As promised I wanted to explain further how the actual Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) procedure actually works. This is our 2nd attempt at the FET, the first transfer was a Fresh Cycle Transfer. The difference between a fresh and a frozen cycle is that during a fresh cycle the procedure consists of actually getting as many eggs as you can and then creating embryos to be transferred either during that procedure or to be frozen for further FET procedures. Following our Fresh Cycle we were left with 6 embryos, we used two during the 2nd attempt and we are planning on using another 2 this time.
A FET is a much less invasive procedure and really is quite a bit less painful, even though there is still pain associated with it, for me it really is much less painful. Our clinic has 2 different protocols for a FET transfer, there is a short and long protocol. The short protocol we did the previous time and requires a shorter period of time which means many more trips to the doctor and for some quite a bit more pain, I would have to agree. My clinic is mainly doing a long protocol procedure at this point because they feel it is much less stressful on the woman's body and really is much easier.
With this protocol we will also be doing a brand new procedure in which they will inject HCG (the pregnancy hormone) directly into my uterus. The thought being that by injecting the HCG we are giving the embryos an even better chance of survival. With the previous transfers we have taken HCG in form of a "trigger shot," meaning that we are triggering the body into "pregnancy." There have been quite a few studies suggesting that this new procedure is much more successful. To me any new and proven studies is a no brainier, I of course said lets go for it.
As for the actual transfer they must "thaw" our embryos. We have discussed with our doctors many times that we are comfortable with transferring 2 embryos at a time. Remember any or all of these embryos could take leading to multiples. The thought of transferring more than 2 is an ethical standpoint for our doctor. He truly believes that the possibility of transferring more than 2 could lead to multiples which could cause complications to my health, as well as, the babies. We have, however, said that if for some reason not all of the 2 embryos thaw we would consider thawing the other 2 and transfer more than 2. Transferring more than 2 and being pregnant with anything more the twins terrifies me, my health being a Type 1 Diabetic and that of our babies is so at risk that it really makes us nervous.
The doctors will thaw our embryos on Thursday. On Friday morning, our Transfer Day, I will take a Valium to take the edge off (love that stuff :)), and then head to the clinic. Once the correct time hits the doctors will first inject my uterus with the HCG. Once they have completed this they will place the 2 embryos in a catheter and carefully guide that catheter through my cervix. Previously, they have measured the dimensions of my uterus to make sure they are placing the embryos in the best spot for implantation. Once the doctor is at the correct spot he will inject both our embryos...and then that's it.
Our doctor is a wonderful man of God, he always says a little prayer right after the transfer. I appreciate this so much because this was the reason we chose him for our doctor.
Then we are taken back to our room and the bed rest begins, I will lay there with my feet in the air for around an hour and then head home. The bed rest will continue for a good 3 days and then the horrible 2 week wait begins. The 2 week wait in the fertility world is the 2 weeks that you have to wait before you find out if the procedure works or not. They tell you not to take any home pregnancy tests during this time because the injections of the HCG can give you false negs or positives. I, however, being completely impatient take tons.
Ok so that the Frozen Embryo Transfer in a nutshell. I encourage you to do research of your own on the internet as it really it much more complex then this but I'm giving you the low down in everyday terms.
My nurse has called and our transfer will take place on March 2 at 10:45 am, please say a special prayer at that time for us that our dear embryos find a warm home within my uterus. Please also pray that I don't make myself too crazy during the best rest. :) I will continue to post during the 2 week wait, at some point I will take a brief time off to find out whether it has worked or not. I will tell my family the results and then let you all know good or bad.
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