RECOVERY AND CELL CULTURE UPDATES
- scgmitro
- Oct 21, 2021
- 2 min read
Unexpected News…But still Thankful 🙏
The following day after the procedure we received notice that, of the 12 follicles (oocytes) extracted, 10 had become mature inseminated oocytes. Of those 10, 4 had become successfully fertilized and Friday (10/15) was considered Day 1 of the embryo culture. We were somewhat surprised that only 4 out of 12 had made it this far; on retrieval day our doctor had hoped we would get 8 or 9.
Recovery is longer…🎃
Moni was definitely sore for several days after the procedure. Cramps and feeling nauseous for a few days were to be expected, but it did seem to extend into the following week. Limited walking and standing were recommended. The anesthesiologist gave Moni a strong ibuprofen before leaving the day of the procedure, and Moni was able to manage the pain with simple Tylenol and Advil for the days following. While the worst of it has passed, Moni’s left abdomen continues to have some soreness, even a full week after the procedure. Each day is a little bit better.
Phone Call that Made Our Day🎉
On Day 7 we received a call that we had 5 cultures that reached the blastocyst stage!
We were surprised since we were told last week there were only 4. The embryologist explained that all 10 original cultures had been left to develop, and that one did become a mature blastocyst (collection of cells).
Apparently, on Day 1 the doctor looks for which cultures had reached the stage with two proto-nuclei. At that point 4 cultures had displayed this feature so they reported to us, as well. But sometimes the cultures can take a little bit less or more time to get to this stage. We were very pleased to know that 5 had reached this stage. ❤️
Now, the doctors have biopsied each culture for genetic testing and results should be back to us in 2 weeks. The extra cellular material is the only substance needed for biopsy, so the rest of the culture will remain safe.
This week has been one for recovery and taking it easy. And to have more cultures that originally anticipated is very welcomed news.
We will be enjoying this beautiful weather and all the Fall events while waiting for our biopsy results!
