Wednesday 20 August 2014

The Xth time is the Charm

"Seriously? You don't know how to get there by now?" I asked as my Husband plugged the address for XYZ Fertility Centre into his navigation system. This is our sixth trip to their clinic in less than a year. Twice for a retrieval, and now we're en route to our forth transfer. It feels as if we should have some type of frequent guest loyalty card. For the record, I asked my RE what is the highest number of transfers he has performed for the same patient. He recalled there was a woman who did 4 or 5 fresh IVF cycles, as she never had any embryos to freeze. She was over 40 and had a low ovarian reserve, plus stage IV endometriosis and her partner had severe male factor. She became pregnant after her first transfer, but suffered a second trimester loss. Her recovery was further complicated by retained products and endometritis. She went through a few subsequent failed cycles before having a beautiful baby boy, conceived with their own gametes.

"The third time is the charm!" offered Co-worker "It worked for us!" she added. Yes, that was the case as it was their third and final IUI before moving on to IVF. This is the third frozen transfer, and hopefully third pregnancy. However, it's the fourth transfer with our fifth embryo, technically sixth if you count our spontaneous conception. I'm not sure how to score this.

As my RE is considered courtesy staff at ZYX Fertility Clinic, they accommodate their own patients first. We waited half an hour after our scheduled appointment time before they called us back to the transfer room. Actually, as I'm chronically late, I interpreted it as a good sign; although irritating as I had been pacing myself to have a perfectly full, but not too full bladder. We were in a different room than we had been for our previous procedures, which was a welcome change of venue. Husband and I both took note that the embryologist wore a Hello Kitty scrub cab, as I am quite a fan of the mouthless feline. It wasn't the hottie embryologist, as she was working in the next room, but Husband caught a glance at her when we were leaving. My RE reported that the embryo thawed beautifully ...blah, blah...blah... I opted not to take the photo and copy of the embryo report, and I asked my RE to keep it in my chart at his office. If this goes the distance, I'll return to collect the images.

It seems to be getting harder each transfer. To borrow a favourite phrase from my friend Aramis; my uterus is an asshole and was completely uncooperative. My RE went through 3 or 4 catheters during the mock transfer; but his patience paid off, as the final placement was perfect. I also carried something else from Aramis. While she was in Prague, she picked up a small figurine of an orange cat, just after Angus died. I thought it was very cool to have something from the Czech Republic, and something that represented Angus with me.  When I got back home, Tyler joined me for my rest and recovery.





24 comments:

  1. Keeping everything crossed for you!!!

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  2. Hoping that the Xth time is the charm for you!!

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  3. I'm hoping that little glass kitty (which isn't as fluorescent in real life, I swear) brings you the same kind of luck that we had in Prague. I'm touched that you brought it with you.

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  4. I hope that this time is the charm. Lots of hope and optimism for you here!!

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  5. Best of luck Jane! Sending you sticky thoughts!

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  6. Oh I am so hoping this is the one! Its your turn...really it was your turn years ago but you know what I mean! Get lots of rest and indulge (in things you are allowed to indulge in!)!

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  7. I sure hope this time is the charm for you! Sending you my thoughts and sticky sticky sticky vibes!

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  8. I agree about the "guest loyalty card" thing. I also think they should give us a medal for each IVF attempt.

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  9. Good thing that your RE is serious about getting the transfers done properly. Hope this time's the charm for you!

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  10. I've got everything crossed for you, my friend!

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  11. So many kitties to bring you luck! Maybe that's the charm? I'm very hopeful for you and this little euploid embryo!

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  12. Oh best of luck Jane. I hope beyond hope that this is your time. All the ducks, or rather kitties, are lined up. I'm crossing everything!

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  13. I LOVE Hello Kitty, so I'm taking that as a good sign. Plus your special Prague kitty...lots of wonderful cat love for you! Wishing you the best, Jane.

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  14. Sending lots of positive thoughts for success this round for you!

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  15. i hope this is it for you!!! glad you had a furry friend to keep you company!!

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  16. Wishing the full distance and a happy finish line for you!!

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  17. Here goes! Hoping beyond hope for excellent news!! Thinking of you.

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  18. I was hoping your transfer was happening soon! Yay! Wishing you the very best and hoping that embryo is snuggling right in. I have everything crossed that you have to go back and collect that embryo picture from your RE.

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  19. Love the pic of your kitty curled up by your feet.
    Sending you so much luck for this time around.

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  20. Love the little orange kitty Angus good luck charm, and the real one keeping your feet warm! Really hoping that you not only get to collect but frame that embryo picture in the near future. Will be sending positive thoughts and juju from Seattle over to you and that embryo!

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  21. Tyler is so handsome. I'm very optimistic for you! XOX

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  22. Wishing, hoping, praying that the Xth time really is the charm!

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  23. Oh Jane, I am really praying that this one is IT!!! XOXOXO

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