My Story

Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. – Winston Churchill

Welcome to my blog!  I am a 31  32 33 year old doctoral student graduate who has dealt with unexplained infertility for the last 4 5 6 years.  Here is a brief outline of my story.

In 2000, I met my future husband (I was a senior in high school).

We became dog parents in 2005

We got married in 2007

We got a new canine addition to the family in 2008

We decided to try to start a family in 2010.

After six months of TTC, we sought medical help.  All medical tests indicated we are both healthy  (DH is actually extremely fertile go figure!).  These tests include but are not limited to thyroid, FSH, LH, prolactin, ovarian reserve, intravenous pyelogram, and hysteroscopy. My doctor was actually surprised I was not yet pregnant.

In 2011 I underwent a hysterosalpingogram (HSG).  The test confirmed I have fabulous Fallopian tubes.  I completed three rounds of Clomid and responded well to it every cycle (I previously had no problems ovulating but my doctor thought it was worth a shot).  All three rounds failed.

In 2012, I got to have an exploratory laparoscopy. No endometriosis (or anything else) found for this girl!

In 2013 (January), I had my first IUI.  Everything looked great.  My RE was extremely optimistic.  She was wrong.

In 2013 (June), I had my second IUI.  Same thing happened.

In 2014, my DH and I decided to try IVF.  His work schedule prohibits us from doing anything until May.  At that point, I decided I will do everything I can to prepare. You may be wondering why my  blog address is called becoming nutrition literate.  While I started this journey to prepare myself for IVF, I have begin to appreciate the true value of overall health.   Medical treatments have failed so far so I am now looking at others.  Also, I know that no matter what I do, I may never become pregnant.  It is important for me to be healthy regardless if IVF works.  While nutrition is a focal point, I am also exploring other health avenues (such as fitness and mental health).  Welcome to my journey!

UPDATE!

May 2014 – We decided to give to try an IUI for the third and last time.  Everything goes well but it fails again.

September 2014: Completed 1st IVF retrieval. Froze 4 five day blastocysts. Planning another retrieval then PGS.

November 2014: Completed 2nd IVF retrieval. Froze 11 five day blastocysts. Blastocysts banked from retrieval #1 for PGS.

December 2014: PGS results indicate 7 normal blastocysts (4 boys and 3 girls).

January 2015: First transfer begins! Start BCP

February 25th, 2015: First transfer of 1 male 5 day frozen blast.

March 9th, 2015: BFP! Beta #1: 415.

March 11th, 2015: Beta #2: 1181.

March 27th (7 weeks): Hear heartbeat (transvaginal): 109 bpm. Released to OB/GYN

April 7th (8+4): First OB/GYN appointment : Hear heartbeat (abdominal): 165 bpm. Begin weekly appointments.

May 11th: (13+4). No heartbeat. Devastated.

May 14th: D&E

August: FET #2 cancelled (thin lining)

November 17: Another FET. Transfer 2 PGS 5 day blasts (one boy and one girl)

November 30: BPF! Beta #1 in the 4,000s

December 2: Beta #2 in the 10,000s. EDD 08/04. Cautiously optimistic.

June 24th: Twins are born at 35 weeks and 1 day via C section. Healthy but sent to NICU due to prematurity.