. A decreased level of HCG after the first b-hcg test may mean miscarriage.

I and hubby went to Kato on November 19th for the second b-hcg test. Although I was more relaxed than the firs b-hcg test, anxiety was still there. There were so many "what ifs" going through my mind while waiting for the result of the test.

When we were called into the consultation room, it was Dr. Mendiola who talked to us. Fortunately, we got good results. 

With the IVF calculation, we are 5 weeks 1 day far along today. Our next consultation is scheduled on November 24th. There will be another b-hcg test, as well as estradiol and progesterone tests. I will also have my first sonogram to check for the gestational sac and yolk sac.

I'm still nervous about these tests, but I hope everything continues to go well.

KATO: 6th Consultation - The first b-hcg test

So the dreadful 12-day wait is done. Originally, I and hubby planned to go to Kato in the afternoon of November 14th, but I received a text message from Kato the day before saying that we had to be there in the morning. Seeing the message made me more anxious.

We got there at 8:30 a.m. Some patients were already waiting. First, I was called into the testing room for my vital signs and blood extraction for the hormone tests (estradiol, progesterone, and b-hcg). It usually takes 45 minutes before the result comes out.

We watched TV in the patients' lounge while waiting for the result. I couldn't focus though. Every time the bell sounded when a patient was called, I let out a big sigh. Hubby kept telling me to relax. I just couldn't help it. I was too nervous, while hubby was excited.

Forty-five minutes had passed, we were not called yet. The waiting was killing me. It was the longest 45 minutes yet. 

After an hour of anxiety, we were finally called into the consultation room. Only Dr. Ong-jao was there to deliver us the news. First she asked how I was feeling and I said I was very nervous. And then she showed us the result of the blood test. My b-hcg level was 159.3, which according to Dr. Ong-jao, was a good sign that the embryo had implanted enough. She also said that at this value, a home pregnancy test can already detect pregnancy although I was only 4 weeks 4 days far along. My estrogen and progesterone levels were also good, 339.2 and 52.62 respectively.

I was shaking when Dr. Ong-jao said the result was positive. I couldn't speak well. It's a great birthday gift for me this year.

I bought a home pregnancy test kit (hpt kit) and tested as soon as I and hubby got home. It was so pleasing to finally see a second line on that stick.

We are scheduled for another b-hcg test on November 19th, five days after the first one. HCG levels should double every two days, so we should have a much higher value on the second b-hcg test.

Yesterday (November 16) I went to Dr. Ria, my acupuncturist. She was also very happy about the good news. I showed her the result of the hormone tests and she assured me that everything looked fine. She put the needles on my head and on my legs then I had a nice 30-minute nap. I should be doing acupuncture until the time we get a heartbeat from the baby. 

Hubby and I are still on cloud nine. We waited 6 years for this.

I am still nervous though. I hope and pray that my baby is developing well.

What to do after the 2-day embryo transfer? (The 12-day wait)

Today is my 10dp2dt (10 days post 2-day transfer). If the 2ww (2-week wait) during the time I had my IUIs was nerve-wracking, this time the feeling is twice more. Everybody says to keep my mind off it, but it's difficult to do that especially now that I am only 2 days away from my beta HCG test.

After the embryo transfer, I took a week of home rest. Take note, home rest doesn't necessarily mean bed rest. The embryologist at Kato and my acupuncturist told me not to do bed rest.  Moving promotes better blood and medicine circulation (especially in the uterus area) and balances the Qi.

Here is a list of some other things to do and not to do after the embryo transfer (based on Kato's instructions and on my readings): 

• It's okay to pee right after the procedure (embryo transfer). The embryo is "sandwiched" in the uterus, it will not fall out.
• Resume normal activity, but everything in moderation.
• No sexual intercourse before pregnancy is confirmed.
• No swimming. Bubble baths and jacuzzis are also a no-no. Showering with lukewarm water is okay.
• No heavy chores like lifting heavy objects.
• No strenuous activities, such as exercise that cause contraction in the abdomen area. 
• Walking is okay, but in moderation.
• There is no food restriction, but eating healthy is still the best. My acupuncturist told me not to eat or drink anything cold though. I'm not a fan of cold drinks, but I have been avoiding ice creams unwillingly. Some women also advise to eat pineapple core for 5 days from the day of transfer. Walnut and avocado are also highly recommended. 
• Keep the body warm (especially the feet). Don't use a hot pack on the abdomen area. Sauna is also a big no-no. High body temperature can hinder implantation.
• Keep your mind off your body. Medicines taken during the 12-day wait can make the body mimic the early symptoms of pregnancy, so don't drive yourself crazy looking into these symptoms. Pregnancy can be confirmed on the day of beta HCG test.
• Do acupuncture, especially on the day of the embryo transfer.
• Do relaxing activities and avoid stress.
• Keep hydrated.
• Most importantly, PRAY. No matter what the circumstances are, it is still up to HIM in the end.

KATO: 5th Consultation - The Embryo Transfer

On November 1st, I and hubby arrived in Kato before 8:00 a.m. A few couples were already waiting in the patients' lounge, but only 2 of us were scheduled for 2-day embryo fresh transfer that morning.

First we were called into the consultation room. The embryologist talked to us about the status of my eggs. Of the three harvested, only one fertilized. This was a little sad, but I was still very thankful that one survived for transfer. Then he explained to us that the embryo that survived is Grade 3, which is still within the normal condition. Anything higher than that is considered not normal and might not be used for IVF. They graded my embryo Grade 3 just because of the uneven blastomere (cell division).

KATO's Grading Standard

This was what my embryo looked like at day 2

I was the first to be called into the operating room. I went into my assigned cubicle (recovery room), changed into the robe I was provided (with only my bra underneath) and the nurse took my vital signs. I and the other patient stayed in our respective cubicle while waiting to be called into the operating area. I didn't bring in my watch and cell phone with me, so I didn't know how long we waited before the other patient was called, but it felt like a long wait. While waiting for my turn, I just relaxed on the bed, read the instructions provided, and prayed.

When I entered the operating area, there were six people -- the embryologist, someone who took notes, one who assisted with the ultrasound machine, a nurse who took care of me, Dr. Ong-jao, and Dr. Mendiola.

As I settled myself on the bed, Dr. Mendiola was over my head telling me the things that would happen next. He showed me the two screens I had to look at during the procedure. I was really nervous about the whole thing, but hearing Dr. Mendiola's very calm voice calmed me too.

First, Dr. Ong-jao opened my vagina with a speculum, cleaned it, and positioned the catheter where the egg would pass through during the transfer. Dr. Mendiola was just there to guide Dr. Ong-jao and to make sure that everything was done perfectly.

Before the transfer, the embryologist showed my precious embryo through the monitor on my left. This was to make sure that there was an embryo to be transferred. Everyone in the room also saw how the embryologist put the embryo into a syringe in preparation for the transfer. When it was done, the embryologist went beside Dr. Ong-jao and initiated the transfer of the embryo through the catheter that was strategically positioned into my uterus. I saw the whole process through the monitor on my right.

This is a scan of my uterus and the embryo after the transfer

The procedure was finished by 9:30 a.m. Before I left the operating area, Dr. Ong-jao gave some instructions about the medicines I had to take in the next 12 days. HCG testing would be done 12dpt (dpt = days post transfer), which is on November 14th. Dr. Mendiola wished me luck and then I proceeded to my cubicle to rest. 

I was out of the operating room at 10:45 a.m. Time went by so fast that I didn't realize I was in that room for two hours. 

These are the medicines I have to take, each 3 times a day, for 12 days. Utrogestan should be taken vaginally and it was a little bit scary and awkward for me in the beginning because I have never tried inserting my finger down there. 

This would probably be the looooongest twelve days of my life yet...