The transfer happened one week ago, on 01-31-13. I had intended to post an update about the transfer while on bed rest but the wi-fi was pretty crappy and I kinda enjoyed just laying around and doing nothing.
The experience itself was amazing and went very well. I flew out to Cali that morning and met the IPs at the airport. The IM's mother also flew into town for the event so I got to meet her as well. She was exactly what I pictured and I enjoyed being able to spend time with her as well. It also made me think even more about how this whole experience affects so many more people. Here is a woman who probably thought she would be a grandmother one day. I think most of us (that have children) expect to grow old(er) and see grandbabies in the future. It is part of our culture to have that experience and I think many of us take for granted that it will just happen one day. And I can't speak for her, but I am sure that in her heart she still has that desire and wants to be a grandmother. So being there wasn't weird in anyway. To me, it made sense that she would want to be present for such a momentous occasion. After all, it's not everyday you get to meet the woman that will carry your daughter's baby (still makes me chuckle when I say it).
We grabbed some lunch on the way to the clinic and got to sit outside and enjoy our lunch next to the beach. I was ecstatic that we were actually outside! A much needed change from all the cold and snow and ice in Utah. I felt like I spent the whole time just staring at everything, trying to take it in. I also loved the feeling of the sun on my head and body. It felt very therapeutic and healing. I also enjoyed the food. It was a uber-nutricious wrap from one of those healthy deli places. It was nice to have something that tasted good and felt good going into my body. Utah has lots of fresh things during the summer months but it seems we live off of whatever is at the grocery store or shipped in during the winter, and even then it doesn't seem very fresh. I also enjoyed that we were "serenaded" by a seagull baby and two parents while eating. That fat baby just cheeped and cheeped and cheeped. It was cute at first but then got to be a bit much. We threw some scraps at the end to shut it up, but then one of the seagull parents started squaking. The next thing we knew, we were surrounded by all kinds of seagulls and birds. Like a ton of them. I thought it was great except I didn't want them to poop on my head. I had washed it that morning and wasn't allowed to wash it for two more days so there was no way I was laying on bed rest with seagull poo hair. And no, I don't think that is an herbal remedy for hair.
The proceedure went fairly quickly and was really easy. We checked in and only had to wait a few minutes. I had guzzled a bunch of water and really had to pee, but I just had to hold it and wait. They then took us back into a room where the embriologist came to talk to us. She was a very stereotypical Asian scientist lady. Just plain Jane with her big eyes and goggles that made her eyes look even bigger. She seemed very nice though but perhaps not the greatest social skills. She talked about the embryos and the two that the IPs had chosen to thaw. She said they had thawed them that morning and then they collapsed. And then she paused. I am not sure how everyone else was feeling but I felt my heart drop into my toes. I figured that collapsing was a bad thing and we were there with no embryos to move forward with. I remember looking at the IM and I think she felt the same way. And then the embriologist went on with how they came back and were doing fine. One was stronger than the other and they were giving the second one a few more minutes to get strongger. I know that I was greatly relieved to hear that everything was fine and we were continuing forward. I was so ready and I didn't want anything to get in the way of this happening. I wish the lady had been a bit better in her delivery of the information but I guess it kept us awake.
Next, I went into the lab room and got ready. I only had to take off the bottom clothes but still had to cover up with a gown, cap and foot covers. I had my fuzzy socks under my foot covers. I ended up having to use the bathroom so bad but they told me to go because I couldn't clench at all during the proceedure. Those shots were making me so constipated so it felt good to go (after a couple days). Then I had to lay back on the bed so they could check my bladder. It filled up quickly and then we were ready. The nurse also commented that my lining and uterus looked really good. I thought 'I know, they are awesome!', but I didn't say that out loud. Cause that would have been weird. Anyway, then the IPs and the IG (Intended Grandma) came in so they could observe. They had to turn off the lights cause the embryos are vulnerable to light and then the embriologist brought them in. I kind of expected they would bring them in on a little tray, like a waiter delivering a meal. Nope, they were in this gigantic case that looked very space-agey. She wheeled in this case and everyone got to look into the case and see the embryos. They said they looked like little bubbles. I didn't get to see because I was strapped (seriously, strapped) to the bed. I guess they don't want you to move or anything during the proceedure. They had also given me a valium so I would be relaxed and not clench up at all. Dr G finally came in last and started the proceedure. He did a practice run first and showed how it would go. They had a screen and ultrasound so the observers could see what was happening inside my uterus. It just looked like a little tube leading into my uterus and knocking up against the uterine lining. Pretty easy. Then they loaded the catheter with the embryos and did it again, this time leaving the embryos in my uterus. It looked like two little bubbles just sitting there. One was bigger than the other and on top of it. The IM thought it looked like a smiley face but it looked like a side-ways heart to me. I guess that's because I was side-ways. Dr G said it went really well and then he left.
Then I just laid around for a while and relaxed. I listened to a little music and then just talked with the family. They came in and drained my bladder at one point (with a catheter- those things are evil and hurt!!) and the rest was just chilling. After that they let me go potty (which was like a gallon) and then I had to hop in a wheel chair and head to the hotel for bed rest.
The rest of Thursday, all day Friday and most of Saturday was just bed rest. Laying in the bed, sleeping, watching TV, reading, playing on the cell phone, eating and then repeat over and over. It was great at first. I was tired and ready for some relaxation. But then it started to get really boring. My body felt like it wanted to get up and run a marathon or go for a swim but I made myself just sit there. I finally did get up and moved around a little on Saturday. I noticed I got tired real fast and had to keep sitting down and relaxing. It took hours to just wash my hair, pack my things and be ready to fly back home.
The IPS were fanstastic while I was on bed rest. They took great care of me and fed me the yummiest food. I was in heaven! I also got to talk to them and know them a little bit more. It was nice to learn more about their history and where they are coming from. It made me feel grateful that I can do this for them. They are probably the most deserving people I know.
Since getting home, it has been life back to normal. I don't get to lay around anymore and no one is bringing me any yummy foods. I am back to taking care of myself. And I don't like it. Just kidding. It felt weird to get back to normal at first. I kept waiting for people to notice that I did this. And then I realized they are not going to notice because they don't know and there is no billboard with flashy lights above my head that says I did it. Then it felt good to not tell anyone and just have my few friends know.
My first blood test for the beta count is on Monday. The IPs are waiting to find out the results from that. They said I could do a home pregnancy test for myself but I am scared to do one. Not scared it will be positive because I want it to be positive. But scared that there is that chance it could be negative. I keep saying prayers about how unfair that would be and sending positive vibes out to the universe that this is the right thing at the right time for this family. I sure hope someone is out there listening and makes it happen. So, I think I will be waiting until Monday as well. I also think the IPs should hear before me because they are their kid or kids.
BTW- some side things to be aware of. My son and I decided to nickname the embryos Squishie and P. Shirley (from Finding Nemo- go watch the movie for those names, you'll figure it out.) I picture that Squishie is a short boy and P. Shirley is a tall girl. And they love to swim, especially in the ocean.
Also, Dr G has a special chair for his big balls. That's a story for another day. ;)
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