What We'll Do Differently with our FET

If a couple's first IVF cycle doesn't work, it can be seen as trial by error opportunity. The RE is given the chance to analyze the failed cycle, solve any possible problems that might've risen and make any necessary changes that might result in a positive outcome the second time around.

And that is exactly how I am viewing things right now.

After meeting with Dr. Weckstein on Friday, and despite being told that we won't be able to conceive naturally on our own, I left the appointment feeling better than going in, simply for the fact that Dr. Weckstein reassured me on things that, quite frankly, I needed reassurance on.

The day of the transfer, my uterine lining was measured at 8.4. And even though any number above 8 is good, Dr. Weckstein would like to see a thicker uterine lining for our FET. 8.4 is considered a touch on the thin side. The thicker the uterine lining, the better it is for implantation. Makes sense.

So, instead of one Estrace (estrogen) tablet twice a day, as I did with our fresh IVF cycle, Dr. Weckstein is going to have me take two Estrace tablets twice a day, and then insert one vaginally. Sounds weird, I know, but somehow it absorbs right into my uterus that way.

Also, during my uterine sounding, Dr. Weckstein was able to go right through my cervix. No second tries, no complications...just a smooth entry. Nothing like when I had the actual transfer done. The reason being is because my bladder was not full!

During a transfer, the RE typically likes the bladder to be full because it's easier for them to see the uterus during the sonogram, but Dr. Weckstein thinks it'd be best for me to not have such a full bladder with our FET. And trust me, I'd prefer that! It's so uncomfortable holding in a full bladder while being "worked on" down there.

So, changes will be made for our upcoming FET, and hopefully these changes will make the difference needed to bring us our baby(ies).

But, before jumping into our FET, which Dr. Weckstein said we could do as soon as this next cycle (once I start my period), I am still working on making positive changes spiritually, physically and mentally. Because, right now, I'm not strong enough to fight through another negative result.

Tomorrow is Supposed to be Different

Tomorrow is my consult with Dr. Weckstein to discuss our unsuccessful IVF cycle and our future FET cycle.

But, to me, tomorrow is still supposed to be the day we first get to see our babies.

Tomorrow is supposed to mark that I'm six weeks pregnant, halfway through my first trimester.

But, instead, tomorrow will bring yet another doctor's appointment without a peanut growing inside of me.

And, to top it off, Aaron has to work, so I'll be making the drive and meeting with Dr. Weckstein all alone. I really would like to have the emotional support of Aaron there, but he can't miss work.

Along with the consult, Dr. Weckstein will be performing a uterine sounding, which is generally performed prior to an embryo transfer to determine the uterine depth and how easily the catheter can pass through the cervix. Dr. Weckstein did just that before my transfer and supposedly "mapped out" how to get to my uterus, but then during the actual transfer, it took him a few tries to get to the uterus. Not so fun.

I guess to prevent that again, he's going in to do a practice round, but this time with an empty, embryo-free catheter. :(

I have a list of questions prepared for Dr. Weckstein to answer, varying from what potentially went wrong during the embryo transfer (see above!) and if that made a difference in our success to if we have any hope of conceiving naturally on our own.

From if there is anything Aaron can do to increase his sperm morphology to the standard protocol for a FET.

From the success rate for a FET to if we will be allowed to transfer all three of our frozen embryos.

From my estrogen and progesterone levels to Aaron possibly being referred to a reproductive urologist (yes, it'd be his turn to be poked and prodded by a doctor).

What is a reproductive urologist, you might ask? Well, a reproductive urologist helps a man find the cause of infertility, if any, with thorough testing, and assists to correct the infertility issue.

So, hopefully I come out of tomorrow's appointment feeling uplifted because, really, I could use a good pick me up.