Monday, July 8, 2013

Dont. Ever. Assume. Anything.

This is the age where many clinics are moving towards single blastocyst transfer, to avoid the risk of multiples, because bad things can happen even in a twin pregnancy. It is the sensible thing to do, and many people have started to do it. I've clearly told my doctor multiple times that I specifically thought a double blastocyst transfer was a bad idea, and that I wanted to transfer one at a time.

I assumed, stupidly, that my clinic would follow the practice of  freezing one blast/vial. I had a rude awakening today...everything is frozen in pairs. I could have prevented this if I figured this is what they would do, but I assumed that they would freeze single blasts.

Now, I'll have to transfer 2 blasts to my surrogate, or refreeze one (for obvious reasons, I hate this idea). There is so much potential for everything going right, but there is also more potential for things going wrong, and if so, maybe even catastrophically. I've seen enough things go wrong with women with twins on these blogs to know exactly how catastrophically.

And even if most things go right, twins come early. This is a country where the neonatal care is primitive compared to that in the west. I really wanted any child I might be lucky enough to have to be born full term. To be born through a natural delivery, not a C-section.

And now, these options may be gone. And I could have prevented this, had I not assumed things.

Huge sigh, and some tears too. 

7 comments:

  1. Its so not your fault!! For my 1st round of IVF, mine were also frozen in pairs and that was just in 2011. Many twins are also born full term and vaginally so don't panic yet :) Both of my sets were full term and the 2nd were born via VBAC so you just never know.

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  2. What total crap! How can they not tell you this given that the standard of practice is one! If you have an odd number, do they freeze in sets of 3?

    I can't see how you could have prevented this, having stated your choice and assuming standard protocol, there is nothing you could have done.

    Yet another awful decision to have to make as an infertile: transfer two or refreeze.

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  3. That sucks. I'm sorry.

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  4. bunintheovenpleaseJuly 9, 2013 at 2:50 AM

    I am so sorry. You can only do your part. Now we will just have to hope for the best, and I am sure many people will say a few prayers for you all.

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  5. Oh that sucks! I wouldn't have thought to ask either. What are the statistics on refreezing blasts? Obviously it's not what you would choose to do but maybe it would be worth it. And you're right about all the risks of twins...that said I did do a 2 embryo transfer last time (ended up with a singleton) and plan on a 2 embryo transfer this time as well.... but if I was gestating in India I would probably choose just 1 as well.

    Thinking of you and hoping everything turns out perfectly.

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  6. I'm sorry to hear that. How would you know they only freeze in pairs, how frustrating! I would transfer them both, but I know you think things through and make very informed decisions so I trust you'll make the right decision for you. Sending care and good thoughts.

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  7. I think blasts are often frozen in groups of more than one.

    I made sure to specify this...although I don't actually know if my request was followed, come to think of it.


    I'm sorry.

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