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).
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.
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.
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.
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...
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