It's been a while since I've posted here (or on OUAL lately:blush1: )....things have been hectic.

I started on Gonal-f a week ago Monday. We followed the same routine as last time (few months ago). However, this time I'm a *bit* overstimulated. When my RE checked me Friday, things were progressing but still slow. It appears over the weekend I blossomed. When he checked me Monday, my Estrogen was 3500 and I had around 15 follicles above 14 (around 20 follicles total). I realize this is good if we were planning IVF....but we're only doing an IUI. My RE was very concerned and said he wanted me to "coast" along for a few days and hopefully decrease my levels to eliminate the risks of hyperstimulation and multiples. He said depending on the bloodwork and u/s over the next few days would determine if we continue with this cycle or cancel.

I went in today for bloodwork and ultrasound....the ultrasound showed the same number but some were bigger and some smaller. I won't have the bloodwork results until later today.

All that said......I'm expecting a call from my RE this afternoon.

I *hear* the risks my RE is telling me with hyperstimulation but I look at all the potential follicles and think "what an opportunity". I'd like to ask my doctor again about the risks and percentages if we continue. I just hate to miss an opportunity to get pregnant.

Have any of you experienced this and/or what are your opinions? I read in some of the IVF threads where 15-30 follicles is good, but is it different for IUI?

I'd love to hear from the experts! Thanks!

(Sorry I am so long-winded!):blush1:

It's very different with IUI because you can't control how many are fertilized so you could end up pg with lots of babies. Whereas with IVF, you may have all those follicles but they retrieve the eggs, fertilize them and only put back a couple. I would be very careful doing an IUI with that many follicles and would probably cancel this cycle. Trust me, I know what it's like to want a baby but you have to be careful not to end up pg with 5 or 6.

I had a similar situation when I did IUI with Gonal F and they cancelled my cycle. It was way too dangerous to let me take a trigger shot with so many follicles present. We did IVF the following cycle and I got PG.
I'm sorry this has happened. I would guess that they will NOT do the IUI and they will counsel you to NOT have sex. The risk to you of hyperstimulation is pretty big, not to mention the risk of getting PG with lots of embryos.

Amanda

Thanks for the advice!

I'm not sure what we're going to do yet.

My estrogen went down today and my RE wants me to go back tomorrow for another check...still no trigger shot and no intercourse. Hopefully, I'll get to visit with him tomorrow.

Thanks again!!!

Good luck!

Amanda

Any news Kerri?

BTW...you ought to stop by the PG...we'd LOVE an update on Jessica and some pics... *HINT*HINT*!!!!

Hope you get good news. :)

Thanks, Amanda!

Suzi - I have been lurking in the playgroup just to make sure everyone's okay and trying to keep somewhat updated.:blush1:

I'm waiting for my RE to call today. I have around 15 questions to ask him.....10 if we continue with an IUI tomorrow and 5 if we cancel. He was in surgrey until 10pm last night so I didn't get to chat with him.

I had some additional bloodwork taken today (LH, estrogen, etc) so I'm waiting for the results. Overall, my levels have started to decrease and the risk is not as great. I'm just waiting to talk to him about if there is even a chance of getting pregnant this late in the game. Apparently, I have not ovluated yet so I guess we could still proceed.

I am trying not to stress, but I'm on pins n needles waiting for my bloodwork and a call from the RE.:tearhair: Poor DH just doesn't understand.

I'll update as soon as I hear......

Oops!

Mina - You're were posting as I was typing....He He... We'll give you a call tonight/tomorrow to let you know how things went.

Kerri, as I understant it the reason for the "coast" is that during this unmedicated time, one (or a few) follicles will usually take the lead so to speak and will be closer to maturity than most of the others. That way you have less of a chance of ending up with sextuplets. :lol2: Hang in there...and let us know what happens!!

BTW, I'm glad you are keeping up but you gotta let us know how YOU and JESSICA are doing, too!!!! :nod:

Thanks, Suzi!

Well, we'll know in 2 weeks if there is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.....just kidding! ;)

My estrogen levels were down on Friday and he was more comfortable proceeding with the IUI. He went over the "coasting" and how this is something that we have transitioned to over years....that if this was 10 years ago, we would have cancelled the cycle. But now they feel by coasting, you can control the hyperstimulation and multiples. (Hopefully, I translated our conversation right)

So....we went in today and had the IUI. He did an ultrasound first and there were some nice follicles waiting for the big showdown!:lol: The IUI went smoothly...some discomfort but overall not too bad.

The only bad side....
Until the risk of hyperstimulation is over, I have to limit my fluid intake, monitor my urine output, weigh myself and measure my stomach every 24 hours. He said the risk is low, but wants to be sure to catch it right away should I start showing signs.

That's it for now......Hopefully there is some majic going on in my tummy! I'll keep you posted and thanks for the support.

:crossfing for you Kerri!! Don't sweat the hyperstimulation too much. If it happens, you'll know without a doubt right away! Good luck!!

Hi Kerri, have you gotten your results yet?