Probably a dumb question...

[adgal]

Hi ladies.  I know many of you here, but have never posted on this forum.  After a few years of ttc our second child and 3 more miscarriages, we have decided to do embryo adoption.  We are super excited and believe this is our answer.  We are working with California Conceptions. My ds was naturally conceived so this whole process is really pretty much unknown to me.  I know that I will be put on medications which include lupron and estrogen patches, along with bc pills for (not sure how many) a couple of cycles.  Then they will check my lining and transfer will take place.  So, my questions are first around the medications.  Do they make you crazy hormonal?  What are some of the side effects.  And my other question...and this is the seriously dumb one I know...how do they get the embryo in there?  Does it hurt?  I am completely willing to do whatever it takes to have another child, but I so want to be as prepared as possible for what to expect.  They also said that after viability is confirmed, they will take me off of medications?  Is that just progesterone?  I have asked a million questions, but didn't ask these ones.  Anyone that can help me understand what to expect will have my utmost gratitude.  I'm so excited, but so very nervous.  Thanks so much, I truly appreciate it!

[Heather5]

That's right...of course you're familiar with progesterone. Sometimes, I think I still have a slight case of "pregnancy brain," even though he's already made his arrival! Haha. And yes, I will definitely get some photos up soon! I'll be crossing fingers and toes for your upcoming cycle. Can't believe they can have a match ready for you that soon! That's awesome!

[adgal]

Thanks so much Heather!!  You have no idea how much I appreciate your response.  I am so excited and really think this is the right decision for us, but after signing all the paperwork and starting things moving, realized how very little I really know about any of this!

Progesterone side effects I know well..lol.  My Dr. had me on progesterone every pregnancy except the first, so 8 times in total.  I actually did ok with it.  I took it orally most times, the last 2 vaginally.  The last 2 pregnancies they had me on a really high dose of it and that was a bit more bothersome, but still not too bad.  I'm a bit nervous about lupron shots, but we do what we have to and this is so worth it.  I'm just not big on needles, but I guess no one really is.  

I so appreciate you answering everything so thoroughly, you really helped set my mind at ease.  This is all new to me, but I cannot wait!  The clinic said probably 2 to 4 months for a match and the transfer.  I have some tests in the meantime, but they seem to be the same tests I went through a few years ago when they were investigating the multiple losses.  I am so hoping the Dr.'s were right and that was just a matter of poor egg quality, and that I can carry this one full term.  Congrats on your new addition....pictures maybe?  

[Heather5]

Hi Amanda!  That's awesome news about the embryo adoption! I don't have any personal experience with this, but I did go through IVF to get pregnant with my 2-year-old daughter. The good thing about your cycle, is that you will only be on the "lighter" meds, not any of the FSH drugs (the ones that stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs). I would not expect any side effects from the lupron, b/c or estrogen (and just FYI, most don't have any major side effects from the FSH either. Personally, I felt totally normal throughout the entire process). The only medication you might have a slight reaction to is the progesterone, but that won't be started until right around transfer. It can make you feel a bit dizzy (especially the oral ones), and also mimics pregnancy signs, like sore breasts, which can be a bit frustrating when you're looking for "signs" that the pregnancy took. So I wouldn't worry too much about side effects. Of course, lupron will have to be taken as a shot, which can be a bit intimidating initially, but it's really no big deal. You'll get used to it in no time!

As for the ebryo transfer, it's a pretty quick and painless procedure. It's almost exactly like an IUI, in that a catheter is used to carefully transfer the ebryo through the cervix and into the uterus. They often have you take a valium beforehand, but I think that is more to help your body relax, not for pain or anything like that.

And lastly, they will have you take progesterone from transfer  until about 10-12 weeks or so...and probably estrogen, too. This is just to mimic a natural cycle, since yours will be an artificial one (controlled by the meds). No big deal, but like I said the progesterone can make you feel a bit dizzy...oh, and bloated...but that's about it.

Best of luck with the entire process! Very exciting!!!