Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Antral follicle count daydreaming

I am one of those people who usually falls asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow and then don't wake up until the alarm clock sounds (if even then).  This baby making business is certainly changing that.  I spent most of last night laying in bed trying to figure out our odds of having a baby on this first try and the extra cost if we don't.  

The egg donor that we selected has previously donated, in which case they retrieved nine eggs.  At first this sounded like a pretty good number (it only takes one!), but after a bit of internet research, this sounds on the low side.  Then I started thinking about the odds that they'd fertilize.  Say 65% successful fertilization, we'd have 6 eggs.  Maybe 4 would be good enough to transfer and the other two aren't worth freezing for a second attempt.  Then maybe a 50/50 shot for pregnancy test result.  
I know that it isn't simple math and there are million factors, I guess I am just trying to prepare myself.  As the worrier in our relationship, it's impossible not to let my mind go there.  The eggs haven't even been retrieved yet and I am already experiencing the stress of being a parent!

I didn't think I'd be be obsessing over follicle counts, much less know what they are.  We got an email from Dr Shivani this morning saying that everything is on track for our arrival next week and the egg collection.  She said that the antral follicle count is close to 20.  According to google, that could mean anything, so for now, I am focusing on the fact that it is higher than zero!

I have to pinch myself every once in a while to remind myself that this is really happening.  This time next week, I will be standing up from my desk.
To get in my car.
To go to the airport.
To get on a plane.
To land in India.
To start our family.

16 comments:

  1. Repeat after me. It only takes one. We are the perfect example of 19 "perfect" donor embryos transferred, no pregnancy. 4 lesser quality frozen embryos transferred- TWINS! It will happen. So try your best to enjoy the ride-- surrogacy in India is a very special story.

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  2. Oh, jeez - now you have me thinking too! But I have to agree with Bernadette - it only takes one! Fingers crossed that it's your first one!

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  3. Good luck !!! I also have to agree with Bernadette it only takes 1!!!

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  4. Good luck guys. Rest assured though, that whatever the count, Dr Shivani will make sure everything is done to ensure the best possible outcome.

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  5. You are in excellent hands with Dr Shivani and SCI. Wishing you much success

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  6. Surreal, no? We were still jetlagged from our "collection" trip exactly a year ago... now (ideally!) in a little over a month, we'll be boarding a plane for pickup!

    Good luck, guys.

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  7. No reason to lose sleep now, there will be plenty of that with newborns. We were successful on our second attempt. We are in New Delhi now waiting for the DNA results, passports, exit VISA, etc for our twins! Try to find comfort in that it will happen for you.

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  8. Remember Dr Shivani only counts good and mature eggs - so you get the very best!! I was sad when she told me I only had 9 (normally 21 before) but, she reaffirmed me with the fact that she is only looking for and at the very best eggs. Yay, soon you will be there, experiencing it all!!

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  9. Good lucky, Dr Shivani holds your hand thru the whole process with a great team behind her. Wait till Dr Shivani lets you know that you are pregnant, you lay awake for days, one of the most exciting moment in my life, becoming a Dad in approx 7 months. Enjoy your journey.

    Ian & David

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  10. Best of luck with everything!!! You are in good hands!!! Best wishes, K

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  11. As prior said, you are in good hands.

    When we had our eggretrieval two years ago we had 14 eggs. One turned out to be our precious two-year old daughter and we are also pregnant with twins from same collection. Don´t worry everything will work out for you.

    Good luck and keep us updated.

    Fredrik

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  12. Good luck guys! 20 follicles is super good. Stay positive and enjoy your trip!
    K

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  13. Just found your blog! I'm excited to watch your journey. You needn't fear about follicles and egg numbers; I agree with Bernadette, it only takes one (or in our case two).

    Cheers,
    Douglas

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  14. Don't stress about the numbers guys... I realized it's kinda outa our hands. Leave it up to Dr.S and try to have a little fun while in India. It'll be an interesting experience no matter how much you've traveled!

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  15. I'm about a week behind you in this process. So glad I found your blog. Looking forward to following along. Enjoy the ride! And safe travels! It's gonna be hot when you get here :)

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  16. It's been a week and a smidge since your blog so you must be there by now. Wishing you every success! xx

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