The Alsmans

I had more bleeding today after acupuncture.  I was making my next appointment and blood started running down my face, gross! I knew it wasn't a huge deal because I had just talked to my acupuncturist about it, but I still freaked out.  I tried my best to stay calm because I thought I might pass out.  I don't know, something about my own blood just freaks me out.  My acupuncturist cleaned it up for me and I was fine!  He explained that the head is prone to bleeding and the baby aspirin I am taking isn't helping either.  So, I go back next Monday but am so nervous now because I hate blood :( 

On another note, I had a friend tell me today that she has shared our blog with two friends: one who is going through IVF and one who is contemplating starting fertility treatments.  This just made my day because this is one of the main reasons we wanted to be so open about this.  We wanted others to know that it is o.k. to be open about infertility (it is actually very therapeutic)! I know there are worse things in life to be experiencing, however, fertility issues can totally consume your life.  It's nice to be able to reach out to others or to just be open and honest about treatments to let others know what to expect if they decide to embark on this journey. 

Less than a week now until we find out!  We are dying to know!  Hoping work will help take my mind off it, it's been two weeks since I worked (b/c of our sicknesses and IVF treatments).  I miss my little kiddos!  Let's hope they don't get me sick again :)

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 9:58 PM 0 comments

Here are the pictures from the embryo transfer. It's really hard to see but the two little white dots are the embryos!

I also forgot to mention that if you happened to see Bill and Guiliana Rancic's show on the Style Network this week, they showed their gestational carrier having her embryo transfer. Ours was similar but the embryos were in the lab, not in the same room, before the transfer. I am sure they will rerun the episode next Tuesday!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 7:13 PM 0 comments

We got a call yesterday that we didn't have any embryos left to freeze.  At first, we were a little bummed, but then we remembered how far we have come since the last cycle.  We didn't have ANY embryos make it to Day 5 during our first round of IVF.  The two they did transfer last time (at Day 3)weren't the best quality either.  So, we think we have made great progress this time, even if we don't get a positive in the end!  Continuing to think positively though!!

I had a freaky thing happen after acupuncture yesterday.  My acupuncturist only put needles in my scalp and in my ear this time. It didn't hurt or anything and I actually felt good afterward.  I was feeling dizzy and nauseous prior to going there.  But, when I looked in the mirror a few hours after getting home last night, I had dried blood along my entire part line on my head.  I was freaked out.  The needles have never made me bleed that bad before.  Thank goodness Grant was there to clean my head.  I freak out at the sight of blood on me (but I can handle all these shots, haha!).  Hopefully I don't have any more bleeding from acupuncture.  Back to resting on the couch, I am going CRAZY just sitting here!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 2:08 PM 0 comments

We are leaving FCI now! Everything went smoothly! We had two embryos transferred, one was an early blastocyst and the other was still compacting. When we saw the embryos in the dish, one had already started hatching!! The doctor said my uterus and lining looked great! This was great news because my lining as always been an issue! So, now we wait!! Ugh, this part is going to be hard. My pregnancy test will be on Monday May 7th. I need to stay busy, but not too busy because they told me to take it easy for the next two weeks. So if anyone feels like coming over to entertain me, I'll probably be home resting!!

Caitlin is still sick which is no fun :( grant probably has to stay home tomorrow because I am supposed to be resting so I can't be home by myself with her. I still just can't believe the timing, why did the poor thing have to get sick right now. I hope she gets better soon because I hate seeing her sick :(

Happy happy thoughts until the 7th!!!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 10:56 AM 0 comments

We are scheduled to be at FCI River North at 9:20 tomorrow morning.  Our embryo transfer will be at 10:20.  We haven't asked about the embryos that last few days because we were nervous they would all arrest before tomorrow.  But, today, we couldn't wait any longer.  Grant talked to the embryologist today and ALL 7 EMBRYOS are still going strong, yippee!!!!  The embryologist said on Day 4 they start compacting into blastocysts (which is what they want on Day 5).  She had just checked ours and they were compacting, woohoo!  So, it looks like we should have at least one to transfer tomorrow.  We are so excited and are feeling more positive about all of this!  Last cycle, we didn't have any that made it to freeze on Day 5 so this is definite progress!!!  Our doctor told us at the beginning of all this that he would only transfer at most 2 embryos.  We'll see what they decide tomorrow.  He will base his decision on the quality of the remaining embryos!

I loved the experience of the transfer last time.  We get to see the embryos in the dish and have to confirm that it's our name on it, etc.  Then we watch them suck the embryos into a thin catheter.  We get to watch (on a TV overhead) as they implant the embryo(s) into my uterus.  Then, they will give us a picture to take home!  It is a really neat process!!!

Still praying, but a little more positive today!!!!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 2:35 PM 2 comments

We got a call from the clinic today that the embryos are doing well and they will wait until Wednesday to do the transfer! YAY!!!!  This is the best possible news!  I am feeling more optimistic!  I didn't ask how many we still had because I didn't want to be worried for the next two days.  Here's hoping we have at least one strong embryo left by Wednesday!  Keep praying!

It's a good thing today isn't the transfer.  Caitlin woke up with a temp of 103 and she can't keep anything in.  So we are home sick today.  Luckily, I am feeling a little better today.  When it rains, it pours, I swear! Let's just hope Grant stays healthy!

I will just continue with the wonderful progesterone shots and baby aspirin until Wednesday, oh joy!  Looks like I will be home with Caitlin tomorrow too because the doctor said this can last a few days. 

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 9:50 AM 0 comments

We heard from the clinic again today.  They didn't provide too many details, which, of course, has me freaked out :(  We are tentatively scheduled for a day 3 transfer :( tomorrow at 1:40.  They are supposed to call in the morning if they think the embryos can possibly make it to Day 5.  I know it is possible to get pregnant on a Day 3 transfer, but day 5 transfers have higher success rates.  So I am bummed. I am also nervous because our last round was a Day 3 so I was hoping with this new protocol and acupuncture, we would have stronger embryos.  So lots of thoughts and prayers please!!!!  I know I need to stay positive!  It's hard to plan my week with everything up in the air.

Ouch!  I started the progesterone in oil shots last night.  I completely forgot how much they hurt.  It's going to be a long two weeks with these shots.  Then, if I get pregnant, I get to continue with them until I am 10 weeks pregnant, woohoo :(  I can handle it though if it means I am pregnant!!!!!!

Will update more tomorrow!  Praying for strong embryos that can make it until Wednesday!

Posted by Grant, Jennie & Caitlin Alsman at 2:26 PM 0 comments