Our Decision.

Well we saw Dr.Knudtson, our new fertility doctor, for the first time on Friday. We discussed what the next steps would be along with making sure there were no other options. I was a nervous wreck, sweating to the thought of “this could be it,  what if they tell us we can’t even try IVF.” We first had to answer all the medical questions.  I had all my vital signs done and the doctor reviewed all of our records from previous doctors. She was extremely personal and took the time to not only write everything down but to prepare a folder including all the important details. She described to us that IVF was our only option and if we do chromosomal (PGS) and genetic(PGD) testing done prior to implantation then we have a 60% chance of success. That’s over 50% and in my book that’s good news, right? Before we even start this process I have to get lab work done to determine my dosing on injections and a Saline infused ultrasound to see if my uterus is viable, if there are any polyps and to check my ovary size. She explained that Allyn will have to have his sperm extraction performed prior to egg retrieval. Depending on where they get the sperm, either from the vas deferens before the absence or the testes then they may have to “wake them up” due to immaturity. When I am ready I will then have to take birth control for almost 10 days, and start Gonal F (a hormone to help over stimulate my ovaries). This injection will be daily with every other day ultrasounds, follicle testing, and labs drawn. 2 days before ovulation, I will then have to give myself HCG injection and another shot the following day to pause ovulation. At that point, I will have my egg retrieval performed under anesthesia. Once they determine how many eggs and sperm they obtained, they will then undergo ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection). ICSI is when they inject 1 sperm into 1 egg for higher success and to not waste the sperm. At 5 days of incubation when they are embryos, they will undergo the genetic and chromosomal screenings with a few cells taken from the embryos. After genetic testing is completed, they chose the healthiest embryos and they will be implanted. 2 weeks later we get to see if we will be pregnant or not. If no success occurs then we do it all over again. There are so many what if’s, risks and the unknown that scare me among putting us $15,000 further in to debt but I can’t think of a better reward afterwards. Ultimately our decision is the only one that matters and together we don’t want to say no but money is the factor at the moment and we are trying to be smart about this whole process. We have chosen to start Allyn’s sperm extraction and IVF in December but I will do my additional tests in advance, hopefully this summer if everything goes as planned.  As hard as it is to stop, breathe and try to have faith, we know we have a great support system to help us and encourage us through it all. We will continue to keep everyone in the loop and update every step of the way if I can.