After legal was complete, we waited for my cycle to start again before preparing for the embryo transfer process. I then had an appointment at the IVF Clinic to run labs and an ultrasound for baseline levels. I started most of my medications the same day. I returned a week later for repeat labs and ultrasound and started the progesterone suppository and progesterone in oil (PIO) injections two days later. At this point I only having slight side effects from the medications. Each day was different, though; a couple days I felt VERY hungry as if I was already eating for 2, and other days I only felt tired.
I knew from the beginning that I would be self-injecting for the duration of the surrogacy since my husband is deathly afraid of needles. Truly, the injections are not bad! It’s a slight poke, no different from a blood draw, but other than that there’s a small soreness in the injection area. And the self-injecting is not as scary as you think! What worked for me: I warmed the PIO in my bra prior to the injection, then applied pressure afterwards with a slight massage of the area, and then applied a warmed-up bean bag for about 10 minutes. Most of the time, we would take a family walk after the injection, as well. All these things helped with any soreness or irritation I felt from the injection.
The embryo transfer was 5 days after starting the PIO injections. The day prior I had an hCG wash at the IVF Clinic. The day of the transfer, my husband and I got breakfast with our IPs then headed to the clinic for the transfer. The IM was in the room with us, which was incredibly special as we watched the embryo be transferred on the ultrasound together. The whole procedure was less than 10 minutes; I laid there for another 15 minutes before we left. I was tired after the procedure, but overall, I felt great. I returned to the clinic 2 days post-transfer to check my progesterone levels, and everything continued to look good.
The days after the transfer were mental torment while we waited for a positive home pregnancy test. Unfortunately, the bloodwork at the Clinic 9 days post-transfer confirmed that I was not pregnant. This news was devastating; while I processed the disappointment the IM was a big support to me, and I hope I to her. We made plans to try again 2 months down the line.
Embryo transfer #2 finally arrived. The second time around I added acupuncture sessions before and after the transfer and then 3 days post-transfer to increase our chances of success. The acupuncture sessions were extremely relaxing, and I was hopeful for a positive outcome. The embryo transfer procedure was the same as the first; we had the IM in the room while we watched the embryo be transferred. And then we played the waiting game again except this time the embryo transfer implanted, and we were pregnant. 😊
