complicated

So as the history of Ryan and Stacy and their fertility saga continues...one thing always remains consistent. It's complicated. ;) And although we've been grateful that things have never gone badly it is indeed very rare that things go smoothly! :)

Hence - our new development - we won't actually be implanting or continuing with the transfer of embryos until July. :(

(sigh)... though it was a set back, and a disappointing one, we're taking it as another blessing in disguise that will let us unpack the 50 boxes that are shoved into closets, paint our doors, finish the kitchen cabinets and finally have some DOWN time to relax and breathe a little. (which according to cecily isn't always for sissies)

So now the why - from our very first blood test and ultrasound the docs were a little concerned with my estrogen (E2) levels. Eggs were great. E2 levels too high. I was supposed to be around 300 on our first day, and I was at 1020...and though I don't know what they want me at now. I know that I'm over 4700, which is very very high.

On the plus note we still have 15 eggs on one side, and 6 on the other now all over 19 mm. (some were measuring at 21 mm x 16mm on Sunday, holey bursting ovary!) They're hoping to get a good solid 10 out of them collectively. (often they don't mature, extract nicely, have a good grade, etc.,)

On the down side because my E2 levels are so high, they're worried about my current symptoms (discomfort, water retention, shortness of breath) and apparently they can get worst after retrieval to the point of hospitalization. (which i don't understand b/c the pressure should be SO much less!) They'll push it and transfer the embryos if that's what Ryan and I want right now, but with the caveat that the rate of success is much lower and my symptoms will be worst. If we wait, b/c it's a medical necessity freezing the embryos and the future transfer ($4k) will be covered completely, and our chance of success will be much higher.

Needless to say although we were disappointed at another set back it wasn't a very hard decision if the success rate is higher. :)

Our future implant date is yet unscheduled, but since we'll have to start with oral contraceptives all over again, the soonest it can be will be July.

Egg retrieval is still tomorrow, and Rye and I have to go down to Kapiolani Women & Children's bright and early at 5am. :) Procedure is at 7am, and I should be out of recovery by 10.

Please send good vibes! We want good eggs and lots of them! We'll have an 'egg report' by Wed on how many were successfully retrieved and in good shape.

Hoping the Fertility Fairy and Easter Bunny come together on this one... ;) eggs, eggs, eggs!!!

love,
stace