12 is the Magic Number

It's 12:54 a.m. (find the sum of those digits!) and I should be asleep. I can't. Today was a great day and now... more waiting!

I went into school this morning to prepare for my sub. I arrived home shortly after 9 a.m. As ordered, I didn't have anything to drink past 8:45 a.m. or eat since last night.

I decided to cut out any risk of bacteria being on my body and cut all my nails and removed all nail polish before getting in the shower around 9:55. I took an extra long shower as I scrubbed my body as I see doctors do on t.v. It was weird not being able to put any lotion, deodorant, powder, perfume, etc on after my shower. My skin was so dry and scaly. James was a good sport and went all-natural with me! We made sure we had everything and left home at 10:35.

On the way to Rockville, my mind was spinning. It was one of those moments that I wished I could push a button and be in a different place. Rockville never seemed so far away as it did today. I had to force myself to close my eyes. We arrived at 11:16 a.m. and went straight to the fourth floor as instructed. We were greeted in the waiting room and brought back to my surgical waiting room. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't what I saw. There were over 10 curtained off rooms and women on hospital beds, in hospital gowns, booties and caps all over the place. The biggest shock was when I noticed that one woman's curtain wasn't all the way closed. She was lying in her bed, on her laptop, with her knees up (to provide a desk for the laptop). She had her hospital attire on, which means she was commando... While she had a blanket over her... her knees prevented the blanket from covering her entirely and her stuff was out for the whole world to see. I got really flustered and grabbed James arm. He had no idea what was going on so I immediately told the first nurse I saw that she needed to close the woman's curtain. The nurse seemed confused at first, but quickly realized why I had such a sense of urgency! I told James that he needed to make sure I was covered- or else!!!

I was brought to my room, #3. After the nurse came to collect James' sample, I changed into my surgery outfit. I then got in the bed, covered myself up entirely and waited. James and I took a photo shoot with our cell phones and I sent some last hour text messages. Soon, the anesthesiologist came to see us. I first told him that he couldn't come in becasue he was wearing a Steelers hospital cap- but decided to give him a try anyway. I immediately smelled a familiar scent and asked the man if he was wearing Polo cologne, the same cologne that my father wears the same cologne. He was. I felt comforted by a scent I is not normally my most favorite (sorry Dad- it's not you, its the smell!). I had to sign, date, and put the time on some paperwork. I was, once again, in awe when I asked what time to put down... 11:37 a.m. (another sum that = 12). He put my IV in without any trouble (I am a warrior) and then we waited. The nurse came back in to put on my hospital bracelet and have me sign some more papers. She then explained the pain pills that I would be allowed to take (if needed). She then told James that he could go to the pharmacy to pick up the precription for Vicadin that they had already called in for me. This shocked me a little as I was not expecting to need Vicadin. As it turns out, I haven't taken anything since I've been home and I'm glad- because that stuff scares me!

About 45 minutes later, the doctor, Anitha Rain, came in to meet me. She explained the procedure and asked if I had any questions. I didn't. She asked me to empty my bladder so James helped me wheel my IV to the restroom. On the way there, I saw the husband of another couple that was at the office with me on Friday. He didn't recognize me though.

Soon after we got back to my room, they walked me back to the surgery room. James gave me a kiss and said goodbye. The anesthesiologist told me he had to untie my gown in the back. I did my best to keep covered, but I am pretty sure he saw my crack. They asked me to have a seat on the table and I immediately felt dizzy. When I said, "Whoa," and asked if they had already started the medicine, they said they had. I next remember the nurse helping me get my legs on the stirrups and that was all she wrote. The next think I remember is people saying, "Kristin, wake up." I then remember asking, "Can I just sleep for a little while longer." They said I couldn't. I don't know how I got back to my bed- but they must have put me on there and wheeled me back to my room. James was brought to me. I slowly became less groggy and noticed the nurse checking my vitals. She gave me two extra strength Tylenol and left the room. After a few minutes (I really don't know how long), the nurse came back in and delivered the news in a kind of hushed voice. She told us that they retrieved 12 eggs. "TWELVE!" I exclaimed. I remember the nurse shushing me a little bit but I still could not believe it... She probably thought I was just excited about the amount they retrieved, whereas James knew the deeper reason for my excitement. We had to wait for a little while before another nurse came to get me out of bed. She had me walk and I'm guessing this was to make sure I was ok. When we returned to the room, James dressed me and off we went. I slept most of the way home but was able to make it into Panera for a half of sandwich and some soup. When James noticed I was falling asleep at the table, he decided to take me home (well, that is after running into the store to pick me up some apple juice and cookie dough)!

When we got home I went right up stairs and got into bed. James brought me my treats and I took a quick nap. I tried to answer the phone as much as possible and respond to texts. Thanks to all for thinking of us!!! My friend Gina stopped by with a five pound bag of Gummy Bears! (Even though I told her to take them with her, she conveniently left them here when she left!) I spent the rest of the afternoon sleeping. James woke me up at 9:15 and told me that I needed to take my medication and get my injection of Progesterone in oil. He brought me an ice pack and I turned on the Bachelor while icing for about 15 minutes. When I was numb, I went to the kitchen and prepared everything. As instructed, I took 1 Children's aspirin, 1 tablet of Estrogen, and prepared the needle. James got himself ready and gave me the shot. It was much harder for him to inject the Progesterone- as it is literally, oil. This shot hurt the most out of any so far- but again, it's all par for the course and I can handle it!

So what's next?
Everyone keeps asking me if they are going to implant all 12 eggs. The answer is no. Tomorrow, I will receive a call with the number of eggs that fertilized and are now considered embryos. It is estimated that 50 - 70% will develop to this stage. On Wednesday, I will receive another call with how the embryos are progressing. Some will take the lead, while others will "fall off". If, by Wednesday, there are 1 or 2 definite front runners, they will transfer on Thursday. If several are still equally developing by Wednesday, they will wait to transfer until Saturday so that they can see who takes the lead. Ultimately, they want to transfer the strongest 1 or 2 embryos to increase our chances for success. It is our hope that several do well and that we will have 1 or 2 to transfer, and 2 or more to freeze. Only time will tell. As James said several times today, it is one wait after another.

While I've been a bit crampy all day, I feel pretty well overall. I will return to work tomorrow (actually in 6 hours... so I better go to bed NOW!). While one hurdle is over, the next few days are pretty critical. Please keep the prayers coming- so far, they've all been answered! I will do my best to update everyone as soon as we know anything! Until next time...