Hi we are new on this forum, but my wife and I went through IVF before (1 ovary and infertile only because of blockage) and had twins (3 "A" grade specimans, one was lost at 16 weeks) and 2 cryo froze "B" grade specimans that were left. Recently we attempted again (it is not emotionally or financially inexpensive) but neither cryo embryos survived the thaw. Thus the start of the emotional rollercoaster:
My wife is over 36 now and we decided to do the whole IVF fresh this time right away after the news of the cyro failure, but this time with insurance benefits (it helps). For some reason when we breezed through the twins (although high risk) we took for granted that this would be as easy.
We realize age has an affect and were recommended to do PGD to test for chormosome abnormalities and favor a girl if possible (we have the near-3 twins and a 19yr old from my wife's previous). But this time it took more meds and yeilded more follicles and eggs, but the PGD yielded only 2 candidates, a boy and a girl, the rest determined chromosomally abnormal of different kinds. It made the implant/moral questions/issue non-issues (other big reliefs) because the abnormal chromosomal embryos would have aborted (PGD checks only life-sustaining, not whole chromosomal spectrum).
Because of the PGD and IVF, the hcg levels were about 41.4 and 84.5, 10 and 12 days post ET.
We went for the 1st u/s today, and viewed one with a wonderful heartbeat although not quite completely audible. It was obvious that the nurses felt pretty obviously optimistic/confident. Officially they gave the age at 6 week,2 days plus or minus 5 days. But the other, although present, and appearing pretty similar in size was darker and not as regularly shaped as the other had no detectable heart rate and it was noticeable that the nurses focused on the one with the heart rate.
Although we are blessed with the children we have, we did not get the warm and fuzzies we experienced from the 1st IVF experience especially not a very good feeling/vibes from the nurses who performed the 1st after-blood determined pregnancy u/s regarding the embryo with the non-detectable heartrate. Next week is another scheduled u/s and it, as everyone else going through the trials and tribulations of IVF and pregnancy can relate to, is a true test of patience, hope, desire and fear of the unknown. I am an very optimistic person, but am coming to the realization of the miracle of life is truly that, whether natural or medically helped. (It makes for a helpless feeling while waiting for the next u/s.)
Looking at the other forums and questions, it seems early and I want to be remain optimistic, but realistic:
Is 6wk, 2 day (IVF estimate) plus or minus 5 days too early to give up on the second one (probably the girl since she was a class "B" implant) although similar size than the visibly beating one, but darker and irregular shaped, without a detectable heart rate (the other was barely detectable audio-wise, but you can see visibly)?
With all our hearts, we reach out to you. With all our wishes we wish well the others we've never met, but know that they are experiencing similar uneasiness (along with all the harmonal changes and emotions that go along with it).
I remain hopeful, but would appreciate any realistic comments.