Our Infertility Journey (pt. 2): IUI, Menopur, Follistim, HCG, Ultrasounds,& Quintuplets

The website that has a huge database of HCG levels: www.betabase.info/
Our Infertility pt 1 video: • Our Infertility Journe...
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:32 First call with reproductive endocrinologist
01:23 First appointment with reproductive endocrinologist
03:00 First round of fertility treatment
07:50 Second round of fertility treatment (started IUI)
09:37 Third round of fertility treatment (using Follistim)
12:20 Fourth round of fertility treatment
15:27 Finding out we were pregnant
17:17 HCG Levels
20:08 First ultrasound
21:18 Five heartbeats
23:25 Encouragement for people doing fertility treatment
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
When people find out that we had quintuplets, the very first question we get asked is "Was that natural?" or "Did you do fertility treatment?"
The answer is yes, we did pursue fertility treatment. While quintuplets was not our goal, we praise God we have five healthy babies!
We ended up doing four separate rounds of fertility treatment:
1. First round was only ovulation induction with Menopur injections
2. Second round was IUI with Menoput injections
3. For our third round, there was a global wide shortage of Menopur, and we used Follistim with IUI. We ended up cancelling that cycle because there were too many follicles stimulated
4. The fourth round we got pregnant with Follistim and IUI!
We also discuss our HCG levels 18 days past ovulation- 6300!
We talk about our first ultrasound, and what was going through our minds
We hope this story helps someone going through something similar, and if there is any way we can help, please let us know!
- Graham & Stephanie

[@kelicampbell1021]

Brings back so many memories. We did the same thing. Never worked for me and one year from my last failed IVF, I found out I was pregnant on my own. After 3 miscarriages, this was the one. Now our miracle baby is 15. God is so good!!!

[@sheripride428]

I remember after my IVF (21 years ago😮) they had transferred 3 embryos. When they called to tell me I was pregnant they said they wanted my number to be above 50 and mine were almost 400! Then one of the blood draws my numbers didn’t double and I had some bleeding. I now have healthy 20 year old b/g twins. When I found out it was twins, they said the bleeding was most likely a triplet that didn’t progress. I’m so happy for y’all!!

[@crystalthome1033]

We went through 6 years of infertility/fertility treatments. We lost 4 babies and the doctors couldn’t figure out why. We ended up adopting our beautiful niece and she completes our family. ❤ Infertility is hard and heartbreaking.

[@csandst1]

I’m sorry for your losses 😢

[@whoiselizabeth]

oh I'm so sorry for youreclosses hit I am sending you loves and I'm so glad that your family worked out !!!! 😘😘😘😘 .

[@janetschie5835]

Most of the men just nod their heads up and down. I'm loving how involved you both are truly team Freels😀😀😀

[@Mindy56743]

Prayer and faith is the only thing that can carry you through issues like this. I had a stillborn at 6 and a half months and I couldn’t have made it without knowing that God had a reason for it all

[@Chelbsn]

With every video you two get more relaxed in front of the camera. You have a great flow going. This is an amazing journey and I am grateful to be along for the ride

[@rhondagreen135]

My son and daughter in law had IUI and we have twin girls. They didn’t tell us they were struggling to get pregnant, I had no idea. I’ll never forget the day they told me, I stared screaming! Praise God they will be five in October! ❤️🙏❤️. I’ve got you and your babies on my prayer list!

[@vickiegunn8108]

We didn’t let people know we were trying either. Only my best friend knew because she figured it out after I was upset about another negative test so I finally told her. It worked really great though because after I found out I was pregnant after 2 1/2 yrs, my best friend announced about 4 mths later she was pregnant too. So we got to go through pregnancy together which was special (and her baby was born on my birthday😊).

[@rhondagreen135]

That is awesome!

[@melaniewhittington7857]

So happy for you ! I’m so glad you mentioned adoptions. So many sweet babies need loving homes. ❤

[@sharonmckee2403]

So glad y’all are doing this to share with others. I had infertility many years ago. The worst fear was the fear of the unknown… if I had been told I would never have babies I would have accepted it… but it’s the ovulation/temps/shots… that were giving me hope then it would all come crashing down. That was the hardest. God did bless me finally with 2 children. Never was able to get pregnant again.

[@pinklife-kristina3066]

I’m in Marysville 💗 not far away. My last daughter was born very early at 23 weeks weighing 1lb 1oz so we spent many months at the University of Washington. Amazing doctors and NICU nurses who I will be forever grateful for. So excited for you both.

[@sharonpasquini5772]

You are an encouragement and I'm so appreciative that you share your faith in and love of God the father ! Don't worry overmuch about the length of your videos etc. There is much improvement already, they flow better already. It's your hearts that draw us to you!

[@jennyclark2950]

I am so thankful that God blessed you with your five beautiful babies !!!!!

[@margievaneijkern4172]

It’s never too long. I am a 73 year old mother of two boys and two adorable granddaughters. I love watching when I cook or clean. I love how you give God all the glory. That a wonderful testimony to our amazing God.🙏🏻🇨🇦

[@createconsiderconnect3356]

Wild, but awesome journey! Thanks for sharing. There are lots of us that like long videos so don’t fret too much about that. I can tell you are really taking the feedback people have given you to heart & are working hard to make improvements. You guys are doing well & will continue to improve with practice/time. Can’t wait to see that sweet litter again soon 😉

[@marianne57]

Hello, I’m a new subscriber and wanted to let you know you are a beautiful couple and I am excited to follow your journey with your 5 adorable babies. Yes I cried when I saw you holding all of them. My oldest daughter and son-in-law had fertility issues, but let me say God blessed her sisters with the best Aunt and Uncle ever. ❤️🙏

[@mama2boys123]

I just found your channel. It's heart warming to see your faith. One of my best friends was electrocuted in her early twenties. She loved kids and was so good with them. Kids were naturally drawn to her. She never was able to get pregnant. I'll never forget when she said, "I think l fried my eggs." She has a wonderful husband and marriage. It still makes me sad but God had a plan.❤

[@standup2982]

I've really warmed to you both, you seem much more relaxed about being in front of the camera and are settling into being KZbinrs 👍 I was told I'd need IVF but have five children. Three conceived naturally and the youngest two using clomid 💜

[@colleenbrady9675]

Your teamwork that I see when u discuss this entire process is a real strength. Good job to u both !!

[@nancykabat4089]

Stephanie you just had five babies and you look great!

[@ianengin]

Smash the like button guys for this amazing couple. 😊 Dianne from Cape Town South Africa 🇿🇦

[@sallysampson628]

Thank you for sharing this with us especially as you’ve only recently just had your amazing babies! You both must be feeling very overwhelmed/exhausted at this point. I am so very happy that you were able to eventually to conceive after going through so much health wise. What a journey which I’m sure will help others going through the same hugely! I only had one daughter and fortunately it only took 4 years and we didn’t have to go through the IVF route, but it was so stressful with monthly disappointments. Wishing you and your babies all the health and happiness for the future!! Love from the U.K. 🥰🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️🙅‍♀️

[@chrishough692]

Our daughter is the result of our fifth IUI at Swedish Hospital in Seattle and four years of infertility. She is now almost 33 and 17 weeks into her pregnancy, via IVF in Greece. She was recently diagnosed with a clotting disorder, which they think caused four miscarriages. We are over the moon to become grandparents and so happy that it finally worked for her and her husband. There are so many people that struggle with fertility, and like you said, Stephanie is the most painful, but the least talked about. Thank you for getting your story out there and being so open with your struggles. I wish you both all the best of God‘s blessings and health with your new litter, I mean five babies! What an incredible story you have! ❤ Spokane Gram 😊

[@Punknamedtor]

This video is so much more relaxed then part 1 and I’m loving it ❤❤

[@PollyannasWorld]

You guys are this super Cute Couple that (using Steph's words) got "Super Pregnant" and now you have Super Cute Babies! God Bless Your Beautiful Family!!!!

[@karenmccabe2371]

You two are an awesome couple! Thank you for sharing your journey with us! ❤❤

[@wendymessenger915]

What a fabulous story I’m so happy for you both I saw the vlog where you had hold of them all congratulations again you both deserve to have all your beautiful babies xx

[@ashleeharvey9434]

I look forward to all of your videos! You guys seem like such good, kind, honest, and fun people! And your videos give me such hope! Before my first daughter I had 2 miscarriages and then after trying lots of different meds I finally got pregnant and kept it. When we tried for my second then my body just wasn’t ovulating and it was very hard to get pregnant and it took a while. It was so hard. We finally got pregnant then had a miscarriage and then the cycle after that got pregnant and kept that pregnancy. Now we are trying for our third and getting pregnant is the hardest it’s been. It’s hard because we really want a big family but it is so emotionally and physically exhausting. I’ve been on clomid now for a while and I hate it and I’m still not ovulating. To hear that you were able to finally get your body to ovulate is amazing!!! It helps me hang in there! And your videos just give me so much joy!!! Thanks for sharing!!! I also love how excited you guys are for your quintuplets! I love seeing people excited for a big family and I love seeing how positive and real you guys are being!

[@beans4853]

That sounds brutal! If you are interested, there's a channel called "fertility homeopath" or something similar, that helped many women get pregnant naturally. I personally only struggled slightly (took about 6 months, has some miscarriages) and my last pregnancy following only some of her advice took only 1 month. You might find some value as well

[@luannvevea8610]

You must have been talking to some great people. Your editing is getting much better.!!!

[@muddymomma369]

I was hooked after the first video! Great job!

[@shadowa.2777]

Danke für diese wunderbare Reise,auf die ihr uns mitnehmt! Grüße aus Deutschland

[@lulamamie8524]

I had to stop this video just to say……… I have been listening BUT Mama, after carrying 5 babies, and delivering them…… (this is NOT creepy at all…….. ) Your postpartum body is amazing 🤩 God has blessed you with 5 beautiful babies, and your body is lovely 🌸🌼🌷🌹 Be proud Mama 🏆 You did it!!! 💯🎯💖💖💖💖💙 Blessings from Green 🌱🪴 Ohio 🤗. Now back to the video ❤

[@colleenbrady9675]

How did u at 5 "2 carry and birth 5 such healthy, well developed babies ? Also, how do u look so good so early after giving birth ?

[@jamiewarrington3198]

This is a great video. You all are getting more comfortable in front of the camera. Congratulations on 5 healthy babies!

[@robintyer1699]

Wow the 5,'s in your story. GRACE

[@elizawiseman-floyd7490]

You guys are so inspiring. I love the fact that you both went through different journeys in this process yet both came out of it on the other side learning something new about each other and yourself. So amazing guys. Praise God for these beautiful babies. The fun has JUST begun!

[@snodge100]

Hi from the uk I can’t wait to see your parenthood journey xxx

[@rhondallyons9842]

You did a good job with this video! ❤

[@savagefrombirth1304]

you two are a joy to watch x

[@nrm1760]

It’s great that you have a place where people can go to give encouragement to one another. I totally agree with you faith and having a community makes all the difference. Something that is not talked about very much the fact that men have infertility issues. It’s not just a woman’s problem man can make it difficult to conceive also.

[@beans4853]

Yes, many people are shocked by that

[@peggysuegiggles9383]

thanks for sharing your story. I never went through it but listening to other people stories just remember the parents come first so always work on your relationship no matter how hard it is. prayers

[@maryoesterborg9397]

I have issues getting pregnant, however, God blessed our family every 9 years for our three children. They are grown with families. I count my blessings every day. Don’t give up on your dreams❗️💖

[@abbiequinn5464]

You are both amazing love your vlogs and love your vlogs when you both got to hold all 5 bundles of joy it made me happy cry just holding them xx❤❤❤❤❤

[@anna-mariepellett4362]

🦋 I love this channel I’ve only been watching for a couple weeks. I love you both, and I love all them babies. I wish you were near where I lived. I’d volunteer to help you. Actually, that being said I don’t really know where you live or what state you live in. Oh Washington state because you mentioned in Seattle. One of my favorite cities. I did live there for six months. Back in 1990. Anyway. Sending much love, light and many blessings to you both, and those five precious little ones, And everyone who’s sending your best wishes and everyone who’s there physically helping you and will help you when you bring those babies home. Can’t wait to watch more of your videos and thank you for taking the time and putting in the effort to do this. I think it’s very important for a lot of young people that might be going through this.

[@pattym6866]

This is a miracle! Thank you for the detailed video 😊

[@sharlapaup4399]

God Bless both of you and your family!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@jeannieleitner3582]

Thanks for sharing your amazing journey 🙏 😊

[@ritahall8653]

So happy for y’all

[@joycefonseca3633]

Your faith has got you thru this.

[@rosameijering5161]

You guys are the best parents

[@dianelangdon2214]

Nice to c u guys 🙏

[@lindavonh131]

One of my kids is going through this now. Thanks for your info because I don’t ask and it helps me to understand it more

[@patsmith8814]

You’re doing great !

[@denisegeltz945]

Thx for sharing your story. I know Jamie from “five Two Love” will have lots of tips!!!

[@user-hs2nb3uz4q]

Love you both so much.

[@georgiasmith9477]

Thanks for sharing! 🥰

[@adeebazeeshan1249]

Love from India ❤ MashaAllah Barak Allah blessed you with quintoplets,,,, Even we are struggling since a year's after multiple losses...

[@rosechaney871]

I love the faith you have. You will be depending on the Lord for many years to come for strength, peace and just making it day by day for the rest of your lives. You will be surprised how God will use your little ones to increase your faith....especially when they reach the teen years. I will pray for all of you.

[@TheMimiof7]

My niece now has two children, and I told her about a genetics test that was included on a panel of other tests that I had. If anyone has not heard about the genetics test MTHFR, I would highly recommend that you get tested for this. My niece was positive for it and started taking a baby aspirin and I think Folic Acid. Check with your dr before self treatment. She did not have any trouble getting pregnant with her first baby, but once she started trying for a second one, it was a much different story. I think she had four miscarriages and after finding out she had this mutation gene and started taking the vitamin and baby aspirin, she got pregnant after a few months. Google this test or search on KZbin.

[@rosameijering5161]

You guys seem like a great couple

[@kzfingerprint]

In reference to the ~11:30 discussion, my partner does not seem to view unsuccessful attempts as a waste either, however there's something about being the female going through it where it is so much more than just the money for the shots. Or at least for me, i hate medicine, so injecting all this medication and being told that cycle was being cancelled... And i hate appointments and there are so many for fertility, and trying to adjust work schedules without going into your private life details... So Yeah, that's all pretty heartbreaking. But also the hormonal changes that you have to deal with all day everyday. And then the mental gymnastics of trying to prepare yourself that your specific life could change very quickly - i say specific because your body will change, you'll be housing a baby(s), just the whole unknown as a would be first time mother, trying to tell yourself it may not work, but balancing that with it could work... And then over analyzing every symptom. Honestly, we've been trying for five years and it truly feels like my partner does not understand it in the same way, because his experience is so different to mine.

[@visual_honey]

God is so Good!!

[@wendymessenger915]

Wow four rounds 😮

[@mrunalpansare4687]

I am new here. You are blessed😊 💐

[@miriamortiz8040]

Blessings

[@galeem713]

I tried several times. I was approved for ivf but it was a new clinic and he didn’t want me to bring down his numbers. I knew it was going to happen, but he didn’t. My hubby was like yours. The doctor said he could get wood pregnant. Never had any. There wasn’t a lot around in the mid 90s.

[@peggykendell6805]

My doctor told me a slower heart beat usually meant a boy. When I had my babys that was all they used to guess.

[@MsDale1976]

You guys got this! I think there were only a couple, well anyways.! 😂

[@csandst1]

If someone has recurrent miscarriages during the first trimester, ask to be checked for genetic clotting abnormalities.

[@PollyannasWorld]

I see a book called the Expectant Father on the table. You are no longer --Expectant - You are a father ! You will do fine. Faith and Your God given Instinct will see you both through raising Godly children.

[@MegF142857]

This is why IVF should be covered by health insurance to make more accessible. If doing IVF, then can control the number of embryos & much less likely to have dangerous multiple pregnancies. I'm glad it has worked out for you, but this is a scary story. -- I did years of infertility & multiple IUIs before moving on & eventually over years managing to do multiple IVFs with only 1 twin miscarriage to show for it. We did nearly everything out of pocket, btw (nearly nothing paid for by insurance). You have quite the story. Congrats. I hope things go well for you with the babies & life.

[@elizabethfischer1316]

I'm currently doing follistim cycles with an ovidrel (hcg) trigger. We'll be doing an IUI this next cycle. My question is were you doing follistim and an hcg shot together or just the follistim and 1 hcg trigger? If you were doing multiple hcg shots what was the medication called. I'm always on the lookout for how others are being medicated and if its something I could do I'd love to try it! Also what was your dose of follisitm, if you don't mind sharing!

[@suomynonaanonymous]

Are the babies identical? Are any of them identical?

[@flawa6296]

How many eggs did they transfer? Did l miss them saying it or did they not say it? Congrats though!

[@MegF142857]

Indicates was IUI (not IVF). IUI is "intrauterine insemination" with washed sperm inserted that then swims to meet the ovulated eggs from the follicles. -- They induce ovulation after hyperstimulation & guess at potential embryos that could be created by follicle size. Scary story to me hearing about quints from an IUI. Fortunate babies lived & Mom is good.

[@anna-mariepellett4362]

🦋 well, I guess 20 kids is a lot but if you do five at a time, it’s only three more pregnancies😂😂

[@colleenbrady9675]

Hope they're kidding!

[@reeannarobertson]

Amen 🙏 ❤😃. Just believe in god.

[@lindavonh131]

My kid is doin iui this week but I have no idea what it intels.

[@Muslimah33]

Was this IVF? How many did you transfer?

[@janetdonald9801]

I wonder why his family weren't told immediately, particularly considering his father is a doctor.

[@dearleah7299]

They said that was for another video, if they share. It’s really not our business.

[@larilari2008]

How many embryos did you implement?

[@gizzygirl8414]

They did IUI (vs IVF) so meds pumped up her egg production/ovulation and the rest is history ❤👶👶👶👶👶❤

[@michellesorenson1292]

ABC, IBF, PLG, IUI, XOXO, PLEASE help me understand this. I have no clue what they each mean.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

I think IUI is putting a ton of sperm up there directly medically.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

IVF is making embryos in a lab and then transfering them in surgically.

[@shaquayviahyder4195]

How many follicles did u have

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

I thought quintuplets would basically only happen with implanting too many eggs in invitro.

[@katietsykal4053]

I understand the want for a child, but also those poor babies are doomed to being delivered prematurely, spending time in NICU/PICU, and having all the risk factors that come woth being a preemie. Thats a tough road to choose and for a baby to go through. My child was in the nicu for just a few days and it was difficult, this is more so.

[@MegF142857]

This is why IVF should be covered as health care. IUI is more risky because can't control the number of embryos & such multiple pregnancies will still happen. Too often the entire pregnancy is lost or selective reduction is performed. It's so very risky for mother & babies. I'm just glad this worked out as well as it did, but this is a scary story & shouldn't be used as encouragement to others (imo). I did years of infertility & heard so many stories by women that I met.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

When I'm ovulating, I get pregnant immediately, so your body is probably like that. It just wasn't ovulating. Then you ovulated and it's like, ok this is easy!

[@fatimasfoodreviews9542]

Can someone tell me babies genders

[@veronicasucre2798]

4 girls 1 boy

[@bevoberholzer17225]

😀🙂😃🙃😄😁😉☺️😊😆

[@karenjoubert2202]

🩷🩷💙🩷🩷

[@anovemberstar]

I'm happy you have 5 beautiful babies .. but that Dr is totally irresponsible, given the massive risks involved, not only for the mom, but the babies - the risk of losing all babies massively increases with each embryo.

[@colleenbrady9675]

This couple seems super fit and healthy so they had that going for them. I know it's high risk even with twins.

[@nancylowery4504]

Graham is annoying!!

[@Littleangel_-jp4xb]

you're not being forced to watch. Don't be ugly.

[@dearleah7299]

@nancylowery4504 and you are immature. At least that is a fact. You have been reported for bullying.

[@Littleangel_-jp4xb]

@@dearleah7299 bullying lol

[@dearleah7299]

@@Littleangel_-jp4xb is that supposed to be in the form of a question? What’s the point of your comment?

[@Littleangel_-jp4xb]

@@dearleah7299 You accused me of bullying. You don't understand the definition