Hi everyone. I hope everyone is doing well. It’s a beautiful brisk day here in my neck of the woods. Kids were off yesterday, but things are returning to normal today. It’s hard to believe tomorrow is February. Wow, this year is flying by quickly. I won’t complain though. I’m kind of ready for warmer weather and outings, though I won’t lie and say one huge snowstorm wouldnt’ be fun.
So, I was recently asked if S. and I did anything different during our second IVF that we think helped with success. The answer is not really. Most of the things were the same. But to make sure I hadn’t missed something, I sat and talked with S. He reminded me there were a few things different from last time. Those things were so altered slightly and so miniscule, I’m not sure there was any impact at all. But I’m glad to share and hope that it may provide a bit of encouragement to someone going through their journey.
1. Let’s talk mentality. I’m not going to give some long drawn out missive about mind over matter. Whatev. That works in a lot of cases, but for us, it wasn’t 100%. When we received Beta #1 for our first IVF, I was really disappointed. I really thought it was going to work. We followed everything to the letter. I did everything the doctors said. Shoot, I did just about everything everybody said and nothing. This time, we knew what to expect and were more go with the flow. I still wanted this to work and prayed about it. However, I also enjoyed life instead of focusing so hard of becoming pregnant. I still treated my body pregnant (i.e. took the prenatals, didn’t drink), but I also enjoyed my California rolls and deli meat without worry.
2. The transfer. Okay, I even blogged about it. My second embryo transfer went so much better than my first. Embryo transfer one was so stressful and hectic and in no small part because of the fluid in my bladder! I kid you not! I could not stay still. I hopped around that room like a mad person. I kept getting permission to void a little. Even the laying down for five minutes after was more than difficult for me! First, I drank 20-24 ounces and then had to wait about an additional hour for everything to be complete! Oh my no! The second time I drank 16 ounces and was able to breathe a bit when my name was called. I wasn’t flustered. I wasn’t doing the duck walk. I wasn’t worried or nervous. I almost felt like I had too little because I didn’t have the urge to pee, but the doctor said I had the perfect amount in me. I saw both embryos transfer and was able to lay there and talk to the embryos in my womb while I waited for my discharge papers. There was no rushing, no running to void. I honestly believe that this had something to do with the success of this cycle.
3. The post snack stop. Okay, I am sure this had NOTHING to do with anything, but everyone told me to make sure I stopped for my McDonald’s fries on the way home from transfer. I didn’t the first time. This time I though “what the heck” and grabbed a medium instead of a small because I was hungry lol.
4. Pom juice and pineapples. So, you know how you’re supposed to down this daily and have one slice for every day after transfer. Well, last time I followed it faithfully. This time…not so much. I had a small slice of pineapple core on day 1, 3, and maybe 5 and 9. I drink pom juice about the same, but not massive amounts. Last time I inhaled the stuff. This time, I couldn’t stand the taste of either, so I didn’t bother.
So, that’s it. I didn’t do anything super extra. I made a few minor adjustments, but subconsciously. I hope this is a help for someone. Ultimately, it was just timing, God’s timing. It was the same when we had three matches for our adoption fall through before being matched with and ultimately adopting our beautiful baby girl. It was in God’s timing, not ours.
I hope that helps. Be blessed.
-K