That's the lingo used among infertility circles that describe the stage after embryo transfer but before the beta hCg blood test that confirms a successful implantation. I'm sure it's by no means a medical term but infertile chatrooms use it to pertain to this precarious state. You're partially successful yet you are one critical step away from really calling it a cycle that worked. It's quite funny, how infertiles have created such grey areas where there are none among those who can naturally conceive. Oh well. Such is how this condition goes. And really, I'm very thankful to have gotten this far and remain very optimistic that we'll ride the rest of the way smoothly and cross fingers, successfully.
So that's where I am now -- PUPO. We were up at 8am this morning, after an anxious sleep because we didn't know what we'll hear at the other end when we called to check on our embryo's progress.
So at 8:08am, we called Kato and after verifying my identity (as I mentioned, this clinic is very strict with this), the embryologist informed us that yes, we have a 6-cell Grade 1 embryo and I can come in at 10am this morning to have the transfer.
You cannot imagine our happiness upon hearing this news. Our embryo is developing well! Dennis cried tears of joy, which I didn't expect because he would so often be the stronger one in our pair. Upon seeing his tears, I cried as well. So much relief and so much joy in hearing the first confirmation that, no matter how this turns out, our little bub was growing well.
So off we went at 9:45, and after vital signs were taken, I was led to the operating room for the procedure. It was explained to me there that by then, the Grade 1 embryo had changed classification into Grade 3, most likely because the 6-cells have begun another round of division. You see, in IVF, embryos are graded from 1-4 with 1 being the highest. 1 means that the cells are dividing into equal parts and there is no fragmentation (breaking up of cells). At this point, I worried a bit but then decided to lift it all up. We'vereached this point and this group of dividing cells is *my baby*, no matter what the medical field may call it.
So after some cleaning, they showed me the embryo being fed into the catether by the embryologist. Then it was handed to the doctor to be inserted through my cervix and into my uterus. I got to watch the monitor and witness the whole thing, live. It was very surreal and high-techy. The wonders of science. If phones were allowed, I would've taken a video :p
After the catether released the embryo, they took a screen shot and gave me a printout. Here it is -
That little white dot on the left is it! The little ball of cells that hold all my love. Hi there, little bub. Please stick and hold on! We will have a good ride together, I promise :)
After, I was told to rest for 15 minutes then I was released and given post-op instructions. Our next visit will be on May 26 where I'll do the blood test. In the meantime, I am to take all this 3x a day -
No problem! I can do all that and more, to help make my little bub stick and hold on.
I've also taken the time off from work, to avoid mental stress and unnecessary exersion. In fact, bedrest is not necessary and may not be very good for blood flow. But stress is never a good factor, so I'm lying low for a while.
We may go off for a short out-of-town break next week though. To help pass the time and to help me relax more.
So there. Wish me good health these next 12 days and for our little love to stick to mommy! Prayers please! :)
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