New thread, renewed hope! Prayers for everyone...

Suzi: Waiting for cycle #7 (last cycle) in January/February
Okiejpb: one more cycle of injectables and possible IVF later this year
Sarah: Beginning fresh IVF #3
Sarah (sarahgrace): FET tentative for November
Kimberly: in donor process
Dana: in donor process
Angela:Waiting to cycle, back to school to become a nurse to work with IF women! What a BLESSING!!
Carla: Hanging in there, waiting for beta
Andrea: waiting the earliest appointment possible, about to go on vacation :tongue2:
Judy: :bfp: beta 7/27, TWINS!! :yippee: :yippee:
Andrea30: :bfp: beta 6/16, u/s on 7/6 :yippee:
Brenda: :bfp: beta 4/19, TWIN GIRLS!! :yippee: :yippee:
Amanda: :bfp: HPT 5/28, Baby Girl Jessica is due in February!! :yippee:
Pam: About to pop, due on October 22nd :yippee:

I think I got everyone - if not, remind me and I will add!!

Suzi,
Could you add me too? We may be doing a FET in November, but it is still undecided. At any rate whatever we do will involve some hi-tech assistance, so I would appreciate any advice from this group.I hope this next thread will see lots of BFP's!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just joining in. I can't believe is already time for a new thread!

Sarah, I am HAPPY to add you!!! I wasn't sure if you still had plans/what was going on - we haven't heard from you in a while! Hope your FET gets you a BFP!! :nod:

Sarah that is great!!! I hope whatever you decide to do you'll get pg right away.

Suzi wow that is some list of bfp's!! I love it.:) I think it's great to start out with that reminder of our pg gals.

Wednesday I start prometrium then if all goes well on the 26th I start stims again. I had a dream last night that things were going badly again. Hopefully this time will be different. :)

Thanks for starting a new thread Suzi. :clap:

May all our dreams come true. :pray:

Kimberly

Yay new thread - looking forward to seeing lots of new BFP' s!! :crossfing

Hi everyone. Sorry for not posting much on the last thread. If we start IVF, it won't be until later this month. That' when I'd actually start on bcp. Just a quick update, we went to a new RE which is only 5 minutes from my office and was referred by a co-worker's spouse. He suggested trying one more cycle of Follistim since I've responded to them so well in the past. This is my 5th cycle this year. Hopefully all goes well this cycle. Trying to stay grounded and prep mentally for IVF. Any advice?

Okie, I don't think it's POSSIBLE to prep yourself for an IVF cycle. It is frought with emotion and the drugs don't help matters any. All you can do is hang on for the ride and await the results! :dunno:

It is great to see the list of all the BFP's. It is a wonderful reminder that this does work!

Okie -- I agree with Suzi. The best thing you can do is to expect that some things will NOT go according to plan & stay flexible.

Does anyone else have an RE who has them take HCG boosters in the time between transfer & pregnancy test? I've never heard of it before I switched to my current RE & it makes pregnancy tests pretty frustrating because it takes longer before you know if you have a true elevated HCG.

I went in for bloodwork this morning & am anxiously awaiting a phone call. I might go crazy!!! I've actually been feeling a little pregnant this weekend, but don't know if its just from the HCG shots. My gums have even started bleeding when I floss, which happens a lot when I'm pregnant.

I had a dream last night that we got a dog, which we're planning on doing if we can't have another baby.

One more funny thing before I go back to sitting by the phone & watching the clock. I have had a lot of "deja vu" with this cycle. I did my retrival within 2 days of my retrival 5 years with my son. I went to Mexico about a week and a half after my failed cycle this spring. I just found out that my husband has a work retreat to Cancun next weekend, about a week & a half after we find out if this worked. Life is too weird!!!!

O.K. I just heard from my doctor's office & I still don't have a definitive answer yet. My HCG is 82, but since I took an HCG shot on Friday, we don't really know. I'm supposed to go back in for bloodwork on Wednesday & we should know for sure then. I'm not very optomistic because I looked at my past cycles & my HCG was a lot higher (200-400) by this point if I was pregnant.

At least I'll have a nice long weekend in Mexico to relax & forget all about this!

Carla, my center used to do booster hCG shots. They gave them up about 2 years ago, there's not much research that shows they are effective. On the flip side of that, there's no research to show that they HURT! :dunno: I am on pins and needles with you - let us know as soon as you can!! :nod:

Carla, we posted at the same time! How many days post-transfer are you? The "target" for 11-12 days past a 3 day transfer is only 100!! :dunno:

:crossfing and :pray:

Thanks Suzi and Carla. Silly silly question, something I should know from Infertlity 101, but is the size of a follicle determined by taking the average of the two numbers (two angles) dr. measures on the screen? For instance, on Saturday my largest follicle was 18 x 14, so the dr. said it was 16mm. It looked huge, bigger than an 16 I'd ever had before. Not sure if this was due to the angle. Lord knows that I don't have the trained eye of a professional, although I should after having had so many done:)

Okie, that is about correct. Measurement up/down averaged with left/right gives the "full dimension" measurement of the follicle. Don't forget, measurement can vary from one person to another based on where they locate the "X" and click.

HI Ladies

Thanks Suzi for starting the new thread!

Carla~ Hope you start off this thread right!

I had an interesting week. On tuesday, I got a call from a reporter, Jane Gordon, from the New York Times wanting to interview me regarding the infertility coverage in CT. At first, I was a little skeptical but asked her how she got my info and she answered all my questions well. In early spring/summer when insurance coverage was about to be voted on, I was asked to write a testomonial on my experience with IF and how insurance would be beneficial to me and so many people. I guess my testomonial is open to the public and that is how she got my name, address and number. The IF law went into effect Oct 1st, so that is why the media is interested again. So she asked me questions about the coverage and what I thought. She said my name and story/quotes would be in Sunday's NY times. I didn't believe it, but it is. I bought the paper and there it is in the CT section. She did a really good job. I was so afraid she would misquote me. I never am off on Tuesdays. I just happenned to have the day off to go to the BIG E.

I had my first test last week too. I got a 90%. I am happy with that. Right now we are learning about different types of tissues.

Thanks Suzi for starting the new thread! It's great to see so many successes and so many new cycles starting!

Amanda

Thanks for starting a new thread Suzi! You Rock!

Hey Carla-on pins and needles for your results and hoping this threads starts off right for you also!

Man it's great to see all those BFPS! Heres to hoping for many more to come!

hi all..

just gonna copy and paste from the blog. :)

I went for my 28 week check up today.

It's not good, people.

My bloodpressure was very high.. and there was protein in my urine.
I've had some back pain in one area, and some stomach issues for the
last week. also have had headaches, some problems with pressure
in my abdomen.. among a few other things.

So tomorrow I go in for my 3 hour GTT... and while I'm there,
they're going to test me for HELLP Syndrome and Pre-E. Loverly.
He ordered about 15 tests....

I start going TWICE a week now. One for blood pressure check,
and the other for a routine check up.

My uterus is measuring 36 weeks.. and I certainly feel it.

I go back on Thursday for blood pressure check...and the doc
explained that if it's high again, I'll likely go straight to the hospital
for bedrest for the duration.

IF the bloodwork comes back with high liver functions or any other
problem... I could be sent to deliver these girls as early as the end
of the week. If that's the case, they'll transfer me to Brigham and Womens
in Boston where they have a level 3 NICU. They'd rather me deliver there
if I go this early instead of having the babies transferred without me.

I'm scared. Shitless.


YAY for starting a new thread!!!! Maybe I can keep up with this one! :lol:

:jawdrop: I am praying already!! :hug99:

:jawdrop: I am praying already!! :hug99:
Ditto! Take care Brenda your little family is in my prayers! Really hoping your tests come back with good results!

Oh Brenda that is just aweful. i'm praying so hard that you and your girls are ok. I can only imagine how scared you must be right now. Hopefully they can get your bp down and your liver functions right again so the girls can have a longer stay in you. I hope that you feel a little better real soon.

Brenda~Geez, I'm so sorry. :disbelief :sadhug: I'm praying that everything will be O.K. :crossfing

Ang~It's kind of fun to make the news huh? That's great that the article was well written. Excellent score on your test! :thumbsup: Keep up the good work.

It was a heck of an emotional rollercoaster ride of a summer for me and it seems the Fall is starting that way. :tearhair: Personally, I continue to have emotional setbacks here and there. . .not everyday, but somedays I feel like I'm going to loose my mind. My sister mentioned that she was worried about me the other day, saying that I'm extremely emotional and sensitive and easily agitated. Crazily enough, I thought I was keeping this a big secret and hiding my distress from everyone, but it just wasn't so. I'm feeling O.K. today and I'm trying so hard to do everything I need to in order to stay emotionally healthy (meditation, yoga, no drinking, getting enough rest, etc.) Although coordinating with my donor could be another month away, it was suggested that I start BCP now. Even though I've been happy with my decision to go the donor route, I was truly hoping that in the meantime, we'd get pregnant on our own. Being on birth control right now is like this big turning point for me. I can't turn the clock back. Like this is it. . .I've truly given up chance of ever having a biological child. :cry: For the last 3 weeks, I'm being trained to cover someone else's work while he's gone for a month. Even though most guys take a week for Paternity leave, he's asked for a month. Just the fact that I'm going to work double duty for the next month for someone who is going to be on paternity leave, has brought on tons of feelings of jealousy. Like, SHOULDN'T I HAVE TIME OFF AND ASK FOR LESS WORK SINCE I'M TRYING TO PREPARE FOR A PREGNANCY??!

A tree fell on our house during a wind storm on Thursday (we made FOX News and DH had a soundbyte). The house was fine, just some gutter damage, but we were lucky. It was a gigantic tree and the whole thing uprooted and fell, leaning on the gutters. A day later, my dog tested positive for Lyme disease. We're treating him with antibotics and feel confident that it has not gone into his kidneys and he will be alright. :crossfing

Remember my friend Polly who was pregnant and then had the M/C this summer? She called me crying last night. Remember I had mentioned once that I thought her marriage wasn't going to work out? That was my way of being happy for her pregnancy. . .in terms of that none of us have perfect lives and even though I want to be pregnant, she may wish she had a better marriage. I certainly don't wish anything bad on her as you know, it just somehow forced me to recognize that I need to be happy for her pregnancy because I certainly wouldn't want her husband. :thumbsdow So anyway, she is extremely scared that this marriage is going to end in divorce and told me that she's not even trying to get pregnant anymore because she doesn't want to bring a child into this situation right now.

My, my, my. Circumstances, emotions, your present and future can change at the drop of a hat. "Life" is both a troublesome and beautiful place. :disbelief :scratch:

Kimberly

:hug99: Kimberly I'm so sorry so many things are crashing down on you. I can totally understand how going on bcp's is a big turning point. Sometimes we think we've accepted something but until something like that just confirms it you have like a second greaving period. And you should allow yourself to feel it. Don't hold it in. Call your sister and unload on her. I'm sure she'd like you to. It helps you feel better by talking about it and I'm sure it makes her feel good that you aren't holding it all in. My sister and I've had the same exact talk. I thought the last couple years I was coping ok. I certainly thought that no one other than Brandon knew what a mess I was inside. Well my sister said the same thing to me. It's good that we have such wonderful family that can help us thru these rough times. And I really hope that soon your co-worker will be training for your job soon!

Brenda -- I am so sorry & will be praying that everything will be o.k. It sounds like you have a doctor who's keeping a very close eye on you.

Kimberly -- It sounds like you have a lot of things coming at you right now. I don't think that it is possible to stay entirely "emotionally healthy" while you are going through this whole process. I think that its wonderful that you have a sister who is sensitive enough to notice when you are having a rough time.

Well, no good news here. My HCG is now 42, about half what it was 2 days ago. I am now 18 days post transfer, so its not looking very good. I am not surprised, since I've been feeling pretty good the last couple of days. I have to go in one more time for bloodwork, but I really don't think the doctor sees pregnancy as a possibility.

I have been thinking about what my plans were if this IVF didn't work & I had a realization. I think if I quit right now, I'd have to get a new hobby! I have spent quite a bit of time on this "project" this year & would really have a lot of free time if we decided not to do it again. I really would like to try again. I just don't think that I'm ready to give up yet. We will have to do some serious thinking this weekend!

Carla~I'm really sorry. :sadhug: But what a great attitude! Getting a new hobby. . .what a novel and positive thought. :banana:

Kimberly

Carla, I am sorry. :hug99: I understant about not being ready to give up just yet...here I am - about to start IVF #7! :lol:

Suzi -- I used to think that it was only women who were really obsessed that would do IVF again & again & here I am thinking about doing #3 this year (plus 2 cancelled cycles!) The funny thing is that I really don't feel that obsessed!

Carla, I thought the same thing...until I did 4 cycles last year! What else can you do?? :dunno: :lol:

Carla-I'm really sorry, I'm feeling for you right now and I'm glad to see that your not ready to throw the towel in yet! BIG HUG!

Kim-Crappy the emotions the BCP is bringing out, but just think when everything comes together in the universe for you it will have made the experience sweeter for you. You have already become a strong woman for having this experience, and no matter how your child comes to you, it shall be a blessed child and they will always know just how much you wanted to hold them.

Has anyone heard How Brenda's doing? I sure hope their OK...

Well we got home this morning and there was an envelope from the clinic with all the blood work orders and everything for DH's TESE. His appointment is on Nov. 1st. So we get home and then we hit the road again the next day to ensure we get there in time! I am so reved up I just cant wait to meet all the voices from the phone! THen SIL called and told me they cant do my bloodwork in YK because they dont test for estradol same day here. So when it comes time to start the cycle I'll have to do it in Edmonton, so yeah I get to stay at my DD's for a couple of weeks! Well I've been up for over 36 hours now so it's officially bedtime! Good night!

:bighug: Carla :bighug:

Brenda - keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Although coordinating with my donor could be another month away, it was suggested that I start BCP now. Even though I've been happy with my decision to go the donor route, I was truly hoping that in the meantime, we'd get pregnant on our own. Being on birth control right now is like this big turning point for me. I can't turn the clock back. Like this is it. . .I've truly given up chance of ever having a biological child.
I'm having a lot of the same feelings you are. Everytime we move forward with the donor cycle I get excited, then sad. Its another reminder that this is really it. I'll never have another biological child (and yes, I know I am very blessed to have my Owen). But, crap - its sad.

Everything is on schedule for our cycle. Dave talked with the coordinator yesterday. I go in Monday for a blood test. If my progesterone is at the right level, I'll start Lupron on Tuesday (or maybe Monday - I don't remember). Dave also spoke with the pharmacy and got our drugs (mine and the donors) ordered. At this rate my embryo transfer will be somewhere arround December 4-6!

Carla & Suzi~I stopped after my 7th (not on my own accord), but like Carla said, even though I didn't feel obscessed about it (I was just doing what I thought any one would in my situation), most outsiders interpret your behavior as being "obsessed" or "not getting the hint" that it "wasn't meant to be" or that you're "trying too hard". That is what really killed me most. I used to think that if didn't have any friends, family or collegues soliticiting their opinions, that I would feel so much better about myself and would've handled this whole thing so much more gracefully. Of course, I would never give up my friends and family so. . .:dunno:




I'm having a lot of the same feelings you are. Everytime we move forward with the donor cycle I get excited, then sad. Its another reminder that this is really it. I'll never have another biological child (and yes, I know I am very blessed to have my Owen). But, crap - its sad.


Dana~I'm so glad you said that. I'm having such a difficult time with this and I didn't really expect this. In time, when DE becomes more mainstream (and as more women continue to delay marriage and child birth, it will be), perhaps they'll have more resources for women going through this.

Kimberly

Kimberly, you are right. When I think back to my first IVF cycle, I remember thinking that it HAD to work 'cause we'd never be able to afford another chance. $50K later....and I STILL can't fathom having burned that much money on IVF cycles. But this is for my family and I am willing to make whatever sacrifices I have to to build it. :dunno:

Outsiders would probably recoil in horror and say they'd NEVER spend that much on trying to have a baby...to them I say: wear my shoes and THEN tell me you'd never spend it.

Dana, I can't believe you are getting so close! I SO hope all works well with the donor - you are in my prayers!

...to them I say: wear my shoes and THEN tell me you'd never spend it.

I haven't told many people about what I'm doing with DE, but to those I have, I've basically had to tell them the same thing.

It's funny because I remember talking to 2 of my female co-residents about my experiences with IF and IVF. They were both amazed that I went thru all of that and one of them even commented that she would NEVER be willing to do that. So she's now going on to IVF cycle #3 and the other woman is about to start IVF cycle #1. Ya just never know...

Amanda

Though I would never wish IF on anyone, I don't know if its possible to truly understand the frustration & heartbreak that comes just getting to the point of trying IVF, let alone going through it. I have a lot of friends who seem to get pregnant quite easily. One of them made a comment a couple of months ago that women who have IF just don't appreciate what a pain it is when you get pregnant so "too easily." (She is currently pregnant with her 4th child. I think that she usually gets pregnant the first month that she tries.) Anyway, I think that I had just had a cancelled cycle when she said that, so I was glad that we were in a large group so that I didn't have to respond to that!

Does anyone know if endometriosis would affect the outcome of IVF? I've never been worked up for it, but have recently found that several close relatives have it. I'm now wondering if it is a possibility.

From a study in 1999, found on obgyn.net:

Results following IVF in women with endometriosis are comparable to those for women without endometriosis and they do not seem to be affected by the severity of the disease. Because a comparable number of embryos are available for transfer, even in patients with advanced disease, the outcome of IVF in terms of implantation and ongoing pregnancy rates are similar in patients with varying severity of the disease. The use of GnRH agonists in a long-protocol of ovarian stimulation leads to the highest pregnancy rates, although the role of prolonged pituitary suppression remains unclear. The presence of endometriomas does not generally impair the results of IVF but it increases the risk of infection.

Thanks! I knew someone would know.

Carla,
I have mild/moderate endo and got pg on our first IVF attempt and had no problems during pregnancy. Endo is an odd ailment I know several people who have severe cases and got pg on their own. Also the wife of one of my co-worker's had a severe case of endo and got pg on their first IVF attempt with triplets, which she delivered successfully at 36 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I had my "What's the plan?" meeting with my RE today. After a couple of days of feeling sorry for myself last week, I decided that I'm not ready to give up yet. So I'm going to have some testing done this month & if everything is o.k., then we'll be ready for IVF again!

I talked to the doctor about endo & he said that if I have it, it's mild enough that it wouldn't impact our IVF tx, so at least I won't have to get worked up for that. I'm just going to have an HSG & bunch of bloodwork. It will seem strange to only go to the doctor twice in a month. I have sure spent a lot of time there lately!

Carla, I am so glad that you have a plan! Hopefully the next time will be your LAST!! :aok:

Carla, I am so glad that you have a plan! Hopefully the next time will be your LAST!! :aok:
:nod:

I had my progesterone check yesterday. It indicated I had ovulated, so I start Lupron tonight!

:woo: This is getting exciting!! :yippee:

Dana~Wow! Moving quite along. :banana: That was fast. . .are you timing your cycle with the donors already? :scratch:

Kim

Carla - I'm glad you have a plan!
Dana - Wow! That's exciting!!!

Amanda

Dana~Wow! Moving quite along. :banana: That was fast. . .are you timing your cycle with the donors already? :scratch:

Kim
I guess the starts or planets or something was in alignment, because we're already in synch. I don't really understand how it could be that easy, but I don't have to go on BCP. I'll be starting the 'mock cycle' somewhere arround October 24.

I guess the starts or planets or something was in alignment, because we're already in synch. I don't really understand how it could be that easy, but I don't have to go on BCP. I'll be starting the 'mock cycle' somewhere arround October 24.

Well darnit!!!! Can I stand under your sky????? I'm tortured currently being on BCP and from the last I knew, my donor still has not even had a medical workup yet. :tearhair: But really, I'm happy for you. . ..O.K. just a little envious. :mope:


Kimberly

So quiet in here... How is everyone doing?

Hi Everyone, Sorry it's been a while since I've posted. I started spotting today which means AF is just a day or two away. My RE wants me to start bcp's on cd 2. He also said that he needs to do a hysteroscopy on me since he had such a difficult time with my insemination. He needs to do this before I start on IVF meds. Although everyone's treatment plan varies, can anyone give me a quick glance at what I'm looking at calendar wise (how many days/weeks on bcp's, lupron (or whatever medicine they choose), more med's, ER, ET.....).

Okie...glad you made it back! A typical long-stim protocol (what most people use) is about 55 days, start to finish. Of course, it will vary depending on what cycle you use and how long you are on BCPs. Typical breakdown goes like this:

BCP: CD3-24
Lupron: CD19-end
Down reg u/s: CD29
Stims: CD30-40
Trigger: CD40
ER: CD42
ET: CD45 or 47
Beta: 55

Hope that helps!

Sarah, we are hanging in there! We are starting the SAs soon - Chris is scheduled for one on Monday morning. He'll do another in 2-3 weeks, then another in 2-3 weeks, then another in 2-3 weeks...as necessary to see if the sperm count/quality is improving. Chris quit riding the motorcyle in late August, we should be seeing some improvement by now if the motorcycle was the problem (and I'm just sure it was). :crossfing

I still have to re-take the Annexin V IgG and IgM tests...my RE wants a definitive test on that. THe first time it was astronomically high, the second was not near as high but outside normal limits. If a third comes back elevated then we will know for CERTAIN that I have Hughes Syndrome - if not, then I don't. :crossfing

BCP will start in January...that's not very far away!!! :eek:

Hi girls!

I am new to all this and would love to be a part of your group! My name is Vyonne and I am 45 and currently undergoing treatment for ovodonation. My transfer should take place in about 1 week (Oct. 24th). Sorry I am not familiar at all with your abreviations... so I am a bit lost.

I´ve had a couple of inseminations and this is my 5th IVF. Currently I´m leaving in Lima, Peru (last 4 years), so I feel a bit lonely (originally from LA, California). Right now, my main issue is my endometrium growth, so I am taking some pills, but wish I was in the US, so I could get the famous "Viagra Suppositories". They don´t get them out here... so I am screewed :(

I would greatly appreciate your keeping me in your prayers... so that this time I get it!!! Age wise and financially speaking... it is about my last chance!

Thank you and good luck to all of you!!!

Hugs,
Vyonne

Hi Vyonne. :welcome: You've come to a great place. I wish you all the best. I am in the process of being a donor egg recipient myself. . .although it's not happening as soon as yours is. How is ovadonation different from egg donation? Or is it the same thing?

Kimberly

Hello everyone. Has anyone ever used Prometrium suppositories? I was on 200mg/night for 10 days. Last day was this past Saturday. AF usually comes by 12 dpo, today is 13 dpo. I've been spotting since Friday (10 dpo). Although I've been spotting, still took HPT this morning which came back BFN, not surprised just wanted to get that out of the way as I had been waiting 2 weeks to POAS. Weird but during these times your hormones are somewhat out of whack. Wishing everone lots of Baby Dust and a wonderful week.

I am so incredibly frustrated :tearhair: As usual, I'm still feeling like I have the worst luck following me everywhere. :mope:

I've been on BCP now for just about 21 days. I called the donor egg coordinator at the IVF clinic to find out if I should continue on the placebos or just go to a new pack. I also wanted to find out the status of the donor. I found out that it took a month for the donor to turn in her paperwork. When she did, some of it was not completed. I checked back with the donor agency and they say that according to the donor, the parts she didn't complete said, *optional*, but of course, according to the IVF clinic, she should have filled them out. I have no idea who's right. In any case, the donor still needs to finish the required paperwork, that still has to be looked over and approved and then she still needs her medical workup. This could easily be another 6 weeks!! And that's even if she's approved! I still haven't spoken to the nurse who will consult with me regarding the BCPs (and was told she couldn't get back to me until tomorrow), but I'm going to stop taking the Pill until this donor is truly ready. I'm so sick, SICK, SICK of this!!! I just wasted a month where I could've tried on my own. :furious:

Kimberly

Hi Kimberly!

Thank you for welcoming me in and for your good wishes!!!

Ovodonation is the same as egg donation. I am so very excited (and nervous) with my upcoming transfer. Today I went to see my doctor and my endometrium had gotten to the needed size, so I will go thru with the procedure. As I was laying down getting checked... I could not stop thanking God, because I was terrified that my endometrium would not grow.

I can´t believe all that you are going through with your donor.. sounds a bit flaky! I hope that you will not have too much time to wait, as I know how anxious one can get during this waiting period. Out here in Lima, things moved rather quick... once we found the donor with the physical characteristics, blood type, etc. she came for a meeting with the doctor, who gave her a prescription for a whole panel of blood work. Then, three days later, she was on BCP and within a couple of weeks, got her started on Lupron. Now she is on Lupron and Puregon Pen and will be going in for the procedure, hopefully on this coming Friday or Saturday. However, I must tell you that everything in the process had me on pins and needles, first waiting for the blood results, later on making sure that she was being responsible with her shots. And, the most stressing time was when she had her first check up to see her follicles response, and thank God she responded well!

I wish you all the luck in the world and hope that very soon you´ll be undergoing your treatment too. :nod:

Hugs,

Vyonne

PS Has anyone heard anything about drinking pineapple juice after the transfer? It is supposed to help the embryos nest in better???

Hi Vyonne and :welcome:

I'm glad your cycle is progressing well - I can only imagine how stressful it must be to undergo an IVF cycle without being able to control what ne normally can control - drug administration, timing, health, etc. WOW!

Your doc has you doing baby aspirin beginning day of transfer, right? That is to help thin the blood making it easier for implantation. I have heard of the pineapple but not sure if there's solid evidence to support...

At any rate, best of luck to you and keep us posted with the progress checks - I am excited for you!!

Hi Vyonne! Its always exciting to see a new member here (especially another going through a DE cycle) I just wish you'd found us earlier.

Kimberly, I'm so sorry your donor is giving you grief. You so deserve a break. I hope some good luck comes your way soon.

Hmmm....I don't think I have anything new to report. One week of lupron down. I'm feeling very tired and unmotivated. I don't know if its the drugs, or if I'm just lazy.

Hi Suzi & Dana!

Thank you for the nice welcome! Oh, you bet I will keep you posted as to my progress checks. And I couldn´t be happier so far with the results this cycle. After so many failures, I am hoping with the DE method, I will stand higher chances of conception. Yes, you are right... the stress level when you are not in control (DE) is unmeassurable :owow:, but I can´t complaint about my donor, she is only 20 years old, yet very matured and responsible.

I am so happy to have found you, as it is wonderful to be able to share all these happy/hard times with someone whom actually "understands" what we go through. I guess no one really knows, until is truly there!

Dana, I too wish I´d found you earlier, but better late than never, right? I am just grateful to be a part of your group and happy to have you all:grouphugg

Suzi, thanks for the tip on the baby aspirin, because my doc hasn´t mentioned anything about it yet, and has never before prescribed it during my previous IVFs. I will certainly tell him on my control tomorrow and see what he says. The only meds beginning day of transfer that he has always had me on before is Geslutin PNM (progesteron vaginal suppositories). Are you guys familiar with that med? Since I have never had any fertility treatments in the US, I am not familiar at all with the meds used out there. I see that Dana is on Lupron now, so I see that at least that med is same as the one I used. All I know about Geslutin, is that it is a pain, because you are constatntly eliminating the residues and gets pretty messy... yikes!

Dana, are you taking Lupron in daily belly shots? In all my previous attempts (4), I was always on the daily shots (0.05 mcg), but this time I received just one shot on my buttie, instead of the belly shots, which was great!

Good luck to you all and thanks again!!!

Vyonne

Vyonne, in the US most (if not all) IVF centers use progesterone suspended in sesame oil injected intramuscularly in the hip. Research shows there is better progesterone delivery/absorption - not to mention not having that mess... :lol:

Suzi I hope both your test and DH SA's go well. Keep us posted!

Kimberly I'm so sorry you've hit another delay. I can only imagine how frustrating that is. I hope that she finishes her paperwork and gets that in right away.

Vyonne, Welcome! I'm so glad you found us. This is a great group of ladies. And good luck with your tranfer. I am so happy to hear that things are going smoothly. that sure makes things easier. I'll be on the progesterone suppositories and pills. I am allergic to the PIO(progesterone in oil that Suzi was talking about) so I have to take 2 supps and 2 pills a day. If that isn't enough we'll see what they'll add to it. But I have heard the same thing you said, messy messy messy. I'm really not looking forward to that. The PIO was nice for no mess. And I hope your RE agrees to let you take the 81mg asprin. Everyone I know that is going thru most ART proceedures takes it. Since it is lose dose it can't hurt anything to take it but can really make a difference if you do take it. But I haven't heard anything on the pineapple juice.

I started lupron again yesterday. I should get af any day now. Then on the 26th I'll start stims. I am really hoping that this cycle proves better for us. But if it doesn't I've already started talking to my sister seriously about what she would need to be our donor. She hasn't been in for a yearly exam in well over a year so she was going to do that anyway. I just told her to make sure her Gyne tests for everything he can. That way if we need her that is one thing I don't have to wait for. While I am really praying this works for some reason I just have this deep feeling that we will need her. I never have before, I just knew she was there for us if we needed. But in the last week or so I just have this feeling we will. I guess we'll just wait and see. I hope not because of course I would love a child from my eggs but if it doesn't work at least I have a good plan. I know I've grown increasingly worried about another m/c. And using her eggs might take that risk away. Perhaps that is why. I don't know. If I can't stim more than 2 eggs worth we'll never find out if it is my eggs that are bad since we'll never make it to ret. But now that we are getting closer I'm trying my best to put any negative thoughts right out of my head. I dont want anything come in the way of our chances.

Welcome Vyonne. This is definitely a great site. Although I don't post often as I have not yet officially started IVF, I do read the posts daily.

It hasn't really hit me, but I'm somewhat bummed to find out that I will need to wait until January to start IVF. I was going to start bcp tomorrow, followed by lupron, stim's, .... My RE called today to tell me not to start bcp as we had discussed. The way they do it in their office is to try to put you in with a group of other women who are also going through IVF. They put you in groups so that they can efficiently do ER, ET, ...anyway this is how I understand it. Apparently it's too soon for me to start (he said soon, I'd say late) with the November cycle since I'd only be starting bcp tomorrow. He wants me to start with the December group, which would mean starting bcp with my next cycle in November. I have a 33 day cycle (pretty much religiously) when not using any med's. The problem is that I have a business trip I have to go on in mid-December to Philadelphia, which is right around the time I would be ending injectibles or prepping for ER/ET. So now I can't start until January, I guess that would mean with my December cycle I'd start on bcp. Although I just starting seeing this RE this past cycle, I'd really like to stick with him. Besides for me not fitting into the timing of their group schedules, he said that they've found that being on bcp for too long can cause me to be overly suppressed; therefore resulting in fewer follicles. Urggggh. Has anyone else ever run into this? He suggested taking a break and saving my resources (did he mean money or eggs???). He said that I've pretty consistently responded well to the meds, so he must mean the $$$. What do you think the odds are of me conceiving naturally this month without anything but good old fashioned love-making? Wouldn't that be nice? Anyone, hope everyone's having a great day. By the way, I look forward to reading the posts throughout the day. It's nice having the support of other women who know what I'm going through and vice versa.

Okie, sorry for the delay - my office also does cohort groups for IVF so I understand your situation. With the holidays though, it'll go by faster than you imagine. :nod:

I'm glad that you like it here, this is a realy great place - you will find out just how great when you start your cycle!! :lol:

HI Everyone!!

Welcome Vyonne!

Kim~Hang in there! It will all come together.
Sarah and Suzi~Good luck and fingers crossed.

Lot's of stuff going on in here!! Boy oh boy!!

Well I got the most amazing news today. I balled my eyes out like a baby.

I WILL HAVE IVF COVERAGE EFFECTIVE 1/1/2006. I will not have to wait till January 2007 like I was originally told. I called my insurance company and confirmed. It is true!!
I called my RE today for an appointment but their computers were down so I will call again tomorrow to make an appointment. January is right around the corner so it will be interesting to see what the plan will be once I meet with the RE hopefully in Oct/early november. I am so excited and scared all at the same time. I will keep you all posted!!

Angela, that is the BEST NEWS I have heard all month!!! AWESOME!!! :banana: :yippee: :rahrah:

Dana, I keep meaning to ask you - how are Teri and Sue and Kat (and everyone else from UB IF threads)?? Please send them some hugs from me!! :bighug:

Welcome Vyonne! Good luck with your cycle!!!
Kimberly - I hope you catch a break!
Dana - Sorry you're feeling tired but it's exciting that things are moving forward.
Sarah - I'm crossing everything for you this cycle.
Suzi - Hope all the tests are going well!!!
Okie - Sorry about the delay. How frustrating!
Angela - I am SO HAPPY for you!!!!! That is just great news!!!!

No news from me (which is good!). Things are moving right along...

Amanda

Angela that is awesome! I remember when I first found out we had coverage. I was at work and found out that a few months before we were doing our ivf the state of IL passed the mandate for coverage. I actually teared up.(we had no idea how to pay for the ivf since we were already in debt and had no savings) So I totally know how you feel and that is just awesome!!!

Okie, I'm sorry you have to wait. I totally know how frustrating that is. While my clinic doesn't have groups, I've missed cycles by litterally 2 days because of my appointments. I hope the time flies for you with the holidays. Is there any possible way you can get them to change the date of your trip?

Amanda good to hear!!

Well I don't know what is going on with me. I'm supposed to go in for baselines today but af completely stopped yesterday late afternoon. I have just a little spotting and it's only dark brown. That has never happened to me for af. So I'll have to call them before I go to see if I should still come. I don't know if that wasn't af(though it was flow not spotting but mostly brown/red as my af's start) Last cycle I had bleeding for only 1 day. It was fairly heavy but not real heavy to warrant only 1 day. TTC and all the meds I've been on really is doing a number on my body.:rolleyes:

Vyonne~Wow! You're right, your clinic moves things right along. (Unlike mine) :rolleyes: That's great that your donor is so responsible. I guess it would be weird if a donor recepient wasn't on pins & needles huh? With all I've been going through, my RNs and the donor agency, etc. keep reminding me that this is a tough process because even more so, it's out of our control. . . .O.K. already, I just want it to be over with! I have heard of using pineapple for implantation--fresh fruit, not juice. Pineapple contains bromelain which is an enzyme that could possibly aid in implantation. I have been eating a lot of pineapple and taking low dose aspirin daily as well. Along as it doesn't kill me or prevent me from getting pregnant, I'll pretty much try anything. :dunno:

Dana~I'm rallying you on. . .:rahrah:

Sarah~I'm thinking of you and wishing you all the best. :crossfing I have to tell you that I have also experienced very brief periods as well--maybe one day of blood, and not that much, and mostly brown and spotting. It's really bummed me out and I've been trying to do some more research to figure out why. I've always have short and light periods, but not this short. I am aware that my age could be a factor, but you shouldn't have to worry about that. Anyway, it's really nice (and hopefully you won't have to go there) that you spoke to your sister about the possibility of helping you out. I think that's amazing. I've been reading the book, "Having Your Baby Through Egg Donation" which Dana recommended. Not that you should read it now, but I mention it only because it gives a lot of helpful imformation about using a known donor such as a sister.

Okie~I'm so sorry. :sadhug: That just stinks!!! I know only too well how painful this waiting process is. :crazy: If you want to try to put a positive spin on it, at least you can indulge during the upcoming Holidays. :dunno:

Ang~What exciting news! I'm so happy for you. :yippee: :rahrah: :banana:

I'm feeling a bit better today. Not that anything specific happened, I just told myself that I had to let this anger and sadness go and stay positive that things will fall into place. :pray: I am officially off BCP for the next month and will not go back on until the donor is absolutely ready! You know what ladies??? I WANT SOMETHING IN MY CONTROL FOR ONCE! I want to be on BCP for the minimum amount of time which according to my clinic, is 3 1/2 weeks--2 1/2 on BCP alone and then one week on BCP and Lupron. So, I will not take it until the last moment possible. I have to do this for my own sanity really. I have called the donor agency and asked them if they could impress upon the donor my anxiousness in getting this process moving in a timely manor. The woman at the agency was so sweet and understanding and reassured me that they must do this often with donors and it's a balancing act between getting them to do things in a timely fashion and not giving them too much pressure. (We wouldn't want her to back out). I mentioned that perhaps she could bring up to the donor the fact that the Holidays were coming up and that it might be nice if she could get the cycle done so that she can "enjoy herself" during the Holidays. Hey, maybe it'll work? :dunno: When I told the RN that I wanted to go off BCP and possibly use the time to try on my own, she was a bit concerned. She told me of a woman who did the same thing, got pregnant, canceled the DE cycle, had a M/C, sought the donor again and wound up loosing her to another client, and then had to wait for a long period before doing a DE IVF. She mentioned that even if I got pregnant, my chances were high that I could have a M/C or worse, another ectopic. It did have an effect on me because even though I'm going off BCP, she did make me nervous about trying next month. What if I did have to go through another dreadful ectopic? In any case, we'll see. I might feel differently as soon as I start ovulating. Can't teach an old dog new tricks! :awink:

Kimberly

Kimberly I totally know how you feel but honestly your nurse is right. When you've had 2 ecoptics your chances of having another one are super high. Even if your tubes appear normal on an hsg. And the story she told you, I know someone personally from UB that this happened to(she lives not to far from me). She was lined up with a perfect donor that looked just like her, she went in for her precycle testing and she was pg. Unfortunatly she lost that baby a couple weeks later. She got into a battle with the agency for her money because she couldn't handle trying anymore. And her donor had moved on anyway. So that really is an important choice to make. I've had 2 ectopics and my RE said absolutely no trying on our own that we had about a 70% chance of a repeat even if my tubes looked normal. It's so hard to give that up on your own. But just look at it all. I hope which ever you choose that it works super well for you.:) And I hope that when she talks to the donor it will light a fire under her. I'm assuming she is paid a fee for her doing this like most agencies so wouldn't she want the money at the very least soon? I hope she gets it together.

Well my one day fairly light af is over I guess. Still nothing, not even spotting. My lining was thinner at baselines but still one there to shed. My acu is worried about not getting rid of all that old blood. It could possibly inhibit a good new lining from developing. I told her how I feel my body is just too messed up from all that it's been thru in the last 2 years. It's just not bouncing back like in the past. I guess when I really look at everything I can kinda understand that. Had 2 previous laps, I was on depot lupron for a year, tried for a year, had IVF, had a c/s, m/c'd 5 times(one ectopic that passed on it's own), failed FET, m/c'd with ectopic with lapand metho in addition to having bad endo, PCOS and aweful adheasions that have gotten much worse. I read my surgery report from the ectopic and it took them a very long time before they could get thru all the adheasions to even see my uterus. After the cancelled ivf I had a one day af. Now I've had another one but is wasn't as heavy and mostly all brown blood.

So I think that my body is really telling me it can't do this anymore. I know a lot of people tell me oh but you're young you have time. We honestly don't. Yes I'm only 27 but my RE has confirmed that it behaves like that of a 40+ year old. So no there isn't time and it has proven that time and time again. It's just not what it should be and nothing is going to change that. Thankfully my sister doesn't seem to follow in my footsteps. She seems healthy with all that. She's only had one surgery in her life and that was for her tonsils out. I've had 9. So let's hope she will never ever have to know personally what we all have gone thru.

I am putting as much positive thinking in this ivf as I can but I also know that inside my body seems to be telling me it just can't do this anymore. And I have to go with that. Hopefully it won't come to that. I would love to have another biological child of my own. But at this point I want another child more. And at least Meghan still has similar genes. Whatever happens I just need to be done with this all. I just can't keep going thru this.

Sarah~Gosh, thank you so much for your post. :bighug: Were you talking about Melissa from UB?? If you were, I totally remember her story. She was such a great thread buddy. I'm dying to know how she's doing these days. I know the "facts" about what could happen if I did get pregnant on my own, but there's this. . .I don't know, psychological "pulling" in me that thinks that I should not let any opportunity to get pregnant on my own pass by. It's that "addiction" that has gone on for so many years. I get AF, wipe my tears, feel convinced a day later that the next cycle is going to be "it", I feel refreshed and renewed. I prepare by eating right and exercising, then ovulation comes and I'm using the OPKs, timing it all with DH, and then waiting with so much expectation for the outcome. It's always a rollercoaster ride, but with it comes moments of so much hope. It's a hope that helps to get me through each day. Your post however, also reminds me of all the pain that came with it and you and the RN are correct. I'm not going to try this month. I've invested so much emotionally into the DE cycle, that I don't want anything to mess that up. Your post was simply the push I needed to get through this month without concerning myself with babymaking. Sure, I could/might get pregnant and go on to have a baby, but at this point, it's not a risk I want to take. I'm even more convinced now that I need to use this opportunity to reconnect with myself and DH and possibly have sex without thinking about making babies. DH sure would love that! :awink:

It seems to be that you know your body well and in the end, you are the best person to know what more your body can take. You've gone through so much already and like me, all of this *craziness* is bound to be tough on our bodies. I'm so sorry that your body is behaving like someone 40+ and I can only imagine how many people are telling you that you have time. :rolleyes: I get the same thing and I'm 41! Luckily, I don't look my age (good genes I guess). . .and ones that I probably won't pass on. :mope: Unfortunately, my body is doing what's appropriate for my age.

I'd be interested to hear what you're told about shedding your lining of the old blood. Not my Drs, but my accupuncturist is convinced that I don't fully shed blood each month, thus the high incidence of brown AFs. I often feel that Western medicine doesn't account for that type of stuff. My IVF Drs never ask me about AF, yet my accupuncturist always does. I'm very interested to know what they have to say.

I wish you all the best Sarah and remember that you're not alone if you should have to go the next course.

Kimberly

Kimberly yes it is Melissa. She is doing ok. she belongs to OLU but is very very rarely ever on the boards. In fact this is so funny but she just sent me a little card in the mail since we haven't talked in ages just to say she was thinking of me. So I'll be talked to her today and I'll let her know you were thinking of her. Her story breaks my heart everytime I think of it. She still doesn't talk much about it and has seemed to close the doors on trying. I still pray for her all the time and hope she gets pg again with a healthy little one.(as I do for all my ladies here:)) It's funny I was never a religious person before. Not that I consider myself that I still don't go to church but I do pray for our gals because every little bit helps.

Anyway I hope that my post wasn't pushy. I really didn't mean it that way. I know sometimes we just have a feeling and sometimes it's worth trying for it. I'm in the same boat as you as far as that part goes. And I wanted to still try but our RE really explained to me how bad my chances were. The ectopic was the worse thing I've ever been thru in my life and I never want to repeat that. So we stopped on our own. It is totally your choice alone. I just wanted to let you know what I was told. Sometimes it's really hard to except the bad. I had that with this last ivf. It was very hard for me to just come to terms that it just wasn't going to work. I kept thinking oh but what if the others catch up then I could get 4-5 follies. We just need to grasp onto something. I just hope that very soon we will all have our little babies and we won't have to ever go thru all of this ever again.

And with af I totally agree! My RE hasn't ever really gone into detail about asking about my af. My acu does every single month. I think that Eastern medicine tends to look at details more than Western. And she is so right with things that sometimes our doctors overlook. I totally trust her 100%. It does make sense if you think about it. She worked on me Wednesday to get my blood moving so I'd get more af. And it kinda worked. Last night I had terrible back pains and cramps. And started to have some red spotting. Hopefully today it will turn into flow. That was really the first RED that I had this cycle. Hopefully it'll clear out. I start stims on the 26th still.

And I am fortunate to have such great support here. I wish that no of us needed to be here but I am comforted to know that if we need to use donor eggs I have some great women here to help me thru that all. My sister and I talked a bit yesterday about timing. She said she would be ready in 4-6 months. She wants to switch jobs but she should be our donor first since the job she has now would accomodate ivf much better. She wants to go back to bartending which would be aweful for stimming not to mention you can't really take off time at a new job. She wasn't planning to leave right away. So I think that makes her want to do it more like 4 months or less. I don't want to rush her but I also want her to be as comfortable as possible so it is easier on her. Oh and her job is right down the street from one of the clinics. But where she lives is no where near one.(she lives in Chicago but the nearest clinic is in downtown and far) She drives far for work but at least she'd have one right there. So we'll see how things go with our ivf. We wouldn't be ready for another ivf donor or not until at least January anyway so timing would be good. Guess we'll just wait and see!

Sarah

Hi everyone, I am new to this forum - I did not know that there were so many of us out there - my story is - went in for cyst on ovary - found out it was much worse - had both tubes and one ovary removed - did an ivf cycle in May/June - got pg - but due to low hgc - mc'd at 7wks. Just had my 2nd transfer on the 15th and I do not feel pg - last time I was extremely tired all the time - I know that they say every pgncy is different - but I am extremely nervous - when can I take a hpt? any opinions - I am thinking about taking one tomorrow or should I wait until I get closer to the day I take my beta test on the 27th?

I seen that some of you are really experienced with this and I would be extremely grateful for advice.

Dawnie:help2:

Hi Dawnie! Glad you found us but I'm sorry you've had to go it alone for so long! We are here to support however we can, just jump right in!!

As for HPTs, the hCG shot CAN stay in your system for UP TO 15 days. That said, I think it is usually gone by day 7. If you do decide to HPT, I would caution you STRONGLY against giving ANY meaning to the test until 15 days past trigger.

If you had a 3 day transfer, implantation typically occurs around day 6 (give or take), it would be way too early to teel anything yet.

Best of luck to you and I hope you'll hang out with us during the rest of your wait! :nod:

Hello girls!

Sorry I haven´t been around the past couple of days, but I had my brother visiting from FL, plus between my controls and following my donor´s check ups, I´ve been full :crazy:

Can you believe I had written a long mail right now and I don´t know what I hit and it was all gone!!! What a bummer! Oh, well, here I go again...

I have to start by admiting that when I read your mails I am having a bit of a hard time understanding your abbreviations. Sorry about it :confused: , but since it is my first time doing this and all my treatments have taken place out here in Lima... I am not familiar with the terms out there. Will someone please send me some of the most usual abbvs. so that I can understand it all?

Hi Suzi, it is pretty interesting how the treatments vary from place to place. What are you undergoing right now? I asked my doc about the baby aspirin and he said that he doesn´t "use" it out here, but that he had heard, mostly from foreigners about about it. So, he said that if it makes me feel good to take it, to go right ahead. My only question about taking it daily is that when one is pregnant, they tell you to not take any meds. I even remember hearing that if you have a headache, you should suffer it out, to avoid putting the baby on risk. So, how is that a daily med like this one doesn´t compromise the baby? Regarding the way they give you out here the Progesterone in tabs is also different, but after being so worried about my endometrium not growing fast enough... all of the sudden it started to grow beautifly! I was quite concerned that the treatment could go sour because of it, but thank God, all is going well and I am now schedule so far for my transfer next Tuesday,the 25th :crossfing .

Hi Sarah, yes, the progesterene suppositories are horrible, mostly because it is messy and it is no fun to keep on inserting them! I will get started on them tomorrow after my donor gets done. I am excited for you too... :yippee: it sounds like you are moving right along! Best luck to you and I am sure that everything will work out. If for any reason your last chance is with a donation, be happy that at least you have your sister to help you through it. That alone would be a true blessing! On anothet token, you also mentioned the 81 mg aspirin, so I think I am going to give it a try. As I mentioned before, my concern was mostly taking a med on a daily basis, but if everyone is doing it and it helps... I´ll try it too. My prayers are with you!

Hi Angela, so happy to hear your good news!!! It will certainly help with your economy. At this point having to pay for all my treatments out of my packet, I am nearly bankrupt :owow:. Best of luck to you!

Hi Kimberly, yes, I am very fortunate to have found such good donor. She is so very responsible and truly is an awesome girl. She is beautiful inside out and a very sensitive person about this whole thing. I feel I was pretty blessed to have found her. The way I found my donor was very unusual because in most cases the donor is supposed to be unknown to the recipient, but in my case, I got tired of the months going by and not having my doctor find the right one, with the characteristics I wanted. So, one day I decided to do my own search and started contacting "donors" from a list of emails that was given to me and for several days I went visiting malls, universities, coffe shops, etc. in search of my donor. However, I must tell you that when I found her (sitting on a bench chatting with a girlfriend), I knew deep in my heart that she was the one!:sunny: I immediately felt something in my heart and we exchanged info and within 3 days she was at my docs office and the next day doing all the tests required. To my surprise, without my knowledge (yet) she even had my blood type! I knew that God had sent her to be my little :angel: !!! She has also produced 17 follicles so far and they are all growing pretty evenly and her endometrium is great too. My doc says that it is a good sign of excellent quality eggs :ura1: !

Hi Dawnie, welcome! It is so nice to see our "family" keep on growing! Best of luck to you and try to keep a possitive mind. Remember that it has been proven that your state of mind has a lot to do with the response you´ll get.

Hi Amanda and best of luck to you too!!! I hope that very soon you´ll have excellent news for us all. My prayers are with you.

Hi Okie, what a bummer to have to wait... believe me I know the feeling! But I am sure that God will compensate your patience and things always happen for a reason... So stay positive and know that when the time is right it will move right along.

I sure hope to have gotten you all... if I havent please know that I am with all of you and if I can be of any help or if any of you need some advise, I am happy to help...

Will greatly appreciate your prayers!

A big hug,

Vyonne :pray:

Hi Kimberly, yes, I am very fortunate to have found such good donor. She is so very responsible and truly is an awesome girl. She is beautiful inside out and a very sensitive person about this whole thing. I feel I was pretty blessed to have found her. The way I found my donor was very unusual because in most cases the donor is supposed to be unknown to the recipient, but in my case, I got tired of the months going by and not having my doctor find the right one, with the characteristics I wanted. So, one day I decided to do my own search and started contacting "donors" from a list of emails that was given to me and for several days I went visiting malls, universities, coffe shops, etc. in search of my donor. However, I must tell you that when I found her (sitting on a bench chatting with a girlfriend), I knew deep in my heart that she was the one!:sunny: I immediately felt something in my heart and we exchanged info and within 3 days she was at my docs office and the next day doing all the tests required. To my surprise, without my knowledge (yet) she even had my blood type! I knew that God had sent her to be my little :angel: !!! She has also produced 17 follicles so far and they are all growing pretty evenly and her endometrium is great too. My doc says that it is a good sign of excellent quality eggs :ura1: !



That's so amazing how you found her! And good for you for having the motivation and assertiveness to do it on your own. What's funny is that I was at a restaurant with my husband and few months back and this woman walked in. She couldn't have been older than 25, and she looked so much liked me. I joked with my husband about which one of us was going to go over to her and ask if she wanted to be my donor. We both laughed, completely sure that it was out of the question to do something like that. If I had heard your story earlier, it might have given me motivation to do it. I just imagined that she would look at me and think I was insane. :dunno: I had to have an ad placed to find my donor. I was looking for an African/Hispanic mix and can you believe had a hard time finding it in a big city like Boston? In any case, my *hoped for* donor is Carribean and Panamanian, which is great! I'm Afro-Cuban. I'm just wondering, are you Peruvian and/or does your donor match your hereditary make-up?

Dawnie~:welcome: Suzi had it right about when to take the HPT. During my several IVFs :rolleyes: I chose not to use an HPT and waited for my bloodtest. Also, you're right, every pregnancy is different. From being on these threads for so long and from knowing other woman who've gone through this, I would suggest to not even concern yourself with your symptoms too much. I've known woman who had given up, calling their cycle a bust, and found out she was pregnant, while others who had every pregnancy symptom, weren't pregnant. This 2 week wait is the tough part. Hang in there. I wish you the best.

Sarah~You weren't at all pushy. You just really helped me along with something that was already in my thoughts, I just wasn't listening. I thank you for that. :bighug:

Kimberly

Wow Vyonee, things are moving along for you! What a wonderful story about how you found your donor - and that you felt she was the "right" one!

The 81mg aspirin is not harmful for baby, it merely thins your blood just slightly in order to facilitate implantation and placenta nourishment better. You keep taking it one tablet daily until around week 9 of pregnancy, make sure it's 81mg aspirin.

I am waiting to start IVF#7 in January. It will be our final attempt. Between now and then, we will be doing some testing on both me and DH. I tested positive twice for thrombolytic problems (meaning blood clots form between me and the placenta effectively cutting it off from blood flow) but we are not sure if that positive was real or not. I will do the test one last time and we weill take the 3rd answer as the final. DH has to do several SAs because our last SA was VERY irregular and our last cycle from 5 eggs retrieved we had NONE to transfer back. Normally we have an excellent fertilization rate so something was up with our last IVF cycle. We will do several SAs over the next three months to see if there is an identifiable trend.

Hmmm a list of abbreviations. I'll do all I can think of, I'm sure I'll miss a few:

IVF: invitro fertilization
ER: estimated retreival
ET: estimated transfer
FET: frozen embryo transfer
PG: pregnant
PGY: pregnancy
DE: donor egg cycle
SA: semen analysis
DH: dear husband
PIO: progesterone in oil
BCP: birth control pills
m/c: miscarriage
u/s: ultrasound

Thank you everyone for responding to my cry for help - I decided not to take the hpt and to wait - I will probably take it the morning of my blood test - that is what I did the last time - I do have some twinges in my lower abs - I had one 3 day and one 2 day transferred. My test is scheduled for the 27th - 6 days away!! -:grouphugg

Thanks for the abbreviations! Some of them are very confusing.

Dawnie

Hi Suzi,

Yes indeed! things are flying and consider myself quite fortunate to have taken the initiative to go and find a donor that I felt right about.

I will definitely start taking my 81 mg aspirin right after my transfer on Tuesday. Anything to help with my placenta nourishment ;)

I wish you all the luck for your next treatment in January. It will happen in no time... you´ll see. Have you considered having a donor at all? My doc told us that when you are over 35 your chances increase when you go thru donation. Maybe, since you would consider it your last chance, it may not be a bad idea to consult your doctor and see what he says.

Thank you so much for taking the time to send the abbreviations. Now I can speak your same language :) !!!

Vyonne

Hi Kimberly,

Well, when my doc suggested ovodonation, I was a bit skeptical with not knowing who would be giving me something as precious as their eggs, and I felt that I wanted to have a part on something so important in my life. However, I waited a few months (4) and when I was that the doc kept on telling that he still had not found a girl with my physical characteristics (tall, slim, blonde and green eyed) I decided to do my own search... specially knowing how picky I can be and how impatient too!!!

As I said before, I was most lucky (blessed) to have found her and from that point on... everything was smooth as can be. This girl is tall, slim, blonde and blue eyed, but in my family we have green and blue eyes, so I figured it was ok, plus she is a doll inside out. She definitely does match my hereditary make-up.

When I read all you are having to go thru with your donor, I can only imagine what I would have done if that would have been my case. I´d go nuts :eek: Plus being 45 already, every month that went by was like a century to me and became more and more anxious. I think my personality also helps... nothing stops me when I am set to doing something. I wish I would have posted my story earlier, so that you would have approached that 25 year old that walked into the restaurant. When I approached girls for this procedure, I would simply tell them that I was a "recruiter" and that I would not want them to feel offended at all, cause it was totally open, voluntary and for a nice cause... and when you mention $$$$, specially to younger women, they´d listen. Here in Lima, Peru, there are lots of girls with your physical description. I´m sure you would have had no hard times at all, but if you now have one, lets pray so that she is the one for you. But ask the agency to stress out to her that it is important that she shows responsability and maturness about this whole thing. I am even thinking about doing a non profit org to help other women that go thru this terrible ordeal in their searches... we´ll see :sunny:

Well on Tuesday I will know how many I will be getting transferred and how many will get frozen (just in case). My doc will keep me informed day to day about their progress. So please lets keep our fingers crossed!!! :crossfing

Lots of luck to you and please keep us posted ;)

Vyonne

I only have a second...

My period was supposed to start sometime between the 18th and the 20th. Here it is the 22nd and no freaking period. What the hell? I'm never late. And no, I am not pregant. I promise. As long as my stupid period comes by monday am, we're still on schedule. So, I'm starting to stress (which of course will only delay things more)

Is this common with Lupron? When I took it before, I was on the 'flare' protocol and didn't start in until after my period arrived. Ahhhhhhh!!!!!

Dana, Uhhh !! I am sorry. Hang in there. I know how frustrating this can be but just take a deep breath and think of only good things to come.

Dana, I can't speak for anyone else's experience but Lupron ALWAYS makes me late...and I am NEVER....EVER late. :crossfing AF shows soon!!

This time on Lupron I was only one day late - It also might be because I was only on 5cc and eveyone else would probably be on 10cc.

Vyonne I hope you have enough to freeze. That would really be wonderful Good luck!!!

Dana I'm sorry af is late. I haven't really seen af being late much with lupron. Maybe one day but that is about it. This time I actually got it one week early. So weird. I start lupron a few days to a week before af should come. I hope she shows soon.

Hi Sarah,

Well the aspiration went really well and at the end the doc got 11 matured follicles. However, for the first time my DH semen sample was aweful!!!:blue: . In all the previous attempts we had even joked about him being a stallion... but this time he had to take some meds for a couple of weeks prior to this, plus added to the stress of knowing it is our last chance, extreme stress in his business ... gave us this terrible result.

I want to stay positive until the end, in spite that so far we had to do icsi (instead of our usual IVF) and have lost 6 of the 11 we had :cry:, narrowing our chances to freeze to almost none! We attribute the loss to the bad quality sperm, because the eggs were of excellent quality. What a shame!!!

Please I ask all of you girls to help me with your :pray:, so that I get at least my 3 embryos for my tomorrow transfer

A big hug (keeping up the faith)!

Vyonne~What a great and inspiring story!

Kimberly

Vyonne, sorry your results were not exactly what you were hoping for. ALl is not lost though...you still have FIVE possible embryos!! How many will you transfer back?

Lots of prayers for you Vyonne!
Dana - I hope AF arrived!

Amanda

Kimberly,

Thank you!!! I just know that by doing it my way, it made me feel real good feeling a bit in control. I don´t know if I could have dealt with all the "privacy" protocols that surround having a ghost donor. That was just my own way of seeing things... although very unusual, I hear. And how is your donor coming along... any news???

Suzi, I know that I still have hope with the 5 left... but after so much going through (having had 11), to have things partially spoiled because of DH´s sample being terrible, comes on pretty hard. I guess, mainly because I had my heart set on freezing for the next time. And, more so, when DH NEVER before had a problem in that aspect at all :sad:. For everyone, including my doctor, this was completely out of left field!

Amanda, thank you so much! I sure need all the prayers I can get, and all of your kind support:grouphugg

Vyonne

Suzi, I know that I still have hope with the 5 left... but after so much going through (having had 11), to have things partially spoiled because of DH´s sample being terrible, comes on pretty hard. I guess, mainly because I had my heart set on freezing for the next time. And, more so, when DH NEVER before had a problem in that aspect at all :sad:. For everyone, including my doctor, this was completely out of left field!

I can relate completely...our IVF last July DH had strange things going on with his sperm and we ended up with NOTHING to transfer (when we usually have GREAT eggs and 100% fertilization!). :bighug: to you!

Vyonne~I missed your email the last time I posted. I'm so sorry. :sadhug: I'm sending my :pray: out there for you. :crossfing

No news regarding my donor. I'm just hoping that she has returned her corrected paperwork at this point and is soon to be scheduled for her medical workup. :pray: I continue to try to be patient. :rolleyes:

Kimberly

Vyonne I'm so sorry honey. I totally know how it is when something comes out of nowhere it really catch's you off guard. I think it is harder to handle that then when you know it is a possibility. That happened with the way I stimmed last time. I did well my first one so I thought I'd do at least ok this time. When they told me we'd have 2 at best I just couldn't believe we would have a cancelled cycle. If anything I was worried I'd overstim because of my polycystic ovaries and the fact they had already doubled my meds from my first ivf. It is shocking and scary. I am praying so hard for you that those 5 embies will push strong and you'll have your three to transfer and two to store.

Kimberly I'm so sorry you still have no news. I really hope that you get some good news soon. I can only try to imagine how frustrating this all is for you.

So Suzi, when is your blood test for the antibodies? I hope everything comes back ok. And when is Chris' first SA? Hopefully ditching the bike and leather will help him out.

Sarah

Hi Sarah,

You are totally right about being one thing when you expect a possibility and another when it surprises you! However, after getting a bit depressed for a little while, now I have gathered myself together and realized that I am still blessed! Looking at it from that POV, I have started by the second to feel stronger! This evening I went for a check up and found out I will not be getting transferred tomorrow as planned... instead it will happen on Thursday the 27th. I am fine with it, because doctor & biologist know best :nod: ! Plus my doc assured at my control that the 4 embryos are developing wonderfly and that they are Quality I, which was great to hear.

Thanks for your continued prayers!!!

Hi Kimberly,

Thank you for your "hug", prayers and good wishes!!! As I said before in Sarah´s message, I am doing better now after talking to my doctor this evening. I know that if everything had been going on great, there is no reason for me to doubt the end results. I guess we are all human, and no matter how strong... we still may have our moments of weekness. Now I am ready to see things differently and have accepted that God has something else in storage for me and He must know why he doesn´t want me to freeze. I am still very fortunate to be able to undergo my transfer in a couple of days! :awink:

Regarding your donor, I hope (for your sake) that she has returned the paper work in order and that you will not have to face further delays. I too will be :pray: for you! I sure wish you wre out here... we´d have a donor for you at no time!!! But don´t worry, you´ll soon have everything ready to start your treatment.

Thanks for your continued prayers!!!

Hi Suzi,

Must be in the air then... :confused: because like with your hubby, my DH had never before had a problem! Thanks for the big hug... it sure feels great to receive so much support at a time like this one! Now that I have a couple more days before my Thursday´s transfer, I am going to fill my heart and soul with positive vibes! I know I had to get over the hump... and now I am ready to conquer the world :thumbsup:!

Last night I barely slept with all the anxiety (was up from 2:45 am on), so now after feeling right again, I am sure that I will sleep like a baby! Need to recup my energies, so that I can offer a nice and warm nest for the BBs that will be getting transferred :love2:

I started spotting yesterday - the day AF is due - and I broke down and took a hpt and it came out -BFN- haven't told anyone yet not even DH - but I am not holding out any hope that the blood test will come back +++ - I just feel like I am getting AF - my boobs do not hurt anymore - I just have a lower back pain and mild cramps - I hope everyone else will have great sucess -and I will post with the official news.

:sad: :tantrum: :badwords:

I am just so upset about this.

Dawnie

Dawnie :bighug: I'm sorry

Vyonne -It sounds like you are doing a bit better. We've never had male factor problems either. Its been one of my fears this time arround. I just scheduled my poor husband for his semen analysis.

As for me, my period started Sunday. I went in for my estrogen check yesterday. I got a call from the nurse in the afternoon. I could tell something wasn't quite right. She said my estrogen was too high. Which shocked me. The reason my first IVF was cancelled was because me estrogen was too low. The lupron had done too good of a job last time shutting everything down. The nurse told me they would add a progesterone and pregnancy test to yesterdays blood draw. I'm not pregnant! The timing is waaaaaay off. And I've just had two very heavy days on my period. :tearhair:

I asked what it would mean when the test comes back negative for pregnancy. She said probably nothing. I must just have a high estrogen level, and thats one of the reasons I can't get pregnant naturally. *sigh* I'm trying not to worry, but every worse case senario is running through my head. Did I get a bad batch of Lupron? Am I injecting incorrectly? Am I so *old* I shouldn't even try? I just wanna cry. I keep reminding myself this is why they do the mock cycle. So they can get everything right before the real thing.

Continued prayers Vyonne!
Dawnie - I'm so sorry.
Dana - I hope everything's ok!
Sarah - Are you starting tomorrow???

Amanda

Dawnie I'm so sorry honey. :(

Dana I guess it's a really good thing they did a mock cycle first. I'm sure they can figure out how to get you in a normal range by then. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that they will be able to figure it out by next cycle.

Amanda yep tomorrow is my start of stims. I can't believe it. It just dawned on me that Sat will be my first progress check. I guess it is coming much faster than I thought. Nov seems so far away but it is next week! Today I will be doing a lot of relaxtion and put every positive vibe I have into this. My acupuncturist suggested a couple weeks back that I really try to connect to the soul of our baby. To let him/her know we are really ready for them. Heck I'll try anything at this point.:lol: so I've been doing a lot of that kind of thing too. Just telling my body it is ready to hold a baby and tell our baby we are ready for him/her. Hopefully that will help. Heck it can't hurt, right?

Oh and Amanda I just love seeing your ticker. :)

Sarah

Hello girls,

Well my doc is driving me nuts with all the date changes!!!:crazy: Yesterday on my last check up he stated that the transfer would take place this coming Thursday (27) morning... now he calls me and says: "Get ready for tomorrow noon" :yippee:. His decision was made based on the embryos looking great today and he feels they are ready for tomorrow! He decided that it will be best to transfer :pteddy: :pteddy: :pteddy: instead of the usual 2 that he did in the past!!! I am nervous, but very, very excited... I have lots of faith that this time.... it´s my time :victory:

Oh Dawnie, I am so sorry :sadhug: and understand your being upset! We go thru so much and when the results are a negative its hard to find comfort. After having so many previous disappointments myself, I can only advise you to NOT GIVE UP. Remeber that "each dawn is a new beginning". We are here for you to give you lots of TLC and help you keep on fighting...

Thank you Amanda, I need all the prayers I can get :pray: !!!

Hi Dana, yes I am feeling lots better :aok: ... I guess my visit to the doctor´s yesterday and realizing that no matter what... I was lucky to have a possibility, made me be grateful with God and leave everything on His hands.

Now regarding your comments about your estrogen being elevated... I would run a second test, just in case. Also, you may want to ask your doctor is you may get for next time the Lupron in one single shot instead of the daily dosis. Some doctors don´t like the single applicaction because they can´t control it in case having to lessen the dosage, but this time I did single shot. The most important thing is not to over worry. You mentioned maybe being too old... how old are you? Because remember that it gets to a point when our only choice is getting a donor to achieve our dream. I send you a big :hug1: and remebre that the state of mind is very important!

Sarah - Thanks! I'm crossing all crossables and saying a few prayers for your upcoming cycle. I really, really hope you get your miracle!!!
Vyonne - Sorry about the drama with the date changing but it sounds like things are going GREAT!!! Fingers crossed and prayers being said for your transfer!!!

Amanda

Amanda, thanks again for your kind support, good wishes and continued prayers!!! I am totally ready for my transfer!:yippee:

Vyonne

Dawnie~I am so sorry. It is painful and awful for any woman to find themselves with a BFN after something like this. Although you will still need to do what's in your best interest to comfort yourself, please know that we have all shared that same pain and we are all here to help get you through this. :sadhug:

Dana~For starters, you are NOT too old. And that's all I'm going to say about that!. . .(Forrest Gump) :nod: Remember, that you have concieved once and you will D*&m well do it again. But isn't it so strange how these just totally wierd things happen? Hell, I'm at the point where I can't figure a darn thing out about my body anymore. Sometimes I wonder if it's the long term effects of all the drugs I've taken throughout all my IUIs and IVFs or if it's just me and the normal effects of my reproductive system going through it's normal process of aging. :dunno: But really Dana, estrogen levels and things like that can be corrected. . .and that's a good thing. And it's great that you've done a mock cycle. To put a silver lining on it, it's good that this wasn't the real thing. Now your Dr. can tweak (I know, not the perfect word) to make you totally ready for your DE cycle?

Vyonne~What great news. :clap: I'm so happy for you. It sounds like your "chosen" one has helped you to have great embryos. Keep the faith babe. :dude:

Tomorrow evening my husband and I are scheduled for a conference call with the lawyer who will be going through all the paperwork with us regarding all the legalities of what is expected of us (it will also include us writing a check :rolleyes: ), what is expected of the donor, etc. The document is called, "The Anonymous Egg Donor Agreement" and it outlines things like what should happen if the donor withdraws at the last moment, our payments and any refunds that would occur if she withdraws, anonymity and disclosure, future contact between parties, insurance coverage, etc.

Yesterday, my husband and I also had an appointment with our IF Dr. where we signed some other forms regarding freezing, amount of embroyo transfer, what we would do with the embryos if one of us were to pass away, etc. Oy vie. So many documents to sign. So much to think about. :confused: :tongue2:

O.K. so now, I'm doing my part. . .and I sit here and I send positive, thankful, and motivational vibes to our donor who I hope in the end will be on board, eagar, and responsible in this process. :crossfing

Kimberly

Kimberly - I remember filling out all that paperwork regarding frozen embryos, too. I should have realized that there were all sorts of legal implications to using a donor! We're all hoping that she's on the ball and things start moving forward!

Amanda

Kimberly, I hope your donor gets with it...I can't imagine leaving all those things to someone else's care, how difficult!

Vyonne, thinking of you and hoping all went well! :aok:

Dana~For starters, you are NOT too old. And that's all I'm going to say about that!. . .(Forrest Gump) :nod:

I should have clairified - I know I'm not chrologically too old. Its just that my ovaries are old. Hell - they were failing when I was only 31!!!

More ups and downs for me. More mentally exhausting than anything. My period was four days late. I had my estrogen check on monday. It was high. Which was very surprising, since my first IVF cycle was cancelled because my estrogen was too low. They ran a progesterone and pregnancy test on monday. The pregnancy test was negative (duh) and progesterone was OK. The nurse said I must just have high estogen, and thats another reason why I can't get pregnant natually. I got to start my estrogen patch last night. Call me estrogen woman! I'll go in Friday for another estrogen check.

I'm worried that my periods have become so light. I'm so worried I'll have lining issues. I'm working with an acupunturist on that. Worry, worry, worry....it never stops.....

Kimberly - it sounds like you've had to do a lot more paperwork than we have (It must vary from state to state). We had to decide what to do with our 'leftovers' (since that is now federally regulated) but thats it. Gad -It hadn't even occured to me to think about what to do with possible embros if either Dave or I died.

I'm losing it. I just relized I already posted an update from Monday. I'm loony! I blame the estrogen.

We had to fill out the frozen papers with what should happen if one of us die, divorse, or if we both die. I guess there is a lot to cover there!

Dana I hope that your next draw goes much better. I totally know what you mean on how you aren't old but your body is. Mine is the same way. I hope that your lining gets better!

Vyonne, how are you doing?

Sarah

Vyonne - how are you doing?

Dana - how are things progressing?

Sarah, Carla, Goo & Julia - what is next for you guys?

As for me I am waiting for the results of the beta today - I tried to take another hpt about 3am and dropped the whole thing in the toilet!! I was so tried and really had to go. I bought one of the digital one and have one more test left - but I couldn't use it.

If this comes out neg I will take a few months off and start again next year. So far everything is still working I will probably need to have another FHS test in Jan. I had my 40th B'day last Sat. I really can't beleive it I still think of myself as being much younger. Do you guys remember when you use to hear that some was 30 and thought that they were OLD!

Thanks for the support I really apreciate it. It is comforting to know that I am not alone. I just have one question - what does RE mean?

Dawnie :happyhal:

I'm worried that my periods have become so light. I'm so worried I'll have lining issues. I'm working with an acupunturist on that. Worry, worry, worry....it never stops.....

At my last Drs appointment, that was exactely what we talked about! I told him that I was very concerned about this and was told that with the DE process. . . .the estrogen shots & patch, coming in for lining checks, etc. that if you have lining issues, they will all be *corrected* and monitored to insure the lining is nice and ready before a transfer.

Dawnie~Hang in there girl! :hug99: I do remember turning 30. I was single and millions of mental miles away from thinking about having a relationship with any guy or having children. I did run to the local drugstore and buy some sort of anti-aging face creams though. :thumbsup: I wonder, did I use RE in one of my posts. :scratch: If I did, I meant to use RN (for nurse).

Kimberly

Dawnie - Good luck on your Beta today. Looking forward to hearing from you again today:)

It was a :bfn: ! - but I already knew that - I will definately check in on everyone atleast once a week and hope to be included in the Jan/Feb/March Buddies.

I thank each and everyone of you for you insights and advise and I wish everyone great sucess.

Dawnie :thumbsup:

Oh Dawnie I'm so sorry it was negative.:( I'm sending you lots of hugs honey. by the way RE is reproductive endocrinologist. The specialists who do all our IVF's and such. I hope that when you are ready to jump in again everything will work perfectly.

I started stims last night and go in on SAt for my first progress check.

I'm so sorry to hear about your BFN. I was praying that it would be a BFP. By the way, Happy Belated Birthday. Enjoy your holidays.

Dawnie, I am so sorry! I hope you'll stick with us in the meantime - you can help keep me company until I start my cycle in Jan/Feb! :aok: I know what you mean about not feling old...I am about to turn 39 and don't feel a day older than the day I graduated high school. Wiser for sure, but certainly not any older.

Sarah, praying for lots of good things between now and Saturday!

Dana - I'm sorry for all the worry. I hope your results tomorrow are good.
Dawnie - I'm so sorry for the BFN. Happy belated birthday.
Sarah - Crossing everything for your progress check!

Amanda

Dawnie~I'm really sorry. :sadhug: Take all the time you need, but whether you're cycling or not, this is a great place for support and information.

I am about to turn 39 and don't feel a day older than the day I graduated high school. Wiser for sure, but certainly not any older.

Geez, you said it! I think if there is any reason for me to feel old, it's because in this crazy world of IF, the Drs keep wanting to use that damn word. . .OLD!! :rolleyes: Whatever. . .I still get carded. :banana:


Sarah~Wishing you the best! :thumbsup:

Vyonne~I'm hoping that things are going well for you.

We did the lawyer conference call last night. It wasn't too bad. We changed/added a couple of lines. Such as "DONOR shall update MOTHER and FATHER, through Attorney. . .., if the DONOR or anyone in her immediate family develops a medical condition that may genetically relavant to the CHILD. . . ." This lawyer also works for the donor to insure that we are in agreement with everything. Per the donors request, should we both pass away with frozen embroyos in store, they should not be given to other couples but instead used for research or disgarded. So much to think about. Imagine. . ..simply getting pregnant, having a baby, and that's that. What an elusive thing. :scratch: I was so tempted to call the clinic today to find out the status of the donor. Had she completed and turned in the corrected paperwork? Did she have an appointment? I didn't call--I didn't want to hear bad news. I'm making every attempt to have a nice evening with DH. (I've been so sad I haven't paid much attention to him). I think I will give it another week. I just finished AF so I won't even be thinking about starting the pill again for another 3 weeks or so. . .so I have time. I just continue to hope that things are moving along. :dunno:

Kimberly

Hi, all! I've mostly been lurking around the board lately, trying not to think about this too much! There sure has been a lot happening on the board. I hope we have lots of happy news soon.

Yvonne -- Welcome! I hope things go well for you!

Dawnie -- I'm so sorry for you. I've had two failed IVF's this year & it is really depressing.

Kimberly -- It does seem strange that some people just decide to have a baby & get pregnant. When you have IF, it is such a commitment to try to have a baby. Other people just commit to being pregnant & having a child. With IF, you commit to an unknown journey that may or may not even work out to produce a pregnancy.

Dana -- I know what you mean about the "old ovaries" thing. I am only 32, but my ovarian function seems to have decreased a lot from the last time we did IVF 3 years ago. My doctor thinks that either the function is decreased or we got lucky when it worked before.

Sarah -- How are stims going? We are getting ready to start stims next week, so I think that I will be about a week behind you. I think that I was a little ahead of you when we started cycles in September. Hopefully, this time will have better outcomes for both of us!

I had an HSG done last week, which was fine & a BUNCH of bloodwork, 14 tubes. By the time that she got through, my arm was going numb! If everything is o.k. with that, then I'll start my lupron probably Wednesday & stims on Friday. The funny thing is that my husband hasn't traveled since we finished our last cycle & he's supposed to be out of town most of the first week of my stims, which means trying to find someone else to give my shot. I just laughed when I realized that. Life is funny!

Kimberly I hope that things are moving well. And I hope you had a nice evening.:)

Well I'm not sure anything is really going on with me. Because of all my adheasions and endo oh and scar tissue I am always having pain, thru my whole cycle.But when I stim I am in a lot of pain. Today I have nothing. Some super super light af type cramps but no pain like I usually have. Tonight will be the third day of stims.(still early) But I'm on twice the dose and I felt more by now for the last cycle. I certainly am not saying this is a bust, way too early for that. Just simply preparing myself to hear not so good news tomorrow morning. I don't expect to feel a lot of pain but usually by now I feel a lot of discomfort and I don't have that same feeling at all. So we'll see. Just have to wait and see how the next several days goes. good news is that the gonal F doesn't seem to be giving me any hives like the follistim was. I haven't had a single hive from the two shots I've done so far. Not even redness. :) So that is good! I'll keep you guys updated when I hear something tomorrow.

Sarah

Sarah :crossfing

Carla, glad to see you posting! Hope your new cycle ends up better than the last... :nod:

Sarah, I know you had a progress check today...hope all is well!

Thanks Suzi.:)


Well my first scan went ok, a not so great ok. I have about 8 follies but it seems they aren't close in size. I knew that since I haven't been in my pain. they kept my dose high until Monday so we'll see at that scan. I'm bummed that on twice the dose as last time we are still in the same boat. We very well might get cancelled again.:( I just don't get it. This is 3x the amount I was on for my first ivf where I did well. I cried when I got home and told Brandon. I just needed to let it all out. The stress of all this and the disappointments that just keep coming. I'm not giving up yet. Maybe by Monday we'll get better news that more of them are growing closer together. Brandon wants to go ahead with this cycle if we have 4-5 good follies. He really wants our baby to be biologically ours. And of course I do too. He wants to give it a shot. So I guess if we can get 5 we will just do it and pray for the best. If we were doing regular ivf I would be ok with 5. still disappointed but ok with it. But with the PGD and the history of problems I have we really need as many as we can get. We have to push them to day 5. And the fact of my problems we know that they won't all make it that far. Not to mention we can expect a good number to not pass the genetic screening. I just hope that we get two that make it to transfer free of genetic problems. I felt much better after crying and just letting it all out. Sometimes I hold it in too much trying to ignor the feelings I have and that isn't good.

So I'll be back sometime on Monday with an update. Hopefully it will be a better one. The tech I see during the weekdays is much better at giving me info. The other techs don't offer anything and I have to pry out of them the info and even then they are very vague. But Monday I'll see Nataly and she'll fill me in.:)

Carla - That's great that you're getting ready to start again!
Sarah - I'm sorry that your scan wasn't better. Fingers crossed for better news on Monday.

Amanda

thanks Amanda it could still turn around. We've got a little time and hopefully some will take off.

So how are you feeling?

Sarah - I'm crossing my fingers that things progess for you. :crossfing

Carla - I'm happy that things are starting for you!

My estrogen check on Friday came back 'perfect'! *phew* I now have on two estrogen patches. On Wednesday, I'll put on four! Where am I going to fit all of these things? I swear every time I give myself my lupron shot, I hit a vein. My thighs are covered in bruises. I know, I should start giving them in the belly.

Sarah, hope things are looking up by Monday! :crossfing

Dana, I can't even imagine giving shots in my legs...switch to the belly, girl!! I swear it doesn't hurt - half the time I don't even feel it! :nod:

Carla~Nice to hear from you! Wow! 14 tubes of blood drawn. I know I would have fainted at that point. Life is funny isn't it? :scratch: :rolleyes: :awink:

Sarah~I was talking to a friend the other day about crying, saying that I don't cry enough. I get angry, pouty, and then I usually start having those horrible and unproductive thoughts about how I must have been cursed or done something really bad in my past. But when I do fine myself crying, it does often feel as if I've been cleansed. I was reading an article called, "Tears are for the Soul". It talked about how there is strength in tears. Anyway Sarah, I'm so sorry about the pain that you're feeling. That sure doesn't make this whole process any easier. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you in this cycle. :crossfing

Dana~:clap: Congratulations on a perfect estrogen check! What a difference a day makes huh? . . .and more drugs of course. :biggrin: Supposedly, whenever this damn cycle takes place, I'll be doing estrogen shots and patches as well. My husband usually gives me the shots in my thigh and I think it was Suzi who suggested the belly to me as well. I actually go back and forth alternating between the belly and thighs. . .to help with the bruising. But for me, I'm still a chicken shit with the shots and they seem to always sting regardless. :dunno:

I decided to call the IVF clinic on Friday afternoon to find out the status of the donor. It wasn't good news. :blue: She evidently had not yet turned in the corrected paperwork. I was glad that I made the phone call on a Friday afternoon because I promply left work after that. So then I called the donor agency. I had a long conversation with the woman at the donor agency (Christine) and ultimately felt better afterwards. In short, Christine was very understanding and seem to know exactely how I was feeling because she addressed those feelings before I even really had the chance to burst out. She let me know that it's her job to make sure each donor is up to this and told me (like she has before) that the donor was very apologetic and always been available and easy to reach, returns phone calls, etc. I guess the donor had left the paperwork at her job and that stalled her and etc. , etc. Christine told the donor point blank, that if this is not a good time for her that she should tell Christine right now so that we (the intended parents) could go on and look for another donor. Evidently she told Christine that she was absolutely sure that this is what she wants to do, she's thought about it for a long time, she is absolutely ready and from her initial reading of our profile, she really likes us and quote "would not do anything to jeapordize this cycle for us." Before I could say it, Christine pointed out that there is a bit of a decrepency with how she acts (dragging her feet so to speak) and what she says but Christine said that it is her job to feel these donors out and Christine is confident that the donor will come through for us. I guess the latest "ultimatum" is that the donor has to send the paperwork in on Monday and if she doesn't, Christine told her that their going to have to consider that she doesn't really want to do this. And so, I'm supposed to call Christine next week to check in and see if the donor has indeed sent in the completed paperwork. :pray: Geez, you know, why? why? why? Once again, I sit here and struggle with staying positive. . .but the reality is, I don't have any other choice.

Kimberly

Hi Everyone...

I'm new to this board, but have been lurking and posting on two others for about a month. I have to tell you that this one is AWESOME compared to the others. I have read every post in this category, and I am on pins and needles for many of you already.

My story is, like everyone's, unique. I get pregnant very easily, but then miscarry very early. No one could tell me why EVER. After 9 mc's and one successful pg (which everyone thought was a miscarriage - he's my miracle - now 4 yrs. old) I am now on to IVF. We have finally found out the problem - tubes! One burst after an IUI last year. The next IUI I had resulted in a tubal on the other side, but it released after my d&c last month. (I had to leave the day after that for hurricane evacuation :bolt: , so it's been quite a couple of months!) In between those IUI's, I had several failed cycles because Clomid kills my lining. This is only my 2nd cycle on injectables, and my first IVF, so I am nervous!!! :confused:

I finish my bcp tomorrow morning (which have made me extremely nauseous as bcp always do for some reason :dead: ) and start Lupron tomorrow night. I don't know AT ALL what to expect after that. Supposedly I'm supposed to have another period (I have not stopped spotting from my last one that started one week ago) on about Wednesday. Not sure about the Follistim, etc. and when that starts. Will I be taking Lupron and Follistim at the same time? That doesn't really make sense to me.

My RE wants to go for a 5 day transfer as opposed to a 3 day. I do respond well to the drugs as far as my ovaries go, but usually the right one (without the tube) goes gung-ho while the left one with the tube goes ho hum. Now I will be able to use eggs from both. My left ovary is difficult to access, though. Will this be a problem?

As you can see, I'm full of questions. I just want to know as much as I can. It makes me less nervous if I feel like I know something even if it changes, which it probably will based on what I've read here! :read:

I have a great RE and feel like they have told me a lot, but I'm a little confused on the time frame regarding lupron, stims, etc. I know that my ER will be around Nov. 18, and that ET will be around Nov. 23........

Any advice, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

Yvonne - I hope everything went well!

Cindy

Hi Everyone...

I'm new to this board, but have been lurking and posting on two others for about a month. I have to tell you that this one is AWESOME compared to the others. I have read every post in this category, and I am on pins and needles for many of you already.

My story is, like everyone's, unique. I get pregnant very easily, but then miscarry very early. No one could tell me why EVER. After 9 mc's and one successful pg (which everyone thought was a miscarriage - he's my miracle - now 4 yrs. old) I am now on to IVF. We have finally found out the problem - tubes! One burst after an IUI last year. The next IUI I had resulted in a tubal on the other side, but it released after my d&c last month. (I had to leave the day after that for hurricane evacuation :bolt: , so it's been quite a couple of months!) In between those IUI's, I had several failed cycles because Clomid kills my lining. This is only my 2nd cycle on injectables, and my first IVF, so I am nervous!!! :confused:

I finish my bcp tomorrow morning (which have made me extremely nauseous as bcp always do for some reason :dead: ) and start Lupron tomorrow night. I don't know AT ALL what to expect after that. Supposedly I'm supposed to have another period (I have not stopped spotting from my last one that started one week ago) on about Wednesday. Not sure about the Follistim, etc. and when that starts. Will I be taking Lupron and Follistim at the same time? That doesn't really make sense to me.

My RE wants to go for a 5 day transfer as opposed to a 3 day. I do respond well to the drugs as far as my ovaries go, but usually the right one (without the tube) goes gung-ho while the left one with the tube goes ho hum. Now I will be able to use eggs from both. My left ovary is difficult to access, though. Will this be a problem?

As you can see, I'm full of questions. I just want to know as much as I can. It makes me less nervous if I feel like I know something even if it changes, which it probably will based on what I've read here! :read:

I have a great RE and feel like they have told me a lot, but I'm a little confused on the time frame regarding lupron, stims, etc. I know that my ER will be around Nov. 18, and that ET will be around Nov. 23........

Any advice, thoughts, etc. would be greatly appreciated!

Yvonne - I hope everything went well!

Cindy

Hi Cindy!! :welcome: We are glad to have you here!! I'm glad you think this board is so awesome...I happen to think the same thing! :aok: We all offer each other so much support - I don't know how I would've made it through the last year and a half without these fabulous women!

As for what to expect, it sounds like you are doing a flare protocol, is that right? If so, you take your last BCP tomorrow, start Lupron and two days later, start stims. You stim for 10-12 days and then trigger and go to retrieval two days later. Blastocyst transfers are statistically more successful but on the flip side of that, it's possible to have great embryos at 3 days and have them all die before they reach 5 days...happened to me. It's definitely something to discuss with your RE.

Your left ovary will not be a problem for the RE to access during retrieval. They will give you twilight anesthesia and although you will be awake for the surgical procedure, you wil remember very little of it if any at all. Under the anesthesia, the RE can push much harder on the wand to locate the ovary than they can during a progress u/s. I have one ovary that is very difficult to locate and it's never caused a problem during retrieval (going on IVF#7 in January). Also, the needle is plenty long enough to get to the ovary...trust me! :lol:

Let the questions fly...someone around here can answer!! I'm glad to have you here and hope your stay is short and sweet!! Best of luck to you Cindy - I'm sending good prayers already!!

Cindy --

Welcome!! This is a great place to come for info & support. It sounds like we may be cycle buddies. I also take my last bcp tomorrow, with ER tentatively planned (which seems to always change) for the 16th & ET for the 19th. Anyway, best of luck to you!

-- Carla

Cindy - :wavey: Welcome!

Kimberly - Sorry to hear the news about your donor isn't great. It isn't bad - but it sounds like it could be better. You just have to trust the agency - not easy. I know!

I tried doing the lupron shot in my belly last night. I just couldn't! I did all my follistim shots in the tummy three years ago. And that stuff burns! (at least it used to. Apparently, they've fixed that) I grabbed a big roll of tummy flab, and started to stick the needle. It hurt!!! And it felt like I was going to have to use force to get it in. I stuck it in my thigh, no problem. and didn't hit a vein for a change.

The only thing I can compare it to was when I did my HCG booster shots three years ago. I mixed the ProFasi, drew it up in the needle and injected it. Without changing the needle! I couldn't figure out how why I had to force that needle in. duh!

Dana yeah for the good estrogen! And did you do your shot fast and hard? Slow hurts. But if you do it fast it doesn't hurt and like Suzi most of the time I never feel it. I do all my shots in my belly and hardly bruise from them. Course I have more belly fat then you.;)

Cindy welcome. I'm so sorry about your rough road. I too have had many m/c's(6) and we'll be pushing to day 5 also. We are also doing PGD which is a genetic testing for each embryo since they believe that is my problem. Hopefully it will work. And yes you will be on lupron and stims at the same time. The lupron is a smaller dose than what you take in the beginning. I wish you the best of luck.:)

Kimberly I'm so sorry you still haven't gotten past that part yet. But what Christine says does sound promising. And I hope telling her to have her papers in by Monday will really help you out. I hope she gets them in and the rest runs much better.

Cindy~:welcome: It's so nice to have you. You got that right. . .This is a great place for support and information. :thumbsup: I wish you all the best for this upcoming cycle.

Dana~Although the belly may have more fat, perhaps it's simply the position that makes doing the shot in the leg easier for you. :dunno: You are probably able to slam the shot into the thigh much quicker than folding forward to shoot in the belly. This is just purely an uneducated thought. :crazy:

I'm hoping that this donor has turned the paperwork in. :crossfing I'm wondering if it would be going overboard for me to call Christine at the agency and ask her if she could give the donor a call and doublecheck that she's getting it out today. Mmmm? Well this is going to be a "trying" week. Not only am I on pins and needles regarding this donor, but my co-worker is bringing in his newborn today (along with bagels) for all of us to coo at his new son. And then I have 2 "at work" baby showers to attend this week. :rolleyes: I think I'm going to be rock solid at the end of this IF journey.

Kimberly

Welcome Cindy and good luck!!!
Sarah - Any updates???
Carla - Fingers crossed!
Kimberly - I'm sorry this is such a frustrating journey for you. I hope you get good news this week! Sending hugs to help you get thru the difficult week. I think I would wait and call tomorrow to see what happened today...
Dana - HOORAY for good estrogen. Sorry about the bruising and pain. I'm another one who always did injections in the belly although I did get some bruising, too.

Nothing much happening with me. I have a follow-up u/s on the 17th. There were some cysts that shouldn't be there on my prior u/s. They should be gone by now so we're crossing our fingers!!!

Amanda

As it turns out, I didn't have to make any phone calls. The IVF clinic called me today and told me that they don't want to work with my donor. The fact that it's taken her two months to turn in paperwork, doesn't give them any confidence that she'll show up for her appointments. I called the donor agency and Christine was quite shocked that the IVF clinic went over her head to make a decision on the donor. . . .Oh my God, what a canandrum this is. O.K. I used a nice word. I'd rather say, This is so F'd up and I'm so pissed off right now. . . . . .

Kim

Oh sh*t Kim! I'm so sorry! I hope a better donor is right arround the corner, or this donor gets her act together and your clinic will work with her. :bighug: You've been through so much, you deserve a break!

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome. I start my Lupron tonight. I'm a little nervous, as always, with the first injection. Also, I've never had Lupron and have no idea what to expect.

Suzi - I didn't really know the difference between the regular protocol and the flare protocol. I guess I'm on the flare....whatever that is.....

Carla and Sarah, I'm glad that I have someone on about the same schedule as I am.

One good thing that happened today was that my RE called and recommended that I contact organon - maker of follistim - to see if they could replace the carpule that I lost when the electricity was out during the hurricane. I lost an entire carpule of follistim that was in my fridge, which will cost me an extra bundle of money. If they can replace that one, then I will have to buy one less this time around. I hope they can do that! It would be great! Forget about the hundreds of dollars in groceries I lost, that ONE little thing was devestating!

Okay...time to stop stalling and go do the Lupron shot. YIKES!!!

Cindy

Kim, I'm sorry things are going this way with your donor...SURELY the right one is out there - whether it be her or someone else. :bighug:

Cindy, the Lupron is no big deal...you MAY have headaches, I think that's the biggest s/e. Also, you are on the flare protocol or you would be on BCP and Lupron for the first 5 days (that is a standard, long stim protocol). And being that you are a poor responder, that makes sense. :nod:

Kimberly that is aweful.:( I'm so sorry honey. This is so not the stress you need right now. I hope that she will get her act together so the center will work with her. And I hope that christines feelings are right and that she will be responsible with this all. I'm sending you lots of big huge hugs.

Amanda I hope those cysts are gone. Cysts suck when you're not pg I hope you don't get too much pain from them now. Update us on the 17th, K?

Well for me so far so good. Here is what they found this time around:

Left- 17.5, 14.5, 11.5, 11, 10
Right- 13.5, 12, 9

Now as of right now that is pretty good for me. BUT last time between my Monday appointment and my Wednesday we lost almost 1/2 the follies because they stopped growing. So as long as they stay this way we might get 5 good ones. Unless we are super lucky and the two little ones start growing well. For the first time my RE actually changed my stims mid cycle. He increased my gonal F last night. I'm sure he's trying to headoff them from failure to continue to grow. Hopefully that boost will be what I need. I'm really starting to feel pain, especially at night.(from moving around during the day) So tomorrow we'll know for sure what is going on and when. Please keep us in your prayers, now is when we need them the most. So my ER should be this weekend if all goes well. :)

Sarah, that's great news!! :yippee:

Hi Cindy - you are in for an interesting ride - I did my first IVF in May/June and did not know anything! All I knew was that it took 7 weeks from start to finish - know one told me that it was 3 weeks of waiting to ovulate again and then the shots - I do prefer to take them in the belly rather than the thigh. I see everyone talking about bcp and taking aspirin during their cycles - I did not do any of those - I guess each clinic is different - I got to the Center for Human Reproduction in Manhasset, NY part of North Shore Hosp.

Kim - sorry to hear about you donor being such a flake.

Am at work and got to go now - boss wants me for something

Dawnie

Kimberly - I'm so sorry. It's just not fair!
Sarah - Glad you had some better news today. I hope things continue in this direction! The cysts are in the baby not me....
Dawnie - I grew up in Port Washington so I know North Shore Hospital well!!!

Amanda

Sarah~Looks like things are looking up! :thumbsup: But I'm sorry you're still feeling so much pain. :hug99: I'm keeping positive thoughts for you.

Today I come bearing good news and bad news. Here's the bad news first:

It is definite that I will not be using that donor. Christine from the donor agency and the nurse coordinator from the IVF clinic had a long talk. Christine called me this morning and told me what transpired. Basically, the clinic refuses to work with this donor fearing that when she really needs to be responsible, she won't come through. I guess any interactions that the clinic has had with the donor has been very different from Christine's experiences with the donor. Where Christine saw the donor as being apologetic, easy to reach, and courteous, the clinic saw her as irresponsible, unreachable, and lazy. :dunno: The nurse coordinator told Christine that she was looking out for my best interest and that if I went ahead and used this donor, it has the potential of causing even more problems for me. As it turns out, Christine had called the donor yesterday to make sure she had turned in the paperwork (this was before the nurse called to say they don't want to work with her) and as of late today, she had not responded to Christine's phone call. In the end, Christine said that she wound up agreeing with the nurse and her concerns on my behalf and plus, Christine is in no position to force a donor upon an IVF clinic who doesn't want to work with her. She when Christine called me this morning to deliver the bad news, I was prepared, but I still teared up upon hearing this was a definitive decision. I guess part of me also knew it wasn't worth a fight because this donor has caused me concern from the beginning.

Now the good news. Christine mentioned to me that there was a donor early on that I had been interested in. I said yes there was, she was perfect, but she was currently cycling with another couple. And Christine said that she hoped I didn't mind, but she went ahead and brought her name up to the nurse, asking the nurse how this other woman was doing. As it turns out, she just completed her retrieval a week ago and produced 27 eggs, 17 which fertilized. The nurse told Christine that donor was great and was wonderful to work with. And then Christine asked if I would like her to ask this donor if she'd be willing to do another cycle (pretty much back to back). I had a spark of joy at that and of course said yes! please do. I said, "Will you tell her our story? Will you tell her that we had chosen her from the beginning?" Christine said she would and told me that she would call me back as soon as she made contact with this donor.

I called DH and he said that maybe there was a silver lining to all of this. I thought of that myself, but feeling like an unlucky girl lately, I didn't want to get my hopes up too high. So, Christine just called me back and told me that the donor is willing to work with us! :yippee: As you know from your own IVF cycles, it'll be at least 6 weeks before she can really start up, but in her case, this is old hat to her. All her paperwork is done, her testing is done, and there will be no surprises for her. The one thing she requested, which is inconsequential for me at this point, is an extra $1000. I can totally understand it. She will be doing cycles back to back, she had wonderful results last time, and clearly, she's in demand!

So finally, I have some good news. :crossfing I hope this *good* stuff continues my way. :pray:

Kimberly

Sarah -- That's great! I hope "everyone" continues to grow nicely!

Kimberly -- I'm so glad to hear that you have some good news! You definitely deserve some. I hope that this new donor works out to be as good as she sounds.

GREAT news Kimberly!!!! I am so happy that things are really looking up for you!!!! FINALLY something to get exciting about!

Amanda

Amanda I hope that the baby is ok. That's pretty scary. How are you holding up?

Kimberly while I'm so sorry the other donor was a bust, I am so happy to hear that you can use your first choice. And wow, 17 embies holy cow! You can't go wrong with that. I know this is all so disappointing and really seems to go on and on forever but I really hope that she is the one for you. My gosh you could end up with a lot to freeze! That would be just awesome.

Thanks everyone. I'm not getting exicted yet. Last time 1/2 had dropped out. So we'll see tomorrow. I take the pain as a good sign. Not that it really means much since I was in a lot of pain last time and had crap going on. But still hopefully increasing it one more time will help to keep them all growing. I will be pretty happy if I can get 5. God please let us get 5 eggs that fert.

I won't be back tomorrow until much later in the afternoon since I have acu too.

Kimberly!!! Great news!! Everything happens for a reason! So 6 weeks is in Januaryish, right? We are going to be very busy here in January! I truly believe this is going to happen for you one way or another!

Cindy~Welcome~ Glad to have you!
Sarah ~ Great news about your follies!
Amanda~Sorry about the cysts.

Hi to everyone else, Suzi, Carla, Yvonne, Dana

Last night I had a dream I had twins! If only that would become a reality....hopefully soon!

Hello girls!!!

Well, I had been resting the past few days after my transfer. It all went well and I am know going through my waiting period :crazy: that can drive us all pretty crazy!

Right now, I am feeling pretty much okay. The day of the transfer I felt a bit of discomfort and some pelvic inflamation. Have had a couple of days of light headaches and on Sunday a tiny bit of cramping... that I know can be pretty normal, but still gets me paranoid!

I am praying a lot so that when my beta test comes next week, I can give you all positive news:jump:. I know that it is all in God´s hands now.
I see a lot has gone on since last week... wow!

Welcome Cindy and best of luck to you! I found great comfort and wonderful warmth here and I am so happy that you have found us too! :hug99:

Hi Suzi, any news since my last visit? Have missed not being able to communicate for a few days. Hope all is going great at your end :bighug:

Hi Kim, I am so sorry to hear that you had to go through all the bs, but I am soooooooooooooo happy to hear the wonderful news:ura1: specially when after all, she was the one you wanted from the beginning! Just know that God´s hand is in all of it and He probably was simply testing your faith. Now I am sure that you´ll have a nice and easy ride... All my prayers and good wishes are with you :bighug: !!!

Sarah, my prayers are with you and have faith that your follies will continue their growth and in no time you´ll be getting transferred! :crossfing. You´ll see how things turn up great, just be positive and know that we are all with you and I send you a big :hug1:!!!

Hi Dana, I am sorry to hear that your Lupron shot on the belly wasn´t a nice experience... perhaps you were a bit tense. I liked doing mine on the belly better and after so many attempts could do it with my eyes closed :lol: . However, if you are comfortable doing them on your thigh, that´s good too. Best of luck to you on your treatment :hug1:

Hi Amanda, I sure hope that your cysts will dissapear in no time :pray: my prayers are with you! I know those creatures can makes our cycles spin around, but stay positive and you´ll see good results very soon :bighug:

Lots of hugs and hope things are going well for you all:grouphugg.
As always, your prayers are my greatest treasure and thank you ahead of time for doing them!!!

Hope I have not missed any other new things going on since my transfer. If I have, please send me a brief note to catch up so that I can give you all my support :)

Vyonne

Vyonne, lots of :pray: coming your way! I hope to hear wonderful news from you soon! :nod:

Kimberly.....WOW!!!!! :wow: I am SO excited for you - that is incredible news!! I remember how bummed you were that the first gal didn't work out initially...but in choosing the one you've now dropped, she jerked you around just long enough to get you working with the original gal that you wanted!! (did that make any sense?? :confused: ) Anyway.... :yippee:

Sarah, :crossfing for you!

I have GOT to get DH's SA scheduled... :rolleyes:

Sarah - I wish you could feel more optimistic about things. I'm sending growing follicle thoughts for you!!!
Angela - Twins would be awesome!
Vyonne - I love your positive attitude! Sending prayers for you!
Suzi - I hope his s/a is good!!!

I think I made things sound worse than they are! Jessica has choroid plexus cysts. The choroid plexus is the part of the brain that makes the cerebral spinal fluid (the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord). In about 2% of pregnancies they see cysts in the choroid plexus. It can be associated with bad things (something called trisomy 18 which is not compatible with life) but we had an amnio to make sure it wasn't that. Usually when the cysts are a marker of something bad, there are other things abnormal on the u/s. The only concerning thing was that Jessica had LOTS of cysts and they were on both sides of the brain. A bit of research has told me that these cysts almost always disappear by the 3rd trimester and these kids end up being normal. They don't even usually repeat the u/s but since there were so many cysts they want to.
Anyway, thanks for thinking of me!

Amanda

Hi Amanda! Thank you for your prayers... I need all the prayers I can get :nod:

Hi Suzi! You´ll see how DH turns out being a Stallion!!! :supergrin Sending positive vibes your way! Thank you for your prayers and positive wishes.

Patiently seeing the days go by until my Beta date on Wednesday the 9th :crossfing

Vyonne

Kimberly.....WOW!!!!! :wow: I am SO excited for you - that is incredible news!! I remember how bummed you were that the first gal didn't work out initially...but in choosing the one you've now dropped, she jerked you around just long enough to get you working with the original gal that you wanted!! (did that make any sense?? :confused: ) Anyway.... :yippee:


Of course it makes sense. As it so ironically happened, I wound up waiting for donor #2 just as long as I would've had I initially stuck with donor #1 and in the end, donor #2 didn't work out! :screwy: Sure, I might be able to laugh about it soon, but for now, it's liable to put me the loony bin. :crazy:

Sarah~:pray: At least 5 eggs for Sarah :pray:

Ang~I hope your dream comes true! :bighug:

Vyonne~ :crossfing Nov. 9 is just around the corner!

Thanks for your prayers they seemed to work for at least part of the problem. :) So I found out that my E2 was only 250 on Monday.(I forgot to ask on monday so I asked today) Not good at all. Here is my run down today:

Lining 8.8 really good!:)

E2 only 441, not good:(

Follies (here is where the news gets better :))

left- 14 and 14.5 (lost one follie)

right- 20, 15.5, 14.5, 12.5, 12 (we'll lose the 20)

So that is good news. We don't have too too many but they are in the same range which is awesome. As long as they continue this way we are good.(last time they didn't so we have to take it day by day) I am happy with the follies being closer together for sure. But I'm worried about my estrogen. My RE will cancel our cycle if it doesn't get over 1000 by Friday. So we'll see how it goes. Nothing I can really do but wait. I go in again on Friday morning and we'll see how it goes. Hopefully it will kick in real soon now and my E2 will be nice and high.

Amanda I really hope Jessica will be like all the other babies and be just fine. She is in my prayers.

Vyonne, I'm sending you a ton of SBV's for sure!!! I really hope your little ones hold on!

Sarah

Hi Everyone,
I started my Lupron on Monday evening. I was supposedly supposed to see af by today, but no such luck. I have my appt. tomorrow for the test where they "map" everything out. Sounds interesting..... If I do not have af by then, we have to do some different blood work and US testing. I don't even know enough to know if this is bad or not!!!

As far as these numbers go that you all talk about so knowingly....no one ever tells me anything other than "looks good" or nothing at all. Should I be asking for the info. or would they tell me if something was "off." My stims were adjusted as needed during my IUI cycles, so I guess that they are analyzing them closely. I just don't know if I can keep up with all the numbers.....

About how long do you all take the Lupron before starting on stims? I just would like more of a timeline now that I'm on the Lupron and that is the last info. they have given me.

I have not had any headaches so far from the Lupron, but I am very tired. I don't know if that is a side effect or not.

Babydust to all. I would send individual messages, but my focus is not good today..... Lupron???
Cindy

Cindy, others do not have the same experience I do but when I am on lupron, AF takes longer to arrive - like 4 days longer - without fail.

As for not knowing numbers, etc...it's all about what information you want to know. I think the more cycles you have done, the more you know, the more you WANT to know... :lol:

In a typical cycle, Lupron starts 5 days before the last bcp. then you have 5 more days of lupron shots, they do a down-reg u/s to make sure your ovaries don't have any cysts, and then you start stims the following day. I still think you are on a flare protocol (or some iteration) and you will start stims as soon as AF arrives (if not before). Once you start stims you are just about two weeks away from retrieval.

Just to let you all know that my doctor called me this afternoon and changed my beta date for this coming Monday the 9th!!! I don´t know why, but the changed made me so nervous thinking if I thought before the 11th was around the corner... now this new date is even closer! Hoping for teh best :pray:

Hi Cindy,
My experience everytime has been pretty much like Suzi´s, with a 3 to 4 days delay on AF. You´ll start your stims the day after your AF and then you should be on it for about 9-10 days. Then, comes your med to stop the follies on the right size and 36-38 hours later comes your long waited retrieval!

My suggestion/advise is that you ask your doc all the questions that pop to your mind. The treatments that we all undergo are far to important and costly (to say the least), so we have the right to be well informed. Sometimes doctor´s simply write on the charts and don´t share but the essential info... :scratch: make sure you always know that it is your right to know every step of the way how and where you stand :nod:

Good luck and be patient trying to keep a positive mind... it helps :awink:

Oh Sarah, I am so glad to know things are starting to work out for you! :thumbsup: Know that prayers are the best remedy to tough situations... faith moves mountains!

Thank you for your good wishes!!! Could you tell me what is SBV´s??? I did not find it in Suzi´s last abbvs list. However, I am sure it is filled with positive energy and comes from the heart whatever it is :clap:

I pray your quote: I really hope your little ones hold on! Goes from your mouth to God´s ears :nod:

Amanda, I am so sorry I had misunderstood your message about the cysts... I thought you were talking about ovarian cysts! I guess after being away from the forum for all these days and trying to catch up with all the new messages, got me mixed up. Now going back thru them again, I realized that it is your baby the one that has them. Please know that Jessica is in my prayers :pray:, How far along are you?
I send you a :bighug: from the bottom of my :heart:

Thank you for your good wishes!!! Could you tell me what is SBV´s??? I did not find it in Suzi´s last abbvs list. However, I am sure it is filled with positive energy and comes from the heart whatever it is :clap:


STICKY BABY VIBES!!! :lol: I wish you LOTS of them, too!!! :nod:

Sarah - I'm sending nothing but the best thoughts to you!!!!
Cindy - Good luck! I never did a lupron protocol but I know that Suzi's an expert and Vyonne has just been thru it so listen to them. I'm another one who likes to know ALL of the numbers and measurements and details. Some people prefer to let the doctor worry about these things but I always ask for specifics!
Vyonne - Sending sticky, sticky vibes!!! I hope your test on Monday is a BIG ++++!
Thanks for all the prayers for Jessica. In 2 weeks we get the follow-up u/s. I'm pretty confident that everything will be ok but it'll be nice to know for sure! (I'm 26 weeks today!)

Amanda

Hi Everyone,
I started my Lupron on Monday evening. I was supposedly supposed to see af by today, but no such luck.
Same thing happened to me just last week. No cause for concern!


As far as these numbers go that you all talk about so knowingly....no one ever tells me anything other than "looks good" or nothing at all. Should I be asking for the info. or would they tell me if something was "off."
This is how my clinic is as well. Its not neccesarily a bad thing. When I had my IVF I asked how many follies I was developing. They said 'enough'. Or asked how my lining was 'It looks good'. They don't want their patients obsessing over numbers. For me, it was good. My follie count was not very high. If I knew the number, I would have worried about it.

I would send individual messages, but my focus is not good today..... Lupron???
Cindy
This is me too!

Estrogen check was yesterday. Everything was A-OK. I have to put on four estrogen patches this morning. The 'boobie fairy' visited me last night! I woke up this morning, and was like 'who's are these!!!!' I have my lining check Monday and my first PIO on tuesday am!

Hi Ladies, I'm still here just peeking in from time to time. I don't actually start ivf until January (bcp in December). Vyonne - that's great that your beta has been moved, but I'm a little confused. Monday is 11/7 and Wednesday is 11/9. Is your beta on Monday or Wednesday? Either way, it's right around the corner. Sending lots of baby dust and prayers your way. I would send those cute little dancing, praying smily faces but don't know how.

Vyonne - that's great that your beta has been moved, but I'm a little confused. Monday is 11/7 and Wednesday is 11/9. Is your beta on Monday or Wednesday?

Kim, I was so excited and nervous with the new date for my Beta that I wrote Monday the 9th, when Monday is actually the 7th :silly: . So, yes my beta date is Monday the 7th!!! and thank you so much for the baby dust, prayers:angelfly: and the good intentions for those cute little dancing, praying smily faces that must be real cute too...

On another token, what a great way (IVF) to start your New Year! You´ll see how everything turns out wonderful :ylflower: . We´ll all be waiting to hear the start date!

Suzi, thank you for always coming to my rescue with the abbvs :awink:, I would have never guess that one! Thanks for the SBV´s, that is so cute and very sweet... need tons of it!!!

Amanda, Thanks so much for the "sticky, sticky vibes" and your good wishes. I am so nervous, excited and anxious... pretty much feel like a Long Island Iced Tea with so many mixes in me :lol:. May the Lord grant my biggest wish on Monday!
Stay confident and you´ll see how with all our :pray: Jessica will turn out just fine in two weeks.

Dana, lots of luck to you :thumbsup: for your Monday and Tuesday checks. My :pray: are with you!

Vyonne

Sarah~I have my fingers crossed for you for Friday. :crossfing

LouisianaMom~I've often felt like I don't get the same information that I hear others quoting so I guess every place is different. :dunno: For example, they always tell me the size and amount of follies as long as they're over 7mm. But I never hear about my lining, E2 levels, progestrone, etc. When I've inquired, I've been told that they would tell me if something was wrong.

Vyonne~SBV to you for Monday! :awink:

Dana~You're preparing me for all I have to look forward to while I'm on the estrogen. :rolleyes: WHICH I HOPE IS SOON!!!!!!!

Okiejpb~I'm probably not starting anything until mid-December, early January so we may be cycling around similiar times.

I got word today that Donor#1 has read our profile and has definitively confirmed herself committed to us for the cycle. :yippee: Her medical records are in the process of being transferred and as soon as the clinic receives it, we can start talking timelines. :biggrin: I'm much further ahead now than I ever was with donor#2. :screwy: But hey, I'm COOL with that!

Kimberly

Thank you Kim!!! I need lost and lots of them for Monday! :crossfing

I am so happy to hear that things are moving right along with Donor #1, specially when she is the one you had wanted to begin with :yippee:. Strange are the ways things work out sometimes... but at the end, everything happens for a reason :nod:

Reading about all the different comments about visits to fertility clinics, I gather that things are much more strict out there in that aspect :scratch:. I don´t know if could have taken easily hearing my doc answer my inquiries with a:
"you only need to know if something is wrong". As I mentioned before, I only started IVF treatments once I moved out here (4 yeras ago), so I was never able to compare them with treatments in the States. However, I must tell you that things out here are a bit more casual and definitely a lot cheaper! I guess that knowing my donor story, you can gather that I don´t sit still... :lol:

Vyonne

Dana - I'm so glad that someone has been where I am. It makes me feel a little more normal.....which is hard to come by during this process!!! :)

Kimberly - I'm so excited that things have turned around for you. It sounds like you have been through a lot. It gives me a little perspective today - when I really need it!!!

Dana - Thanks for mentioning those little patches (estrogen). I was wondering where those came in, but now I realize it is after the transfer, so I'll quit wondering about them for awhile.

I saw my RE today. Still no AF. Good news - the mock transfer went well....no problems. Bad news? DH has a bad morphology....of 3....yes THREE. This is a surprise to all because we do have one ds, and have gotten pg. on both iui's even though they were tubal. Our lab guy decided to do a split - half ICSI, half not if I have a good number of eggs. If I have fewer eggs, then it will be all ICSI and we will have to pay for it.

Insurance company has changed their story on the meds yet again. I'm paying more than ever. It turns out that, even though we have paid through the nose for insurance that covers some fertility (and I do mean SOME) and meds, it is not worth the money. If I take the "cash" prices for things, it ends up being about the same. ARGH!!!! Because of the delay, my local pharmacy had not ordered the repronex for me (they had the wrong thing written down anyway) and so I had to call one of the overnight places just in case I get to start stims tomorrow. That is still up in the air thanks to AF.

What strength of follistim does everyone take? Mine for IUI was much lower. I think my ovaries will explode with how much they want me to take this time......
Cindy

Dana - Thanks for mentioning those little patches (estrogen). I was wondering where those came in, but now I realize it is after the transfer, so I'll quit wondering about them for awhile.
I'm actually doing a donor egg cycle, so I'm on the patches now. My embryo transfer won't be until December. Some clinics will use them post transfer. I didn't with my son (three years ago)

What strength of follistim does everyone take? Mine for IUI was much lower. I think my ovaries will explode with how much they want me to take this time......
Cindy
When I did my cycle three years ago, I was on eight vials of Follistim a day (four in the morning, four in the evening). My ovaries have gone downhill since then, that's why we're doing donor egg this time around.

What strength of follistim does everyone take? Mine for IUI was much lower. I think my ovaries will explode with how much they want me to take this time......
Cindy

I do 6 vials (450IUs) FSH a day. There is not much research to support any outcome difference between 6 vs 8 vials of FSH/day so my center's maximum dosage is 6. On top of that I take 3 Luveris per day (225IUs of pure LH). On all of that I can get MAYBE 4-5 follicles (I have gotten less) - I am what you call a poor responder.

I'm similar to Suzi, I have 450 of gonal F and 150 of menopur. And this time I have about 5 good follies. For my first ivf I was on only 150 units of gonal F.(I have PCOS) and I produced 12 great follies. So my body like Dana's has gone down.

Kimberly that is great that you are already moving along so well. I know this was all very diappointing but I am happy that you are able to get her. :)

So I go in at 10:30 for my u/s. I'll know around 4 what my E2 is and if I can go to ret. It's like waiting on pins and needles. I'm trying my hardest to just relax and not think about it. Afterall stress never helped anything. I'll be back tonight with answers for you all.

Sarah

Afterall stress never helped anything.
Sarah

Sarah~You got that right! But then why o' why is it even available to us!! I mean, who the heck decided that on us human beings????? :tearhair: :awink: I'm wishing you well today. .:crossfing

LouisianaMom~The amount of follistim I had to take during my course of IUIs and IVFs grew and I became older. My body was simply responding less and less to the same amount of drugs. :dunno: And every woman is different. By the time I was done doing IVFs with my own eggs, I was at the maximum. . .similiar to what Dana was taking.

Vyonne~Is it too private for me to ask how much it costs in Peru for a DE cycle? I think it would be interesting for us to know. . . Also, are fertility treatments covered at all there?

Kimberly

Kimberly - I am SO happy that donor #1 is going to work out!!!! Finally!!!! As frustrating as the wait has been, it seems that this was meant to be.
Vyonne - More sticky thoughts and prayers!
Cindy - I never took more than 2 vials a day of meds. With my IVF cycle I had a very rapid response and made lots and lots of little follicles. The problem was that I'd make more little follicles rather than having any follicles get big. We did get 10 mature eggs at retrieval (they retrieved a total of 16 eggs). For my most recent IUI I was on 2 vials a day and only made 2 follicles. Go figure!
Sarah - I'm hoping and praying for GOOD NEWS for you today!!!

Amanda

Vyonne, I am keeping my :crossfing for you!!

Dana, I am happy :nod: to hear everything is progressing well for you.

Sarah, Good luck with your ER - I am send out a :pray: for you.

Kim, That is great news!!

Cindy, Since I just finished a cycle - I beleive I did the lupron for 10 to 12 days before I started the other meds and I was on 5 vials of gonal-f and 2 of repronex and I only got 4 follicles this time last time I was on 4 of gonal-f and 2 of repronex an got 6 follicles.

:rahrah:

Dawn

Dawn, Thank you so much for your good wishes! :hug1:

Amanda, It is so great to get all your good wishes and prayers... thank you!!!:hug1:

Cindy, I think that we all have experienced with the passing of time that our follies only decrease :confused: , no matter how strong the medicine might get... it is part of "mother nature" :tearhair: . However, I would recommend not to stress and stay positive.

Kim, don´t be silly, it is not too private. We are all in the same boat and we are here to help each other out :awink:. The cost for DE with all fees included (Donor´s fees, all meds and clinic uses for retrieval & transfer) at the best clinic out here ranges between $6,500 to $7,000. Another good things is that there are a lot of doctors that speak English, making it easier for foreign patients. I am not sure if Fertility treatments are covered here :scratch:, as I always did all my in a cash basis, but if you are interested, I would gladly do a little research for you. Just let me know...

Vyonne

Kimberly, there are many foreign places that are international "hot spots" for IVF. They are very inexpensive (about $5000 for cycle AND airfare/hotel) and it is becoming the fad thing to do. I've thought about it but we've invested all this time/energy in my center that we're just going to stick with them.

Ouch ouch ouch.....
I thought that since I'm not prone to headaches that the Lupron would not give them to me. WRONG! I have had a headache all day today. It just won't go away. I took baby aspirin, and it did not help! Also, I'm tired and just feel plain grouchy and icky.....

I start stims tomorrow.
Cindy

Cindy, I NEVER get headaches but I have them the entire time I am on Lupron. Worst part (for me) is waking up with a headache!! I hate that!! I even try to talk myself into my head feeling better when I cut back the Lupron dose to 5 units (from 10)...never works. :complain: :lol: You can take Tylenol for them though...that's fine during an IVF cycle. Hope your head feels better soon!!

I feel your pain, Sista!!

Kimberly, there are many foreign places that are international "hot spots" for IVF. They are very inexpensive (about $5000 for cycle AND airfare/hotel) and it is becoming the fad thing to do. I've thought about it but we've invested all this time/energy in my center that we're just going to stick with them.

Well, actually you can get them even for less than the $6,500 to $7,000 if we are looking for bargains. Out here you can even get them for as low as $3,800... but I made it clear that the first amounts (more expensive) are for the most prestigious fertility clinic out here. If I had to recommend someone to come out here, I would not hesitate a NY second to send them to my clinic. Anyone that comes, can feel completely safe and know there are true experienced specialists and the clinic looks and feels like an American one.

Also throughout all my travelling experiences in South American countries, many times hospitals/clinics don´t offer the "pampering/luxuries" that we may be used to in America, due to the lower economy you see in places out here. I had been to buildings that simply walking into the lobby, would be enough for me to say... "Gotta get outta here fast" :bolt:
Therefore, I would recommend before going abroad for theses treatments, to have someone (you trust) do a a full inquiry on the clinic looks, equipment, fertility years of experience, doctors, qualified personnel, etc, etc :dunno: . Just to be on the safe side :jawdrop: and don´t get dissapointments!
Vyonne

Oh the centers I've read about are quite reputable! Mostly found in India/Pakistan/UAE, etc. In most places, their success rates rival those found in the US! They are specifically catering to US patients rather than locals so they are QUITE familiar with Americans' expectations. These centers even employ travel agents to book all the flights/hotels! They have "spa-care" afterwards for several days...quite the POSH set-up!! :lol: And to think...it's ALL tax-deductible!! :eek:

Hi Suzi, Thank you for letting us know the good references you already had on those oher clinics. I hope I did not offend you with my comments... as that was not my intention at all :hug1: When I read your previous comment about it, I did not realize you had so much info on it... :blush: sorry! I was merely concerned because of what I have heard of and seen myself... which in some cases was scary!
In this case, I could not boast my opinion, because I have personally never heard of any centers in the countries you are mentioning :scratch:. I can only speak based on my own experienced, which has been nothing but the best out here. I guess it is always great to have different alternatives in the event anyone decides to try these treatments abroad to save some $$$$, specially now that I know the American outrageous prices :eek: . Another thing to keep in mind would be to see in which country the person to undergo treatment would feel more at ease :nod:

Vyonne

Oh Vyonne, I am not offended at ALL!! :lol: I didn't thikn many people had info about IVFs abroad so I just decided to give a little blurb about them. We considered it a while back and I researched it but it just wasn't feasible for us - mostly because of my daughter!

I didn't say earlier but I sure am thinking of you, hoping you get the best news on Monday! Are you going to use an HPT or will you wait for your beta?

Spa afterwards, genius!! we should all get that! And all that and you get to visit another country, not to shabby.;)

Well ladies, it's really going to happen. We are going to ret on Sunday!! I will have 5 follies to use. My sizes were 27(we'll lose it), 2 19's, 2 18's and 17. Pretty darn close in size. Can't ask for better than that size wise. My E2 was 895 so it went up quite a bit. Still not as high as they wanted to see it but it will due. I just took my trigger shot(in my leg since B wasn't here to give it to me in my hip) So we are good to go. Tomorrow I start my antibiotics and Sunday is D day. We have to be down town by 8.(we'll have to leave at 6-6:30 at the very latest) My mom is coming up tomorrow to help with Riley and to watch him while we're gone.

Brandon is in IN and he'll be back late Saturday. Wow I'm just so taken back right now. I guess I just never thought we'd actually get here. That was one major step we took. Our battle isn't over yet but that certainly helped to get this far. Monday they'll call with the fert report. Then sometime Thursday I should get the call from the head of the PGD center. He'll let us know what they found and how many embies are clear to go. Friday will be our transfer. I just really can't believe that we really are going to go to ret. Wow I guess deep down I was prepared to be told no. It's such a nice surprise when things actually work.:) Expect the worst and you can only be pleasantly surprised!

Please keep your fingers crossed for us!

Sarah

Sarah -- So exciting! I'm glad that everything is moving along. I agree about expecting the worst, it's much nicer to be pleasantly surprised than to be disappointed.

Cindy -- I am also a poor responder. I usually take 6-8 vials of stim drugs, 300 of follistim & 300 of repronex & only get 2-4 eggs. When do you go in for your next US?

Well, things are moving along for us. I FINALLY got AF yesterday & will start stims tomorrow. My baseline US was beautiful, NO cysts, so we are off to a nice start. Of course, timing isn't ideal. My husband was going on a business trip out of the country during the days that our retrival will be (he's not going now) & if my stims last one day more than last time, it will kind of screw up Thanksgiving. It's just a reminder to me that I'm clearly not in control!

Suzi, you are so sweet!
Thank you for your words... now I feel a lot better :awink:
Also, thank you for your continued good wishes for my Monday test. By the way, I will wait for my Beta results, this time I will not do an HPT, so by the afternoon I will be posting the OFFICIAL RESULTS :crossfing

Sarah, So happy to hear that all of our prayers did the work :yippee:. See? I told you to have faith and that things would turn out good! My prayers will be with you on Sunday :pray: so that all your follies do great!
Your attitude about expecting the worst to be pleasantly suprised, makes sense... but in my case, I need to be really up beat or else I get depressed, which does not help at all. We all need to do what works best for us, right??? In any event, know that we are all with you and I send you a big, big, big :bighug:

All your prayers for my Monday Test are greatly appreciated :heart:

Vyonne

So much exciting stuff happening here!!!
Sarah - I am SO HAPPY that you are having a retrieval tomorrow!!!! I'm crossing everything and saying some extra prayers for some good results.
Vyonne - Still crossing fingers and toes and praying for that +++++ on Monday!
Cindy and Carla - Good luck with stims! I hope those follicles grow and grow!

Amanda

Regarding out of the U.S. Infertility treatments, how interesting! I had no idea. That's good to know though.

Sarah~I'd just like to say. . .:banana: :rahrah: :crossfing

Vyonne~:pray:

Kimberly

Amanda, most thankful for your continued :crossfing and :pray:s. Please know that I too send a lot of prayers to the good Lord on Jessica´s behalf!

Kim, thanks a lot for your :pray:s. To think that I am less than 48 hours from D day seems unreal. Specially, cause like you... I also went thru a lot :tearhair: to finally get the right donor!

Vyonne

Yvonne - I'm sending major babydust and prayers your way!

Carla - I go in on Tuesday for an US. I guess I'm not taking as much stims as others since I'm on 225 of Follistim and 150 of Repronex. After the US and bloodwork, they will either increase or decrease. I think I usually respond well, but I'm not sure if it is well enough for IVF. I know they want more than with IUI.

Sara- I have my fingers crossed for you and will say a prayer for a great ER.

I started stims last night. I have never had repronex, and I found that it really stings me. I had to use 1 ml. of dilutent to 2 vials of repronex, so maybe it is just really concentrated and that is why it stings. I'm also on 225 of Follistim, which I thought was a lot, but it sounds like other people take a lot more than that. It only stung because I had it cold. We were at a family gathering (and none of them know that we are doing the fertility thing again) so I had to keep it wrapped in a cool wrap and go into the bathroom for my injections, so I didn't have time to allow it to warm. OUCH!

I am beginning my faithful consumption of Gatorade today to avoid hyperstimming. My RE suggested this, but I've heard others say that Gatorade is NOT good. I'm not sure what to think on that one....

Cindy

Sara, Good Luck with the ER tomorrow. Sending you beautiful follie vibes your way!

Vyonne, Fingers crossed! You are a strong woman for not doing a HPT.

I have a question about Repronex,

My RE said last year after we got the BFN that we would add repronex to the mix to my next cycle. What exactly is the benefit of it. Maybe better egg quality?? My problem last time was they got 21 eggs but only 7 were mature and only 2 made it to transfer.

Sarah, thinking of you this morning - hope all is well! Can't wait to hear from you!

Angela, Repronex is a combination product...it is FSH AND LH. The LH is what causes existing eggs to mature. You might ask your RE about using Luveris instead of Repronex - Luveris is an LH only product and studies are showing it to be more effective than Repronex (faster cycle, better maturity). Luveris is a PURE product (Repronex is notorious for impurities) with far fewer reactions. Just a thought!

Vyonne, :pray: :crossfing

Suzi

Thanks for the info. I will definitely asl him about Luveris instead of the repronex.

Cindy, Thank you so much for the baby dust and the :pray:s!!!
Great to hear that you have started stims... you are getting closer to the big day! Best of luck to you so that you get tons of follies :awink:

Ang, Thanks for keeping those fingers crossed for me!!! I just feel with the Beta it is a 100% safer result :nod: so I rather not waste time with the HPT.

Suzi, Thanks a bunch... I need all the :crossfing :pray:s I can get!!!

Suzi, Thanks a bunch... I need all the :crossfing :pray:s I can get!!!
Please know, you got some from me as well. :bighug:

I was the same way with the HPT. I didn't take one until the dr. confirmed I was pregnant.

Thank you all for your good wishes. Everything went well. We got a total of 7 eggs.(though I'm pretty sure 2 of them won't work) So basically 5 eggs from those 5 close follies. I'll find out my fert report sometime today. I'm pretty darn sore but doing well. Brandon has today and tomorrow off so he is doing everything for me. I guess while I was starting to come out of it I asked the nurse a ton of questions. Like how many follies, how many eggs, etc. She started to laugh a bit and Brandon said he told me to go back to sleep. Then I guess I asked her if I should just sleep or take deep breaths. She just laughed and said I was smart.(If you take deep breaths you come out of it much faster, it clears your system of the drugs and helps you come to) Guess I've had too many surgeries.:lol: I don't remember any of that at all. I don't remember how I got back into my bed or any of that. Good stuff.;) I felt really good most of the early evening but later I was in a ton of pain. So today I'm just laying low. I can't wait to hear how many embies we have. The bad thing is that they won't tell me the quality. In fact I will actually have to call them on Wednesday to even check to see how many embies we have by then to see how many will be biopsied. That really annoys me. I like info. Then on Thursday Dr. Kearns will call me to let me know what he found.

Oh and I was told that if I want to know the sex of the embies they put back I'll have to make a special request to my doctor who will have to call the PGD lab to find out. Apparently my clinic isn't even told the sex of each embie. I guess to prevent someone from picking the sex. Pretty nutty if you ask me. But I will get to request that info once they do the transfer so you know I'll be on the phone for that!:lol: I'm so impatient.

Vyonne good luck today sweetie!!! I hope you get a really wonderful surprise!!!

Good luck Cindy and Carla I hope you both stim great!!!

Vyonne - Just wanted to pass on even more baby dust. You're in my prayers. I've been so excited this whole weekend just waiting for the news. Come on ++++++++ :)

Vyonne, I am thinking of you..PRAYING for good news!!! :crossfing

Vyonne - Sending more prayers for good news!!!

I used menopur on my last cycle which is LH/FSH but much more pure than repronex. I had NO reactions at all! It's a pretty new medication and wasn't that easy to find but it was definitely better than repronex!

Amanda

Rats...I was hoping there was word from Vyonne! :lol: Amanda, I have to agree...Repronex is AWFUL!! I was SO glad that the FDA FINALLY approved Luveris!! :nod:

I was on menopur too Amanda!

Vyonne I'm waiting on pins and needles for you. I hope you get good news. Not sure what time it is by you.

Well we got really good news!!! Hurdle #2 is done.:)

We have 5 embies right now. They won't tell me the grade or anything I just know that 5 of them fertalized. Which is the best we were hoping for. We knew one was too big and one too small. So all 5 that were in good size so far are doing well.

Wednesday is when they'll do the PGD. They'll take one cell from each embie and send them to the PGD lab on the east coast. I will be giving them a call on Wednesday to see how many embies we still have at that point.(if there are less than 3 we will skip PGD) But at least I'll know how many made it to day 3. Then on Thursday Dr. Kearns will call me and let me know what they found and how many are healthy. I think I'll ask him if there are only 2 that are good, what sex they are. Then Friday morning I'll go in for transfer. Friday is a long way off but so far our little peanuts are doing good. Hopefully they will make it to Friday. So for now I feel very good. I just keep praying those little ones will hold on and stay strong.

Sarah, SO excited!!!

Suzi - that's exciting news. Sending SBV's.

Can someone send me a quick list of how to make those cute little symbols? I only know how to make the :)

Sarah - that is wonderful news! :clap:

Sorry, I meant to type in Sarah. That's exciting news.

OY!!! Nothing from Vyonne? I have been anxious all day!

GREAT news Sarah!
I was hoping for news from Vyonne, too.

Amanda

I sure hope the reason we haven't heard from Vyonne yet is because she's so overjoyed and hasn't had a chance to get on-line yet....I've been anxious all day and keep checking to see if she's posted yet. I'll check back again in a little bit.

We were at a family gathering (and none of them know that we are doing the fertility thing again) so I had to keep it wrapped in a cool wrap and go into the bathroom for my injections, so I didn't have time to allow it to warm. OUCH!

The bathrooms, the car, the office. . .who knew we would be trying to make babies in these places???! :awink: Sorry about the sting. Yuck. I don't think Repronex affected me like that. :scratch:

Sarah~It sounds like things went great! Awesome. :yippee: I'm sorry about the pain you're having and it's so nice that your hubby is taking good care of you. I have my fingers crossed for your next step. :crossfing

Vyonne~I'm hoping, wishing, and praying that everything went well. :pray:

Suzi~I'd still like to hire you to be my spokeswoman whenever I go in to see the Dr. I can pay you with hugs and kisses. Will you take me up on my offer?

I sort of made a decision with my husband last night. We were hanging out and having a good time and I confessed to him that I didn't want to deal with this DE transfer until after the Holidays. The fact is, I don't have a timeline at this point because the clinic has not yet called me. I do know that since my donor has just recently finished a cycle, there will be a certain amount of waiting time. My husband manages a wine business and from Halloween to New Years is thier busiest season. He can not and does not take any time off during that time. I realized that with his hectic schedule and just simply the business of the season with my own family stuff (I'm the one with the house, I'm the one who hosts these Holidays for my family), that we must wait until after the Holidays are over. A transfer around Christmas is fine, but if I'm in a situation where I find out the results of a transfer were a BFN, that would just cause so many problems. . .ones that I don't want to have to deal with, especially since I don't divulge the details of all of this to my family members. Wanting to lay in bed and cry during and around Christmas with family and other visitors around won't do anyone any good.

Kimberly

Ok where is Vyonne??? Hope she has wonderful news. We need a BFP in here soon!

sorry - Just me....
I had my lining check and estrogen check today. I was told everything was 'perfect' and to keep up the good work. Quite a relief since I've been so worried about my lining.

Tomorrow is the first PIO injection. So not looking forward to that one. Expecially since it has to be done between 5am and 7 am and DH is so not a morning person!

Well girls, I am sorry to have made you all wait so long. Unfortunately, my results were a negative. I got the news in my doc´s office and it took me a good couple of hours to compose myself from the terrible news. Neither him, nor I were expecting a :bfn:. I also was not able to take the test until the afternoon, which delayed everything until the early evening.

I know I did everything there was to be done and if God did not send it my way... I simply don´t understand at this time, why. I am devastated, but mostly because I knew this was my last chance. In the past almost 2 years, we have spent over $40,000!!! I am grateful that I was living out here, so that we were able to give it so many tries due to the lower cost. But no matter how low the cost... it finally added up to the point we had to draw the final line before going for this one. If I had the money, I would give it another try in a NY second!... that´s what really sucks. As a woman, I think with my heart... on the other hand DH thinks with his head and has said, enough is enough! This result has hurt me like no other...

Before going for my test, I entered the forum quickly and left for the clinic with a big smile. It felt great to see all the sweet, sweet messages you all had left (and had been leaving). I am wordless to express my thankfulness for taking me under your wing when I needed the most. Now I feel so lost and can´t stop crying in disbelief! I was so sure it would work out and it hurts so much to know that this was it!!! I don´t want to accept it, but I have no choice... My doctor even said that for one extra last chance he would get me a 50% discount, he´d talk to the directors of the clinic and show them I had done 3 in office inseminations and 6 IVF´s, and that he was sure he´d get them to accept. That got me crying even more, because I knew that even at that low cost... we don´t have an extra dime to spare! We gambled all our money and it took all our hope with it!

I am so desperate that I even thought about selling a couple pieces of art (paintings) to come up with the money for one last attempt, but when I mentioned it to DH, he got very upset and said I had to accept it and that we had given it our best. The worst part of it is that I don´t fel like he does, and I feel like I would sell all I have in exchange of one more chance. Maybe I am crazy, but I feel that if I do it one more time... it will work!

It is also very frustrating to know that for our last try, we decided to accept the docs suggestion at doing it with donor eggs. Mainly because it would increase our chances from the 19-22% to 50-55%. So of course I was confident and very positive that it would work! Also with so many daily prayers, I took it for granted that God would answer!

I am in so much dispair, that I feel numb, I feel worthless and all I want to do now is go to sleep in hope that this was a nightmare and tomorrow will be a better day... but unfortunately this is my reality and when God decided to send some little angels down to earth... he forgot I was asking for one too...

Once again, thank you for all of your lovely words, good wishes and much more!

Vyonne

PS Sarah - my prayers are with you, sweetie

Sarah - Hooray!!! Take it easy and keep us posted! I'm so excited for you!

Yvonne - Wherever you are, I'm still saying prayers!

Dana - Good news on the lining. I'm hoping to do the crinone gel instead of the pio shots. DH is out of town at least 4 days a week, and I don't think I can do those myself. Tell dh to be gentle!

As for me, I can practically hear my ovaries going into high gear. YIKES!

Does anyone know how many eggs I would need (minimally) at ER to have a good chance to make it to blastocyte (5 day transfer) stage? I know it's a newbie question, but I just don't have a clue! :silly:

Babydust to all!
Cindy

Yvonne -- I am so sorry for your pain. I know this is such a difficult time for you --you're in my prayers.

Sarah -- That's great! I hope things continue to go well.

Cindy -- I hope that your ovaries have been busy & your US looks good.

Carla

Does anyone know how many eggs I would need (minimally) at ER to have a good chance to make it to blastocyte (5 day transfer) stage? I know it's a newbie question, but I just don't have a clue! :silly:


Depending on your how your eggs grow, it could be as few as 3. Centers typically don't like to go to blast unless you have at least 5 strong embryos at day 3.

Vyonne, I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am. I understand how difficult this is for you, being limited by the money you can spend on medical treatments for a baby. My heart is just breaking for you. :hug99: Please stick around with us...I think we'd all like to be here for you in whatever capacity you need. :hug99:

Oh Vyonne I'm so so very sorry.:( It just breaks my heart to read your post. I was really praying and hoping that you'd get your sweet little one. I think a lot of our DH's are the same. They only want to try so far and then they are done. Where most of us women, just keep pushing and wanting to try. Giving up is a very hard thing to do. And I'm so sorry that this didn't work for you. I hope that you'll stick around here on the boards. There are many women who are going thru similar things and we can all help each other thru the hard times. I know I wouldn't have been able to make it this far without my friends here. So we are here for you no matter what you need.

And thank you all for your good wishes I hope they all work well! I'm anxious to hear Wednesday and especially Thursday's results.

Sarah

Vyonne - I am so sad for you. I just want to cry! You are such a sweet and caring woman.

Amanda

:bighug: Vyonne :bighug: I'm so sorry

Vyonne - Just want you to know that you're still in my prayers. I was so very sad reading your news. You are such a sweet and caring person.

Vyonne,

I know exactly how you feel I am crying with you - My DH also does not want for me to try again and I have only been through two IVF's - I have been besides myself - give it some time - he may change his mind - they just do not like to see us in so much pain - they feel helpless. Hang in there.

Dawn

Thank you all, for your sweet demonstartions of love and support! You make this ride not as bumpy, with each lovely word, kind gesture and so many hugs!!!
:grouphugg

Sharing your sorrow, makes it half the pain... Sharing your happiness, makes it double the joy! This time, you are all helping me lessen my pain and I thank you for it :hb:

Dear Cindy, Thank you... prayers are always good! :hug1:

Dear Suzy, Thank you for the hugs, the nice comforting words and for being there for me. Yes, it is frustating when you know your treatment is going to be around $7,000, yet you have a budget for much more than that... so you get confident and do your first one, then the next, and the next and suddenly you are hooked and pennyless, having spent over $40,000 you never thought you´d spend :dunno: ! I will certainly "stick around" with all of you, as I feel I may be tremendously sadden by this, but I have a lot to give to others. Right now my heart is broken, but in time it will be mended and life will go on... :hug1:

Dear Sarah, Thank you for your lovely words and for sharing my terrible pain! I am going thru my mourning period, but I will eventually have to come around! I guess because I don´t see a way out... is that I am going crazy!!! As I said before, I will definilety stick around. You are my friends and I want to help giving back a little bit of everything you all have given me. :hug1:
I am sending tons of :pray:s myself, so that you get beautiful embies and that you have D Perfect Transfer!!! :crossfing

Dear Amanda, Thank you for sharing my pain and for your nice opinion of myself! At a time like this, your words are very comforting... thanks! :hug1:

Dear Dana, Thank you for the big hugs... I sure need them!!! :hug1:

Dear Okie, Thank you for keeping me in your prayers... I need all the prayers and support I can get, to help me get over this devastating situation. Your kind words about myself are most appreciated! :hug1:

Dear Dawn, Thank you for understanding and knowing exactly how much pain I am undergoing with my DH´s decision. I am sorry to hear that you too, have to experience the same. Unfortunately for me, the one thing I DON´T have is time. So, I know it is now or never... and from what I see and hear, I don´t like the answer I get. I feel tremendous pain mixed with frustration and impotency! Ahhhhh, what can I do!!! :hug1:

Vyonne

We had a bit of a set-back yesterday. Chris did an SA yesterday morning and when I talked to the IVF coordinator in the afternoon, she told me that the preliminary results were not good. He had 40,000 total sperm and 30% motility. fook. We may end up having to push our cycle to May...we HAVE to get these sperm problems resolved before we head into a last attempt at IVF. fooking fook!!!! Why the hell does this have to happen to ME???? :furious: I can't believe that we may never get another try...

Vyonne~I am so incredibly sorry. :tear: :sadhug: I saw your post sometime yesterday afternoon and sadness filled my heart. All those feelings that you were having which you described, were just so, so familiar. :blue: Of course it's frustrating!! :tantrum: It's all frustrating!!!

Like others have said, we're here for you so don't feel like you need stop posting because of this. Besides, you just never know what will happen next and how things will pan out. I know that although you're feeling such tremendous pain (which you should), that you also have a lot of faith and can only look forward to an amazing future filled with whatever it is that is meant to be. :hug99:

Kimberly

Oh Suzi I'm so sorry.:( that is aweful. I was really hoping ditching the motorcycle would help. I really hope that his next turns out better. I don't know how you feel about herbs and all that but our RE recommended Fertility Blend and my acu did too. It is supposed to be wonderful for helping sperm. You might want to have Chris try it. It can't hurt.(he should take it for 3-4 days then stop for 2 then start again) It's at any vitamin health food store. It might be worth a try before his next to see if it helps any. I'm just so sorry you are dealing with another set back.:( That totally sucks big time. When is his next scheduled for?

Well.....









We have :banana: 5 !!!!!!! :banana:

That's right ladies 5 embies for biopsy!!! How freakin awesome is that?! When she told me that I said I'm sorry what?! :spit: And she repeated. 5 embies were biopsied this morning. As soon as I got off the phone I cried so hard. We've made it so far. I'm just so so happy. I don't want to get too excited but I did anyway. :heee:

Tomorrow the PGD doctor will call me with our results. We will know sometime tomorrow what passed and what kind of genetic problem we might have. I'm nervous for those results but not as nervous as I was for these results. I feel that since we have 5 that made it to day 3 that is one awesome sign. Oh and I told my ivf nurse about thinking of transfering 3 embies instead of two and I'll have to get the doctor doing the transfer to agree to it first. They really don't like to do more than 2 day 5 embies especially when we are using PGD. So as of right now we will probably stick with 2. We'll see how they look Friday when we get to transfer.(that is when we finally get the report of how our embies actually look) Then we'll decide completely but for now we are thinking 2 again. So I'll be on here again tomorrow as soon as I hear back!

:heee: Sarah :heee:

Suzi, I am so soryy to hear your latest news :sad:, but don´t give up, I am sure it is a problem that can get resolved in time. Have you heard of a natural product (pills) called MACA??? Well, when my DH and I started our treatments, he had a bad quantity and motility... within 3 months of taking 4 MACA pills a day, his improvement was amazing! I also have another two friends who´s DHs had the same problem and got great results taking this amazing stuff. If you can´t get it in the States, let me know and I will be happy to send it your way :hug1:

I totally understand and feel your frustration at the sole idea at "not getting another chance", I am in that boat right now and hate it. The sole idea gets you sick and incredibly frustrated, but believe me, your problem can get reversed and you will get that last chance you are so looking forward to... My :pray: are with you two.

Kim, Thank you for sharing my pain... I feel so devastated, I am besides myself! Not only me, but my doc as well, was so sure this time it would work out :dunno: . I am wrecking my brain looking for a way to do it one more time... I simply can´t give it all up... I am not prepared for it :cry: .

Please know that I will definitely continue posting... you are all beautiful people that I want to continue being a part of :aok: . You are right about my tremendous faith, which is what has gotten this far... allthough, I will be honest to tell you that this time, my faith got shaken and felt lost and without a path. Could not understand why not let me have it, specially when He knew it was my last chance!!! I figured, I have already been thru tons of pain and disappointments from all my previous :bfn: and questioned His decision. If I don´t look forward to a "nice surprise", I think I´ll go nuts! Yesterday I did something totally crazy... I went to the mall in search for donors... Oy vie!!! :hug1:

Sarah, So happy for you!!! That is great news :yippee:, you are going to have a marvelous transfer!!! Lots of :pray:s on your next results tomorrow... I am sure that you will be giving us more great news! On 5 days (blasto) docs prefer to transfer only 2 embies, but don´t worry, at that stage the probabilities of success are greater. I send you lost of positive vibes for all the success in this evolution... :hug1: PS. Please remind me, do you have any kids yet? and what number treatment this would be?

Vyonne

Vyonne - You are truly an amazing woman! I admire your strength and positive attitude despite everything you've been thru. You are a true inspiration!!!
Suzi - I am just so sorry. With ICSI, what numbers do they want to see? (I should know this but since I don't do that, I can't remember).
Sarah - I am beyond happy for you!!!!!!

Amanda

They are scraping with the 300/400/500K we've had in the past (when normal is around 60 million and anything less than 20 million is considered low sperm count). Of course it only takes one sperm to fertilize one egg and statistically, that CAN happen. However, as my RE explained to me...when the sperm count is so low (in terms of IVF ours is practically non-existant), it is highly improbable to expect unaffected quality - the lower the count, the worse the quality. With only 40,000 sperm, we have ONE TENTH OF ONE PERCENT of the normal amount of sperm...what kind of chance is there to find one that is normal?? And is it worth an $8,000 (or more) gamble when the odds are SO BAD? OY. I just don't know what to do or how to feel about this...it just never even entered my mind that the bad sperm we had to start with would get that much worse. I am stunned...

Amanda, you are ever so sweet with your most kind words! I still feel devastated by what has happened to me. However, I am trying very hard to stay with my head above water:help: and it is women like you all, that help me keep my strength. Without hope, without a little light at the end of the tunnel... I´d go crazy. And. if with my experiences I can help others, I will consider myself very lucky... there is nothing more gratifying than giving :hb:

Suzi, I am still waiting to hear from you if you have heard at all about MACA. I had a friend who´s DH had testicular cancer and had an almost 0 sperm count. With the help of ingesting 4 MACA pills a day for a few months, he not only got his count up, but was able to use his own sperm on his wife´s ICSI last year and they now have a beautiful and healthy baby boy :bteddy: . There´s definitely hope... so keep that chin up!!! :)

Vyonne

Suzi - Thanks for the explanation. I know what normal numbers are but we hear so much about ICSI with a single sperm that I wasn't sure what they look for. When will the next s/a be?
Yvonne - HUGS!

Amanda

For whatever reason, I thought I had posted. I'm not sure if my post didn't arrive or if I've just overlooked it.

I did go to the RE yesterday. I had 17-18 follies.....I think one was too big because I lost one between the US and the visit with the RE nurse. She thought that I may be decreased from 225 follistim and 2 vials of repronex, but later called and said that I had been increased to 300 follistim and 3 vials (75 iu each, I think) of repronex. Because it was a message, I don't know why the sudden change of heart. Who knows. Will that make more follies or just enlarge the ones I have already? Maybe it has something to do with the bad morphology numbers that we never knew about until this past week??? I just have no idea. I do know that the new dose made me significantly more "icky" feeling. I'm tired and snappy and trying not to be negative, but I still wait for things to go wrong because every time I get excited, things hit the fan.....

Yvonne and Suzi - I'm sorry about the bad news. I don't know what to say. :( I'm thinking of you. Suzi - I'm a little worried myself because dh had only 8 in the SA morphology that were normal. That doesn't sound too good to me at all...... Who knows.

Babydust to all,
Cindy

Amanda, Thank you... felt good! :hug99:

Cindy, Thank you for sharing my pain. And by the way, my name is Vyonne not Yvonne :lol:... Mom liked it that way:dunno:

Vyonne

Cindy they won't get anymore follies and if they did they wouldn't be in the same size range as the others. My guess would be to keep them growing well and maybe to even speed it up a little bit. I hope you get lots of good eggies. 17-18 overall is really good. let us know how your next scan goes!!

Vyonne(is your name pronounced like Yvonne?) I have one amazing son that is 2 1/2 actually Suzi and I went thru our very first IVF's together 3 1/2 years ago and our kids are within months of each other.:) I have had 2 fresh Ivf's and one FET. But inbetween all that I was able to get pg by myself but m/c'd everytime. Years ago the only problem I had was endo that blocked my tubes. We tried for a year but needed ivf. But after having my son when he was about 6 months old we started to try on our own.(being pg helps endo) And to our extreme surprise we got pg the very first time we had bd without protection. Unfortunatly it was tubal and we lost the baby. We tried for another 8 months with nothing and when they did the hsg to check my tubes it must have cleared something out because the very next cycle I got pg. And then m/c'd again.I had another 3 m/c's after that. Then our FET which failed. We had decided not to try on our own anymore since I just kept m/cing. But one month right after the FET I swear I O'd like 1 1/2 weeks prior we had sex with no protection and I was pg. But again it was tubal which required surgery. The kicker is that this last baby was the one baby that really fought to stay with us. They tried the methotrexate shot(a chemo drug to try to pass the baby without surgery) and that baby just kept growing. In fact we actually are sure we saw a little hb. I could see it pulsing and still was when they removed our little one. :( My chances of another ectopic are over 70-80% if we try naturally which we don't want to because of all the other m/c's. So IVF is it for us and actually it looks like if this doesn't work we'll be going to donor eggs. But hopefully we'll continue to do well and we won't have to go that route!!

I'm just sitting here on pins and needles I can't wait to hear the results. Good thing is that at least the PGD lab is on the east coast so they are an hour ahead of us. Lets hope I get a call sooner than later. :)

Sarah

Suzi - fook fook fook I'm sorry. I had no idea about the sperm count. I honestly thought with ICSI it would be fine if they could just get one sperm. I hope you can get this resolved soon!

Sarah - OMG - I am so excited for you. I knew you were going to do great this cycle, but having all five embies is amazing. :cheer:

Things are moving right along for me. I had my lining check on Monday. As soon as the tech looked at the screen she said 'Wow! Your lining is perfect' Its measuring 11.5 and has that 'layered' look they want to see. I'm so releived! We started the PIO injections on Tuesday. Can I just say it feels like I've been kicked in the a$$? I can't imagine doing the injection into the thigh. I had my estrogen and progesterone check yesterday. Those were both where they should be. I have one more blood draw on Saturday.

Sarah, Yes, my name has the same exact pronunciation as Yvonne :nod:, but you would not believe how many people get my name mixed up :silly: (lol)

Thank you for taking the time to give me a little background on your TTC history and so happy to hear you have a son. As I was reading your story, I couldn´t help stop some tears from rolling, because I see all the pain and anguish that some of us have to go thru. I am so sorry you had to endure so much pain & disappointments. By the time I got to (Your quote) The kicker is that this last baby was the one baby that really fought to stay with us. They tried the methotrexate shot(a chemo drug to try to pass the baby without surgery) and that baby just kept growing. In fact we actually are sure we saw a little hb. I could see it pulsing and still was when they removed our little one, I was totally crying... just thinking of how devastating that could have been for you and DH. The trauma of m/c in my opinion, is one of the worst experiences a woman can undergo. When I m/c my identical twin boys (conceived naturally) almost 3 years ago, I felt as if they were surgically removing my heart. Like you, I had also seen their little hb and that was unbearable :cry: ! Ever since that m/c the Dr. that performed the D&C screwed something up on my endometrium and have had problemes conceiving. I have even undergone a couple of surgeries to "clean" the calcifications and growths that it gets, which does not allow the embies to attach and stay. The Dr´s excuse was that when you m/c twins they have to dig & clean much more and deeper, and that may cause them to over do it, causing my problem to eventually rise at the time of healing. Oh well, there is not much I can do, but pray for a miracle :pray:
Oh Sarah, I am so praying for your results this morning to be nothing but excellent!!! Lets hope that very soon you´ll be writing us with the awesome news :nod: :crossfing You are a brave lady, and after so much suffering, I am sure this is your turn for joy... you sure deserve it! :bighug:

Vyonne

Everyone is talking about donor eggs - how does it work? :scratch: I know about medical part - but how do you find a donor? Do you ask a relative or a sister? My chance of actually conceiving through IVF are 25% and I just had my 40th b'day. I been through 3 yrs of waiting to do Ivf - I had ovarian cancer (low malingnancy) It was caught at a very early stage :sunny: thank god. They removed the ovary and both tubes because they were unsavable. But I could never seem to remain healthy after that - my other ovary kept of developing cyst I had about 6 surgies in the past 3yrs.
Also what does any know about a low response cycle? Could this happen again?
What are the benefits of acupunture? How come some of you take baby aspirin during a cycle?

Very curious,

Dawn:rose:

Go Sarah, Go Sarah, Go Sarah. 5 embies. That's so exciting. Let us know what you find out today.

Vyonne - you are a remarkable women. I sure hope that you continue to post on this board with us to keep us all motivated. The words you write are so encouraging. I'm happy to have someone post who has as much faith as you (as well as the other ladies).

LouisianaMom - 17-18 follies. That's awesome. How does it feel to carry so many? Can you actually feel them growing inside? Just asking because I know that when I first started injectables a few years ago for an IUI cycle, I may have had 3 or 4 and I could feel little pulsations, almost little flutterings. It was really cool.

DanaKnight-That's great about your lining. Let us know how the blood draw goes on Saturday.

The reason I was going to wait until January to start with IVF is because of an out of state business meeting that was going to interefere with my stims/ER/ET. I just received notification that the meeting has been cancelled for now. Now I have no idea of what to do.......do I still wait until January and follow my own advice to enjoy the holidays, or do I start this next cycle which is about one week away? I think I should still wait until January, but could really use some advice from women who've been through IVF and know its demands. Help?

Okie, if it were me, I'd stick with the January cycle...it's not that far away! IVF can pack an emotional wallop and if you can relax and enjoy the holidays with the upcoming excitement/anticipation of your IVF cycle, I'd say wait it out! I had a negative beta last December 23rd...avoid an IVF cycle during the holidays if you can. :nod:

Hi! Please add me to the list of IVF Buddies. We just did our first IVF and got our BFN on Monday, Nov 7. It was a black day. But we're meeting with doc Monday Nov 14 to discuss our approach with our 7 frozen embies.

I have lurked on these boards for the last five weeks, and I'm feeling the need for extra support this time around. So, thanks Ladies!

I do have a question for you more experienced and informed posters. I had a nice, plush lining a couple of days before my transfer (13, I believe), but when AF visits, I always have clotting. Small, but consistent. Now that I'm in the process of AF following my BFN, there are still those little clots. Could this be something that would affect implantation? I will bring up the topic of using baby aspirin (which we didn't do) with doc - but any insight you might have would be really helpful. :confused:

Thanks Suzi. I'm kind of leaning that way as I totally agree with what you're saying.

Welcome, bgld68! :welcome: Sorry to hear about your BFN, that is very difficult to take. :hug99: I wish you the best of luck with your 7 totsicles...hope you'll hang out with us for support, venting, jokes, frustrations, etc....never a dull moment! :lol:

The clotting is normal, nothing to affect implantation. I'd bring up baby aspirin with your RE next week just because so MANY centers use it - it sure isn't going to hurt!

Welcome again!! :wavey: And feel free to hop in whenever! :nod:

Thanks for your warm welcome, Suzi! Your words were reassuring as well. I guess that when I picture my lining, I picture it as smooth - and the clots would indicate something different. Good to know that it's more normal than not.

Having a tough day today - this AF is about knocking me out with cramps, etc. I guess BFN's give you a double whammy of UGH!

bgld68, I'm so so sorry for your bfn.:( But I'm happy you found us and posted. We will all help you thru everything.

Vyonne, I totally agree I think a m/c is absolutly the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life. And the part you had in red, I actually couldn't handle the thought of what i saw on the u/s screen so I tried to just forget it. It's just now in the last month or so I can start to come to terms with what I really saw. And I'm very sorry for the loss of your twin boys.:( And the fact that your doctor permanently harmed you. :(

Okie I'd agree wait till then. It would be nice to get thru the holidays without all the worrying and all that. And I don't know about your center but mine closes around Xmas for cleaning.

Well finally after an insane day he called. There were only 4 embies that were able to be tested. We lost one before they actually did the biopsy.(this must have happened right after I got of the phone with the clinic) And out of the 4 left one has failed so far. They do 2 rounds of testing. This first round they tested the 5 most common chromosomal deformaties. One failed with trisomy 18 which causes miscarriage and if the baby lives to be born will die soon after. This is a defect that you can't live with. So that very well could be the cause of all my m/c's. Maybe even the reason embie #5 didn't make it far enough to be biopsied. So now we have 3 for the next round. I will know early tomorrow morning how many we have that have passed all the testing. We will leave around 8-8:30 am for acu and that is around when Dr. Kearns would be calling. So I'm using my mom's cell phone incase we miss him. I have to call the clinic right before we leave acu to make sure our embies are still hanging in there anyway. So we're doing ok. As long as we don't lose anymore embies we are good to go. I do worry that we will lose more with tomorrows testing. But hopefully not.:) So unfortunatly I won't be able to update you all until tomorrow mid afternoon. My transfer is at 12:30 but I have acu right after it. (she does before and after) Please please pray and keep your fingers crossed for us. If we ever needed badly it's now!:) I hope that I'll come back with super news tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Sarah

Vyonne - You are such a sweet woman!
Dawn - Kimberly and Dana know more about the process than I do.
Okie - I agree with Suzi. Enjoy the holidays and then start the New Year with the IVF.
bgld68 - I'm so sorry about your BFN.
Sarah - It sounds like GREAT news!!!! In a funny way it must be a relief that they did find something wrong with that one embryo. Maybe that explains things. Trisomy 18 does have a very high rate of m/c.

Amanda

You are so right Amanda. While I want as many healthy embies as possible, it is comforting to know that we didn't waste the $3500 and that we finally have an answer to all of our pain. So you are totally right on. I just hope the other three pass with flying colors! :)

Dawn, since I have just gone thru the whole thing with a donor, I will be happy to share as much as I know about it... When your doctor suggests that your better chances are with donor eggs, it is because the better the quality, the better the chances for success. In most cases the main factor is to get "young" eggs so that your possibilities get better. In your case, being 40, it is most probable that your doc would suggest it. They say that after 40 your chances of having a successful IVF are so low :blue: , that it is better to do it with donor eggs, as the chances for success almost double! It all depends on how you have responded before to the treatments, and if you barely produced follies, poor endometrium lining, etc, then you are not a good candidate to use your own eggs and it would be best to go for donation. I was one month away from turning 43 when I got pregnant (naturally) with my twins, however when we sent them away for research to find out what was the cause... it was due to a chromosomatic alteration (trisomy on 17 - not compatible with life). So the chances for malformations, dawn, chromosome defects, and so on, are more prone after 40 too... another good reason to go with donor´s eggs.

However, the first thing you have to do, is get emotionally prepared to gladly accept what is in store for you. After all, no matter who´s egg it is... it grows in your belly filled with your love, your care, your feeding it, your anticipation and all those wonderful emotions that only that little one could bring up on us. So that baby by all means is yours... and DH´s of course :hb: ! That baby is phisically and emotionally attached to you by that cord of love!

The selection as to who will donate eggs for you, is up to you, but in most cases the clinic does the donor search for you in a very annonymous way, which means you´ll know every detail about the woman donating, but you´ll never know who she is. This protects you as well as the donor. Another alternative is using a friend/relative (if you want to be open about it), or else (like I did) you can choose to go do your own search for a donor and bring it to your doctor´s office so that she can have the whole scenario accurately told by the doctor and get her ready with the previos screening tests required. For all purposes, it is always best to have the donor have your same blood type. The donor will expect a compensation for her donation, and I am sure that varies depending on where you chose to have the procedure done. I hope that with this little explaining, I may have helped you clarify any doubts that you may have had.

Okie, you are so sweet :hug99:! And don´t worry, I am not going anywhere... I sure love being able to help out in any way I can. And as I have said it before... for me is totally gratifying to give! I know that faith will move mountains, and even though I have been thru so much pain and disappointment in this cruzade, I want to believe that something, just something will happen, to give me that one more chance that I am begging God for. Maybe I was too anxious, and I did not let the butterfly sit on my shoulder. This time around, I will concentrate more and will continue to believe that miracles do happen! :angelfly:

Regarding doing the IVF in December or January, I have to agree with Suzi and would advise you to wait and do it in January. December is too hectic of a month and like Suzi, another one of my past :bfn:s was last December too. Enjoy the holidays :santa2: , be ready and recharged to start fresh in January!!!

Suzi, I am still concerned for your DH´s count, but haven´t had an answer to the info I sent you :blue:. I have written you twice about the goodness of MACA... interested? Are you familiar with it??? My prayers are with you :pray:

Bgld68, Welcome to our board!!! I am sorry, but dunno :dunno: anything about the effect of clotting during AF and the impact on IVF. I would advise you to definitely discuss it with your doc. Good luck with your frozen embies :crossfing !!!

Vyonne

Suzi, I am still concerned for your DH´s count, but haven´t had an answer to the info I sent you :blue:. I have written you twice about the goodness of MACA... interested? Are you familiar with it??? My prayers are with you :pray:


I'm sorry, I have not been ignoring you!! I guess I should've responded that I have been researching MACA like mad on the internet! I have found lots of info about MACA but what I have found regarding clinical research seems to say that there is no clinical data to support sperm improvement resulting from MACA. Probably one of the best sites I found was this one: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525,10172,00.html

I'd be interested to get the info you have on it, just to compare. I'd also like to take it to DH's urologist appointment next Friday to get his weigh-in on it. Thanks so very much!!!! :bighug:

Sarah, I must of been posting for a long time, because I left at Okie´s last message and suddenly after I finally hit my "submitt reply" I found tons of messages (5)!!! Let´s not think anymore about the bad times we have had with m/c s. I know it is a subject that can stay sore for a very long time. I appreciate your symphathy :hug99: , which is mutual. But now, lets get those spirits high :nod:

Boy! you had been in my mind since we last communicated this morning and have been :pray: for your little ones.

Have faith and you´ll see how the other 3 will be in excellent shape to get transferred. I know that it is still a very tense situation because with each minute that passes by things change, but lets stay positive and hope for the best. Try to have a good night sleep and be well rest and go to your transfer with open heart to embrace your babies! We will all be sending you our best vibes and know that God will be right there with you to make sure everything goes well :crossfing They will pass with flying colors as you wish!!! :sunny:


Bgld68, I am so sorry for not having mentioned in my previous message my sorrow for your Monday´s BFN :sadhug: . As I mentioned it to Sarah, I was posting for a very long time and was interrupted a couple of times.

The day you received your BFN, I also recieved mine, so I totally feel for you and understand the tremendous pain that you may be going thru. But one things I can say to you is to keep the faith alive! We are all here to support each other and help us get up, if we ever feel like we can´t keep on that arduos road.

Amanda, Ditto! :hug1:

Suzi, Thank you for not "ignoring" :tmi: me anymore... just kidding!
Well, actually what I know about MACA, is mostly based on experience with my own DH, and with a couple other friends, plus what I have heard :secret: at the Fertility Clinic from other women.

I don´t know if there is quite a proven research for it and I never went on the net looking for info. We had haerd so much about it, including from two of the biologists that worked at the clinic, that we decided to take their word for it with very happy end results :nod: Sort of like with baby aspirin and implantation. I know you are an avid researcher on the net, so probably what you have found would surpass my knowledge. However, it is a natural product that would not hurt at all. One important thing is that you get the "real" thing, because I have heard that there are a lot of synthetic ones. The very best and well known out here is called MACA ANDINA. And as I said it before, if you cannot find it out there... I´d be happy to send it to you :awink:

Vyonne

Ok got home late yesterday through a freakin' snowstorm and was bagged when we got in so I didn't get a chance to hop online and "see" what everyones been up to until now. Man lots of goings on...

First Welcome Vyonne, Dawnie, Bgld68!!! Hope I didnt miss any newbies

Sarah-Sticky sticky embie prayers!

Kim- So glad to hear that your donor issues have been resolved and you got the first donor you choose!!!! Toasting a BFP in the new year for you!

Suzi- So sorry about Chris' SA reults, Hopefully the MACA or other herbal will help those swimmers along! I heard pomegranet fruit/juice also has something for male fertility, who knows maybe....A friend is currently eating pomegranets to see if it helps I'll let you know!

Amanda-Hope the U/S for baby Jessica comes out OK...Praying for you!

Well I am completely traveled out until March which is when we cycle! Insert happy dance here!!!!! We went for Mikes TESE (testicular extraction) on the 1st and the results were immediate, they got enough healthy active sperm for 15 straws (more than enough) and they are confident that they will survive the thaw well. (we'll know more next week on how that sacrifice straw goes.) Wierd thing was I got to be in the room when they did it (I used to work in a F/A clinic with a nurse so I have some clinic expereince) and I can now say that I have seen more of the inside of a teste tha I ever want to see! Then while Mike was Icing Dr. Hudson asked if I wouldn't mind doing my exam so he could work on my protocols. Which turned out to be perfect timing cuz' I was on day three. Then we discussed the when factor and unfortunatly the next opening are in March! I could quite possibly be BFP for our birthdays at the end of March! Which is not that far away when we think about it. I am so stoked that that even coming back from the UK has paled in comparision!!! DH's family was so fantastic about the process which was huge relief because he has some really religous relatives but his dad kinda prepped them first and they were just great. They are also exited for us and it was wonderful! Well gotta go get ready for a hockey wives party (the boys are playing hockey and the girls are busting loose!). Take care ladies, prayers for everyone!
Andrea

Andrea, Thank you for your welcoming! I look forward to getting to know more about you. Dunno much about TESE :dunno: but sounds like you did good!!

I take it you´ve been away for awhile meeting DH´s family in the UK. Glad to hear you got a nice support from everyone.

Vyonne

Gulp. . .I missed one day of getting online and all of this conversation has taken place!!

Suzi~I'm so, so sorry. :sadhug: That was helpful to get your explanation because I also thought that ICSI totally counteracts low sperm count issues. I'm sure you're very aware of this, but the same remedies that a woman may attempt to achieve pregnancy (diet changes, adding supplements, acupuncture) are shown to also help with a man's sperm count. Knowing you, you'll come up with some fantastic solution (one that the Drs won't even think of) to improve his SA.

Sarah~:crossfing I think that is so interesting. . .the information that you're getting from the PGD. I'm thinking of you today. :bighug:

Cindy~Hang in there girl!

Dana~:yippee: About your lining. It seemed to me that before you started this process, that's what you were most worried about. You're almost there.

Vyonne~I find your information about your D&C very interesting--and of course, very sad. :sadhug: Because I too, had a D&C and have always felt that things got "screwed" up with me after that. Of course, I have no proof, just a feeling. I first got pregnant at 36, naturally after 2 cycles of trying. I miscarried at 11 weeks and when I had my D & C, I was in the recovering room well longer than many of the other women. I was in a lot of pain all day. Other woman I know who had a D & C didn't seem to be in as much pain. So then, I had 2 ectopics. One with an IVF and the other, a natural pregnancy. I started to think that it had something to do with my uterus and implanation. :dunno: I keep wanting to talk about that issue with Drs and I pretty much keep being told that my uterus is fine and my issue is with my eggs. I totally respect the Drs, I just sometimes wish that my fears and intuitions should be respected a bit more. Could you explain more about the calcifications and growths that you experience?

Bdld68~Welcome! This is a great group of gals here. . .experienced, knowledgable, supportive and just plain wonderful.

Andrea~Nice to hear from you again!! :yippee: Things sound good for you. March is really not that far away. . .:awink:

Okie~Like the other ladies have posted, I would also advise you wait and get yourself through the Holidays. Although I'm in a bit of a waiting period anyway with my donor, I have made a decision to make sure that the DE cycle starts after the Holidays. I definitely want to avoid hearing bad news around the Holidays. Like Suzi, I got a BFN around Christmas and it was just awful.

Dawn~So sorry you've had to deal with cancer. :sadhug: Vyonne answered your question about donor egg quite thouroughly. I'm doing a donor egg cycle with an "unknown" donor. At least with me here in Boston, once it was established that I would go the donor egg route, they set you up with all the information you need. I was required first to do some medical tests. Even if you've recently done these, they wanted them again--updated. I had to do a Clomid Challenge, infectious diseases blood tests, pap smear, HSG, and because I was 40, a mammogram. Once those came back fine, I could go to the next step which was to locate a donor. The clinic give me numbers and email addresses of the various clinics. Luckily many of the clinics have websites so that in the comfort and privacy of your home, you can view the various women. Once that's settled, you would go forward, coordinating cycles so that the donor takes all the stim drugs in preparation for a retrieval and the recipient would be given medication in preparation for the transfer. Similiar to Vyonne, I have chosen this route because although I have conceived on my own and still imagine that maybe I'll one day I will, I've also gone through over 5 years of this :bs: I was told that my chances of getting pregnant would be much higher with a donor egg than with using my own eggs. Although we are not against adoption and plan to adopt, I want to give my husband a child that has his blood line. He has no known relatives right now. Oh, and acupuncture is supposed to help with all sorts of things. . .relaxation/stress, blood flow to uterus, lining, etc.

Did I get everyone? :scratch:

Kimberly

sorry ladies I have been out of the loop.

Vyonne~I am so sorry about the BFN.

Sarah~Fingers crossed and I hope they all make it. Were you able to find out the sexes yet? I never knew what PGD really was and after reading what you had to say I find it very intriguing. It is amazing what they can do.

Suzi~fook sorry you have to deal with this right now. I hope you get it resolved soon

Amanda~ Congrats on the 3rd TRI! :pteddy:
Andrea~ Welcome Back!

Dana~ Congrats on your beautiful lining! :crossfing

bgl~ Welcome!

Hi to everyone else!

I am patiently awaiting my RE appointment on Monday. I hope he is ready for me because I have many questions for him.
So who do we have cycling in January? Me and ????

So who do we have cycling in January? Me and ????


I hope me :tantrum:. . .that's for damn sure. :thumbsup:

Kimberly

So who do we have cycling in January? Me and ????

Not looking like me...I'll probably have to push to the May cycle.

Yeah Kimberly!!!

Suzi, May is right around the corner too!

Well I am pg with twins right now! We ended up with 2 to transfer. We lost one more this morning due to trisomy 17. So out of 5, 2 were good. I'm just going to keep this brief so I can go and lay down. I'm exhausted. It has been a really long day and my body is beat after this week. So this weekend nothing but relaxing and giving these two sweeties a nice place to live.:) Oh and Angie unfortunatly not yet.:( The doctor told me he'd let me know after we know I have a viable pgcy. Then I could give him a call and he'd tell me. Not sure why he feels he can't just give out that info. But I guess there are people who would choose to destroy certain embies because of their sex.:( Ruins it for the rest of us who just want to know. So in a couple/few weeks I'll get to find out.;)


Sarah

Sarah... :yippee: And I can't believe you will get to know the sex...what'll suck is if you are PG with ONE and there was both a boy AND a girl!!! :lol:

SBV for you!!!! :bighug:

Kim, Regarding the problems I encountered after my D&C were quite clear. Before the procedure, my endometrium was always nice and clear, but since the D&C when I went for my first u/s 6 months later (with another doctor, of course)... there were this calcifications on the back wall of my uterus and also some irregular growths. As my new doc was doing my u/s at that time, he asked... have you had a D&C in the last year? When I told him yes and that it was for twins, he explained that sometimes doctors can go a bit to far excavating inside to try and get all the remains, causing sometimes even a perforation. He told me that after all I was lucky she (old doctor) didn´t puncture my uterus wall. Which later on showed to be the clear cause as to why the embies were not staying :(.

Just so you know, at age 44 (last year) two of my IVFs (2 months apart, produced 2 and 3 "excellent" eggs consecutively that made it all the way to blasto!!! Nobody in the lab could believe that a 44 year old woman, could produce eggs that would get to blasto stage. On two of my last year IVFs, the first time around I produced 6 follies (2 blastos), and the second time 7 follies (3 blastos). Normally, if you get less than 5 eggs, they will not risk them taking them to blasto stage... but I insisted on it (at my own risk), because I knew my chances of getting pg would be much greater. However,
when they did not implant (either time last year) my Dr. went in a couple months later and decided to clean out all those calcifications and growths (sort of like scarring tissues). Two months later, I was ready again to try it one more time, but unfortunately I did not respond to the treatment. By this time, I had just turned 45 and it was as if my bio clock said: You ran out of luck lady!!! We tried two cycles thereafter, and both times we had to suspend treatments because my endo refused to grow in spite of having doubled the stim meds. My endo would not get pass 4mm and I barely had once 2 follies and the second time 1 ok in size and 3 tiny ones that were no good :omg: my egg reserve was completely gone :mope: . So at that point after spending a great deal in meds and u/s that got us nowhere, we got the aproach for using donor eggs. Given the assurance that our chances for a BFP would double, we made the extra sacrifice to go for yet another IVF :dead: !!!

If my endo did not get damaged by the D&C to begin with :mad: ... my blastos should have worked! Of course, in the process... I ran out of eggs, out of luck and out of money!

Ang, Thanks sweetie, I am too :tear:
January is right around the corner, I am so excited for you :thumbsup:

Sarah, My :pray: are with you and the little ones. You´ll see that all this charade about all the tests and so on, will be well worth it. Remember when I told you I lost my twins to trisomy 17??? You were blessed to have done the PGD!
Now, just rest up, be positive and worry about nothing at all... you have two beautiful angels growing in you and soon you´ll see how this time around you´ll get the BFP. Have faith knowing that we are all praying and sending tons of baby dust your way :angelfly: . PS Drink up a lot of pinneaple juice... I´ve heard it helps with the implanting process :awink:

Sarah - OMG....I'm saying big prayers for you! I'm so excited for you! It has been a nail-biter reading your posts. Just relax and take it easy. Sticky thoughts!!!!

Vyonne - Have I been doing that all along? I am so sorry!!! I'm usually more conscientious!!!

My appt. today went well....I think. They still say that everything looks great (I didn't ask for numbers on anything, but bloodwork, lining, and now 19 follies look good....I'm sure that some of those follies are too big and some too small because the numbers have changed a couple of times this week alone.) The only curiousity is that they keep leaving my meds at the higher level after they say that they are going to bring them down. I had to order more today. Also, my ER date has changed from around the 15th-16th to the 19th-20th. Faith is a beautiful, yet difficult word. Hmmmmm that could be a great middle name someday!

Babydust to all! Sorry I don't have time for more personals. I need to sleep. These meds at the higher doses wear me out!

Cindy

Cindy great I hope that everything goes so well!!!!

Suzi that would serve me right for being so impatient.:lol: I still have to talk to my RE about amnio's. They really suggest when you have pgd you follow up with an anmio week 15-18. But I need to talk to him about our specific case to see if he feels it's worth the risk.

Oh and last night I had some weird mild cramping in my uterus. I've never had implantation cramps but something deep down was telling me that it really might be. Seems early for that but I did implant right away with Riley. And I did nothing but lay down and super relax all day! Oh and I have to go before Brandon catches me online. He thinks sitting on the computer chair squishes our babies. Silly but so so sweet.:)

Sarah - I'm so excited for you. I hope and pray that PGD is the answer to your prayers. Isn't it amazing that they can check for these potential problems?

Vyonne - The story of the loss of your twins is heartbreaking. I'm so sorry that a Dr.'s incompetence caused so many problems for you.

Suzi - I'm so saddened that you may have to wait for your next IVF. That just isn't fair!

Cindy - Sounds like you are doing great!

Andrea - Welcome Back!

bgld68 - Welcome. I hope this cycle is it for you!

Dana~:yippee: About your lining. It seemed to me that before you started this process, that's what you were most worried about. You're almost there.

It is one less thing to worry about. I am so relieved.

I had my annual exam yesterday. Which brought up a few more worries. He had the results of my mamogram, which I hadn't seen. No real problems, and nothing that could set me back with the donor cycle. But, my breasts are very dense and fiberous, making the results of a mamogram difficult to interpret. It means I just have to do a better job checking them myself.

The other worry is my prolactin level. Even though I quit nursing in January, I still leak milk. Its so ironic that I was sure I couldn't produce enough milk to feed my child, and now my breasts just won't stop. My OB/GYN drew some blood yesterday to check my prolactin. Hopefully that won't mess anything up.

I have such a wonderful OB. He said he was sure he'd see me back in his office very soon.

Cindy, No big deal... I get my name mixed up all the time :lol:.
Sounds like you are coming along great! Just keep up your faith and you´ll see how you are in for a nice surprise. My :pray:s are with you!

Sarah, Happy to see you picking in! Maybe your implant already took place... why not! If you had it happen with Riley, this is a good sign :awink:. My continued :pray:s are with you for a big BFP!!! :crossfing

Dana, Thank you sweetie... I know :tear:

Vyonne - thanks for the wisdom - but my RE has stated that he beleives I will be one of the lucky ones. The first time I had 6 follies and 3 were immature and 2 fertilized and one did not and the were grade A quality. But this time I had a poor response cycle and only had 4 follies with 2 being empty and they were of grade B.

Has any one had a poor response cycle and then had a good one?

I have been talking to my DH and we have decided to try one more time - but we are going to wait until Feb/March 2006. I have joined a gym and am determined to lose 30lbs before I try again - I also got a personal trainer and I has been going okay - lost 5lbs in 2 weeks

Bdld68 :welcome: Sorry about your BFN - I just had a BFN also got my news in Oct.

Sarah, I am crossing everything for you - implant implant:crossfing :pray:

Cindy, when are you scheduled for your retrival? Great news 19 follies - awesome!

Suzi, Sorry to hear about your troubles and hope that they can be resolved.

Hi to all - sorry if I did not include everyone - but have not be able to get online for a few days and am playing catch up with all of everyones news.

Dawnie

Lots of stuff going on here! I don't have time to respond to everything but I wanted to say that I've got all fingers crossed for sticky embryos for Sarah!!!

Amanda

Vyonne - You are so resilient! Good for you! It takes me a lot longer to pout and be mad....get it out of my system before I get back on the ol' fertility wagon. What a great and positive attitude you have!

Sarah - sticky sticky vibes for you!!! I'd say anything this early is a good sign!!!

My new meds (again) arrived on time today! Thank God for Fed Ex. Of course, it turns out that I will not need them until Monday because of the little extra follistim in the bottom of the carpule.

Dawnie - I have another visit on Monday for US and more bloodwork. I guess I will find out a more accurate time for ER. It was originally the 15th or 16th (which would put me on stims for 10 days, but now they are estimating the 18th or 19th even though I'm doing so well. ???

Babydust to all, and to all a good night!
cindy

Blgd58 – I’m so sorry for you, we also had a BFN last month. I agree about AF being particularly unpleasant that month!



Suzi – My husband’s urologist had him try a combination of different vitamins & meds to improve his count. I think that he took HCG shots, zantac, Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin C & something else (I think a cough suppressant, something that thins secretions.) I don’t remember doses, but it did help. It takes a while to see an improvement in numbers, I think the peak improvement was at about 4 months or so.


Sarah – Lots of baby dust going your way!



Cindy – I originally thought that I would have 11-13 days of stims & now it looks more like 9-10. I think that I will probably have ER on 16th or 17th.



Dawnie – I had a poor response cycle last time. I only got 2 eggs out of 5 follicles & they didn’t look very good. (The doctor didn’t tell me the grade.) I will let you know how they look this time! Good luck to you at the gym. That is a great way to channel some of the IVF frustration.



Sorry if I missed anyone. There has been a lot going on around the board lately – it is hard to keep up. Everything is growing nicely for us. We have 3-5 follicles that are close in size (10-14) & a bunch more that are <10. I am hoping that the big ones will slow down a little & let the little ones catch up so that we have a few more. I am retaining a lot of fluid this time. I’ve gained 5# in the past week & a half, but some of that might be Halloween candy! I feel pretty uncomfortable, like I might pop.

Dawnie, Your welcome! Hope that by sharing some of my experiences, I might be able to help :blush1:.
Quote:
I have been talking to my DH and we have decided to try one more time - but we are going to wait until Feb/March 2006. (sorry don´t know how to get the window quotes once I have started to post... :help2: )
I take it you mean that you´ll try one more time with your own eggs, right? That is great! I guess if your age permits you to do it, its really wonderful and I wish you all the luck. In my case, I had no choice :(, being 45 and having had 2 bad cycles in a row... didn´t wanna waste any more precious time! I have younger friends that while doing IVFs, had bad cycles and their next ones were fine, so the same could happen to you. Stay positive, do a good high protein diet, exercise regularly and stay away from caffeine, spartame/artificial sugar free products, alcohol & cigarrets (not saying you do, but just in case), because the last 4 definitely weaken your egg quality.

Amanda, Any news on Jessica´s development? My :pray:s are still with you...

Cindy, Thank you! I used to be like you tell me you are now, but with the passing of time, I learned that life is too short and too precious to waste it not being productive. Plus, while pouting... I may be missing on great things out there. My heart is still aching very much and still cry at the thought of my misfortune, but I want to believe that God will let an angel fall from heaven right into my arms one day soon...

Sounds like you are coming along great. Try not to pay too much attention to the extra stim days, I am sure you are going to have an excellent ER :crossfing... you´ll see!!!

Carla, Its good to hear that everything is growing nicely for you! Positive thoughts for the smaller follies, so they catch up :crossfing!!!

Sarah, My thoughts and :pray:s are with you!!! Crazy Glue Baby Vibes your way :nod:

Vyonne

Sarah~:banana: :crossfing

Vyonne~Wow. I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of this. Your story is heartbreaking. . .and there are some aspects of your story that are similiar to mine. I had been told to go the DE route at a younger age then you were (I was 40), but for all of my 7 IVFs prior, I had wonderful fertilization results. . .about 90%. I just never got pregnant. I've been to 3 different Drs and had all of them scratching their heads. I'm just so sad now because when I was 37 and starting this IF rollercoaster ride, all the Drs were telling me that I was ovulating like a 25 year old. The day I turned 40, I was being told I was too old and my chances are all gone. :dunno:

Cindy~I agree with you wholeheartedly about "faith". But for you I have my fingers crossed and positive thoughts coming your way. :crossfing Take it easy, relax, and sweet dreams!!!

Suzi~So is it definite that you're waiting until May?

Carla~Wishing you well. :crossfing P.S. You're supposed to bring left-over Halloween candy to work! :lol:

Dawnie~Congratulations!!! Both on your weight loss and that you're planning on trying again. Just a thought. . .but a lot of women (with the money, time and availability) will also add accupuncture to their regimen in preparation for an IVF cycle. While I can't speak personally, I know a lot of women say that's what helped them with their pregnancy.

Today is DHs birthday. :cake: I've taken the day off. I'm planning on giving him lots of love and attention today. :love3: With all of my sadness, I've been neglecting him lately.

Kimberly

THANK YOU for your warm welcomes and support, ladies!

SARAH - Lots of baby dust and prayers for you!! May this cycle be The One.

Adele

Kim, From what you tell me, I can see the similarity in our stories. I am so sorry to hear that you were so young when you were given those news, and can imagine how detremental that might of been after being told your eggs were great, to be offered the DE program! Both of us got told after producing for a while "nice" eggs... that suddenly there were no more :scratch:. To me is was totally out of left field! Two times blastos and then this???

I would have never considered going the DE route, but after thinking about it and knowing that no matter what that baby would be mine and that I would be the one giving it life... I thought it was an opportunity that many may not even get, so I jumped at it and thanked God for opening yet another door. Now all I have left is hope for yet another miracle, so that I can do one last DE and see if I score!

I wish you lived closer out here, so that you could try out with my doctor. He has gotten many 40 something women pg at the first try when other doctors couldn´t find a reason why they weren´t. I am sure that you are in great hands out there too... sorry, it was just a thought ´cause you are still a bit young for DE?

Sarah, Tons of baby dust, crazy glue, sticky thoughts, prayers and more prayers :angelfly:

Vyonne, Yes if everything goes as planned I will be using my own eggs - I will probably have to go for another day 3 test for the ovaries. If not I will look into a DE program - (or probably ask my sister to donate).

Kim, I am interested in accupuncture - just do not know how to go about it. Something I will be researching on the net and asking the RE about.

Dawn

Sarah- :dancingpiSo happy transfer went well!!!! Healthy Happy baby prayers!!!!

Vyonne-So sorry to read about your recent heartbreaks but glad to see your positive attitude shining through. Are you starting think about adoption? It kinda sounded that way in one of your posts? If so I am sure you'll find a baby made for your arms! Mike and I set a three IVF limit to ourselves and if that doesn't work we will start the adoption search again. That way we dont break the bank trying and we still have hope that the baby that fits in our arms is ours regardless of how it got there. In answer to your inquiry earlier-TESE or TESA is Testicular semen extraction for male factor infertility from blockages. Mike produces sperm but the little swimmers are trapped and therefore get dumped when their lifespan is up, so they have to be surgically removed via biopsy surgery or needle biops. Hence the need for IVF/ICSI.

Angela-:rahrah: You go girl!!! How is school going? So happy to hear you got your coverage! Rooting for a january cycle for you!

Carla and Cindy-:pray: For a great ER for you and many excellant grade embies!!!!

Dana-How close are you to transfer? :crossfing :pray: For an excellant retrieval and transfer!!!!

Suzi-:bighug: Praying big that the SA results keep getting better and better until your cycle in May.

Well that hockey wives party was great until someone asked how Mikes appointment went (we have been completely open about our issues with close friends) and the girl sitting next to me (who was quite drunk) started being a pest. I dont know why people open their mouths when theyve been drinking and prove their own stupidity. For some reason she felt that she should councel me on custom adoption (open adoption in native culture) just because her skin is darker than mine, like I haven't already thought of open adoption as an option! The only problem is I dont want to share my baby with a women so close to home and who has five years to change her mind and I certainly dont want to discuss the issue with someone I barely know and whos drunk to boot. I was so glad when she left!!! Crap gotta go DH has the movie we were watching back to where we shut it off so I can catch the ending!
Andrea

Dawn, Just knowing that you stand a chance to do it with your own eggs, is really wonderful news!!! I wish you all the luck :crossfing
Perseverence and lots of faith is what you´ll need :hug99:

Vyonne

Andrea, Thank you for the lesson on TESE, I´m always quite interested in everything having to do with fertilily issues.
Regarding your question about adoption, it is definitely something I would welcome with open arms, but unfortunately DH doesn´t feel the same about it. I guess that is the main reason after saying we´d do only 2 IVFs we have just had our 5th!!! (besides other prior methods). I consider adoption one of the most beautiful two way gifts that one can get/give and the child you choose is exceptionally wanted (most special) for the simple reason that you pick him/her among so many others. I am sure that if you end up going with the adoption round, your own words will make history: You´ll find a baby made for your arms! I still don´t know how to work the "quotes" :tantrum: business.

Ahhhhh, nothing worse than an abnoxious drunk :mad:. It was none of her business anyway!!! I totally understand your position and ways of handling something so intimate.

Vyonne

Just a check-in...we have the urologist appointment on Friday and :crossfing that things go well there. I can't go with DH so I am a little on edge about getting all questions/issues discussed answered. It took us 2 freaking months to get in to see him, I don't want to have to wait again if there are unanswered questions (and DH is not the best about asknig questions). Oh well....

Otherwise I am beginning to consider alternatives. It's difficult to think about but I have been pondering donor sperm and donor embryos. I just left a message for the IVF coord, not sure if they even DO donor embryos. I keep coming back to the idea that if I really want a sibling for Julia then what's the difference between adopting a baby or adopting an embryo?? And I can't even fathom that adopting embryos would be a cost-intensive or difficult thing to do (considering the current political pro-life wave). I suppose if the current political administration really means what they say (haha), it should be relatively easy. At any rate, I called just see if they even do it...I'm waiting to hear back from them. I haven't even discussed this with Chris yet...

As for pushing off the Jan IVF...yes, I'm pretty sure we will have to. Sperm production is a 100-day process and sperm starting to grow right now will not be mature until March 1. That means if we begin any treatment next week, we will not expect to see results until March...pretty much cancelling any hopes of a Jan/Feb cycle. I've been pretty disappointed about this...moreso than most things - except when we had no embryos for transfer. I am really feeling the pressure of my age and cursing myself for wasting my time in dead-end crappy relationships. I still can't believe that God allows people to feel this kind of emptiness and pain forever...even though I see it with my own two eyes...

Sorry for the downer post. I guess I'm kinda having my own pity-party these last few days.

CArla I hope the little ones catch up in a hurry!!!!

Suzi make Chris a list of questions. I do that for myself so I don't forget anything. Hopefully you guys will get some good answers and a way to help things get much better. I'm sure Friday can't come fast enough!!

Thank you ALL so much for all your kind words! You guys totally rock! I got my first progesterone level check today. And drum roll.... it's 29!! Awesome. I have a terrible time keeping it high even with supplements so this is just awesome. I'm so very happy about it. And I feel really good. I feel this inner calm. I still have cramping only on the left side. I hope that is my little ones getting nice and comfy. As I said I do feel really good about it all but there is a tiny part of me that worries the pain I'm feeling might be a very early ectopic. That is the same side my ectopic was in April. I didn't have cramps or pain there until this weekend. But I'm not worrying just yet. it is completely out of my hands.:) And anyway I just feel that things will be ok. Let's just hope I'm right.;)

I might test tomorrow, we'll see how I feel. I did test this weekend and it was a very bfn so that is good, all hcg trigger is out of my system. I don't really get bummed when I test early and get nothing. I know it is early so it doesn't bother me. But if I do see a + then I feel even better.(though I still don't get 100% excited until I hear hcg numbers) So we'll see. If I test I'll let you guys know.

Sarah

Okay...I now have 21 follies. Of course, that sounds great until they start telling you that only 12 of them are between 11 and 20 mm. I'm guessing that I will get around 8 mature ones? I have no idea since this is my first ivf cycle. I kept thinking that it seemed like a lot. I didn't realize that some may not be worth going after. Does anyone know the minimum size they'll go after? The one that is already 20 is surely going to be overripe...right? I'm not sure on the whole size thing.

My lining is a 10. That's good. We've had problems with that in the past with Clomid, so that is one thing I don't have to worry about!
I have yet another us and bloodwork tomorrow (Yes, I'm totally out of veins by now...the baby aspirin plus my bleeding disorder means I'm covered in bruises!) They are now moving my date back to PROBABLY Thursday - the worst day it could be for me in regards to work. Hopefully we'll be able to make a 5 day transfer rather than 3, which would put me having the transfer on Tuesday, Nov. 22. I'm getting nervous, but excited that we are within reach!

Sarah - sticky sticky sticky!!!!!!!! I'm holding my breath!!!!!

Suzi - Everyone deserves to have a - in your words - pity party sometime. Of course, I call it venting. And everyone NEEDS to vent. That is why we are here. If you decide to look into donor embryos, consider calling some clinics in Louisiana. The rules here are VERY strict - donors have a strict screening process and embryos cannot be used for research and cannot for ANY reason be destroyed. The clinics end up having a lot of them, from what I hear.

Carla - when is your ER? We sound like we're around the same time!!! I too have been gaining weight lately - Halloween candy + stims = elastic waist clothes coming out of the closet!!! My US today was uncomfortable on the left side because of fluid. I try to convince myself to drink gatorade all day, but I'm getting sick of the taste regardless of the color. And I am the queen of protein (someone said it was good) I ate 2 deviled eggs every day for the past 3 days and peanut brittle. (Yeah, I convinced myself that the protein in the peanuts outweights the sugar....!)

Babydust to all.....I'm so tired latelY! Maybe that means all energy is going to make good follies!!!
Cindy
Hope everyone else is doing well.

Cindy

Cindy they will go after any follie they can reach regardless of size. Just incase they get them all. 20 will most likely not make it, it is fully ripe right now. Hopefully you'll get more that catch up but 8 is a wonderful number to shoot for. I would say that is about average for mature eggs. But like I said they will get them all to see how they look, they might be ok to try. I hope you get lots of perfect embies to use!!!!

Nothing for me. Bfn which I am not disappointed about yet. It's still super early so that is normal. I'll test again on Thursday. We'll see if anything shows then. I still won't be disappointed though. Not until next week would I start to become concerned. I've got time.:) Hopefully those two little beans are getting nice and cozy in there.

Sarah

Suzi, Best of luck on your urologist appt. on Friday :crossfing. It is good that you are open minded about other alternatives. No matter what your route ends up being, I am sure that with your perseverence and faith... you´ll move mountains :nod:.

Cindy, Sounds like you are doing grrrrrrrrreat :yippee:!!! Like Sarah says, the 20mm will most likely be a goner by the time of your retrieval, but you have lots of them, so I am sure you´ll have plenty to fertilize! Keep us posted as to the exact day you´ll go for retrieval. My :pray:s are with you!

Sarah, Wow! your progesterone check looks wonderful :clap:, keep it up! Think that the little camping on the left side is all positive... "they" are getting cozy in there :suck: :suck: . Don´t even let thoughts of an ectopic get to you. However, I have to tell you that I had never know anyone test as early and as often as you do :) , but if it makes you feel good... why not! We are all still sending tons of positive sticky thoughts and my daily :pray:s are with you!

:lol: Vyonne that's cause I'm nuts!:lol: I just buy dollar store tests so they are super cheap. And well I'm just so impatient.:lol:

how are you feeling?

This will be quick. I have to call my students' parents and reschedule conferences since my ER will be that day now.

Final US and bloodwork today...I think. I will likely take my hcg trigger tonight and go in for ER on Thursday. Out of the 21 follies, about 7 are between 16 and 20. They will try to get everything out that they can and say that 7 is good enough. :confused: The US tech said that there is no such thing as too big, but I've heard different several times. It's just a wait-and-see kind of thing.
If enough are retrieved, half will be ICSI'd. If not, all will be ICSI'd. The difference is that if half are done, we do not have to pay for ICSI. If all are, we do.

It's really funny how you are dying to get to the next step, and when you do, it's just another waiting game! :o

Enough for now. I'm feeling sooooo bloated today! I mentioned that I was not up on my Gatorade for today, and the nurse said that it is more important right after the hcg shot and through the luteal phase than right now. Also, she said that I can do my hcg trigger either sub-q OR IM. (I have had one of each so far with the IUI's. Both worked.)

babydust.............
Cindy

Sarah, I still don´t know how to use the quote thingy! I do copy and paste!:doh:
[Quote: Wow! your progesterone check looks wonderful :clap:, keep it up! Think that the little camping on the left side is all positive... "they" are getting cozy in there :suck: :suck: . quote] Oops! I just realized that I said camping instead of cramping :supergrin when I referred to your pain, and it was so cute, because in essence we want them to be camping in your uterus for the next 9 months!

And yes, no doubt in my mind that you are nuts :lol:. It is so funny how you´ll get a kick doing that :lol:. And I thought I was an impatient person... I guess now, you are my Sensai :lol:.

As to how I am feeling... still get pretty emotional and worked up whenever I "touch" the subject of my BFN and tend to get anxious about the time passing me by. On the same token, I want to stay focus and open minded about getting one more chance at the DE program. As a matter of fact, I was talking to my doc a few minutes ago, and I told him that I am going to strongly start looking for a donor all over again, and that I will worry about the money when the time comes. I feel that where there is a will... there is a way :nod:. And if for this I have to go rob a bank... you´ll see me on the CNN news in no time :rotflmao:(just kidding):lol:. I have to keep a positive mind or else I´d crack :blue:.

Lots and lots of sticky, sticky thoughts and loads of baby dust your way!!! My :pray:s are with you sweetie!

Vyonne

Dawnie -- I had my first try at accupuncture this cycle. I went once & wimped out. It was relaxing, but I just decided that I couldn't take any more needle sticks!

Cindy -- I am just a day behind you. I go in for ER on Friday. We only have 3 good sized follicles & several that I hope will do a lot of growing in the next couple of days! I know that we don't have wonderful chances, but I'm just hoping for a miracle. I just keep telling myself that it only takes one healthy little embryo! I can tell that my hormones are making me a mess because I've almost starting crying several times today. I'm kind of afraid to talk to anyone because I'll start crying. It's kind of funny because I don't usually cry very easily.

Suzi -- I found dealing with the urologist very frustrating because it takes so long for treatments to make a difference, plus there's not a lot that they can do. I hope that everything goes well with the appointment. It is so nice to have a place to vent to other women who really understand what it is like to go through all this.

Sarah -- You are too funny with all your pregnancy tests! Here's hoping that the BFN changes soon!

Lots of babydust to all!
-- Carla

Carla, That´s right, keep on hoping for a miracle because they do happen when we least expect them. A positive mind and lots of perseverence can change the unchangeable. You´ll see how some of the follies that right now are still too small, will give you a pleasant surprise on Friday... and if they don´t, make sure you don´t let that get your spirits down. Your state of mind is very important after your ER, so stay calm and be thankful for the opportunity you´ve been given, that a lot of other women don´t get. My :pray:s are with you!

Vyonne

Suzi-Have they bioposied DHs testes or U/S them for a blockage that may be causing his low count? Because if he has a higher count in his teste than you may be candidates for TESE/A for better SA results..just a thought. Embryo Adoption is starting to hit the main line according to the book I just read I'll have to find it but there was a website in it to research embryo adoption. I know that when I talked to our Doc he said that they rarely if ever purposefully destroy embryos and that should we have success and not want to try a FET with any totsicles that may be in the freezer then embryo adoption / donation is an option and is the most likely route people take. Dont worry about the pity party, we all throw them and you've been here for us through our own pity parties!

Vyonne-LOL on the Quotes! I still don´t know how to use the quote thingy! I do copy and paste!:doh:
I had the hardest time with that one also! I found when theres a message I want to snag something from theres an icon that says "reply with quote" and then I just delete all the other stuff and leave the sentence(s) in the quote brackets. Or you can select the text you want to quote from and hit the button on your message reply that says Wrap quotes around selected text! Good luck

Sarah Sticky sticky sticky Embies! BFP on the HPT soon!!!

Carla and Cindy looking forward to your successful transfers!!!

Does anyone remember the Ally McBeal theme song thing? Lately I have that song "Woohoo Chile things are gonna get easier! Woohoo chile things are gonna get better" (cant remember the artist but its an oldie) Stuck in my head!! Gotta be a sign that the angels are singing to bring me up!! Hopefully their singing them songs for us all! Back to work on nights again tommorow (yeah, i really want to go back to work...not) "Talk to y'all soon!"
Andrea

Andrea, so sweet of you to try to show me the quote issue...
Now, I take a deep breath, I highlight the text I want to quote on, then I hit the icon (I found it) that says Wrap [QUOTE] tags around selected text and nothing happens :tantrum:!!! all I get is: in blank
What am I doing wrong still :scratch:??? I know I did it once by fluke when I first started posting, but I don´t even know how I did it :dunno:

:help2: :help2: :help2: :help2: :help2: :help2: :help2: :help2: :help2:

Oh, by the way... I do remember the Allie McBeal song, so please send those angels my way too!!!

Vyonne

PS I am sure it is probably so easy, but I am kust a conehead when it comes to computers :disbelief

Ok Andrea, Now I am totally dumbfounded... what did I do to get my previous post to come out like that??? :owow: I typed the frase on wrapping the tags, etc, etc... and it placed that sentence on the quote box:faint: Should I give up???Vyonne

Vyonne~I'm so sorry, but I dare not help on the "quote" thing. Even though I use them, I do it a completely backasswards way and I don't want to confuse you. I thank you so much for saying that I'm too young for DE. :nod: :thumbsup: In my heart and soul, I couldn't agree more. It's just that my Drs were giving up on me and telling me "that's it" and at least with DE, that gives me more chances. I just hope it works for me. :crossfing My FSH is still not bad for my age and many a woman has become pregnant with FSH levels higher than mine, so I've never given up the idea that I may get lucky one day and have a successful pregnancy on my own.

Dawnie~Regarding acupuncture, definitely ask your RE, but you could also check your local phonebook and then call around until you find someone who has worked with other women who are going through IVF or come in for IF. I know in Boston, there are "alternative medicine" clinics that incorporate acu, massage, etc. Perhaps there are clinics like that were you live? They're not usually abundant, so you'll have to search, but I would think you might find one.

Andrea~That's exactely what drinking does!! Brings out your stupidity. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. I would have died. :blush:

Sarah~Still sending you positive thoughts. :crossfing

Cindy~I'm wishing you all the best tomorrow! :crossfing

Carla~I hear you on the acupuncture. :nod: Same thing happened to me that first time I went. I went about 3 times to give it a chance and gave up because I felt more stressed going in for it. About a year later, I tried it again with another woman and it was soooo much better. I did learn to enjoy it and it really did help me in many ways.

I am really feeling the pressure of my age and cursing myself for wasting my time in dead-end crappy relationships. I still can't believe that God allows people to feel this kind of emptiness and pain forever...even though I see it with my own two eyes...

Sorry for the downer post. I guess I'm kinda having my own pity-party these last few days.

Suzi~First of all, no need to apologize for your post. That's what we're here for. I think most of the time I post, it's a downer! :blue: What you said in your post are thoughts that have gone over and over in my mind for years. In my dark moments, I'm thinking about all the things that I did wrong and I want to kick myself. But really Suzi, I think none of the time that you were in dead-end crappy relationships is a waste of time. . .the lessons you learned would not have been learned, you might have not been ready for the husband you have, etc. You have to have been where you were to be where you are now. Just my 2 cents.

I'm sorry that you have to wait for your next IVF. :hug99: That just stinks. After you get more information, I'd love to hear more about embryo donation. . .that sounds like a great alternative!! :yippee:

I'm just waiting. . .. as usual. . . .:dunno:

Kimberly

Good luck with the egg retrieval Carla and Cindy!
Sticky thoughts for Sarah!
Big hugs for everyone else!!!

Amanda

PS I'm a computer moron, too!

Kim, Don´t worry, I will eventually get it to work :tearhair: As a matter of fact, I am trying right below and we´ll see!
You are right about DE giving you better chances, however, if you ovulate correctly, your FSH is not too high, why they go to that alternative... is beyond me :dunno:, because you go DE only when you have a bad reserve on your own. May I ask to how many specialists you have been to before making the dE decision? I am not saying DE is bad, it is just that it sounds like you are not quite a candidate (just my thought).

But really Suzi, I think none of the time that you were in dead-end crappy relationships is a waste of time. . .the lessons you learned would not have been learned, you might have not been ready for the husband you have, etc. You have to have been where you were to be where you are now. Just my 2 cents

I couldn´t agree more with your quote to Suzi. There have been plenty of times that I too, wanted to kick myself for certain choices I made in my past, but when I think deeply about it, I always come up with the same conclusion: I would not be the person I am now, had I not had those experiences...

Suzi, Sorry to insist, but I think the MACA would be a good addition in your DH´s diet... it would not hurt and might help! After seeing the results in my DH and the other couple of friends, plus hearing all the women at the clinic swear by it, now I do too.

Carla & Cindy, My best wishes and continued :pray:s are with you both for tomorrow´s ER.

Sarah, So, did you do another test today??? It was funny, but today you were in my mind and when I thought about your "test mania", I started cracking up :lol: Many more sticky thoughts your way :pray:

Amanda, How is baby Jessica? :hug1:

Vyonne

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeessss!!! :wow: I am so excited I got the quote thingy! did it backwards, but got it! :jump:
Sorry girls, I had to share my excitement!!!

Thanks Andrea! I tried the other way you mentioned :bighug:

Vyonne

Thanks Kim & Carla - I am going to definately look into it - I am sure there are plenty - I live in New York and work in Manhattan .

I have to make the follow up after the BFN appoint and will ask the nurses when I go.

Carla & Cindy - hope you get lots of eggs!!


Suzi - hang in there.

Vyonne & Andrea - How are you ladies doing?

Sarah - sending tons of sticky thoughts and my :pray:s are with you!

I hope I did not miss anyone - I am printing out the post to read later - I got a :sick: cold and have been in bed for a few days - Feel better today - probably go to work tomorrow. Hey - Friday is :hp: Harry Potter day - I am taking the day off and bring my nephew (he is 6) to see it in Manhattan IMAX Theater - it is going to be awesome!!

XOXOXOX to all

Dawnie

Dawnie, I´m sorry to hear that you are not feeling too well :blue:... Hope by tomorrow you´ll feel a lot better sweetie! Harry Potter :hp: on Friday sounds great!!! Can I come :supergrin???
Right now, I don´t really have much happening, since I am back at point cero! But I have started going out with my eyes "wide open" looking for a new donor. If I do one last attempt, it will definitely be after the holidays, so at least I have some time to look for her. The sole thought of doing that, gives me hope and lets me keep that little light at the end of the tunnel :sunny:. Maybe you too will be on a January cycle, there will be Andrea and Kim too :rahrah: . For some reason I have the feeling that the New Year will also bring New Hope for lots of us :crossfing!!!

Well, keep up with all your goals to get ready for your next treatment, and I am sure you´ll do terrific :nod:.

Have a nice cup of hot lemonade with honey (yum), it is very good for colds and will help you sleep tight.

Sweet dreams...

Vyonne

Vyonne yep I did. See I have a problem.:lol:

Dawnie I hope that you feel better soon. HP day off sounds like fun!

Well ladies I am :ura1:SO PREGNANT!!! :ura1:

I won't lie I tested yesterday. For some reason around 10:30 I just felt this need to test. I didn't have a full bladder and I had gone to the bathroom just an hour before. But something just came over me. So I got my dollar store test and tested. After about 2-3 minutes I saw a light line. I got a little excited but still didn't want to really get excited. I had gotten one false + before from a dollar test. So I really wanted to wait till today. Though really I KNEW i was pg. So I tested again with a dollar store. Super light line after several minutes.(about 5) Well I have to pee in a cup to use those so I decided to try a Clear Blue Easy test I had from one of my online buddies. TOTALLY BFP! No doubt about it. Very clear +. Well I decided to look online to check the levels it tests for to my surprise both test at 50mIu. I always thought the dollar store tests were early ones. I think the one store I buy them from is 25 but the store that I have right now are dollar general which appear to be 50. So not only I am totally pg :heee: My levels are pretty high for this soon. How exciting is that?! I am 3w4d right now. So early to test +. I just can't believe it. It was such a beautiful + sign. Nice and dark.

I totally feel pg symptoms. I am so knock out tired that I go to bed early and if I wake up during the night(ei Riley wakes me up) I feel drunk I'm so tired. And this is well after my prometrium has worn off. Oh and yesterday I got a stomach ache after eating and it wasn't the same as my usual problems I get when I eat. I my gosh I am so so happy. We either have one healthy little one or twins!!!! I just hope that everything goes well from here on out. God please let us keep this baby or babies.

Sarah --

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!

:wow: :clap: :rahrah: SARAH!!! :rahrah: :clap: :wow:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

I am so very happy for you! What a wonderful, exciting way to start off the holiday season!

Sarah, CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU DID IT!!! :rahrah: :clap:
I am so very happy for you! You sure deserve this happiness, after so much grief. May God protect you and the little one(s) throughtout this beautiful journey.
This Thanksgiving :horn1: , you´ll sure have a lot to be greatful for!
A big hug!:bighug:

Vyonne

Sarah~Yeeehaw!!! :dancingpi :clap: :jump: :yippee: :rahrah:

Wishing you a happy, healthy and painless 9 months. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Kim

CONGRATS SARAH!!!! I'm totally thrilled for you!!!

Had my u/s today and everything looks good! The cysts are basically gone and baby Jessica is growing well.

Amanda

Oh Amanda that is so AWESOME! I am so happy and relieved to hear that. As I'm sure you are too. that is just wonderful news. Do you have a scanner? I'd love to see her pictures. Oh and I meant to ask you before, do you have a journal? You've been such a great JB to me I'd love to return the favor!

And thank you everyone. Vyonne you are so right, I have tons to be thankful for. I still am in awe of this. I still can't believe that this soon I have such a strong line. Holy cow I'm pregnant!!!! I feel so different this time around I hope it means everything will be fine this time!

Sarah

Sarah!!:clap: :rahrah: :banana: :jump: :aok: I am so incredibly happy for you. I am praying for a happy and stress free pregnancy! What a great way to start the holidays.

Amanda~Great news about Baby Jessica! Not too much longer now!

Update:


I had my RE appointment this past monday and we have the game plan for our cycle.

Today: Start provera for the next 10 days. Get 1st AF.
CD3: Get day 3 blood work done. This will check estrogen, LH and FSH. Schedule sonohistogram for my uterus. Start BCP pill today also for next 21 days.
Get AF #2. Continue taking BCP to take me through January because we have to wait till then for insurance reasons so that is why I have to wait till my third AF. Start lupron
Get AF and start menopur, which I have never used. RE said it is a purer form of repronex. So basically the RE said we will do some things different such as using the menopur and HCG to trigger(last time I did a lupron trigger) and will try to hold off a day for ER to give my eggies a better chance to mature. He basically said my embryos last time were very poor. What? he said he thinks that was mainly because my eggs were too immature. They got 21 but only 7 were good enough to fertilize. So I guess when you look at that, the majority was immature and the others were probably borderline. He says he has no reason to believe that I will have the same outcome. Please let this next time work.:crossfing

So that's about it. I looked at the calendar and am guessing I will be ready to have the ER around mid to end of January. I am so excited and scared!

Sarah :ura1: That is awesome! !:clap:
I am so excited for you!!:dude:

:jump:I just can't contain myself!! :woo:

Just popping in to say Congratulations Sarah!!! :ura1: Sending lots of healthy & sticky baby vibes!!!

First things first.............

SARAH!!!!!!

:bfp: :woo:

yippee!!!!! I'm so excited for you! I know that you are so excited, and I am so excited with and for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I did have ER today. They got 11! I was very happy since I had expected fewer based on their last estimate. Of course, they do not know how many of those are mature or how many will fertilize. I will find out tomorrow how many fertilized. They are ICSI'ing 6 of them.
For whatever reason, they are now saying that they expect a 3 day transfer. If more than 5 make it, I may qualify for a 5 day.
The surgery itself was NOTHING. I did get nauseous and light-headed throughout the day today right before I was discharged and after I got home. They had to call in some phenergan for that, but I'm prone to having nausea anyway. I have some discomfort that feels like severe bloating, so I'm forcing the Gatorade down tonight. I'm hoping it will help the discomfort some.
I'm too bleary-eyed from phenergan to post any other personals, but for anyone who is worried about their first ER, there is NOTHING to worry about. :up:
Babydust,
Cindy

Sarah!!!!:supergrin :jump: :woo: :jump2: :aok: :wow: :dude: :banana: :wavey: :yippee: :dancingpi :rahrah: :clap: :bfp: :bfp: :pteddy: :bteddy: :pteddy: :bteddy: Sorry got a little carried away there but it was so worth it!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!! I am so happy for you!!!!

Cindy-Grade A excellant embie prayers coming your way!!!! So we can celebrate your upcoming BFP!!!!

Angela-So exicted for your cycle start date!!! We will be cycling close (march for me) 4 months ago we were both looking at a longer wait!!!! Cant wait for your start chicky!!!

Amanda-So glad to hear everything is resolved :pteddy: for baby Jessica!!!! :dancingpi

Vyonne-Good Job on the quotes!!!

:) Thank you all so so much. It just makes this all more exciting when I see others are excited for us. I really am just so so happy. I just hope that everything goes well here on out!

Angie good luck. I hope things are different this time around and your eggs are better. I used menopur with my gonal F this last time. It was new for me the last couple ivf's we had. I had no problems with it.

Cindy that is great!!!! I'm so happy for you. I hope your little eggies look good and you'll get an awesome fert report!!!

Sarah

Angela - I'm so excited that things are starting to move forward for you.
Cindy - HOORAY for a good retrieval! Fingers crossed for good fertilization results!
Sarah - I'm just SO HAPPY for you!!!! Can't wait to hear your blood test results next week!!!

Thank you all for your good thoughts for Jessica!

Amanda

PS I do have a journal. I'm just too computer-challenge to put the link in my siggie. Here it is...
http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20750

Cindy -- I am glad to hear that your ER went so smoothly. 11 is great! You might even have some to freeze. I am glad to hear that your first ER wasn't too bad.

Sarah -- Congratulations again! I sure hope that you've started something around here & we have lots more BFP's! What a nice Christmas present.

Things went really well for our retrival. We were expecting 2-4 eggs & we got 6! It is so nice to be pleasantly surprised. The doctor said that a couple of the eggs were immature, but 6 makes me happy anyway!

I've had a lot of nausea this time. I haven't really kept much down yet & I'm pretty light headed.

Oh, I think that I forgot to finish that last post before I posted it. I guess that's what happens when I'm still a little out of it. Anyway, I will be anxiously awaiting my fert. report.

Babydust to all!
Carla

Amanda~What awesome news. :banana: I'm so happy for you. :bighug:

Ang~Thanks for the update. Sounds like you've finally got things going. :thumbsup: Good for you. I can't wait. :)

Cindy~Awesome numbers! :clap: Now you get yourself some rest!

I got AF today. I'm not even pouting. DH and I weren't trying! Wow! What a concept. :rolleyes: I called the clinic and DE agency to get the scoop and finally I got some sort of timeline. The donor is still on. :thumbsup: That makes me feel good. But I guess with the fact that she's just recently finished a cycle and all, it doesn't look like I'll be doing a possible transfer until the beginning of February. The waiting game continues. . ..


Kimberly

Hi all....

Out of the 11 retrieved, 9 were mature. 7 fertilized. I think that we will end up with a 3 day transfer when I was hoping for a 5 day, but I will take it!!!

I did have to end up with phenergan last night. Carla, I too had nausea and light headedness. I also felt bloated to the nth degree. I used the phenergan, drank a ton of Gatorade (did I mention that I have a new aversion to the stuff???) and went to bed. Everytime I had to get up to go to the bathroom - which was OFTEN - I drank about 8 more big chugs of the stuff. I felt much better this morning. I need to drink more tonight because I'm feeling very bloated again. Carla, I will be waiting and praying for a good fert report for you!

Goo - The waiting game is not a fun game. Let's play something else. :awink: Sometimes I think that I must have slipped up and asked God for patience at some point to do the fertility thing. I cannot think of another activity that requires more patience than this! Here's hoping that time flies.....

Sarah - I had to go back and reread your post today. It makes me so happy when someone on this board gets pg. - far more than when someone who has not had trouble does. It gives me so much hope!!!!!!! I hope you are celebrating big time!!!

Dawnie - I hope your cold is going away by now. You're excited about Harry Potter, and I'm excited about RENT! (It comes out Wednesday!)

Thanks everyone so much for your encouragement. It calms me so much to come read about you all, what you've written about what you're going through and what you say to me. DH says that when I get too high-strung on all of this stuff, that it seems to help me become calmer to converse with you all. My dh is a saint for putting up with my moods on all of this stuff.

Oh....my lovely insurance didn't cover my crinone progesterone gel today. Has anyone used this before? Can you use it on the day of ET??? It seems that it could get in the way or something!

Babydust to all....
Cindy

Amanda, What a blessing!!! I had been asking you on my last posts about baby Jessica, and I am so thrilled to hear now the wonderful news :thumbsup: !!! She is part of my daily prayers :pray:

Ang, Happy to hear that you are in gear now... good luck with all your steps!!!:crossfing

Cindy, You did great girl :thumbsup: !!! Very happy that you may even some to freeze! Try not to be to hanged up on the 5 days issue. They will recommend what they see most fit. Have faith that in no time you too will be sending us your big BFP news!!! My prayers are with you :pray:

Carla, So great you got more than expected :thumbsup:. 6 is a good number! My prayers are with you so that they all fertilize :pray:!!! Just have faith sweetie!

Kim, February :hb: is an excellent month (the month of love) and it is right around the corner... if you´ve made it waiting this long, just a tad more girl! Plus, remember that you are getting the donor you wanted in the first place. You´ll see how your incredible patience will pay off :hug99:. Yesterday I went to visit a friend who gave birth twins!!! We met thru another forum a couple of months ago and she got pg at age 44 with DE. I immediately thought of you and I seeing her embrace those beautiful little ones... it was very touching (thought I´d share this with you).

Suzi, How things went with the urologist? Any other updates? Hope you are doing well :bighug:

Sarah, Keep those little ones cozy :suck: :suck: !!! Oh and by the way... you can send me all your left over one dollar pg tests, so the next time around I go nuts like you and it might help me :lol: passing me on your good luck!

Andrea, Thank you :bowdown: !!!

Hope I haven´t missed anyone, its kinda a late (12:38 am) and I´m getting sleepy! Good nite you all, and have a great weekend filled with tons of baby dust :awink:

Vyonne

Quick update on the urologist appointment. Chris has had significant change in his SA numbers (duh) and blood levels in the last four years (OY...has this been going on that long??). The urologist feels it is likely related to being overweight...sigh. He is starting Chris on Arimidex and he wants a blood level done in 30 days and another SA in three months. In other words.......we wait. :mope: If the Arimidex shows no improvement over three months, we are likely left without biological options.

Update on Brenda!! (And two become FOUR!)

EVERYONE IS FINE!!!

Both came out SCREAMING, and then quieted down after being cleaned up a little. Here's the stats I was given:

REMY: 4lbs 11oz, 18 inches long, blonde! Born at 3:20am. (11/19/05)
SYDNEY: 4lbs 9oz, 18 inches long, brunette! Born at 3:22am.

(Glenn said the parentage is now in question due to Sydney's hair! LOL)

Both girls have IVs right now, glucose. They have to be weaned off the glucose cuz mommy had the nasty gestational diabetes. But that's normal, and they're FINE. Sydney is also getting a little O2 (oxygen) because she was a little gurgly when she was born. But both have strong and healthy lungs.

Glenn was able to witness the entire event, Brenda was awake! And now they are just waiting to hold the girls... they didn't get much touchy touchy time yet - the babies had to be tested and stuff. No idea of the schedule yet, but they're just resting and waiting to spend time with the girls. =)

Oh that is so wonderful!!! Congrats Brenda X2!!!!! I can't wait to see pics!!

Cindy you wouldn't use the crinone before your transfer. Only afterwards. I use the suppositories and I was told not to use them before, only after. And I'm sorry your insurance won't cover it. What the heck? That doesn't make any sense. Maybe they'd cover the suppositories? Or at a mail pharmacy instead of a store one? Sometimes they get really picky. I hope all 7 stay nice and strong. You might just make it to 5 days, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!

Vyonne, yep I totally have a problem.:lol: Took another one today and all is super good! Nice line.:) Makes me feel so happy to see that second line.

Suzi I'm so sorry about having to wait more. That totally sucks. I hope that losing weight will help you guys out. I wish there was something I could do to help.

Sarah

Hi all....
Okay...update....
11 retrieved
9 mature
7 fertilized
TODAY - all 7 still kicking, but 3 have slowed down and will possibly arrest. Of the 4 left, 3 are grade 4 to 4+ and one is a grade 5. (In my clinic, 1-5 is the rating, and 5 is the best. I think that's opposite of some clinics.)

I will be doing a 3 day transfer tomorrow! At this point, I don't care what day it is as long as I have something to transfer. Knowing that only 4 left of the 11, I think it is the best decision and won't fret about not making it to 5 day.

My lab doctor said that more is hardly ever better. He said that people whose bodies concentrate on a few good eggs (sounds like a movie) often do as well...sometimes better...than people who make large numbers. Their percentages are way better. I'm seeing that in my case because I had a large number of eggs, but only a moderate amount were able to be retrieved. Now I'm about in the same place that others were when they achieved their goal and only had a few to start with. I hope that helps some of you who have fewer to remind you that it is all about quality. :)

Sarah - I asked the lab guy today, and he said to start the crinone gel (which I had done yesterday) and do it very early tomorrow morning. I may call the nurse today just in case and ask. It seems a little risky to me, although they do wash out the cervical area beforehand from what I've heard. Thanks for the info. It makes me know that I need to call and ask more questions before I do anymore.

Cindy

CONGRATS to Brenda!!!! What a blessing!
Cindy - I did a day 3 transfer with my son. We actually had 9 embryos but they still wanted to put them back earlier. Sticky thoughts foryou!
Carla - Glad the retrieval went well!!!
Sarah - More sticky thoughts!
Kimberly - Sorry for the wait but at least you know this donor isn't flaky like the other woman.
Suzi - I really, really hope the s/a improves!

Thanks for all the good thoughts for Jessica. Things are good on my front!

Amanda

Cindy that is awesome! 4-5 is super awesome. Mine two were grade 3 and I know mine worked. So you should do awesome. how many will you tranfer? I wish you the best of luck. Maybe it just depends on the clinic for the progesterone? Mine is very specific in saying NO! Take it after not before. But maybe the gel is different? And they do clean you up before they start. If your transfer is in the first part of the day it's not a big deal to skip it and just do it afterwards if you are worried. It's not like your levels will go down if you are a few hours late on taking it. Do whatever they tell you. Either way I'm sure it will be ok.:)

I'm feeling good still. I keep getting these pains on my left side and when I go to the bathroom it really hurts to release my bladder muscles.(like around the uterus) I'm slightly concerned and will mention that to them on Monday when I call. I'm hoping it's just because I'm really sensitive on that side from the ectopic. They might run an u/s just in case maybe a little earilier. Normally you can't see anything until your hcg is well into the thousands but for both my ectopics they saw it with hcg 185 and 210. So we'll see. It's nothing horrible but it is getting so frequent where it concerns me a bit where before I just brushed it off. I still have the af type cramps and back pain like I've had all along. Which I take to mean good things since it was like that with my son. It's the sudden sharp pains only on the left side that worry me. I'm just sitting back and taking it easy. :)

Sarah

Quick update on the urologist appointment. Chris has had significant change in his SA numbers (duh) and blood levels in the last four years (OY...has this been going on that long??). The urologist feels it is likely related to being overweight...sigh. He is starting Chris on Arimidex and he wants a blood level done in 30 days and another SA in three months. In other words.......we wait. :mope: If the Arimidex shows no improvement over three months, we are likely left without biological options.
Oh, Suzi! I'm so sorry. That just sucks. I can't stand waiting!

A few posts back you mentioned embryo adoption. If a clinic does embryo adoption (donation) that information is on the CDC website which lists their stats as well. http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/ART2002/clinics02.asp I hope it doesn't come to that.

Cindy - Good luck! It sounds like everything is going great.

Sarah - I think you need to enter a 12 step program for women addicted to pregnancy tests. I'm happy to hear you get them at the dollar store. I hope talking with the nurse tomorrow will help ease your mind that everything is A-OK with your pregnancy!

Amanda I'm so relieved to hear everything with baby Jessica is OK. How can you already be in the third trimester?

Kimberly So happy that the donor is still on. As I said to Suzi, waiting sucks! But you are really moving forward!

Carla How are you?

Things are chugging along here. I put on an estrogen patch tomorrow. Thank goodness. The lupron is giving me quite a headache.

Dave had his SA the other day. We might have to do ICSI, which I'm not thrilled about. (We didn't have to use it in the past) The embryologist assured us fertilization would not be a problem. Dave quit smoking in May ( :yippee: ) and we thought things could only get better with the swimmers.

If things go according to plan, my transfer will be in about 20 days. Eeeek!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cf38b3127cce953501271f7000000016108AcOGbRq2csp

:) How wonderful. What a great picture!!!! What a super happy family.:) Now we just need a close up of their faces!

Dana, yes I do!:lol: Funny this is that I belong to ourlittleuniverse.com(the other site after the UB close) And there is a thread there for TTC after M/C(one here too) Anyway just about everyone there is like me.:lol: We all test like crazy. I think that is the desperate impatient part of me. Wow I so can't believe that your tranfer is so close. I'd go ahead and do ICSI. We've never had problems with DH sperm but it was standard to do 1/2 over 3 1/2 years ago when we had our first ivf and this time they ICSI'd all. I know that is because of our history of m/c's but it doesn't hurt to do it. If you can afford it I'd go for it just as an added measure. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you that everything goes well!!

Sarah

Brenda~:rahrah:CONGRATULATIONS!:rahrah: Wishing you many happy moments. . . forever!

Suzi~That stinks! In addition to the Arimidex, will Chris be trying to loose weight? I had no idea that just a few pounds overweight could affect the sperm like that. :scratch: And if he does take off some pounds, could it really have that much of an impact on the sperm?

Cindy~Yay! :clap: Good for you!

Sarah~Sit back, relax, and smile. . . .:bighug:

Dana~20 days??!! Awesome. :clap: I can't wait. I'm so excited for you.

Serenity~What a beautiful picture! Congratulations!!

Kimberly

Kimberly, apparently - for men or women - a weight change of just 10% can make a big impact on fertility. He will try to lose weight, I am trying to lose... :crossfing

Dana, thanks for the link, I will look it up! :aok: Don't sweat the ICSI...it's really no big deal - that's all we've ever been able to do. :dunnoL

My update- I HAD MY EMBRYO TRANSFER TODAY!!! It was very cool. When I went in, the lab dr. came in and recommended 3 embryos even though I have 4 good ones. DH and I were not really comfortable with transferring 4 since they were all 4 and 4+ quality (my re uses a 5 point scale with 5 being the highest). We did have to discuss "selective reduction" in the event of triplets as I am only 5'2" and 120 pounds. They felt that there is a very small chance of triplets, so I don't anticipate having to make that decision. It was presented based on my past pregnancy having a couple of complications that would not be good with that many babies. I just refuse to even think about that for now. They've only had 2 cases of triplets from a 3 embie transfer since they started, so I'm confident that it will be okay. Selective reduction is illegal in my state anyway.

The embryos they transferred were a 6 cell grade 4, 7 cell grade 4+, and 8 cell grade 4. Also, I had the same percentage that fertilized regularly as with ICSI, so the morphology being a 3 rather than the desired 30-100 was not an issue after all.

The one thing that was a surprise to me is that they catheterized me after the procedure. Usually I HATE that, but they explained that they did not want me to get up for an hour. Since my bladder was so full, it was not bad at all, and was a big relief to not have that pressure.

I did get to watch them get the embies into the catheter on the screen before the transfer, watch them place them in my uterus, and check the catheter to make sure they were all out. My RE presented me with the petri dish that my embies were in plus a photo of them pre-transfer.

Oh...they did do assisted hatching as well because my linings were thick.

Sorry if this is old hat for those of you who have been there before. It was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced, and it made everything up until now worth it. Now I can start hoping for a bfp!

I'm on FLAT bedrest today, which makes typing on a laptop a challenge! BUT at least it's something to do! (Can you tell how bored I am with the long post???)

Babydust,
Cindy

Cindy-Sticky Sticky Stick Embie prayers!!!!!!!!!

Congrats Brenda!!!!!!!

Carla-Cant wait for your fert report!!!!!

Cindy that is awesome! It so amazing this whole process isn't it? We are given an u/s pic just as they place the embies in me. You can't see the actual embies since they are too small but you can see the fluid they are in. So I get to have that each time. I love just looking at that. So amazing! I'm sending you tons of sbv's!!!

Sarah

Great news Cindy! Lots and lots of sticky vibes!!!

Amanda

Cindy, Awesome, sticky sticky thoughts going your way :crossfing .


Carla, - 6 eggs that is great - gives me hope since my last was a low response cycle. Any news on you fert. report?



Dawn

Brenda -- CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Cindy -- I am glad to hear that everything went so well with your transfer. Are you bored yet? I already am! I understand what you were saying about it being difficult to type lying down. It was interesting to read all the details from your transfer right before I did mine. Lots of sticky egg thoughts for both of us!!!!!!

I finally got a hold of the on call nurse last night & she said that if no one called, that meant we had embryos. Since it was later in the day, there was nothing that she could do to find out. I was not a happy camper.

However, I went in for my transfer today & everything went really good. With our last IVF, the eggs hadn't looked very good. They did fertilize, but the eggs themselves hadn't looked good. The doctor said the ones we got this time looked great. 3 ended up being immature, but the other 3 fertilized just great. We had 2 8 cells & 1 6 cell that we had transferred. Now it's time to wait!!!

GREAT news Carla! Sending sticky thoughts for you, too!!!!
It would be totally awesome to get a bunch of BFPs right before the holidays!!!

Amanda

Great Carla I hope those three littles ones give you an awesome Xmas present this year! Isn't it aweful that no one calls you to let you know? I had to call our center and all they could tell me was yes we are still on. But no info. :( They just don't get how this is our entire lives. I'm so happy that three were good though that is great!

I went to the doctor today for them to check out my pains just to make sure everything was ok. Well my left ovary was pretty darn big a good 3 time the size of my right. They couldn't see anything which I knew but that is still good. My hcg is 214!!! Yippy! So I go back on Wed for repeat of blood. And I'm supposed to call if anything changes. I really think things are ok I know I have a lot of adheasions and with my ovary being so big I'm sure that is where the pain is coming from. So far so good.:) I'm grinning ear to ear. I just hope that Wed hcg is nice and high. Common 428!!!

I really am so happy with this. In the last 7 pregancies this is the first time I've hit this high of hcg. I really have a good feeling this time!

Sarah

Yeah Sarah! I'm so excited for you. Did they say why the ovary was enlarged? I assume that is just a side effect from stims? Who cares as long as it gets better and those numbers keep going up!

Carla - I'm sorry that you had to go without knowing. That is just plain cruel. My RE's nurse gave me her home phone number, so I have called her on just a couple of occassions when I was less than informed. After that, they called me right on time with everything. I think your tranfer sounds about like mine! We're in the same boat with 3 good embies. I'm glad it helped to read what I had happen. It helped me tremendously to read about those right ahead of me. I had read about other's ET's, but unless you're just about to go through it, you forget what they said about it. I'm one of those people who hates surprises, so I was happy to know as much as possible beforehand.

On a different note, one of dh's old college friends stopped by a few minutes ago. I apologized for my appearance when I came out for a minute to say hello and dh explained that I had a procedure yesterday and was still feeling groggy. DH told him that we were doing in vitro, and he said, "Oh, my wife quit her job before she even got pg. and was pg. within a week, and I was like, 'Oh great.' " I wanted to slap him. On that note, I (as kindly as possible) said, "Well, how lucky for her," excused myself, and went back to bed! My dh said that I was very nice and that he told him to thank his lucky stars that it was that easy for them. ARGH.... Oh well. For whatever reason, I can forgive a man for something like that far easier than I can a woman. Is that weird to expect women to be more sensitive about the fertility thing?

Babydust to all,
Cindy

I just had to share as I was absolutely astonished this afternoon. I called around to several pharmacies pricing Arimidex - the stuff is pricey but I finally found a pharmacy that was much cheaper than others - it was only $215 for 30 days (I did have to laugh - everyone was SO apologetic when they told me the price...as if that were expensive to me! HAHAHAHA!! :rotflmao: ). Anyway, I went to fill the scrip and asked them to run it through our insurance even though I knew it wouldn't be covered. Imagine my SHOCK when the pharmacist told me it was COVERED!!! I had all the pharmacy people in stitches because I told them what was going on and what we were using it for and then told them that $200 was nothing compared to the $3500 we usually spend on drugs for me for two weeks! :lol: I paid the co-pay and said to Julia so everyone could hear... "Come on, Julia...now we can go buy groceries so we can eat Thanksgiving dinner!" It was all just so funny!

So now I'm just thinking...how SAD that I am all excited about a $200+ drug being covered on my insurance! And now I am nervous about going back there to get several more months...I'm afraid my insurance is going to find out and suddenly they won't cover the drug... OY!! :tearhair:

Love all the great news here...I am keeping up but not able to post much. We have company coming from out of state and I have myself worked into my typical Thanksgiving holiday lather...I LOVE IT!! :lol:

Sarah - :) :) :) :) :) :) :) CONGRATULATIONS. I've been out of town since last Thursday and am just now checking the board and am so excited to hear your wonderful news. That's awesome.

Cindy & Carla~Sticky vibes to you both. You're on your way!! :yippee: :banana: :thumbsup: :crossfing

Cindy~I would have been so embarrased if that happened to me. But you're right, it would be more excusable for me when a man makes an ignorant infertility comment it as opposed to a woman doing it. :dunno:

Sarah~Keep grinning girl! You deserve it. :bighug:

Suzi~That's a funny story, but you're right, also sad in that you can't count on IF stuff automatically being covered. :disbelief I sure hope this changes very soon.

Kimberly

Hello everyone:horn1: !

Just a quick note to wish you all a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING:pilgrimea Tomorrow is a wonderful day to make a quick stop and thank God for all the good things He has given us throughout the year, and for all the good things forthcoming! This year heading my list, will be having met you all and will be most grateful for the Serenity & Faith that "hope" has brought into my heart in spite of all adversities...

Happy to hear all the great news and that the IVF´s are turning out very, very well for everyone. My :pray:s are with all of you so that all of our dreams come true, and I am sending tons of baby dust & sticky thoughts!!! Also, very special prayers and thanks to God for Baby Jessica and for Sarah´s little one(s).

Thank you for being there for me when I needed it most, and for helping me keep the hope that I still might have another chance...

A big hug,

Vyonne :happythan

How sweet Vyonne! :bighug:

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! :turkey2:

:turkey: Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

I am very thankful that I stumbled upon all of you guys!! Sticky thoughts for Carla and Cindy and babydust to all. We all have so much to be thankful for, I for one am thankful that I am healthy and that I have family and friends, a place to live and people to love.

Everyone eat lots of Turkey!!:pilgrimea


Dawn

I got a call this morning from my nurse. My donor had been in for an ultrasound, and everything looked perfect. I was told the donor would be starting her drugs on Friday.

This afternoon, I got a call from the other nurse. My donor's blood work came back. Her estrogen is too high. They'll have to re-check it Friday. If it drops, things will go ahead as planned. If it doesnt, I don't know what will happen. I assume it will just delay things by a few days. But, I fear if the donor and I get too far out of synch, we'll have to wait another cycle

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!!

Vvonne~That was the sweetest thing I have ever read. You are a sweetheart.

Dana~Good luck and fingers crossed!

Vyonne, that is just so sweet. I'm very thankful for this place too. And I'm so happy you don't have to go thru any of this alone. We are always here for you!

Dana I'm so sorry honey. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that her estrogen lowers by tomorrow.

I got some really good news yesterday. My beta is 403! Totally doubled. My progesterone is 60! So if it is that high when I go back MOnday they will started taking some away. I HATE the suppositories. My body isn't happy with them. So I will be very happy when I lose at least one of those per day.:) Also when I go in Monday they'll do another u/s. We might get to see our little one/ones. I hope we can see them by then. I should be about 5 weeks then. My scans with Riley were at 5w5d so we'll see what they can see.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!!!!

Sarah

Thank you Vyonne for your beautiful thoughts!
Dana - I hope everything works out ok!
Sarah - HOORAY for more happy news!
Sticky thoughts for Carla, Cindy, and Sarah!
I hope that things start progressing for everyone else. A very HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all!
I hope the holidays and the New Year bring only happy news to everyone!!!

Amanda

Just popping in to say STICKY STICKY EMBIE PRAYERS for Carla and Cindy! Cant wait to hear good news like Sarahs again x 2!!!!
Dana-praying for your ER and successful transfer!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I have leftover food for DAYS!!!

Well, the two week wait is still on. So far I've been very busy and haven't had time to think about it. I started my estrogen patches yesterday. We'll see what joys those bring! I keep feeling "twinges" but I have no idea if they are from the meds or from something else. I did POAS to see if the hcg was out of my system. It was negative, so I felt good about that (for once!!!). I'm not sure about the exact timing for it to be out of your body, but I've ready everything from 10-14 days. I tried at 10. http://bbs.babycenter.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif I have more hpt's ordered from babyhopes, so I'll probably do one next week sometime if I have too much time on my hands and don't get too busy. (yeah right!!!) My bloodwork is scheduled for Thursday.

On a bad note, my crinone gel has not come in yet!!! I'm on my last day today, so I may have to start calling local pharmacies to see if I can buy some from them, though most pharmacies seem to have to order it. I do still have the progesterone (prometrium) pills. My last RE had me use those vaginally and / or orally, so I guess I could use those in an emergency!

Well, I'm off to do a little bit of Christmas shopping! Hopefully I can avoid the pg. test aisle at Target while I'm out!! http://bbs.babycenter.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif Just kidding! I'll post personals later! I'm trying to beat the traffic!!!

Babydust,
Cindy

Cindy,

Hope you had luck finding the Crinone gel. Sticky vibes coming your way!!

Happy shopping!

***pg mentioned***

Yes, 11 days past the egg retrieval IS the magic number. I did a pg test this AM, and it was negative. I did one at 1:30 PM, and there is the FAINTEST LINE I'VE EVER SEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, I've seen enough negatives to know the difference. Now I have to plan on how to tell dh. Yes, I'm still cautious, but this helps my mood tremendously. I have to top the last time of telling him. He is a pilot, and I met him at the airport with a sign that says DADDY (along with all of the people who were meeting strangers.) His crew found out before hand, and had him get off last. The passengers all waited to see his reaction and applauded. His first words? "How did this happen?" (We thought I had a miscarriage, so this was a surprise!!!) This, of course, got a big laugh from everyone.

I hope that line stays there and that it gets darker and darker and darker. I'm woozie from my progesterone that I took, but I can see the faint line every time I look at it.

Babydust!!!!
Cindy

CONGRATS Cindy!!!!

Amanda

Cindy~Awesome news! :yippee:

Kimberly

Cindy, that's terrific news!!! Congratulations!!!

Cindy, Wonderful news!!! Congratulations :jump2:
Vyonne

:yippee: Cindy :yippee: Congratulations!!!!

I just talked with my nurse. Things are going well with our donor. Very well. It looks like retrieval could be as early as this Friday, and no later than Sunday. I feel dizzy.

Cindy that is great!!! Congrats!!!! Good luck with coming up with a good way of telling him. You did do an awesome job last time!

Dana HOLY COW! That was quick. I'm so excited for you. How awesome. I really hope that everything goes super well.

I had another u/s today and we think we saw two sacs. I'm only 5 weeks today so it's not for sure. There is a lot of free fluid and several good sized cysts on my left side. No wonder it hurts a lot over there. But nothing much showing up in the tube so far. So I'll got back again at the end of the week and we should know for sure how many and where. The pain isn't any worse since last week so hopefully everything will continue to go well. My hcg was 2003 today. So all is well with that.

Sarah

Cindy! Congrats!!!

Dana~:crossfing :crossfing

Sarah~Good news! Glad to hear all is well.

HOORAY Dana!!! Great news!
Sarah - Glad you got more good news.

Amanda

Congrats Cindy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dana-Doing the happy dance for your upcoming cycle!

Carla Sticky Sticky Embies!!!!!

Sarah-Awesome news on the 2 sacs!!!!! Hope the cysts disappear quick for you!!!

Lovin' the success streak!!! Praying that it keeps up for us all!!!

Dana, I am so happy with your news :ura1: !!! You´ll see how everything goes real well! Let us know when retrieval will be.:hug1:

Sarah, That is simply awesome :suck: :suck: !!! The possibility of two little ones is wonderful. This was your time, and I am so happy for you! You have finally gotten what you had fought so hard for... you go girl!:rahrah:

Carla, Stay positive sweetie, we are on a lucky streak mode... so you are next! My :pray:s are with you!!! :hug1:

Vyonne

Thanks everyone I really hope this trend continues. We need lots of pg gals!!!!

Cindy, Congrats!! :jump:


Dana, That is great news!

Sarah, That is excellent news! :pteddy: :bteddy: Hope the cyst go away soon.

Carla, Any news yet? Sticky sticky embies!!

Now I have a question

How long does it usually take to get AF after a failed cycle? Had some bleeding after I stopped to progesterine in Oct, but it has been over 30 days and still no AF. Any one have a similar experience.


Dawn

Dana~Wow! :wow: :crossfing Good Luck to you. :bighug:

Dawn~After a failed cycle, I usually get AF about 28 days later, which is right on par with my cycles whether or not I'm ttcing.

Kimberly

Kim, thank you for the input - I am getting a little concerned since my cycle is like clock work every 30 days. I will call the dr tomorrow.


Thanks again.

Dawn

Dawn, Don´t get too alarmed :owow: . After the intake of all those hormones, your body can take a little "extra" time to get back to normal. However, I think calling the Dr. tomorrow is a very good idea :nod: . In my case, sometimes I got my AF right on the date it was supposed to be (28-30 days) and other times I had up to a 10 day delay. Its funny I say AF, because I am assuming it is your period we are talking about, but dunno what the initials stand for :lol:

Vyonne

Its funny I say AF, because I am assuming it is your period we are talking about, but dunno what the initials stand for :lol:

Vyonne

Aunt Flow can be such a bitch when she knows you dont want her to show for good reasons and an even bigger bitch when your monitoring cycles so you can start over again!

Dawn - I hope AF puts your mind at ease and comes for a visit soon.

Dawnie I hope af shows soon. Mine are always wacky so I can't be of help there. This last failed ivf it showed in less than 3 weeks. I think calling your doctor is always good they might want to know. After awhile they will probably give you meds to jump start it. I hope it shows soon so you can get on with things.

Sarah

Sorry Dawn!

Amanda

I just got a call from my nurse. My donor is ready. The nurse said she has 'tons of follicles'. They'll be retrieving the eggs on Friday. This friday. Like two days from now.

I'm scared to death. This happened too fast. I'm afraid I'm not ready. My lining was great last cycle, sinch the donor stimmed so fast I don't know if my lining is where it should be. I was suppossed to have acu today. I rescheduled for Friday. Then my acu called me. She's been very sick (chest infection) and is taking Friday off. We've rescheduled for Tuesday, but that may be too late. Embryo transfer will be either Monday or Wednesday. :crossfing: for Wednesday.

Oh my gosh! Dana man that was fast. Congrats on having a ton of follies. I hope your lining is nice and thick. Don't they have you come in for a scan to double check? Maybe you could ask for one? And I'm sorry about your acu. Could you call her and ask if she has any other fellow acus that could take you this week? Maybe just explain to her that you are worried and you really need to get in today or tomorrow. Hopefully you can find a way one way or another. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Wednesday!!!! I hope you have tons of embies, enough to freeze.

Sarah

How exciting Dana!!! Thinking only good thoughts for you!

Amanda

I went in today for an estrogen check and a lining check. My lining looked 'great' - that was my big concern since things seemed to happen so fast. I didn't hear back on the estrogen, so I assume everything is A-OK there.

I found an acupuncturist who will meet me at the clinic the day of the transfer. She'll do a session on me immediately before and another immediately after transfer. I'm thrilled about that!

My betas will be on December 15th and December 18th. They generally don't give the results until after the 2nd test. They want to make sure the beta is rising appropriately.

I should have a big update tomorrow.

Sorry for not doing personals. My mind is scrambled at the moment!

Dana that is so so so AWESOME! I'm so happy for you. And that is wonderful that your acu will meet you there. Mine can't so I always have to go to her before and after transfer. Oh this is just so exciting. How many will you transfer?

Dana that is so so so AWESOME! I'm so happy for you. And that is wonderful that your acu will meet you there. Mine can't so I always have to go to her before and after transfer. Oh this is just so exciting. How many will you transfer?
We're paying for the privledge of having her come to the clinic. Totally worth it for me.

I'm fairly certain we'll transfer two. I've debated transferring just one - twins kind of scare me. Since the success rates for an egg donor cycle are so high, they rarely transfer more than two.

Sarah, on a totally unrelated note, are you in contact with Melissa? Her journal buddies at HOUL are concerned about the long break she's taken. If you correspond with her, let her know we're missing her.

Just wanted everyone here to know about a thread I started... http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/showthread.php?p=681979#post681979

I got an email about a woman writing a book, she's looking for people to interview. It's POSSIBLE that the whole OUAL/support angle may be of interest to her, I am emailing her about it.

BTW, I don't want anyone to think I have abandoned this group. I have been in quite a funk about our situation...trying to come to terms with not having another child has really gotten to me. I have been keeping up here as best I can and I do wish everyone the absolute BEST!! :bighug: to each of you!!

Dana - Thinking of you!!!!
Suzi - I'm sorry you're feeling so down.

Amanda

I need some support.....
The retrieval report is in. They only got 7 eggs. I know it only takes one good one. I'm so scared...I'm so disappointed....

Suzi~:hug99: I truly believe I understand how you are feeling. But listen, I come to this thread so often with nothing positive to say and I spew out all my sadness. That's what we're here for. All I'm saying is don't shy away, especially if you need to vent.

Dana~I think as bummed as you feel, you are right in remembering that it only takes one good one. I remember a woman on the UB thread who only had one fertilize, one to transfer, and got pregnant! I will admit, that I would be bummed with the results as well. I can't deny that. I would be thinking that I've had 7+ in the past with my own eggs afterall. What's best for you to remember though is that we're talking about a donor who is much younger than us. The chances of those eggs feritilizing and being of high quality (higher quality than your own eggs perhaps) :dunno: are good and that it's not about how many eggs you produce, and instead, the quality of those eggs produced. :bighug:


News from my home front: We received the final donor agreement yesterday and were told to sign and return the copy along with a check. The check includes our full payment to the donor and any other expenses she may incur (mileage, tests, etc) which will be kept in escrow until the cycle is completed. We signed the form last night but I decided that I needed to call and doublecheck that things were moving forward before I send in the check. Basically, I've finally gotten the hint that I could use my withholding of the check as a means to get things done!!

Of course, I was not thrilled with what I found out. I called the IVF clinic this morning and left a message, they left a message to me basically that "my donor has just completed a cycle and that they're waiting for the donor agency to forward them her medical records. After they're fowarded, her chart will be reviewed and then it will be determined whether the donor needs to do testing. After that, we can go forward with coordinating cycles." I then called the donor agency and left a message saying basically, "I'm confused as to what's taking so long for the IVF clinic to receive my donors medical paperwork. The clinic says that the donor has just completed a cycle, but from what I was told on Nov. 1st was that she just had a transfer a week prior. So, a month has now passed. Because I'm still shell shocked from the whole ordeal with my last donor (who I waited 2 months for her to pass in paperwork), I do not feel confident sending my check until I'm reassured that something is happening." So, I'm waiting for a phone call as I sit here. I actually teared up and I hadn't done that for a while. I've had a pretty good month and now it feels like Deja Vu. :blue:

Kimberly

Dana I'm sorry honey. I know that is disappointing. But like Kimberly said hopefully her eggs will be better and do better so you won't need as many. Sending you lots of hugs sweetie!!

Kimberly I'm so sorry about the generic message they left you. You are so right to call and withhold your check until something is done. I hope that the person who left that message just doesn't know what she's talking about.

Hmmm Suzi I'll have to check that out. And I really hope that things work out for you.

I had my appointment today and... WE have one perfect little baby!!!! We even saw the heartbeat! It's so early. But if you look closly once she pointed it out we could see the little bitty hb. It's still too small to measure though but we got to see it. Nothing in my tube for sure! But tons of cysts. I think they are now larger than on Monday. Hopefully they'll go away soon. I can't stay online long. I just left a message for my PGD doctor to find out the sex of the two embies we used. I'm thinking they are two of the same since he wouldn't tell me. If we had one of each I'm sure he'd say. So I'm anxiously waiting to hear. I cried when I saw our bean and I cried while they drew my blood. I'm just so so happy we saw the baby and it wasn't in my tube. Thank God! Something has finally worked for us.

Congratulations Sarah!!!

Kimberly :crossfing that things will continue to move in a positive direction for you. I hope you get some more detailed information that makes more sense soon.

Dana I can understand being disapointed but wanted to tell you about my RL friend who wound up with one embie to transfer and bam - she is 6 weeks ahead of me now. As everyone has said, I am hoping that the quality of the DE is working in your favor :crossfing

Suzi :bighug:

Hello to everyone - I have been following along - ok lurking then :tongue2: please know I am cheering you on even if I don't post!!

Dana, I am sorry that you are upset about the results. Just to show you how it's all about PERSPECTIVE....if I got 7 eggs from a retrieval, I would be JUMPING FOR JOY!! Please remembet the 7 eggs is MORE than enough for you to have a successful IVF! :bighug:

Dana, I am sorry that you are upset about the results. Just to show you how it's all about PERSPECTIVE....if I got 7 eggs from a retrieval, I would be JUMPING FOR JOY!! Please remembet the 7 eggs is MORE than enough for you to have a successful IVF! :bighug:

Dana~Exactely! :nod:

Suzi~By the way, thanks for forwarding that message about the woman who's writing the book. I contacted her to let her know I was interested. I would definitely have a lot to say.

I did get better news later today. . just 1/2 hr. ago. I spoke to Christine (my favorite contact at the DE agency). She told me that they had received most of the medical information from the last place that the donor had done her cycle (which is a different clinic from where I go) and it came right away. However, it was missing something. . .an MPI? :dunno: Anyway, I guess my assertiveness (agressiveness?) did work because I guess the DE agency had made 5 requests for this and because of my message today, they were somehow more "motivated" and contacted the director of the donors former IVF clinic to get the paperwork sent! My DE agency faxed it to my IVF clinic and so now, my IVF clinic has all the paperwork and can proceed. See, THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT. :thumbsup:

Kim

See, THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKIN' ABOUT. :thumbsup:Kim

GO ON WITH YOUR BAD SELF!!! :banana: :nod:

Oh my God, I'm tearing up. You're awesome Suzi!

Kimberly that is great news! I hope everything just falls into place from here on out!

Phoey...I just lost my post that I had typed so many personals into!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'll try a repeat, but my brain is so tired that I may miss some people, or heaven forbid, get a little confused!!!

Sarah - Congrats!

Goo - It sounds like you're on your way! I'm excited that things are finally moving forward again !!!!

Dana - Wow....I missed a lot with you in just a couple of days!!! Sorry about the disappointing ER, but 7 sounds great to me! Just hang in there. Your head must be swimming with all of the sudden activity!!!

Dawn - My cycles (which are usually so regular) are always lengthened with meds.

Carla - I'm eager to hear from you!!!

Well, I have felt like complete and utter crap! (That's good, right?) I just can't get enough sleep and just feel so draggy..... You can imagine my surprise when I went in for my first beta and it was a measly 44. Now I have to wait until Monday to find out if it is increasing. I keep feeling pinches in my left side, which makes me paranoid about another tubal, but I also know that it can be leftover follies making cysts or fluid or many other things. Two tubals makes one feel every little twinge!!!!

I'm sorry that I can't remember the rest of my personals. I hate when I lose my posts!!!

Babydust to all,
Cindy

Dana~I think as bummed as you feel, you are right in remembering that it only takes one good one. I remember a woman on the UB thread who only had one fertilize, one to transfer, and got pregnant!
That was Barbara - I remember her well. She was even at BOLU for awhile.
I will admit, that I would be bummed with the results as well. I can't deny that. I would be thinking that I've had 7+ in the past with my own eggs afterall. What's best for you to remember though is that we're talking about a donor who is much younger than us. The chances of those eggs feritilizing and being of high quality (higher quality than your own eggs perhaps) :dunno: are good and that it's not about how many eggs you produce, and instead, the quality of those eggs produced. :bighug:
I guess going into a donor cycle I just expected higher numbers. I hope and pray they were good quality.

Dana I'm sorry honey. I know that is disappointing. But like Kimberly said hopefully her eggs will be better and do better so you won't need as many. Sending you lots of hugs sweetie!!
thank you! And congratulations on your little one! I am so happy for you!

Dana I can understand being disapointed but wanted to tell you about my RL friend who wound up with one embie to transfer and bam - she is 6 weeks ahead of me now. As everyone has said, I am hoping that the quality of the DE is working in your favor :crossfing
thanks, Judy!

Dana, I am sorry that you are upset about the results. Just to show you how it's all about PERSPECTIVE....if I got 7 eggs from a retrieval, I would be JUMPING FOR JOY!! Please remembet the 7 eggs is MORE than enough for you to have a successful IVF! :bighug:
You are absolutely right, if it had been *my* eggs retrived, I would have been very happy with 7. Hell, if it were anyone else on these boards complaing about seven eggs, I'd tell them that was a whopping fine number. Like I told Kim, I just had high expectations.

I am so saddened to see your next IVF has been delayed so long. I do hope you will continue to check in here. We need you, oh fearless leader!

Dana - Wow....I missed a lot with you in just a couple of days!!! Sorry about the disappointing ER, but 7 sounds great to me! Just hang in there. Your head must be swimming with all of the sudden activity!!!
thank you! This happened so fast. Tuesday they told me retrieval would be between friday and sunday. By wednesday they set retriveal for Friday! I was sure it would be sunday.

:crossfing for a rising beta on Monday. I know its going to be a long weekend for you. I had pinching on my side with my pregnancy - so I was sure it was a tubal. Someone told me it may be the ligaments which hold the uterus beginning to stretch.

Dana I forgot yes I do talk to Melissa and I'll shoot her over an email to let her know everyone needs to hear from her. I haven't talked to her much lately either. I think my IVF cycle just brings up bad memories for her so I try to avoid the subject. I totally understand how you feel. 7 to some is great but when you think you have the best you expect more than 7. When we did our FET earlier in the year when we got there the RE walked in and told me we had only one embie.(we had 9 thawed) I just started to cry. I wasn't prepared to hear that at all. One of the nurses told me Oh I would have loved to hear I had one. Clearly she had a lot of problems too. But that didn't take away MY disappointment. It's yours to have. Don't feel guilty for having it. Everyone has some expectations and when you are let down it's hard. One to me was devastating, but to that nurse she would have been happy. That didn't take away how aweful I felt that we only had one. I really hope the 7 they got are awesome quality and they do really really well. I think we can all understand after going thru all you've gone thru to get better odds this time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!!!

Cindy I know exactly how you feel. I went thru the same thing with this baby. In fact I'm 5w5d today and I've already had 3 u/s. Because of my history and the pain I had. But everything is good. I have a lot of large cysts on my one side along with fluid and the ovary is very large. Add that to all the adheasions which I'm sure you have too. I hope the pain doesn't get any worse. Mine leveled off and hasn't gotten any worse, no better but not worse. I hope your little one/ones are right where they should be!!!

Sarah

Dana~That's right! Her name was Barbara.

Sarah~Please say Hi to Melissa for me as well.

Cindy~I'm so sorry you have to spend the weekend on pins and needles about this. I do very much understand what you're going through right now. . .I had 2 ectopics myself. :hug99:

Kim

Sarah - thank you so much for your kind words and sympathy. I had no idea about your FET. There is no way you could have prepared for that!

The report is in:

Of the 7 eggs

3 Fertilized Normally (I'm not sure if that was natual or if ICSI was used)

2 were in the process of fertilization (Not sure what that means - it doesn't sound promissing)

2 Were immature - one may possibly mature and fertilize (again it doesn't sound promising) one will not.

Dave spoke with the embryologist. He (embryologist) is confident we'll have two to transfer. Not sure of three day or five day transfer. We'll know tomorrow. The wait continues...

I'm sorry Dana I know you were hoping for better news, we all were hoping for high ferts. I hope that the three that did well from the start continue to do so. I know this has to be so so hard for you. But I'm hoping that those three do really well and this will be the last time you need to think about these numbers. I'm sure the embryologist is right that you'll have at least 2 for transfer. Keeping my fingers crossed for your little embies right now.

Kimberly will do! If you have email addresses just PM with them and I'll send her an email with them. I know she is super busy with work and everything so I don't hear much from her but I'm sure she'll be happy to hear you guys were asking about her. :)

Sarah

Hi!

Kimberly -- I am glad to hear that things are finally moving along with your donor. You've really had to be patient to make it through this so far.

Dana -- Don't be too disappointed with the fertilization. We had 7 eggs for our 2nd IVF & only got 2 embryos. But one of them worked & now my "baby" girl is almost 3!

Cindy -- I hope that your HCG is going up nicely on Monday.

I have had quite the last couple of weeks. A couple of days before my transfer, my husband found out that he was going to London for a week for a business trip. Since I didn't want to stay home by myself (have to take care of everything at home, including lifting my little girl,) I decided to go with him. My doctor o.k.'d it since this is my third cycle this year & I'm pretty predictable in how I respond. So I just got back from spending a week in London, which is a great way to get your mind off IVF! We had frequent flyer miles & my husband had a hotel room, so I just had to pay for my food & my sight seeing, which is not cheap in London. I had a great time!

I had bloodwork done the day before I left (day 6 after transfer) & my HCG was 55. The nurse said that she considered that a positive, even though the HCG shot may have affected the result a little. (Last time I did IVF, my HCG was 14 at that point.) I'm a little skeptical & am not celebrating until I get my bloodwork done tomorrow, but I am feeling pretty cheerful!

I am feeling worse that I did after my failed IVF's, so I am taking that as a really good sign! I will let you know what my numbers are tomorrow!

Cindy and Carla-Praying big that your HCG numbers are steadily climbing higher and higher!!!!! Good luck with those blood tests!

Kimberly-I'm so glad everythings progressing so well with your donor! Your on your way Hon!

Suzi-I'm sorry things aren't progressing faster for you in a positive way. I know how disappointing it is to be forced to wait for positive results and for a timeline to look forward to. It feels pretty crappy but I am so glad to have found this group of ladies to help me understand and get through. I know that if it hadn't been for your help and understanding I probally would not have stayed online or learned what I have from all of you to make this wait and process easier. I hope that we can help you get through this time of stress for you by just being here when you need us. I'm praying things get better for a May cycle for you!

Dana-So glad to hear that your lining and everything checks out for this cycle. I'll second what everyone said about it only takes one good embryo and I'll pray for your successful transfer. Fingers crossed and STICKY STICKY EMBIE prayers!

Well I'm going for my comunicable diseases blood test tommorow. Joy of joys. Six more vials of blood to give up! When I get home we're going to call the clinic and see what progress has been made towards my protocols due to the remote locations factor (the pharmacies here dont carry active supplies of anything but what they need day to day) and we have to make arrangements for me to be close to a blood lab while we are cycling as well as taking holidays to do this in. I know that it's three months away but it really bothers me not to know exactly whats going on. Hopefully we'll know tomorrow what we're looking at for a time line.

I get all my supplies thru a fertility mail order company. Acutally I think most of us do. None of the pharmacies carry that kind of stuff here either. We always used Freedom Drug but it might be different in Canada. But they deliver for free so it's actually easier, you never have to run out to get it.;) I hope you get some info tomorrow!

Carla that is good! I hope tomorrow you get really good news. Keeping my fingers crossed for you. I hope those numbers go nice and high! And yeah for the trip to London! How cool is that?! I've never been to Europe and would love to go anywhere. And you are right feeling like crap is good.;)

Sarah

Hi to all!

Dana, that is awesome - you will probably get 5 to 6 eggs that is great!!!:aok: When will they do the transfer?

Carla and Cindy I know how stressful low HCG numbers can be - try to relax everything is going to be fine!

Sarah, How are you feeling?

Just to let everyone know - I did call the doctor and he told me it was normal and if AF did not come in three weeks to make an appointment - well and of course the day after I talked to him - Miss Flow decided to make an appears and Oh my God was it the most awful cycle I ever had - Headache, cramps, throwing up - and (not to be disgusting) it was heavy heavy heavy - I stood home from work on Thursday because of it and that is a first - but the good thing is it only lasted 4 days! and now it is over.

I look foward to reading all the good news tomorrow.

Dawn

Cindy and Carla - Keeping everything crossed for good beta numbers!!!
Sarah - I'm thrilled for your good news!!!!
Dana - I'm sorry that fert report wasn't better. Crossing everything for a sticky baby for you!
Kimberly - HOORAY for things moving forward!
Dawn - Sorry about the horrible AF. That ALWAYS happened to me that I'd call the RE about no AF and that was the best way to get her to show up!
Andrea - Glad things are starting to move forward for you, too!

I hope I didn't miss anyone! We had a crazy busy weekend so my brain isn't all here.

Amanda

Just want to say a quick hello. Taking a break from studying. End of the semester is so close! Yay!

Just wanted to let you all know that I was thinking of ya.

Cindy and Carla! Congrats again! Sending you sky high Beta's
Sarah~ I am so glad you saw the heartbeat. So exciting
Suzi~ I am sorry for everything you are dealing with right now. Hang in there.! You know we are all here for you.
Dawn~Glad the ole bat finally showed up for you!
Dana~Sounds like good news to me! You are on your way!!

Today is CD 4, did some BW yesterday and have the saline U/S scheduled for Dec 20. I am on my way too! Yeah! I know it will be here before I know it. 1 AF down 2 more to go!

Transfer is tomorrow (Monday). I'm kind of bummed. I thought for sure we'd make it to blast. I'm trying to stay positive. My DS is a result of a three day transfer.

I also get all my supplies through Freedom Drug. I live in a major metro area & have only found 1 pharmacy in town that carries a selection of IVF drugs.

Dawn -- That always happened to me, though usually I'd get AF after I'd gone to get bloodwork. Once it even started on my way back from the doctor after I'd got bw done!

Dana -- I've always done 3 day transfers, neither of my RE's have done 5 day transfers.

Dana, hang in there...nothing wrong at all with a 3-day transfer! All the IVFs I've done and I've never made it to 3-day. I had the chance ONCE and we chose to stick with a 3-day, I think it turned out lucky for us because NONE of the remaining embryos made it to day 5!

Wow!!! This thread does move fast! I was away for a couple of days and got all this news!

Andrea, Thanks for the "translation" on AF :lol:
Sounds like things are starting to move right along for you... that´s great! You´ll see how everything continues in the right path :hug99:

Kim, At first I worried when I was reading your older message where you were concerned for your donor, but as I read the next messages, I saw that things are coming along well and you are confident again. I am so happy for you sweetie, I know what is like to have to depend on "others". I trust that everything will continue just as you need it to be. :bighug:
Oh, and before I forget, I found my new donor for my upcoming cycle already :ura1: And as I have said it before... I wanted to be prepared, so that it doesn´t catch me off guard. My doc, could not believe it :lol:, as I don´t even have the money for my next treatment, but I got my girl :awink:. This one looks more like me than the previous one, because she does have green eyes like me (the previous one had blue eyes), so I´m excited and have to get the $$$$ now! My doc actually suggested we start a donor´s agency, because I have such a way of recruiting them... we´ll see!

Carla, I´m sure the trip helped to get you distracted (as you said), so be positive and have tons of faith. My :pray:s are with you!

Dana, I totally understand how you felt with the end result of the donor´s eggs. I guess when we are in a donor´s cycle, we expect that woman to be "super woman" and produce enough eggs to supply a whole army :lol:! Just be relaxed and have positive thoughts, and most importantly, thank God for the opportunity He is giving you that many don´t get. It is also true that we always want enough to freeze, but just think how happy and blessed you´ll be with a positive result from your upcoming transfer... My :pray:s are with you sweetie! Sticky, sticky embies your way!!!

Suzi, I am so sorry to hear you so bummed out, but just think of how down I was when I got my BFN a little over a month ago... I didn´t even think I´d get another chance. But I decided not to give up and continue fighting for what I wanted and needed, so here I am recruiting a new donor! Remember that on my last IVF my husbands sperm sample was aweful? well, since that day I have increased his MACA intake and my doctor has told us that he has seen dramatic changes in a 3 month period. All I am saying is to please don´t give up! A combination of prayers along with a will, give you a road to a way... :hug99: Its okay for us to cry, pout or have temper tantrums :tantrum: , that´s what we are here for, to give you a shoulder or a nice word of hope and help you push the wagon!

Sarah, I am so overjoyed with the news!!! So very happy everything is fine with the little one! I bet that little :hb: beat was the best holiday gift ever!!! :bighug:

Ang, So happy for you that things are getting closer for your treatment! :hug99:You are right, you´ll be there before you know it!!!:yippee:

Amanda, Sweet kisses to baby Jessica :pteddy: and my continued :pray:

Dawnie, Its good that you finally get the visit you were longing for :lol: !

Well its getting late and I am getting pretty :sleepy: myself!

Sweet dreams to you all and tons of baby dust :awink:

Vyonne

Dana I'm sorry you won't make it day 5 like you hoped. But to add one more baby to your 3 day list, Riley was a 3 day transfer. I'm praying like mad that things go well today. Let us know how things went when you can. YOu will be in my thoughts all day.

Vyonne you are so sweet. And yes it was the best present ever! that is wonderful that you have found your donor already. You are amazing with that! I'll bet you are just a really outgoing person.:) I hope you are able to come up with a plan.

Sarah

O.K. I've had my blood drawn, now I just have to wait for the phone call. This is going to be a long afternoon!

Sarah, I bet it was!!! And I am thrilled to share your joy! :hug99:
Thank you for your good wishes on my case... I too sure hope to be able to come up with the right plan when the moment comes up :awink: (hopefully a January cycle).

Carla, Everything will be fine... keep u the faith! :pray: We are all sending you sticky thoughts!!! :bighug: PS Will be waiting for the great news!

Vyonne

Vyonne - I'm not surprised you found a donor already. You are such a sweet and genuine person! I'm already excited for you!
Dana - Fingers crossed for you! Nathaniel was also a day 3 transfer.
Angela - Only 2 more AFs!!!!

I hope to hear more good news from Cindy and Carla later!

Amanda

HCG 5.9. Life really stinks sometimes. I think that I'm going to go feel sorry for myself.

I'm so sorry Carla.

Amanda

Oh Carla, I am so sorry

Carla, I am so sorry

Carla, I am so sorry. :hug99:

My dear Carla, its not easy to address someone in pain, specially when you know that there are no right words to help with or to express your sorrow. Like many other gals in this forum, we all have experienced (at one time or another) that sense of emptiness, impotence and unbearable pain.

Do what you have to do, to get it all out, but pleeeeeeease don´t give up. God sometimes and I don´t quite know why... makes us go through a lot of grief before allowing us to reach that true happiness we all want. Think of all that Sarah had to go through to finally achieve joy, or me, as I am still grieving my 6th unsuccessful IVF and the clock keeps ticking! Not even with donor eggs this last cycle, was I able to achieve what I so much have begged God for. But the true key to success is NEVER TO GIVE UP and to trust God´s timing, that may not be same as ours.
I give you my hand and my heart to help you get up and learn to walk again... :bighug:

Vyonne

Oh Carla I'm so sorry honey.:( We are here for you if you need to let it all out. Sending you lots of hugs.

I wish I had time for personals, but I'm sure you all understand.

I am amazed at all the kind words and support I have recieved from you all the past few days. It is very needed.

I had hoped that our slow starters would continue to grow. I even had visions of them making it to day five to be frozen, but that was not the case.

I didn't have to worry about wheather we should put back two or three embies, because only two made it. The two that made it looked "very good". One was at 8 cell stage, one at 7 and the embryologist was sure it would be at 8 cells any minute.

The transfer itself was flawless. It was amazing and beautiful to see our embies on the sonogram screen as they were implanted in me. (I had really forgotten about that) The doctor left us with the same words he did after my transfer when I got pregnant with DS, "Get pregnant." The embryologist told us to keep a steady level of optimism - not too high and not low. I guess that's where I am now.

I'll be back soon

Dana - I'm happy to hear that you had 2 good embryos to transfer. I totally understand the disappointment with how the cycle turned out but 2 good embryos is still 2 good embryos! I sending only the best sticky thoughts in the world to you!!!

Amanda

Dana, two good embryos is EXCELLENT!! Hang in there - I am excited enough for both of us...so when is the beta?? :yippee:

Oh Dana that is wonderful that the two they used were of such great quality. I'm sorry you didn't have any leftover. But I really hope that these two do just wonderful! Now off to rest Momma!!

Well I FINALLY got the call from my PGD doctor and.... WE'RE HAVING A GIRL!!!!!!! Both embies they used were girls so we are for sure having a girl. How exciting. We get to have one of each. I certainly would have been happy with any sex, but I was hoping for a girl. Especially since this is our last baby. And honestly just hearing that our baby is a girl just made me cry. I feel even more connected to our baby. Much like you do at your 20 u/s. I just feel this is more real! I guess I can get rid of all the many boxes of boys clothes we have in the basement.;)

Congrats on your baby girl, Sarah! That is so awesome! One of each is my dream also. But at this point one of either will do!!!

CONGRATS on your baby girl Sarah!!!!

Amanda

Carla~:sadhug: :cry: I truly feel for you.

Vyonne~You have such a wonderful way with words and such a marvelous spirit. I'm so happy you're here in our community.

Sarah~:banana: How awesome is this news? It's quintruple awesome. I would have gone higher but I couldn't figure out a word anything over that amount. :dunno: I'm so happy for you. :bighug:

Andrea~Things are moving right along. :thumbsup: I can't wait. :pray:

Nothing new with me. As of last Friday, I know the IVF clinic received all the records. I'm going to hold out calling the IVF clinic until this Friday to get an idea as to when I might be cycling.

Kimberly, have I mentioned that I LOVE your new pic??

Thanks.:) I'm just so happy we know what we are having. It just really makes this all so much more real.

Kimberly I hope that you get some good news Friday and can start really soon. I know all this waiting must make you nuts. It seems like forever, but hopefully it's right around the corner! (and that is a really great pic of you!)

Thanks! :awink: :)

Amanda, Thank you for your kind words... you too are very sweet! :hug99:

Dana, Two embies is very good :nod:!!! Remember is not quantity, but quality. Don´t let the fact that you got less than expected get you down... on the contrary, stay positive and most importantly, be grateful. My :pray:s are with you!

Sarah, I think I am about to suggest you change your name to Pandora... full of surprises :lol:. Oh your news are simply delightful! Congratulations sweetie!!! :hug1:
Kim, Thank you too, for your lovely words! I am too very, very happy to have found you all. We are a great group of women aiming at the same target/dream and having one and other, makes us stronger to keep up the fight :hi5: !

So happy to hear that the clinic already have all the records for your donor :clap: ... yesssss, that is awesome! Cheer up!!! that is such great news and Friday is almost here. You´ll start your treatment in a matter of weeks now. Maybe we´ll even get lucky together!!! :hug99:.

Any comments???

On another token, I have a question related to what you add to your diet, to increase the success of implantation after IVF. Today, I was for a few hours on the web searching for new things to aid with implantation, and I found some info on the impact the foods you eat before and after transfer will have. Almost all coincided with eating a high protein diet, with lots of whole grains, nuts, sardines, green leafy veggies & pineapple, plus a supplement of a daily intake of Brewer´s Yeast & Spirulina. However, I also found out on another site that Spirulina thickens your blood, so I figured that would take away the whole purpose from the intake of baby aspirin, :dunno: right? I also found some more stuff about reducing your sugar intake to 0% for 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after transfer... boy, that would be a taugh one :chef:!
As you can see... I am determined to get water from the moon in an effort to enhance my chances this next time around!
Kim, I´m sure you´ll appreciate this saying: "Si con caldito mejora... caldito a toda hora" :lol:

Vyonne

Hi all....
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. And I apologize that I can't do personals tonight either. I am just exhausted! We have a lot going on this past week, and it really is bad timing! (out of town guests, etc. who do not know about our fertility stuff!)

I did go back and have a repeat hcg on Monday. My minimum was a 176, but my RE wanted to see at least 200. I got a 443! So I guess those who told me that an original low beta is nothing to worry about. I am starting to feel it now, and it's tough not being able to tell people why I'm staring at them blankly because I'm asleep with my eyes open.

I will write personals later.
Cindy

Thank you Vyonne! you are too sweet!

Cindy that is awesome! I'm so happy for you! Congrats!!!

I just read this on BOUL: :tear: I'm just heartbroken

A dear friend of mine, Judy (bloom), just lost her twin boys.......at 23 weeks. :tear:

I know she, and her husband, could use all of the thoughts and prayers they can get right now.

OMG....my heart is just sick for her. She will be in my prayers.

I was just coming to post Judy's sad news, too. I can't even believe it. My heart is breaking for her.

Amanda

PS CONGRATS Cindy!

OMG! I am so sad for Judy and her husband. I am so close to tears. Why do these things happen?

My prayers and thoughts are with them!

I just read the news on Judy and I am so saddened for her family. Shes definately in my thoughts and prayers.

Cindy-Congrats!!!!

Carla-I'm sorry things didn't work out this cycle for you.

Sarah-Pink booties and bows how marvelous!

I'm just sick to my stomach at Judys news. How terrible for her.

I feel just aweful.:( My heart just breaks for her and her family. I can only imagine how aweful this must be for her. It's just so unfair.

I do not know who Judy is and I feel really awful for her I really can not imagine what she must be going through my prayers will be with her and her family.


Dana - great news! sticky sticky embies!

Cindy - nice rise in your HCG level - way to go!

Vyonne - you aways express yourself so well - I wish I was half as good as you as puting my thoughts and feelings down - I am so very happy that you have found a donor!


Dawn

Oh my! what sad, sad news!!! Don´t know Judy either, but simply knowing about her loss breaks my heart in a million pieces. This is one of those moments that we all wonder WHY!!! One of those moments when we might have our faith slip away, but please Dana, tell Judy and DH, that it is now when they need to be closer to God for strength and serenity. My prayers are with them and I am very, very sorry with their unfortunate loss...

Vyonne

Vyonne - Congrats. on finding a donor. I've read some about pineapple and protien aiding in implantation, but I can't say that I really purposely used either one.

I'm sorry to hear about Judy. I don't know her either, but that doesn't really matter. I would be sad to hear that about anyone.

Carla - I am so sorry.

Dana - Congrats on a successful ET. I smiled at what your RE said. "Get pg." That's somehow funny.

Sarah - Congrats. on a baby girl. I have to say that I would love to have a girl as well, since this will be my last.

Sorry about anyone I missed. I'm feeling dopey lately. Lots of DUH moments! My US is Monday. I have gained 11 pounds through this ivf cycle, and so far it isn't going away. My bbs are gigantic, so that's a good sign. No real ms yet... My re says that I was 6 weeks last Monday, but I think I'm 6 weeks this upcoming Monday. My ER was Nov. 17, and ET was Nov. 20. Can anyone clarify for me?

Cindy

Cindy, based on conception being November 17 you BEGAN your 6th week on December 9th and your due date is August 10. HTH!!

Any comments???

On another token, I have a question related to what you add to your diet, to increase the success of implantation after IVF. Today, I was for a few hours on the web searching for new things to aid with implantation, and I found some info on the impact the foods you eat before and after transfer will have. Almost all coincided with eating a high protein diet, with lots of whole grains, nuts, sardines, green leafy veggies & pineapple, plus a supplement of a daily intake of Brewer´s Yeast & Spirulina. However, I also found out on another site that Spirulina thickens your blood, so I figured that would take away the whole purpose from the intake of baby aspirin, :dunno: right? I also found some more stuff about reducing your sugar intake to 0% for 2 weeks prior and 2 weeks after transfer... boy, that would be a taugh one :chef:!
As you can see... I am determined to get water from the moon in an effort to enhance my chances this next time around!
Kim, I´m sure you´ll appreciate this saying: "Si con caldito mejora... caldito a toda hora" :lol:

I don´t know why... but I am having trouble again with the quote thingy :blush:

Please any other comments about my old post???

Cindy, Thank you so much for sharing my joy about my donor... it is great news!!! Now, its just putting up with the waiting time :tearhair: Also, thank you for your insight about my "diet" concerns. However, I wish I´d hear a bit more about it, to see if anyone has actually verified it. Like you I had heard something about pineapple and proteins, but that was it. On my last treatment I did intake pineaple like crazy and still did not work out.

I´m so excited for you! Your weight may be due to all those hormones, don´t you think? 11 lbs seems a lot, but I´d be so thrilled about finally getting a BFP, that if they told me I would be gaining 100 more pounds... I´d welcome it :lol:!!! Good luck on your u/s on Monday...:hug1:

Dawnie, You are ever so sweet! Maybe you are not as good putting your thoughts down, but one can sure feel your warmth through a few words :love2: Also, thank you so much for sharing my happiness about the new donor!!! I can´t wait for January to be already here, so that we can start the treatment :hug1:

Vyonne

Vyonne, I have heard of the pineapple and proteins but never about the yeast and spirulina. For what it's worth, if spirulina thickens the blood...I'd stay away from it. Whatever you do, I usre hope it all works out for you this time!! :nod:

Sarah -- Congrats on the baby girl! Little girls are sooooo fun!

Cindy -- Congratulations! Good luck with your US tomorrow, you will probably get to see the heartbeat tomorrow. That is so exciting!

My heart goes out to Judy & her husband. I can't imagine how difficult that must be to have gotten that far & then to lose the babies. I am so sad for them.

I am somewhat lost on where to go from here. Prior to this year, we've had 2 successful IVF's. This year, we've had 3 failed & 2 cancelled cycles. It had only been 2 1/2 years since our previous IVF when we started this a year ago. I just feel like there must be something new that's not working. My sister was just diagnosed with Stage 4 endometriosis & I wonder if I should get checked out for it. After our last failed cycle, my RE said he would do a laproscopy if I wanted to. I'm just not sure. I wonder if a year on & off of fertility drugs could have caused some problems. I just don't know. I haven't gone in to see my RE since my negative beta, but I want to have an idea of where I would like to go before I go to see him.

Does anyone else have any experience with this (IVF working "easily" & then not working again?) or any insights into endometriosis? I have a pretty strong family history of it, so there's a good chance that I could have some, though nothing has really shown up on the US.

Before we finished our last IVF, I made my husband promise that he would make sure that I took 2 months totally off from medications if our last attempt didn't work. I need a break. So whatever we decide to do, I am going to enjoy the holidays & get caught up on life before we do another cycle.

I am still feeling sorry for myself a little. I spent an evening shopping at my new favorite clothes store & it didn't even help. Chocolate is helping a little, but it is going to have some negative long term affects if I keep it up! I had a lot of help from friends this time, so a lot of people know that we've been doing a cycle again. I almost didn't go to church today because I didn't want anyone asking. If someone asked me at the wrong time, I just might break down in tears. I think that the rumor must have spread pretty well that I'm not pregnant because no one even asked, so I was relieved.

I will just be glad when my insides are healed again. I have to agree with whoever it was that posted recommending not doing a cycle over the holidays. It really puts a damper on the season. Besides that, it is 2 weeks before Christmas & I am no where near ready because I have been so busy with IVF.

Thanks for letting me ramble a little. I just feel a little lost right now & really don't know where to go from here. I have decided that for now, I can't give up. Our insurance will pay for up to 6 tries, (we are soooo blessed! We paid for our first two IVF's ourselves.) & I don't think that I will feel o.k with giving up until I've "used up" my tries. Anyway, I am grateful to have a place where I can't vent some of these feelings to someone who's been through this before. Thanks!!!

Carla I totally totally understand what you are saying. And yes that happened to me. Our ivf with Riley went so nice and smoothly. I had 12 perfect embies at transfer time. 9 of them were frozen. I got pg and had no problems.(ie m/c) After Riley was 6 months old we started trying again. I've had 6 m/c's. I never had a history of that before in fact everything with Riley was textbook. but here I was not being able to carry a baby. Then we go back to ivf. My FET fails(we didn't have good odds), then we get cancelled because I didn't produce enough.(we would have had 2 eggs tops) I have PCOS so normally they are super careful that i don't over stim. This last ivf they had me on a pretty high dose and I still only got 5 eggs. I'm 27 years old but my body is so much older. I didn't have these problems 3 years ago with our first but boy do I have them now. I don't know for sure what changed but I do think that all the meds for sure has affected my body. it's so much more screwy than it was before. I told Brandon that this was the last ivf I'd do because my body isn't bouncing back anymore. I have so many more problems now and with each m/c or ivf it is getting noticably worse.

I really hope that the break over the holidays help to get you feeling better and gets your body back on track. That is wondeful that you have 6 tries. We have coverage but you only get 2 tries if you have a child already. so we have one more. I would feel the same way as you. I would want to try all that I could. And you have the right to feel bad. We all have when that has happened to us. I just hope that with the little break you are able to feel better soon. We are here for you.:)

Vyonne I can't help ya there. I haven't heard much about any of those. Sorry.

Carla-I'm so sorry this cycle didn't work out for you. I know you must be feeling down. Having not gone through this yet I can only imagine how you are feeling. Hopefully the holidays can take your mind off of things and you can begin to plan for your next cycle in the New Year. Should you need to vent or ramble we're here for you anytime! :hug99:


Well Good news, I finnaly got through to our clinic this morning. February cycle start bcps. March 10 Day 1, March 28 ER!!!!!!:ura1: Putting conception date 1 day before my birthday if everything goes according to plan!!! (thats correct right? Conception is retreival day?) I feel like I'm going to cry right now and not the usual I'm feeling sorry for myself cause I'm not PG yet cry. If I pinch myself I wonder if it will hurt or if I'm really dreaming!:supergrin

Well I better get back to wrapping presents just took a break to celebrate with you all!

Andrea, that is terrific news!! Believe me...it'll be here before you know it!

Carla, I am in that boat. We were successful with our first IVF and we've done 5 more cycles with varying degrees of success but (obviously) no live birth. That's tough to handle...you're left with no real reasons, no asnwers. It really stinks. If I were you, I'd look into the endo a bit more...you never know what could be causing the failures.

Cindy - I hope things are going well for you!
Vyonne - I honestly don't know anything about Brewer's yeast. Sorry!
Carla - I'm sorry for your frustration and I hope you get some answers.

Amanda

Carla - I am so sorry. I have not been through that with IVF, but with IUI and just ttc naturally. I know it's not the same, but I know how you feel in a smaller way. It's just not easy. I think knowing what our problems are is easier than NOT knowing and wondering what is wrong. I hope you will be able to enjoy the holidays and get some answers soon.

Andrea - YIPPEE!!!! My birthday is March 25, so it will be near mine as well! I'm very excited for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Me - I got very nervous yesterday. I woke up early in the morning dreaming I was spotting, and I was!!! I stayed in bed almost all day because I was so paranoid, even though it was not red or even pink and was only a small amount. Went to RE today. They DID NOT do bloodwork!!! I wanted them to!!! They did have my dates mixed up. I am 5 weeks, 4 days. Saw ONE little bean on the us and it was in the RIGHT PLACE for once!!! There was a yolk sac present, which is a first in a long while!!! YIPPEE! They said that as long as they could see the right stuff on the US, then no bloodwork would be done. I go back in 2 weeks for another us (maybe bloodwork then???). When I mentioned the brown spotting, they were not at ALL worried. They said, "Oh...very normal." I asked if I needed to rest or whatever, and she said only if it continued for more than a little while or became heavier or changed colors. My bbs are rounding corners ahead of me these days. I have gained 12 pounds this ivf cycle, and it is going no where!!!! My clothes already are not fitting well because of it. (I'm only 5'2", so it really has nowhere to go but OUT.)
Babydust to all!
Cindy

Tonight I went to church as it was December 12th, the celebration for the Virgen of Guadalupe. Mass was simply beautiful! I took a special time to pray for all of us :grouphugg in our forum, from the bottom of my :hb: . I trust that making a petition at such special day will certainly be a blessing for us all!!!

Thanks Suzy, Sarah & Amanda for at least letting me know you haven´t heard much about the diet I mentioned. I guess I´ll leave it at that :dunno:
Suzy, There´s hope for you with DH!!! :ura1: Please refer to the following site: www.ceresfertility.com (http://www.ceresfertility.com/) or contact: e-mail: cfinfo@ceresfertility.com (cfinfo@ceresfertility.com)or phone: 877-237-3748. It also gives the name & number of the specialist, in case you may want to call him: Principal Investigator, Dr. William Roudebush, PhD, HCLD (Roudebush@rba-online.com). He can also be reached by phone at 404-459-3466. Today as soon as I got an email from an RE that specialized in male infertility I was thrilled for the possibility this may open for you (and me)! Please let me know what you think, or if you even knew about this "wonder product"... Good luck!!! :hug1:

Just reading all this info, is making me wonder if I should postpone my next (and last) IVF for three months, since the last one was done as an ICSI, because of the poor sperm production my DH had. Something totally unusual for him, but hey, so many weird things are happenning to all of us, that I rather be safe than sorry. I have forwarded all this info to my RE to see what he has to say to me tomorrow. I guess, I´ll let him tell me if we are safe doing it in January as planned.

Carla, I totally know what you mean... Do whatever you need to do to put your mind at ease. Have faith that when you least expect it... God will grant you little one! :hug99:

Andrea, So happy for you sweetie :clap: you keep getting closer and closer to D day!!! Best wishes for all to continue moving along for you :hug1:!!!

Cindy, How exciting :rahrah: you saw your little bean!!! I am so very happy for you. And about the weight... ummmm, I bet you are just getting spoiled by DH, right? Well enjoy it... one is not pregnant all the time, after all :lol:

Kim... Where have you been lately??? Miss you :hug1:!

Vyonne

Hi ladies! I haven't even read all the posts, I've been incredibly busy. I'll be back later today to catch up. I miss you all and have some updates. :grouphugg:

Kimberly

Cindy~How wonderful it's been to read all of your good news. :bighug: What a difference a day (or a few days) makes! :nod:

Vyonne~As far as the dietary stuff goes, I haven't heard about everything you mentioned, although I know about some of it. I read this book called "The Infertility Diet" by Dr. Randine Lewis, that I loved. It's quite detailed about dietary changes in trying to concieve and it's based more on Traditional Chinese Medicine. . .which is about balance. So, for different body types, you'd want to eat different foods. For example, if you are "hot", you want to eat "cold" foods and if you're "cold", you'd want to eat "hot" foods. When I say hot and cold, I don't mean in temperature. What it comes down to is balance and the thought is that if you have troubles concieving, it could be due to your body being out of balance. I've derived that I have circulation "issues" for example and therefore, I changed my diet to counterbalance those issues. In the end, I was drinking a shot of wheatgrass every morning, taking herbs that my own accupuncturist supplied me with (although not while doing IVF drugs) , drinking a green powder drink that had spirtulina among other healthy "greens", eating only foods that would balance my "symptoms", etc. I'm not doing the book justice, so here is a website you can check out for more information:

http://www.easternharmonyclinic.com/

As you know, I have not had a full term pregnancy, although 3 months after I started the diet for the first time, I did get pregnant. It ended up ectopic. :blue: I've gone off and on the diet, but since I've been on the donor egg trail. . .and it's been a hell of a long hike! :rolleyes:, I haven't been consistent. In the end, I've simply been trying to maintain good health. O.K. with a few glasses of wine, chocolate, and buffalo wings thrown in between. :heee:

Judy~Oh my gosh. :tear: :disbelief:

CarlaG~Suzi definitely knows better than I, but I always thought that having pregnancies would help to lesson the symptoms of endrometriosis naturally since you weren't continuing to get AF on a month to month basis. :scratch: But I don't really know. :dunno:

I think that while it's good to have many friends around that you can confide in, for me, it's also the same reason that I don't confide in them. I simply just can't stand the whole, "So what happened?" "Did it work?" "So. . .how are you feeling? Do you think you're pregnant?" At this point in my IVF history, I rarely tell a soul. . .not even my family. I may say that I might have something "going on" in a month or so, but that's about it. As hard as it is to have a failed pregnancy, it's just as hard for me to tell people that it failed. I know how hard this is and I understand your eagerness to get to that "better" place. And when you do get back there, it's wonderful. It's that wonderful smell and feel when the sun comes out after a thunderstorm. I wish you well. :hug99:

Kimberly

If I get a chance :rolleyes:, I'll write more detail in my journal.

I've been back and forth and back and forth and back and forth for the last week with the DE agency and the IVF clinic. There was still more paperwork that had not yet been turned in. :furious: The paperwork issue this time is different than the paperwork issue from the last donor, but still the same, it was a "paperwork" issue and that alone, haunted me. The donor that I'm set up with did her last cycle in a different IVF clinic than the one that I'm affliated with. In order to get everything set up for my cycle, the DE agency has to request the records from the donors last IVF clinic and then send them all to my IVF clinic. What I've come to find out is that there is "supposedly" :rolleyes: a new woman who is dealing with the records at my donors former IVF clinic and over and over, was not only dragging her feet, but also wasn't understanding what records needed to be pulled together. :tearhair: Long story short, I don't really know what was going on, who was telling me the truth about where records got tied up, and all I know is that I got pissed. I found out that I had more assertiveness in me that I thought. My message back to the various parties went something like this: "This is ridiculous! I'm completely baffled as to why there are so many issues with paperwork with a donor who just completed a damn cycle! I'm completely confused as to why I just can't simply get some sort of timeline on when and how this cycle will happen." I got AF yesterday and was told to call when AF came. So, to the nurses assistant who called and told me to start the pill, I said, "I am absolutely NOT starting the pill until someone tells me what the hell is going on. I want someone to call and give me a timeline. I will NOT take the pill in order to be ready for a DE cycle if there's potential that the cycle could not occur for another 3 months." And to the DE agency woman, (who really has been sweet), "I don't understand why someone can't contact the donor and at the very least, tell me when she expects her next period and if she will indeed be around for next few months (and not going on vacation, etc.) to start this cycle as soon as we're all onboard.

And so, it seems like as of today, according to my IVF clinic, all the donors paperwork is in. :thumbsup: This was all confirmed at the end of the day today and tomorrow, it is my hope that I'll finallly get some sort of timeline to go by.

My thought is that the first potential time for a transfer would be at the beginning of February. That's fine. But I've put in money towards a ski trip with my girlfriends for the 1st week of February, my band is playing a gig the second week of February, and sometime in February (whatever week DH and I choose), we've had our tickets paid for and a room all set to stay with some inlaws in Myrtle beach who will be vacationing there for 6 weeks (from end of January, through the whole month of February). So, as much as I want this DE IVF to happen, February is crazy busy. I'd drop any of these extra events at the drop of the hat for my IVF, but darn it, at this point, with or without the darn paperwork, there's no one who can just call the donor and say, "O.K. when is your next AF? The intended parents are eager to start this process and while we're waiting for the paperwork, we'd like to get an idea as to when your next cycle begins in order to get an idea as to when we can possibly start a cycle. We also want to make sure you have no conflicts in the next X amount number of months."

What the clinic does, is waits for all the paperwork to come in, assess the paperwork and then contacts the donor for set up. I fully understand that. But I'm not going to be told to start BCP when I have no guarentees on the readiness of the donor.

I totally vented and I'm sure my rant was confusing. So sorry.

In other news, my friend who is also been TTCing for the last 3 years was hopitilized for 4 days after having a urinary tract infection that spread into her kidneys. After sex, she had continued to recline of course, to help with conception which as it turns out, caused this whole problem. :rolleyes: I went to visit her last night.

My sister's fiancee's sister died of breast cancer on Friday, leaving a 12 year old daughter. She was only 42. :tear:

But DH and I went to see the Nutcracker, we have put up a beautiful tree, and I've finished all my Christmas shopping. So, things are looking up and I'm looking forward to a New Year thats filled with dreams coming true. . .for myself and well as all my ladies in waiting at OUAL.

Kimberly

Thanks to all for you throughts & support. It really helps!

Kim -- I never realized that going through DE was so frustrating. I hope that you here some definitive news soon.

This is the first time I have told more than a couple people that we were doing IVF. I think that I was just tired of trying to "sneak around" to all these doctors appointments & disappear for a week when we are doing ER & ET. While its been nice to have the support while we are going through it, when it's over with I don't like having to report. The funny thing is that we don't tell family. We've been doing this for almost a year & the only one in either of our familes that I have told in my sister, who is also dealing with IF. I loved your analogy about the thunderstorm. That is so true! After all the sadness & loss with another failed cycle, it feel so good to let life just go back to normal & be grateful for everything that I've been blessed with. It is hard not to focus on the negative when I'm going through IVF & it is such a relief to enjoy the part of life that is totally unrelated to doctors & needles & procedures!

Hi Kim, It is so nice to hear back from you! I am sorry to hear that you are still having to deal with those idiots (sorry had to say it) at both clinics :fado: !!!

But I must say that it is good you were so stern with them to get the results you wanted. It is unbelievable that those people don´t realize it is hard enough to deal with IVF treatments to on to of that have to deal with the lack of responsability of their donors. I totally understand and support your position. I just wish you did not have to go through so much grief :angry2: with those people. However, from what you tell us, it sounds like things are going to start the easy ride soon. You are so right about wanting to have things more definite, because you need to g on with your life and if you have set plans to go skiing and may need to cancel it, it better well be for a FOR SURE thing and not for another MAYBE situation.

Today I took my new selected donor to my RE and he was very pleased with her. Our next step is an u/s and all her blood work... I cant believe that I am back on that wagon again :disbelief !!! I do get very excited, but at the same time having to go thru all this AGAIN is no fun. I think I have lucked out once again and that I have on my hands a responsible girl. She is older (29) than the one before (20), but still feel good about her. It is very important for me to get a feeling for how she is "inside", and I like the way she thinks and seems to be a very sensitive & caring girl... after all I feel all those things matter in the genes :angel1: part. I just hope that she produces very good quality eggs and that she also gives me enough to freeze, so that I never, ever again have to go thru this! I pray that this 2006 will bring me the joy of a BFP! I think that if all goes as planned for you (and me), we should be cycling at about the same time and getting our ET right around together too :ura1: .
I am so sorry to hear what happened to your sister´s fiance sister... that is so, so sad and she was so young too. Of course what saddens me most is that kid she left behind :cry: . My condolences to the family.

So far I have not yet gotten into the Christmas spirit. I´ve had so much going on and my mind this year has been just on my next treatment. But I think this weekend I´ll have to go get my :festivust and start a very rushed Xmas shopping!!! I bet your home looks quite lovely... and like you, I sure hope that this New Year will be filled with dreams come true for all of us!

Oh boy! its 3:00 am already, so I better go get some sleep now before I see the sun come up :lol:

PS What is OUAL???

Vyonne

If you do not look at this at least once a day - you could be lost - I haven't read all of the post yet.

I have been talking to my sisters - and I think that when I do my next cycle - they both are also going to donate eggs. Since they are both younger than me by 5 and 7 years. This way if I only get two of my own eggs and who know how many from them I will have some to freeze. Can't afford to keep doing the whole retreival thing. And the best part is if their insurance does not cover it they will pay 1/2 half the cost. All the years growing up they were always trailing after me and I use to think that they were pest. Now I can't even express how this makes me feel - except to say that I have the most loving and caring sisters any one could have.


Cindy - that is so nice that you saw your little bean - it is so great.


Dawn

Cindy - Glad you got more good news!
Kimberly - I'm sorry for all the stress you've been through. Glad to hear that things may finally be moving forward again.
Carla - I think you have a very good attitude about things.
Vyonne - How exciting to be getting things going! OUAL stands for Once Upon A Life!
Dawn - That's wonderful that your sisters are willing and able to donate!!!

Amanda

Amanda, Thanks :duh:... should have figured that one out :lol:

Dawnie, That is simply wonderful! Your sisters are real sweethearts. At least you know you will bypass the problems one can encounter with irresponsible donors... that´s great! Plus, the genes will be perfect :nod:

Vyonne

Vyonne~I'm so happy that you're going to try again and how wonderful it is that you find such great donors. Good for you! Your perseverance certainly pays off. :nod: :thumbsup:

Dawnie~What wonderful sisters you have! That is so great. So many people suggested either of my two sisters and although I love them, they are generally insensitive (a nicer way to say this is that they're unemotional about almost everything), they think I'm a drama queen, doing something like this would be way too inconvienent for them and I know I'd they'd make me never forget that, and although they are aware of my IF problems and I see them all the time, they never ask me anything about it. Therefore, asking either of them to be my donor was so far off of my thought process. :blue: So, you are so very lucky!

Hello all! I've been reading but just haven't been much in the mood for writing. I have my first beta today. Hopefully they WON"T call with any news today. My clinic won't confirm a pregnancy until after the 2nd beta which is Sunday.


Sarah A Girl!!!! :yippee: how exciting! Congratulations! I thinks its just amazing that you already know.


Vyonne You are such an amazing woman. I am so happy you have found another donor and are going to do another cycle. (OUAL is shorthand for Once Upon a Life)

Uh Oh, the boss is awake. Gotta run

Dana, Wow, your first beta today already? I know what its going thru your mind... it is so hard to control all those mix emotions one gets! But be confident and keep a positive mind, after all the transfer was smooth and the quality of your embies was great. My :pray:s are with you and will be so eager to get the good news on Sunday or Monday!!! Lots of Baby Dust your way...

Kim & Dana, Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing the happiness this new opportunity brings me! Although I am happy, I must confess that I also get scared at times with the anticipation. I feel that ever since I started in this "Baby Journey", I have become a stronger and more determined person day by day. However, I know too, that this time without any doubt, will be my very last attempt, so I am placing all my hope & faith in God´s hands and pray very hard that all these years of disillusion and sadness will soon be replaced with the unmeassurable happiness of having my baby. Its hard to explain, because I am not an unhappy woman, on the contrary I have been very lucky in many aspects of my life, have a wonderful DH and we are blessed with great family and friends... but there is that part in my :hb: that longs to have that baby we have been waiting for, to have our complete family and live happily thereafter...

I just have to stay very, very positive and have tons of faith!!!


Vyonne

Vyonne, I am sending prayers your way!

Dana, thinking of you too...hoping you hear NOTHING!! :nod: :lol:

Kimberly, getting excited for you!!!

Fingers and toes crossed Dana!!!!
Vyonne - I know I've said this before but you continue to be an inspiration!

Amanda

Vyonne~:bighug: I pray that all your hopes and wishes will come true.

Dana~:crossfing :pray:

Well finally! All the paperwork is in and the donor has her appointment for her screening. They've gone over her cycle, when her next AF is, etc. and so, it looks like a possible transfer at the end of February. Now we're getting somewhere. :banana:

Kimberly

:yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee:

HOORAY KIMBERLY!

Amanda

Kim, :rahrah: What grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat news :ura1: ! I am totally thrilled to hear that it is now "official"... ALL the paper work is in, yeah!

Suzi, Amanda & Kim, Thanks so much :grouphugg ! You guys are so very sweet!!! I sure need all the prayers, good vibes and nice support to help me get to the end of these bumpy road and hopefully have a nice landing!
Suzy, There´s hope for you with DH!!! :ura1: Please refer to the following site: www.ceresfertility.com (http://www.ceresfertility.com/) or contact: e-mail: cfinfo@ceresfertility.com (cfinfo@ceresfertility.com)or phone: 877-237-3748. It also gives the name & number of the specialist, in case you may want to call him: Principal Investigator, Dr. William Roudebush, PhD, HCLD (Roudebush@rba-online.com). He can also be reached by phone at 404-459-3466. Today

Did you miss it???

Vyonne

Vyonee, I did not miss the info but I did forget to mention... :blush: We talked to our urologist and he warned against these things (fertility blends) in general. He said that while the studies they cite do report positive outcomes, there are typically 10 more that refute the studies they cite (for a variety of reasons...poor study set-up, small sample size, not controlling for other influential factors, etc.).

Not that I am not interested....on the contrary, I AM!! But I will have to research diligently before I call about this supplement. From what I read, it's a combination of things I have read about elsewhere...selenium, L-carnitine, anti-oxidants, zinc and B-vitamins. After I speak to DH's urologist about this, I will contact the principal investigator and see what they have to say...at least worth some investigation on my part - thanks! :nod:

Suzi, I totally agree with you... it is something that has to be discussed with your DH´s urologist and hopefully he´ll give you the okay to at least try it for the 3 month period indicated. I also think that once you or your DH´s urologist contact the principal investigator, you both will have a more clear picture about the reality of it. In any event, I wish you all the luck in the world that somehow your DH´s condition can be helped, so that soon you´ll be able to get on the wagon again:hug99: !

Vyonne

Dana-Sticky Sticky Embie Prayers!!! MY goodness 1st Beta Already! Fingers crossed!!!!!

Yvonne- I'm so glad you found a new donor and renewed hope. I really hope everything turns out great for you.

Kim-:ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: You'll cycle one month ahead of me putting you at a November due date, Angela will be October,and I'll be a December due date! It's so amazing how things are moving along!!! I'm not even adding a possible there because I know the angels are looking out for us here!

Suzi-If DH doesn't ming the taste of pomegranet apparently there is a beneficial property for men in Pomegranets and the juice. My cousin who hates pomegranet is trying it out and apparently they saw some improvement without the aid of drugs. Also refined sugar is said to have effect so cutting sugar out out the diet may also be beneficial.

Cindy-You are so blessed with sisters that care for you so much!

Carla-I'm so glad you have your family and friends for support during your cycles. It really is difficult to try to keep it a big secret, we found that we got so tired of everyone asking when we were going to get pregnant that we gave up keeping it a secret, and let those close to us in on our IVF struggle. It really is amazing how understanding people are and we rarely get asked why we aren't pregnent yet.

Well AF showed today and all I can think is she only gets two more visits before we start the process. Due to holiday restrictions I'll be heading down to BC in March without DH and he'll meet me in Kelowna. The good thing is my mom is going to drive down with me and she'll fly home on the return flight when DH comes in. I wont have to do my blood test by myself! Considering the last one was so bad I almost passed out, I think its great that I can sqeeze someone while they drain my blood! Well my house is all Christmas and I'm not even home to enjoy it! It's miserable cold up here and my crew must have PMS to! 12 more days until home time! Take Care and Merry HO HO everyone.

I'm very saddened to report this cycle was a bust. We are both heartbroken.

Oh Dana I'm so sorry honey.:( I wish there was something I could say to help you feel better. If you need anything, we're here.:hug99:

Oh Dana,

I am sorry. We are all here for you.

Dana, No words could ever express how very saddened I am by your news :sadhug:. I know how hard it is, not only to understand, but to accept it.
Oh sweetie, I wish I could reach out and :hug99: very, very tight, to help you ease your pain. Know that we are all with you and I :pray:, so that God will grant you the serenity you´ll need after the mourning period to clearly see what to do next. Please don´t lose hope... with time, you´ll see light at the end of the tunnel :hug99:

Andrea, Thank you for your good wishes! It feels good to have hope... :hug1:



Vyonne

Dana, I am so sorry. :hug99:

Dana~:tear: :sadhug:

Dana, I am so sorry.


Dawn

I'm so sorry Dana.

Amanda

Dana -- I am so sorry.

Carla

Dana-I am so sorry! :sadhug:

Hello girls,

It makes me so downhearted to open our thread and see lots of sad faces and tears of sorrow... I know that in the last couple of weeks we have received very sad, sad news... first from Judy, Carla and now from Dana, not counting the previous ones from the headaches Kim had to go through, Suzi´s unfortunate news and mine too (hope didn´t leave anyone out). We are here to hold each other and give us the necessary confidence to continue on this arduos road. It is going to take time to heal, but if we all try to get into the Christmas/Hannukah Spirit and somehow :reindeer:brighten our thread... we can do it! Look at me, I am probably the oldest in our group, on my very last try, and yet I am determined to push the pedal until the meter reads: "out of gas" :lol:

We can´t become the new :grinch: on the block... believe me! after my heartsick experience, I thought for sure this year I´d totally be the biggest :grinch:. But after awhile, realized that I could miss out on opportunities while feeling sorry for myself and decide to turn my fate around. And afterwards, realized that without hope and faith... there´s no living!!! We all need to believe in something and no matter how dim the light might seem, as long as there is a trickle of it, that´s all we need to go on!

For some the sweet smell of pine tree:festivust and burnt logs in the chimney are probably clear signs that Christmas is almost here, some others the Menorah Candles. And yet, for others (like me) being out here in Lima, Peru where its not customary to have "real trees" and its summer time, I have to see the piled :gift: wrapped gifts around my fake tree to be reminded Christmas is almost here! Its lovely to go out and see so many lights and so many bright faces, specially those of the little ones! We should all let the child inside come out and let us dream, hope and have nothing but :santa: Santa in our minds!!!

Lets leave our worries behind for just a bit, and lets all enjoy the simple things and the big ones too, lets enjoy that we have health and good friends to ease our minds, chit chat :yapper: or maybe even go :chef: bake with! Lets just do anything and everything, so that we know it is that time of the year to share, be happy, joyous and reborn... we have the birth of the most special child of all... Baby Jesus! So lets take Him into our hearts and lets show Him the mother inside all of us. And lets give thanks and pray for the ones that this year achieved their motherhood dreams (or on the way) and for those less fortunate, that still have faith for this coming New Year :love2:
You all have been there for me in the good times and the bad ones too, so I thank you for it!!! We all need of each other... so feel this huge hug where all of us are: All for one and one for all!!! :grouphugg

Merry Christmas:santa2: & Happy Hanukkah!!!:flake:
Fondly,

Vyonne

Wow Vyonne, how inspiring. :clap: Thank you. :bighug:

Kimberly

Thanks Vyonne for, once again, saying it best!

Amanda

Vyonne - your word just fill me with hope for the future. I can not wait to try again next year - I have been trying to fill the hours and keep busy - but somedays are not that easy and I just go on to this and sometimes I just read what is going on and I know am not alone.


But for right now I just need this :fado: Transit Strike to be over :furious:.

It is way to :cold: out to be walking anywhere 10 degrees with the windchill.

I just need to get that off my chest! I hope everyone has a lovely sunshining day.

Dawn

I am so sorry Dana. :bighug:

I guess I should report in. My name is Kerri, I am 31 and my DH is Mark he is 34. We have had many cycles of injectibles and IUI with Mark's counts being great and many follicles and no pregnancies occuring. RE would try one more round of injectibles but I cannot physically and mentally go through that. I have hyperstimulated pretty much every round just to get a BFN everytime. Our IVF insurance kicks in February and we are going forth with IVF in May. I am giving myself time to lose weight and get regulated with acupuncture and herbs. Might as well give this the best shot that I have! My acupuncturist has the suggested the perricone diet. Has anyone tried that? She said it's cutting out all sugars and eating a lot of fish. I am not a big fish fan so I am thinking this is not the best idea for me. I tend to stop eating if I don't like my choices. Plus I lose weight on weight watchers if I stick to it and do my treadmill so why mess with something that's work?

I am very nervous about IVF because it's my last shot at being a mother. I don't even believe that we have adoption in our future because we have two dogs that have behavior issues. A home visit wouldn't be an option and I wouldn't consider getting rid of my dogs that I know that I love, that have been here all this time and filled me with so much happiness and who depend on me.

So that's me. I won't have much to say for a while. I have my first two IVF appointments in January just to get in there and get the ball rolling. The RE and nurses seem very positive because I respond so well (too well) to the medications. If I could get an answer on why all the IUIs weren't working it would make me feel better.

Kerri :welcome:

Sorry for all of your difficculties in conceiving and wish you sucess with your IVF.

Dawn

hi Ladies!

Welcome Kerri! I am wishing a 1st time success for you!

Vyonne~ Wow! You have such a way with words. Are you some famous writer we dont know about yet?

Update:
Yesterday, I had the sonohistogram, which was not fun. Cramps galore! RE said everything looked good. No fibroids or polyps. Lining was great too! So that is good news. 3 more days of BCP then AF will be here. Then another month of BCP then it is showtime. I have to wait till the first of the year to get my meds ordered due to the mandate. I also have to send my insurance a notarized statement regarding past IF coverage. So once I send that I should have authorized go ahead within 48 hours.

Hello Kerry, and welcome to our wonderful thread :nod: ! I am so sorry to hear you´ve had such bumpy road :sadhug:

Kim, Amanda, Dawnie & Ang, I am very touched by your words... thank you!!! I am so pleased to hear that somehow, I was able to unfold some hope among us, and that my words have helped brighten us a bit, in spite of our downfalls... to give us room for the Christmas/Hannukah Spirit :thumbsup:
And yes... didn´t I mention it before? I am an incognito writer!!! :lol:

XO, Vyonne

Angela-Awesome news! :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: :ura1: Can't wait for the ball to get rolling for you in the New Year!

Kerri-Welcome! Wishing you huge success in your cycle! I haven't tried Perricone but it's mainly a protien based diet with lots of Omega 3 & 6 (hence the fish). But pretty much all the diets Atkins, Upper GI, Perricone and South beach are all based on the same thing. High protien, low to moderate complex carbs and no sugar. If you go on a High protein Low carb you should take an omega supplement if you dont like fish and stick to other protiens (chicken, beef, pork.) and lots of leafy greans, as well as taking Materna and Folic acid. My RE Recommends Upper GI Diet and South Beach but he prefers Upper GI. I've lost ten pounds since I started two months ago (and I'm lazy, no treadmill or eliptical for me!). So it works for me, but I tend to be more of a protien eater anyway, if WW is working for you than I would stick with what works for you. I'm so glad your joining the group! I've been thinking about you. :heee:

Yvonne- How beautiful, thank you for your Christmas wishes!

Gotta Fly, Andrea

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I knew what a great thread this was before because I have been lurking it for quite a while!

Andrea- Thanks kid! I appreciate that! The thing with all these high protein diets is that I don't eat any meat besides a very little bit of fish so you can see how that limits me.

Ang- It will be here before you know it! That statement is going to be a pain in the butt for me! You should see how thick my file is!

Dawn - Sorry that you're getting hit with the transit strike.
Kerri - Welcome! I'm very sad to see you here because I was hoping you wouldn't need this group.
Angela - Glad to hear some good news!!!
Vyonne - You are always an inspiration!
Andrea - March will be here SOON!

In case I don't get online much in the next few days, I wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY CHANUKAH!!! I hope that we have more blessings by this time next year.

Amanda

Thank you all for your kind words and sympathy. I'm doing OK. I'm heartbroken, but not overwhelmed. I have a beautiful son from our first IVF cycle, and I know I am the luckiest woman alive. We will be doing another DE cycle (with a different donor!). We meet with our doc on January 10th - not soon enough!

I do feel kind of 'burned' after this experience. We know what our problem is - bad eggs - that's all. Getting 'young' eggs should have fixed it, but obviously something went wrong in our cycle. The doctors and embryologist kept saying how 'unusual' this was for a donor cycle. And this woman was such a great donor in the past. What the hell happened this time? I guess its like some of you were saying ealier - great responses the first few cycles, then not so great. I guess that's what happened with our donor.

Vyonne - thank you for your beautiful words. you are an inspiration. Have you posted on ivfconnections.com? There is a whole forum on donor eggs.

Angela - I'm so excited that things are moving forward for you.

Kimberly - Maybe we'll be DE cycle buddies afterall.

Kerri - Welcome! I remeber you well from UW, UB, and OUH. I'm excited to hear you are going to be doing an IVF cycle.

Amanda- You have no idea how sad I am that I have to be here but happy that I will have the opportunity to do so.

Dana- I am so glad that you are looking forward! You have such a great attitude. You are an inspiration and I will think of you when I am having one of my poor me moments. Thank you for remembering me! I am always astonished when people remember me. I think my story is memorable but there are so many ladies out there that have it much harder than me. You know if I have a great IVF with great high quality eggs I am considering becoming an egg donor.

Kerri~Welcome. :wavey: But like Amanda said, at the same time, I wish you didn't have to be here. I agree with Andrea as far as diet goes. From what I've also read, the Omega3s and protiens are seemingly important. Being that you're mostly vegetarian, perhaps you can get some of your protiens from upping dairy products and beans. There are many books available regarding "fertility diets". Coincidentally enough, I was just watching the Perricone Diet and I don't particularily subscribe to it because I feel like it also limits a lot of foods that I've heard were important for conception. :dunno: But I'm certainly no Doctor so don't go by what I say. Anyway, I hope your time in this thread is short. :bighug:

Angela~Things are looking good for you. :thumbsup: I'm so happy for you :ura1: . My sonohystergram was not the most joyous moment in my life either. :rolleyes:

Dana~I'm so glad you haven't lost your spirit and hope. :bighug: I have to confess that both yours and Vyonne's sad news has really caused me quite a bit of concern for my own upcoming DE cycle. :blue: You hit the nail on the head when you said,

" I do feel kind of 'burned' after this experience. We know what our problem is - bad eggs - that's all. Getting 'young' eggs should have fixed it, but obviously something went wrong in our cycle. The doctors and embryologist kept saying how 'unusual' this was for a donor cycle. And this woman was such a great donor in the past. What the hell happened this time?"


But really, if it isn't about 'bad eggs', that what else is left? If every other concern has been dealt with. . .uterine lining issues, hormones, etc? Then what else is left? I was never told the issue was with my eggs until I turned 40. Because there is nothing else to fall back on (and I haven't done PGD), it's my age and egg quality that have been concluded for my infertility problems. My concern is that if "good eggs" don't get me pregnant, then what the hell is left? :scratch: :angry2: That's when I start going into my own trip of believing that curses and punishments are playing a hand in this dirty little game. :fado:

Vyonne & Dana~Did either of your Drs. have valid explanations as to what could have gone wrong?

Kimberly

Ang, :doh: I just realized in my previous note I did not expressed my happiness about your progress for your upcoming cycle... I am totally jazzed sweetie!!! :rahrah: :clap: :jump2: :yippee: and I trust that the New Year will position the Sun, Moon & Stars in our favor. We definitely need to bring much more joy to our thread :awink:

Vyonne

Vyonne & Dana~Did either of your Drs. have valid explanations as to what could have gone wrong?
Kimberly

Kim, Actually my RE had a few different hypothesis as to why it may have not worked for me:
1) The normal statistical percentage of failure :rolleyes:
2) Bad donor, bad quality eggs (she had never donated before) :tearhair:
3) DH very poor sample that ended up in ICSI :disbelief
and the worst of all... 4) Having to be reminded of the endo damage caused by my previous RE when doing my D&C for my twin´s miscarriage :angry2:

I guess we all have to be prepared to accept that "not all good eggs get you pregnant", it only increases our chances to become pregnant... and that is a lot gained. And, to that, it is important that we add a dash of faith and a dash of luck too!!! However, I trust that the coming New Year is going to bring us all waiting for new cycles... lots of positive surprises to post in our 2006 thread :awink: . So, don´t worry about our past failures Kim, it is very important that you are relaxed and confident... I know this coming year will be our year to post :bfp: so enjoy your holidays sweetie!

The Sun, the Moon & the Stars will be in their best positions to spread their positive energy for us all!!!

Vyonne :flake:

Thank you so much Vyonne. That gives me some insight. :bighug:

Kim

Kimberly, not sure if this helps but you might remember our first cycle we thought was definitely going to be the one, great embies etc warnings of twins and nothing. Our RE felt that after reviewing the cycle we just fell on the wrong side of the odds. And in our second cycle - twins. Unfortunately we lost the boys due to what they think was probably PTL possibly IC - don't know a whole lot yet. But its hard to account for the odds - in any situation. :bighug:Just a quick hello to everyone else and a thank you for your thoughts during this difficult time. We are slowly healing and while it may seem too soon to some we are discussing our next steps. For us this tends to bring some healing. We are cognizent that we are dealing with 2 losses. Our boys being the first one and by far the most painful but the second being that we are back to square 1 on the fertility wagon, k maybe square 3 since we know what worked for us before but at this point we have to focus on a sigleton pregnancy and probably will not be able to use 2 embies again.

Judy, I am glad to see you here and I am still sending you my loving thoughts and prayers. :hug99: We are all here for you.

I completely understand that you are looking forward to your next steps and absolutely agree that it has therapeutic value. Heck, I don't know what else in the world would've caused me to do FOUR IVF cycles last year except that each new cycle helped me get over the previous loss.

I hope you find concrete answers and I pray that you find peace with the memory of your precious boys. :hug99:

If I don't make it back before Christmas, Merry Christmas/Happy Hanukkah to all! :santa:

Just wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Holiday season!!


:flake: :reindeer: :santa: :tree: :grinch:
Dawn :snowman:

Hi! Looks like a lot of familiar faces here! :) Sometime when I have more time and am not supposed to be doing other things (like sewing Christmas pjs that are to be worn TOMORROW NIGHT by my family and in-laws) I will go back and read through this whole thread!

In the meantime, for those of you that don't know me, I am Geri. I have twin 2.5 year old boys from an IUI in 2002. I went through my first IVF last summer and it was 'successful' but then ended in miscarriage. :(

We are now seeing a new RE since my last RE sucked. I have only been to a consult with him so far. I was supposed to go back for CD3 testing and also for another HSG....but AF was a month late and then we were in the holiday season and I didn't want to deal with REs and appts during the holidays.

So my next CD1, we will be going in for the tests and then going on from there. We lost our IF insurance, so everything will be out of pocket now. I am seriously considering holding off on our next IVF and having my hydrosalpinx removed first. But I haven't made any firm decisions on that. Mainly because it will be a lap surgery and taking care of 2 rambunctious boys post surgery would be impossible and my parents are in Phoenix for the next 2-3 months. SO who knows....

Anyway, I look forward to following and supporting everyone's IVF cycles and getting to know those that I don't know already! :)

Hi Geri! Welcome! When I had my lap it was a good three or four days when I was back to normal so it's probably something you may want to consider. I am very glad you have a good RE now! I changed REs as well. Not because I thought the old one was necessarily bad but I just thought this office was better. I love my new RE. But I didn't really mind the other ones either. I just thought after so many years and no baby I needed a change. I wish you good luck and a healthy pregancy for the new year. This is a great thread. You are really going to find it priceless.

Hey Kerri, Thanks for the welcome! Yeah, I had a lap done in 2001 to remove my ectopic and I remember the recovery being a few days. I guess when I have it will depend on if my DH can get a couple days off of work to watch the boys since my parents will be out of town. I would like to do it right away instead of waiting until after my parents come home though!

Judy~:bighug: It's so nice hearing from you. There are no words to describe how saddened I was for your lost. :hug99: I'm so glad to hear that while you're healing, you're also thinking ahead of all the wonderful possibilities the future may bring. :bighug: And thank you so much for letting me know what your RE said.

Geri~Welcome. :welcome: Looking forward to "hanging" with you in your journey. NOT that's it's a terrific journey for any of us, but it's nice to know you have campanions. I wish you all the best.

And if I don't have a chance to post again, I wish you all a very wonderful Holiday season. . .Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Winter Solstice.:menorah2: :santa:

But most of all, I wish for all of us in the New Year, that our hopes and dreams come to fruition. We're all in this together! With all the sadness, it's a good time to remember all the other wonderful things in our lives. And with or without a child at this journey's end, I'm happy to have gotten a chance to travel this road with you. :grouphugg:

I wish you all the best this New Year has to offer.

Judy-I was saddened by your news, but I'm glad your healing process is progressing and your looking forward to the future. :bighug:

Hi, Geri! :welcome:

Kerri-If your a veggie/vegan a high protien low carb is probally not for you unless you really like beans and nuts!

Well in case I dont get the chance to wish you all a :festivustMerry Christmas :santa2:and Happy New Year, There it is! Hope the Year of the Fire Red Dog brings us all the things we're dreaming of. In case your not big on chinese astrology the Year of the Fire Red Dog is sh aking off the old and welcoming new changes in our lives!
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes Andrea

In case your not big on chinese astrology the Year of the Fire Red Dog is sh aking off the old and welcoming new changes in our lives!

OY VEY...let's hope so!! :lol:

:santa: Merry Christmas!! :tree:

Judy, Although we hadn´t talked before, I was very sorry by your loss and felt it as my own... specially because I too had lost my twin boys a couple of years back. However, like you, I felt that I had to pick up the pieces and start looking for new steps and jump in the wagon again! My heart goes out to you and I embrace you to give you hope and strength in whatever way I may :hug1:. I trust that the New Year will bring us the blessing we are all looking for. My :pray: are with you and your DH and wish you success in your next try!
PS - Sorry to ask, but what is PTL and IC??? You´ll get to know me for always being the one that asks for the meaning of abbvs :lol:

Geri, :welcome: So glad you´ve come to join us... this is a great threat and we are all here to support one and other. You´ll see that here our ride feels much smoother! I wish you all the best in your journey :hug1:

Kim, Thank you sweetie for your good wishes and for helping us all keep the faith/hope going! Like you, I feel very blesses to have met you and all the girls!!! Without a doubt, my ride would have been much harder to travel if it weren´t for all your amazing support! Let´s see if we can share pg stories together very shortly, as I think we´ll be doing our DE cycles together :bighug:

Andrea, I´ll believe in anything to welcome new changes in our lives :lol:. Thanks for your good wishes darling! :bighug:

Well, once again, my very best wishes for all to have a great Holiday Season :tree: :snowman: :flake: :reindeer: :santa2: :santa: filled with new hope for our forthcoming success in the New Year!!!

Love you all,

Vyonne

Vyonne: I am pretty sure PTL stands for pre term labor and IC is incompetent cervix.


Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to all you wonderful ladies. I hope all our dreams come true in this new year!

Just stopping by to wish all of you a wonderful New Year! :grouphugg

Kimberly

Happy New Year from me too! I hope that it is full of baby dust for us all!

Carla

My donor was supposed to have her medical screening today and she called in to report that she was sick. :tearhair: There's been a lot of illness going on around here so I don't disbelieve her. . .but for me, it's just another waiting period. :screwy:

Kimberly

Vyonne & Dana~Did either of your Drs. have valid explanations as to what
We meet with our doctor on Monday :yippee: . I have many questions, but I think I've figured out the answers myself:

(A little background: our donor had donated successfuly twice before. I'm not sure how many eggs were retrieved, but each of the women ended up transfering two 5-day blastocycts and having 5 5-day blastocycts frozen. We retieved only 7 eggs. Only 3 of which were viable. 2 fertilized and divided to 7 and 8 cells)

* Is thee donations too many for a woman?
- Probably not. On ivfconnections.com there are women who's donor's have donated 6 and 7 times. 3 was too many donations for our donor, but in general, physically 3 is not too many

I'll add that I think 6 and 7 donations is in no one's best interest. A child is born with 6 or 7 1/2 biological siblings. And physically that cannot be good for a woman to donate that many times. My clinic retires donors after 3 times.

* Did the donor start her stims too soon? She started on day two of her period. I know I didn't start at that time.
- Probably normal. I was on a different protocol due to my poor response to stims and high FSH. I think that is a normal start for an IVF cycle.

*Did the donor not have enough recovery time between donations?
- She probably had plenty of recovery time. She donated in August then again in December for us.

*Why did I have to go in for a 2nd beta if the first was at 0?
- I asked the nurse about this. With IVF, implantation can be late. It is possible to have a positive beta after an inital one of zero. They don't want you to get all worked up about it until its final.

*Was the egg retrieval done too early?
I have to trust the doctors on this one. I wonder if they did it on a Friday to avoid a weekend retrieval. I can't imagine they would rush this.

*I wasn't put on birth control pills to synch my cycle with the donor's? We were in synch enough that it shouldn't have mattered, but I wonder if there was some kind of 'rush' to keep us in synch.

*What does my high baseline estrogen level mean?

* Was ICSI used, and could that have adversely effected our embryos?
- I know many clinics now use ICSI even if there aren't male fertility problems.

*Why wasn't this cycle cancelled? If they know the donor has less than 10 eggs, the cycle will be cancelled before retrieval
- It looked like she had 10 or more eggs on the ultrasounds. Apprently at retrieval they found lots of empty follicles. Her estrogen level was rising in accordance with a higher number of eggs.
__________________

We'll bring all these up with the doctor on Monday. Dave says he's going to ask for a discount on our next cycle. It would be nice - but I don't see that happening!

FYI for January....our new thread is ready and waiting for us come Jan 1!


IVF Buddies - Jan/Feb/Mar 2006 (http://www.onceuponalife.com/forums/showthread.php?p=709381&posted=1#post709381)